
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

Oct 16, 2024 • 45min
Say What They Can’t Unhear with Tamsen Webster
In this discussion, Tamsen Webster, a renowned message strategist and author, shares her expertise in ethical persuasion and change communication. She emphasizes the importance of building trust and shared values in nonprofits, moving away from fear-based tactics. Tamsen highlights actionable strategies for making messages unforgettable and fostering genuine engagement. Her insights into donor motivations and the power of narrative-centered fundraising offer valuable guidance for creating lasting impact, ensuring that messages resonate deeply with audiences.

Oct 9, 2024 • 36min
What The Fundraising with Mallory Erickson
In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I have an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with Mallory Erickson, the brilliant mind behind What The Fundraising: Embracing and Enabling the People Behind the Purpose, which launched on October 1st. As a fundraising expert and coach, Mallory opens up about the emotional journey behind writing her first book, and how her personal experiences as a new mother shaped her approach to both life and work.Mallory shares the challenges of writing and rewriting a significant portion of her book while caring for her newborn daughter, Ila. She speaks candidly about the vulnerability that comes with sharing her heart, soul, and hard-earned wisdom in her pages. Despite her nerves, she’s driven by her personal mantra: Do it scared!Key Highlights:The Emotional Journey Behind What The Fundraising: Mallory reflects on the balancing act of authorship and new motherhood, and how this unique season of her life influenced the themes of her book.Introduction of Alignment Fundraising: Mallory’s signature framework helps fundraisers find harmony between their work and personal wellbeing, while avoiding burnout and achieving greater impact.Genuine Donor Relationships: The book emphasizes building meaningful and lasting connections with donors, moving beyond transactional interactions to foster genuine partnerships.Special Launch Event: Listeners are invited to pre-order What The Fundraising and gain access to a host of exciting bonuses, including a free month inside the Alignment Fundraising Collective, and an exclusive Virtual Launch Party on October 3rd with fundraising influencer Floyd Jones.Join us for an empowering discussion on how to fundraise with both passion and sustainability, as Mallory reveals the core of her book and the practical tools she developed from her own triumphs and struggles in the nonprofit sector. Whether you're new to fundraising or a seasoned leader, this episode will leave you inspired to embrace vulnerability, find alignment, and thrive in your work.About Mallory EricksonMallory Erickson is an executive coach, fundraising consultant, and host of the podcast What the Fundraising. She is dedicated to transforming the way nonprofit leaders approach their roles and fundraising efforts. With her signature framework, the Power Partners Formula™️, Mallory equips nonprofits with the unique tools needed to secure funding from foundations, corporate partners, and individuals. By October 2023, she has trained over 60,000 fundraisers with elements of her innovative, win-win framework, blending executive coaching, science-backed behavior design, and strategic fundraising practices.Connect with Mallory on LinkedInLearn more about Mallory EricksonInstagram: @_malloryericksonPre-order What The Fundraising and claim your bonusesTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Oct 2, 2024 • 47min
How to Be Their Favorite with Jay Acunzo
In this episode, Jay Acunzo, a leading voice in content creation and storytelling, shares invaluable insights tailored for nonprofit fundraisers and marketers. Jay discusses how to move beyond traditional, transactional fundraising tactics to create transformational experiences that resonate deeply with donors and volunteers. He offers guidance on building a strong Brand IP for nonprofits, the power of journey-based storytelling, and how to use frustration as a catalyst for creative and impactful campaigns.Key Topics:Resonating with donors and volunteers through meaningful storytelling.Shifting from transactional to transformational experiences in nonprofit marketing.Building a strong sense of community among nonprofit supporters.Developing a unique and compelling Brand IP for your cause.Addressing the unspoken needs of your supporter base.Overcoming learned helplessness to innovate in nonprofit storytelling.About Jay AcunzoJay Acunzo is a keynote speaker, author, and a kind of executive producer or "director of differentiation" for entrepreneurs and execs with something meaningful to say. He is known for his thought leadership in content marketing and storytelling. With a focus on creating work that truly matters, Jay’s insights are particularly relevant for nonprofit professionals seeking to differentiate their messaging and build deeper, more lasting connections with their audience. His latest book, The Creator’s Compass, and podcast, How Stories Happen, explore these themes with a fresh, creative lens.Connect with Jay on LinkedInCheck out Jay Acunzo's WebsiteIs it me, or does social media feel completely overwhelming right now? Are your posts underperforming and you don’t know what to do about it? Well I’ve got you covered. Join me and Neon One for the 2024 Nonprofit Social Media Summit! 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. Best of all, it's free to attend live thanks to my amazing partner Neon One! Reserve your spot today at NonprofitSocialMediaSummit.comTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Sep 25, 2024 • 37min
It’s The End Of The Web As We Know It with Rafi Norberg
The way we search the web is being transformed in huge ways, and nonprofits need to understand the changing landscape in order to reach their donors and their stakeholders online. In this episode, I sit down with Rafi Norberg to explore the latest development in search technology: Google’s AI Overviews. Rafi serves as President and Founder of Nexus Marketing, a marketing agency that helps businesses and organizations generate revenue online in the mission-driven sector. Rafi has over a decade of digital marketing experience in mission-driven sectors and through his agency has worked with 200+ brands to build their inbound presence. Rafi's goal is to help organizations do more good by connecting them to high-quality information, resources, and tools. Google recently announced the broad rollout of AI Overviews, a generative AI tool designed to streamline the search experience by directly answering users’ queries and citing the content sources. Rafi shares his expert insights on what this means for the SEO world, the potential impact on clickthrough rates and website traffic, and strategies for businesses to adapt to this significant change.Resources mentioned:Google rolls out AI Overviews in US with more countries coming soonGoogle AI Overviews: What You Need to Know - Nexus MarketingGoogle AI Overviews visibility drops, only shows for 15% of queriesTools: Google’s Lighthouse, SEMRush, Moz A massive transfer of wealth is right around the corner, and your constituent base is changing. Are your fundraising efforts ready? Qgiv surveyed donors of all ages to create The Generational Giving Report, a comprehensive guide to help you best connect with constituents of all generations. To learn how new generations want to support you, hear from you, and stay connected with you head to jcsocialmarketing.com/qgiv to be notified when the report is released and to receive your copy!Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Sep 18, 2024 • 35min
On Leading With Heart and Hustle with Cynthia Torres
It's National Hispanic Heritage Month! In this episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by the inspiring Cynthia Torres, LMFT—someone who has been a true force in the social good space for over 25 years. As a Colombian-American entrepreneur and community leader, Cynthia wears two powerful hats: she’s the founder of New Dawn Counseling & Consulting, Inc., and the Executive Director of the beloved nonprofit, City Impact. Cynthia is here to break down how she’s mastered the art of blending business with benevolence, all while serving Oxnard’s vibrant Latinx population.We dive into some hard-hitting truths, like why Latinas face the steepest climb in corporate America and how Cynthia’s been smashing those barriers every step of the way. She also shares how she balances running both a for-profit and a nonprofit—yes, at the same time—and how her hybrid model is changing lives while keeping the lights on.What we discuss: National Hispanic Heritage Month: Why this month matters and how it connects to the rich history of Hispanic contributions in the U.S.Latinas in Business: We’re tackling some eye-opening stats on Latina labor force participation and business ownership. Spoiler: Latina-owned businesses are booming!Cynthia’s Journey: From Colombia to California, she shares her deeply personal story of overcoming barriers as a Latina entrepreneur and why she founded New Dawn Counseling.A Hybrid Business Model: Curious how someone runs both a for-profit and a nonprofit? Cynthia breaks it down and explains how her model provides stability while staying true to her mission of serving those most in need.Advice for Young Latina Professionals: Cynthia dishes out some real talk and actionable advice for the next generation of Latina leaders trying to break through.Cynthia is a powerhouse of wisdom, warmth, and relentless drive. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, or just someone looking to be inspired, this conversation is packed with insights on how to lead with both heart and hustle. Plus, you’ll get Cynthia’s personal tips on navigating the challenges that Latina women still face in today’s professional world. About Cynthia:Cynthia Torres, LMFT (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist), is a Colombian American who has resided in our local community for over 25 years, leaving an indelible mark in service to our vibrant and dynamic Latinx population. Her professional journey is nothing short of remarkable: she not only founded the local for-profit business, New Dawn Counseling & Consulting, Inc., but also recently assumed leadership of the beloved thirty-year-old nonprofit organization, City Impact, Inc.Cynthia on LinkedInCity Impact on LinkedInCity Impact Website--A massive transfer of wealth is right around the corner, and your constituent base is changing. Are your fundraising efforts ready? Qgiv surveyed donors of all ages to create The Generational Giving Report, a comprehensive guide to help you best connect with constituents of all generations. To learn how new generations want to support you, hear from you, and stay connected with you head to jcsocialmarketing.com/qgiv to be notified when the report is released and to receive your copy!Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Sep 11, 2024 • 39min
How to Fix Nonprofit Leadership with Sean Kosofsky
In this episode, I have the pleasure of hosting Sean Kosofsky, also known as "The Nonprofit Fixer." With over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Sean brings a wealth of knowledge on executive coaching, leadership development, and nonprofit management. Tune in to discover practical advice on overcoming common challenges, setting fair compensation, and implementing innovative work practices.Sean Kosofsky is a seasoned expert in nonprofit leadership, known widely as "The Nonprofit Fixer." With a career spanning over three decades, Sean has dedicated his life to strengthening nonprofit organizations through strategic coaching, consulting, and training. He has a particular passion for supporting executive directors and has developed a range of digital tools, including courses and templates, to help nonprofits thrive. Sean’s expertise covers a broad spectrum of nonprofit challenges, from fundraising and board management to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). His practical approach and deep understanding of the sector make him a sought-after coach and consultant.Connect with Sean on LinkedInThe Nonprofit Fixer@nonprofitfixer - X and Instagram@MindtheGapC - Facebook ---A massive transfer of wealth is right around the corner, and your constituent base is changing. Are your fundraising efforts ready? Qgiv surveyed donors of all ages to create The Generational Giving Report, a comprehensive guide to help you best connect with constituents of all generations. To learn how new generations want to support you, hear from you, and stay connected with you head to jcsocialmarketing.com/qgiv to get your copy! Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Sep 6, 2024 • 32min
Understanding and Acting On Generational Giving Trends with Wendy Mercurio
Wendy Mercurio, a Content and Education Specialist at Qgiv and Bloomerang, shares insights from the latest Generational Giving Report. She reveals what motivates donors from Boomers to Gen Z, highlighting the surprising interest of Gen Z in in-person events despite their online habits. The conversation touches on the rise of digital wallets in fundraising and a startling statistic: 60% of donors don’t expect a thank you. Wendy emphasizes the critical role of online presence and personalized donor appreciation in successful fundraising strategies.

Sep 4, 2024 • 35min
How to Write a Book in 4 Weeks (and Why You Should) with Dana Snyder
In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I talk with my friend and colleague Dana Snyder, a dynamic force in the nonprofit world and the founder of Positive Equation. Dana recently embarked on a whirlwind journey to write and publish her new book, "The Monthly Giving Mastermind - A Framework to Build, Grow & Sustain Subscriptions for Good." In just four weeks, she wrote the book, and in an unheard-of four months, she had it published! Join us as Dana shares her experiences and insights, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the process of writing and publishing a book—specifically designed for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and marketers. We dive deep into her 5-step framework for building a successful monthly giving program, explore the decision-making and financial considerations involved in writing a book, and discuss how this endeavor can significantly enhance your nonprofit's credibility and visibility.About Dana SnyderDana Snyder is the founder of Positive Equation, a sought-after keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, author, host of the acclaimed global podcast “Missions to Movements”, and creator of the Monthly Giving Mastermind. Her mission is to empower nonprofits to attract supporters through innovative digital marketing and to create sustainable giving models by establishing recurring giving programs, making philanthropy accessible to all. Dana was recently named one of the Top 100 Nonprofit Influencers shaping change in the sector. Based in Atlanta, she enjoys spending her time traveling and exploring with her husband, daughter, and labradoodle.Connect with Dana on LinkedInA massive transfer of wealth is right around the corner, and your constituent base is changing. Are your fundraising efforts ready? Qgiv surveyed donors of all ages to create The Generational Giving Report, a comprehensive guide to help you best connect with constituents of all generations. To learn how new generations want to support you, hear from you, and stay connected with you head to jcsocialmarketing.com/qgiv to be notified when the report is released and to receive your copy!Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Aug 28, 2024 • 38min
Standing Up For The Sector with Shannon McCracken
In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I sit down with Shannon McCracken, the founding CEO of The Nonprofit Alliance (TNPA), to explore her journey in the nonprofit sector and her visionary leadership at TNPA. Shannon brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles, including her impactful tenure as Chief Development Officer at Charity Navigator and Vice President of Donor Development at Special Olympics International. Recognized as one of The NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50 in 2022 and 2023, Shannon shares her insights on the current challenges and future trends in the nonprofit world.Being a fundraiser is hard work - not only is it time consuming, but you have to continually think of fresh and creative ways to engage your donors and supporters. If you need some fresh inspiration and ideas, check out Fundraiser Bot by DonorPerfect! DonorPerfect's bot is more than just a free tool for nonprofits; it's your fundraising ally, offering you the freedom to focus on your mission while transforming your content creation process. With just a few clicks, generate outlines for meetings, emails, social media posts, blogs, text messages, and more. Try it for free at DonorPerfect.com/bot, and let me know what you think!About Shannen McCrackenShannon McCracken is the founding CEO of The Nonprofit Alliance (TNPA), an association launched in 2018 with unprecedented support to promote, protect, and strengthen the nonprofit sector. She was named to The NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50 in 2022 and 2023. Prior to her role with TNPA, Shannon spent two years as Charity Navigator’s ChiefDevelopment Officer, facilitating communication with nonprofit organizations and dramatically increasing resources to ensure successful implementation of a new strategic plan. She now serves on Charity Navigator’s board of directors. Shannon spent 17 years with Special Olympics International, most recently as Vice President of Donor Development, building and managing a collaborative individual fundraising program on behalf of the global HQ and North American chapters. Shannon served as the DMA Nonprofit Federation Advisory Council Chair and Chair of the Ethics Committee. She is a Certified Association Executive with a master’s degree in Nonprofit and Association Management.Connect with Shannon on LinkedInFollow The Nonprofit Alliance on LinkedInCheck out The Nonprofit Alliance websiteTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Aug 21, 2024 • 43min
AI and the Future of Generosity with Nathan Chappell
Nathan Chappell, an expert in AI's role in philanthropy and head of AI at DonorSearch, dives deep into how artificial intelligence can transform the nonprofit sector. He discusses the potential of AI to inspire generosity, tackle the generosity crisis, and integrate ethical practices in its application. Nathan emphasizes the importance of adapting AI for small nonprofits to enhance fundraising efforts and overcome internal skepticism. The conversation reveals AI as a catalyst for societal change, fostering connections and innovative charitable initiatives.