Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

Shilpa Alva is the visionary founder of Surge for Water, a women-led, women-centered nonprofit dedicated to providing marginalized global communities with access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health solutions. Under Shilpa’s leadership, Surge has impacted over 1 million lives and created more than 2,000 community jobs, while advancing sustainable water equity around the globe.Shilpa’s journey—from her background in engineering and corporate consulting to full-time social entrepreneurship—is a compelling example of how diverse experiences can lead to impactful change. We explore:The critical importance of water equity and its connection to global health, education, and economic development.How Surge for Water’s innovative, community-led solutions are transforming lives in marginalized communities.Shilpa’s unique leadership perspective and her advice for aspiring social entrepreneurs.Don’t miss this powerful conversation about the intersection of water sustainability, advocacy, and the global fight for equity.Links & Resources:Shilpa Alva on LinkedInhttps://surgeforwater.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/shilpa-alva-858b841/  Shilpa Alva at TEDx🪷🪷 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 mentorship could help you grow your career, and your fundraising bottom line?  This week, I’m joined by the amazing Ken Miller, CFRE—a powerhouse in the nonprofit world and a true advocate for professional growth. Ken is the president of Denali FSP Fundraising & Grant Consultants, a fundraising consultancy he founded in 2014 after a long and successful career in development. He’s also deeply involved in leadership roles with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and other organizations working to advance equity and excellence in philanthropy.In our conversation, Ken shares his wisdom on mentoring, coaching, and workplace sponsorship—three powerful tools for helping fundraising professionals thrive. We explore what makes these relationships so valuable, how to find the right mentors and sponsors, and why they’re game-changers for anyone looking to grow in their career. Ken also opens up about his personal journey, lessons learned, and his passion for mentoring the next generation of nonprofit leaders.If you’re in the nonprofit sector—or considering it—this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration to help you take your career to the next level.Connect with Ken on LinkedIn. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The difference between mentoring, coaching, and sponsorship—and why all three matter.How to find mentors and sponsors who align with your goals and values.Why workplace sponsors can open doors that mentorship alone might not.Ken’s personal insights on supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion through mentorship.Practical tips for mentoring others and building meaningful professional relationships.🪷🪷 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

Bethany Snyder, founder of Snyder Strategies, LLC, and a seasoned advocate with nearly 25 years in the field, joins to discuss the impact of executive orders on nonprofits. She highlights strategies for organizations to prepare for policy shifts and respond quickly to crises. Key topics include the differentiation between executive orders and laws, the importance of rapid response plans, and the need for collaboration among nonprofits to influence change. Bethany emphasizes self-care for nonprofit workers amid these challenges and advocates for transparency with stakeholders.

AI is reshaping the nonprofit sector, from improving efficiency to revolutionizing donor engagement—but how do we ensure it’s done ethically and effectively? 65% of nonprofits using AI report improvements in efficiency and productivity, with the biggest wins in communication and data analysis​. But 42% of nonprofits cite ethical concerns, such as data privacy and bias, as barriers to adoption​.This week, we’re joined by Josh Hirsch, aka “The AI Dude,” a seasoned nonprofit strategist with over 17 years of experience. Josh is the Education and Training Strategist at FundRaise Up, a faculty member at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, and the host of The AI Dude Podcast. He’s dedicated to helping nonprofits navigate the intersection of technology and philanthropy.Drawing insights from Josh’s expertise and the latest research, we’ll explore how AI can help nonprofits work smarter, not harder, while staying mission-focused. With 65% of nonprofits reporting tangible benefits like increased efficiency and productivity, and only 2% fully adopting AI, there’s plenty of room for growth and learning.What You’ll Learn:How AI can help nonprofits overcome resource constraints and improve operations.Why starting with operational efficiency is the best first step for AI adoption.The ethical challenges of AI—like data privacy and bias—and how nonprofits can tackle them head-on.Real-world examples of AI creating meaningful change in nonprofit operations, from content creation to donor communication.About Josh Hirsch:Josh Hirsch is a seasoned nonprofit leader with over 17 years of experience. He serves as the Education and Training Strategist at FundRaise Up and is a faculty member at The Fund Raising School at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Josh also leads The AI Dude, a consulting firm dedicated to helping nonprofits harness the power of artificial intelligence. A skilled strategist and communicator, he specializes in AI, digital marketing, and social media, empowering organizations to thrive in the digital age.Links & Resources Mentioned:Josh Hirsch’s Website: TheAIDude.aiBlog: Building Capacity with AIBlog: AI for Nonprofit Decision-MakingFundRaise UpIndiana University Lilly Family School of PhilanthropyDoes cybersecurity seem like a terrifying topic? Don’t worry—we’re here to make it a smash hit! This episode is brought to you by RoundTable Technology—the Nonprofit IT Partner. For the tenth year in a row, they’re back with their FREE annual webinar, and this time, it’s bigger and bolder with a 2025 twist: Cyber Karaoke!That’s right—RoundTable Technology is turning up the volume to teach you and your team exactly how to make your nonprofit more secure in the New Year, all while keeping things fun and engaging. With over 200 nonprofit clients, they know how to help organizations like yours hit all the right notes when it comes to cybersecurity.Make it your New Year’s resolution to give your entire staff FREE cybersecurity awareness training. Don’t miss the encore—head over to NonprofitIT.com/best-everTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

In this episode, we explore the art of scaling nonprofit impact with Dr. Johanna Moya Fábregas, executive director of Con Mi Madre. This Central Texas nonprofit empowers Latina girls and their mothers, combining social-emotional learning with college readiness. But the strategies Johanna shares extend far beyond one mission—her expertise in storytelling, partnership building, and inclusive leadership offers actionable insights for nonprofit professionals of all kinds.You’ll learn how to:Build trust with your target audience to create generational impact.Use storytelling as a tool for fundraising and community engagement.Measure program outcomes effectively to secure funding and support.Lead with resilience and clarity in a mission-driven organization.Whether you’re focused on fundraising, marketing, or executive strategy, Johanna’s leadership insights will inspire and inform your work.About Johanna Moya FábregasJohanna Moya Fábregas, Ph.D., is a dedicated Latin American immigrant with 20 years of experience in education. She currently serves as the executive director of Con Mi Madre (CMM), a non-profit organization operating in Central Texas. CMM partners with local school districts to provide a curriculum focused on social-emotional learning and college readiness to students from 6th grade through their college years. Drawing on her extensive background in non-profit work, higher education, and public education, Johanna emphasizes collaboration across various sectors. Her key areas of focus include intercultural communication, fundraising, research, storytelling, and leadership. Through her efforts, she aims to highlight the significance of multicultural education and empowerment.For more information visit Con Mi MADREDoes cybersecurity seem like a terrifying topic? Don’t worry—we’re here to make it a smash hit! This episode is brought to you by RoundTable Technology—the Nonprofit IT Partner. For the tenth year in a row, they’re back with their FREE annual webinar, and this time, it’s bigger and bolder with a 2025 twist: Cyber Karaoke!That’s right—RoundTable Technology is turning up the volume to teach you and your team exactly how to make your nonprofit more secure in the New Year, all while keeping things fun and engaging. With over 200 nonprofit clients, they know how to help organizations like yours hit all the right notes when it comes to cybersecurity.Make it your New Year’s resolution to give your entire staff FREE cybersecurity awareness training. Don’t miss the encore—head over to NonprofitIT.com/best-ever to save your seat now. Here’s to a secure and harmonious 2025!Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Did you know that nonprofits using data to tell their stories are 70% more likely to secure major grants and build donor trust? In this episode, we dive into how your nonprofit can harness the power of data to amplify your message, establish authority, and communicate your impact effectively.My guest, Drew Reynolds, founder of Common Good Data, shares actionable strategies to position your organization as a thought leader, win the confidence of funders, and scale your efforts to drive meaningful change.About Drew: Drew Reynolds is a nationally recognized expert in nonprofit evaluation and storytelling. As the founder of Common Good Data, he helps nonprofits use data to showcase their effectiveness, secure major grants, and scale their impact. With years of experience supporting organizations in achieving measurable results, Drew blends data-driven insights with compelling narratives to drive donor engagement and organizational growth.Drew has been featured on podcasts like Nonprofit Jenni Show and Nonprofit Vision, where he shares practical advice for nonprofit leaders looking to deepen their impact.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Be the Go-To Expert:How to use data and storytelling to establish your nonprofit as a leader in your space.Practical ways to build trust and credibility with funders, partners, and the community.Turn Impact into Action:Why data alone isn’t enough—and how to pair it with storytelling for maximum impact.Real-world examples of nonprofits that nailed it and what you can learn from them.Scale Up with Confidence:How transparency and accountability can help you grow your donor base.Steps to expand your funding and prove your nonprofit’s value with clear, data-driven results.Resources You’ll Love:Common Good Data WebsiteConnect with Drew Reynolds:Drew Reynolds at LinkedInCheck out Drew’s work and resources at Common Good Data.Ready to Step Up?This is your moment. If you’re serious about building authority, engaging donors, and showcasing your nonprofit’s impact, this episode is packed with strategies to get you there. Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!Does cybersecurity seem like a terrifying topic? Don’t worry—we’re here to make it a smash hit! This episode is brought to you by RoundTable Technology—the Nonprofit IT Partner. For the tenth year in a row, they’re back with their FREE annual webinar, and this time, it’s bigger and bolder with a 2025 twist: Cyber Karaoke!That’s right—RoundTable Technology is turning up the volume to teach you and your team exactly how to make your nonprofit more secure in the New Year, all while keeping things fun and engaging. With over 200 nonprofit clients, they know how to help organizations like yours hit all the right notes when it comes to cybersecurity.Make it your New Year’s resolution to give your entire staff FREE cybersecurity awareness training. Don’t miss the encore—head over to NonprofitIT.com/best-ever to save your seat now. Here’s to a secure and harmonious 2025!Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Explore the vital social media trends nonprofits should adopt in 2025, including the power of AI and short-form videos. Learn how to engage Gen Z while maintaining a personal connection. Discover strategies for innovation and adaptability as new platforms emerge. Plus, find out about an exciting academy designed to help you master these skills and drive donations. Gear up for a digital landscape where compelling content and community building are key!

David Rhode is a seasoned nonprofit founder, consultant, and author whose career has centered on scaling impact for mission-driven organizations. In this episode, he shares valuable insights from his new book, Passion Isn’t Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders, a comprehensive resource for nonprofit executives, board members, and emerging leaders. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, teaching, and consulting, David reveals why passion, while essential, must be paired with strategic and practical leadership skills to drive meaningful change.Key Topics Covered:Why passion alone isn’t sufficient for nonprofit success.Key frameworks and practical tools for nonprofit management.Tips for balancing vision with operational skill to scale impact.Self-care strategies for nonprofit leaders.How Passion Isn’t Enough can empower nonprofit leaders to drive lasting change.David Rhode on LinkedInPassion Isn't Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit LeadersDoes cybersecurity seem like a terrifying topic? Don’t worry—we’re here to make it a smash hit! This episode is brought to you by RoundTable Technology—the Nonprofit IT Partner. For the tenth year in a row, they’re back with their FREE annual webinar, and this time, it’s bigger and bolder with a 2025 twist: Cyber Karaoke!That’s right—RoundTable Technology is turning up the volume to teach you and your team exactly how to make your nonprofit more secure in the New Year, all while keeping things fun and engaging. With over 200 nonprofit clients, they know how to help organizations like yours hit all the right notes when it comes to cybersecurity.Make it your New Year’s resolution to give your entire staff FREE cybersecurity awareness training. Don’t miss the encore—head over to NonprofitIT.com/best-ever to save your seat now. Here’s to a secure and harmonious 2025!Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

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