Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

What does it take to lead with strength and compassion when your work revolves around trauma, crisis, and healing?In this episode, I’m joined by Bridgette Stumpf, CEO and Co-Founder, and Lindsey Silverberg, Executive Director at Volare, a nonprofit based in Washington, DC that provides free, trauma-informed legal, advocacy, and therapeutic services to survivors of crime. Formerly known as the Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), Volare has grown from a grassroots startup into a $5M organization with national reach.Bridgette and Lindsey share what it takes to lead in the survivor services space - from building resilient teams and navigating resource scarcity, to advocating for systemic reform and shifting how organizations think about trauma, healing, and justice.We also talk about how they use storytelling, marketing, and even their own podcast (TraumaTies) to engage with their community while honoring the complexity and sensitivity of the work.💡 In this episode, we cover:What it means to create a truly trauma-informed organization (not just a program)How to prevent burnout and build resilience in your teamCreative strategies for sharing resources and building cross-sector partnershipsFundraising and scaling in a challenging environmentUsing social media and storytelling to deepen impact—without retraumatizingWhy they launched a podcast, and what it’s taught them about leadership and connection💼 Bridgette StumpffBridgette Stumpf, Esq., is the CEO at Volare (formerly Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC)), a position she has held since co-founding the organization in 2012. She has over 15 years of experience advocating to ensure those impacted by crime are afforded meaningful rights and access to supportive services to mitigate the negative effects of trauma post-victimization.💼 Lindsey SilverbergLindsey Silverberg is the Executive Director at Volare In this capacity, Lindsey works to ensure seamless delivery of survivor services in the acute crisis response, advocacy and case management, legal, and therapeutic programs. Her responsibilities range from building infrastructure and support for direct service staff, to educating the local and national community about trauma, and thinking big with Volare's CEO on how to help survivors achieve survivor-defined justice. Lindsey joined Volare as one of the first full time staff members in 2012, as an advocate providing hospital accompaniment for sexual assault survivors, attending court, and offering direct advocacy support to survivors of crime. She received her B.A. from the University of Maryland and her M.A. from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.🧰 Resources & Links:🎧 Check out their podcast: TraumaTies🔗 Learn more: volare-empowers.orgTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

What does it take to build a truly inclusive, culturally competent organization where burnout isn’t the norm — but the exception?In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I’m joined by Dr. Rick Rodriguez, Co-Founder and Learning Partner at The Rooted Life — a first-generation, LGBTQ+, minority-founded, bilingual coaching and consulting organization that centers people, culture, and identity at the heart of leadership.With over 20 years of experience supporting schools, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations, Rick offers a healing-centered, equity-driven approach to leadership and organizational development. He helps teams go beyond surface-level diversity initiatives to foster environments where people not only feel seen — but truly belong and thrive.💡 Key Topics:Why tackling burnout requires cultural change — not just better schedulingHow bilingual and bicultural leadership can expand the lens of inclusionThe difference between performative allyship and transformative equity workWhat it means to lead from a place deeply rooted in identity and valuesPractical steps nonprofits can take to build more culturally competent teams🔍 About Dr. Rick RodriguezRooted in the Chichimeca people of Central and Southern Mexico -Rick is a first-generation Mexicano Americano originally from Laredo, Texas. Rick has lived through and acknowledges the challenges that individuals and communities of color face across our systems. Barriers to success have further fueled his mission to ensure that the work is laser-focused on removing such barriers and mindsets for others.Rick brings experience from the corporate , K-12, and social sectors where his leadership has incorporated collaborative approaches to strategies, structures, and frameworks that center on the needs of individuals, teams, and systems while engaging necessary internal and external stakeholders in the process for progress. Rick is a strong believer in the reality that “Si se puede!” and is determined to lead efforts that bring about what is best for all.Rick holds a B.A. in Sociology from Texas A&M University – San Antonio, an M.S. in Human Resource Development, and an Ed.D in Professional Leadership K-12 from the University of Houston. Now based in La Tierra del Encanto (New Mexico), the mountains are calling and Rick is steadfast in reclaiming what should and will be.🧰 Resources & Links:https://www.therootedlife.org/about https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-rodriguez-ed-d-1667b751/Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

In this conversation, Tommy Vacek, Chief Technology Officer at Bloomerang, explores how AI can transform year-end fundraising for nonprofits. He discusses the pressure points of donation season and offers practical solutions like automating tasks and personalizing donor communications. Tommy emphasizes the importance of ethical AI use, data privacy, and how AI tools like Penny can enhance donor segmentation and stewardship. With actionable insights, he encourages nonprofits to embrace AI as a partner, making their outreach more efficient and meaningful.

🪷Nonprofit Nation is supported by Bloomerang. Download their 12 Year-End Fundraising Checklists and get helpful templates to help you raise more. 🪷💰 What if the nonprofit sector could help grow giving by $52 billion every year?That’s not a pie-in-the-sky projection. It’s the real, data-backed opportunity uncovered by Woodrow Rosenbaum, Chief Data Officer at GivingTuesday, in their latest research from GivingTuesday Data Commons: Growing Giving: How Nonprofits Can Unlock Billions in Generosity.In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Woodrow joins me to share insights that every nonprofit leader, fundraiser, and strategist needs to hear. Drawing from the GivingTuesday Data Commons, which spans 2,000+ collaborators and 150+ data providers around the world, he reveals how to activate hidden giving potential, reach donors who are ready to say "yes," and build lasting generosity in your community.🔍 Together, we explore:Why year-end giving is just the tip of the icebergHow recurring giving could be supercharged with smarter acquisitionThe powerful potential of simply “asking” the unaskedThe role of data in building community-centered impactWhat’s next for the GivingTuesday movement and the Data Commons💼 About Woodrow RosenbaumAs Chief Data Officer for GivingTuesday, Woodrow has been instrumental in shaping the global generosity movement and has led ground-breaking research and analysis of individual giving behaviors. He leads the GivingTuesday Data Commons, bringing together a coalition of more than 2,000 collaborators coordinated through eight working groups as well as data teams around the world to understand the drivers and impacts of generosity to inspire more giving of all types. Woodrow brings expertise in moving markets and transforming audiences from passive participants to active and vocal ambassadors. Woodrow is also the founder of With Intent Strategies, an international agency specializing in brand reimagination.🧰 Resources & Links:Growing Giving ReportGivingTuesday Data Commons🪷🪷 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

🪷Nonprofit Nation is supported by Bloomerang. Download their 12 Year-End Fundraising Checklists and get helpful templates to help you raise more. 🪷Why do women give — and what truly inspires them to give more? In this powerful episode of Nonprofit Nation, I’m joined by Jacqueline Ackerman, Director of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.and a leading voice in gender and philanthropy. With a background shaped by early experiences in Haiti and a career grounded in rigorous research, Jacqueline shares why understanding how women give is just as important as how much they give.If you’re not segmenting, stewarding, and storytelling with women in mind, you’re not just missing out on donations — you’re missing the opportunity to build a more inclusive and sustainable culture of philanthropy.💡 Key Topics:Why women give and why it’s important to understandThe biggest myths and blind spots nonprofits have about women donorsHow to use storytelling to build trust and deepen engagementWhat it means to create a gender-inclusive fundraising strategyHow fundraisers can apply an intersectional lens to their workReal examples of how WPI research has helped nonprofits grow giving🧰 Resources & Links:Explore the Women’s Philanthropy Institute: https://philanthropy.indianapolis.iu.edu/institutes/womens-philanthropy-institute/about/index.htmlAccess WPI’s latest research reports: https://philanthropy.indianapolis.iu.edu/institutes/womens-philanthropy-institute/research/index.htmlConnect with Jacqueline Ackerman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelineackerman/Learn more from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy: https://philanthropy.indianapolis.iu.edu/index.html🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷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

🪷Nonprofit Nation is supported by Bloomerang. Download their 12 Year-End Fundraising Checklists and get helpful templates to help you raise more. 🪷This episode was recorded live on LinkedIn. Join me and Rachel at the all-virtual, free Nonprofit Social Media Summit November 18-19! What does it mean to be a changemaker in today’s nonprofit world — and how do we take that spirit onto social media, and even into the halls of government?In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Rachel D’Souza, founder of Gladiator Consulting and a leading voice in community-centric fundraising, joins Nonprofit Nation to talk about changemaking, systems transformation, and her next big leap: a run for public office in Missouri.Rachel is currently a candidate for the Missouri House of Representatives (District 79), bringing her deep experience in nonprofit leadership, racial equity, and social justice to the legislative arena. From organizational healing to fundraising with integrity, Rachel has long been committed to reshaping the sector — and now she’s taking that commitment to the ballot.We also preview Rachel’s upcoming keynote at the 2025 Nonprofit Social Media Summit, where she’ll be sharing tools for navigating power, privilege, and purpose in a digital world.In This Episode:What it really means to be a changemaker todayHow to navigate the tension between tradition and transformation in nonprofitsThe intersection of nonprofit leadership and political advocacyWhy community-centric fundraising still matters more than everHow nonprofit leaders can engage in healing work within organizational culturesA sneak peek at Rachel’s keynote at the Nonprofit Social Media Summit🧰 Resources & Links:🔗 Learn more about Rachel and her work at Gladiator Consulting🎟️ Register for the Nonprofit Social Media Summit  🪷🪷 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

🪷Nonprofit Nation is supported by Bloomerang. Download their free Ultimate Guide to GivingTuesday and get helpful templates to help you raise more on the biggest day of the year for new donor acquisition. 🪷Kathleen Jeanette Guillaume-Delemar is the President and CEO of the Center for Community Progress. From her historic role as the first Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latina, Haitian American elected to the Glenarden City Council to her current work shaping national policy, Kathleen’s journey is both inspiring and instructive. She shares how Community Progress builds partnerships, communicates impact, and mobilizes policymakers, funders, and practitioners toward transformative change.If you’re a nonprofit leader, marketer, or fundraiser, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas on:How to tell compelling stories that make systemic issues like vacancy urgent and relatable.Building partnerships that align with both local needs and national priorities.Elevating equity and justice in your messaging and fundraising.Inspiring donors and stakeholders to see themselves as part of lasting community revitalization.💡 Key Topics:Why property vacancy is more than a housing issue—it’s a nonprofit issue tied to racial, economic, and community justice.How to frame complex problems for funders, policymakers, and partners in ways that motivate action.Practical strategies for connecting local voices with national platforms.Lessons in leadership, authenticity, and resilience that nonprofit professionals can apply in their own work.🧰 Resources & Links:Learn more about the Center for Community ProgressExplore the National Land Bank NetworkConnect with Kathleen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-guillaume-delemar/🪷🪷 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

🪷Nonprofit Nation is supported by Bloomerang. Download their free Ultimate Guide to GivingTuesday and get helpful templates to help you raise more on the biggest day of the year for new donor acquisition. 🪷Is the print newsletter dead? Not so fast. In this episode, I’m joined by Julie Edwards, also known as The Nonprofit Maven, a fundraising strategist and coach who helps organizations move from reactive chaos to strategic clarity. Julie shares a real-world case study where one mid-size nonprofit reimagined their print newsletter and saw a 55% increase in giving.🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:Why donor-focused storytelling beats internal updatesWhat direct mail best practices can boost newsletter ROIHow to evaluate whether a purchased mailing list makes senseTips to refresh old fundraising tactics with new energyWhy it’s time to stop saying, “Our donors don’t give that way”Whether you’re a one-person dev shop or leading a full team, this episode will help you rethink how you connect with supporters and the type of communication that you give to them. 🔍 About Julie EdwardsJulie Edwards is a nonprofit strategist with 30+ years of experience in copywriting, marketing communications, and fundraising. After a decade of leading a nonprofit organization, she launched The Nonprofit Maven in 2020 and has since helped clients raise over $20 million. Known for turning reactive chaos into strategic clarity, Julie brings a practical, donor-centric approach to fundraising strategy, donor relations, and campaign management. She partners with nonprofit leaders to create clear, effective plans that strengthen donor relationships, increase revenue, and build sustainable growth.🧰 Resources & Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieedwards/ Get on the Maven Mailing List!🪷🪷 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

🪷Nonprofit Nation is supported by Bloomerang. Download their free Ultimate Guide to GivingTuesday and get helpful templates to help you raise more on the biggest day of the year for new donor acquisition. 🪷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 aTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Wendy McGrady, President and COO of The Curtis Group and Chair of the Giving USA Foundation, shares insights from the 2025 Giving USA Report. She discusses the 6.3% rise in charitable giving and the economic factors behind it, including improved donor confidence. Wendy also explores changing donor behavior post-pandemic, the decline in household giving, and the importance of personalized stewardship for nonprofits. She emphasizes the need for effective messaging to foster deeper donor engagement amidst uncertain times.