
Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell
Ready for some real talk about nonprofits? Julia Campbell sits down with industry experts and practitioners to get advice on the best ways to build a thriving movement and a vibrant, passionate community around a cause. Topics include fundraising, storytelling, and marketing of course - but it also dives into mental health issues, leadership strategy, digital wellness, and much more. Julia's guests share practical wisdom, entertaining stories, and real-world tips that will help you strategize, plan, and grow your nonprofit. You never know exactly what you’re going to learn when you tune into Nonprofit Nation, but you can be assured that it will be worth your valuable time and attention. Nonprofit Nation is hosted by Julia Campbell, digital marketing and fundraising expert, nonprofit consultant, and author of Storytelling in the Digital Age: A Guide for Nonprofits and How to Build and Mobilize a Social Media Community for Your Nonprofit in 90 Days. Julia helps nonprofits build movements, and in her work she teaches nonprofits how to build community, audience and raise influence on social media channels. Be sure to click the subscribe button on Apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Latest episodes

Jan 9, 2023 • 23min
What's Next for Nonprofits and Social Media? Part 1
Before we begin, I wanted to let you know that I’ll be opening the doors to my signature training program, Social Media for Social Good Academy, in just a few weeks. I only run this program once each year, so don’t miss out. Get on the waitlist at socialgoodacademy.com and I’ll send you all the details when it’s up and running. Sound good? See you there! In this special three-part series I’ll review the current social media landscape as we enter 2023, important trends to consider, and the steps nonprofits can take to thrive, not just survive, in this culture of constant change. Look for Part 2 - Where Should You Be On Social Media? - and Part 3 - What Does Success on Social Media Mean in 2023? wherever you are listening to this episode!In Part 1, I start by addressing the elephant in the room, the big question on everyone's mind: Does social media matter anymore?Resources:Nonprofit Social Media Content PlannerSocial Media MatrixSocial Media for Social Good Academy About Julia Campbell, the host of the Nonprofit Nation podcast:Named as a top thought leader by Forbes and BizTech Magazine, Julia Campbell (she/hers) is an author, coach, and speaker on a mission to make the digital world a better place.She wrote her book, Storytelling in the Digital Age: A Guide for Nonprofits, as a roadmap for social change agents who want to build movements using engaging digital storytelling techniques. Her second book, How to Build and Mobilize a Social Media Community for Your Nonprofit, was published in 2020 as a call-to-arms for mission-driven organizations to use the power of social media to build movements.Julia’s online courses, webinars, and keynote talks have helped hundreds of nonprofits make the shift to digital thinking and how to do effective marketing in the digital age.Take Julia’s free nonprofit masterclass, 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media That ConvertsTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Jan 4, 2023 • 34min
How to Grow & Engage Your Email List with Jess Campbell
This episode is sponsored by RoundTable Technology - the Nonprofit IT Partner. On January 26, they are offering a free webinar on the exact steps required to secure and protect your nonprofit IT in the New Year. RoundTable Technology is a managed IT and cybersecurity services organization focusing on the nonprofit sector, with over 200 nonprofit clients. Head over to NonprofitIT.com/best-ever to save your seat now. Here’s to a wonderful 2023! Did you know that email conversion rates are 4x higher than social media? When it comes to marketing and fundraising, email has consistently been a reliable tool for nonprofits. To this end, you need to be continuously be working to improve your email effectiveness. Email marketing and fundraising guru Jess Campbell has some tips for you!Jess is the founder of Out in the Boons, a small shop helping nonprofits raise more money online and in-person. She has been a nonprofit fundraiser for 18 years and has raised over $17M+ working from New York to California in organizations big and small. She is also the founder of The Raise More Together Summit which to date has educated more than 3,000 nonprofit leaders and fundraisers. In this episode, we discuss: Why nonprofits should shift their focus on email rather than social mediaTop 4 Ways to Grow Your Email ListHow to structure your email messagesThe do's and don'ts of e-communicationHow much is too muchConnect with Jess:Instagram: @outintheboons_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-campbell-outintheboonsPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Outintheboons/ Blog: https://www.outintheboons.me/blogAbout Julia Campbell, the host of the Nonprofit Nation podcast:Named as a top thought leader by Forbes and BizTech Magazine, Julia Campbell (she/hers) is an author, coach, and speaker on a mission to make the digital world a better place.She wrote her book, Storytelling in the Digital Age: A Guide for Nonprofits, as a roadmap for social change agents who want to build movements using engaging digital storytelling techniques. Her second book, How to Build and Mobilize a Social Media Community for Your Nonprofit, was published in 2020 as a call-to-arms for mission-driven organizations to use the power of social media to build movements.Julia’s online courses, webinars, and keynote talks have helped hundreds of nonprofits make the shift to digital thinking and how to do effective marketing in the digital age.Take Julia’s free nonprofit masterclass, 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media That ConvertsTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Dec 28, 2022 • 33min
Overcome Your Money Blocks to Raise More Money with Jarrett Ransom
Prosperity consciousness might sound woo-woo to some, but in this conversation with Jarrett Ransom, AKA: Nonprofit Nerd, she shares how identifying your personal money blocks will help you excel as a professional fundraiser. Known as the Nonprofit Nerd, Jarrett has experience working in the trenches of the nonprofit community for nearly 20 years. From start-ups to multi-million dollar charitable organizations, she wears many hats and under her leadership and guidance, her teams across the nation raise millions of dollars every year to support and sustain their mission. As CEO of The Rayvan Group, LLC, she consults with tax-exempt businesses to see the future of their organization. Not just their immediate needs, but down the road extending 3, 5, 10 years and beyond.Additionally, Jarrett serves as co-host of The Nonprofit Show - the daily live video broadcast where the National Nonprofit community comes together for problem-solving, innovation, and reflection. She brings her dynamic energy and enthusiasm to the daily show featuring nonprofit thought leaders and topics from around the globe.Connect with Jarrett:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonprofit_nerd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrransom/About Julia Campbell, the host of the Nonprofit Nation podcast:Named as a top thought leader by Forbes and BizTech Magazine, Julia Campbell (she/hers) is an author, coach, and speaker on a mission to make the digital world a better place.She wrote her book, Storytelling in the Digital Age: A Guide for Nonprofits, as a roadmap for social change agents who want to build movements using engaging digital storytelling techniques. Her second book, How to Build and Mobilize a Social Media Community for Your Nonprofit, was published in 2020 as a call-to-arms for mission-driven organizations to use the power of social media to build movements.Julia’s online courses, webinars, and keynote talks have helped hundreds of nonprofits make the shift to digital thinking and how to do effective marketing in the digital age.Take Julia’s free nonprofit masterclass, 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media That ConvertsTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Dec 21, 2022 • 35min
How to Tap Into Your Unique Strengths and Flourish with Rachel Fry
Strengths can be considered any personal behaviors, passions, experiences, resources, positive relationships, and values that are energizing and authentic. The good news is that we all have the ability to tap into that part of ourselves - breaking through barriers and using our own natural strengths and skills. If we are given the right tools and support we can take major steps toward reaching our own higher potential, whether that be in our professional or personal lives. To show us how to tap into our unique strengths, I invited Rachel Fry to come on the podcast. Rachel is a certified Positive Psychology Coach MEd, a certified International Coaching Federation coach, and the founder of the coaching practice Free To Flourish.Her background is in teaching and working in the field of environmental science, and coaching soccer, as well as scuba diving. She helps motivated individuals who are ready to make professional changes into work that aligns with their purpose and deep interests. She’s also a podcaster, if you like podcasts and hearing other peoples' stories, you can check out the Passion Stories podcast to hear how people across the environmental, creative, social impact, and wellness industries went after their career dreams and carved out their own professional path. Visit Free to Flourish to know some psychological tools that will help with your creativity, boost your mood, increase confidence, and support your overall emotional and mental well-being. Check our their LinkedIn page as well at https://www.linkedin.com/company/free-to-flourish/About Julia Campbell, the host of the Nonprofit Nation podcast:Named as a top thought leader by Forbes and BizTech Magazine, Julia Campbell (she/hers) is an author, coach, and speaker on a mission to make the digital world a better place.She wrote her book, Storytelling in the Digital Age: A Guide for Nonprofits, as a roadmap for social change agents who want to build movements using engaging digital storytelling techniques. Her second book, How to Build and Mobilize a Social Media Community for Your Nonprofit, was published in 2020 as a call-to-arms for mission-driven organizations to use the power of social media to build movements.Julia’s online courses, webinars, and keynote talks have helped hundreds of nonprofits make the shift to digital thinking and how to do effective marketing in the digital age.Take Julia’s free nonprofit masterclass, 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media That ConvertsTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Dec 14, 2022 • 34min
Engaging Millennials to Raise Big Money with Alyssa Wright
Pretty much every stereotype you have read about Millennials is false. Many are skilled, up-and-coming professionals in their 30's & 40's with deeper pockets and vaster networks than you might think. Plus, they are the inheritors of $42 trillion by 2030.In this episode, get to know the Millennial generation, understand what inspires and motivates them to get involved in mission making, and start to ensure effective inter-generational collaboration at your organization with Alyssa Wright.Having spent time as a human rights activist in Eastern Europe and Africa, Alyssa brings over a decade of experience in international philanthropy to Wright Collective. With a background in community organizing and the arts, Alyssa leads the Collective with skill, creativity, and passion. As an accomplished facilitator, consultant, and coach, she builds new revenue streams, shifts cultural perspectives, and inspires people to believe that change is possible no matter what.She has helped hundreds of both domestic and global social change organizations successfully launch major gifts programs, capital campaigns, and create sustainable funding models resulting in over $60,000,000 of resource flow. Her experience and wit has also allowed her to become a sought-after speaker on philanthropy and fund development as well as a regular contributor to ForbesWomen, Global Giving, and Network for Good. Alyssa is a powerful Millennial voice in the social change movement.Connect with Alyssa:Email: allysa@wrightcollective.coWebsite: https://www.wrightcollective.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssafwright/About Julia Campbell, the host of the Nonprofit Nation podcast:Named as a top thought leader by Forbes and BizTech Magazine, Julia Campbell (she/hers) is an author, coach, and speaker on a mission to make the digital world a better place.She wrote her book, Storytelling in the Digital Age: A Guide for Nonprofits, as a roadmap for social change agents who want to build movements using engaging digital storytelling techniques. Her second book, How to Build and Mobilize a Social Media Community for Your Nonprofit, was published in 2020 as a call-to-arms for mission-driven organizations to use the power of social media to build movements.Julia’s online courses, webinars, and keynote talks have helped hundreds of nonprofits make the shift to digital thinking and how to do effective marketing in the digital age.Take Julia’s free nonprofit masterclass, 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media That ConvertsTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Dec 7, 2022 • 35min
4 Simple Frameworks to Prioritize Your Audiences with Farra Trompeter
Effective nonprofit communication planning begins with knowing who your audiences are. Seems simple, right? Sure: you can write out a long list of various groups that your organization is communicating with or wants to reach in the future… but where do you go from there?As Big Duck’s Co-Director, Farra Trompeter (she/her) ensures that Big Duck is a healthy, thriving company. Big Duck, a worker-owned cooperative, helps nonprofits use comms to achieve their mission by building strong brands, strong campaigns, and strong teams. Much of their work centers on creating strategies and tactics that are rooted in understanding who your audiences are, what they need to read, hear, or experience about an organization or its work in order to engage.Farra has led dozens of organizations through major brand overhauls, fundraising campaigns, and much more since joining Big Duck in 2007. She’s a frequent speaker around the country, training nonprofit staff and board members on branding, communications planning, and engaging donors at all giving levels.Connect with Farra:Twitter: https://twitter.com/farraLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farra/Visit Big Duck:Twitter: https://twitter.com/bigduckLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-duck/Other: Big Duck’s blog and the Smart Communications Podcast - http://bigduck.com/insights/ About Julia Campbell, the host of the Nonprofit Nation podcast:Named as a top thought leader by Forbes and BizTech Magazine, Julia Campbell (she/hers) is an author, coach, and speaker on a mission to make the digital world a better place.She wrote her book, Storytelling in the Digital Age: A Guide for Nonprofits, as a roadmap for social change agents who want to build movements using engaging digital storytelling techniques. Her second book, How to Build and Mobilize a Social Media Community for Your Nonprofit, was published in 2020 as a call-to-arms for mission-driven organizations to use the power of social media to build movements.Julia’s online courses, webinars, and keynote talks have helped hundreds of nonprofits make the shift to digital thinking and how to do effective marketing in the digital age.Take Julia’s free nonprofit masterclass, 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media That ConvertsTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Dec 1, 2022 • 13min
[SOLO] How to Turn Giving Tuesday Donors Into Long-Term Supporters
How did Giving Tuesday go for you? I have seen nonprofits spend so much time this year working on their campaigns, creating buzz and excitement, thinking of ways to bring in new donors and get supporters excited before year-end.But what happens after the donation comes in?What’s the plan to keep these new donors and bring them into the fold long term, after November 29th?Let’s talk about donor psychology. We know what donors want.The National Donor Commitment Study by Donor Voice tell us that donors give again and again to nonprofits where:The organization is perceived to be effectiveThe donor knows what to expect with each interactionThe donor receives a timely thank youThere are Opportunities to make views knownDonor feels like they are part of an important causeDonor feels that their involvement is appreciateDonor receives info showing who is being helpedWhat’s your plan to give this, and even more, to your new donors?What should nonprofits do after #GivingTuesday to continue the momentum and to keep the donors in the fold? In this episode, I give you 10 ideas for cultivating these generous people and creating a long-term relationship with them. Resources mentioned:charity:water turns five years old. And we want to thank you.Canva for NonprofitsAnimoto for Nonprofits About Julia Campbell, the host of the Nonprofit Nation podcast:Named as a top thought leader by Forbes and BizTech Magazine, Julia Campbell (she/hers) is an author, coach, and speaker on a mission to make the digital world a better place.She wrote her book, Storytelling in the Digital Age: A Guide for Nonprofits, as a roadmap for social change agents who want to build movements using engaging digital storytelling techniques. Her second book, How to Build and Mobilize a Social Media Community for Your Nonprofit, was published in 2020 as a call-to-arms for mission-driven organizations to use the power of social media to build movements.Julia’s online courses, webinars, and keynote talks have helped hundreds of nonprofits make the shift to digital thinking and how to do effective marketing in the digital age.Take Julia’s free nonprofit masterclass, 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media That ConvertsTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Nov 30, 2022 • 32min
The Right Way to Tell a Fundraising Story with Vanessa Chase Lockshin
Believe it or not, there's a right way to tell a fundraising story. And by fundraising story, I mean a story that you're using to raise money for your non-profit. A fundraising story needs the right story structure to connect with the audience, demonstrate need, and invite the audience to get involved by making a donation. Individual donors can give with shocking levels of generosity when they’re deeply moved by stories. That’s just what your organization needs in order to grow!But chances are, you didn’t get your job because you’re already a storytelling expert. In fact, you may struggle to find stories you think your donors would find interesting. You might not be at all confident that you can write them well. The good news? You can change all that.My guest this week is Vanessa Chase Lockshin, a consultant specializing in non-profit storytelling, fundraising and communications, author of The Storytelling Non-Profit: A practical guide to telling stories that raise money and awareness, and the creator of immersive online training programs for non-profit professionals. Vanessa is an award-winning entrepreneur, avid reader, and resident of Victoria, Canada. Connect with Vanessa:Twitter: @vanessaechaseLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessaechase/Website: https://www.thestorytellingnonprofit.com/ About Julia Campbell, the host of the Nonprofit Nation podcast:Named as a top thought leader by Forbes and BizTech Magazine, Julia Campbell (she/hers) is an author, coach, and speaker on a mission to make the digital world a better place.She wrote her book, Storytelling in the Digital Age: A Guide for Nonprofits, as a roadmap for social change agents who want to build movements using engaging digital storytelling techniques. Her second book, How to Build and Mobilize a Social Media Community for Your Nonprofit, was published in 2020 as a call-to-arms for mission-driven organizations to use the power of social media to build movements.Julia’s online courses, webinars, and keynote talks have helped hundreds of nonprofits make the shift to digital thinking and how to do effective marketing in the digital age.Take Julia’s free nonprofit masterclass, 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media That ConvertsTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Nov 29, 2022 • 17min
[SOLO] Last Minute Strategies for Giving Tuesday
Today is #GivingTuesday! GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past ten years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity year-round.In 2021, an estimated $2.7 Billion were donated in twenty-four hours in the U.S. alone, a 9% increase over the prior year and a 37% increase from pre-pandemic levels. 84% of those aware report that GivingTuesday inspired them to be more giving. A 2019 Horizon Media study reported that 52% said that they want to donate on this day because it allows them to be a part of a bigger group of people doing good.As they write on their website, "GivingTuesday is an opportunity for people around the world to use their individual power of generosity to remain connected and support their communities. It’s not just one day – this is a global social movement that’s working every day to fuel more generosity in service to building a more just and equitable world."In this episode, I go over several ways to promote your Giving Tuesday campaign and drive more donations. Resources mentioned:The Night Ministry's "What Is Home?" Giving Tuesday campaign To learn more about LinkedIn’s special Giving Tuesday Ad Grants, and to find out if your nonprofit is eligible to apply, click here.Facebook is matching monthly donations through the end of the year. Read the full program details here. GlobalGiving is giving away $1.2M to nonprofits from midnight to 11:59 p.m. EST on Nov. 29.Encourage your donors to give stock on GivingTuesday. DonateStock is matching up to $100k.About Julia Campbell, the host of the Nonprofit Nation podcast:Named as a top thought leader by Forbes and BizTech Magazine, Julia Campbell (she/hers) is an author, coach, and speaker on a mission to make the digital world a better place.She wrote her book, Storytelling in the Digital Age: A Guide for Nonprofits, as a roadmap for social change agents who want to build movements using engaging digital storytelling techniques. Her second book, How to Build and Mobilize a Social Media Community for Your Nonprofit, was published in 2020 as a call-to-arms for mission-driven organizations to use the power of social media to build movements.Julia’s online courses, webinars, and keynote talks have helped hundreds of nonprofits make the shift to digital thinking and how to do effective marketing in the digital age.Take Julia’s free nonprofit masterclass, 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media That ConvertsTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Nov 23, 2022 • 34min
Strengthening the Capacity of Black Fundraisers with Kia Croom
In the report The Lived Experience of Fundraisers of Color produced by Cause Effective, two-thirds of the respondents mentioned facing obstacles in their development careers due to their race. More than half of those surveyed acknowledged they might be reluctant to recommend that people of color they know enter into the fundraising profession, “because fundraising involves external relationships where bias might be present” and “fundraising reflects and magnifies the racial hierarchies of our culture.”On this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I sit down with Kia Croom, a fund development executive with 20 years of experience. Kia launched the Black Fundraisers’ podcast to celebrate, inspire and equip Black fund development professionals to excel and positively impact Black communities. Some of my favorite episodes have featured Johnnetta Cole, the first Black woman president of Spelman College and later Bennett College, social entrepreneur Trabian Shorters, and fundraising executive Dianna Campbell.Kia also spearheads an initiative called Fundraising in Black - a series of fundraising capacity-building courses targeted to Black and Brown fundraising professionals. Connect with Kia: Website: www.kiacroom.comInstagram: @kiacroomTwitter: @iamkiacroomLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiacroom/ Email: croomkia@gmail.com About Julia Campbell, the host of the Nonprofit Nation podcast:Named as a top thought leader by Forbes and BizTech Magazine, Julia Campbell (she/hers) is an author, coach, and speaker on a mission to make the digital world a better place.She wrote her book, Storytelling in the Digital Age: A Guide for Nonprofits, as a roadmap for social change agents who want to build movements using engaging digital storytelling techniques. Her second book, How to Build and Mobilize a Social Media Community for Your Nonprofit, was published in 2020 as a call-to-arms for mission-driven organizations to use the power of social media to build movements.Julia’s online courses, webinars, and keynote talks have helped hundreds of nonprofits make the shift to digital thinking and how to do effective marketing in the digital age.Take Julia’s free nonprofit masterclass, 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media That ConvertsTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts