Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

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.

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