Podcasts about bloomerang

This is a special episode recorded live at GiveCon 2026, sponsored by Bloomerang.I joined three powerhouse experts, fundraising event strategist Samantha Swaim, digital marketing consultant Julia Campbell, and Bloomerang CMO Ann Fellman, for a candid panel called "The Advice We Don't Put on Slides." No safe takes, no polished talking points, just the real stuff consultants say behind closed doors. We cover what nonprofits consistently get wrong, the trade-offs nobody wants to make, what actually moves the needle, and the advice we give all the time but wish we didn't have to. From a scarcity mindset to the 17 touchpoints it takes to convert a donor, from abandoning friend-raisers to stepping into CEO energy, this conversation is packed with the kind of honest, actionable insight you don't usually get in a conference session.Topics:The most expensive mistakes nonprofits repeat Why the call is coming from inside the house when donor numbers decline, and what to do about itWhy "just do a raffle" and "friend-raiser" events are costing organizations more than they raiseThe 15–17 touch points it takes before revenue comes in, and why that changes everythingFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here. register here - splendidcourses.com/emailResources:Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign SystemPurpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

Right off the heels of GiveCon, the data is IN. Bloomerang just released their 2026 Giving Signals report, and there's one stat that stopped me in my tracks: donors prefer specific impact language over vague appeals by an 88 point margin!Ann Fellman, CMO of Bloomerang, is joining me fresh off the GiveCon stage to break down what the data is telling us about donor behavior and why your $25/month donor might actually be worth $3,200+ in lifetime value.Ann also reveals two major product launches, including a native integration with Dataro's predictive donor intelligence — and shares exactly what she'd focus on this summer to get ahead of end-of-year fundraising.Resources & LinksConnect with Ann on LinkedIn and check out Bloomerang's 2026 Giving Signals Report. Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. See how one team surpassed a $1M match and raised $2.25M for their mission with Penny, Bloomerang's AI-powered fundraising strategist. Learn more at bloomerang.com.The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. Let's Connect!Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show!My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

What if the pressure you're putting on your fundraising campaign is actually the thing slowing it down?In this episode, I'm talking about something I watched play out on a Little League field this weekend: two coaches, same-age kids, same skill level, completely different energy, and completely different outcomes. And I couldn't stop thinking about how much it looked like what I see inside fundraising campaigns every single week. When you hold too tightly to a goal, when every quiet day feels like failure, when the whole campaign starts to feel like a final exam, that pressure changes everything: your messaging tightens, your team feels it, and your donors feel it. And ironically, the pressure creates the very outcome you were trying to avoid. I talk about what pressure actually does to campaign performance, why three of my clients inside The Purpose & Profit Club® thought they were behind when they were actually ahead, the difference between a dirty win and a beautiful loss, and what it really means to lead a campaign well all the way to the end.Topics:How white-knuckling a fundraising campaign changes the outcome, and not in the way you hopeThe payoff of pressure and why we hold onto it even when it hurts usWhat pressure actually does to campaign pacing, messaging, and team energyWhy three clients thought they were behind, and were actually aheadThe difference between a dirty win and a beautiful loss in fundraisingHow to lead a campaign well without making it a final examFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources:Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign SystemPurpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

What happens when 1.3 billion people adopt AI in just 39 months… and most nonprofits are still trying to figure out where to even start?While nearly 90% of nonprofits are already using AI, only 6-7% are seeing meaningful returns, which is why I HAD to sit down with Justin Spelhaug, President of Microsoft Elevate, to talk about why that gap exists, and how nonprofits have a once-in-a-generation chance to shape a more inclusive AI economy.We also talk about generating personalized donor thank you messages at scale, and how to use predictive modeling to better understand giving behavior. This moment requires all of us to lean in and will challenge how you think about AI.Resources & LinksConnect with Justin on LinkedIn and learn more about Microsoft Elevate on their website. Justin also recommends Carol Dweck and her work on growth mindsets. Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. Bloomerang is the trusted, all-in-one giving platform that connects your data, streamlines your systems, and helps your mission go further. Learn more at bloomerang.com.The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. Let's Connect!Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show!My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

Your donors don't need a goodie bag, a raffle prize, an auction item, a t-shirt, or a chicken dinner. If your fundraising strategy is built around giving them something in order to get something back, that's the give-get model, and it might be exactly what's slowing your organization down.In this episode, I'm breaking down the difference between a real SPRINT™ campaign and an old-school fundraising method wrapped in new language. I talk about why events, raffles, auctions, and 5Ks aren't inherently bad, but why building your entire fundraising strategy around them adds friction, drains people's power, and quietly signals that you don't trust the mission to be enough on its own. If you've ever said, "Why don't we just do a raffle?", this episode is for you.Topics:What a SPRINT™campaign actually is, and what it isn'tWhy wrapping an old-school fundraiser in SPRINT™ language doesn't make it a sprintHow events add friction for donors and where the money gets lost in the processThe give-get mentality and why donors don't need to be bribed to giveQuestions to ask before choosing your next campaign vehicleWhy defaulting to events usually means you don't yet trust the ask, and what to do insteadFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources:Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign SystemPurpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

Monthly Giving Awareness Week feels like the perfect time to bring back repeat guest Dave Raley, especially after he just launched The Center for Sustainable Giving, a new initiative helping nonprofits rethink how they approach recurring generosity.The subscription economy is fundamentally changing donor expectations, which is why we're exploring topics like “10x thinking”, generosity as a learned habit, the future of sustainable philanthropy, and why recurring giving programs deserve far more visibility, staffing, and investment than they're currently getting. So many nonprofits are still stuck in a “single gift mindset” and this conversation is a reminder of just how big the opportunity is if you're willing to think differently about donor relationships.Resources & LinksMonthly Giving Awareness Week is THIS week and the deadline to apply for the 2026 Monthlies is May 13, 2026. Enter here.Learn about The Center for Sustainable Giving. Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. Bloomerang is the trusted, all-in-one giving platform that connects your data, streamlines your systems, and helps your mission go further. Learn more at bloomerang.com.The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. Let's Connect!Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show!My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

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: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

I recently got an email from a development manager telling me I send too many emails. She's not wrong for feeling that way, but that feeling is rooted in one of the most expensive beliefs in nonprofit fundraising. And that's exactly what I'm unpacking in this episode.Today, I'm breaking down the data behind email frequency, what it actually costs your organization when you hold back, and why the inner monologue of "I don't want to bother people" is quietly limiting your mission. I talk about what the M+R benchmarks report actually shows about how many emails high-revenue nonprofits are sending, why campaign-based intensity is where your revenue is sitting, and what happened when one development manager followed the Easy Emails For Impact™ process and 9x'd their typical campaign results, without a single new donor on the list.P.S. Easy Emails For Impact™ enrollment is now open with 50% off. Go to splendidcourses.com/email for all the details.Topics:Why "you send too many emails" is rooted in one of the most expensive beliefs in fundraisingWhat the M+R benchmarks report actually shows about email frequency and revenue growthThe difference between sending more emails and sending more emails at the right timeWhy holding back during a campaign window is limiting your mission, not protecting your donorsHow one development manager 9x'd campaign results by staying in the conversation longerWhy you're not building your strategy around your donorsWhy email revenue grew 16% last year, and what that means for organizations not tapping into itFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources:Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign SystemPurpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

Dion Dawson took the Monthly Giving Summit Main Stage in February and it was mic drop after mic drop. Over the last five years, his work at Dion's Chicago Dream has generated more than $17.8 MILLION dollars in impact feeding families, building systems, and creating jobs. And he didn't get there by being perfect or cracking a universal code. Dion shares how to build visibility through thought leadership, the importance of knowing where to invest your time, and why showing up over and over again is what builds trust and momentum.If you've been sitting on ideas, waiting for the right moment, or questioning how you can build belief at scale, this episode will fire you up. Your mission deserves to be heard!Resources & LinksConnect with Dion on LinkedIn and learn more about Dion's Chicago Dream on their website. Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. Bloomerang is the trusted, all-in-one giving platform that connects your data, streamlines your systems, and helps your mission go further. Learn more at bloomerang.com.If you're building a movement, join Bloomerang's GiveCon in St. Louis May 15-17 to learn what's working in donor retention, AI, major gifts, recurring revenue, and community-driven campaigns. Register now and use code M2M to save $200!The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. Let's Connect!Send a DM on Instagram or ...

AI is everywhere right now, and in the nonprofit sector, it's making some organizations' fundraising sharper and others completely generic. The difference isn't the tool; it's how you're using it.In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly where AI helps and where it quietly hurts your fundraising emails. I talk about the most expensive mistake I see nonprofits making - handing the wheel over to AI completely and treating the first draft like the final answer. I share how my clients inside The SPRINT Method™ and The Purpose & Profit Club® are actually using AI as a thought partner, not a ghostwriter, and what the difference looks like in results. If you've been using AI to write your emails faster but wondering why nothing is converting, this episode will show you why, and what to do instead.P.S. Easy Emails For Impact™ enrollment opens May 7 with 50% off the course. Go to splendidcourses.com/email to get first access and learn more.Topics:Why AI is making some nonprofit emails sharper and others completely generic, and what determines the differenceThe GPS analogy: why AI should help you get there faster, not decide where you're goingWhat to use AI for and what to never hand over to it in your fundraisingHow to spot an AI-written email, and why they raise nothing even when they look polishedUsing AI as a thought partner to push your ideas deeper, not replace themA simple three-question filter to run before you hit sendFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources:Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign SystemPurpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

Angelique Albert believes that scaling a mission takes bold investments in marketing, the courage to make unconventional leadership decisions, and the willingness to make a case loud enough for the right partners to find you.Imagine getting a $50 MILLION dollar unrestricted gift. It changes what's possible for your organization.Angelique and I get into the practical side of growth, and what it looked like for Native Forward Scholars Fund to go from spending just $20,000/year on marketing to executing a full rebrand, upgrading systems, and intentionally putting themselves in the right rooms.Resources & LinksLearn more about Native Forward Scholars Fund on their website and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.  Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. Bloomerang is the trusted, all-in-one giving platform that connects your data, streamlines your systems, and helps your mission go further. Learn more at bloomerang.com.If you're building a movement, join Bloomerang's GiveCon in St. Louis May 15-17 to learn what's working in donor retention, AI, major gifts, recurring revenue, and community-driven campaigns. Register now and use code M2M to save $200!The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. Let's Connect!Send a DM on Instagram or ...

If sending emails feels like something you dread, rush, or quietly avoid, this episode is for you. I walk through the seven reasons nonprofit emails aren't converting into donations, and I want you to listen not for what sounds good, but for where you recognize yourself, because the second you see it, you can change it.From writing emails that are polished but completely forgettable to stopping too soon just as momentum is about to build, these are the patterns I see across organizations of every size, from solo founders to teams with 100,000 subscribers. None of this is about making yourself feel bad. It's about getting clear on what's actually getting in the way, because most of these are simple fixes that just take a little courage to do differently.Topics:Why "fine" emails that aren't wrong are still completely forgettable, and what a converting email actually doesHow your energy and relationship with email show up in your writing and affect resultsWhy assuming your donors hate email is one of the most expensive beliefs in nonprofit fundraisingThe difference between repetition that annoys and repetition that actually lands your messageHow to find the micro moments inside your everyday work that make the most powerful emailsWhy most campaigns die in the middle, and how to stay in it when it feels quietFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources:Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign SystemPurpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

Relational equity is going to reframe the way you think about donors. Did you know loneliness is now considered a public health crisis, comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day?!In this bonus keynote from the Monthly Giving Summit, I'm sitting down with Allison Trowbridge, founder of Copper Books, to talk all about relationships and the compounding wealth you build by investing in people over time.You'll hear Allison's personal story of going from a venture-backed startup with millions in funding to losing everything – as well as her favorite practical ways to strengthen donor relationships and community connections.If you want to build a more sustainable movement, you'll want to listen to every minute of this episode.Resources & LinksConnect with Allison at allison@copperbooks.com and learn more about Copper Books here.Take Allison's FREE Relational Archetype Quiz. Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. Bloomerang is the trusted, all-in-one giving platform that connects your data, streamlines your systems, and helps your mission go further. Learn more at bloomerang.com.If you're building a movement, join Bloomerang's GiveCon in St. Louis May 15-17 to learn what's working in donor retention, AI, major gifts, recurring revenue, and community-driven campaigns. Register now and use code M2M to save $200!The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. Let's Connect!Send a DM on Instagram or ...

Somewhere along the way, many nonprofit leaders start carrying a version of their story that is heavier than it needs to be. A missed goal becomes proof they should be further along; a hard year becomes evidence they're behind; and what's tricky is that this story can sound incredibly responsible, measured, even accurate, but it's still a story. And it's costing you funding.In this episode, I introduce the concept of the wound version versus the hero's version, and why the story you're telling about your organization (to your donors, your board, your team, and yourself) changes everything about how people experience your leadership and your asks. I walk through how to identify your wound story, rewrite it as the hero's version, and why this isn't about spin or fake positivity. It's about refusing to lead from a place that weakens you. Same facts → Different meaning → Different results.Topics:Why the story nonprofit leaders tell about their organization directly impacts fundingThe wound version vs. the hero's version, and how to tell the differenceHow a wound story leaks into donor conversations, campaign language, and board updatesWhy "realistic" language often shrinks leadership and repels donorsA step-by-step process for rewriting your wound story into the hero's versionReal examples of how the same facts can be told in two completely different waysFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here. register here - splendidcourses.com/emailResources:Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign SystemPurpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

Did you know monthly donors often have 85%+ retention rates, while many nonprofits are lucky to retain just 40% of one-time donors?In this episode, I'm asking you to take a hard look at your fundraising calendar and answer one simple question: Is monthly giving actually a priority? For most organizations, it's not.We'll talk about the shift from constantly raising money to building predictable, sustainable revenue, what metrics you should be tracking, and why making monthly giving a core part of your strategy is one of the most important moves you can make right now.Resources & Links Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. Bloomerang is the trusted, all-in-one giving platform that connects your data, streamlines your systems, and helps your mission go further. Learn more at bloomerang.com.If you're building a movement, join Bloomerang's GiveCon in St. Louis May 15-17 to learn what's working in donor retention, AI, major gifts, recurring revenue, and community-driven campaigns. Register now and use code M2M to save $200!The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. Let's Connect!Send a DM on Instagram or ...

We've all been there: Ghosted by a donor and wondering why, why, why? My guest on this episode of What the Fundraising is showing us how to redirect our minds, dismantling the reflexive responses that play in our heads and inhabit our bodies.  Britt Frank, a somatic psychotherapist, trauma expert, and author of⁠ "The Science of Stuck: Breaking Through Inertia to Find Your Path Forward,"⁠ walks us through the many ways in which our reactions (and overreactions) are embedded within our bodies.  Because so many of us are detached from our own sensations, we revert automatically to our brains in search of solutions. And that's all too often pinging around inside our heads? Lots of noisy self-doubts, recrimination, and other negative thoughts that do not serve. As Britt explains, however, we can befriend even the most toxic of emotions and in so doing diffuse them. “When we know how our brains work, we can feel like we're in the driver's seat of our life,” she says, “instead of locked in the trunk of the car, driving 95 miles down the highway.”  You'll love hearing how this multi-modality therapist and thinker came to her work, why ultimatums are less effective than healthy boundaries, and what modest actions you can take to interrupt when your body has taken over the driver's seat. Get all the resources from today's episode ⁠here⁠.  Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠  Connect with Mallory on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Want to raise more from the right funders without hounding them and banish your self-doubt in the meantime? Mallory's⁠ FREE masterclass⁠ offers a great starting point! Support for this show is brought to you by ⁠Bloomerang⁠. Our friends at ⁠Bloomerang⁠ really understand fundraisers, which is how they make donor management software that nonprofits like to use. To learn more about them, head on over to bloomerang.com/mallory.

Online fundraising isn't hard because your donors aren't online. It's hard because most nonprofit leaders were never actually taught how to fundraise in the first place, and that's exactly what I'm fixing in this episode.In this follow-up to last week's episode on campaign frequency, I dig into why so many organizations try online fundraising once, don't hit their goal, and walk away convinced it doesn't work for them. I break down what a real SPRINT™ campaign looks like versus what most nonprofits do (sending one email, posting a donation link, and hoping for the best). I cover the data behind email fundraising, why your donors aren't as offline as you think, and why a donate button is not a strategy. If you've ever told yourself online fundraising just doesn't work for your organization, this episode will change how you see that.Topics:Why 99% of nonprofit leaders were never actually taught how to run a campaignThe difference between fundraising activity and a real campaign strategyWhy your donors aren't as offline as you think, and how to invite them into a new giving habitWhat a real SPRINT™ campaign looks like versus one email and a donation linkThe snowball effect, and why momentum makes giving psychologically contagiousWhy a small email list isn't a barrier when the message is strongFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources:Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign SystemPurpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

On this week's Run the Numbers, CJ sits down with Steve Isom of Bloomerang to break down what a “strategic CFO” really is. They cover the shift from reporting to operating, why customer orgs drive SaaS value, and how AI is reshaping the finance role. —SPONSORS:RightRev is an automated revenue recognition platform built for teams that have outgrown spreadsheets and billing tool workarounds. It handles high-volume subscriptions, usage-based contracts, and mid-cycle upgrades, so you can scale without scrambling at month-end. For RevRec that keeps your books clean, visit https://www.rightrev.com/CJRillet is an AI-native ERP built for modern finance teams that want to close faster without fighting legacy systems. Designed to support complex revenue recognition, multi-entity operations, and real-time reporting, Rillet helps teams achieve a true zero-day close—with some customers closing in hours, not days. If you're scaling on an ERP that wasn't built in the 90s, book a demo at https://www.rillet.com/cjEY works with high-growth tech companies to navigate the messy realities of scaling—from regulatory requirements to IPO readiness. By helping teams get it right early and often, EY lets founders stay focused on building while reducing risk as they grow. Learn more at https://www.ey.com/techstartupsSpendHound is a SaaS spend management platform built for finance and procurement teams that want visibility and leverage in every deal. By tracking all your software, benchmarking pricing across thousands of vendors, and surfacing contracts and renewals, SpendHound helps you stop overpaying and negotiate with confidence. Trusted by teams at ZoomInfo and Hootsuite. Get started at https://www.spendhound.comBrex is an intelligent finance platform that combines corporate cards, built-in expense management, and AI agents to eliminate manual finance work. By automating expense reviews and reconciliations, Brex gives CFOs more time for the high-impact work that drives growth. Join 35,000+ companies like Anthropic, Coinbase, and DoorDash at https://www.brex.com/metricsAleph is a modern FP&A platform built for teams that want more than another planning tool. By connecting your ERP, CRM, and other systems into one trusted data layer with AI workflows, Aleph helps you move faster with real-time insights. Get a personalized demo at https://www.getaleph.com/run—LINKS: Steve on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/steveisomjrCompany: https://bloomerang.com/CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Preview1:25 Intro2:55 Welcome Steve Isom3:13 CFO to COO promotion5:02 Having a pulse on every function6:51 Defining "strategic CFO"7:19 Tying strategy to value creation9:27 Being embedded in the rhythm of the business10:55 Finance leaders as commentators vs. team captains12:25 Sponsors — RightRev | Rillet | EY15:33 Killing projects as a core skill18:14 Activity doesn't equal impact19:16 Project Steve killed20:39 Taking over the customer org at Bloomerang22:18 Why acquisition is a cash-losing exercise23:07 LTV lives post-sale24:39 Most vulnerable area: customer success25:24 Ruthless CSM segmentation26:30 Nonprofits don't think about your software29:21 Sponsors — Spendhound | Brex | Aleph32:43 CFO running ops35:52 Metrics vs. humans37:18 Skip levels and what they reveal39:01 Incentives drive the wrong outcomes40:22 Customer-introduced delays as a key sub-metric40:27 Unit economics become tangible when you're accountable42:17 Going deep on AI45:13 Motivating your team to experiment with AI46:02 AI for personal projects47:05 Resource allocation in a vibe-coding world48:42 Does AI efficiency just mean more work?50:32 What excites Steve about the future of finance leadership52:08 Finance leaders who don't use AI won't get hired52:13 Credits#RunTheNumbersPodcast #CFO #StrategicFinance #SaaSFinance #FinanceLeadership #CFOtoCOO

Can you believe the tools that once required a full development team and a 6-figure budget can now be built in a matter of MONTHS with “vibe AI” for a fraction of the cost?In this solo episode, I'm sharing a behind-the-scenes look into my business, and how I took my $12K-$18K Monthly Giving Mastermind and turned it into a $499/year AI-powered tool that helps nonprofits build and grow their recurring revenue.I'm walking through what's actually possible for nonprofits right now, from automating intake and donor communications to volunteer matching and grant research, and how to start identifying what your organization could build next.Resources & Links Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. Bloomerang is the trusted, all-in-one giving platform that connects your data, streamlines your systems, and helps your mission go further. Learn more at bloomerang.com.If you're building a movement, join Bloomerang's GiveCon in St. Louis May 15-17 to learn what's working in donor retention, AI, major gifts, recurring revenue, and community-driven campaigns. Register now and use code M2M to save $200!The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. Let's Connect!Send a DM on Instagram or ...

Send us Fan MailNonprofit volunteer management strategy is no longer about filling shifts—it's about building long-term supporters who fuel your mission.  Let's see how nonprofits can turn volunteer engagement into a long-term donor pipeline through smarter systems, timing, and strategy.In this episode, Chloe Boonstra of Bloomerang breaks down how nonprofits can rethink volunteer engagement as a strategic growth engine rather than a transactional activity. Instead of focusing on short-term staffing needs, organizations must design systems that turn initial interest into sustained commitment.As Chloe explains, “We want to get away from the mindset of just filling a shift… and instead set the tone for a long-term partnership.” That shift in thinking unlocks new opportunities—not only for retention, but for deeper engagement across your entire organization.A major barrier? Friction. Complicated onboarding processes, excessive paperwork, and disconnected systems all reduce participation. This episode highlights how tools like volunteer portals can streamline engagement, reduce administrative burden, and improve the experience for both staff and volunteers.But the real opportunity lies in connecting volunteer and donor data. Too often, these systems operate in silos. Chloe challenges that thinking with a powerful insight: “A donor and a volunteer is the same person—they're just speaking a different language of generosity.”You'll learn:How to design a volunteer onboarding process that increases retentionWhy simplicity drives participation and repeat engagementWhen and how to introduce giving opportunities to volunteersHow to identify “peak moments” for deeper engagementWhy integrating CRM and volunteer systems is critical for growthThis conversation reframes volunteerism as a core business strategy—one that drives loyalty, engagement, and long-term sustainability. 00:00:00 Volunteer Strategy vs Filling Shifts 00:05:00 Why Mindset Drives Volunteer Retention 00:07:00 How Portals Improve Volunteer Experience 00:09:00 Eliminating Friction in Onboarding 00:11:30 Turning One-Time Volunteers Into Repeat Supporters 00:14:30 What Data Should You Collect From Volunteers 00:16:00 Volunteer-to-Donor Conversion Strategy 00:18:00 Breaking Down Organizational Silos 00:20:30 Creating a Full Engagement Lifecycle 00:23:00 Using Data to Identify Engagement Timing 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@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Monthly Giving Retreat: Learn more + apply by 4/10 here! What season is your monthly giving program in right now — planting, growing, or stuck in a plateau? In this episode, Dana Snyder breaks down why knowing your season matters and how the right environment can move your program forward faster than you'd get there alone.Dana shares an inside look at the 2026 Monthly Giving Retreat — an intimate, women-led gathering for nonprofit fundraising leaders held May 6–8 at The Portal in Serenbe, Georgia. From the peer learning that happens when every person in the room is working on the same thing, to the intentional design of the space itself, this episode makes the case for going deep on one thing instead of a little on everything.You'll hear real results from past attendees — including one leader who grew from 30 to 105 monthly donors and another who finally invited 17,000 email subscribers to give monthly — and what it actually looks like to leave a retreat with a plan, not just inspiration.Applications close April 10th. Three spots remain.Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. Bloomerang is the trusted, all-in-one giving platform that connects your data, streamlines your systems, and helps your mission go further. Learn more at bloomerang.com.If you're building a movement, join Bloomerang's GiveCon in St. Louis May 15-17 to learn what's working in donor retention, AI, major gifts, recurring revenue, and community-driven campaigns. Register now and use code M2M to save $200!The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. Let's Connect!Send a DM on Instagram or ...

Most nonprofit leaders assume that million-dollar organizations are doing something they can't: bigger teams, bigger events, bigger budgets. But when you actually look at how high-growth nonprofits raise unrestricted money at scale, the secret isn't size; it's speed.Today, I break down why million-dollar-plus organizations run five to ten times as many fundraising campaigns per year as smaller nonprofits, and why that rhythm (not the gala or the grant cycle) is what actually drives sustainable funding growth. I make the case for short, focused, online SPRINT™ campaigns as the modern fundraising engine your organization can start using now, regardless of team size, budget, or donor list size. If you've been waiting for the perfect moment, the bigger team, or the windfall grant to grow your funding, this episode is your wake-up call.Topics:Why high-growth nonprofits run 5–10x more campaigns per year (not bigger ones)How over-reliance on galas, grants, and signature events keeps organizations stuck waiting for fundingWhy speed is the real fundraising advantage, and how SPRINT™ campaigns collapse timelinesThe difference between posting a donation link and running an actual campaignReal client results: from Live Music Project to Sharing Hope AfricaWhy a small donor list isn't a reason to fundraise less; it's a reason to sprint smarterFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources:Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign SystemPurpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

If you've ever been the only fundraiser in the room running the gala and fielding board questions about why an auction underperformed, today's guest has been exactly where you are. Andrew Edwards spent years on the front lines of nonprofit fundraising, from coaching small shops, to scaling 60+ events nationally at the Epilepsy Foundation.In this episode, we're getting into what helps small teams focus, larger teams scale, and fundraisers at every level work smarter, how to make the case for attending a conference (even with limited budgets), why investing in your team pays off, and how to approach networking and planning so you don't waste the opportunity!Resources & LinksCheck out one of my favorite books, Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. Bloomerang is the trusted, all-in-one giving platform that connects your data, streamlines your systems, and helps your mission go further. Learn more at bloomerang.com.If you're building a movement, join Bloomerang's GiveCon in St. Louis May 15-17 to learn what's working right now in donor retention, AI, major gifts, recurring revenue, and community-driven campaigns. Register now and use code M2M to save $200!The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. Let's Connect!Send a DM on Instagram or ...

What does it look like when a solo nonprofit founder stops playing small and finally breaks through her fundraising ceiling? In this episode, I'm joined by Mary Muroski, founder and Executive Director of the Children's Legacy Partnership Foundation. After 20 years of teaching middle school and nearly a decade building her Uganda-based foundation (largely alone), Mary hit a wall. She was doing everything, raising from the same small circle of friends and family, and couldn't figure out what came next. Then she discovered The SPRINT Method™. Mary shares how she went from a $3,000 year-end campaign to hitting a $12,000 goal, achieving her first five-figure revenue month, and building the systems, confidence, and board accountability that will carry the organization forward. This is a must-listen for any small nonprofit founder who feels like they've taken their organization as far as they can go alone.Topics:Building a nonprofit solo while working full-time, and knowing when to go all inHow weekly emails became the foundation for consistent donor engagement and campaign conversionsRunning a focused SPRINT Method™ campaign that raised $12K to fully fund a girls' vocational center in UgandaWhy monthly donors are your biggest evangelists (not a group to protect from your asks)The difference between therapy and coaching, and how accountability drives fundraising resultsBoard building done right: applications, term limits, and having the hard conversationsFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here. LIVE APRIL 15th - REGISTER HERE FOR FREEResources:Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign SystemPurpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

Sometimes the most powerful shifts in fundraising start with a simple decision: we're not doing it the old way anymore.That's exactly what happened for Sophia Caputo and Jami Porzl, co-founders of Sharing Hope Africa. Balancing full-time careers, they were preparing for a large gala when they decided to pause and rethink their approach. What followed was a completely different fundraising path, one built on clarity, community, and focused campaigns using The SPRINT Method™.In this conversation, we discuss what shifted when they stopped guessing and started fundraising with intention: activating their board, building donor momentum, growing their confidence in making asks, and planning for long-term sustainability, including a community chicken coop designed to eventually fund the preschool permanently.This episode is a powerful look at what happens when strategy replaces burnout, and when small nonprofits step into bold leadership.Topics:Building a nonprofit while working full-time jobsPivoting from a high-cost gala to a lower-lift fundraising eventUsing a focused SPRINT™ strategy to raise $20K in monthsMoving from friends-and-family donors to a real donor pipelineActivating board members as fundraisersThe impact of funding on a preschool in MozambiqueLong-term sustainability through community-led solutionsThe moment they hit their fundraising goal in the first 10 minutes of an eventFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here. LIVE APRIL 15th - REGISTER HERE FOR FREEResources:Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign SystemPurpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

If your nonprofit feels stuck at the same funding level year after year, the problem might not actually be your donors. It might be your calendar.In this episode, I'm introducing a leadership habit I call CEO Time. It's the protected time where nonprofit leaders step out of the constant reaction cycle and focus on the work that actually generates revenue.Too often, nonprofit leaders spend their weeks managing operations, responding to emails, preparing board materials, and solving daily problems. All of that work matters, but none of it directly builds the funding pipeline that allows an organization to grow. CEO Time is different. It's where leaders focus on donor conversations, relationship-building, partnerships, campaign strategy, and the work that drives real fundraising momentum.I'm sharing why so many nonprofits plateau financially, even when their missions are powerful, how leadership time gets misallocated, and what happens when leaders begin to protect even a few hours each week for revenue-generating work. If you've ever ended the day exhausted but unsure whether you actually moved your organization forward, this episode will help you rethink how leadership time shapes your nonprofit's future funding.Topics:Why many nonprofits plateau financially despite strong missionsThe concept of CEO Time and why it matters for nonprofit growthHow operational overload prevents leaders from focusing on revenueThe difference between busy work and revenue-generating leadership workThe burnout cycle caused by constant reaction and operational pressureStrategic activities that actually build funding pipelinesDonor conversations and relationship-building as revenue driversWhy courage and boundaries are essential leadership skillsHow protecting strategic time can rebuild fundraising momentumHow the SPRINT Method™ supports focused fundraising campaignsFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

Send a textWhat happens after the first donation may matter even more than the donation itself! Lauren Laski, Manager of Customer Success at Bloomerang, talks about how nonprofit organizations can build stronger donor relationships, improve retention, and create more reliable revenue over time.Lauren brings both fundraising and technology experience to the conversation, and she offers a clear reminder that the first donation should never be treated as the finish line. Instead, it should be seen as the start of a longer relationship. Lauren explains the power of prompt gratitude. She shares that when a first-time donor is thanked within 48 hours, they are “four times more likely to make a second gift.” That one practice alone can completely change how a nonprofit approaches stewardship.The conversation, with host Julia Patrick, also moves into recurring giving, which Lauren describes as one of the strongest tools for long-term donor retention and revenue stability. With recurring donors retaining at a much higher rate, nonprofits can reduce the feast-or-famine cycle that often comes with event-based or year-end fundraising. For organizations trying to build predictable cash flow, this is a major business lesson, not just a fundraising tactic.Another highlight of the discussion is Lauren's advice on donor segmentation. Rather than grouping supporters only by gift size, she encourages nonprofits to think about behavior, loyalty, interests, and motivations. That shift can help even smaller organizations communicate in more personal and effective ways. As Lauren says, “Even if you only have 200 donors, they're not all the same.”The duo also talk about the 80 /20 communication rule, where most donor communication should focus on impact and connection rather than constant asking. That approach helps organizations move from transactional fundraising to relationship-centered fundraising, which is far more sustainable over time.Strong donor retention is built through thoughtful systems, timely communication, and habits that make supporters feel seen, valued, and connected to mission results. For nonprofit leaders who want to grow fundraising in a healthier and more strategic way, this conversation offers a terrific roadmap! 00:00:00 Welcome and episode introduction 00:01:48 Meet Lauren Laski from Bloomerang 00:03:16 Bloomerang's AI tool Penny 00:05:28 The 48 hour gratitude rule 00:10:34 Why recurring giving is retention gold 00:13:40 Segmenting donors by behavior not just dollars 00:18:04 The 80 20 donor communication rule 00:20:49 How often major donors should hear from you 00:23:40 Aligning fundraising and marketing teams 00:27:14 Lauren's GiveCon invitation and final takeaways 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@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

What does the Winter Olympics have to do with monthly giving? More than you think. Watching Alysa Liu's gold medal performance, I couldn't stop thinking about magnetism, how some athletes make you want to cheer for them, root for them, watch them again and again. That's the energy monthly giving requires.In this episode, I explain why simply adding a “give monthly” checkbox to your donation form isn't a strategy. Recurring revenue isn't built through automation; it's built through retention, campaign energy, and relational depth. Monthly giving is the result of belonging, not billing. If your recurring program has stalled or never quite taken off, this episode will help you see what needs to happen first, and how to build a system that compounds instead of resets. Monthly giving isn't the engine; it's what happens when the engine is working.Topics:Why monthly giving is the result, not the strategyThe difference between a payment feature and a real programRetention before recurring revenueWhy trust-building must happen before asking for commitmentThe role of campaign energy in monthly giving growthBelonging vs. billing: creating identity for donorsHow to know if your nonprofit is ready to launchWhy donors are absolutely “monthly people”Subscription economy and donor behaviorHow to integrate monthly giving into your full fundraising ecosystemFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here. Live March 4th - REGISTER HEREResources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

Most nonprofits think influencer partnerships mean celebrity shoutouts, paid posts, or “social media strategy.” That's not what this is.In this episode, I break down why influencer partnerships are actually about borrowed trust, not follower count. I explain why 99% of nonprofits are missing this opportunity, how to build true ambassador relationships instead of transactional posts, and why this works even if you don't have a big budget. I talk about the Social Street Team® Method, why influence is a free visibility superhighway, and how to use it to warm donors before you ever ask. If your organization feels like the best-kept secret in town, this episode is your blueprint to change that.Topics:Why influencer partnerships are not social media tacticsThe difference between creators and influencersBorrowed trust vs. follower countWhy transactional posts don't workThe Social Street Team® Method explainedHow influence builds donor momentum and retentionCommon mistakes nonprofits make with influencer campaignsWhy campaigns must convert before influencers amplifyReal-world example: Jones Road Beauty's growth strategyHow to build long-term ambassador relationshipsFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here. Live March 4th - REGISTER HEREResources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

What if your fundraising challenges aren't about effort, but about design?In this episode, I break down six indicators that your fundraising strategy may be quietly underperforming. If your team feels tired, campaigns feel heavier every time, or growth has plateaued despite working harder, this conversation will give you clarity. I unpack the hidden signs I see in nonprofit teams: overreliance on a few people, waiting instead of inviting, campaign cold starts, stalled monthly giving, and measuring success by campaign rather than by donor. This episode is about momentum, alignment, and designing a fundraising engine that compounds instead of resets. If you've ever said “we've tried everything,” this one is for you.Topics:Why “we've tried everything” is often a strategy design issueThe difference between momentum problems and donor problemsWorking harder vs. working with leverageThe danger of relying on the same few peopleWhy waiting instead of inviting stalls growthCold-start campaigns and donor churnWhy monthly giving fails without primingMeasuring success per donor vs. per campaignStrategy hopping vs. shared operating systemsDesigning fundraising systems that compound over timeFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here. Live March 4th - REGISTER HEREResources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

If you want bigger gifts, stronger partnerships, and more sustainable revenue, you can't grow in isolation.In this episode, I'm breaking down what strategic networking actually looks like for nonprofit leaders, and why staying hidden in your inbox is one of the fastest ways to stall growth. This isn't about awkward mixers, cheesy pitches, or forcing yourself to be someone you're not. It's about intentionally placing yourself in rooms where influence, generosity, and decision-making already exist, and learning how to show up with confidence, clarity, and alignment. I talk about why familiar routines keep organizations stuck at the same revenue ceilings, how one conversation can collapse years of cultivation, and the exact types of rooms nonprofit leaders should prioritize if they want to raise more without burning out. If you're ready to stop doing great work quietly and start building real momentum, this episode will shift how you think about networking forever.Topics:Why nonprofit growth requires proximity, not more hustleThe difference between old-school networking and strategic networkingHow one conversation can bypass years of donor cultivationWhy staying “in your lane” keeps revenue cappedThe four types of rooms nonprofit leaders must prioritizeHow to network without feeling salesy or awkwardWhy asking great questions makes you more memorableHow visibility leads to funding opportunitiesBuilding a consistent networking habit without burnoutTurning conversations into warm introductions and partnershipsFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

Planned giving isn't a “sign the paperwork and move on” moment—it's a decades-long business strategy that demands discipline, systems, and relationship leadership. James Goalder (Partnerships Manager, Bloomerang) reframes planned gifts as the start of a longer stewardship cycle, not the finish line.James tackles a mindset shift many organizations need right now: once a donor includes you in a will or trust, your responsibility actually accelerates. As he puts it, “for planned giving and for planned gifts, that's really when the job is started.” Why? Because life changes, priorities evolve, and estate documents can be revised. The winning move is not celebration alone—it's consistent, intentional connection that protects donor trust over time.From there, James lays out three practical pillars that turn long-range stewardship into a repeatable operational system: information management, message delivery, and relationship management. He makes the business case for documentation as the backbone of continuity in a sector where staff turnover is real. “If it's not in the CRM, it doesn't exist,” he says—because the next person must be able to step in and carry the relationship forward without scrambling.The conversation also moves beyond transactions into brand, messaging, and donor experience. Planned givers want to feel like insiders—part of a shared long-term vision, not an ATM. James warns that a “crisis culture” can weaken confidence fast, especially when donors have endless choices. Strong organizations communicate purposefully, listen more than they talk, and match touchpoints to donor preferences (email, coffee, events, family involvement when appropriate).Finally, James reminds us that planned giving isn't reserved for the ultra-wealthy. The most inspiring legacy commitments can come from unexpected champions who love your mission and want their impact to continue well into the future. 00:00:00 Welcome and why this “decades-long” topic matters 00:01:10 What a Partnerships Manager sees across the sector 00:02:45 Planned giving is the start of the work, not the end 00:05:10 Why wills and trusts can change over time 00:07:10 Who belongs in the stewardship circle (family, advisors, accountants) 00:10:45 The 3 pillars: information management, message delivery, relationship management 00:11:40 “If it's not in the CRM, it doesn't exist” 00:13:10 Messaging that builds belonging, not transactions 00:16:45 Relationship preferences and consistent touchpoints 00:21:25 Taking over a portfolio and the magic question: “Why us?” 00:23:05 Smart donor handoffs and being one link in the chain 00:28:10 Planned gifts can come from everyday champions #PlannedGiving #DonorStewardship #TheNonprofitShow 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@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

I see this pattern constantly with nonprofit leaders: staying busy, staying loyal to systems and strategies that feel familiar, and wondering why results have plateaued. Today, I break down what I call the familiarity trap,  the tendency to cling to fundraising tactics, tools, and routines not because they're effective, but because they're comfortable. I talk about how burnout often shows up as indecision, avoidance, and endless tinkering instead of forward momentum. I unpack why familiarity feels safe to the brain, how it keeps leaders stuck in low-impact work, and why decisiveness (not perfection) is the fastest way out. If you're circling the same decisions, rewriting the same content, avoiding donor outreach, or telling yourself you'll “deal with it later,” this episode will help you recognize what's actually happening and show you how to interrupt the cycle with clarity and courage.Topics:What the familiarity trap is and why it's so common in nonprofitsHow burnout shows up as indecision and avoidanceWhy “thinking about thinking” keeps leaders stuckThe neuroscience behind comfort, fear, and decision-makingWhy decisiveness beats perfection every timeHow familiar tasks drain energy without moving revenueThe cost of delaying donor outreach and key decisionsHow to choose one path and commit long enough to see resultsThe difference between being careful and being stalledFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here. Live March 4th - REGISTER HEREResources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

If you've found yourself feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or wondering how you're supposed to do another year of fundraising like this, this episode is for you.In this episode, I'm breaking down what fundraising burnout actually is and why it keeps showing up for capable, committed nonprofit leaders. This isn't about working harder, pushing through, or needing more discipline. Most burnout isn't solved by rest alone. It comes from carrying too many open decisions, too many mental tabs, and too much responsibility without enough structure or support. I talk about how stress cycles stay open in fundraising, how avoidance and indecision quietly drain your energy, and why clarity and decisiveness often bring more relief than another day off. I also share practical ways to close loops, reduce overwhelm, and rebuild momentum without burning yourself out again. If fundraising has started to feel heavy or unsustainable, this episode will help you understand what's happening beneath the surface and give you a clearer, more supportive path forward.Topics:What is fundraising burnout, and what it isn'tWhy burnout is often a stress cycle, not just exhaustionDecision fatigue and its impact on fundraising momentumHow avoidance and “tinkering” worsen burnoutWhy rest alone doesn't close open mental loopsThe power of decisiveness as a leadership toolHow to break big, overwhelming tasks into bite-sized actionsUsing movement to complete the stress cycleIdentifying what's urgent vs. what just feels urgentBuilding systems that reduce burnout long-termFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

In this energizing conversation, Ann Fellman, Chief Marketing Officer at Bloomerang, provides a data-forward look at what donors will expect in 2026—and what that means for the business of fundraising. The conversation opens with a “hopeful reframe” rooted in fresh research: Bloomerang conducted a national survey of 1,000 U.S.-based donors in November 2025, and the findings point to a bright, measurable shift—not a collapse—in generosity.Ann's central message is numbers-backed and morale-boosting: donor behavior is changing, but people still want to give. As she puts it, “It's not a decline in generosity. It's a shift in how generosity shows up.” For nonprofit leaders, that shift demands smarter relationship strategy, not louder volume. Younger donors, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are “more relational,” seeking belonging and alignment. Ann expands the classic “time, talent, treasure” framework with two additional drivers—testimony and ties—because social proof and community can be the catalyst that converts interest into giving.Several statistics land like actionable business insights. Gen Z respondents were twice as likely as Baby Boomers to give after a positive interaction, and 21% said they were influenced by a celebrity or peer. Millennials showed strong values alignment, with 43% prioritizing shared values. Meanwhile, channel strategy needs a reset: donation sites and nonprofit websites remain leading channels, with 48% of Millennials gravitating toward website giving. Yet the surprise data point for 2026 planning is direct mail: Gen Z reported being twice as likely as older generations to give via direct mail—often because tactile outreach can lead to digital conversion through QR codes.Trust also emerges as a major retention lever. Ann shares that 70% of Americans have done recurring giving, signaling confidence in mission and stewardship, while Gen Z is the most likely generation to stop giving when trust erodes. The operational mandate is clear: personalized, timely, segmented communication that respects attention. In Ann's words, “Personalization is not a nice to have… it's going to be a must to have.”#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 missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

If you're exhausted, overwhelmed, and still staring at the same fundraising numbers, this episode is your reset.In this episode, I'm breaking down why most nonprofit leaders don't actually need more ideas, tactics, or tools; they need better systems, clearer priorities, and fewer distractions. I walk through the hidden reasons fundraising can feel chaotic, how “busy” can disguise stagnation, and what it actually looks like to move from reactive mode to focused, revenue-driving leadership. I talk about simplifying your calendar, choosing fewer strategies that actually convert, and building a fundraising rhythm that supports growth without burnout. This episode is for nonprofit leaders who are done carrying everything alone and ready to organize their fundraising to create momentum, confidence, and results in 2026.Topics:Why overwhelm is a systems problem, not a motivation problemHow “busy work” keeps revenue flatThe cost of running too many fundraising strategies at onceWhat it really means to get organized for growthWhy clarity beats hustle in modern fundraisingHow to simplify your calendar without slowing momentumThe difference between activity and progressBuilding a repeatable fundraising rhythm for 2026Leading with confidence instead of reactionCreating space for sustainable fundraising successFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here. Live Wed, 1/21 - Sign Up For Free HEREResources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

What does it really look like to run a focused fundraising SPRINT™ without a gala, a big team, or running yourself into the ground?In this episode, I'm joined by Megan Ihnen, Executive Director of Live Music Project, for an honest conversation about what actually changed when she simplified her approach and trusted momentum over perfection. In just two weeks, Megan raised 108% of her campaign goal, not by doing more, but by doing the right things in the right order. We talk about what happens when you stop overcomplicating fundraising, shorten the timeline, lean into direct, human asks, and activate the network you already have. We also get real about burnout, fear of asking, donor psychology, matching gifts, peer-to-peer fundraising, and why speed and clarity almost always outperform polish. If you're feeling stretched thin, second-guessing your strategy, or stuck repeating tactics that aren't moving the needle, this episode will help you see what's possible when fundraising finally works with you instead of against you.Topics:Why collapsing timelines creates fundraising momentumMoving from burnout to clarity with sprint-style campaignsActivating your personal network without guilt or fearThe power of texting and direct human asksMatching gifts as momentum multipliersBoard and peer-to-peer fundraising done simplyNavigating rejection, silence, and donor non-responseUsing AI as a thought partner, not a replacementStewardship and nurturing after a successful SPRINT™Turning one campaign into a repeatable fundraising systemFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here. Live Wed, 1/21 - Sign Up For Free HEREResources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

In this episode of Run the Numbers, CJ sits down with Chris Brubaker, SVP of Finance at Postscript, who's helped build the finance function from the ground up. Chris shares how he partners with sales through deal desks, sets pricing guardrails, and makes sure finance helps close deals instead of slowing them down. They dig into his hands-on approach to automation using AI with limited engineering resources, how Postscript's metrics evolved as the company scaled, when to trust internal data over benchmarks, and where teams get tripped up. Plus, a private jet accounting story—because of course.—SPONSORS:Rillet is an AI-native ERP built for modern finance teams that want to close faster without fighting legacy systems. Designed to support complex revenue recognition, multi-entity operations, and real-time reporting, Rillet helps teams achieve a true zero-day close—with some customers closing in hours, not days. If you're scaling on an ERP that wasn't built in the 90s, book a demo at https://www.rillet.com/cjTabs is an AI-native revenue platform that unifies billing, collections, and revenue recognition for companies running usage-based or complex contracts. By bringing together ERP, CRM, and real product usage data into a single system of record, Tabs eliminates manual reconciliations and speeds up close and cash collection. Companies like Cortex, Statsig, and Cursor trust Tabs to scale revenue efficiently. Learn more at https://www.tabs.com/runAbacum is a modern FP&A platform built by former CFOs to replace slow, consultant-heavy planning tools. With self-service integrations and AI-powered workflows for forecasting, variance analysis, and scenario modeling, Abacum helps finance teams scale without becoming software admins. Trusted by teams at Strava, Replit, and JG Wentworth—learn more at https://www.abacum.aiBrex is an intelligent finance platform that combines corporate cards, built-in expense management, and AI agents to eliminate manual finance work. By automating expense reviews and reconciliations, Brex gives CFOs more time for the high-impact work that drives growth. Join 35,000+ companies like Anthropic, Coinbase, and DoorDash at https://www.brex.com/metricsMetronome is real-time billing built for modern software companies. Metronome turns raw usage events into accurate invoices, gives customers bills they actually understand, and keeps finance, product, and engineering perfectly in sync. That's why category-defining companies like OpenAI and Anthropic trust Metronome to power usage-based pricing and enterprise contracts at scale. Focus on your product — not your billing. Learn more and get started at https://www.metronome.comRightRev is an automated revenue recognition platform built for modern pricing models like usage-based pricing, bundles, and mid-cycle upgrades. RightRev lets companies scale monetization without slowing down close or compliance. For RevRec that keeps growth moving, visit https://www.rightrev.com—LINKS:Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wchrisbrubaker/Postscript: https://postscript.io/CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:So You're Looking for a “Strategic” CFO? Bloomerang's Steve Isom on What That Really Meanshttps://youtu.be/cgHOtvG1CesThe IPO Playbook: Expert Advice from Lee Kirkpatrick, Twilio's Former CFOhttps://youtu.be/PTKAUD7PSWUThe CFO Case for Probabilistic Forecasting With AI | Bruno Annicqhttps://youtu.be/Dl8nDZPJMpE—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:02:22 Sponsors — Rillet | Tabs | Abacum00:06:55 Interview Begins00:07:36 First Finance Hire and Early Scale at Postscript00:09:02 Usage-Based Margins, COGS, and the Twilio Parallel00:10:31 Partnering With Sales and Building Deal Desk00:13:16 Pricing Guardrails, Payback, and Deal Economics00:15:35 How Deal Desk Evolves Over Time00:16:01 Sponsors — Brex | Metronome | RightRev00:19:44 Making Finance a Deal-Closing Partner00:20:44 Automating Deal Desk With a Slack Bot00:23:48 How Technical Finance Leaders Need to Be00:25:17 Automating Without Engineering Help00:27:12 Why Human Touch Still Matters in SaaS00:27:53 Postscript's Finance Tech Stack00:28:30 ERP Migration and Month-End Efficiency00:29:42 The Reality of Continuous Close00:30:34 First Real AI Wins in Accounting00:31:18 Experimenting With AI Forecasting00:33:32 Metrics That Matter: Usage as a Leading Indicator00:35:49 How Metrics Evolve as the Company Scales00:37:41 Understanding the Product in a Usage-Based Model00:39:27 Micro-Seasonality and Forecasting Volatility00:42:21 How to Use Benchmarks Without Misusing Them00:43:50 Long-Ass Lightning Round: A Costly Modeling Mistake00:45:45 Advice to a Younger Finance Leader00:47:05 The Private Jet Accounting Story00:49:11 Credits#RunTheNumbersPodcast #FinanceLeadership #DealDesk #UsageBasedSaaS #AIinFinance This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cjgustafson.substack.com

In this episode, I'm joined again by Nathan Ruby, Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH), who has spent more than twenty years raising major gifts, and doing it without relying on galas, grants, or flashy events. Instead, Nathan has built a deeply effective fundraising engine through micro events: small, relationship-centered gatherings hosted by board members and key volunteers.Nathan walks us through the exact structure of these 45-minute “CPM events,” why they consistently attract the right donors, and how they eliminate the burnout, costs, and low ROI that plague traditional events. We talk about capacity-based invitations, board coaching, donor psychology, follow-up strategy, and why the biggest gifts usually happen after the event, not during. If you want a practical, high-impact, board-friendly strategy for securing major gifts in 2026 and beyond, this conversation will give you the blueprint.Topics:Why traditional galas are expensive, draining, and rarely profitable long-termWhat micro events (CPMs) are, and why they outperform large eventsHow to structure a 45-minute micro event for maximum connectionWhy small groups (even 2–3 couples) lead to stronger donor relationshipsHow to help board members invite the right people with capacityThe role of the ED in follow-up and major gift cultivationHow international or remote nonprofits can use micro events to expand nationallyWhy fundraising is ultimately about relationshipsFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here. Live Wed, 1/21 - Sign Up For Free HEREResources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

In Part 2 of my 2026 Fundraising Trends series, we're going deeper into the tools, tech, and leadership shifts that will define nonprofit growth this year. If Part 1 was about strategy and visibility, this episode is about the systems and decision-making that actually make those strategies possible. I discuss upgrading outdated CRMs and donation tools, the rise of AI-assisted fundraising, the acceleration of donor-advised fund (DAF) giving, why leaders must color outside the lines to stay relevant, and how decision speed has become a key competitive advantage for nonprofits. I close with a look at the tech-driven donor experience, a world where frictionless giving, mobile-first design, SMS, and fast follow-up matter more than ever. If you're committed to modernizing your fundraising and leading boldly in 2026, these two-part episodes are your roadmap.Topics:Why Q1 is the perfect time to evaluate and upgrade CRMs, donation tools, and ESPsHow outdated tech silently kills conversion, retention, and reportingThe rise of AI-assisted fundraising as a normal acceleratorHow to use AI without losing your voice, authenticity, or accuracyDonor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are becoming a mainstream giving vehicleWhy nonprofits must “color outside the lines” and break legacy rulesThe need to drop slow, outdated tactics (raffles, auctions, galas) for modern, efficient onesDecision speed is a leadership advantage that drives revenuePerfectionism and committees as momentum killers in 2026The shift toward frictionless giving: SMS, mobile-first donations, automations, and welcome flowsFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

[Original air date: June 19, 2025]In this episode, Alex Immerman, partner at Andreessen Horowitz, joins CJ to discuss the CFO role and how it's changing in the era of AI. He explains what the components of a company's AI agenda the CFO should own, how and where it should be leveraged in an organization, and why, if you're preparing to go public, AI needs to be mentioned in your S-1. He breaks down how the financial landscape differs greatly between AI-native SaaS companies and traditional B2B SaaS companies in terms of retention curves and gross margins, and how this relates to the ever-important LTV to CAC metric. As someone who has worked with prominent CFOs and interviewed many for a16z's portfolio companies, Alex also describes the qualities of a great CFO, and shares his favorite interview question, before discussing CFOs, CEO, and board dynamics.—LINKS:Alex Immerman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/immermanAndreessen Horowitz: https://a16z.comCJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:a16z's Alex Immerman on the Evolving Role of the CFO in the Age of AIhttps://youtu.be/JIvHp-mlnzsSo You're Looking for a “Strategic” CFO? Bloomerang's Steve Isom on What That Really Meanshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgHOtvG1Ces—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:01:46 AI Margins Improve Dramatically00:02:29 What Separates Great CFOs00:03:29 Founder Mindset Drives Performance00:05:31 Founder Intensity and Margin Expansion00:06:57 Backing Unproven Bets Thoughtfully00:08:29 Interviewing CFOs for Backbone00:09:55 When CFOs Push Back on Strategy00:11:25 CFO Trust With Boards and Investors00:11:50 How CFOs Engage Investors When Hiring00:14:44 Building Strong CFO Investor Relationships00:16:18 Sharing Bad News Early00:17:21 CEO Vision Versus CFO Validation00:20:57 How AI Is Changing the CFO Role00:23:56 Incumbents Versus AI-Native Finance Tools00:26:24 CFOs Driving Internal AI Adoption00:28:07 AI Impact on Customer Support Efficiency00:29:26 Internal Leverage From AI Automation00:31:29 Why Investors Care About LTV to CAC00:34:00 LTV to CAC Across Business Models00:36:26 Retention Curves Matter More Than Growth00:38:16 Evaluating AI Gross Margins Long Term00:40:04 Recipe for AI Margin Expansion00:43:01 What Makes a Public-Ready CFO00:44:47 Beating Guidance Drives IPO Performance00:46:56 Growth Versus Profitability Has Rebalanced#RunTheNumbersPodcast #CFOLeadership #FintechInvesting #AISaaS #VentureCapital This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cjgustafson.substack.com

If you want to grow in 2026, you cannot rely on outdated playbooks or wait for a perfect case study to tell you what to do. In this two-part series, I'm breaking down the real fundraising trends I'm seeing across every organization in my ecosystem, not theory, not headlines, not generic Google wisdom. These trends are based on live data, donor behavior, digital strategy sessions, leadership conversations, and thousands of campaigns across my programs, and they're already reshaping how nonprofits grow.In Part 1, I cover six strategic and visibility shifts that will define the highest-performing organizations in 2026, from audience growth as a core revenue engine to the rise of laptop fundraising, human amplifiers, scrappy leader-driven content, superfan retention, and the ROI of LinkedIn thought leadership. If you want to reduce lag time, lead with clarity, and raise more with less friction, this episode provides the roadmap.Topics:Audience growth as a primary revenue engine for 2026The rise of laptop fundraising and email-first digital campaignsShort, fast “sprint” campaigns outperforming long, traditional plansThe power of human amplifiers and Social Street Teams®Why authenticity-driven, “break the fourth wall” content converts betterCreating long-term superfans instead of one-time donorsLinkedIn is the most underutilized high-ROI visibility channelWhy clarity, action, and visibility will outperform caution in 2026For a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

If you believed the headlines this year, you'd think generosity was shrinking. Inflation up. Layoffs everywhere. Grant budgets tightening. Every sector talking about a downturn and uncertainty. But inside my world (thousands of podcast listeners, email subscribers, clients, and community members), the story was completely different. This year was record-breaking! Record-breaking campaigns, major gifts, digital fundraising wins, growth for my clients, and for my own business.In this episode, I share the seven biggest lessons that created growth in a year everyone expected to be hard, lessons about donor behavior, clarity, courage, visibility, momentum, risk, and the kind of leadership that drives revenue even when the headlines say otherwise. If you want a roadmap for your next year (one grounded in data, psychology, and lived experience), this is the episode to bookmark.Topics:Why donor behavior outperformed negative economic headlinesHow fast, clear digital sprint campaigns outperformed long, traditional fundraising plansWhere donor friction still kills revenue (and what to fix immediately)Why decisive, courageous action beats cautious planning in a slow economyHow confidence compounds (and fear compounds) in fundraising leadershipWhy do the biggest revenue days happen at the very end of a campaignThe relationship between bold visibility, clear messaging, and attracting the right donorsWhy criticism is a normal (and often healthy) sign of growthThe importance of letting go (donors, systems, or staff) to make room for the next levelWhy you must stop putting donors in boxes and upgrade based on relationship, not assumptionsFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

In this episode of Run the Numbers, CJ Gustafson sits down with Larry Contrella, General Partner at JMI Equity, to unpack how JMI invests in software without financial engineering or roll-up strategies. Larry explains how the firm builds conviction through founder relationships, long-term partnership, and a product-and-brand-first view of durable growth. They discuss how JMI supports companies through scaling, why operating partners keep returning, and how underwriting looks different in mission-driven sectors like K–12 and nonprofit tech where customers are schools and communities, not Fortune 500s. Larry's background as a competitive runner at Penn ties the conversation together with a clear ethos: patience, discipline, and playing the long game.—SPONSORS:Mercury is business banking built for builders, giving founders and finance pros a financial stack that actually works together. From sending wires to tracking balances and approving payments, Mercury makes it simple to scale without friction. Join the 200,000+ entrepreneurs who trust Mercury and apply online in minutes at https://www.mercury.comRightRev automates the revenue recognition process from end to end, gives you real-time insights, and ensures ASC 606 / IFRS 15 compliance—all while closing books faster. For RevRec that auditors actually trust, visit https://www.rightrev.com and schedule a demo.Tipalti automates the entire payables process—from onboarding suppliers to executing global payouts—helping finance teams save time, eliminate costly errors, and scale confidently across 200+ countries and 120 currencies. More than 5,000 businesses already trust Tipalti to manage payments with built-in security and tax compliance. Visit https://www.tipalti.com/runthenumbers to learn more.Aleph automates 90% of manual, error-prone busywork, so you can focus on the strategic work you were hired to do. Minimize busywork and maximize impact with the power of a web app, the flexibility of spreadsheets, and the magic of AI. Get a personalised demo at https://www.getaleph.com/runFidelity Private Shares is the all-in-one equity management platform that keeps your cap table clean, your data room organized, and your equity story clear—so you never risk losing a fundraising round over messy records. Schedule a demo at https://www.fidelityprivateshares.com and mention Mostly Metrics to get 20% off.Sage Intacct is a cloud financial management platform that replaces spreadsheets, automates workflows, and keeps your books audit-ready as you scale. It unifies accounting, ERP, and real-time reporting for finance, retail, logistics, tech, and professional services. With payback in under six months and up to 250% ROI, and eight years as the customer-satisfaction leader, Sage Intacct helps you take control of your growth: https://bit.ly/3Kn4YHt—LINKS:Larry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-contrella-160a8a25/JMI Equity: https://www.jmi.com/CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:Is taking a company public even worth it? | Fullstory's Chad Goldhttps://youtu.be/zSD8y9dr4VgSo You're Looking for a “Strategic” CFO? Bloomerang's Steve Isom on What That Really Meanshttps://youtu.be/cgHOtvG1Ces—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:02:49 Sponsors — Mercury | RightRev | Tipalti00:06:41 Joining the JMI Conversation00:07:13 College Running and Team Dynamics00:08:13 New York Marathon Story and Career Intersection00:11:04 Competitive Drive and Patience With Founders00:12:54 Building Long-Term Partnerships and Underwriting Credibility00:15:27 Growth Equity as a Long Sales Cycle00:15:48 Sponsors — Aleph | Fidelity Private Shares | Sage Intacct00:18:44 Fund Planning, Deal Pacing, and Board Commitments00:20:59 Sourcing Philosophy and Developing Investors Over Time00:22:09 Hustle as the Only Sustainable Edge in Sourcing00:24:14 Early Sourcing Tactics and Information Arbitrage00:26:06 Reputation, Experience, and Breaking Into Competitive Deals00:29:42 Organic Growth Over Roll-Ups and M&A Discipline00:32:51 Brand, Product Leadership, and Paying for the Best Businesses00:33:29 Bloomerang and Brand-Led Growth in Nonprofit Software00:34:46 Why JMI Operators Keep Coming Back00:36:28 Collaborative Leadership and Giving Constructive Advice00:38:20 Using Data Without Slowing Decisions00:39:20 Transparency, Alignment, and Knowing Where You Stand00:40:31 Why JMI Invests in K–12 and EdTech00:42:07 Mission-Driven Businesses and Talent Advantage00:43:24 Monetization Models in Nonprofit SaaS00:45:40 Conviction Bets and Product-Market Fit Stories00:48:49 Rethinking TAM and Expanding Markets Over Time00:50:40 Lightning Round: Sourcing Stories and Lessons00:52:58 Traits of Great Founders and Changing Beliefs00:54:20 Closing Thoughts and Outro#RunTheNumbersPodcast #GrowthEquity #B2BSoftware #FounderRelationships #PrivateEquity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cjgustafson.substack.com

If you're worried you're behind on year-end fundraising, take a breath; December isn't over. In fact, the most generous days of the year are still ahead.In this episode, I break down the three hidden psychological reasons donors give again before year-end, even if they've already given this month. I go deep into donor momentum, identity and reciprocity, and why “donor fatigue” is one of the biggest myths in our sector. You'll learn how to use progress updates, public-facing goals, segmentation, tailored messaging, and consistent communication to activate second gifts without feeling repetitive or overwhelming. If you've been worried about asking again or feeling late in the game, this episode will give you the clarity, confidence, and data-backed strategy to finish the year strong.Topics:Why December remains the most generous month of the yearThe psychology behind donors giving twice in a short windowHow the Zeigarnik Effect makes donors want to “finish the goal”Why public-facing goals and progress bars dramatically increase conversionsHow donor identity and reciprocity activate second giftsThe myth of monthly donor “offense” and why you should ask them againWhy internal fatigue is misinterpreted as donor fatigueHow staying visible sustains momentum (and silence breaks it)Why December 31 outperforms GivingTuesday nearly 3:1The importance of resending emails to non-openersFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

Major gift fundraising is where many nonprofit leaders freeze, but not because they lack passion or skill. The fear lives in the body, the brain, and the stories we tell ourselves long before we walk into the room.In this episode, I'm joined by Nathan Ruby, Executive Director of FOTCOH (Friends of the Children of Haiti), one of the rare EDs who has raised millions of dollars from individual donors, not foundations. Nathan brings 20+ years of experience in major gifts, donor psychology, cross-cultural fundraising, and what it actually takes to have confident, courageous donor conversations. Together, we discuss the neuroscience behind fear and rejection, how imposter syndrome shows up during big asks, why culturally we struggle to talk about money, and why donors actually want us to be honest and direct. If you struggle with fear, freezing, or overthinking around major gift asks, this conversation will change how you fundraise forever.Topics:Why major gift fear is not a personality flaw,  it's neuroscienceHow to reframe donor conversations by focusing on the people you serveWhy donors are used to talking about money (and why you don't need to be scared)The science behind rejection and why “no” activates the same regions as physical painNathan's background in sales and how it shaped his fearless fundraising mindsetHow to use donor questions to inform the right ask amountWhy genuine honesty is more magnetic than a perfect pitchWhy your donors want you to win and how to invite them into partnershipFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

If you've hit that post-campaign wall, tired, drained, and wondering if anyone else feels the same, this episode is for you.In today's episode, I share what to do when you're completely wiped from GivingTuesday or a year-end push but still have fundraising goals to hit. You'll learn how to recover strategically (without going silent), re-engage donors who gave once, and use short “sprint campaigns” to rebuild your energy and results. Because burnout isn't a sign that you're doing it wrong, it's a signal that you need structure, rest, and a smarter rhythm to your fundraising.Topics:What is the campaign hangover, and why is it completely normalHow to recover from fundraising fatigue without losing momentumWhy rest and structure are non-negotiable for sustainable growthHow to design “sprint-style” campaigns that prevent burnoutWhy donors often give again within the same 30-day windowThe importance of shifting your message post-campaign, not going silentQuick two-minute tweaks to boost conversions without new contentHow to reuse winning posts, emails, and videos from earlier campaignsThe three ways to reset your energy fast (walk, talk, or move your body)How to push smarter, not harder, through the end of the yearFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

If you've ever caught yourself overthinking a donor email, hesitating to post, or waiting for “the perfect timing” to launch your next campaign, this episode is for you.In today's episode, I reveal the mindset pattern that's quietly keeping you stuck: fear disguised as strategy. You'll learn how to recognize when your “planning” is really just procrastination, why bravery always comes before clarity, and how to finally stop waiting for confidence to arrive before taking action. This is your invitation to stop playing small, lead boldly, and start moving your mission forward, even when it feels uncomfortable.Topics:The real reason fundraisers hold back from taking actionHow fear disguises itself as overplanning and perfectionismThe myth that confidence comes before action (it doesn't!)Why “just one more draft” is often procrastination in disguiseSimple mindset shifts to replace hesitation with courageous leadershipReal examples of clients who learned to take messy, brave actionWhy bravery builds trust with donors faster than polish ever willThe power of momentum in building confidence and clarityFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

Every year, billions are donated on GivingTuesday, but only a small percentage of nonprofits turn that day into real momentum.In this episode, I share exactly what the top 1% of nonprofits do differently to make GivingTuesday their biggest fundraising win of the year (without burnout, perfectionism, or chaos). You'll learn the seven steps to lead with clarity, confidence, and courage, from creating a curated donation page to leading on email, activating your team, and treating the day like a 24-hour relay, not a morning sprint. Whether you're a small shop or scaling organization, this episode is your roadmap to modern, high-converting campaigns that work,  even when you're short on time. Because GivingTuesday isn't about doing it all, it's about doing the right things, decisively.Topics:The seven skills that set the top 1% of nonprofits apart on GivingTuesdayWhy perfectionism kills momentum, and how to lead with confidence insteadThe difference between generic donation forms and curated GivingTuesday pagesHow to prime donors without overwhelming themMyths that keep small orgs from participating, and how to bust themHow to activate your board, volunteers, and community so you're not fundraising aloneWhy email outperforms social, and how to write messages that convertThe “It ain't over till it's over” mindset: treating GivingTuesday like a 24-hour relayHow to hit your goal even if your morning looks slowFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links