Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

What if your most powerful advocates are already inside your community — and just waiting for you to activate them?In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell talks with Tasha Van Vlack, community builder, engagement strategist, and founder of The Nonprofit Hive, about how nonprofit organizations can create impactful community ambassador programs without burning out their teams or breaking the bank.🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:Why “micro-influencers” in your own community are more powerful than you thinkWhat a community ambassador program really looks like (and how to start small)How to create social media toolkits and storytelling prompts that ambassadors will actually useBest practices for recognition and motivation beyond “thank-you” emailsWhat shifts when nonprofits center community instead of just transactions🧰 Resources & Links:LinkedInWebsiteCommunity Reimagined  Why Social Media Isn’t Community and What Canadian Nonprofits Can Do InsteadEmail & productivityFxxer AI — drafts/organizes emails in your voice  Social & relationship managementLinkedIn (primary channel + DMs)LeadDelta — to organize/manage LinkedIn relationships.Secondary/repurposed channels: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook.Recording & contentStreamYard — to record interviews/panels.Descript — for editing those recordings.Story collectionProofPact — to capture member stories/quotes.Ambassador/comms back-channelWhatsApp — for your ambassador group chat.Community opsOyr custom 1:1 matching tool (Community Hives layer) that powers weekly Hive Chats and white-label deployments.🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!Ready to join them? Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

The numbers don’t lie - 2024 was a record-breaking year for charitable giving. But are you actually feeling it this year? And what does it mean for 2026?I talk with Wendy McGrady, President and COO of The Curtis Group, and Chair of Giving USA Foundation, to break down insights from the newly released Giving USA 2025 Annual Report. With giving up 6.3% and outpacing inflation for the first time in three years, fundraisers have reason to be optimistic — but also strategic.We unpack what’s really behind the numbers, how donor behavior is evolving post-pandemic, and how nonprofit marketers can turn these insights into better messaging, stronger relationships, and more sustainable funding.🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:The economic tailwinds that fueled the recent giving surgeChanging donor behavior and emerging giving patternsHow to message hope and legacy in a divided, uncertain timeWays to adapt to federal funding cuts through stronger philanthropyWhy now is the moment to deepen — not just diversify — donor engagement🧰 Resources & Links:Full Report: Giving USA 2025Learn more about Wendy: Wendy McGrady – Giving USA🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!Ready to join them? Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

What if your nonprofit’s most passionate supporters aren’t new donors or current volunteers, but the people who were part of your mission years ago?In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I talk with Gustavo Zylberberg, founder of Vitalcy, an AI-powered engagement platform built to help nonprofits reconnect with the former staff, members, and donors who still care deeply but may have fallen off the radar.Gustavo shares his journey from physical therapy and finance to launching a tech platform focused on community, storytelling, and long-term connection. We explore why re-engaging your extended community can unlock surprising value - and how AI can help make that possible without adding extra work for your team.🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:Why your former members, staff, and donors might be your greatest untapped assetHow Vitalcy uses AI to automate personalized re-engagementLessons learned from working with camps, Hillels, and Boys & Girls ClubsEthical considerations around using AI in nonprofit outreachWhat nonprofits can do today to start rebuilding relationships with their alumni communityWhy community isn’t just about who’s here now — it’s also about who helped get you here💡 About Gustavo ZylberbergGustavo Zylberberg is a mission-driven entrepreneur with a background in both the nonprofit and business worlds. He’s the founder of Vitalcy, an AI-powered platform that helps organizations reconnect with former members, donors, and staff without adding extra work to their teams.Earlier in his career, he led strategy and finance at a growing company, helping guide it through a period of meaningful growth and impact. He also holds a doctorate in physical therapy, and his work has consistently centered around community, storytelling, and building things that last.Gustavo approaches every project with curiosity and a strong belief in learning from others. He’s grateful to be part of conversations that push important ideas forward.🧰 Resources & Links:Learn more: vitalcy.comConnect with Gustavo on LinkedInEmail: gustavo@vitalcy.com🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!Ready to join them? Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

How can nonprofits tell powerful, compelling stories without compromising the dignity of the people they serve?In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I welcome Carly Euler, Marketing Director at MemoryFox and creator of the Ethical Storytelling Report. With a rich background in fundraising, marketing, and communications across organizations like the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester and the BOMA Project, Carly has seen firsthand how storytelling can both uplift and unintentionally harm.We dive into Carly’s recent article, “I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me: Stories Can Be Ethical & Still Raise Funds,” and unpack the fundraising industry’s overreliance on trauma-driven narratives. Carly shares a powerful personal moment that reshaped how she approaches storytelling, and offers tangible strategies for nonprofit professionals who want to center consent, agency, and dignity while still driving results.🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:Why “trauma-forward” storytelling is so common—and so problematicThe key elements of ethical storytellingHighlights from the 2023 Ethical Storytelling ReportHow to give story subjects real agency (even on a small budget)Building trust and long-term relationships through dignified narratives🧰 Resources & LinksWeb: https://www.memoryfox.io/ethical-storytelling/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carly-euler-53a0b776/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carly_memfox 2024 MemoryFox Ethical Storytelling Report 🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!Ready to join them? Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I’m joined by Amanda Nicholson, an email fundraising strategist with a background in special education and a deep commitment to advocacy and social justice. With nearly four years of experience helping nonprofits close critical fundraising gaps, Amanda brings a unique, mission-centered approach to digital strategy.We explore why email remains one of the most powerful tools in a nonprofit’s toolkit—and how to use it more authentically and effectively in 2025. Amanda shares practical insights on building strong donor relationships, writing compelling email sequences, and designing donation pages that actually convert. Whether you're a small shop or a seasoned fundraising team, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can put to work right away.🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:Why email is still a top-performing fundraising channel in 2025How to strengthen donor relationships through your email listCrafting strategic, authentic copy that reflects your missionBest practices for formatting fundraising pages that convertPost-donation engagement strategies to keep donors connected💼 Resources and LinksLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-nicholson-20a23a225/ Website: https://amandanicholson.com/ How Nonprofits Can Build Strong Donor Relations: 5-Day Email ChallengeM + R BenchmarksLiz Wilcox’s Email Marketing Membership 🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!Ready to join them? Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, we’re joined by Faigy Gilder, a nonprofit digital marketing strategist with over 15 years of experience helping small organizations punch above their weight. With an MPA and a passion for practical, no-fluff strategies, Faigy specializes in teaching AI workflows tailored specifically to the unique challenges nonprofit professionals face.Whether you’re overwhelmed by limited resources or looking for smarter ways to write, market, and fundraise, Faigy shares actionable techniques using free or low-cost AI tools — all without needing to be tech-savvy.💡Tune in to learn how to:Audience research and personas using deep research mode, AI transcripts, and custom botsGenerating compelling grant narratives using AI to research, outline, and draftIdeating and planning marketing content that resonates using your brand voice and content pillars (both generated with the help of AI)And explore even more ways AI can boost your impactThis is a must-listen for any nonprofit leader ready to save time, streamline content creation, and make AI their newest team member.💼 Resources & LinksVisit SmallOrgComms.com/Nation to find custom GPTs you can use today and explore Faigy’s strategic and fractional services for your organization.Connect with Faigy on LinkedIn.🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!Ready to join them? Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

What if nonprofit burnout isn’t inevitable—but preventable?This week on Nonprofit Nation, we’re joined by Megan Whitney—nonprofit leader, coach, and mindfulness guide—who’s on a mission to help changemakers stop sacrificing their well-being for the work.After an 18-year career in the sector—and burning out a decade ago—Megan realized that passion alone isn’t enough. Now, through 1:1 coaching, team workshops, and guided meditations on Insight Timer, she equips nonprofit professionals with tools to release stress, regulate emotions, and build a culture of collective care.In this episode, Megan shares how she turned her own burnout into a blueprint for resilience. We explore how to embed mindfulness into daily routines, why self-compassion is a leadership skill, and what it takes to create nonprofit cultures where rest is not just allowed—but encouraged.Whether you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or trying to support a team that is—this conversation offers both practical tools and permission to pause.💡 Topics We Cover:Why burnout is not a personal failure—but a structural issueThe “Minute to Arrive” practice and how to use it anywhereHow to shift from grind culture to a culture of careEmbedding mindfulness without overhauling your calendarReframing from being “busy” to being “full”Tools from Megan’s free Burnout Prevention KitWhat leaders can do to model emotional intelligenceCreating ripple effects with mindful micro‑practices🧰 Resources & Links:Download the Burnout Prevention KitFollow Megan on Insight TimerConnect with Megan on LinkedIn 🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!Ready to join them? Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

What does it take to lead with purpose in philanthropy today? How can foundations lead in moments of political uncertainty or during periods of reduced federal support for nonprofits?As nonprofits across the country face political and financial pressures—from policy rollbacks to funding cuts—the role of foundations has never been more critical. In this episode, Dr. Sherece West-Scantlebury, President & CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, joins us to reflect on how philanthropy can lead in uncertain times. With decades of experience in public policy, community development, and systems change, Dr. West-Scantlebury shares how WRF is leaning into its 50-year legacy to support nonprofits through advocacy, trust-based funding, and bold, equity-focused strategies.For nonprofit leaders navigating a shifting landscape, this conversation offers insight into how to build power, communicate with clarity, and partner with funders who are ready to act.🔍 About Sherece West-ScantleburySherece Y. West-Scantlebury is president and CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, a private, independent foundation whose mission is to relentlessly pursue economic, educational, social, ethnic and racial equity for all Arkansans.Involved in philanthropy for 25 years, Dr. West-Scantlebury served as CEO at the Foundation for Louisiana and as a program associate at the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Her professional career includes nearly 30 years of experience in community development, public policy and advocacy, and public service.In addition to running the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, Dr. West is active in a number of nonprofits and philanthropy organizations, and she is a mentor to several nonprofit leaders and young foundation executives.🔗 Resources and Links:https://forwardarkansas.org/about/team/sherece-west-scantlebury/Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights.🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!Ready to join them?Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Simply “raising awareness” isn’t enough anymore for nonprofits. In this episode, communications specialist Kathleen Tonini joins Nonprofit Nation to challenge one of the sector’s most common traps—mistaking noise for strategy. With her G.A.M.E. framework (Goal, Audience, Message, Engage), Kathleen helps values-driven organizations get clear and confident about how they communicate, so they can inspire real action—not just fill inboxes.Together, we dig into the difference between performative messaging and strategic storytelling, and how nonprofit leaders can shift from reactive comms to communications that build trust, clarity, and genuine support.🔍 What We DiscussThe problem with “raising awareness” and what to do insteadKathleen’s G.A.M.E. framework for strategic messagingHow to audit your messaging without scrapping everythingWhy clarity beats cleverness in nonprofit communicationsMessaging mistakes that cost organizations trust and traction✒️ About Kathleen ToniniKathleen is a messaging strategist who helps mission-driven organizations get clear, strategic, and confident with their communications. With years of experience working across issue areas and organizational sizes, she brings a grounded, action-focused approach to communications that converts.🧰 Resources & Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-tonini-419943b9/https://theleap.co/creator/commswithkathleen/🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!Ready to join them?Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Can artificial intelligence actually help you raise more money, as well as build better donor relationships? We’re diving into the future of fundraising with Juliet MacDowell, a veteran development strategist who’s raised over $1 billion for global NGOs and is now the founder of Mission AI.Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or just curious about how AI is impacting our sector, this episode is full of practical insights, big-picture thinking, and a hopeful look at what’s next for nonprofit development.🔍 What We Discuss:How Juliet helped raise over $1B for mission-driven organizations—and what she learned along the wayWhat Mission AI is and how it’s helping nonprofits fundraise more effectivelyReal-world examples of how AI tools can support donor segmentation, storytelling, and strategyThe biggest myths about AI in fundraising—and what the tech can’t doWhy AI doesn’t replace fundraisers—it empowers themWhat nonprofits can do today to prepare for a smarter, more data-driven futureHit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!✒️ About Juliet MacDowellJuliet MacDowell is the founder of Mission AI, where she helps nonprofits and social enterprises achieve greater impact by combining the power of AI with 25+ years of strategic fundraising expertise. Over her career, she has helped organizations grow funding by over 50%, secure transformational partnerships, and unlock major gifts across the globe. Her work today focuses on using innovation to accelerate results—without sacrificing connection or mission.🧰 Resources & Links:Connect with Juliet MacDowell on LinkedInLearn more about Mission AI🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts