Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, we’re joined by Cecilia Lee, Alumni Relations Principal at Communities In Schools (CIS), to discuss the powerful role alumni networks can play in driving nonprofit success. CIS—a national organization ensuring students have the resources they need to stay in school—has built a robust alumni engagement strategy that connects participants beyond graduation, turning them into lifelong supporters, advocates, and ambassadors.Cecilia shares how nonprofits can leverage alumni to increase community outreach, event participation, and donor engagement. She explains how public recognition—through programs like the Distinguished Service Alumni Award—motivates alumni involvement and how CIS’s President and CEO, Rey Saldaña, exemplifies the potential of alumni who become leaders.Whether you’re a nonprofit marketer, fundraiser, or executive, you’ll learn actionable strategies for building sustainable alumni networks that deepen engagement and drive long-term mission impact.Key takeaways: Alumni aren’t just participants—they’re future leaders and lifelong advocates.Public recognition matters. Celebrating alumni can drive engagement and inspire others to stay involved.Alumni ambassadors extend your nonprofit’s reach organically, promoting events, recruiting new supporters, and growing awareness.Challenges are inevitable, but thoughtful engagement strategies can keep alumni connected through different stages of life.About Cecilia LeeCecilia Garcia Lee is an immigrant Latina from Mexico. At the age of 3, her familymoved to Houston, TX where she attended school through post-secondary.Cecilia attended Houston Baptist University and began her career working at anelementary school for 2 years. She then transitioned to the non-profit sector, joining the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council in Houston, where she assisted and supported the creation of Girl Scout troops in underserved areas, focusing on predominantly black and brown communities.Following her impactful work with the Girl Scouts, Cecilia joined Communities InSchools of Houston (CIS) as a Case Manager at Milby High School. It was here that she discovered her true calling. She later moved to the Development department, where she successfully managed the organization's largest fundraising event for 13 years. During this period, Cecilia started engaging with former CIS students, leading these efforts for over 5 years locally. Links:Communities in SchoolsLinkedIn: Communities in Schools National OfficeCIS Alumni CommunityThis Episode Sponsored By Neon One:Convincing your board to invest in nonprofit tech can feel like a challenge. That’s why Neon One created ‘6 Steps to Sell Your Board on Nonprofit Technology.’ This guide walks you through identifying your needs, showing how technology can streamline operations, and tackling common objections—all to make your case confidently. Visit neonone.com/julia to download it free and empower your mission with the right tools.Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Confused or overwhelmed by capital campaigns? I've got just the right person for you! In this episode, I welcome Steven Shattuck, Director of Engagement at Capital Campaign Pro and a highly respected thought leader in the nonprofit sector. Steven shares his perspectives on the 2024 Capital Campaign Benchmark Report findings, the balance between heart and data in fundraising, and how nonprofits of all sizes can achieve their capital campaign goals. From the role of board support to the power of feasibility studies, Steven provides actionable insights into building a campaign that not only raises funds but strengthens an organization’s mission and community impact.Key Topics Covered:Balancing digital strategy with donor relationships in capital campaignsThe 2024 capital campaign success rate and factors driving higher achievementsThe evolving role of boards and diverse donors in campaign successEffective use of feasibility studies and data in campaign planningMaintaining momentum during multi-year campaigns and keeping donors engagedAbout Steven ShattuckSteven Shattuck is the Director of Engagement at Capital Campaign Pro. A frequent webinar presenter and conference speaker in the nonprofit sector, he has over 18 years of experience advising nonprofits on donor communications, data management, and digital content.He is the author of Robots Make Bad Fundraisers – How Nonprofits Can Maintain the Heart in the Digital Age, published by Bold and Bright Media (2020), and a contributor to Fundraising Principles and Practice: Second Edition.Steven has contributed content to the National Council of Nonprofits, AFP, Advancing Philanthropy, NTEN and Nonprofit Hub, and has spoken at AFP ICON, NAYDO, Cause Camp, ADRP, the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference, and Planet Philanthropy to name a few.Recipient of the David Letterman Scholarship, Steven graduated with honors from Ball State University in 2006 with a degree in Telecommunications and Creative Writing. He resides in Indianapolis with his wife, son and daughter.Links:LinkedIn: Steven ShattuckLatest Research: The State of Capital Campaigns in 2024This Episode Sponsored By Neon One:Convincing your board to invest in nonprofit tech can feel like a challenge. That’s why Neon One created ‘6 Steps to Sell Your Board on Nonprofit Technology.’ This guide walks you through identifying your needs, showing how technology can streamline operations, and tackling common objections—all to make your case confidently. Visit neonone.com/julia to download it free and empower your mission with the right tools.Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Rapinder Dhinsa, Director of Mass Marketing at Make-A-Wish Canada, is an expert in nonprofit marketing and storytelling. She shares insights on engaging younger and diverse donors, emphasizing the importance of authentic connections. Rapinder discusses the power of storytelling in fostering trust and enhancing fundraising efforts, while also exploring the challenges nonprofits face in adapting to new donor expectations. With a focus on digital transformation and inclusive practices, she highlights the future of philanthropy as it merges nostalgia with innovation.

Bhumika Regmi, Digital Director at the Malala Fund, and Mahina Martinson, Digital Coordinator at the same organization, share insights on engaging younger donors through social media. They discuss balancing trendy content with meaningful advocacy on platforms like TikTok. The duo highlights the importance of authentic storytelling and youth collaboration in amplifying young women’s voices. They also delve into innovative strategies for mobilizing awareness and stress the significance of authenticity in nonprofit communications. Tune in for tips on building effective youth engagement!

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, we sit down with Brad West, attorney, nonprofit leader, and the visionary behind the Profit for Good Initiative. Brad shares his innovative approach to transforming the way businesses contribute to impactful causes—without adding any extra cost to consumers.We’ll also dive into his newly launched initiative, Commissions for a Cause, which partners with a life insurance agent to donate 40% of commissions from every lead generated. This groundbreaking model allows people across North America to support nonprofits like The New Roots Institute and The Life You Can Save's Maximize Your Impact Fund simply by purchasing life insurance—at no additional cost.Brad opens up about the challenges of running a nonprofit while managing a full-time career, and his vision for a future where profits fund justice, sustainability, and vibrant communities. Whether you’re a consumer, nonprofit, or business owner, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how everyday financial decisions can generate meaningful change.In This Episode, We Discuss:Why Brad created the Profit for Good modelHow businesses can create impact without extra cost to consumersThe Commissions for a Cause initiative and how it worksChallenges of running a nonprofit while working full-timeThe two songs Brad listens to when he needs inspirationAbout Brad WestBrad West is the visionary behind the Profit for Good Initiative. A University of Chicago grad and innovative attorney. Brad’s TEDx talk on transforming consumer spending into impactful charitable contributions has inspired audiences worldwide. His mission? To create a world where our choices as consumers can save lives and better the planet. Join Brad on Nonprofit Nation to discover how his groundbreaking model can empower nonprofits, consumers, and philanthropists to foster vibrant, sustainable communities and make every dollar count. Did you miss this year’s Nonprofit Social Media Summit? The recordings and all materials are now available! Designed for the small and mid-size nonprofit, my Summit offers actionable and practical insights on how to best use social media to raise awareness and funds, even during turbulent times.Walk away feeling empowered and supported, with strategies you can implement right away. Learn more and get instant access to the recordings at NonprofitSocialMediaSummit.com Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Gail Perry, a renowned philanthropy leader and founder of the Gail Perry Group, joins Beth Ann Locke, Director of the Academy of the Gail Perry Group, for an insightful discussion on modern fundraising. They reveal how the landscape of major gifts is evolving from scripted pitches to authentic, relationship-driven approaches. The duo emphasizes emotional intelligence, storytelling, and the necessity of understanding donor values to maximize impact. Expect actionable strategies to cultivate deep connections and transformative gifts that elevate your nonprofit’s fundraising efforts.

Carly Euler, a marketing and communications specialist with a strong nonprofit background, shares her insights on ethical storytelling. She discusses innovative storytelling techniques to stand out in a crowded digital landscape and practical hacks to easily collect powerful stories. Carly emphasizes the importance of consent and dignity in storytelling, exploring how to navigate tricky consent situations. Listeners will learn about the growing trend of positive storytelling and how to build trust through transparency in their narratives.

Erica Waasdorp, President of A Direct Solution and an expert in monthly giving, shares her 40 years of experience in donor retention. She explores the evolution of monthly giving strategies and how technology can enhance donor engagement. The importance of small, recurring donations is highlighted, debunking the myth that they lack impact. Erica offers practical advice on effective communication and highlights modern payment solutions that can appeal to today’s donors. This conversation is a treasure trove for nonprofits eager to boost their monthly giving programs!

Executive directors, are you tired of chasing after those $20 donations like a squirrel on espresso? Focusing all your energy on foundation grants and corporate donations because they seem easier is a bit like preferring instant noodles over a gourmet meal—it sort of does the job, but often, you are left feeling unsatisfied. Rhea Wong to the rescue! Rhea has over 20 years experience in the nonprofit space as an Executive Director and front line fundraiser. A fundraising thought-leader, an author of "Get That Money, Honey", and a sought-after speaker, she has helped hundreds of nonprofit organizations raise millions of dollars for their causes.In this episode, Rhea talks about how we can move away from survival-mode tactics that leave us feeling icky and instead, start nurturing genuine relationships with our donors.Rhea breaks down why it’s crucial to focus on those individual donors and how creating meaningful connections can lead to those juicy, significant gifts we dream about.About Rhea WongRhea helps nonprofits raise more money.  Though she has deep experience with institutional, corporate and event fund-raising, she is passionate about major individual donors and helping organizations to establish individual giving programs.  She has raised millions of dollars in private philanthropy and is passionate about building the next generation of fundraising leaders.She has become a leader in the New York nonprofit community and is a frequent educational commentator in the media.  She has been recognized with the SmartCEO Brava Award in 2015 and NY Nonprofit Media’s 40 under 40 in 2017.  For more information about Rhea, please see her LinkedIn Profile here.Rhea lives in Brooklyn with her husband.  When she is not raising money for causes she loves, she can be found hosting her podcast Nonprofit Lowdown, promoting her newest book Get that Money, Honey! or onstage as a newbie stand-up comedian in downtown Brooklyn.  For more information, check out rheawong.comGivingTuesday is right around the corner and I want to help you get ready! Join me for a free webinar with my friends at Givebutter on November 6 all about specific ways to drive donations on Giving Tuesday using social media. I’ll focus on sharing tactical ways  and real-world examples designed to increase your results on this international day of giving. You’ll walk away with practical tips, ideas, inspiration, tools, and useful resources to make this Giving Tuesday your most successful yet! Go to jcsocialmarketing.com/givebutter to register. I hope to see you on November 6!Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

In this conversation with Erin Hogue, Senior Director of Spark Good at Walmart, listeners discover how Walmart connects nonprofits, customers, and employees to create community impact. Erin shares insights into who is donating and their motivations, the rationale behind the Roundup program, and current trends in corporate giving. She also provides practical tips for nonprofits to leverage Walmart’s extensive resources, including storefront fundraising and grant applications, to expand their reach and enhance their efforts.