In this episode, we’re diving into the art and ethics of nonprofit storytelling with Carly Euler, the creative force behind MemoryFox’s 2023 Ethical Storytelling Report. With experience across multiple nonprofits—from working with youth development at the Wily Network to community fundraising at the Breast Cancer Coalition—Carly knows how storytelling can engage, inspire, and empower. We’ll explore out-of-the-box storytelling techniques, practical ways to collect stories, and the fine line no...

Monthly giving is one of the fastest-growing areas of nonprofit fundraising, with organizations seeing a 52% increase in recurring donors and a 94% rise in revenue from these gifts over the past three years. On average, monthly donors give between $24 and $36 per month, and retention rates for these donors can be as high as 94% when using bank transfers or credit cards. With monthly donors contributing significantly more over time compared to one-time donors, nonprofits that focus on building...

Executive directors, are you tired of chasing after those $20 donations like a squirrel on espresso? Focusing all your energy on foundation grants and corporate donations because they seem easier is a bit like preferring instant noodles over a gourmet meal—it sort of does the job, but often, you are left feeling unsatisfied. Rhea Wong to the rescue! Rhea has over 20 years experience in the nonprofit space as an Executive Director and front line fundraiser. A fundraising thought-leader, a...

This week on Nonprofit Nation, I’m excited to sit down with Erin Hogue, Senior Director of Spark Good at Walmart. Erin is leading the charge on how Walmart is bringing nonprofits, customers, and associates together to make a real impact in communities across the country.In this episode, we’ll get into the nitty-gritty of how Walmart is using data to power its giving, the inspiration behind their Roundup program, and how nonprofits can plug into Walmart’s massive network to grow their reach. W...

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation I am thrilled to welcome back the brilliant Tamsen Webster, a renowned message strategist, author, and keynote speaker, whose latest book, Say What They Can’t Unhear: The 9 Principles of Lasting Change, is launched on October 8. Tamsen brings her 25 years of experience in message design and change communication to the table, offering actionable insights for anyone looking to create meaningful, lasting change.We discuss:The core principles that help create l...

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I have an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with Mallory Erickson, the brilliant mind behind What The Fundraising: Embracing and Enabling the People Behind the Purpose, which launched on October 1st. As a fundraising expert and coach, Mallory opens up about the emotional journey behind writing her first book, and how her personal experiences as a new mother shaped her approach to both life and work.Mallory shares the challenges of writing and rewriting ...

In this episode, Jay Acunzo, a leading voice in content creation and storytelling, shares invaluable insights tailored for nonprofit fundraisers and marketers. Jay discusses how to move beyond traditional, transactional fundraising tactics to create transformational experiences that resonate deeply with donors and volunteers. He offers guidance on building a strong Brand IP for nonprofits, the power of journey-based storytelling, and how to use frustration as a catalyst for creative and impac...

The way we search the web is being transformed in huge ways, and nonprofits need to understand the changing landscape in order to reach their donors and their stakeholders online. In this episode, I sit down with Rafi Norberg to explore the latest development in search technology: Google’s AI Overviews. Rafi serves as President and Founder of Nexus Marketing, a marketing agency that helps businesses and organizations generate revenue online in the mission-driven sector. Rafi h...

It's National Hispanic Heritage Month! In this episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by the inspiring Cynthia Torres, LMFT—someone who has been a true force in the social good space for over 25 years. As a Colombian-American entrepreneur and community leader, Cynthia wears two powerful hats: she’s the founder of New Dawn Counseling & Consulting, Inc., and the Executive Director of the beloved nonprofit, City Impact. Cynthia is here to break down how she’s mastered the art of blending busines...

In this episode, I have the pleasure of hosting Sean Kosofsky, also known as "The Nonprofit Fixer." With over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Sean brings a wealth of knowledge on executive coaching, leadership development, and nonprofit management. Tune in to discover practical advice on overcoming common challenges, setting fair compensation, and implementing innovative work practices.Sean Kosofsky is a seasoned expert in nonprofit leadership, known widely as "The Nonprofit F...

What’s the secret sauce to engaging donors across different generations? In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I’m thrilled to sit down with Wendy Mercurio the Content and Education Specialist at Qgiv and Bloomerang to dig into the juicy findings from their latest Generational Giving Report (Volume 2).You’re going to love this one because Wendy breaks down what makes each generation of donors tick, from Boomers to Gen Z, and shares actionable insights that your nonprofit can use right now to u...

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I talk with my friend and colleague Dana Snyder, a dynamic force in the nonprofit world and the founder of Positive Equation. Dana recently embarked on a whirlwind journey to write and publish her new book, "The Monthly Giving Mastermind - A Framework to Build, Grow & Sustain Subscriptions for Good." In just four weeks, she wrote the book, and in an unheard-of four months, she had it published! Join us as Dana shares her experiences and insights,...

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I sit down with Shannon McCracken, the founding CEO of The Nonprofit Alliance (TNPA), to explore her journey in the nonprofit sector and her visionary leadership at TNPA. Shannon brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles, including her impactful tenure as Chief Development Officer at Charity Navigator and Vice President of Donor Development at Special Olympics International. Recognized as one of The NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50 ...

It seems like the only thing anyone is talking about is AI - Artificial Intelligence - and the ways in which it is revolutionizing and changing work and impact in all industries, including the nonprofit sector. I want to get beyond the hype, and explore the implications for nonprofits, how to use AI not just to further productivity but also to create more impact, and how it might help with the Generosity Crisis. Who better to address these issues than Nathan Chappell? Nathan is one ...

As the nonprofit sector faces shifting economic conditions and technological advancements, it may seem hard to keep up. In this episode, I sit down with Barbara O'Reilly, a renowned expert in donor retention and fundraising trends, to delve into the evolving landscape of nonprofit fundraising. Drawing from her extensive experience and her recent analysis of 2024's fundraising trends, Barbara provides actionable advice on how nonprofits can adapt and thrive amidst generational shifts, tec...

There are many underlying issues that hinder the progress of nonprofits- but they may not be what you think! In this episode, we dispel some of the most pervasive, and destructive, myths and misconceptions that often cloud the path to success for nonprofits.My guest, Woodrow Rosenbaum, Chief Data Officer for GivingTuesday, brings invaluable insights from the forefront of a global movement dedicated to driving giving and collective action. Are the challenges nonprofits face merely obstacles, o...

With the end of the year being a particularly hectic time for nonprofits, how can Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools help streamline processes and improve efficiency? This episode explores the transformative potential of AI in fundraising. We discuss the implications, benefits, and challenges of integrating AI tools, sharing practical examples and success stories. We delve into how AI can lighten the load for fundraisers during busy periods and enhance donor engagement and retention. My ...

Send us a Text Message.Research indicates that around 60% of GenZs are inspired to donate to charity by social media. 55% of people who engage with nonprofits on social media end up taking some sort of action. This recording is of a LinkedIn Live chat with Stephen Knight, Director of Communications for JustLeadershipUSA.Join us as we talk about the themes of our upcoming conference session and what fundraisers need to know about social media in 2024.Our session at Bridge 2024: How to (Really!...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, we talked about:Overview of Nicholas Bruneau's book "Engage with Impact" and the innovative AGILE Framework for digital advocacy.Deep dive into how adopting a startup mentality can transform digital campaigns in the nonprofit sector.Discussion on the significance of leveraging and repurposing content to maximize digital outreach.Exploration of the role of personal stories in creating compelling advocacy campaigns and how to select ambassadors.Strategies...

Send us a Text Message.What's going on with giving as we enter the second half of the year? What are the latest trends that nonprofits - of all sizes- need to know and understand?This recording is of a LinkedIn Live chat with Woodrow Rosenbaum, Chief Data Officer of GivingTuesday. We dove into the latest insights from the Q1 2024 GivingPulse report—a treasure trove of data to empower the social sector! 📈✨Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation to supercharge your fundraising strat...

Send us a Text Message.Advocacy is a key tool for nonprofits aiming to influence policy and secure funding. However, many nonprofits often struggle to prepare their teams for effective advocacy due to a lack of resources or knowledge about where to focus their efforts. In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I’m joined by Bethany Snyder, a renowned expert in nonprofit advocacy and the founder of Snyder Strategies. Bethany brings over two decades of experience in empowering nonprofit organization...

Send us a Text Message.Today, we're diving into the world of nonprofit websites and how to make them more user-friendly to better serve your mission and engage your audience. I'm thrilled to welcome our guest, Spencer Brooks, an expert in web design and digital marketing for nonprofits.Spencer Brooks is the Founder & Principal of Brooks Digital, a website development and usability studio for nonprofits, particularly those in the health space. He has over a decade of experience leading pro...

Send us a Text Message.What makes a nonprofit successful? A lot of things. An engaged donor base, for example. Enthusiastic Board members. A compelling case for support. Those are all necessary to grow your organization and sustain your mission. But a critically important and often overlooked element is the employee. Nonprofits suffer higher turnover than any other sector. The nonprofit turnover rate clocks in at just over 21% and the overwhelming majority of that is voluntary. Surveys s...

Send us a Text Message.As the U.S. gears up for the 2024 presidential election, nonprofit professionals find themselves at the intersection of philanthropy and politics, considering the unique challenges and opportunities that come with fundraising during an election year. My guest this week is Alyssa Wright, industry expert on fundraising. Having spent time as a human rights activist in Eastern Europe and Africa, Alyssa brings over a decade of experience in international philanthropy to...