Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

Join Charlie Kunzer, Executive Director of ALIMA USA, and Neda Azarfar, Managing Director of Nazar Works, as they explore the pressing maternal health crisis in sub-Saharan Africa. They share the inspiration behind ALIMA’s powerful 'Ode to Strangers' campaign that uses real-life stories and animations to engage audiences. Discover innovative storytelling techniques and how compassion can spark change. Learn how nonprofits can effectively connect with donors and communities while addressing global health issues.

Neal Schaffer, a leading authority on digital transformation and author of "Digital Threads," shares insights on how nonprofits can revolutionize their marketing strategies. He emphasizes the importance of cohesive digital engagement over disjointed campaigns. Discover why traditional marketing tactics are becoming obsolete and learn about actionable steps to foster lasting relationships with audiences. Neal also discusses the SES framework and the role of AI in enhancing outreach, as well as the shifting dynamics of social media.

Community foundations have long been the quiet force behind local philanthropy, but how can they step into the spotlight and inspire action on a national scale? In this episode I sit down with Peter Panepento, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Turn Two Communications and Elyse Hammett, Vice President, Marketing and Communications at Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta to discuss the groundbreaking Make More Possible campaign—an effort to create a true national brand for community foundations.Peter shares insights on how social good organizations can align their messaging with their mission and values to better connect with audiences. He also dives into the power of strategic storytelling and why today’s donors need a fresh, engaging approach to philanthropy. If you're looking for ways to amplify your nonprofit’s message and make a greater impact, this conversation is a must-listen.Key Takeaways:The role of community foundations in strengthening local and national philanthropy.How the Make More Possible campaign is changing the narrative around community foundations.Why storytelling is crucial in engaging modern donors and inspiring action.Strategies for aligning your organization’s messaging with mission and values.How nonprofits can elevate their visibility and influence through effective communication.Resources and Links:For more information on Turn Two Communications the agency behind the campaign: https://www.turn-two.co/For more details on the Community Foundation Awareness Initiative and the “Make More Possible” campaign, visit MakeMorePossible.org.For more information on the Greater Atlanta Community Foundation: https://cfgreateratlanta.org/🪷🪷 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? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact.  Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

What if the key to innovation isn’t following best practices—but seeing what others miss? I sit down with Rohit Bhargava, bestselling author, futurist, and expert in non-obvious thinking, to explore how nonprofit leaders can break free from conventional wisdom and discover fresh ideas. Rohit’s latest book, Non-Obvious Thinking: How to See What Others Miss, introduces a four-step framework (SIFT) to help leaders generate better ideas, uncover hidden insights, and rethink the way they work. We’ll discuss how nonprofits can apply these principles to fundraising, storytelling, innovation, and diversity & belonging—even with limited resources.If you’re looking to think bigger, disrupt the status quo, and make your nonprofit stand out, this conversation is for you!In This Episode, We Discuss:✅ What “Non-Obvious Thinking” really means—and why it’s a game-changer for nonprofits✅ The SIFT framework (Space, Insight, Focus, Twist) and how nonprofit leaders can use it to generate new ideas and innovative strategies✅ How to stand out in fundraising, storytelling, and donor engagement with a fresh approach✅ The power of observation—and how leaders can spot opportunities that others overlook✅ Why diversity and belonging drive creativity—and how nonprofits can foster inclusion in non-obvious ways✅ Actionable strategies for breaking out of conventional thinking—even with tight budgets and limited timeHit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!Resources and Links:📖 Get Rohit’s new book → Non-Obvious Thinking: How to See What Others Miss🌎 Follow Rohit & The Non-Obvious Company → www.nonobvious.com📢 Connect with Rohit on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/rohitbhargava🪷🪷 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? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact.  Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Wendy Mercurio, a market researcher at Bloomerang, dives into the critical realm of donor retention and loyalty. She shares eye-opening statistics revealing why donors often drift away despite their initial generosity. Delving into effective strategies, Wendy discusses the importance of personalized communication and technology in nurturing donor relationships. She also highlights emerging trends, like engaging Gen Z through short-form video content, ensuring that nonprofits can bridge the gap between donor expectations and actions for sustainable impact.

Ryan Davis, Co-founder and COO of People First, dives into the transformative power of micro-influencer marketing for nonprofits. He discusses how everyday community members can create more authentic engagement than celebrities through trusted networks. Ryan emphasizes the strategic blend of technology and human connection to build grassroots campaigns. He also shares practical tips for nonprofits to identify and collaborate with micro-influencers, ensuring their messaging resonates while navigating the evolving landscape of social media authenticity.

Today, instead of our regular program, I wanted to play an episode from a show I think you'll love. I'm talking about System Catalysts, a podcast about the incredible people who are fixing the broken systems that run the world. In this episode, English Sall talks to the people behind One Acre Fund, an organization that supports smallholder farmers in Africa through a brilliant social enterprise model. They discuss how to build trust across sectors, something I think all social entrepreneurs should learn to do.  If you like what you hear, don’t forget to follow the link in the show notes to subscribe to System Catalysts and listen to more episodes. Hope you enjoy it!If you like what you hear, don’t forget to follow this link to subscribe to System Catalysts and listen to more episodes:https://lnk.to/nonprofitnationscTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Samantha Swaim, co-host of The Fundraising Elevator podcast and a seasoned consultant with 20 years in nonprofit fundraising, discusses the evolving landscape of fundraising events in 2025. She emphasizes the strong comeback of in-person gatherings and the importance of balancing virtual, hybrid, and live formats. Swaim shares data-driven strategies to maximize event ROI, tackles donor fatigue, and highlights the rising trust in nonprofits. For anyone in the nonprofit sector, her insights on storytelling and innovative event themes are invaluable!

David Hartstein, co-founder of Wired Impact, shares his expertise on crafting effective nonprofit websites. He discusses common pitfalls that lead to cluttered, unengaging sites and how to fix them. Listeners learn the critical role websites play in driving donations and engagement. Hartstein emphasizes the importance of accessibility, clear messaging, and user-friendly designs. He also offers strategic tips for planning website projects that resonate with audiences and enhance nonprofits' online presence.

In a world where burnout is the norm and rest is often seen as a luxury, how can changemakers sustain their well-being while making an impact? Meico Marquette Whitlock—a workplace well-being strategist, mindfulness teacher, and recovering workaholic—joins us to explore how mission-driven professionals can prioritize self-care without guilt and create a culture of well-being in their organizations.We dive deep into:✔️ Reconnecting to Your WHY when the work feels overwhelming✔️ Creating a sustainable culture of well-being at work (beyond wellness perks)✔️ Self-care strategies for challenging times—even when resources are tight✔️ Navigating social impact grief and processing the emotional weight of change-making✔️ Digital well-being in a hyperconnected world—how to stay engaged without burning outIf you’re struggling to balance mission and mental health, this episode is for you.Hit play now, then Subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!Watch the LinkedIn Live video recording. Meico Marquette Whitlock (he/him) is the founder and CEO of Mindful Techie and a certified trauma-informed mindfulness teacher. As a recovering workaholic and former nonprofit and government techie, he helps leaders and teams improve their well-being so they can increase their well-doing. He’s the author of How to Thrive When Work Doesn’t Love You Back and The Intention Planner and has worked with organizations like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Cigna, and Greenpeace. His insights have been featured on ABC News, Fox 5, and Radio One. Outside of work, Meico is a former triathlete, salsa dancer, and maker of the world’s best vegan chili!🪷🪷 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? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact.  Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts