Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

In today's discussion, Patrick Kirby, founder of Do Good Better Consulting and author of Fundraise Like a 5th Grader, dives into the playful side of nonprofit fundraising. He shares how adopting a childlike mindset can simplify strategies and boost results. They explore the 2025 fundraising trends and the risks of sticking to outdated methods. Patrick emphasizes the importance of creativity, in-person connections, and personalized donor engagement, while also advocating for innovative approaches that keep fundraising fun and effective.

Todd Rogers, a Harvard Kennedy School professor and behavioral scientist, shares insights from his book, 'Writing for Busy Readers'. He discusses the psychology of skimming and offers six actionable writing principles to enhance clarity and engagement. Listeners will learn about using AI tools to refine their messages and the benefits of concise writing in nonprofit communication. Rogers also highlights successful strategies that simplify complex ideas, ensuring vital information reaches busy audiences without being oversimplified.

In times of uncertainty—whether due to political shifts, economic downturns, or crises—strong nonprofit boards are more essential than ever. But how can boards step up, adapt, and lead with equity, inclusion, and power-sharing at the forefront?In this episode, I sit down with Christal M. Cherry, Principal & CEO of The Board Pro, to explore how nonprofit boards can navigate challenges, build resilience, and foster leadership that drives real impact. Christal brings years of experience coaching and training boards, and she’s passionate about ensuring boards reflect the communities they serve.We also dive into: ✔️ The biggest mistakes boards make during times of crisis ✔️ How to create a board culture of trust, transparency, and inclusion ✔️ The power dynamics that often hold boards back—and how to fix them ✔️ Why diversity and lived experience matter in board leadership ✔️ How to keep fundraising strong in the face of uncertaintyIf your nonprofit’s board is struggling to lead effectively through turbulence, this episode is a must-listen!In This Episode, We Discuss:🔹 What “turbulent times” look like for nonprofits today 🔹 The role of a board during uncertainty—and how to step up 🔹 Why some boards freeze instead of taking action—and how to overcome it 🔹 How to ensure your board reflects the community it serves 🔹 Practical ways to empower board members to be bold, engaged leaders 🔹 How to fundraise effectively, even in the face of political and economic challenges 🔹 The future of nonprofit governance—where do we go from here?Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!Connect with Christal Cherry:🌐 Website: www.theboardpro.com 📩 LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/christalmcherry 📖 Read Collecting Courage, a collection of stories from Black fundraisersEnjoying the Podcast? ✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform!🪷🪷 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

If you’ve ever thought about starting or growing a nonprofit consulting business, this episode is for you! Our guest, Mandy Pearce, is the founder of Funding for Good, where she has spent over two decades helping nonprofits build sustainable fundraising strategies. She also coaches aspiring and established consultants, helping them refine their business models and create profitable, purpose-driven consulting practices.In this episode, Mandy shares her journey into consulting, the biggest lessons she’s learned, and practical advice on how to attract clients, price your services, and create multiple income streams. She also gives us a sneak peek into the Nonprofit Consulting Conference, an event designed to help consultants grow, network, and scale their businesses.In This Episode, We Discuss:✔️ How Mandy transitioned from working in nonprofits to running a successful consulting business.✔️ The biggest challenges consultants face—and how to overcome them.✔️ The power of niching down and defining your expertise.✔️ How to attract and retain high-value nonprofit clients.✔️ Pricing strategies: Hourly vs. project-based—what works best?✔️ How to build passive income as a consultant (courses, memberships, and more!).✔️ Why Mandy launched the Nonprofit Consulting Conference and what attendees can expect.✔️ Essential steps for scaling and sustaining a profitable consulting business.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

Leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about authenticity, empathy, and vulnerability. But in the nonprofit sector, where burnout is high and resources are stretched thin, how can leaders balance transparency while maintaining strong leadership?In this episode, I sit down with Sabrina Walker Hernandez, President & CEO of Building Better Boards, to explore how nonprofit leaders can build trust, inspire their teams, and lead with courage—even in uncertain times. With a Harvard certification in nonprofit management, eight influential e-books, and a track record of empowering over 10,000 nonprofit professionals, Sabrina is a powerhouse in nonprofit leadership development.We dive into: ✔️ The difference between authentic leadership and performative leadership ✔️ Why transparency and vulnerability are essential for strong leadership ✔️ How to balance confidence with humility in a leadership role ✔️ The power of empathetic leadership in driving team success ✔️ Practical ways to create a culture of trust and accountability in your nonprofitIf you’re looking for actionable ways to become a stronger, more authentic leader, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real-world strategies.Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!Resources & Links:🔹 Read Sabrina’s blog post on authentic leadership: Unlocking Authentic Leadership 🔹 Learn more about Building Better Boards: www.buildingbetterboards.org 🔹 Check out Sabrina’s Sipping Tea With Sabrina podcast 🔹 Subscribe to Here's the Tea Nonprofit ReportConnect with Sabrina Walker Hernandez:🌐 Website: www.buildingbetterboards.org 📩 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sabrina-walker-hernandezThe Thin Book of Trust🪷🪷 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

Recurring giving isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating sustainable, long-term impact. What if nonprofits took lessons from the booming subscription economy to revolutionize donor retention and engagement?In this episode, I sit down with Dave Raley—speaker, consultant, writer, and founder of Imago Consulting—to discuss his new book, The Rise of Sustainable Giving: How the Subscription Economy is Transforming Recurring Giving and What Nonprofits Can Do to Benefit. Dave shares why traditional fundraising models are broken, what nonprofits can learn from companies like Netflix and Spotify, and how organizations can create engaging, value-driven donor experiences that inspire long-term commitment.In This Episode, We Discuss:✔️ Why donor behavior is shifting toward subscription-style giving ✔️ The 6 key shifts nonprofits need to embrace to grow recurring giving ✔️ The #1 mistake nonprofits make with their sustainer programs ✔️ What nonprofits can learn from brands like Netflix, Spotify, and Amazon ✔️ How to move from one-time donations to sustainable, recurring revenue ✔️ The role of community and engagement in donor retention ✔️ Practical steps to create a seamless, value-driven recurring giving experienceHit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!Resources & Links:🔹 Grab Dave’s book, The Rise of Sustainable Giving: www.imago.consulting/book🔹 Subscribe to The Wave Report for weekly insights on innovation and leadership: www.imago.consulting/wavereport🔹 Listen to The Purpose & Profit Podcast: www.purposeandprofitpodcast.com/podcastConnect with Dave Raley:🌐 Website: www.imago.consulting 📩 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/daveraley 🎧 Podcast: www.purposeandprofitpodcast.comEnjoying the Podcast?✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform!🪷🪷 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

We’re often told to “be more curious,” but how do you actually develop curiosity as a skill? And how can curiosity be used as a powerful tool in nonprofit and philanthropy communicators?In this episode, I talk with Leo Chan, founder and Chief Innovation Igniter of Abound Innovation Inc., to explore how curiosity fuels creativity, improves storytelling, and leads to fresh, innovative solutions in nonprofit communications. Leo, a former Innovation Catalyst at Chick-fil-A, a LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® facilitator, and a LinkedIn Learning instructor, shares hands-on techniques to cultivate curiosity and apply it to your work.We dive into:✅ The foundations of curiosity and why it matters in nonprofit communications✅ How curiosity fuels innovation and creativity—even on a limited budget✅ Practical tools and exercises to become more curious every day✅ What LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is—and how it unlocks new ways of thinking✅ How to foster a culture of curiosity within nonprofit teamsWhether you’re a nonprofit leader, communicator, or fundraiser, this episode will help you harness curiosity to improve messaging, engage supporters, and drive greater impact.Resources and links:https://aboundinnovation.ca/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/everyonecaninnovate/🎙️ Subscribe & Leave a Review! Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more nonprofit professionals discover the power of curiosity in communications!🪷🪷 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

Growing your nonprofit’s email list is one thing—but turning subscribers into engaged donors is another. In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I talk with nonprofit digital marketing expert Chris Barlow, founder of Beeline Marketing, to discuss how nonprofits can consistently grow their audience and cultivate relationships that lead to first-time donations.Chris shares expert insights on ethical email list-building strategies, crafting engaging content that nurtures trust, and using storytelling to inspire action. Whether you're struggling to grow your list or wondering why your emails aren’t converting, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you optimize your email marketing strategy.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why email remains one of the most powerful donor acquisition tools✅ The most effective (and ethical) ways to grow your email list✅ How to create a compelling welcome email sequence that nurtures trust✅ Strategies to engage subscribers without overwhelming them with fundraising appeals✅ Proven techniques for converting email subscribers into first-time donors✅ Key email marketing metrics nonprofits should track for long-term successAbout Chris Barlow:Chris Barlow is the founder and Managing Director of Beeline Marketing, a firm dedicated to helping nonprofits attract and engage donors through digital marketing. With years of experience working exclusively with mission-driven organizations, Chris specializes in donor-centered strategies that build relationships and drive sustainable growth.Learn more at yourbeeline.com.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? 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

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.