Podcasts about bloomerang

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

Donor retention is not just a feel good metric it is one of the most powerful levers in the business model of a nonprofit. We sit down with Kirsten Wantland, Principal Industry Strategist at Bloomerang, to explore how organizations can move beyond fear and confusion and actually use retention data to protect revenue and grow lifetime value.Kirsten begins by explaining her new role at Bloomerang, serving as a bridge between fundraisers in the field and the engineering and product teams. She brings frontline development experience directly into the CRM design process and is now helping shape Penny, Bloomerang's new AI strategic fundraising partner. Penny will guide staff on which segments to work, what messages to send, and where to focus limited time so small teams can function like much larger shops.From there, the conversation turns to why traditional retention tracking leaves so many nonprofits stuck. Measuring retention once a year on a calendar basis keeps leaders in a reactive posture, staring at last year's results instead of managing today's risks. Kirsten introduces the concept of ‘rolling retention' a metric that constantly surfaces donors who are about to lapse based on their actual giving patterns. That simple shift creates a proactive pipeline of people to thank, call, invite, and re-engage before they disappear.At the heart of her approach is a deeper philosophy about donor relationships. As Kirsten puts it, “Ultimately, our donors want a place to belong. They want to be part of a mission. They want to be part of a solution.” Rolling retention, better benchmarking, and even AI tools like Penny are there to serve that goal helping fundraisers step away from purely transactional requests and toward thoughtful, ongoing engagement.Kirsten closes by urging organizations to start somewhere, choose a few key metrics, track them consistently, test new strategies each quarter, and adjust when the data shows no movement. In a crowded landscape of 1.8 million nonprofits, the ones who treat retention as a core business function not just an afterthought will be the ones that build resilient revenue and loyal communities.#TheNonprofitShow #DonorRetention #NonprofitBusinessStrategyFind 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'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

Fundraising can feel like walking through mist—messages blur, instincts wobble, and urgency crowds out intention. In this energizing conversation, we welcome returning favorite Micah James (team lead and coach at Bloomerang—and a bride-to-be!) to name the haze and show practical ways through it. Micah calls today's moment “muddy and foggy” because donors face nonstop alerts, shifting giving channels, and rising skepticism about how funds are used. Organizations feel it too: higher costs, greater need, and inboxes stuffed with appeals that all sound the same.So what cuts through? First, stop centering money and recenter mission. As Micah says, “We don't want to give to budgets…we want to give to people, to mission, and to impact.” Translate dollars into outcomes. “There's nothing wrong with saying we're raising $3,000 because it will feed 300 families”—pair the cost with the change. Then make it personal. Tell one vivid story (Stacy, Jim, or Larry), not vague totals. Shift language so the donor becomes the hero; use “you” as often as “we.” That mental switch alone sharpens your message and steadies your strategy.Micah urges radical transparency to build trust. Be clear about what it takes to serve and honest when you're not top-of-mind in the community. Share the real work and the real budget picture without panic language. Invite support in many forms—gifts, volunteer hours, or simple acts of advocacy—and keep communicating the difference each supporter makes.A big unlock is specificity. Use your database tools to reference the donor's last gift and show what it accomplished. Celebrate recurring givers and ask for modest step-ups (from $10 to $15, from $47 to $60). Those small upgrades flatten chaotic cash-flow lines and reduce the pressure that pushes teams into constant alarm. Micah reminds us that the often-forgotten “middle” donors—already engaged, steady in capacity—can become the backbone of predictable revenue when you know them well and speak to what they care about.Bottom line: name the fog, then choose clarity. Tell one true story. Make the donor the protagonist. Map dollars to outcomes. Share the journey openly. When you do, the sun breaks through—and sustainable generosity follows. 00:00:00 Welcome and Micah's joyful news 00:03:06 Defining the fundraising fog today 00:07:14 Why budget-gap appeals miss the mark 00:10:04 Pairing dollars with outcomes that matter 00:11:49 Personalization and showing specific impact 00:13:50 Radical transparency to build trust 00:17:44 One story and donor-as-hero language 00:20:29 Using data and merge fields smartly 00:24:07 Middle donors and recurring upgrades 00:26:26 Escaping crisis mode with steady revenue 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

If you're ending your workday exhausted but can't point to how you actually moved your fundraising forward, you might be caught in the fundraising busywork trap.In this episode, I'm breaking down why so many nonprofit leaders confuse “activity” with “progress,” and how fear, comfort, and overthinking keep your mission stuck in motion but not momentum. You'll learn how to identify low-ROI tasks, make courageous decisions that drive funding, and replace cluttered calendars with confident action that actually grows your organization. Because the opposite of busy isn't lazy, it's focused.Topics:The fundraising busywork trap and how to recognize itWhy working harder doesn't always mean raising moreThe difference between “activity” and “aligned action”Adam Grant's concept of cognitive comfort and how it stalls growthWhy procrastination often disguises itself as preparationReal client examples: saying no to low-ROI events and sponsorship decksThe three ingredients of brave leadership: boundaries, focus, and supportWhy coaching and systems prevent burnout and build momentumFor 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're done following the same old fundraising playbook, the polite one that keeps your goals small and your growth stuck, this episode is your permission slip to break the rules.In The Rule-Breaker's Guide to Year-End Fundraising, I share how safe, “board-approved” strategies are quietly capping your potential, and how modern fundraisers are rewriting the rules to build momentum, trust, and record-breaking campaigns. You'll hear how one of my clients ran two back-to-back campaigns that both exceeded goals by leading with authenticity, urgency, and story, not fear or etiquette. Because the truth is, safe doesn't scale. It's time to stop waiting for approval, stop softening your message, and start leading with conviction. Rule breakers don't just raise more money, they raise more energy, excitement, and impact.Topics:Why playing it safe keeps your campaigns stuck on repeatThe biggest lie in year-end fundraising (and what to do instead)How to release the “parking brake” on your campaigns and gain real tractionWhat modern, momentum-driven fundraising looks likeHow one client ran two campaigns in a row, and hit both goalsWhy innovation looks risky until it works (and then everyone copies it)How to stop fundraising like it's 2005 and lead with courage 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 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 hesitated to hit send, make the call, or follow up because you didn't want to “bug” your donors, this episode is for you.That fear isn't really about your donors, it's about you. It's your ego trying to keep you safe from rejection, discomfort, or embarrassment. But every time you let that fear win, you lose more than a donation. You lose momentum, trust, and connection. In this episode, I share how I coach fundraisers to move from me mode to mission mode. Because when you stop performing and start leading, everything changes. You'll learn how to reframe rejection, build confidence, and lead with courage instead of apology. Your donors aren't tired of hearing from you; they've just stopped hearing you. Generosity doesn't happen in silence, it happens because you asked.Topics:The real reason fundraisers fear “bugging” donors (and what it costs your mission)How ego and self-protection masquerade as “strategy”Moving from “me mode” to “mission mode” in your fundraising approachWhy consistency builds donor trust and silence erodes itThe mindset and language shift from apologetic to confident askingFor 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

This episode was recorded live on LinkedIn. Join me and Rachel at the all-virtual, free Nonprofit Social Media Summit November 18-19! What does it mean to be a changemaker in today's nonprofit world — and how do we take that spirit onto social media, and even into the halls of government?In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Rachel D'Souza, founder of Gladiator Consulting and a leading voice in community-centric fundraising, joins Nonprofit Nation to talk about changemaking, systems transformation, and her next big leap: a run for public office in Missouri.Rachel is currently a candidate for the Missouri House of Representatives (District 79), bringing her deep experience in nonprofit leadership, racial equity, and social justice to the legislative arena. From organizational healing to fundraising with integrity, Rachel has long been committed to reshaping the sector — and now she's taking that commitment to the ballot.We also preview Rachel's upcoming keynote at the 2025 Nonprofit Social Media Summit, where she'll be sharing tools for navigating power, privilege, and purpose in a digital world.In This Episode:What it really means to be a changemaker todayHow to navigate the tension between tradition and transformation in nonprofitsThe intersection of nonprofit leadership and political advocacyWhy community-centric fundraising still matters more than everHow nonprofit leaders can engage in healing work within organizational culturesA sneak peek at Rachel's keynote at the Nonprofit Social Media Summit

GoFundMe launched a new “Nonprofit Pages” feature — automatically creating donation pages for over 1.4 million nonprofits across the U.S. without direct consent -- here's the latest update on the pages being unpublished and de-indexed. 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

GoFundMe launched a new “Nonprofit Pages” feature — automatically creating donation pages for over 1.4 million nonprofits across the U.S. without direct consent.If your organization never set up a GoFundMe campaign, you might still have a live, searchable page collecting donations right now — with funds routed through the PayPal Giving Fund and a 15–45 day delay before the nonprofit ever sees them.In this episode, Christina breaks down:What's actually happening behind these auto-created pagesWhy this isn't just a communication misstep — it's a compliance and consent issueThe potential financial, trust, and risks nonprofits now faceWhy “visibility” doesn't justify bypassing consent or controlWhat to do immediately if your nonprofit was includedYou'll also hear Christina's take on why this move adds unexpected administrative burden for small teams during the busiest fundraising season of the year — and why the only ethical solution is to make this feature opt-in by default.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

GoFundMe recently created more than 1.4 million donation pages for U.S. nonprofits — many without notice or consent.In this episode, Christina Tzavaras Edwards unpacks what this means for your organization, your SEO, and your donor trust. You'll learn why these pages exist, how to check if your nonprofit has one, and the key pros and cons of keeping, claiming, or removing it.Christina also explains why she's advising nonprofits who've never used GoFundMe before to unpublish until they intentionally opt in — citing compliance, consent, and donor ownership concerns. Plus, she explores how AI tools like ChatGPT are reshaping donor discovery and why it's more important than ever to control your digital giving experience.You'll learn:What this mass GoFundMe rollout means for your org's online givingHow to find out if your nonprofit has a pageThe pros and cons of claiming vs. unpublishingWhy consent, clarity, and control should drive every tech decisionMentioned in this episode: Special thanks to George Weiner, Lauren Atherton, and T. Clay Buck for their insights that helped inform this discussion.Resources mentioned:* Whole Whale GoFundMe Takedown Template: https://nonprofitnewsfeed.com/news/1-4-million-donation-pages-without-permission-created-by-gofundme/ Note: This episode is for informational purposes only and based on publicly available reporting as of October 2025. It does not constitute legal advice or an allegation of wrongdoing.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

What if your next big fundraising win wasn't about adding more grants, galas, or gimmicks, but about simplifying and believing it could work?In this episode, I'm joined by Kim Wardlow and Penn Street from Aftersight, an incredible organization supporting the blind and low-vision community through accessible media, podcasts, and programs. They share how they went from uncertainty to running a $20K in just 20 days campaign that exceeded its goal, using storytelling, matching gifts, and genuine connection. We talk about how they built confidence, engaged their board, and reimagined fundraising as something fun, creative, and totally possible. Plus, they share how their growing podcast network and the White Cane Project are helping more people than ever. If you've ever doubted whether your next campaign could actually take off, this story is proof that it can.Topics:The story behind Aftersight's “$20K in 20 Days” winHow Kim and Penn overcame fear and doubt in fundraisingWhy podcasting became their tool for accessibility and donor engagementHow they used matching gifts + storytelling to motivate donorsThe importance of accessible technology in fundraising (like Givebutter)How board members became advocates after campaign successWhat's next: monthly giving and influencer partnerships For 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. Free webinar on Oct 29: Raise More From Your Laptop Without Chasing Grants or GalasResources: 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

Getting new donors feels exciting, new names, new gifts, fresh energy. But if you can't keep them, you're stuck on the hamster wheel. In this episode, I talk about the retention wall, why most nonprofits struggle to keep donors giving year after year, and how to fix it. We'll unpack why first-time donors ghost you, what for-profit brands get right about loyalty, and the exact mindset + strategy shifts you need to turn one-time givers into lifelong supporters. If you've ever wondered why donors don't come back, or felt frustrated that your list keeps growing but revenue doesn't, this is the episode that will change how you think about fundraising forever.Topics:What is the retention wall, and why do most nonprofits hit itWhy donor acquisition without retention is a losing gameThe psychology of why donors don't give againSimple ways to create loyalty and connection after the first giftHow to measure retention (and what numbers actually matter)Stories and examples of organizations breaking through the wallFor 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

Fundraising folklore says the “one big donor” will save the day! Katie Gaston, Director of Product Marketing at Bloomerang, dismantles that ‘chase' and replaces it with steady, systems-based fundraising. Katie frames her role in product marketing as disciplined storytelling: know your audience, understand what they care about, and read the landscape by listening, surveying, and researching. That same mindset applies to development. Start by cleaning and maintaining data in your CRM so you can actually see who is volunteering, giving monthly, and staying loyal over time. Automation can help—address updates, enrichment, and built-in features you may not have enabled.Katie moves the conversation from wishful thinking to practical math: “Research shows you will actually raise quite a bit more if you just focus on the donors already in your database.” Loyal monthly givers, long-tenured annual donors, and volunteers represent reliable lift and lower risk than a single major-gift “unicorn.” She urges teams to use AI thoughtfully. Whether through platform-native tools or carefully configured external assistants, AI can scan patterns, surface bequest prospects, identify mid-level donors to upgrade, and recommend next actions.This timely episode then maps a clear donor journey. Thank first-time donors within 48 hours, then vary contact across channels—email, short mobile video, text, and a newsletter update—to nurture toward recurring and mid-level giving. Build an automated sequence now so December's influx becomes January's momentum, not a one-month spike. Even modest, realistic steps matter: one sequence, one board call plan, one January volunteer invitation for first-time donors.Boards and leadership often share the myth. Bring them along with evidence. Use AI or CRM reports to present streak length, recency, and consistency. Real stories persuade too: a decades-long modest donor who later made a significant bequest once the relationship was cultivated. Katie offers a simple activation: “A board thank you call will actually increase the next gift size by up to 40%.” Pair that with the “48 hour” rule and you have a repeatable, high-leverage play.Finally, Katie's suggests we reframe year-end. December isn't a finish line; it's the on-ramp for the new year. Lean into the cultural reset of January—invite, ask why they gave, listen, and keep the story going. The takeaway: stop chasing the mythical donor and build a system that compounds loyalty you already have.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 if your most powerful advocates are already inside your community — and just waiting for you to activate them?In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell talks with Tasha Van Vlack, community builder, engagement strategist, and founder of The Nonprofit Hive, about how nonprofit organizations can create impactful community ambassador programs without burning out their teams or breaking the bank.

You don't need to send more emails. You need to send the right ones. In this episode, I'm breaking down the five email types every nonprofit must use if you want to double, triple, or even 9x your campaign results. These aren't random updates or long newsletters that no one reads. Each type has a specific role in moving your donors from curious to committed. We'll talk about why your current email strategy might feel flat, how to stop repeating yourself, and the exact sequence that creates urgency, connection, and momentum. If you've ever wondered, “But what do I write next?” this is your roadmap.Topics:Why fewer emails equals fewer donationsThe five types of emails that keep donors engagedHow each email type plays a unique role in the campaign arcWhy story-driven emails outperform newsletters every timeReal examples of campaigns that grew 2x–9x by retooling emailsFor 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

The fear of “bothering” donors has nonprofits sending fewer emails than Sephora sends about mascara. And you know what that means? Fewer emails = fewer donations.In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on why silence in your donor's inbox is way more damaging than showing up with short, story-driven emails. I'll tell you why Patagonia, Old Navy, and Jimmy John's can email you daily without you hitting unsubscribe, and why nonprofits should stop hiding behind once-a-quarter newsletters that nobody reads (hello, donor amnesia). This conversation is all about making email fun again and turning it into your #1 fundraising engine. If you're tired of being ghosted by donors, I'll show you how to stay top of mind, raise more money, and build genuine relationships… all from your inbox.Topics:Why “fewer emails” is a myth that's keeping your nonprofit brokeDonor psychology: why silence feels worse than consistent outreachWhat nonprofits can learn from Sephora, Old Navy, and Jimmy John'sHow one org went from $1,600 → $9,000 by shifting their email strategyThe difference between transactional emails (tax receipts) and true connectionWhy good emails build trust while quarterly newsletters build amnesiaHow to create fundraising campaigns that feel like 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.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

I had the pleasure of hosting Michael Murphy, Director of Development at Missouri's National Veterans Memorial, and one of my Purpose & Profit Club® members. Michael's story is proof that you don't need decades of fundraising experience to see major wins with email. In fact, in his very first nonprofit role, he took one of my frameworks, Easy Emails For Impact™, and turned a $1,900 campaign into a $9,000 campaign. We talk about what it means to ditch the “dry C-suite style” newsletters, why personal, story-driven emails outperform every time, and how confidence grows when you let go of perfection and just hit send. Michael also shares how he's building monthly giving campaigns, blending direct mail with digital, and learning to embrace new tools without losing sight of his mission: honoring veterans across generations.Topics:How shifting from “C-suite style” newsletters to story-driven emails multiplied resultsWhy Michael's first attempts at email felt sterile and overwhelming — and what changedHow one campaign using story-driven emails jumped from $1,900 to $9,000The power of multiple donation levels and donor-friendly options Why replies to your emails matter as much as donationsUsing volunteers' voices to write high-performing emailsHow email + direct mail is “peanut butter and jelly” for fundraisingBuilding a sustainable monthly giving program that feels manageableFor 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. Free webinar, Wed Sept 24th at 1PM EDT. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UPResources: 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

How can nonprofits tell powerful, compelling stories without compromising the dignity of the people they serve?In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I welcome Carly Euler, Marketing Director at MemoryFox and creator of the Ethical Storytelling Report. With a rich background in fundraising, marketing, and communications across organizations like the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester and the BOMA Project, Carly has seen firsthand how storytelling can both uplift and unintentionally harm.We dive into Carly's recent article, “I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me: Stories Can Be Ethical & Still Raise Funds,” and unpack the fundraising industry's overreliance on trauma-driven narratives. Carly shares a powerful personal moment that reshaped how she approaches storytelling, and offers tangible strategies for nonprofit professionals who want to center consent, agency, and dignity while still driving results.

Nonprofit leaders love to default to newsletters - long, clunky, “Fall Update”-style emails stuffed with program blurbs, raffle announcements, and event reminders. But newsletters don't raise money. In fact, they train donors to skim, ignore, or unsubscribe. In this episode, I break down why newsletters flop, what you should be sending instead, and how shifting to single-topic, story-driven campaigns can multiply your revenue without adding more work. You'll learn how to replace the newsletter grind with an email system that actually sparks giving, builds donor trust, and scales with you.Topics:Why traditional newsletters train donors to tune you outThe psychology of distraction and why donors need focus, not info dumpsStory-driven, single-topic emails that lead to action (instead of updates no one reads)How to send more emails without donor fatigueThe role of email as a scalable, foundational fundraising engineA step-by-step alternative to newsletters: campaign-style email sequencesFor 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, Stephen sits down with Ann Fellman, CMO at Bloomerang, to unpack what's actually happening in charitable giving and how nonprofits can raise more—consistently. Drawing from the latest Giving USA data and Bloomerang's vantage point across tens of thousands of organizations, Ann argues that the “decline in generosity” narrative is a myth.Generosity is shifting, not shrinking, and organizations that focus on relationships, recurring giving, and volunteer engagement are outperforming the sector.“Generosity is alive and well—and growing. When we build genuine relationships and make giving easy, nonprofits raise more.” — Ann FellmanAbout Our GuestAnn Fellman leads marketing at Bloomerang, a nonprofit giving platform that brings together donor CRM, fundraising (online, offline, events, auctions), and volunteer management in one place. Bloomerang's goal is simple: help nonprofits raise more—money, time, and community support—by making it easier to build lasting relationships.Episode SnapshotGenerosity is growing. Individual giving remains the largest slice of the pie and has increased year over year. Don't let negative headlines drive your strategy—follow the data.The “meaty middle” matters. Mid-level and first-time donors can become a predictable revenue engine with a thoughtful recurring giving strategy.Volunteers are super-supporters. Treat volunteer time as an on-ramp to deeper engagement; volunteers often become major donors and planned givers.Planned giving is changing. As the Great Wealth Transfer accelerates and more family foundations adopt spend-down policies, proactive relationship-building is essential.Make it easy to give. Donation page UX and integrated tools can materially lift conversion (Ann cited ~30% conversion lift for customers optimizing with Bloomerang's fundraising tools).Data + empathy = durable growth. Segment by life stage, align asks to donor capacity and timing (yes, market cycles influence larger gifts), and communicate impact clearly.

Most nonprofits underestimate the quiet powerhouse sitting right in front of them: email. In this episode, I'm sharing 10 proven strategies to transform your inbox into your most reliable fundraising engine. From reactivating lapsed donors to priming your biggest asks, I'll walk you through the data-backed reasons email outperforms social and direct mail, and how small tweaks in consistency, intimacy, and urgency can create donations on demand. Whether you're a solo fundraiser or leading a large team, these secrets will help you stop leaving money on the table and start treating email like the main course—not the side dish.Topics:The “donations on demand” effect—and how to tap it fastWhy loyalty + retention are built in the inbox, not on InstagramHow to scale intimacy so 2,000 people feel like you just called them personallyWinning back lapsed donors with re-engagement emails that run on autopilotUsing email data as your GPS for bigger campaignsHow to create the giving reflex—training donors to open, expect, and actHow email primes major donor conversations and reduces cold call pressureWhy urgency works in inboxes and flops on socialAnd why email is still the cheapest, highest-impact digital fundraising engine you'll ever haveFor 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: Purpose & Profit Club® Coaching Program [Get on the waitlist for bonuses] The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers [details here] Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

Giving Tuesday can feel like a moving target—but after this discussion with guest Jared Throneberry of Bloomerang, you'll have a clear, energizing plan. Jared blends tech savvy with a lived heart for service—Big Brothers Big Sisters, foster parenting since 2011, and community leadership—so his guidance lands with real-world credibility. His first message: you don't have to participate just because everyone else is. If the timing crowds your year-end efforts, your team is stretched thin, or the format doesn't fit your culture, sit it out without guilt. But if you choose to participate, choose to excel.Success begins with a specific purpose. “You want to have a specific campaign for this. You want to have a purpose,” Jared tells us. He urges organizations to set a reasonable, public goal and show visible progress with a giving thermometer. Momentum matters; keep supporters informed throughout the day and celebrate milestones. Matching gifts can amplify urgency—secure a partner that doubles donations during the 24-hour window.Communication is the engine. Schedule emails and posts before, during, and after the day. If social media is your lane, lean in. If your audience responds better to email or text, use those channels with clarity and brevity. Bloomerang's Giving Tuesday templates can help you prepare messages in advance, so your team is executing—not scrambling—on the day.Think beyond dollars. Jared proposes creative non-financial asks: diapers for a pregnancy center, items from an Amazon wish list, or a “share this post” action to expand reach. He even flips the script: host a donor appreciation touchpoint—coffee, breakfast, or a thank-you event—to strengthen relationships and set the tone for year-end. It's generous, memorable, and aligned with the spirit of the day.Competition can be fun, but mission comes first. Craft your campaign around a tangible need—a piece of equipment, a program milestone, or a defined impact story—so supporters feel the “why” in every update. As Jared reminds us, “Don't just give to us because it's Giving Tuesday. Give to us to this cause for this reason.” Choose intentionally, plan early, communicate often, and finish with gratitude. Do that, and #GivingTuesday becomes more than a date—it becomes a launchpad for deeper engagement.#TheNonprofitShow #GivingTuesday #NonprofitFundraisingFind 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

When Roots Ethiopia first attempted to build a monthly giving program, it was cumbersome and collapsing under its own weight. Fast forward to today? That SAME program has transformed into a fundraising powerhouse with 93% donor retention, 34% of all donors giving monthly, and over $134K in annual recurring revenue.Meghan Walsh, founder and board chair of Roots Ethiopia is back on the show to share it all: the handwritten cards, real-time donor reports, and a simple $20/month offer that shaped their results.You'll hear all about the nitty gritty tech tools, donor segmentation tactics, and community-building efforts, why she's moving all donation asks toward a “monthly-first” approach, and how she's preparing to scale even further with automations and new acquisition campaigns.Resources & LinksLearn more about the incredible mission of Roots Ethiopia on their website. You can also connect with Meghan on LinkedIn. Meghan is using Bloomerang, FundraiseUp, Handwrytten, and Small Shop Strategies.Tune in to Episode 179: How Automations Can Save You Time + Increase Donor Relations to learn more about Rachel Bearbower. The Recurring Giving Workshop: A Working Session to Increase Online Donations - 9/24 @ 2 pm ET - RSVP HERE! This show is brought to you by iDonate. Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action. 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!

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, we're joined by Faigy Gilder, a nonprofit digital marketing strategist with over 15 years of experience helping small organizations punch above their weight. With an MPA and a passion for practical, no-fluff strategies, Faigy specializes in teaching AI workflows tailored specifically to the unique challenges nonprofit professionals face.Whether you're overwhelmed by limited resources or looking for smarter ways to write, market, and fundraise, Faigy shares actionable techniques using free or low-cost AI tools — all without needing to be tech-savvy.

Most nonprofit leaders play it too safe. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on why a little “healthy delusion” might be the missing ingredient in your fundraising and leadership success. You'll learn why being overly realistic can quietly cap your revenue potential, and how the right dose of ambitious, slightly unreasonable belief in your vision can get you into rooms, conversations, and opportunities you didn't think were possible. This isn't about ignoring reality. It's about expanding it.Topics:Defining “healthy delusion”: What it means and why it works for nonprofit leadersBreaking free from playing small: How being “too realistic” keeps you in the same lane year after yearWhy wait for evidence before acting slows your growthReal client wins sparked by leaning into healthy delusionHow to test bigger asks, expand your network, and approach opportunities without self-disqualifyingFor 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: Purpose & Profit Club® Coaching Program [Get on the waitlist for bonuses] The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers [details here] Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

What if nonprofit burnout isn't inevitable—but preventable?This week on Nonprofit Nation, we're joined by Megan Whitney—nonprofit leader, coach, and mindfulness guide—who's on a mission to help changemakers stop sacrificing their well-being for the work.After an 18-year career in the sector—and burning out a decade ago—Megan realized that passion alone isn't enough. Now, through 1:1 coaching, team workshops, and guided meditations on Insight Timer, she equips nonprofit professionals with tools to release stress, regulate emotions, and build a culture of collective care.In this episode, Megan shares how she turned her own burnout into a blueprint for resilience. We explore how to embed mindfulness into daily routines, why self-compassion is a leadership skill, and what it takes to create nonprofit cultures where rest is not just allowed—but encouraged.Whether you're exhausted, overwhelmed, or trying to support a team that is—this conversation offers both practical tools and permission to pause.

Something is missing in your recipe for success. Not a tool. Not a strategy. But something deeper: your inner grit. This isn't about hustling harder or pushing yourself until you burn out. It's about the strength you draw on when you're tired, when the campaign feels heavy, when the grant report is due, and when your to-do list is longer than your capacity. In this episode, I'm sharing why grit matters just as much as skill in fundraising, the mindset shifts that make it sustainable, and how to build your own reserve of inner strength so you can lead with clarity, joy, and resilience, even when the work gets hard. If you've ever felt like you're running on fumes or questioning if you've got what it takes, this episode will remind you: you do. You just need to reconnect with it.Topics:Why inner grit is the missing ingredient in many nonprofit leaders' successHow grit differs from hustle culture (and why that matters)Practical ways to build mental and emotional resilienceThe connection between grit and long-term fundraising successSigns you're running low on grit (and what to do about it)Why skill without grit leads to stalled progressHow to rally yourself when you're tired, overwhelmed, or uninspiredFor 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. [Free Webinar] Aug 20th - Click here to sign upResources: Purpose & Profit Club® Coaching Program [Get on the waitlist for bonuses] The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers [details here] Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

What does it take to lead with purpose in philanthropy today? How can foundations lead in moments of political uncertainty or during periods of reduced federal support for nonprofits?As nonprofits across the country face political and financial pressures—from policy rollbacks to funding cuts—the role of foundations has never been more critical. In this episode, Dr. Sherece West-Scantlebury, President & CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, joins us to reflect on how philanthropy can lead in uncertain times. With decades of experience in public policy, community development, and systems change, Dr. West-Scantlebury shares how WRF is leaning into its 50-year legacy to support nonprofits through advocacy, trust-based funding, and bold, equity-focused strategies.For nonprofit leaders navigating a shifting landscape, this conversation offers insight into how to build power, communicate with clarity, and partner with funders who are ready to act.

This episode is for the nonprofit leader doing “all the right things” (you've got peer fundraisers, events, email blasts, major donor asks) but you're still not hitting your campaign goals. Sound familiar? It's not your fault. It's your foundation.I recorded this episode fresh off the launch of The Purpose and Profit Club®, and after talking to so many of you, I noticed the same trap over and over: layering modern tactics on top of weak campaigns. If your messaging isn't emotionally resonant, your campaign lacks urgency, or your structure is shaky, no amount of frosting will save it. In this episode, I break down why your campaign might feel like a “collapsed cake,” what a high-converting campaign looks like, and how my SPRINT Method™ helps you build a strategy that actually works (without the burnout or overwhelm). If you're tired of working harder for diminishing returns, this is the clarity you need.Topics:Why visibility alone doesn't drive conversionWhat weak campaigns actually look and feel likeThe “collapsed cake” metaphor and what it means for fundraisersThe difference between emotion vs. passivity in donor messagingWhy urgency and relevance matter more than volumeTactics that don't work without a strong foundationWhy layering on social media, peer fundraising, or ads won't fix poor structureThe SPRINT Method™: what it is and who it's forFor 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: Purpose & Profit Club® Coaching Program [Get on the waitlist for bonuses] The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers [details here] Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

Joey Goone is back, and I couldn't be more excited to have him return to the podcast. If you've ever felt like your fundraising events are starting to blend together, or you're craving something more intentional, joyful, and authentic, this conversation is your permission slip to shake things up.Joey is the President of Utopia Experience, and honestly, he brings so much heart to the events space. He's not here for stuffy ballrooms or robotic run-of-shows. He's here to help nonprofits lead with humanity, center their mission, and create events that people feel long after they leave. We talk about everything from ditching the performance pressure in storytelling to why A/V isn't just a tech checklist, it's a storytelling tool. This episode is full of lightbulb moments and reminders that joy and profit are not mutually exclusive. Whether you're a seasoned ED or planning your very first gala, Joey will leave you inspired to lead with more heart, more clarity, and way more impact.Topics:Why the energy and intention behind events matter more than perfectionHow to avoid transactional storytelling and make your audience feelThe difference between entertainment and impact—and how to do bothWhat it means to design experiences with dignity and strengthHow Joey's team creates nonprofit events that are both joyful and profitableThe ripple effect of honoring people, not just logisticsBuilding community through connection—not performanceFor 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. [Free Webinar] Aug 20th - Click here to sign upResources: Purpose & Profit Club® Coaching Program [Get on the waitlist for bonuses] The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers [details here] Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

I'm back from a month in Greece, sun-soaked, inspired, and wildly energized, and there's one theme that keeps showing up in every single conversation I've had since: 10 minutes can change everything.In this episode, I'm sharing the power of micro-bravery. Not hypotheticals, but real stories. A client who made one 10-minute thank-you call and created a deeper connection than she imagined. Another who picked up the phone and walked away with a six-figure intro. I'll even tell you how a 10-minute YouTube workout changed my whole day. This is about momentum over perfection. Courage over rumination. Action over spinning. You don't need the perfect deck, a full hour, or a polished strategy. You need 10 minutes and a decision to move. Let's talk about how to find those moments and what can happen when you do.Topics:What The 10-Minute Ask actually is—and how to use it todayHow coaching and community make these 10-minute wins multiplyWhy this isn't just about productivity—it's about possibilityReal examples of clients who unlocked major donor relationships with one short callWhat rumination is costing your missionThe difference between waiting for confidence vs. building itHow to start embedding daily “brave reps” into your workflowFor 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: Purpose & Profit Club® Coaching Program [Get on the waitlist for bonuses] The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers [details here] 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 wondered how to land and leverage sponsorships for your nonprofit's events, this episode is your playbook. A.J. Steinberg is a fundraising powerhouse with more than 20 years of experience producing high-impact nonprofit events and millions raised for mission-driven causes. Through her company, Queen Bee Fundraising, A.J. teaches organizations the art of securing corporate sponsorships that don't just support events—but fuel entire fundraising strategies.In this episode, A.J. pulls back the curtain on her popular training, Mastering Nonprofit Sponsorships, and shares actionable steps to identify your assets, build irresistible sponsorship packages, and close deals with confidence.Key Topics:What makes a nonprofit “sponsorship-ready”The biggest mistakes organizations make with sponsorship outreachCreating compelling packages that go beyond logos and signageEngaging board and committee members in sponsorship prospectingHow to value and pitch your sponsorship assets effectively 

Most nonprofits wait for permission: a grant panel, a sponsor, an award to tell them they're the best. This episode flips that script. Today, I share why it's time to claim your brilliance, boldly articulate what makes you exceptional, and anchor your authority before anyone else does. From a five-star Airbnb in Greece to awkward sponsor meetings where leaders freeze, this conversation unpacks the mindset shifts and tactical moves that help you own your impact. Because you don't need a medal to stand out, you need the courage to plant your flag.Topics:Why so many nonprofits struggle to claim their brilliance (and how to break the cycle)The power of repetition and why your message needs to be heard 17 timesThe difference between bragging and anchoring your authorityReal-life examples: Airbnb reviews, sponsor meetings, and what clarity really sounds likePractical ideas for showcasing your impact everywhere—pitch decks, websites, thank you notes, and beyondHow to reframe your mindset from “Who am I to say this?” to “Who am I not to?”For 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: Purpose & Profit Club® Coaching Program [Get on the waitlist for bonuses] The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers [details here] Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

Everyone's chasing the wrong spotlight—and in this episode, I explain why. You think you need a Grammy winner to post your fundraiser, but what you actually need is a solid campaign and a Social Street Team® to spread it. I share real stories of big-name flops, what gets campaigns to convert (hint: it's not fame), and how to build a movement of aligned, trusted messengers who drive results. If you're tired of waiting for someone famous to save your fundraiser, it's time to flip the script and start thinking like a strategist. Let's talk about how to ditch the vanity metrics and lead with clarity, trust, and a campaign that scales.Topics:Why celebrity endorsements rarely translate into real impactThe myth of visibility = valueWhat makes a campaign “irresistible” and share-worthyHow to build and activate a high-impact Social Street Team®Real examples of both failed celebrity posts and micro-influencer winsShifting from vanity metrics to sustainable fundraising strategyHow to align your board and leadership with modern donor behaviorFor 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. What's Actually Working in 2025 - Free Registration HereResources: Purpose & Profit Club® Coaching Program [Get on the waitlist for bonuses] The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers [details here] Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links