The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailPhilanthropy can strengthen communities by investing not only in nonprofit programs, but also in the entrepreneurs, business-support organizations, and local infrastructure that drives economic mobility. How philanthropy supports small business growth is becoming a key question for foundations, nonprofit leaders, and communities seeking stronger local economies. Wafa Dinaro, Executive Director of the New Economy Initiative, explains how philanthropic capital can help entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses, create jobs, and strengthen neighborhoods.Founded in 2007 with an initial $100 million philanthropic commitment, the New Economy Initiative was designed to help diversify Southeast Michigan’s economy. Nearly two decades later, the collaborative continues to evolve, now supporting approximately 800 to 1,200 businesses each year through nonprofit partners, mentorship, technical assistance, and innovative access to capital.Wafa explains that funding alone is rarely enough. Entrepreneurs may appear to have a capital problem when the deeper barrier is incomplete financial records, uncertain pricing, weak margins, or limited operational knowledge.As she tells , “Ideas and entrepreneurs and really innovators are distributed equally, but resources aren’t always distributed equally.”This conversation with Wafa examines how philanthropy can fund the business-support infrastructure that traditional financing often overlooks. Through its nonprofit network, NEI connects entrepreneurs with mentors who can review their books, strengthen operations, prepare them for financing, and help them scale.Wafa also introduces the Michigan Small Business Helper, a centralized resource that connects entrepreneurs with regional nonprofits, how-to guides, financial assistance, retail training, and direct support. Behind the platform, NEI can follow the entrepreneur’s journey and identify which combinations of services are producing stronger revenue and business outcomes.The larger lesson extends well beyond Detroit. Nonprofits and foundations can serve as conveners, intermediaries, data partners, and catalysts through building systems that allow businesses and communities to become more resilient.“Entrepreneurship is such a core pillar of building neighborhoods, building communities, and rebuilding entire communities.” Key Takeaways:Capital becomes more effective when paired with financial, operational, and industry-specific guidance.Philanthropic intermediaries can pilot programs that conventional funders may consider too uncertain.Centralized resource platforms reduce confusion and help entrepreneurs find relevant assistance faster.Tracking an entrepreneur’s journey can reveal which nonprofit partnerships produce measurable business growth.Flexible funding allows organizations to respond to disruptions such as pandemics, tariffs, and technological change.Local businesses contribute to job creation, neighborhood vitality, generational wealth, and population retention.00:00:00 Philanthropy Meets Small Business Development00:01:14 The Origins of the New Economy Initiative00:03:33 Expanding Beyond Technology and Innovation00:05:52 Why Philanthropy Must Be Willing to Experiment00:08:02 Capital Is Not Always the Real Barrier00:10:21 Building Trusted Mentorship for Entrepreneurs00:13:20 Creating the Michigan Small Business Helper00:15:57 Planning for Change Without Predicting Everything00:17:50 Supporting 800 to 1,200 Businesses Each Year00:20:07 Entrepreneurship as Neighborhood Development00:22:56 Preparing for AI and a More Digital Economy00:25:49 Maintaining Funder Confidence Through Change#EconomicDevelopment #NonprofitLeadership #TheNonprofitShowFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: [email protected] us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailData-driven nonprofit fundraising can strengthen donor retention, improve communications, and support better decisions—but the numbers can’t replace human judgment!  In this Fundraisers Friday conversation, Julia Patrick and Tony Beall explore how nonprofit teams can use donor data, CRM systems, and artificial intelligence without losing the relationships that inspire generosity.Fundraisers now have access to an enormous range of information: giving frequency, donor lifetime value, campaign results, email engagement, event attendance, volunteer history, budgets, and predictive analytics. The challenge is not simply collecting more data. It is deciding which information deserves attention and how it should influence fundraising strategy.Tony recommends beginning with the areas carrying the greatest opportunity or risk, even if that means studying only the top or bottom 10%. Rather than attempting to measure everything, teams can begin with donor retention, giving patterns, and communication performance.“Data can help guide us to a decision point, but it doesn’t make the decision for us,” Tony says.That distinction becomes especially important when nonprofits evaluate corporate gifts, partnerships, vendors, or AI platforms. A financially attractive opportunity may still conflict with the organization’s values, reputation, or mission. Gift-acceptance policies and AI-use policies can help leaders make consistent decisions before a difficult situation develops.Julia also raises an increasingly urgent operational concern: where does donor information go when it is entered into an AI system? Nonprofits may be working with sensitive financial, behavioral, and relationship data. Protecting that information is fundamental to maintaining donor trust.The duo also challenge organizations to consider whether their CRM is strengthening relationships—or becoming a substitute for them??  Julia asks, “If your database or your CRM went down tomorrow, do you still know your donors?”Key Takeaways:Prioritize donor retention, giving frequency, and communication response before expanding the dashboard.Treat data as decision support—not an automatic answer.Create gift-acceptance and AI-use policies as part of organizational risk management.Test fundraising messages against audience behavior rather than internal preference.Protect donor information when using AI, CRM, accounting, and HR platforms.Invest in software training and adoption—not merely software licenses.00:00:00 Is Fundraising Becoming a Data Job?00:01:32 How to Avoid Fundraising Data Overload00:03:04 Data Should Empower Fundraisers—not Define Them00:05:54 When Intuition Conflicts With the Numbers00:07:02 Data Cannot Make Ethical Decisions00:09:31 Bias, Vendor Se

Send us Fan MailAI strategy for nonprofit leaders is no longer a future-planning exercise. AI is already influencing fundraising decisions, staff workflows, donor research, website visibility, and how prospective supporters evaluate nonprofit organizations.Darren Richards, Founder and Director of Charity AI Partners, explains why the central AI issue is not choosing the newest tool. It is exercising sound leadership judgment.“The tools aren’t the problem,” Darren tells us. “The issue is where you do and don’t use it. Where are the red lines?”Darren introduces three ways nonprofits can apply AI: predict, iterate, and automate. Predictive AI can analyze donor data, identify supporters at risk of lapsing, and improve campaign segmentation. Generative AI can adapt a case for support for different funders and audiences. AI agents can assist with research, analysis, writing, and routine administrative work. But capability does not equal permission!Nonprofit leaders must establish clear guardrails around donor data, communications, staff responsibilities, approvals, and the activities that must remain human. Darren’s operating principle is direct: “Governance before gadgets.”This lively conversation also examines a major change in nonprofit visibility. Donors are increasingly asking AI systems which organizations are credible, efficient, local, or trustworthy. Those systems may answer without sending the donor to the nonprofit’s website!!That makes traditional SEO only part of the equation. Darren explains the growing importance of generative engine optimization and answer engine optimization, including clear question-and-answer content that helps AI systems interpret an organization accurately.The fundraising opportunity is significant. . . . . Darren shares an example of a children’s hospital that used AI to increase an appeal’s return from 2-to-1 to 6-to-1, raise the average gift by nearly one-third, and mail half as many people.The goal is not fundraising without people. It is removing repetitive work so fundraisers can invest more time in judgment, empathy, creativity, gratitude, and donor relationships.Key Takeaways:Establish an organization-wide AI strategy before expanding tool usage.Use predictive AI to strengthen donor segmentation, retention, and campaign efficiency.Protect donor relationships, trust-building, and sensitive conversations as human responsibilities.Review what major AI platforms currently say about your organization.Structure website content around the questions prospective donors actually ask.Treat clean data, consistent messaging, and governance as prerequisites for successful AI adoption.00:00:00 AI Is a Leadership Issue00:02:04 Dar

Send us Fan MailWhy do nonprofits lose momentum after creating an inspiring vision or strategic plan? Doug Paul, Founder and CEO of Impact Co., explains how nonprofit operational systems, leadership clarity, performance measures, and consistent workplace rhythms turn ambition into measurable results.After working with approximately 1,300 nonprofit organizations, Doug and his colleagues studied the organizations that were consistently succeeding. They identified eight connected areas that distinguished them: vision, strategy, development, metrics, culture, people, systems, and rhythms.The central lesson is direct: “Nonprofits don’t rise to the level of their vision. They fall to the level of their systems.”Doug explains why organizations can have memorable mission statements and well-designed strategic plans yet still miss deadlines, struggle with accountability, operate reactively, and fail to follow through. These are not always motivation problems. Often, they are evidence of systems that unintentionally produce last-minute scrambles and workplace frustration.The conversation also examines why business frameworks cannot simply be dropped into nonprofit organizations without adaptation. Systems designed primarily to create profit may not fully support organizations whose ultimate outcome is mission impact.Doug outlines how successful nonprofits create an attainable 3 to 5 year vision, distinguish strategy from goals, build a modern revenue playbook, track both lead and lag measures, align donors and stakeholders, and document repeatable processes. He also shares that organizations intentional about culture-building can experience a 43% increase in productivity!!Strong systems do not remove the human element. They help people succeed. As Doug explains, “I just don’t think heart and passion can bridge that gap.”This episode offers nonprofit executives, managers, fundraisers, and board members a clearer way to diagnose stalled momentum—and begin releasing the organizational brakes.Key Takeaways:Define an attainable three-to-five-year vision rather than relying only on a distant aspirational goal.Separate strategy from goals and connect strategy to a specific winning action plan.Track lead measures early enough to influence lagging organizational results.Treat workplace culture as a measurable leadership discipline, not an accidental outcome.Align staff, donors, board members, executives, and community stakeholders around one direction.Build documented processes and calendar rhythms that repeatedly produce mission outcomes.00:00:00 Why Nonprofits Lose Momentum00:00:46 Building Built for Impact Through Collaboration00:02:17 The Gap Between Mission, Operations, and

Send us Fan MailAs DEI language changes across states, workplaces, and political environments, nonprofit leaders face a pressing operational question: Can the terminology change without weakening the mission? Staffing expert Katie Warnock examines what this means for recruitment, representation, board leadership, and organizational decision-making, and sharing what nonprofit hiring managers are encountering on the front lines of recruitment.Katie has spent 20 years placing professionals throughout the nonprofit and charter school sectors—from development assistants and grant writers to finance staff and interim executive directors. She explains why employers must translate their desire for representation into legitimate job qualifications, organizational systems, and leadership decisions.For example, an organization serving Spanish-speaking families may have a genuine need for a bilingual employee. The appropriate requirement is language proficiency—not a candidate’s ethnicity. As Katie explains, “I am identifying the best candidate, and I’m going to present always the best candidates.”The conversation also challenges organizations that pursue diversity only at entry-level positions while their boards and executive teams remain unchanged. Hiring one person from an underrepresented population cannot substitute for examining who holds authority throughout the organization.Katie, and host Julia Patrick, also discuss how nonprofits are adjusting public language while continuing to serve their communities. Regional differences matter. Words, programs, and communications that are accepted in one state may face resistance or scrutiny in another.Board leadership becomes especially important during these periods. Boards can provide strategic direction, reinforce mission, and help executives respond thoughtfully rather than react fearfully. Katie tells us, “A lot of the trickle-down effect of how an organization adjusts to what’s going on right now is a directive from the board.”The episode closes with encouraging signals for nonprofit leaders. Katie cites approximately $617 billion in charitable giving during 2025, with individuals representing a substantial share. She is also seeing renewed hiring in corporate social responsibility departments—positions that had largely disappeared from many companies several years earlier.Key Takeaways: * Define legitimate job capabilities rather than requesting candidates from a particular demographic.* Representation should extend beyond assistant-level roles into management, executive leadership, and boards.* Review public language without allowing communications caution to weaken mission delivery.* Expect regional differences in employment language, education policy, and organizational

Send us Fan MailHow can nonprofits overcome a scarcity mindset when financial pressure, staffing challenges, and uncertainty dominate the conversation? Jeffrey R. Wilcox of Third Sector Company explains how leaders can move their organizations from survival mode toward community equity, organizational possibility, and renewed hope.Scarcity is not simply the absence of money. It can become a preoccupation that narrows decision-making, weakens confidence, and causes nonprofit teams to overlook the assets already within reach.Jeffrey describes the difference between a financed nonprofit and a truly resourced nonprofit. A resourced organization draws strength from its relationships with employees, volunteers, institutions, donors, community members, and the people who depend on its services. These connections represent equity—and that equity can be leveraged when an organization faces disruption or financial peril.As Jeffrey warns, scarcity “paralyzes our nonprofit sector to become survivalists instead of a sector of possibilities.”This motivating discussion includes the example of a longstanding community festival placed at risk after losing city funding. Instead of concentrating exclusively on finding another major funder, its leaders invited the public to take ownership. Community stories, donated media exposure, and broader participation helped transform the festival from a city-funded event into a community-supported institution.Leadership language is another critical operating asset. Calling an organization a “hot mess” or repeatedly describing every challenge as a problem teaches others to see the organization through that same lens. Leaders can instead acknowledge difficult realities while directing attention toward possibilities, leverage, gratitude, and shared responsibility.This is not an argument for naive optimism. It is a leadership discipline grounded in honest assessment and intentional communication. As Jeffrey says, “The words you use will be part of the legacy that you leave.”This discussion offers a different way to evaluate your organizational resources—and a stronger vocabulary for guiding people through change.Key Takeaways:Scarcity becomes dangerous when it turns financial pressure into organizational paralysis.A resourced nonprofit holds equity in relationships, trust, community ownership, and institutional connections.Leaders should inventory assets beyond the bank account before concluding that options are limited.Repeated leadership language directly influences staff, volunteer, board, and community perceptions.Building broad public ownership may provide greater resilience than relying on one major funding source.Abundance leadership requires honest discussion, shared definit

Send us Fan MailHow often should nonprofits ask for donations without exhausting their supporters? This Fundraisers Friday conversation offers a sharper way to evaluate donor communication frequency, campaign volume, stewardship, segmentation, and the messages being sent between solicitations!Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall challenge a common assumption: frequent communication is not automatically the problem. Tony tells us, “It’s not really that you’re communicating too much. It’s just that what you’re communicating is redundant.”That distinction matters as nonprofit teams plan GivingTuesday, year-end fundraising, direct mail, email campaigns, social media, and Q4 donor outreach. Eight messages may feel excessive internally, but they may reach several carefully segmented audiences rather than landing repeatedly with the same people.The lively convo moves beyond campaign calendars into the operating systems that support stronger donor relationships. Tony recommends using volunteers as communication auditors, scheduling dedicated stewardship time, documenting meaningful touchpoints in the CRM, and reviewing the last 10 communications sent through each channel.One of the most useful ideas is to stop treating donor communication preferences as an all-or-nothing project. Instead of attempting to customize every interaction for every donor, begin with the top 10% of supporters. Learn whether they prefer email, text, phone calls, or direct mail, then expand the process as capacity allows.Tony also shares a simple phrase that can lower anxiety before a larger solicitation: “How would you feel if…?” Rather than immediately requesting a $20,000 commitment or increased gift, the fundraiser can explore the donor’s reaction and readiness. It opens a candid conversation without cornering the donor—or the fundraiser.This episode offers a disciplined way to examine whether their organization is communicating too much, too little, or simply without enough variety and relevance.Key Takeaways:Segment audiences before judging whether campaign frequency is excessive.Monitor unsubscribes, nonresponse, and message repetition—not volume alone.Schedule stewardship activities instead of hoping time appears for them.Record personal donor touchpoints in the CRM to protect institutional knowledge.Begin communication-preference tracking with the top 10% of donors.Audit the last 10 messages in every channel for balance, value, and repeated asks. 00:00:00 Asking Too Often—or Not Enough?00:03:23 Frequency Versus Donor Fatigue00:04:47 Why Audience Segmentation Changes the Answer00:05:45 The Warning Signs of Overcommunication00:06:17 Using Volunteers as Communication Auditors00:08:10 Stewardship Between Fundraising Campaigns00:10:39 Sch

Send us Fan MailMid-level donor strategy for nonprofits is no longer just a fundraising “nice to have.” It is becoming one of the most important business tools for building stronger major donor pipelines, improving donor retention, and making better decisions from the data already sitting inside your CRM.In this episode, Kirsten Wantland, Principal Industry Strategist at Bloomerang, joins Julia Patrick for a lively conversation about the “magic” of mid and major donors—and why that magic depends on structure, ownership, visibility, and disciplined relationship management.Kirsten points to a critical trend: nonprofits may be raising more overall, but more major gift revenue is coming from fewer donors. That means the pipeline is narrowing. As she explains, “It’s not that generosity is decreasing… they’re just coming from less donors.” For nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, CEOs, and board members, that raises a big operational question: are you actively building the next layer of donors, or simply hoping they appear?This discussion moves beyond the old idea that donor portfolios are based only on personal relationships. Kirsten challenges nonprofits to look at donor characteristics, giving patterns, generosity indicators, recurring giving behavior, and relationship touches that actually move someone from mid-level to major giving.She also addresses one of the quiet problems inside many organizations: unclear donor ownership. When relationship knowledge lives in someone’s head—or in a side spreadsheet—it creates risk, confusion, and missed opportunities. “The problem comes down to visibility,” Kirsten says. Your CRM should help your team see who owns the relationship, what has happened, what should happen next, and where the donor may be headed.This is a business conversation about fundraising discipline: analyze your data, define your donor levels based on real giving patterns, revisit your plans often, and shift from quantity-based activity to higher-quality donor cultivation!Key Takeaways:Major gift revenue is increasingly concentrated among fewer donors, making mid-level donor pipeline strategy more urgent.Donor portfolio ownership should be based on giving behavior, motivation, and capacity—not only personal relationships.CRM visibility helps prevent relationship confusion, staff transition risk, and hidden donor management gaps.Nonprofits should define mid-level and major donor thresholds using their own data, sector benchmarks, and realistic growth goals.Fundraising plans should be reviewed regularly so teams can adjust campaigns before revenue gaps become emergencies.Higher ROI comes from more intentional donor cultivation, not simply increasing the number of mailers, touches, or asks. 00:00:00 Welc

Send us Fan MailNonprofit strategic planning software is changing how leaders, boards, and fundraisers build plans that actually guide decisions. Sophia Shaw, co-founder of Plan Perfect, explains why the old “plan on a shelf” model no longer fits the business of nonprofits.Sophia brings deep sector experience as former CEO of the Chicago Botanic Garden, former leader of the nonprofit board governance program at Kellogg, and a nonprofit board chair. Her message is direct: strategic planning needs to live, move, and help organizations navigate change.In this conversation, Sophia explains how Plan Perfect helps nonprofits move from first surveys to finished plans while also connecting planning to enterprise risk management. Instead of building a document once and leaving it untouched, nonprofit leaders can use dashboards, AI-supported surveys, risk tools, tabletop exercises, and real-time updates to keep strategy connected to daily work.For fundraisers, this shift is especially important. Sophia says, “To have a strategic plan is to give your fundraisers the ability to know what they’re raising money for.” That one sentence carries real business value. If fundraisers cannot clearly describe priorities, goals, and impact, donor conversations become harder than they need to be.This lively discussion also addresses cost and timeline. Sophia compares traditional planning processes that may take nine months and cost $50,000 with a newer approach that can happen in two to three months for up to $4,800 before added consulting support. Another major theme is safe AI adoption. Sophia warns that nonprofits should not place donor, visitor, clinic, or constituent data into open AI systems without safeguards. The opportunity is powerful, but the responsibility is just as real.Key Takeaways:* Strategic plans should be updated regularly and used as management tools, not ceremonial documents.* Fundraisers need clear organizational priorities to support donor conversations and multi-year giving.* Three-year plans are becoming common, while six-month and one-year plans can help nonprofits respond faster.* Surveys can bring thousands of constituent voices into planning and reduce boardroom disconnect.* AI can help nonprofits leap forward, but sensitive data must remain protected.* Donors and foundations may begin asking harder questions about plans, goals, and execution. 00:00:00 Welcome to The Nonprofit Show 00:02:00 What Plan Perfect Does for Nonprofits 00:02:50 Sophia Shaw’s Journey Through Nonprofit Leadership 00:04:22 Why Traditional Strategic Planning Must End 00:05:49 How Boards Respond to New Planning Tools 00:08:54 Giving Nonprofit Leaders Their Own Voice 00:09:49 Rethinking Planning Timelines

Send us Fan MailHow can nonprofits build community support for after-school programs while creating measurable value for children, families, funders, and local leaders? JonPaul Reed, founder and executive director of Pure Momentum Group and founder of Athlete University, shares how the hours between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. can become a powerful platform for youth development and stronger communities.The school day may end before parents finish working, but JonPaul sees that gap as much more than a supervision problem. It is an opportunity to build work ethic, decision-making, teamwork, leadership, communication skills, and what he calls “monetizable skill sets.”“We’re either taking advantage of that window or we’re not,” he explains.JonPaul also examines how youth sports have become increasingly driven by money, exclusivity, and winning. For nonprofit leaders, his warning is clear: programs must remain grounded in access, developmental outcomes, and the needs of young people—not simply the ambitions of adults.The conversation moves from program philosophy into the business of running and growing a youth-serving nonprofit. JonPaul discusses building parent buy-in, choosing the right time for difficult conversations, maintaining organizational paperwork, meeting with commissioners, submitting proposals, developing municipal relationships, and presenting a program in language decision-makers understand.His experience also shows why passion alone is not enough. Nonprofits need a defined model, consistent follow-up, credible documentation, accessible leadership, and a message that community partners can quickly understand. As JonPaul advises, “Package your product and package it well, and also get the right person to speak for you.”For nonprofit executives, program directors, board members, coaches, and community leaders, this episode offers a candid look at how mission, culture, communication, and operational discipline work together to create sustainable youth programs.Key Takeaways:* Treat the 3-to-6 p.m. period as a youth-development and workforce-readiness opportunity—not merely a childcare gap.* Build parent participation through timely, honest communication and shared accountability.* Define developmental outcomes before allowing competition, revenue, or adult expectations to shape the program.* Establish tax-exempt status, documentation, proposals, and operating records before approaching major partners.* Translate personal passion into a clear model that public officials, businesses, and funders can understand.* Delegate communications and introductions when another team member can position the organization more effectively.00:00:00 Why the 3-to-6 PM Window Matters00:02:31 B

Send us Fan MailNonprofit leadership training through role play offers teams a different way to confront difficult decisions, build trust, and retain what they learn. Tim Sarrantonio, founder and chief designer of The Generosity Spectrum, introduces a collaborative educational gaming system created specifically for nonprofit professionals, boards, and the communities they serve.Rather than asking participants to sit through another lecture, the Generosity Roundtable places people inside realistic organizational situations. Players adopt generosity archetypes, explore competing priorities, and work toward consensus through guided storytelling.Tim says the goal is simple: “If it feels like work, we’re doing it wrong.”The episode examines a persistent operational challenge across the sector: professional development is often expensive, passive, or inaccessible. Tim notes that 97% of nonprofits operate with less than $5 million in annual revenue, leaving many organizations with limited training budgets and little time for traditional programs.The Generosity Roundtable is designed to begin with as few as three people and support groups of up to ten. A session can help teams explore issues such as stalled engagement, technology decisions, board dynamics, donor conversations, and organizational trust—in roughly 20 minutes.Tim also explains why active participation may produce stronger recall than lectures, books, and webinars. By rehearsing decisions in a protected setting, nonprofit professionals can test ideas, examine assumptions, and prepare for situations ranging from boardroom conflict to foundation presentations.As Tim explains, “We win by agreeing with each other.” That consensus-based structure encourages participants to listen, negotiate, and understand why colleagues approach the same issue differently.The conversation also explores the business model behind the project, including fiscal sponsorship, corporate underwriting, accessible pricing, and community-based distribution.Key Takeaways:Role play allows nonprofit teams to rehearse difficult decisions without risking real organizational consequences.The experience can begin with three participants and expand to groups of ten.Twenty-minute sessions are designed for time-constrained nonprofit professionals and boards.Consensus-based gameplay strengthens listening, trust, negotiation, and shared decision-making.Corporate partners can underwrite access without turning participants into marketing leads.A shared library of verified game sessions could spread ideas across organizations, regions, and conferences.00:00:00 A New Approach to Nonprofit Leadership Training00:02:17 Tim Sarrantonio’s Journey Into Nonprofit Educ

Send us Fan MailHow many auction items should a nonprofit gala have? Jason A. Champion of Winspire shares a measurable nonprofit gala auction strategy for selecting stronger items, creating bidding urgency, and protecting fundraising revenue.The answer begins before guests enter the ballroom. Rather than assuming which trips, experiences, or packages donors will want, Jason recommends surveying ticket holders, sponsors, and supporters before the event. A simple five-question form can reveal interest in sporting events, beach destinations, city experiences, international travel, and dream locations.That early input gives nonprofits something invaluable: evidence that potential bidders have already raised their hands.Jason also challenges the belief that every donated item belongs in the auction. As he puts it, “Just because it was donated doesn’t mean you need to use it.” Quality, pricing range, audience fit, and presentation matter more than filling every table with merchandise.The episode provides several concrete nonprofit auction benchmarks. For a silent auction, Jason recommends approximately one item for every four to five attendees. A room of 350 to 400 guests, for example, may need roughly 40 carefully chosen items—not 150 choices that overwhelm bidders.For a live auction, he recommends one or two major tentpole experiences plus two or three supporting items, with no more than six total. He also advises offering opportunities across a wide financial range, from approximately $500 to $20,000, so the auction reflects the giving capacity represented in the room.Staffing is equally important. A trained benefit auctioneer can read the audience, communicate the mission, manage momentum, and relieve executive and development leaders who have been asking for money all year. “Hope is not a business plan,” Jason warns.Technology should simplify registration, mobile bidding, checkout, and payment processing. However, the live paddle raise should remain visible and immediate because public participation creates social proof, energy, and additional giving.Key TakeawaysSurvey donors before selecting auction experiences or packages.Plan roughly one silent-auction item for every four to five attendees.Limit the live auction to six focused, high-value opportunities.Build an auction portfolio spanning approximately $500 to $20,000.Use a professional benefit auctioneer to protect momentum and revenue.Modernize bidding and checkout while keeping the paddle raise visible.#NonprofitFundraising #NonprofitGala #TheNonprofitShow00:00:00 How Many Auction Items Does a Gala Need?00:02:34 How Winspire Supports Nonprofit Auctions00:05:07 Finding the Perfect Auction Item<br/

Send us Fan MailNonprofit revenue growth requires more than another campaign, gala, or grant application. John Abrahamson, CFO and COO of Action Council, shares how nonprofits can connect earned revenue, contributed revenue, program priorities, financial literacy, and organizational culture within one stronger business strategy.Action Council provides infrastructure and fiscal sponsorship for approximately 30 smaller organizations delivering healthcare, education, and other community services in Monterey County. Drawing from this work—and his leadership experience with organizations including the National Geographic Society and Monterey Bay Aquarium—John challenges the siloed approach that often separates finance, fundraising, programming, and earned revenue.His recommendation is direct: examine every activity according to its required resources and measurable contribution to the mission.“You can actually have higher impact by doing fewer programs that have the most impact toward your stated mission,” John tells us.The conversation explores how mission creep develops, why finance leaders must understand what happens beyond the spreadsheet, and how financial literacy can reduce fear across departments. The discussion also introduces the “Bubba Gump Effect”—the idea that organizations may face greater danger by tying themselves to the shore and waiting for conditions to improve than by moving directly into change. Using Blue Ocean Strategy principles, John encourages nonprofit leaders to question inherited business models and explore revenue opportunities outside crowded, familiar territory.Another major lesson is the difference between plate cost and true cost. A fundraising gala may appear profitable until staff time, insurance, technology, facilities, operational disruption, and missed opportunities are included. As John asks, was the squeeze worth the juice?Ultimately, disciplined financial decisions depend on trust, communication, and consistent leadership. “It’s sometimes more compassionate to say no than it is to say yes and not be able to fully fulfill.” Key Takeaways:* Integrate earned and contributed revenue into one organizational strategy.* Compare each program’s resource requirements with its contribution to mission.* Include labor, overhead, disruption, and opportunity cost when evaluating events.* Build financial literacy before asking employees to accept difficult decisions.* Use periods of change to reconsider legacy processes and revenue models.* Earn organizational trust through consistent, visible leadership behavior.00:00:00 Creative Approaches to Nonprofit Revenue Growth00:01:31 How Fiscal Sponsorship Provides Business Infrastructure<b

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when one of your best donors gives far more to another nonprofit? These major donor stewardship strategies can help your organization move beyond frustration, learn what influenced the gift, and build stronger opportunities for future investment.On this Fundraisers Friday conversation, Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall confront a painful fundraising reality: a donor may care about your mission, possess considerable giving capacity, and still make their transformational or legacy gift somewhere else!The wrong response is indignation. The stronger business response is curiosity, gratitude, and an honest review of the donor relationship.Tony advises nonprofit leaders to look beyond their internal database and understand a donor’s broader philanthropic activity. “Invest some time in really understanding the full profile of your donor, not just the profile that exists within your organization.”That knowledge can reveal why another organization received the larger commitment. Perhaps there was a matching opportunity, a clearly defined project, a compelling future vision, or simply a direct invitation your nonprofit never extended.The conversation also addresses a common fundraising weakness: under-asking. Rather than surprising a donor with an oversized request, Tony recommends testing the opportunity through language such as, “How would you feel if I asked you to double your investment?” This creates room for an honest response while connecting the proposed gift to measurable community impact.Julia reinforces the importance of giving donors something meaningful to fund: “If we can get your investment, we can do this.” The discussion moves fundraising away from building organizational coffers and toward financing visible results.The co-hosts also examine legacy gifts, balancing immediate fundraising needs with long-term sustainability, and handling donors who expect board influence in exchange for financial support. Key Takeaways:Study donors’ broader philanthropic activity, not only their history with your organization.Celebrate gifts to peer nonprofits before asking what motivated the decision.Connect larger requests to specific programs, outcomes, and people served.Test donor readiness before presenting a formal major-gift request.Discuss legacy giving with donors across a wider range of ages.Use a written gift policy to prevent donations from becoming board-level pay-to-play arrangements.00:00:00 When Your Best Donor Gives Somewhere Else00:02:59 Looking Beyond Your Internal Donor Data00:04:05 Celebrate the Other Gift—and Learn From It00:06:38 Moving a Loyal Donor Toward a Major Gift00:08:00 Share the Strategic Plan and Future Vision00:09

Send us Fan MailHow AI saves time for nonprofits depends far less on the excitement surrounding the technology and far more on the quality of the organization’s data, workflows, and financial controls. Buu-Linh Tran, Senior Vice President of Financial Solutions at JMT Consulting, and Torbjorn Nilsen, Director of Business Solutions at DATABASICS, explain where AI can deliver measurable value—and where nonprofit leaders should proceed carefully.The conversation moves beyond broad promises about efficiency and into the daily work of nonprofit finance operations. Data entry, receipt review, expense coding, compliance checks, anomaly detection, and financial reporting are all areas where technology can reduce repetitive work and help employees focus on higher-value decisions.One example shows how AI can examine an itemized receipt, recognize an alcohol brand, and flag a potentially unallowable expense. It can also identify spending drift, unusual fund-code activity, or patterns that may be missed when transactions are reviewed individually.But automation is not the same as control.As Torbjorn cautions, “We can’t let the machine control. The control still has to be there.” AI should help nonprofit teams surface concerns and direct attention—not make unchecked financial decisions.Buu-Linh offers another important reality check: “Look at the basics first—look at tools that help you streamline your operations.” Poor data, inconsistent coding, and inefficient processes do not become reliable simply because AI has been added.The guests also discuss natural-language reporting, which could allow managers to ask direct questions such as, “How much have we spent on this conference?” or “Are supply costs higher than last year?” Instead of learning a complicated reporting system, users may receive the information they need in plain language.JMT Consulting has served nonprofit organizations since 1991 and currently supports more than 2,300 nonprofits. DATABASICS has worked with nonprofit organizations since the mid-1990s, helping manage time, expenses, grants, and workforce processes.Key Takeaways:Begin with the operational problem—not the desire to adopt AI.Clean, consistent data is essential for reliable AI-generated analysis.Data entry and high-volume receipt processing are strong automation opportunities.AI can flag anomalies, unallowable costs, spending drift, and questionable fund coding.Natural-language reporting can make financial information more accessible to non-finance managers.Human oversight, privacy controls, and cross-department collaboration remain essential.00:00:00 Where Does AI Genuinely Save Time?00:01:50 JMT Consulting a

Send us Fan MailNonprofit prospect research beyond wealth screening requires more than locating wealthy people. It means finding funders with the capacity, mission alignment, and relationship connections that can lead to a credible fundraising conversation.Shahar Brukner, Co-Founder, President, and CRO of Impala Digital, explains why traditional nonprofit wealth screening often leaves development teams with plenty of data—but no clear path to a donor.Shahar organizes effective prospect research around three business priorities: capacity, alignment, and relationships. A prospective donor may possess enormous wealth, but that does not mean the person supports your cause, makes gifts at the level you need, or can be reached through someone they trust.As Shahar explains, “If someone has a relationship to my organization through the board or through a donor…they automatically become a prospect.”Impala has assembled public nonprofit and philanthropic data reaching back to 2014. Shahar says its platform includes information on approximately 16 million people and more than 213 million connections, serving over 10,000 nonprofits and nearly 2,000 foundations, grantmakers, and advisors.The conversation also examines how AI may make genuine relationships even more important.  Shahar offers: “If it gets very easy to communicate with someone…then the level of connection needs to go up.”This episode offers a sharper way to evaluate prospects, activate board networks, approach funders respectfully, and turn data into a disciplined relationship-building strategy.Key Takeaways:Evaluate prospects through capacity, mission alignment, and relationships—not estimated wealth alone.Replace “Who do you know?” with specific, researched introduction requests for board members.Prioritize connected prospects before chasing the largest foundations or wealthiest individuals.Treat an initial gift as the beginning of a longer cultivation and stewardship process.Record donor intelligence and relationship history accurately in the organization’s CRM.Expect AI-generated application volume to push some funders toward invitation-based or relationship-led grantmaking.00:00:00 Who Can Really Fund Your Nonprofit?00:01:43 Building a Data Platform for Philanthropy00:03:02 When a Three-Month Fundraising Plan Takes 18 Months00:05:14 Where Traditional Wealth Screening Falls Short00:06:43 Capacity, Alignment, and Relationships00:10:34 Why Board Connections Remain Underused00:11:17 Stop Asking Board Members “Who Do You Know?”00:12:40 Mapping the Nonprofit Sector’s Relationship Network00:16:10 Start With Connected Prospects, Not the Biggest Funders<

Send us Fan MailWhat is the state of the nonprofit sector in 2026—and can organizations sustain rising demand while protecting their workforce, leadership pipeline, and financial strength? Dr. Akilah Watkins, President and CEO of Independent Sector, joins us for a far-reaching conversation about the business conditions shaping America’s 1.9 million charitable nonprofits.Nonprofits continue to hold one of the strongest positions of public trust among American institutions. Dr. Watkins reports that 57% of Americans express very high or favorable trust toward nonprofits. Yet that confidence exists alongside increasing pressure: weakened public safety nets, a more difficult government relationship, rising service demand, workforce exhaustion, and a major leadership transition.The workforce numbers require serious attention. Nearly 13.9 million Americans work for charitable nonprofits, and approximately two-thirds are women. Nationally, about 22% of full-time nonprofit employees do not earn enough to cover their bills. As Dr. Watkins explains, nonprofit organizations compete for human capital just like every other sector. Compensation, retirement security, leadership development, and workplace culture are not side issues. They determine whether organizations can retain institutional knowledge, attract future executives, and continue meeting community needs.“If we want leaders for the future, we have to invest in leadership today,” she says.The conversation also examines the nonprofit sector’s role in nonpartisan voter engagement. Research cited during the episode indicates that voter participation increases by approximately 10% when nonprofits are involved. With fewer than 40% of Americans actively volunteering, civic engagement is becoming an operational concern as well as a community concern.“The work that we do has been deeply invisible, but extremely felt personally by Americans,” Dr. Watkins explains.This is a sector-level business conversation for nonprofit executives, board members, fundraisers, advocates, and managers responsible for building organizations that can endure.Key Takeaways:Public trust is a major nonprofit asset, but organizations must connect that trust to stronger advocacy and clearer public storytelling.Workforce sustainability requires competitive compensation, retirement access, professional development, and realistic workload expectations.Approximately 22% of full-time nonprofit employees nationally cannot earn enough to cover their basic bills.Leadership succession must begin before senior executives retire and institutional knowledge leaves the organization.Managing as many as five workplace generations requires updated leadership and communication practices.Nonpartisan v

Send us Fan MailHow nonprofits can improve AI visibility is quickly becoming a fundraising and revenue question—not merely a marketing concern. As donors increasingly use AI search tools and workplace-giving platforms to decide which organizations to support, nonprofits must ensure their mission, impact, financial credibility, and organizational information can be found and understood.Catherine LaCour, CEO and Executive Director of the Blackbaud Giving Fund, joins The Nonprofit Show to explain how donor discovery is changing and what nonprofit leaders should do now.The Blackbaud Giving Fund has distributed nearly $3 billion since 2020 to approximately 300,000 nonprofit organizations worldwide. That experience gives Catherine a broad view of how donors, companies, technology platforms, and nonprofits are connecting.“If AI cannot find clear and accurate information about the nonprofit organization, then the donor’s not going to find it either,” Catherine explains.Nonprofit AI search optimization begins with the fundamentals: clear language, current organizational information, credible impact reporting, and consistency across websites, social channels, workplace-giving profiles, and other digital platforms. Catherine recommends writing so that a middle-school student can quickly understand who the organization serves, what it does, and what results it produces.The conversation also explores AI strategies for nonprofit fundraising. AI can analyze donor behavior, assist with segmentation, strengthen personalization, draft stewardship communications, and reduce administrative work. But Catherine cautions organizations to treat AI like an intern: it can produce a useful first draft, but human review remains essential.Workplace giving represents another major opportunity. Approximately 27 million donors participate in workplace programs, contributing about $5 billion in 2023. Nonprofits that fail to claim, complete, and update their profiles may be missing donors who are already motivated to give.Catherine’s advice is direct: start simple, but start now. Test what AI says about your organization, correct information gaps, clean your donor data, and choose one internal task where AI can create immediate capacity.Key Takeaways:AI visibility should become an ongoing organizational process, similar to donor stewardship.Mission, impact, leadership, and program information must remain consistent across every digital channel.Success stories and impact reports help AI systems understand and prioritize an organization.Clean donor data is essential for accurate segmentation, personalization, and fundraising analysis.Completed workplace-giving profiles can unlock employee donations, matching gifts, and recurring payroll

Send us Fan MailNonprofit CEO fundraising responsibility is not optional when fiscal health, donor relationships, and organizational sustainability are on the line. In this Fundraisers Friday episode, Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall take on a tough leadership question: what happens when a nonprofit CEO won’t fundraise?This conversation goes straight to the business of nonprofits. Tony makes the case that even if a CEO is not making daily asks, every CEO carries responsibility for the organization’s financial health. As he puts it, “I can’t imagine there is a job description for a CEO where there isn’t some level of fiscal responsibility for the organization.”Julia and Tony explore how fundraising expectations should appear in CEO job descriptions, how boards should manage give-or-get commitments, and why fundraising cannot remain isolated inside the development department. A strong culture of philanthropy requires more than slogans. It requires transparent communication, shared ownership, and consistent reporting.Tony defines a healthy culture of philanthropy as one where “everyone in the organization understands their role in advancing the mission.” That shift changes the internal story from “development goes to lunches” to “relationship building is part of revenue strategy.”The episode also addresses board accountability, CEO coaching, donor management systems, dashboards, KPIs, and the need for monthly or quarterly fundraising reporting. If fundraising results are only reviewed at year-end, leaders lose the chance to pivot, repair gaps, or support staff and board members before the damage is done.Key Takeaways:Every nonprofit CEO should carry clear responsibility for fiscal health, even if they are not the primary solicitor.CEO job descriptions should include oversight, leadership, and support of the development function.Board give-or-get expectations need active tracking by the CEO and board chair—not vague annual reminders.A culture of philanthropy depends on mission communication, gratitude, relationship-building, and shared ownership.Fundraising dashboards should be reviewed monthly when possible, and at least quarterly.Donor management systems help clarify touchpoints, ownership, KPIs, and revenue attribution. 00:00:00 Welcome 00:02:37 Should CEO Job Descriptions Require Fundraising? 00:04:35 Linking CEO Oversight to Development Team Goals 00:06:39 Where Board Fundraising Responsibility Fits 00:08:10 Managing Board Give-or-Get Commitments 00:10:17 Defining a Real Culture of Philanthropy 00:13:59 Sharing Fundraising Plans Without Creating Fear 00:17:37 Can Reluctant CEOs Learn to Fundraise? 00:20:44 Reframing Fundraising Around Relationships 00:22:19 Tracking CEO Fundraising Through KPI

Send us Fan MailMindset as an operational skill for nonprofit leaders is becoming one of the most important conversations in nonprofit management. As burnout, decision fatigue, and constant change impact organizations across the sector, leaders are discovering that resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness are not optional—they are essential business competencies.The Nonprofit Show sits down with Karli-Rose McIntyre, Training Content Manager at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), to explore why mindset should be viewed as organizational infrastructure rather than personal development.Karli-Rose shares what leaders are really asking for. While technical topics like accounting, compliance, grants, and technology remain important, many nonprofit executives are searching for guidance around decision-making, connection, resilience, and navigating uncertainty.The discussion examines how artificial intelligence is accelerating the shift from transactional work to relationship-driven leadership. As automation handles more routine tasks, nonprofit leaders must strengthen the uniquely human skills that technology cannot replace.As Karli-Rose shares. .  "I think when we start treating mindset as not just a nice-to-have item, but instead as infrastructure, then that's when those human skills, like creativity, like resilience, like connection, start to come out and play."The conversation also addresses nonprofit CEO burnout, organizational communication challenges between finance and development teams, emotional intelligence, and how leaders can create space for better decision-making amid constant demands.Karli-Rose closes with a powerful leadership reminder: "Replace the fear of the unknown with curiosity."For nonprofit executives, finance leaders, fundraisers, board members, and emerging professionals, this episode offers a fresh perspective on building stronger organizations from the inside out. Key Takeaways: • Approximately half of nonprofit CEOs report concern about burnout levels, making leadership sustainability a strategic issue. • Leaders increasingly seek support with decision-making, connection, and resilience—not just technical training. • AI is increasing the value of human-centered skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building. • Mindset influences every leadership action, from budgeting and policy creation to team management and organizational culture. • Strong collaboration between finance, fundraising, and operations requires empathy, storytelling, and shared understanding. • Creativity and resilience can be developed intentionally and may help counter burnout and decision fatigue.00:00:00 Welcome & Why Mindset Matters00:02:09 Karli

Send us Fan MailNonprofit donor behavior trends in 2026 are revealing something unexpected: generosity is alive and well! The challenge isn't donor willingness to give—it's whether nonprofits are making it easy, clear, and compelling for supporters to take action.We welcome Mary Crogan, Vice President of Brand Marketing at Bloomerang, to discuss findings from the newly released Giving Signals Report. Based on research conducted with more than 1,000 donors and 405 fundraisers, the report challenges many assumptions about today's fundraising environment.The data shows that donors remain highly motivated to support causes they care about. In fact, 97% give because they care about their communities, 96% want to make a difference, and 92% say giving is part of who they are.As Mary explains, "The fact is, donors are actually ready. They want to give. The question is whether the organizations are positioned to engage and receive that generosity."The conversation explores how nonprofits can bridge the gap between caring and giving through greater clarity, stronger impact communication, and a smoother donor experience.One of the most striking findings? Seventy percent of donors say a tipping prompt could cause them to reconsider giving altogether, while 79% say unexpected fees create hesitation. These are preventable barriers that may be costing organizations revenue every day.The discussion also highlights the growing influence of millennial donors. Seventy-five percent plan to increase their giving this year, while 80% intend to support at least one new nonprofit.Mary offers a simple but powerful challenge for nonprofit leaders:“Can someone who comes to your site answer these questions in less than 30 seconds: What does this organization do? Who do they serve? Where does the money go? And is it working?"If your organization wants to strengthen donor trust, improve fundraising results, and better understand how donor expectations are evolving, this conversation delivers important research and valuable perspective.Key Takeaways• 97% of donors care deeply about their communities and remain motivated to give.• 94% are more likely to donate when organizations clearly explain where funds go.• 70% of donors may reconsider giving when presented with tipping prompts.• 79% say unexpected fees negatively impact their willingness to complete a gift.• 75% of millennials plan to increase their giving this year and 80% will support a new nonprofit.• Transparent reporting, visible impact, and frictionless giving experiences are becoming major competitive advantages. 00:00:00 Introduction to the Giving Signals Report 00:02:00 What 1,000 Donors Revealed About Giving 00:04:00 Generosity Is Shiftin

Send us Fan MailNonprofit CEO succession planning is no longer a future issue—it’s a current business challenge. As leadership turnover accelerates across the sector, boards and executives must rethink how they identify, recruit, and support the next generation of nonprofit CEOs.Dana Scurlock, Managing Director at Staffing Boutique, joins Julia Patrick and Sherry Quam Taylor to discuss what organizations should be looking for when hiring a CEO and how leadership expectations are changing.With research indicating that approximately 75% of nonprofit leaders are expected to retire by 2036, organizations face a major transition that will impact fundraising, operations, culture, and long-term sustainability. Dana explores why successful CEOs must be more than administrators—they must be communicators, relationship builders, and visionary leaders who can represent the mission externally while helping position the organization for future growth.As Dana explains, "A CEO is a visionary, an orator, somebody that's out representing the organization elsewhere and helping the organization grow."The conversation also examines the growing need to separate operational leadership from external leadership responsibilities. Many organizations are exploring structures that pair a forward-facing CEO with strong operational leadership to improve effectiveness, fundraising capacity, and organizational resilience.Dana also offers guidance on one of the biggest board-level decisions nonprofits face: whether to promote from within or recruit externally. The answer depends on the organization's goals, culture, and future vision—but boards must first define where they want the organization to go."If you haven't defined it yet, where do we want to be? And if you don't have the answer to that, therein lies where the first leg of the work needs to come."Whether you're a board member, executive director, CEO, or nonprofit leadership candidate, this discussion offers valuable insight into preparing your organization for the next decade of change.Key Takeaways:Approximately 75% of nonprofit leaders are expected to retire by 2036, creating significant succession planning challenges.Effective nonprofit CEOs increasingly serve as visionaries, communicators, and public ambassadors for the mission.Boards should consider separating operational leadership and external leadership responsibilities as organizations grow.Professional fundraising expertise allows CEOs to focus on growth, partnerships, and strategic positioning.Internal and external CEO candidates both offer advantages; organizational goals should drive the decision.Leadership transitions should be accompanied by a clear narrative that explains the organization's future direc

Send us Fan MailNonprofit interim leadership strategy is becoming essential as organizations face CEO retirements, founder exits, leadership fatigue, and urgent succession decisions. Joan Brown, COO of Third Sector Company, explains how interim leadership can help nonprofit boards move beyond crisis hiring and use transition as a business-strengthening opportunity.Joan frames the conversation around four powerful words: purposeful, methodical, profound, and transformational. Each word helps nonprofit leaders rethink what should happen between one leader leaving and the next leader stepping in.Rather than treating interim leadership as someone “keeping the lights on,” Joan describes it as a structured process that prepares the organization for long-term leadership success. As she says, “The purpose is to right set the organization for its next leader.”This episode is especially valuable for nonprofit boards, executive teams, funders, and managers who are navigating CEO succession planning, founder transitions, leadership burnout, or executive search readiness. Joan explains why many organizations need an intentional pause—especially after a long-term or legacy leader leaves. Without that space, the next leader may inherit unresolved culture issues, unclear priorities, board confusion, or outdated operating systems.A key business insight from the conversation: Third Sector Company’s average interim placement is about nine months, because meaningful transition work requires assessment, alignment, stakeholder participation, and organizational readiness.Joan also challenges nonprofits to think in 90-day planning increments, rather than relying only on three- to five-year strategic plans. This shorter planning rhythm can help organizations focus on immediate priorities while still preparing for the future.As Joan puts it, “Let me as an interim deal with the things that aren’t working so that when you invest in hiring a permanent person, it’s going to work for them.”For nonprofit professionals, this conversation is not just about interim executives. It is about governance, culture, operations, staff structure, board courage, and the discipline required to make leadership transitions count.Key Takeaways:Interim leadership should move the organization forward, not simply protect the status quo.A transparent assessment creates a shared reality for boards, staff, funders, and stakeholders.Average interim placements may take around nine months because succession readiness is deeper than hiring.Founder and legacy leader transitions often require space before a permanent successor can thrive.90-day planning cycles can help nonprofits respond faster while staying mission-aligned.Transformation may show up

Send us Fan MailNonprofit donor engagement strategies for 2026 are changing rapidly as donor expectations, technology, and economic realities reshape fundraising. Kimberly O'Donnell, Chief Fundraising Officer at Bonterra, shares fresh research and practical insights from Bonterra's 2026 Impact Report to help nonprofit leaders build stronger donor relationships and sustainable revenue growth.For decades, charitable giving and volunteerism have remained largely stagnant at approximately 2.5% of GDP. Bonterra's ambitious "3% by 2033" initiative aims to change that by helping organizations increase annual giving through smarter engagement, recurring donor programs, volunteer activation, and responsible use of artificial intelligence.Kimberly explains why recurring giving may be one of the most important opportunities available to nonprofits today. Rather than continuously replacing one-time donors, organizations can build predictable revenue streams by encouraging monthly and annual commitments from supporters who already care deeply about the mission.The conversation also explores a growing challenge facing the sector: donor dollars are increasing while donor participation continues to decline. According to Bonterra's research, 43% of respondents reported they cannot afford to give more in today's economic environment. That reality requires nonprofits to create new pathways for engagement through volunteerism, advocacy, micro-volunteering opportunities, and personalized communication."We have what we call dollars up, donors down."Kimberly also discusses how AI is moving beyond simple content creation and becoming a strategic tool for donor segmentation, campaign planning, data analysis, and supporter engagement. One organization highlighted in the report increased annual appeal revenue by 41% after integrating AI into its fundraising campaign strategy."When we treat them as individuals and not as segments, donors feel it."Whether you're a nonprofit executive, fundraiser, board member, or development professional, this episode offers valuable perspective on where fundraising is heading and how organizations can prepare for the next era of donor engagement. 00:00:00 Introduction: New Rules of Donor Engagement 00:02:24 Inside Bonterra's 2026 Impact Report 00:05:32 Why Giving Has Stalled at 2.5% of GDP 00:08:21 The Power of Recurring Donor Programs 00:12:53 Donors Are Down While Dollars Rise 00:14:13 Personalization and Rebuilding Donor Trust 00:16:04 Why AI Will Change How Donors Give 00:18:22 Using AI to Improve Fundraising Results 00:19:58 Volunteerism as a Growth Strategy 00:23:35 Building an Innovation Mindset in Nonprofits 00:25:09 How AI Increased Fundraising Revenue by 41% 00:2

Send us Fan MailWhen resources are limited, nonprofits often assume they need more funding. But what if scarcity is actually the catalyst for stronger partnerships? In this episode, Van Ton-Quinlivan, Founder and CEO of Futuro Health, shares how nonprofits, employers, educators, and community organizations can align around common goals to solve workforce challenges and create lasting social impact.If you're searching for nonprofit partnership strategies that create measurable impact, this conversation delivers a powerful framework for building coalitions, aligning stakeholders, and solving complex workforce challenges.Organizations can achieve more by working together rather than operating in isolation. As healthcare systems across the country face critical workforce shortages, Futuro Health has built a nationally recognized model that brings employers, educational institutions, and community organizations together to develop credentialed healthcare workers at scale.Throughout the discussion, Van explains why "workforce development is a team sport, not an individual sport" and how successful collaborations depend on every partner contributing what they do best. Rather than attempting to solve every problem internally, organizations can "braid" resources, expertise, funding, and relationships to create outcomes that no single organization could achieve alone.The conversation explores the demographic realities driving workforce shortages, including Van's memorable "12-7-4" framework that illustrates the shrinking ratio of working-age adults supporting an aging population. For nonprofit leaders, this serves as a powerful example of how to communicate complex challenges in a way that inspires action.Viewers will also learn how leaders can create urgency, build coalition support, establish common ground among diverse stakeholders, and guide organizations through change. Van shares lessons from leading major workforce initiatives, growing public investment, and helping Futuro Health achieve nearly 90% program completion rates while serving adult learners across multiple states.One of the most compelling insights comes when Van explains: "The role of a leader is really to figure out where the common grounds are when you're building cross-sector collaboration."Whether you're building community partnerships, launching workforce programs, leading organizational change, or seeking innovative ways to expand impact despite limited resources, this episode offers valuable leadership lessons for the business of nonprofits.  00:00:00 Introduction to Futuro Health 00:01:41 Solving the Healthcare Workforce Crisis 00:06:37 The 12-7-4 Demographic Reality 00:09:27 Why Scarcity Creates Better Partnerships 00:10:31 The Three-Legged St

Send us Fan MailNonprofit marketing strategy using neuroscience can help organizations create messages that earn attention, build trust, and move donors toward engagement. Sally Mildren, CEO and Chief Strategist of CommonWell Marketing, shares why effective nonprofit marketing starts with how the human brain filters, feels, trusts, and decides.For nonprofit leaders working with limited time, staff, and budgets, this conversation offers a sharper way to think about marketing performance. Sally explains that the brain is processing millions of bits of information every second, which means nonprofits have only a brief window to become relevant. As she puts it, “You have two to 8 seconds to make yourself relevant before the brain decides this isn’t for me.”That reality changes how organizations should approach email subject lines, social posts, fundraising appeals, web copy, and donor communications. Instead of starting with the organization’s name, logo, or internal priorities, Sally encourages nonprofits to lead with the audience’s need, emotion, and sense of recognition.The episode also challenges the common habit of trying to reach everyone with the same message. Sally makes the business case for segmentation, saying, “One-size-fits-all messaging cannot work in today’s attention economy.” For nonprofits, that means stronger donor engagement often comes from being brave enough to focus on the right audience, not the largest audience.Sally also digs into trust, consistency, recognition versus representation, and the danger of message overload. Nonprofits often try to say everything at once — every program, every giving option, every reason to care. But the brain can only absorb so much. A simpler message, repeated consistently across channels, can build familiarity, safety, and confidence.This is a master class for nonprofit executives, fundraisers, marketers, board members, and communicators who want their messaging to work harder without shouting louder. The lesson is clear: marketing is not just about visibility. It is about relevance, trust, clarity, and alignment with mission. 00:00:00 Welcome: The Neuroscience of Donor Giving and Marketing 00:01:39 Meet Sally Mildren of CommonWell Marketing 00:03:01 The 2-to-8 Second Rule for Nonprofit Messaging 00:05:28 Why Email Subject Lines Still Matter 00:06:37 Emotion Comes Before Logic in Donor Decisions 00:08:47 Why One-Size-Fits-All Messaging Fails 00:11:12 The Courage to Stop Marketing to Everyone 00:12:32 Trust, Safety, and the Donor Brain 00:16:56 Recognition vs. Representation in Marketing 00:19:27 Finding the Right Audience Instead of Chasing Everyone 00:21:44 Start With Mission Before Choosing the Message 00:25:49 Why Simpler Messages

Send us Fan MailNonprofit crisis fundraising strategy is not about making every donor message sound urgent—it is about knowing when urgency is real, how to communicate it honestly, and how to keep donor trust intact. In this Fundraisers Friday episode, Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall take on one of the most familiar fundraising habits in the sector: the constant use of emergency-driven appeals.From “now more than ever” messaging to year-end giving campaigns, this conversation challenges nonprofit leaders to think carefully about the business impact of their fundraising language. Tony explains why repeated crisis appeals can create donor fatigue, especially when supporters receive multiple fear-based messages from several organizations at once. At some point, donors may begin to wonder whether they are investing in impact—or being asked to rescue an unstable organization.Tony offers a clear reminder for fundraising teams: “If everything is urgent, eventually really nothing feels urgent.” That idea becomes the core of this episode. Nonprofits must distinguish between a true community crisis, a temporary emergency program need, a fiscal funding gap, and a normal fundraising cycle. Each situation calls for different communication, different transparency, and a different donor invitation.The duo also explore the difference between disaster-related appeals, funding cuts, year-end campaigns, and mission-based messaging. For some organizations, fear-based messaging may be appropriate when it is grounded in fact and tied directly to the mission. For others, hope and impact may be the stronger path. Tony’s advice is direct: “When I was confused about my messaging or what direction I should be going… I always go back to the mission.”The goal is not to avoid urgency. The goal is to use it wisely, honestly, and in service of sustainable mission investment.  00:00:00 Don’t Hook Donors on Emergencies 00:02:17 Why Constant Crisis Messaging Creates Donor Fatigue 00:03:22 When Appeals Start Sounding Like a Cry for Help 00:05:26 Disaster Relief vs. Everyday Nonprofit Messaging 00:06:32 How to Define a True Fundraising Crisis 00:10:04 Fiscal Crisis, Funding Cuts, and Donor Transparency 00:13:17 Year-End Appeals Without Panic Messaging 00:16:16 Direct Mail, Donor Lists, and Realistic ROI 00:17:59 Fear, Hope, Impact, and Mission Alignment 00:22:16 Donor Perception and Message Segmentation 00:25:01 Mission Investment vs. Rescue Giving 00:26:48 If Everything Is Urgent, Nothing Feels Urgent #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFundraising #DonorEngagementFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!<br/

Send us Fan MailCommunity wealth building for nonprofits takes center stage in this lively discussion, as Lauren Turner Hines of the André Cailloux Center shares how art, history, ownership, and earned revenue can become a powerful operating model. This is a deeply strategic conversation for nonprofit leaders thinking about sustainability, capital campaigns, cultural infrastructure, and the future of community-centered growth.Lauren Turner Hines, Founding ‘Envisionist’ and Executive Lead of the André Cailloux Center in New Orleans, takes us inside a 114-year-old former church on historic Bayou Road, the oldest thoroughfare in the city and a corridor with deep roots in Black commerce, freedom, and cultural leadership. Named for Captain André Cailloux, one of the first Black officers in the United States military, the Center is using storytelling as both mission and business strategy.The conversation moves quickly from history into operating reality. Lauren explains how the Center provides affordable space for Black-led performing arts organizations, hosts performances, convenings, workshops, and community events, and builds earned revenue through tours and programming. At the center of the model is a clear business question: how can a nonprofit’s physical space create direct value for the community around it?Lauren offers a sharp answer through the Cailloux Community Equity Fund, a developing model that would allow nearby residents to hold community shares in the building and benefit from quarterly revenue share. As she puts it, “Relationships are the asset.” She also shares her five-year vision: “I hope for a direct community wealth transfer in the multimillions and for art and culture to be the catalyst for that.”This conversation also explores nonprofit capital campaign strategy, founder succession, board leadership, technology systems, and how organizations can avoid letting knowledge, donor relationships, and institutional context live with one person.For nonprofit executives, fundraisers, board members, arts leaders, and community builders, this is a fresh look at sustainability that moves beyond survival and toward shared economic power! 00:00:00 Welcome to The Nonprofit Show 00:02:52 The History Behind the Andre Caillou Center 00:07:04 Using Story as a Nonprofit Mission Strategy 00:10:32 Creating Access for Black-Led Arts Organizations 00:12:49 Turning Space Into Earned Revenue 00:14:37 Navigating Today’s Funding Reality 00:16:27 Why Relationships Are the Asset 00:18:17 Community Wealth Building as a Nonprofit Model 00:20:14 The Caillou Community Equity Fund 00:22:03 A Five-Year Vision for Shared Ownership 00:24:29 Founder Syndrome and Succession Planning 00:28:37 Leadership, Legacy, and Long-Term Co

Send us Fan MailThis episode is for nonprofits searching for alternatives to traditional aid models and dependency-driven philanthropy. The conversation blends international development, nonprofit operations, sustainability, and social enterprise into a highly searchable leadership discussion.Sustainable nonprofit development in Africa requires more than donations—it requires long-term economic thinking, local leadership, and community ownership. In this Global Edition of The Nonprofit Show, Paul Smith, UK Director of MUSANA, shares how the organization is transforming rural communities in Uganda through healthcare, education, hospitality businesses, and locally driven enterprise systems designed to become financially sustainable.Rather than creating dependency on Western aid, MUSANA uses philanthropy as catalytic investment. Their model builds hospitals, schools, hotels, restaurants, and jobs that eventually generate enough local revenue to sustain operations and fund scholarships and outreach programs internally.Paul explains how MUSANA’s district-based strategy has already created nearly 900 full-time jobs while building systems that communities themselves support, value, and grow. The conversation also takes an honest look at the ethical challenges facing international nonprofits, including poverty marketing, child sponsorship culture, and “white savior” dynamics that can unintentionally reinforce harmful power structures.One of the most compelling moments comes when Paul says:“No global economy has ever been built off charity. It’s always enterprise, it’s always industry that builds an economy.”The episode also introduces a powerful nonprofit leadership concept:“Every single charity should have an out vision.”If your nonprofit works internationally—or simply wants to build stronger, more sustainable systems locally—this conversation offers fresh thinking on what long-term impact can truly look like.  00:00:00 Introduction To MUSANA’s Mission 00:02:32 Breaking Cycles Of Aid Dependency 00:05:17 Building Schools, Hospitals & Enterprises 00:07:19 How Local Revenue Funds Community Growth 00:10:30 Why Free Aid Can Create Dependency 00:11:49 Local Leadership Versus Western Control 00:14:20 The Ethics Of Poverty Tourism 00:17:48 Why MUSANA Rejects Child Sponsorship 00:19:49 When Western-Led Models Fail 00:22:20 Ego, Power & Nonprofit Leadership 00:25:23 Access, Opportunity & Economic Growth 00:27:03 Why Every Charity Needs An “Out Vision” #TheNonprofitShow #InternationalDevelopment #UgandaFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily

Send us Fan MailNonprofit infrastructure planning is often overlooked until growth creates operational stress, staff burnout, and organizational confusion. In this energizing discussion, Sharmon Lebby, founder and CEO of Blessed Designs Consulting, explains why nonprofit leaders must build systems, strategy, and internal alignment before major funding arrives.Many nonprofit organizations operate in survival mode—focused on securing the next grant, donation, or hire—without fully preparing for what sustainable growth actually requires. Sharmon challenges leaders to rethink budgeting, board development, volunteer management, and organizational planning from a long-term operational perspective.“You’re not planning for success,” Sharmon explains during the conversation, encouraging nonprofits to think beyond immediate fundraising goals and define what meaningful impact truly looks like.The discussion explores how operational breakdowns often begin internally through unclear systems, rushed onboarding, weak infrastructure, and reactive leadership. Sharmon introduces three core areas nonprofits should continuously strengthen: strategy, systems, and storytelling—including internal storytelling that shapes organizational culture and alignment.The episode also dives into:Why budgeting should function as a strategic compassCreating “dream budgets” before funding existsBuilding board alignment around values and skill gapsPlanning founder transitions and organizational successionShifting from scarcity thinking to intentional impact planningCollaborating with peer nonprofits instead of competing for every dollarOne of the most powerful moments comes when Sharmon reframes the nonprofit relationship with money itself: “Money’s not really what you want.”  00:00:00 Why More Money Can Create New Problems 00:02:22 The “Collapsing Table” Infrastructure Analogy 00:04:15 Burnout and Operational Cracks During Growth 00:06:00 Why Nonprofits Don’t Plan for Success 00:07:34 Building Systems Before Funding Arrives 00:09:31 Strategy, Systems, and Storytelling Framework 00:11:08 Budgeting as a Strategic Growth Tool 00:13:18 Building Boards Around Values and Skills 00:16:27 Why Nonprofits Are Built in Survival Mode 00:19:14 Redefining the Nonprofit Relationship With Money 00:21:29 Planning From the End Goal Backward 00:22:50 Collaboration Instead of Competition #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitOperations #NonprofitManagementFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: <a href='https://

Send us Fan MailManaging difficult donors in nonprofits requires more than patience—it requires boundaries, documentation, leadership support, and a clear understanding of donor behavior. In this Fundraisers Friday episode, Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall explore how nonprofit teams can identify challenging donor patterns before they disrupt the mission, staff, or fundraising strategy.Not every difficult donor is difficult in the same way. Some want control. Some want recognition. Some have disengaged because of a past disappointment. Others cross lines that should never be ignored. This conversation gives nonprofit professionals a thoughtful framework for recognizing those patterns and responding with confidence.Julia and Tony begin with “the controller”—the donor who wants influence over programs, decisions, or organizational direction. Often, this person has business experience, strong opinions, and a genuine desire to help, but their advice can quickly turn into pressure. Tony reminds nonprofit leaders that clear communication about capacity, barriers, and mission alignment is essential.They also discuss the high-maintenance donor, or the “diva/devo” personality, who expects frequent attention, personal recognition, and ongoing reassurance. Tony offers a helpful perspective: these donors may be easier to satisfy when nonprofits understand what they are really seeking—visibility, appreciation, and personal connection.Next comes the transactionalist, often connected to corporate giving, sponsorships, or community relations. This donor wants to know what they receive in return: logo placement, event perks, social media visibility, impressions, access, and recognition. For nonprofits, the lesson is simple: expectations must be set before the gift is made.The conversation then turns to lapsed and angry donors—supporters who have pulled away because something changed, something offended them, or something was never resolved. These situations require careful listening, CRM documentation, and a willingness to reengage with transparency.Finally, Julia and Tony address the line-crosser, the donor whose behavior becomes inappropriate, disrespectful, or harmful. This is where gift policies, conduct language, leadership reporting, and staff protection become non-negotiable.Tony captures the complexity perfectly: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer.” But he also offers the hard truth many fundraisers need to hear: “There’s power in goodbye.”This episode is a business-minded guide to protecting donor relationships without sacrificing mission, staff dignity, or organizational integrity.  00:00:00 Difficult Donors and the Summer Fundraising Season 00:02:08 Why Donor Personas Help Nonprofits Prepare 00:04:02 The Controller: When Donors Want Influen

Send us Fan MailNonprofit marketing strategy with fractional CMO leadership can help organizations move beyond reactive communications and build smarter pathways to donors, volunteers, clients, and community trust. In this energizing episode of The Nonprofit Show, Andrea Sok, Founder and CEO of Sok Influencer PR, shares how nonprofits can turn marketing into a strategic business function—not just a last-minute scramble.Many nonprofits treat marketing as a response mechanism: a campaign is behind, a crisis has surfaced, an event needs attention, or another organization is doing something visible. Andrea challenges that mindset and makes the case for intentional planning, measurable goals, and executive-level marketing leadership.One of the strongest ideas in this conversation is the role of a fractional CMO for nonprofits. Andrea explains that some organizations need short-term leadership during a transition, while others need part-time strategic guidance because they are not yet large enough for a full-time marketing executive. In either case, nonprofits gain senior-level insight without carrying the full cost of a permanent hire.She also reframes influencer marketing for the nonprofit sector. As Andrea puts it, “Influencer could be anyone who influences your audience.” That could be a neighborhood leader, pastor, local official, business owner, parent blogger, or trusted community voice—not just someone with a massive online following.The episode also takes on AI for nonprofit marketing. Andrea makes the case that AI is not about replacing nonprofit staff; it is about giving exhausted teams time back. From one 30-second volunteer video, an organization can create social posts, email content, annual report copy, graphics, and more. Her point is clear: “AI alone is a great tool for brainstorming… but when we pair it with automation, game changer.”For nonprofit CEOs, board members, development leaders, and communications teams, this conversation offers a smarter way to think about marketing investment, donor growth, board education, and organizational capacity.Watch this episode to rethink how your nonprofit can use marketing leadership, AI, automation, and influence to build stronger relationships and better business outcomes! 00:00:00 Welcome to The Nonprofit Show 00:01:41 What an Influencer Really Means for Nonprofits 00:03:47 Why Nonprofit Marketing Gets Stuck in Reaction Mode 00:06:20 How a Fractional CMO Supports Nonprofit Leadership 00:08:56 Helping Boards See Marketing as Investment 00:10:56 Marketing Is More Than Advertising 00:13:03 Meaningful Metrics That Move the Organization Forward 00:14:03 AI as a Force Multiplier for Nonprofit Teams 00:17:17 Turning One Story Into Multiple Marketing Assets 00:19:12

Send us Fan MailNonprofit conference strategy for fundraisers is not just about attending sessions — it’s about turning time, travel, relationships, and learning into business value for your organization. Tim Sarrantonio, Founder of The Generosity Spectrum (and also a cohost of the Show), joins to share timely insights from the recent AFP International Conference and the broader conference landscape shaping nonprofit fundraising leadership.Tim brings a rare perspective as a sector educator, speaker, conference participant, and creator of game-based learning experiences for nonprofit leaders, boards, and communities. The conversation begins with AFP ICON — what it is, who attends, and why it matters — but quickly moves into a larger question: how can nonprofit professionals make conferences worth the investment?From the vendor hall to rooftop gatherings, from formal panels to side conversations, Tim explains why the strongest learning often happens outside the scheduled room. As he puts it, “Always, no matter what, ask yourself, why am I in this room?” That question becomes a powerful lens for fundraisers, CEOs, CFOs, board members, and development teams trying to maximize conference ROI.The episode also touches on the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, board education, sector trust, inclusive conference design, and the cautious optimism many nonprofit professionals are carrying into this next season. Tim notes, “People are ready to help. Vendors are there to help.” But he also challenges leaders to be thoughtful about where they spend their attention, energy, and budget.This conversation is especially useful for nonprofit professionals preparing for AFP ICON, Bridge Conference, AFP chapter events, vendor-hosted gatherings, or any sector learning experience. It offers a smarter way to think about nonprofit networking strategy, fundraising leadership development, and the business case for attending conferences.For nonprofit leaders, this episode is a reminder: don’t just show up. Show up with purpose!! 00:00:00 Welcome And Why AFP ICON Matters 00:02:04 Tim Sarrantonio And The Generosity Spectrum 00:04:54 Creating A Practice Field For Nonprofit Leaders 00:06:54 What AFP ICON Is And Who It Serves 00:11:21 Why Executives And Fundraisers Attend 00:13:50 The Real Vibe At AFP ICON 00:18:01 Sector Confidence And Cautious Optimism 00:21:13 How To Maximize A Nonprofit Conference 00:24:24 Vendor Hall Strategy And Sponsor Value 00:26:33 Why Small-Room Conversations Matter 00:29:15 Local AFP Chapters And What Comes Next #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFundraising #AFPICONFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us

Send us Fan MailNonprofits exploring AI education strategies and immigrant workforce development will find powerful lessons in this conversation with Patricia Machado of SQA Education. Learn how AI language learning for immigrants is helping nonprofits scale services, strengthen community participation, and create real-world outcomes for adult learners.Patricia, founder of SQA Education, joined us from Argentina to discuss how her nonprofit serves more than 4,000 immigrant adults from over 50 countries through mobile-first English language education powered by both teachers and artificial intelligence.Rather than replacing educators, SQA Education uses AI to expand learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Patricia explains how AI-powered conversation tools allow students to practice real-world scenarios like job interviews, banking, healthcare conversations, and workplace communication repeatedly—building the confidence adult learners need to succeed.“We don’t want any other adult immigrants to go through this same experience,” Patricia shares while reflecting on her own transition to the United States as a chemical engineer without English fluency.This episode also explores:How nonprofits can use AI to increase organizational capacityWhy phone-first learning models matter for underserved communitiesThe role of partnerships with banks, hospitals, HR professionals, and legal expertsWhy adult education must deliver immediate daily-life valueHow language learning impacts workforce retention and employee growthWhy nonprofits should frame language access as infrastructure investment instead of charityPatricia also offers a compelling perspective on measuring success—not through test scores alone, but through moments when students successfully speak with doctors, employers, teachers, and community leaders for the first time.“This is not a charitable work. You’re doing a really high leverage work for your community.”If your nonprofit is exploring AI, digital learning, workforce development, or immigrant community engagement, this conversation offers operational insight and scalable ideas.  00:00:00 Welcome to The Nonprofit Show 00:01:24 Expanding Global Philanthropy Conversations 00:01:52 Inside SQA Education’s Mission 00:02:53 Patricia Machado’s Immigrant Journey 00:06:21 Why Adult Language Learning Needs Structure 00:08:37 Using AI to Expand Human Teaching 00:10:06 AI Conversation Tools for Real-Life Practice 00:11:39 How AI Increased Nonprofit Capacity 00:12:54 Why SQA Is Phone-First 00:15:31 Building Partnerships That Support Immigrants 00:18:34 Teaching Real-World Survival Skills 00:22:23 Framing Language Access as Infrastructure 00:24:29 Workfor

Send us Fan MailNonprofit capital campaign strategy starts long before the ask — it begins with donor trust, board readiness, and a clear business case for growth. Kelly Hill of CASA Heart of Missouri shares how her organization turned a space challenge into a bold campaign to serve more children and strengthen the foster care ecosystem—and what it really takes to lead a capital campaign while still running the daily work of a nonprofit!CASA Heart of Missouri serves children in foster care through trained volunteer advocates, currently reaching about 60% of the children in need across Boone and Callaway Counties. But as the organization grew, rented space became both limiting and expensive. Kelly and her team asked a defining business question: “What if we did the hard thing now, raise the money to have our own permanent space?”That question became the foundation for the Building a Brighter Future campaign, a nearly $4.7 million effort to create a permanent home and launch The Clubhouse — a purpose-built space for supervised visits, family meetings, partner collaboration, and child-centered support.This discussion offers nonprofit leaders a grounded look at capital campaign planning for nonprofits, including feasibility studies, donor readiness, board leadership, case for support development, government funding, individual giving, and the patience required when major gifts move on donor timelines.Kelly also shares how outside coaching helped sharpen communication with investment-level donors and support long-term fundraising growth beyond the campaign itself. As she notes, “Donors give on their own schedule, they give on their own timeline.”This episode shows why capital campaigns are not just fundraising projects. They are business decisions that test strategy, culture, relationships, and capacity. 00:00:00 Capital Campaign Strategy for Nonprofits 00:01:04 Meet Kelly Hill of CASA Heart of Missouri 00:03:29 The Clubhouse Vision and Local Service Gaps 00:06:43 Turning a Space Problem Into a Growth Strategy 00:09:40 Building a Strong Case for Support 00:13:42 What a $4.6 Million Campaign Means for a Mid-Sized Nonprofit 00:16:09 Feasibility, Donor Strategy, and Government Funding 00:18:30 Using Outside Coaching to Strengthen Donor Conversations 00:21:59 Patience, Timing, and the Campaign Roller Coaster 00:23:50 Donor Relationships Before the Campaign Begins 00:25:32 Balancing Daily Operations With Capital Campaign Demands 00:28:57 Final Lessons for Nonprofit Leaders #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFundraising #CapitalCampaignFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  <

Send us Fan MailNonprofit donor database fundraising strategy starts with one powerful idea: your next major opportunity may already be inside your CRM, spreadsheet, or donor history. In this Fundraisers Friday convo, Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall explore how nonprofits can stop chasing every new dollar and start cultivating the donor relationships they already have with more intention, structure, and business focus.The duo deliver a thoughtful conversation about donor data, mid-level giving, CRM systems, planned giving, board engagement, and the daily habits that help fundraising teams grow stronger. The message is clear: donor management is not just recordkeeping. It is one of the most valuable revenue tools a nonprofit can build.As Tony explains, “The way you find gold first starts with the information that you are obtaining and putting into your donor management system.” That means tracking more than gift amounts. Nonprofits should understand donor interests, family connections, hobbies, community roles, board affiliations, loyalty patterns, and giving history. Those details help fundraising teams create better stewardship, identify upgrade opportunities, and protect institutional knowledge when staff transitions happen.The episode also explores how nonprofits can define mid-level donors based on their own giving portfolio, then create thoughtful cultivation pathways. Tony adds, “Your high-level donors are all about stewardship… For your mid-level donors, it’s about stewardship, but it’s also planting the seeds about how they can elevate their gift.”Julia and Tony also take on planned giving, donor privacy, board involvement, and the need to protect time for CRM updates and data mining. Their advice is refreshingly operational: schedule the work, respect the data, use donor personas with board members, and treat donor intelligence as a long-term business asset.For nonprofit leaders, development directors, board members, and fundraising teams, this episode offers a timely reminder: sustainable fundraising growth often begins with better use of the information already in your hands.#TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFundraising #DonorRetentionFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: [email protected] us on the web:<a href='htt

Send us Fan MailAI for nonprofit staff burnout is becoming one of the most important operational conversations in the sector. This episode explores how nonprofits can use AI to reduce staff burnout, protect institutional knowledge, and build smarter internal systems. Ben Hays of Your Part-Time Controller explains why burnout belongs in boardroom conversations about risk, finance, staffing, and mission sustainability.Burnout is often treated as an emotional or HR issue, but Ben reframes it as a financial, governance, and risk issue. When nonprofit employees leave, the organization loses more than a person. It loses institutional knowledge, training investment, workflow stability, grant reporting confidence, and often months of productivity.As Ben explains, “There’s also a financial cost to burnout, which usually doesn’t show up in the financial statements until later down the road.” That hidden cost can affect reimbursements, compliance, reporting timelines, employee morale, and even funder confidence.This informative conversation moves beyond surface-level wellness talk and into the operational realities nonprofit leaders face every day. Ben encourages executive directors and boards to examine role clarity, priorities, internal systems, onboarding costs, staff training time, and the infrastructure needed to retain people instead of repeatedly replacing them.AI enters the conversation not as a magic answer, but as a business tool. Used responsibly, AI can reduce repetitive tasks, support first drafts, assist with grant applications, speed up reconciliations, improve communication across departments, and give teams more room for analysis and decision-making.But Ben is clear: responsible AI starts with policy and training. Nonprofits need guidelines that protect donor data, client information, employee records, and financial confidentiality. “AI is not here to replace humans,” Ben says. “You still need to look it over. You still need to make sure it makes sense.”  00:00:00 Welcome to The Nonprofit Show 00:02:25 Ben Hays and Your Part-Time Controller 00:04:13 Why Burnout Has a Financial Cost 00:06:04 Burnout as a Governance and Risk Issue 00:07:05 Retaining Staff Versus Replacing Staff 00:09:51 How to Calculate the Cost of Turnover 00:11:28 Broken Systems Create Repeat Burnout 00:12:45 Why Outside Assessment Can Help 00:14:10 Building a Culture That Welcomes Feedback 00:18:29 Wellness Programs Are Not Enough 00:19:38 Responsible AI Use Starts With Policy 00:21:27 AI Can Create Time to Think 00:23:42 AI Across Finance, Programs, and Operations 00:25:27 Reframing AI as a Tool, Not a Threat 00:28:28 Final Thoughts on AI, Burnout, and Nonprofit Capacity #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitAIFin

Send us Fan MailAI in nonprofit fundraising strategy is transforming how organizations operate—but using it incorrectly can damage donor relationships and trust. In this conversation, Katie Gaston of Bloomerang opens the box with practical guidance on how to use AI effectively while avoiding the most common pitfalls.Nonprofit professionals are increasingly turning to AI tools for donor research, reporting, and communications. The opportunity is clear: faster workflows, better insights, and increased capacity. But as Katie explains, AI is not a replacement for human judgment—it’s a tool to enhance it. “AI should be a supportive arm… but it should never replace your judgment as a fundraiser.”From donor asks to personalized stewardship, the human connection remains at the core of successful fundraising. AI can prepare you for meetings, surface insights, and even recommend strategies—but it cannot replicate the emotional intelligence required in critical moments.This episode also addresses key operational risks. Sending AI-generated content without review, relying too heavily on automated insights, and failing to maintain clean data can all create serious challenges. As Katie reminds us, “The quality of your data is what AI will know—garbage in, garbage out.”You’ll also learn how AI can dramatically improve efficiency—reducing hours of reporting work to minutes—while freeing your team to focus on relationship-building and strategic thinking.The takeaway? AI isn’t replacing fundraising—it’s redefining how effective fundraisers work. 00:00:00 Introduction to AI in Fundraising00:03:10 Meet Penny: AI Fundraising Assistant00:06:00 Why AI Should NOT Make Donor Asks00:09:00 Reviewing AI Output to Avoid Risk00:11:30 AI vs. Human Donor Knowledge00:14:30 Data Quality and CRM Accuracy00:17:30 Protecting Your Nonprofit Voice00:22:00 Personalization vs. Automation in Donor Care00:25:45 Using AI to Save Time and Increase Capacity00:27:00 How Fast Should Nonprofits Adopt AI?00:30:00 Final Thoughts on AI Strategy#TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitEfficiency #FundraisingStrategyFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: [email protected] us on the web:<a href=

Send us Fan MailNonprofit hiring strategy step by step is no longer optional—it’s essential in today’s complex labor market. Katie Warnock, Founder & CEO of Staffing Boutique, shares a practical roadmap to help nonprofit leaders hire smarter, faster, and with better long-term results.If your NPO is struggling to fill roles, experiencing candidate drop-off, or losing momentum late in the hiring process, this conversation reveals why—and what to do differently.Katie begins with a foundational truth: hiring success starts before you ever post a job. “It’s kind of like a mishmash of responsibilities… and when hiring, that’s not a good skill set to be efficient.” Clear role definition, department alignment, and realistic expectations are critical to attracting the right candidates.From there, she walks through how to build a compelling job description, evaluate the psychology of fit, and structure a hiring process that actually moves candidates forward. With hiring cycles now averaging months, nonprofits must eliminate friction—from unclear expectations to inconsistent interview processes.You’ll also learn why broad job postings fall short. As Katie puts it, “It’s not just putting a general ad on LinkedIn and then… post and pray.” Instead, targeted platforms and sector-specific outreach are key to finding aligned talent.Finally, the episode addresses one of the most overlooked areas: making the offer. From salary transparency to verbal alignment and negotiation timing, Katie outlines how to close candidates without losing them at the finish line.For nonprofit leaders, hiring is not just an HR function—it’s a mission-critical business process. The stronger your hiring strategy, the stronger your impact!  00:00:00 Why Nonprofit Hiring Feels Broken 00:02:00 Defining Roles Before You Hire 00:04:00 Writing Job Descriptions That Attract Talent 00:06:00 Psychology of Fit in Nonprofit Roles 00:10:00 Where to Post Jobs (And Where Not To) 00:12:00 Building a Structured Hiring Process 00:15:00 Why Hiring Takes Months Right Now 00:17:30 Scheduling with Boards and Leadership 00:19:30 Structuring Effective Interviews with AI 00:22:00 Reference Checks vs Background Checks 00:27:00 Making the Offer Without Losing Candidates 00:29:30 Final Hiring Strategy Takeaways #TheNonprofitShow #Nonprofithr #NonprofitHiringFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss manag

Send us Fan MailNonprofit leadership learning culture is no longer a “nice to have”—it is becoming a business necessity for organizations trying to stay functional, aligned, and mission-ready.   This episode is about how nonprofit leaders can move beyond one-time training and build a learning culture that improves decision-making, team alignment, board performance, and organizational resilience.  Jeffrey R. Wilcox of Third Sector Company challenges nonprofit leaders to rethink training, leadership development, board education, and organizational learning.Jeffrey challenges a familiar assumption: that sending one person to a workshop, webinar, or conference automatically creates organizational progress. His message is sharper than that. Learning happens when knowledge changes behavior, improves decisions, and helps people function differently in a changing environment.As Jeffrey explains, “Learning is something that I know something has occurred to me that has changed the way I look at the world, talk about the world, or function in the world.” That distinction matters for nonprofit CEOs, board members, fundraisers, finance teams, program leaders, and anyone responsible for organizational performance.The conversation moves into one of the biggest leadership questions facing nonprofits today: how do we keep core functions strong when the way those functions operate has changed so dramatically? Fundraising, finance, governance, technology, staffing, and board leadership still matter—but AI, fractional work, remote teams, digital systems, and generational expectations have changed how the work gets done.Jeffrey also makes the case for shared learning. Too many organizations develop deep knowledge inside departments while maintaining shallow understanding across the full organization. That creates silos, weakens mission ownership, and slows decision-making. His recommendation: create cross-functional learning experiences, use dashboards to show organizational health, and shift the narrative from “they” to “we.”“When you’re a leader, the learning process is something you don’t own,” Jeffrey says. “The leader’s role is to facilitate the learning of self and others’ benefit from that.”For nonprofit professionals, this episode offers a fresh way to think about leadership development, board learning, staff training, and succession readiness. The takeaway is clear: training tells people what to know. Learning helps people discover what to do next.#TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitLeadership #NonprofitTrainingFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find

Send us Fan MailA strong donor advocacy strategy for nonprofits can turn everyday supporters into ambassadors, connectors, storytellers, and referral builders. In this Fundraisers Friday episode, Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall explore how nonprofits can move beyond viewing donors only through the lens of dollars — and start building deeper relationships that strengthen fundraising, visibility, and trust.Tony makes the mindset shift clear: “Your best donor is not necessarily your largest donor.” That one sentence changes the entire conversation. A donor who gives modestly but shares your mission with friends, introduces new supporters, writes a testimonial, hosts a gathering, or speaks with credibility in the community may bring value far beyond the original gift.Julia and Tony talk through several ways nonprofits can invite donors into advocacy: social media sharing, peer-to-peer fundraising, small parlor events, public testimonials, legislative visits, influencer partnerships, and structured ambassador groups. The opportunity is not only about promotion — it is about relationship-based business development for nonprofit organizations.This conversation also addresses ownership. Should donor advocacy live with fundraising or marketing? Tony suggests the relationship should remain with development, because fundraisers already own the donor connection. But marketing, PR, and communications should help shape stories, provide messaging, and support campaigns when ambassadors are speaking publicly on behalf of the mission.Another key takeaway: advocacy will not happen automatically. As Tony says, “The answer is always no if you don’t ask.” Nonprofits need to bring advocacy into donor conversations, define what it can look like, provide tools, and match each donor’s comfort level, influence, and skill set.The episode also touches on measurement. Advocacy can be tracked through volunteer hours, introductions, referrals, social engagement, testimonials, event hosting, and new donor connections. These activities create real organizational value — and funders, boards, and stakeholders should see that value reported.For nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, board members, and communications teams, this episode offers a clear reminder: donors are potential champions, ambassadors, and trusted voices who can help expand the mission!#TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFundraising #DonorEngagementFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and mis

Send us Fan MailUK nonprofit fundraising strategy is changing fast as charities face fewer everyday donors, more competition for trust funding, and growing pressure to build stronger major-donor relationships. In this Global Edition of The Nonprofit Show, Dan Lane, Director of Make Good Happen, brings a clear-eyed view of how philanthropy in the United Kingdom is shifting—and what nonprofit leaders everywhere can learn from it.Dan joins Julia C. Patrick and Matthew Murray for a business-focused conversation about the fundraising squeeze across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. While donor generosity remains alive, the giving landscape is changing. Dan shares that 49% of people who do not give to charity now say they cannot afford it, creating pressure on regular giving programs and pushing more charities toward trusts, foundations, and high-net-worth donors.That shift creates major operational questions for nonprofit leaders. How do you define a major donor? How do you build trust when donors are being asked constantly? How much recognition is appropriate? And when does donor influence become a governance risk?Dan offers a powerful reminder: “If you can’t explain what your charity does simply and quickly to somebody and they don’t get it… you’re going to be at a disadvantage.” For nonprofit executives, fundraisers, and board members, that is not just a communications issue—it is a business strategy issue.The episode also explores high-net-worth giving, donor stewardship, and the role of CEOs and founders in major-gift conversations. Dan notes, “There are doors that only CEOs or founders can open,” while also recognizing that strong development teams are essential for follow-up, relationship management, and long-term donor confidence.This conversation is especially useful for nonprofit professionals thinking about fundraising strategy, charity leadership, major donor development, and how global philanthropy trends may influence local fundraising decisions. Whether your organization is large, small, faith-based, community-centered, or internationally focused, this discussion offers useful perspective on clarity, trust, stewardship, and mission protection.Learn how changing donor behavior in the UK can sharpen your own nonprofit fundraising strategy!  00:00:00 Welcome to The Nonprofit Show Global Edition 00:03:23 Dan Lane and the Work of Make Good Happen 00:05:13 Understanding the UK Fundraising Squeeze 00:07:23 Why Everyday Giving Is Changing 00:08:20 More Competition for Trusts and Foundations 00:09:23 Younger Donors, Generosity, and Limited Resources 00:13:48 High-Net-Worth Giving and Strategy 00:14:33 Why Mission Clarity Drives Donor Confidence 00:16:27 Recognition, Naming Rights, and Donor

Send us Fan MailNonprofit financial management strategy is not just about reports, budgets, or compliance — it’s about giving leaders the right information at the right time to protect mission decisions. Ryan Alexander, Founder of RA Partners and author of ‘Protect Your Mission’, explains why many nonprofit financial challenges are structural, not simply the result of poor discipline.For nonprofit executives, board members, finance leaders, and department heads, this conversation offers a look at how finance can become a service function that helps the entire organization make stronger decisions. Ryan makes the case that nonprofits do not need more reports just for the sake of reporting. They need useful financial information, delivered in time to shape program decisions, staffing choices, growth plans, and cash flow strategy.As Ryan says, “The finance team needs to be providing the right information to the right people at the right time.” That shift changes the role of finance from a back-office function into a mission-protection system.The dialog also explores why budget transparency matters. When department leaders understand their budgets, they become better stewards of resources and stronger partners in organizational accountability. Ryan also explains the danger of confusing hoped-for revenue with committed revenue, especially when grants, donor commitments, and philanthropic funding can shift or delay.Viewers will learn why forward-looking cash flow planning, reserves, internal controls, and even standby lines of credit can help nonprofits avoid preventable financial stress. The conversation also addresses growth — and why expanding programs without the right finance staffing, systems, controls, and technology can place the organization at risk.Ryan also offers a grounded perspective on AI in nonprofit finance: “AI is not going to fix underlying issues that exist in terms of structural problems.” Instead, AI should be treated as an accelerant. It can speed up good workflows, but it can also make weak systems fail faster.For any nonprofit asking how to grow responsibly, manage cash more wisely, or build a finance function that truly supports the business of mission, this episode delivers guidance worth acting on. 00:00:00 Welcome to The Nonprofit Show 00:02:29 Why Nonprofit Financial Problems May Be Structural 00:04:14 Finance as a Service Function 00:05:26 The Right Reports at the Right Time 00:07:50 Why Budget Transparency Builds Better Decisions 00:09:45 Making Financial Information Easier to Use 00:13:20 Accuracy, Timing, and Decision-Ready Data 00:14:12 Cash Flow Planning and Committed Revenue 00:16:43 Reserves, Lines of Credit, and Risk Protection 00:19:40 Why Growth Can Strain Nonprofit Finance 00:

Send us Fan MailNonprofit finance technology strategy is entering a new phase—and AI adoption is forcing leaders to rethink how teams operate, learn, and deliver impact.Broadcast Live from Innovate 2026 in Washington, D.C., Jacqueline Tiso (Founder & CEO, JMT Consulting), Samantha Tiso (VP of Finance, JMT Consulting), and John Tiso (VP of Emerging Markets, JMT Consulting) share what nonprofit leaders are really facing when it comes to technology adoption.Their dynamic isn’t just personal—it reflects what many nonprofit organizations are navigating right now: different generations, different learning styles, and a shared responsibility to move forward together.Here’s the reality: nonprofits aren’t resisting innovation—they’re overwhelmed by it. Between daily operational demands and limited resources, the challenge isn’t access to tools—it’s finding the time, capacity, and strategy to use them effectively.As Jacqueline explains, “Technology is driven by people… people think technology is driving them—but that’s actually not the case.” This shift in mindset is critical. AI isn’t replacing nonprofit professionals—it’s raising the bar for how they work.Samantha brings it home with a practical warning: “If you don’t take the time to learn, you’re going to get left behind.” For nonprofit leaders, this means building intentional learning time into already full schedules—and treating training as a core operational investment, not a luxury.And from a leadership standpoint, John Tiso emphasizes a critical skill: patience. As organizations adopt AI and new systems, leaders must create environments where learning curves are expected and supported—not rushed.The trio also speak to:Why AI adoption requires time, not just toolsHow finance roles are evolving into strategic advisory positionsThe importance of patience and personalization in multi-generational teamsWhy nonprofit challenges haven’t changed in decades—and how technology can finally help address themIf you’re leading a nonprofit organization, managing finance, or evaluating new technology, this conversation and Innovate 2026 deliver a timely, grounded, and actionable perspective.Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitA

Send us Fan MailNonprofit board engagement strategy isn’t about sending more emails or chasing attendance—it’s about building clarity, structure, and purpose into how your board operates.Katie Spencer, Founder of Zipline Consulting, breaks down why so many nonprofit boards struggle with disengagement—and what leaders can do to fix it. From unclear roles to outdated board structures, the issues are rarely about commitment—they’re about alignment.As Katie shares, “If it feels like that meeting could have happened without me, then I am not likely to show up to the next one.” That single insight highlights a major challenge: board members disengage when they don’t see how they add value.This fast-moving convo explores how nonprofit leaders can:Align board roles with organizational strategy and growth phasesRecruit board members based on specific skills and needsReplace passive meetings with active, outcome-driven engagementBuild systems that support accountability and long-term continuityOne of the most critical takeaways? The danger of “rubber stamp” boards. As Katie explains, “Every organization with a rubber stamp board will run up against a leadership continuity problem.” Without an engaged and informed board, transitions become risky and disruptive.Instead, Katie introduces a practical framework built on four pillars: role clarity, defined work plans, strong systems, and a culture of ownership. These elements transform boards from passive participants into strategic assets.If you’re leading a nonprofit, serving on a board, or preparing for organizational growth, this episode delivers actionable insights to strengthen governance and drive impact.  00:00:00 Introduction to Board Development Challenges 00:04:14 Why Board Apathy Happens 00:05:14 The Real Cost of Disengaged Boards 00:07:11 Creating Safe Space for Board Contribution 00:09:10 Matching Board Structure to Organizational Phase 00:12:09 Who Owns Board Strategy? 00:14:28 The Risk of Rubber Stamp Boards 00:18:48 Recruiting the Right Board Members 00:22:07 The Four Pillars of Board Effectiveness 00:27:00 Building Accountability and Ownership #NonprofitLeadership #BoardDevelopment #TheNonprofitShowFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PT

Send us Fan MailNonprofit fundraising event etiquette and strategy can make—or break—your organization’s reputation and donor relationships. In this Fundraisers Friday episode, Julia Patrick and Tony Beall share practical, real-world guidance on how nonprofit professionals should approach events with intention, discipline, and strategic awareness.From alcohol policies to attire, plus-one considerations to event arrival timing, this conversation goes beyond surface-level advice. It challenges fundraisers to recognize that every action at an event reflects on their organization. As Tony notes, “You are held to a different standard when you are representing your organization.”The episode also reframes fundraising events as relationship ecosystems, not transactional opportunities. In high-noise, high-energy environments, success isn’t about delivering the perfect pitch—it’s about creating connection. “In a crowded, noisy room… leave them with a feeling,” Tony explains. That emotional connection becomes the bridge to meaningful follow-up.You’ll also learn:Why early arrival and post-event positioning create strategic advantagesHow to set goals for every event you attendWhat to observe and learn from other organizations’ event setupsHow to manage donor perception through small behavioral choicesWhy guest experience and operational details matter more than you thinkIf you’re attending events without a clear strategy, you’re missing opportunities to strengthen relationships, elevate your brand, and improve fundraising outcomes. 00:00:00 Welcome to Fundraisers Friday 00:02:00 Why fundraisers are held to a higher standard 00:05:30 Alcohol and professionalism at events 00:08:00 Managing perception in event photography 00:11:00 Dressing with intention and event themes 00:14:00 The hidden cost of attending events 00:16:00 Business cards and preparation 00:17:30 The plus-one challenge and expectations 00:18:30 Navigating noisy rooms and making connections 00:21:30 Best timing: early arrival and exit strategy 00:24:30 Setting goals for event success 00:26:00 Evaluating event logistics and guest experience #TheNonprofitShow #FundraisingStrategy #FundraisersFridayFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: <

Send us Fan MailSecond home donor fundraising strategy is one of the most overlooked opportunities in nonprofit growth today—and it’s costing organizations real revenue. With over 6.5 million second homes in the U.S., nonprofits have access to a donor base that is ready to give… but often ignored or mishandled.In this continuation conversation, Jeffrey Glebocki, Founder of Strategy Plus Action Philanthropy, shares groundbreaking research into how second homeowners think, give, and engage with nonprofits. The findings challenge common fundraising practices and reveal a major gap between nonprofit assumptions and donor expectations.One of the clearest takeaways: pressure doesn’t work. As one donor put it, “Guilt is not a good way to ask for a contribution.” Instead, donors want authentic connection, thoughtful outreach, and a sense of belonging in their second-home communities.This episode highlights how nonprofits are missing opportunities hiding in plain sight—from regular attendees at local organizations to high-capacity donors who are never approached. The lesson is simple but powerful: relationship-first fundraising still wins. “If I know you, if I trust you, and you're involved with this group, I’ll support you.”You’ll also learn:Why assumptions about wealth and capacity can shut down givingHow second homeowners actively seek community connectionThe importance of personal communication and meaningful follow-upWhy making giving easy (single contributions, trusted intermediaries) increases resultsHow community foundations are successfully capturing this donor segmentFor nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and community organizations, this is a strategic wake-up call. The opportunity is real—but only for those willing to rethink how they approach donor engagement!! 00:00:00 Introduction and Research Overview 00:03:15 First Study on Second Home Donors Explained 00:08:12 Why Hard-Sell Fundraising Fails 00:11:29 The Danger of Wealth Assumptions 00:14:54 Hidden Donors in Plain Sight 00:18:09 Assumptions vs Real Donor Motivation 00:21:12 Relationship-Based Fundraising Insights 00:23:10 Power of Personal Communication 00:26:29 Missed Opportunities in Donor Stewardship 00:27:33 Making Giving Simple and Scalable 00:29:30 Strategic Opportunity for Nonprofits #NonprofitFundraising #DonorStrategy #TheNonprofitShowFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur nat

Send us Fan MailNonprofit storytelling strategy for donor engagement starts with clarity—not more content. If your organization is struggling to connect with donors, volunteers, or even your own board, the issue may not be effort—it’s alignment.In this sparkling conversation, Marivi Bryant, Founder and President of Home Agency, shares how nonprofits can transform storytelling into a strategic business tool that drives engagement, trust, and action. Instead of chasing tactics, she explains why organizations must first define their core pillars and communicate a consistent, authentic message.“If they don’t understand what you stand for, then it’s very difficult to feel connected to you.” That insight cuts to the heart of a major challenge across the sector—nonprofits are often doing incredible work, but their messaging is fragmented, diluted, or unclear.Through real-world examples, including a case study involving mission confusion at a well-known organization, Marivi highlights how inconsistent messaging can lead to misunderstanding—even when impact is strong. The solution? Focus, discipline, and a willingness to say no. As she puts it, “We can’t be everything for everyone—we need to figure out what our pillars are.”This conversation also explores how to:Use storytelling to strengthen top-of-funnel awarenessAlign internal teams and boards around a unified messageLeverage owned channels like email and social media for measurable engagementBalance data and narrative without losing authenticityFor nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and marketers, this learning session offers a clear operational takeaway: before you measure impact, before you scale outreach, you must clarify what you stand for! 00:00:00 Introduction to Storytelling Strategy 00:03:30 Why Nonprofits Struggle with Messaging Clarity 00:05:20 The Sales Funnel Applied to Nonprofits 00:06:30 Case Study: Confusion from Poor Messaging 00:08:20 Tactics vs Strategy in Storytelling 00:10:40 Competing in the Attention Economy 00:12:20 Authenticity and Brand Alignment 00:14:40 “Everything for Everyone” Problem 00:17:00 Measuring Engagement with Owned Channels 00:19:00 Aligning Programs Under One Brand 00:21:00 Who Owns Messaging in a Nonprofit? 00:23:00 Internal Communication and Board Alignment Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions

Send us Fan MailNonprofit branding and fundraising strategy are more connected than most organizations realize—and when they’re misaligned, donor retention, staff capacity, and revenue all suffer.Brianna Pyka, Co-Founder of Brandraise, breaks down how nonprofits can bridge the gap between branding and fundraising to create clarity, build trust, and drive sustainable growth. Instead of treating fundraising as a series of transactions, this conversation reframes it as a long-term relationship strategy rooted in consistent messaging and shared understanding across the organization.As Brianna explains, “That’s not really a capacity problem—it’s a clarity problem.” When teams, boards, and donors all describe your mission differently, trust erodes and opportunities are lost. But when everyone speaks the same language, fundraising becomes a shared responsibility—not a burden carried by one department.This lively discussion also challenges a common mindset in the sector: more activity does not equal better results. “Stop making tired people more tired” is a powerful reminder that strategic focus—not volume—is what moves organizations forward. By simplifying messaging, prioritizing key communication channels, and building repeatable systems, nonprofits can reduce burnout while increasing impact.You’ll also hear why “the ask is not the finish line—it’s a doorway.” What happens after a donor gives determines whether they stay, give again, and bring others with them. This shift from acquisition to relationship-building is where real growth happens.If your organization feels stuck in a cycle of starting over each year, struggling with donor retention, or overwhelmed by too many competing messages, this episode offers a clear, practical path forward. 00:00:00 Introduction to Branding + Fundraising Alignment 00:02:12 What Is Brandraise and Why It Matters 00:03:13 Fundraising Fatigue vs Messaging Clarity 00:05:03 The Brand and Fundraising Audit Process 00:07:11 “The Ask Is a Doorway” Mindset Shift 00:08:59 Why Donor Follow-Up Fails (and How to Fix It) 00:10:20 Stop Making Busy Teams Burn Out 00:13:30 Leadership Gaps and Fundraising Risk 00:15:47 How Messaging Inconsistency Breaks Trust 00:18:42 Simplifying Complex Nonprofit Messaging 00:21:19 Building Internal Alignment Across Teams 00:23:29 Creating Repeatable Fundraising Systems #NonprofitFundraising #NonprofitStrategy #TheNonprofitShowFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_Show</a

Send us Fan MailMarie Rodriguez of Active Lotus introduces the G.O.S.T. method—Goal, Objective, Strategy, and Tactic—a simple but powerful framework that helps nonprofits translate mission into measurable action. Instead of reacting to constant crises, organizations can create a shared roadmap that guides daily decisions and long-term growth.Looking for a nonprofit strategic planning framework that actually drives results—not just another plan sitting on a shelf? This episode breaks down a practical system nonprofit leaders can use immediately to improve alignment, reduce burnout, and execute with clarity.As Marie explains, “The struggle is alignment… G.O.S.T. bridges that gap by turning mission into measurable action.”This shift is critical in a sector where passion is abundant—but structure is often missing.The episode also reframes how nonprofit leaders think about resources. Beyond financial budgets, Marie introduces the concept of an “energy budget”—the limited mental and operational capacity teams have to execute effectively. Without clarity, that energy is drained quickly, leading to burnout and poor decision-making.You’ll learn how to:Set measurable goals (not vague intentions)Align teams around shared prioritiesShift donor strategy from transactional to relationalBuild repeatable systems for execution and evaluationReduce decision fatigue with a clear strategic filterPerhaps most importantly, this approach challenges the traditional model of annual strategic planning. Instead, G.O.S.T. becomes a living system, revisited daily and weekly to keep teams focused and agile.  As Marie reminds us, “Time is the only resource that is non-renewable.”  The question is: are you spending it intentionally? 00:00:00 Introduction to the GOST Method 00:02:33 What Is GOST and Why It Matters 00:04:01 Why Nonprofits Struggle With Alignment 00:05:46 Turning Mission Into Measurable Action 00:07:00 Burnout and the Cost of Poor Planning 00:10:06 Breaking Down Goals and Objectives 00:14:00 Strategy vs Tactics in Nonprofits 00:17:02 Real Example: Donor Retention System 00:18:45 Using GOST to Align Teams and Meetings 00:21:16 How Often Should You Revisit Strategy? 00:24:36 Reducing Decision Fatigue in Leadership 00:26:07 Implementing GOST in Your Organization Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss man