Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

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

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.