Podcasts about nonprofit fundraising

402-521-3080This episode provides updates on upcoming events and guest appearances for the Set Me Free Project, highlighting community engagement and educational initiatives. Hosts Dylan Yeomans and Rebecca Saunders share exciting plans for summer activities, including sports events, community barbecues, and special guest interviews on topics like domestic violence, grief, and financial crimes.Key TopicsUpcoming community events and sports partnershipsGuest speakers on domestic violence, grief, and financial crimesStrategies for nonprofit funding and operationsEngagement opportunities for families and individualsSupport the showEveryone has resilience, but what does that mean, and how do we use it in life and leadership? Join Stephanie Olson, an expert in resiliency and trauma, every week as she talks to other experts living lives of resilience. Stephanie also shares her own stories of addictions, disordered eating, domestic and sexual violence, abandonment, and trauma, and shares the everyday struggles and joys of everyday life. As a wife, mom, and CEO she gives commentaries and, sometimes, a few rants to shed light on what makes a person resilient. So, if you have experienced adversity in life in any way and want to learn how to better lead your family, your workplace, and, well, your life, this podcast is for you!https://setmefreeproject.nethttps://www.stephanieolson.com/

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

Send us Fan MailFundraising is getting harder. But generosity hasn't disappeared.So what's actually changing?Jena Lynch sits down with nonprofit coach, consultant, and host of The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter, to interrogate the real pressures nonprofit leaders are facing right now, donor retention, staffing burnout, supporter engagement, and fundraising performance.They dig into why relationship-based fundraising matters more than ever, why donor trust drives long-term giving, and why simply doing more outreach may no longer be enough.In this episode:Why donor participation is declining even as giving dollars growHow staffing turnover quietly erodes donor trustWhy retention beats urgency every timeHow small teams can strengthen relationships with limited capacityPractical ways AI can help reclaim time and reduce burnoutWhy some traditional fundraising events may need a rethinkHow trust directly influences long-term generosityChapters:00:00 – Why Nonprofit Fundraising Feels Harder01:31 – Nonprofit Leadership & Donor Trust05:09 – Why Donor Relationships Matter More09:51 – Donor Retention vs Constant Outreach14:16 – AI Tools for Nonprofit Fundraising23:13 – Rethinking Nonprofit Fundraising EventsAbout Rob HarterRob Harter is a nonprofit coach, consultant, and leadership strategist with more than 30 years of experience in the social impact sector. He works with nonprofit leaders on fundraising, organizational growth, leadership, and navigating change, and is the host of The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast.Learn more at RobHarter.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.Resources mentioned:Rob Harter Coaching & ConsultingThe Nonprofit Leadership PodcastAbout DonorboxDonorbox is a trusted online and on-location fundraising platform that helps nonprofits raise more. With easy-to-use donation forms, powerful donor management tools, and features designed to grow recurring giving, we have helped 100,000-plus organizations process over 3 billion dollars in donations worldwide.Enjoying the show? Subscribe for more practical fundraising strategies, leadership insights, and tools to help your nonprofit grow sustainably.The information provided in this series is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor for specific guidance.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe plan is just paper. The value is in using it.When your nonprofit is growing but still feels directionless, that's not a passion problem…it's a planning problem. Strategic planning isn't about doing more, it's about finally knowing what matters. When you're clear on who you serve, honest about what it costs, and aware of how it's funded, everything else - including your fundraising - gets easier from there. Cara Augspurger, CFRE, spent six months working through exactly that, and in this episode, she shares five practical steps to move your stratgic plan from constant reaction to clear, sustainable direction.What you'll learn:Why growth and busyness can mask a real lack of direction, and how to tell the differenceThe single clarity question every nonprofit needs to answer before anything elseWhy "what are we not going to do this year?" might be the most strategic question you askHow to do an honest funding reality check, and what to do when the numbers don't line upWhat a "good year" actually looks like in concrete, actionable numbers, not just a gut feelWhy stability - not scale - is often the most important milestone for early-stage nonprofitsAbout Cara AugspurgerCara Augspurger, CFRE, is the Executive Director of Grace Care Center Foundation and co-host of The Nonprofit Podcast. With deep experience in nonprofit leadership and fundraising, Cara brings a practical, grounded perspective to the challenges facing small and growing organizations, from strategic planning and resource development to building sustainable, community-centered missions.Chapters:00:00 - Why Nonprofits Need Strategic Planning02:14 - Step 1 - Get Clear on Your Mission04:33 - Step 2 - Define Vision and Messaging05:44 - Step 3 - Do Less With Purpose07:39 - Step 4 - Funding Reality Check09:18 - Step 5 - Set Clear Goals and Targets11:37 - Build Stability and Long-Term GrowthIf this episode helped you think more clearly about where your organization is headed, share it with a colleague who's feeling the pull in too many directions.About Donorbox:Donorbox is a trusted online and on-location fundraising platform that helps nonprofits raise more. With easy-to-use donation forms, powerful donor management tools, and features designed to grow recurring giving, we have helped 100,000-plus organizations process more than $ 3 billion in donations worldwide.Find out what Donorbox can do for you!Disclaimer:The information provided in this series is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor for specific guidance.Subscribe to The Nonprofit Podcast for weekly conversations on fundraising, leadership, and strategy for people doing meaningful workSupport the show

If you are a nonprofit organization, it means that your goal is to not make money, but provide some form of service or product. The challenge is always how to do that without a steam of money to fund your activities. That is the subject of this podcast. There are tips here for very small organizations and other ideas that will work for very large nonprofit organizations.  James Misner is the Founder and Owner of The Kipos Group. With over 20 years of experience as an executive leader, James has a proven track record of building successful teams that have driven tens of millions in revenue growth. Additionally, he has helped non-profit organizations achieve sustainable growth and build stronger relationships with donors.   As a leader and coach, he cares deeply for his clients and their teams, bringing clarity and confidence to those he works with, providing guidance and support as they navigate the challenges of building a revenue engine. His expertise in strategy, culture, and leadership has made him an industry-leading consultant for non-profit organizations looking to grow and thrive.Please visit our sponsors!L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Visit The Readiness Lab and learn about our Next Level Emergency Management training! https://www.thereadinesslab.com/Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.comCheck out how you can use digital twins in your training, exercising, and planning using RSET https://rset.com/ For sponsorship requests, check out our Sponsorship Portfolio here or email us at contact@thereadinesslab.com

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

Send us Fan MailMost fundraising copy is built on urgency and guilt. It gets the gift. But does it keep the donor?Jena and Maria Bryan make the case that ethical persuasion isn't a softer ask - it's a sharper one. And they get specific about what that looks like in practice.From donation page mistakes that quietly erode trust, to the language of agency, to Maria's Four Cs framework for trauma-informed fundraising copy, this is all about practical, no-fluff conversation for anyone who touches donor communications.Plus: a 10-minute audit you can run on your next campaign today.What you'll learn in this episode:Why guilt-based messaging can win the gift and lose the donorWhat "agency" really means in the context of a donation askHow your donation page could be quietly undoing the trust you builtThe Four Cs framework for trauma-informed fundraising copyA 10-minute audit you can do today to improve your next campaignThe core insight:Ethical persuasion isn't about a ‘soft' ask, it's about asking in a way that leaves donors feeling confident, connected, and glad they gave.When donors feel a sense of agency in the process, they don't just give once. They come back.If this episode resonated, share it with someone in your organisation who touches donor communications, from email to donation forms, it applies everywhere.Subscribe to The Nonprofit Podcast for honest, practical conversations to help you raise more and reach further.Chapters 00:00 Fundraising That Feels Good02:00 What Is Ethical Persuasion04:50 Ethical vs Effective Fundraising05:10 Why Ethical Fundraising Matters Long Term06:40 Examples of Guilt-Based Messaging07:15 Better Language for Donor Communication09:35 Creating Donor Agency and Choice10:00 Donation Page Experience Explained12:20 Common Donation Form Mistakes13:30 Balancing Conversion and Trust15:10 The Four Cs Framework Overview18:50 Rethinking Urgency in Fundraising19:45 Quick Audit Tip for Fundraisers21:10 Ethical and Effective Can CoexistResources Mentioned: Learn more about Maria Bryan's work at When Bearing Witness: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariabryancrtv/ Explore DonorBox's recurring giving tools: https://donorbox.org About Donorbox:Donorbox is a trusted online and on-location fundraising platform that helps nonprofits raise more. With easy-to-use donation forms, powerful donor management tools, and features designed to grow recurring giving, we have helped 100,000 plus organizations process over 3 billion dollars in donations worldwide.Find out what Donorbox can do for you!Disclaimer:The information provided in this series is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor for specific guidance.Support the show

Send us Fan MailYour board wants to help with fundraising. But nothing's moving.Without clear roles and next steps, board fundraising stalls…and the work falls back on you.Cara sits down with Adam Morgan, founder of MVP Advisors, to unpack why boards struggle with fundraising and what nonprofits can do to fix it fast.Cutting through assumptions and getting practical, they dig into how to align board members to the right roles, set clear expectations, and build simple systems that actually get participation without adding more work to your team.In this episode, you'll learn:Why board fundraising underperformance is rarely a motivation problem, and what's actually driving itA practical framework for matching every board member to a fundraising role that suits their strengthsConcrete systems your team can implement without additional staff or budgetHow to set realistic, structured expectations for newer board members from day oneWhere boards are commonly misdeployed in fundraising, and how to course-correctThe highest-leverage action any board member can take, regardless of their network or experience levelWhether you lead a tiny team or a growing organization, this conversation will give you a framework to bring to your next board meeting.Chapters:00:00 Your Board Wants to Help… So Why Isn't It Working?02:16 The Real Problem - It's Not Motivation, It's Clarity05:25 Stop Chasing Big Ideas - Do These Simple Things Instead10:05 The Simple Systems That Make Boards Actually Show Up14:00 The 4 Roles That Turn Passive Boards into Fundraising Machines18:45 One Simple Action That Drives Big ImpactGuest Spotlight:Adam Morgan is the founder of MVP Advisors, where he helps nonprofits strengthen board engagement and build practical, sustainable fundraising strategies. He works with organizations to align leadership, clarify expectations, and unlock the full potential of board-driven fundraising.Topics Coveredboard fundraising | nonprofit leadership | board engagement | fundraising strategy | small nonprofit growth | donor development | governance | fundraising systemsIf this sounds familiar, share it with your board chair or leadership team. This is one conversation that can change how your board shows up.Subscribe to The Nonprofit Podcast for weekly conversations on fundraising, strategy, and the ideas shaping the future of the social sector.About Donorbox:Donorbox is a trusted online and on-location fundraising platform that helps nonprofits raise more. With easy-to-use donation forms, powerful donor management tools, and features designed to grow recurring giving, we have helped 100,000 plus organizations process over 3 billion dollars in donations worldwide.Find out what Donorbox can do for you!Disclaimer:The information provided in this series is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor for specific guidance.Support the show

What if the very technology that feels overwhelming today could become the strongest ally for nonprofits tomorrow? Meet Darian Rodriguez Heyman, an experienced fundraiser, social entrepreneur, and best-selling author. His work has always focused on "helping people help." He began this journey during his five years as Executive Director of the Craigslist Foundation, where he created the Nonprofit Boot Camp and expanded it into the largest nonprofit gathering in history within just one year. This success led to his best-selling books, including Nonprofit Management 101 (now in its second edition), Nonprofit Fundraising 101, and AI for Nonprofits. He also served as Editor-in-Chief of Blue Avocado, a well-known online magazine for nonprofits. Today's discussion covers both the benefits and challenges of using AI. Darian explains how AI can help nonprofits build better relationships with supporters, save time by automating tasks, and communicate more personally. At the same time, he highlights concerns such as data security, bias, and ethical use. He stresses the importance of starting with clear values, addressing fears, and focusing on practical uses instead of technical details. The conversation also highlights the role of funders in supporting AI adoption, demonstrating how AI can help nonprofits achieve more while staying true to their mission. In this episode, you will be able to:  Discover how AI can support nonprofit missions and values. Recognize AI as a practical tool, not just a technical concept. Explore responsible AI use, including ethics and data concerns. See how starting small helps build AI confidence and adoption. Identify ways to reduce fear and resistance toward AI. Understand how AI frees time for relationship-building work. Explore how funders can support nonprofits' AI readiness. Get all the resources from today's episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven't already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you're looking to raise more from the right funders, then you'll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.

Send us Fan MailAre you missing one of the biggest growth opportunities in your donor base?Most nonprofit fundraising focuses on two things: bringing in new donors and managing major gifts. Both matter.But there's a group in the middle that often gets missed. These are supporters who already give, already care, and keep coming back. They respond when you reach out. They stay connected to your work.And yet, they're often treated the same as someone who gave once and moved on.This episode looks at the gap that exists in many fundraising programs, the space between broad campaigns and major gift strategies, and why that gap is becoming more important as donor behavior shifts.What you'll learn in this episode:Why revenue is increasingly concentrating among repeat supportersWhat the latest data reveals about donor retention and giving patternsWhere most fundraising programs fall short when it comes to donor experienceWhy this overlooked segment represents one of the strongest paths to future growthHow small, practical changes can strengthen relationships and improve retentionThe core insight:Growth isn't disappearing - it's concentrating. And the donors most likely to drive that growth are often already in your system, waiting for a more intentional experience.Resources mentioned:Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP) Q3 2025 Quarterly Benchmark Report - search "FEP Q3 2025" to find it. If this conversation resonates with your experience in the sector, share it with a colleague who cares deeply about the communities they serve.Subscribe to The Nonprofit Podcast for weekly conversations on fundraising, leadership, and the ideas shaping the future of the social sector.Chapters00:00Understanding the Donor Landscape02:47Identifying the Mid-Level Donor Gap06:07The Importance of Mid-Level Donors09:01Strategies for Engaging Mid-Level Donors11:55Closing the Gap: Practical Steps15:09The Path Forward for NonprofitsWhat makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox's nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode.Support the show

Send a textMost nonprofits track gift size.  The best fundraisers track lifetime value.Join Cara as she unpacks the lifetime value mindset and why recurring donors often become some of the most valuable supporters a nonprofit has. While major gifts create big moments, monthly donors quietly build the steady support that sustains a mission over time.What you'll learn in this episode:Why your quietest donors may be your most valuableHow a lifetime value mindset changes how fundraisers evaluate donor impactEffective but simple ways to engage and retain recurring donorsHow simple prompts can turn one-time gifts into monthly supportWhy this matters:When fundraisers shift from tracking gift size to understanding lifetime value, monthly donors often emerge as some of the most important supporters in their community.About Cara:Cara Augspurger is the Executive Director of Grace Care Center Foundation and an on-the-ground correspondent for The Nonprofit Podcast, sharing practical insights from real nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience.Topics covered in this episode: monthly giving | recurring donors | donor retention | nonprofit fundraising strategy | lifetime value | donor relationships | nonprofit leadership | recurring donationsWhat makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox's nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode.Support the show

Are you growing your nonprofit fundraising, or quietly leaking donors? Salvatore Salpietro, Chief Growth Officer at Dataro and former Chief Community Officer at Fundraise Up, unpacks how digital friction, outdated segmentation, and hidden retention loss are costing nonprofits revenue. Discover how AI-driven predictive modeling and smarter signals can reduce churn, improve targeting, and strengthen fundraising performance. 

If you've ever wondered whether AI is actually useful for your nonprofit - and how to implement without tech-savvy or overwhelm - this episode is for you.Joining me are Darian Rodriguez Heyman, social entrepreneur, nonprofit strategist, Heyman also founded AI4NP.org, a national hub for AI education in the social sector, and Cheryl Contee, a pioneering technology entrepreneur and digital transformation expert and Chief Innovation Officer at BrightWorksAI.com and co-author of the new book AI for Nonprofits: Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work for Your Cause,Darian and Cheryl bring a wealth of insight into how nonprofits can harness AI to work smarter, not harder. AI for Nonprofits is a practical, resource-rich guide based on interviews with 57 nonprofit leaders (including me!) who are successfully leveraging AI to enhance fundraising, streamline operations, and engage supporters more effectively — all while staying grounded in mission, values, and ethics.Together, we explore the most accessible tools, the smartest use cases, and the common pitfalls to avoid when adopting AI in your organization. Whether you're AI-curious or already experimenting, you'll come away with actionable next steps to help you move forward confidently.

Trevor Nelson and Sandy Hilsenrath answer fundraising and nonprofit-related questions from the audience and the HGA team.Submit your questions for our next AMA episode: https://hgafundraising.com/ask-your-questionQuestions answered:00:00 What separates nonprofits from consistently grow year over year, from those that stay flat?02:07 What is the single most important fundraising tool you have?02:43 If you could reset one misconception nonprofits have about fundraising partners, what would it be?06:52 What social media platform to find corporate sponsors / partners08:28 What are some creative ways you've seen nonprofits raise money outside of the traditional methods (i.e. live auction, silent auction, paddle raise)10:40 What is the most impactful gift you've received on Christmas?12:07 How to bring up fresh ideas for fundraising when you have stubborn board members stuck in their old ways?15:05 Best communication practices for the new year17:30 How would you build a nonprofit "super team" from scratch?19:12 Which HGA auction items are raising the most amount of money right now?20:48 If you had one piece of an advice for an event fundraiser, what would it be?23:41 What's the other magic number for fundraising?24:37 What are the best industries to target for corporate sponsorships?28:16 Do you believe in new year's resolutions? And what resolutions would you recommend for nonprofits to have for 2026?

Fundraising and finance are supposed to work together but in most nonprofits they operate in silos. In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson sits down with David Cristello, Founder and CEO of Jetpack Workflow, to talk about why this disconnect is costing nonprofits time, money, and people.They dive into grant utilization, financial visibility, burnout, and why spreadsheets are failing nonprofit leaders. David shares what he has learned building technology for accountants and how those lessons apply to nonprofits struggling to track grants, programs, and funding gaps. If you are a nonprofit CEO, finance leader, or fundraiser trying to reduce chaos and make smarter decisions, this conversation will resonate.This episode is especially relevant if you are struggling with grant tracking, forecasting, financial transparency, or aligning fundraising strategy with financial reality.Connect with David Cristello

Expert fundraiser, Jeff Schreifels, helps nonprofits alleviate needs around the world. He co-founded Veritus Group, a prominent leader in major gift and mid-level fundraising. Jeff has helped St. Jude's and United Way raise millions through strong donor relationships. As a speaker and author Jeff aims to transform nonprofit fundraising.

Send us a textFinal Episode of 2025! Jena sits down with Jessica LaMesa, Co-CEO of The Life You Can Save, for a powerful, action-oriented conversation on how strategic, evidence-based giving translates into life-saving impact.In this episode, you'll discover:The Power of Rapid Response: How The Life You Can Save mobilized over $13 million in just six months, funding critical healthcare and nutrition across Sub-Saharan Africa and saving over 4,000 lives, amid U.S. foreign aid cuts.Behind-the-Scenes Strategy: Get an exclusive look at the partnerships, data, and trust that enabled lightning-fast action without sacrificing rigor.Lessons for Leaders: Essential takeaways for nonprofit leaders on navigating uncertainty, maximizing impact with lean teams, and building a foundation of donor trust.Before you go! The Nonprofit Podcast returns on Thursday, January 8, 2026, with new episodes and a deep dive into 2026 trend insights you won't want to miss!The full video episode is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel.  Resource Links:Free Download: The Better Giving Guide 2025 — Get the free, practical, evidence-informed resource to support smarter, higher-impact giving from The Life You Can Save. Download hereLearn More: Explore the work of The Life You Can Save here.What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox's nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode:

Scott Brighton returns to The Business of Giving to discuss Bonterra Que, the first truly agentic AI platform designed specifically for nonprofits. Unlike traditional chatbots, Que can actually perform complete jobs for nonprofit staff, from donor segmentation and campaign creation to grant writing. Through January 31st, Bonterra is offering Que at no cost to its customers during the critical year-end giving season. Scott shares how organizations are already seeing 20 to 40 percent lifts in fundraising results and why now is the time for nonprofits to experiment with this emerging technology.

Consistency is not glamorous, but it's the engine that keeps a nonprofit's business model running when the calendar flips and the pressure spikes. In this conversation with  Matt Glazer, Founder and CEO of Blue Sky Partners (Austin-based, national reach), we talk about building consistent engagement without burning out your team or betting the whole year on a Q4 miracle.Matt brings a practical operator's lens: simplify what repeats, template what you can, and stop trying to cram “97 things” into the final stretch. His philosophy is steady, sustainable progress that makes room for reality—staff illness, unexpected disruptions, and capacity limits—so quality doesn't collapse under urgency. As Matt puts it, “I'm a big believer in doing a little bit of work a lot of the time.”From there, the conversation gets sharply useful for fundraising and stakeholder communications. Matt challenges the sector's fixation on “unicorn donors” and reminds us that the so-called boring work—like building a sustaining donor program—creates real stability. He shares a concrete example from his early nonprofit leadership: by repeatedly communicating the value of monthly giving, his organization grew from zero sustainers to $7,000 per month, proving that small gifts, stacked with intention, can fund real infrastructure.The discussion also tackles a leadership truth many avoid: in many nonprofits, clients and customers are not the same people. Funders may be the “customer” demanding reporting and outcomes, while beneficiaries deserve asset-based language and authentic voice. To bridge those realities, Matt recommends human-centered design tools—journey maps, empathy maps, and personas—to understand how people experience your organization and where alignment between mission, funding, and community needs can become a win for everyone.Finally, Matt introduces decision trees as a way to improve donor asks and engagement pathways by learning not only what people choose—but why they didn't choose the other option. That's how your nonprofit can turn assumptions into strategy and strategy into revenue!#TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitLeadership #FundraisingStrategyFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Fundraisers Friday is back, and Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall (Mr. Nonprofit Consultancy) tackle a topic that quietly runs the business side of fundraising: donor tier levels. If you've ever stared at your donor list and wondered, “Where do we start, and how do we keep this manageable?” this episode is your playbook.They begin with the “why.” Tony frames donor tiers as a practical operating system, not a fancy fundraising accessory. Done well, tiers let you personalize messaging and protect your time by matching stewardship to giving level and relationship needs. In other words: less guessing, more intentional workflows. Tony puts it plainly: “The tiers really help you… organize your workflow and your bandwidth.” That's a business benefit every nonprofit can appreciate, whether you're running development solo or leading a full team.Julia reinforces that tiers help organizations stop spinning their wheels. Once you know who's in which group, you can plan communications, offers, and engagement with purpose instead of defaulting to blank-stare marketing meetings. As she says, “It kind of like helps you steer the ship.” The cohosts also emphasize that tiers are not “grades.” You're not ranking human worth—you're segmenting so you can communicate better and build a healthier donor experience.From there, they move into how to set tiers responsibly: start with your giving data, avoid “one-size-fits-all,” and keep the number of tiers realistic (think three to six for most organizations). They also talk about naming your tiers for easier internal coordination and stronger external marketing—especially when the names align with your mission or community identity.A standout real-world lesson comes from Julia's local public radio example: a tiny, smart monthly ask (“just $5 more”) designed to move sustainers up a level. The business takeaway? When tiers are built on data and paired with clear value, you can create predictable pathways for donors to grow with you—without making it feel heavy or salesy.00:00:00 Welcome to today's topic donor tiers00:01:10 Who Julia Patrick and Tony Beall are00:01:42 The Architecture of Fundraising book and why it helps00:03:48 Why donor tiers matter personalization and bandwidth00:06:33 Build tiers from your own giving data00:07:10 Donor tiers are not donor grades00:08:37 How many tiers is too many three to six00:09:16 Donors vs members and tier differences00:10:16 Monthly sustaining donors as a unique tierFind 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

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

Send us a textDecember is where your year-end campaign is won or lost - and today, we're making sure you stay steady, strategic, and connected all the way through December 31.Jena and Cara Augspurger walk through the two actions that shape your final numbers: follow-through and follow-up.Get ready for pro-tips covering:Stay consistent with your December communication rhythmWhy tight messaging keeps donors engaged (especially this month)How to steward donors well with thoughtful, timely follow-upWhy a January touchpoint strengthens trust and sets up the new yearHow recurring giving fits naturally into this momentWhether you're running your first year-end campaign or your fifteenth, this episode gives you the rails to stay steady, show donors their impact, and finish the year with clarity, care, and momentum.Helpful Resource LinksLearn more at Donorbox.org Try Recurring Upsell:Donorbox Recurring Upsell feature seamlessly converts one-time donors into monthly supporters with a gentle ask. Donors who upgrade to a monthly gift stick around, with 96% of upgraded donors surpassing their original one-time gift amount.Explore Donorbox's monthly giving tools and what they can do for your organization here.What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox's nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode:

Tech, data, and generosity are not abstract buzzwords—they're concrete levers that can stabilize funding, expand impact, and re-energize exhausted fundraisers. Chief Fundraising Officer Kimberly O'Donnell of Bonterra joins us to map out how recurring giving, trust-based philanthropy, and AI-powered tools can move the entire sector from scarcity thinking into a new “generosity generation.”Kimberly starts by reframing recurring giving as non-negotiable infrastructure, not a nice-to-have tactic. As she puts it, “Recurring giving is essential for nonprofit sustainability. Just no, hard stop there.” Bonterra's own research shows why: in its Meet the Moment report, 58% of federally funded nonprofits report financial instability this year. In that environment, a predictable base of sustainers—monthly and annual—can keep programs moving even as federal funds, disaster response dollars, and one-time grants fluctuate.She shares a compelling case study: a Bonterra client that introduced three choices on its donation page—one-time, monthly, and annual. By normalizing both monthly and annual recurring options, that organization grew from zero sustainers to more than 65,000, proving that donors will enthusiastically choose ongoing support when invited clearly and confidently.Kimberly also dismantles the common boardroom fear that sustainers will cannibalize major gifts. In her view, that's simply a myth. Monthly donors should be seen as high-value relationship partners whose lifetime contributions, planned gifts, and sponsorship potential can grow over time. The real problem isn't “small monthly donors”; it's organizations deciding on behalf of donors when and how they will give.From there, the conversation widens. Kimberly explains how Bonterra's vantage point—serving nonprofits, community foundations, CSR programs, and public agencies across the social good ecosystem—reveals sector-wide patterns in real time. Trust-based philanthropy, she notes, hasn't disappeared; it's evolving. Funders are becoming more intentional, concentrating resources on core pillars while streamlining reporting and using their networks to introduce nonprofits to new corporate and philanthropic partners.Achieving that shift, Kimberly argues, will require data, AI, and human connection working together—what Bonterra calls the generosity generation.AI, in particular, is already reshaping daily fundraising practice. Bonterra has been using agentic AI since 2016–2017, and its new tools are built with a “human in the loop” philosophy so fundraisers can test, refine, and own their messages.Kimberly's closing message is both empathetic and urgent: acknowledging nonprofit exhaustion yet pushing leaders to resist retreat: this is not a moment to slow down—it's a moment to experiment, ask bolder questions, and lean on tools that make the work more sustainable. #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFundraising #BonterraTechFind 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

Donor love is measurable, and in this lively discussion, guest Lynne Wester, Principal and Founder of Donor Relations Group, brings the receipts. Drawing on data from her seventh global donor relations survey, conducted every two years since 2013 with more than 1,000 participants, Lynne shows us why retention, not the next big campaign, is where the real money is.Her core message is blunt and refreshing: we obsess over the ask even though it represents a tiny slice of our contact with supporters. As Lynne puts it, “Retention is the secret sauce of fundraising.” Most organizations still pour staff time and budget into events and tactics with weak ROI, while reporting that they are only able to share impact with less than 20 percent of their donors. That gap is not just operational; it is a revenue problem.The survey findings expose a pattern. Many donor relations teams sit under a mountain of tasks but lack a strategic plan, making them vulnerable to “seagulling” requests that fly in, drop work, and disappear. At the same time, donor relations professionals tend to stay in their roles four to nine years, while frontline fundraisers churn in about 16 months. The people who understand donor experience best often have the quietest internal voice, and Lynne's work is about giving them data to change that.She shares how longitudinal data helped the sector mostly abandon donor honor rolls: today, over 80 percent of nonprofits no longer produce donor lists that were costly and not meaningful. The survey is now pushing similar change around giving societies, the split between receipts and acknowledgements, and the use of AI. Lynne is candidly concerned that many organizations use AI tools without organizational policies, even as donor databases at major institutions have been compromised. For her, donor confidentiality and the Donor Bill of Rights demand guardrails before automation.Perhaps the most poignant remark is Lynne's insistence that gratitude and listening are not “extras” but performance drivers. Retaining a donor is five to seven times less expensive than acquiring a new one, and organizations that cared for donors as human beings during crises like the 2008 downturn and COVID raised twice as much as those that just kept asking. She argues that if a donor is not “worth a stamp,” the organization does not deserve the gift.Lynne leaves viewers with a challenge wrapped in encouragement: use data to question tradition, ask donors for their opinions, and treat stewardship as strategic fund management, not a courtesy. When you align technology, policies, and human connection around gratitude and impact, you are not just being nice—you are building a durable, scalable fundraising engine.#TheNonprofitShow #DonorRelations #FundraisingDataFind 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 the people we call donors are actually investors? And what if this subtle shift reshapes expectations, power, professionalism, and even the identity of philanthropy itself? Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall challenge one of the nonprofit sector's most deeply rooted labels.Julia opens the conversation by admitting she's ready to change her own vocabulary, saying, “I'm going to really work hard to say investor, because I think you're right—this is the way we need to go.” Her candor sets an energetic tone for a conversation that questions long-held nonprofit norms while encouraging fundraisers to rethink the relationship they build with contributors.Tony expands on how much the terminology already shapes his practice. “It's pretty much standard for me now to speak of donors as investors,” he explains, noting that while the marketplace may not fully be prepared for the switch, fundraisers can begin reframing relationships in ways that strengthen professionalism, transparency, and long-term engagement.The conversation provocatively asks whether “donor” — rooted in the Latin donare, meaning to give — unintentionally implies release, relinquishment, or even detachment. Meanwhile, “investor,” drawn from investire, meaning to clothe or furnish power, places the contributor inside the organization's journey, not on the sidelines.From this vocabulary shift springs a lively exploration of expectations. A donor may hope the gift “does good,” while an investor wants measurable progress, long-term capacity building, and consistent communication tied to real results. That distinction pushes nonprofits toward better data, better systems, and better reporting.Julia and Tony also discuss how this reframing could meaningfully influence recruitment and retention in the sector. Elevating the profession with language rooted in strategy and expectation — not charity alone — may attract more skilled talent while giving current fundraisers a clearer sense of the complex, meaningful work they perform.They later explore generational dynamics. Older supporters may lean toward benevolence. Younger supporters are far more metrics-driven, tech-oriented, and impact-focused. For next-gen philanthropy, “investor” may simply feel more accurate.The informative convo closes with a practical comparison using a $5,000 gift to a food bank. A donor experiences satisfaction and goodwill. An investor expects data: pounds of food purchased, households served, meals distributed. The contrast illuminates how terminology drives operational behavior.By the end, the case for shifting language becomes both philosophical and functional. It's a lens that prompts nonprofits to strengthen systems, build trust, and engage contributors more meaningfully — all while honoring the emotional roots of giving.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

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

In this capstone to Nonprofit Power Week, Rita L. Soronen, President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, looks forward—past the news cycle and into the work that will shape children, families, and the sector. In a calm, mentoring tone, Rita keeps leaders grounded in first principles: start with the child. As she puts it, “We're not finding what child is best for a family, we're finding what family is best for a child.” That mindset reframes recruitment, kinship care, and inclusion, and it calls leaders to stretch their own practices.Rita shares how public attitudes toward foster care and adoption have matured, yet can backslide when sensational stories appear. Her counsel: hold firm to truth, trauma awareness, and mental health supports. She offers a practical compass for politicized climates: begin where everyone can agree. “Anyone here who's ever been a child, please raise your hand… We have to bring it back to what's best for children.” From there, leaders can convene consensus, reduce noise, and invite real collaboration across agencies, movements, and communities.On funding and donor behavior, Rita maps the changing landscape—fewer donors, larger gifts, and strong interest in measurable impact and systemic change. The lesson for leaders is balance: keep legacy channels available while building digital fluency and fluency in donor-advised funds, non-cash assets, and planned giving. Pair that with scenario planning so your organization is resilient when markets, tax policy, or public health winds shift.Rita's advice on next-gen leadership is both warm and direct. Embrace impatience for progress, mentor toward mastery, and translate across generations. Model curiosity over eye-rolls; teach how boards govern, how budgets work, and how durable change is built—without dampening the urgency younger leaders bring.Finally, Rita urges courage without fear. Hold your mission steady when funding anxieties rise. Convene unusual allies. Keep articulating the value of childhood, permanency, and family—then amplify shared ground loudly. Leaders who do this will guide teams and donors through uncertainty and keep children at the center, where they belong.#TheNonprofitShow #Adoption #FosterCareFind 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

Nonprofits send more messages than ever, yet many still miss the moment that matters: the decision. The CEO and Co-Founder Kylee Ingram of Wizer Technologies explains how seven decision profiles can transform fundraising emails, stewardship notes, and board communications from “nice” to effective.  If donor retention, board alignment, and major-gift outreach are priorities this year, this episode gives you the evidence-based path to communicate the way your audience actually decides.Built from research originally advanced by Juliette Bourke (author of Which Two Heads Are Better Than One?), Wizer's framework maps the way people actually choose—across seven profiles: Achiever, Analyzer, Collaborator, Visionary, Explorer, Guardian, and Deliverer.As Kylee puts it, “What we've created is a program called Wize Snaps… it will look at your comms and then live replicate and tell you what's right and wrong about it—then generate a new email based on that person's decision profile.” The fix isn't creepy personalization (“How's your dog?”). Its decision-relevant signals and templates tuned to how people weigh evidence, risk, outcomes, process, and options. Inside organizations, keeping cognitive diversity matters, too; when teams mirror top leadership styles, innovation drops, and decision errors rise!Kylee also speaks to what's in the playbook for 2026: AI can shorten drafting time, but message-market fit still wins. “AI helps people write better… It's not helping you write the right message necessarily,” Kylee says. Her counsel: slow down, identify the decision profile, and then scale. Use visuals and A/B testing with intent: for some profiles, a results graph will outperform a cute animal photo; for others, a clear process step-down or risk-mitigation note unlocks action. Start inside your nonprofit—board and staff—so your culture and donor experience align. Wizer offers free full decision profiles for teams and boards, plus Wize Snaps to assess copy and suggest rewrites.#TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitMarketing #FundraisingStrategyFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

When fundraising meets humanity, transformation follows—and few express that better than Tammy Zonker, founder of Fundraising Transformed and author of Calling All Heroes. In this powerful episode, host Julia C. Patrick engages Tammy in a deep conversation about reimagining philanthropy through what she calls a human-centered mindset—a new evolution beyond donor- or community-centric models.Tammy explains, “The human-centered mindset is fundamentally about recognizing that everyone involved in the philanthropic process brings unique value—lived experience, expertise, and contribution—all of which deserve to be respected and valued.” That respect, she notes, comes alive through five principles: listening, empathy, belonging, shared values, and authentic partnership. Each principle is deceptively simple but radically powerful in a world that's become more divided and transactional.After 17 years leading Fundraising Transformed, Tammy has seen the shift from transactional giving toward connection-based relationships that sustain missions, not just budgets. Yet, she reminds us that even well-intentioned donor-centered models can reinforce inequity when organizations let large gifts steer mission or silence truth. “We never had the courage to course-correct because we feared losing the funding,” she says candidly—a line that will resonate with fundraisers everywhere.Her solution? Blend the best of both approaches. Donor-centered fundraising taught gratitude and impact reporting; community-centered fundraising elevated justice and inclusion. A human-centered model marries both, removing ego, flattening hierarchy, and restoring empathy across every role—donor, volunteer, staff, and participant.Tammy ties this philosophy to the real data crisis in philanthropy: donor retention at just 43% overall and a mere 19% for first-time givers. With fewer households donating each year, she warns that philanthropy risks becoming an elite sport. Instead, she advocates re-elevating small monthly donors, volunteers, and advocates whose collective action drives real change.The episode ends on a liberating message for nonprofit professionals: progress over perfection. Perfection, Tammy insists, “is overrated.” Real leadership requires risk, humility, and innovation—and that means acting, failing, learning, and trying again.In a time when empathy often feels endangered, Calling All Heroes reminds us that every fundraiser, donor, and community member has a heroic role to play. Humanity, it seems, is the most sustainable fundraising strategy of all.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

This is the 4th episode of my new series- Leading in Unusual Places. I'll be talking with Janice Burton, a Nonprofit Fundraising Professional, who will discuss her career, challenges faced, skills needed and ways professionals can excel in their careers.Janice Burton Contact Info:jjburtonenterprises@gmail.comhttps://marriageplanningmogul.com/servicesInstagram- @marriageplanningmogulNicholette Contact Info:info@nikehspeaks.comhttps://www.nikehspeaks.comwww.linkedin.com/in/NicholetteHwww.instagram.com/nike_h_speaks_llc_www.facebook.com/fb.me/nikehspeaksllc

Joint fundraising: bold idea, complicated feelings. On this Fundraisers Friday, Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall swap real-world stories and field notes on how small and midsize nonprofits can team up without tripping over turf, lists, or logistics. Julia sets the table with a grin—“They're super tricky, they're very interesting, and I think there's a lot of fear around it”—then Tony gets granular on where collaboration actually shines: events. Think shared strengths: one NPO's marketing mojo plus another's room-flow wizardry equals a stronger guest experience and better net for all.The throughline is alignment. Serve the same community—youth, seniors, cancer journeys, pets—so the purpose reads as one chorus, not competing solos.Contracts keep friendships friendly. Spell everything out in an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) or partnership agreement: shared costs, who fronts deposits, marketing responsibilities, volunteer management, night-of logistics, and—vital—who's the fiscal agent. As Tony puts it, “It's just a reminder that we are running a business.” Marketing lists stay private; attendee lists can be shared with explicit consent at registration. Afterward, leverage an event page for social recaps while each org pushes post-event notes to its own supporters.Courage shows up at the recap table. Schedule a quick postmortem to capture wins, gaps, and “never again” insights while memories are fresh. Sometimes the bravest answer is one-and-done: celebrate the success and move on. Julia's take on reality checks lands with a smile and a nod to capacity: big hearts are fantastic, but bandwidth pays the bills!! #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFundraising #Collaboration 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

The phrase “overhead myth” still haunts the nonprofit world like a stubborn ghost. Host Julia C. Patrick sits down with Adam Holzberg, Partner and CPA at SAX Advisory Group, to teach viewers why judging nonprofits by their administrative expenses misses the point—and how education, transparency, and storytelling can replace outdated thinking with real understanding.Adam defines the myth plainly: “It's the idea that a nonprofit is less effective when it has higher overhead.” That assumption, he stresses, is simply untrue. The salaries, training, technology, IT support, and finance work that make up overhead are the very systems that keep programs running effectively. Yet donors and watchdogs still cling to the notion that only direct program spending matters. “In reality,” Adam says, “those programs can't even function without this infrastructure behind the scenes.”He traces the myth's roots to the early days of charity watchdogs comparing organizations through the functional expense schedule on Form 990 filings. Those comparisons turned rough accounting estimates into moral judgments, and the damage stuck. Many nonprofits still feel pressure to brag about low overhead ratios—even when it hurts them.Adam teaches that context matters. A government-funded nonprofit may appear more efficient because it spends little on fundraising, while a community charity that relies on individual donations will show a larger overhead percentage. There's no universal benchmark—though watchdogs like Charity Navigator often cite 70 percent program spending as a target. But he cautions against treating that as a rule: every mission, funding model, and cost structure differs.When asked how to fix the problem, Adam emphasizes education. Nonprofits must explain why investing in staff well-being, technology, and cybersecurity protects impact. His analogy brings it home: “If you build an offense with Patrick Mahomes and top receivers but neglect your offensive line, your team won't move the ball. Nonprofits are the same—without infrastructure, even the best programs fail.”Julia and Adam agree that shifting focus from expense ratios to impact data is the next frontier. Impact storytelling shows outcomes numbers can't: lives changed, communities strengthened, futures rebuilt. Leaders, boards, and funders must learn to read those stories alongside the spreadsheets.The conversation closes with hope—and a reminder that every conversation helps rewrite the narrative. By teaching donors, boards, and staff that strong infrastructure equals stronger mission delivery, nonprofits can finally end the burden of the overhead myth.#TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFinance #OverheadMyth 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

Nonprofit Fundraising Made Stronger with Mark Wilkison (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 18) In this episode of The Good2Give Podcast, hosted by DePriest Waddy and underwritten by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, fundraising veteran Mark Wilkison, Principal and Partner at Columns Fundraising, shares timeless lessons on nonprofit fundraising, governance, board engagement, and major gift strategy. With […]

Discover how to inspire generosity for your fundraising efforts through storytelling. In this episode, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com talks with author and producer Paul Steven Forrest about the power of video for nonprofit fundraising and how your organization can use it to share your ministry's vision effectively. Learn how to create videos that connect emotionally with your audience and motivate donors to give — without pressure or manipulation. Whether you're looking for fundraising ideas for churches, creative nonprofit fundraising strategies, or storytelling tips that move people to action, this conversation will help you produce videos that make an impact. If your church, ministry, or nonprofit organization needs new fundraising ideas, watch now to discover how video storytelling can help you share your vision and inspire lasting support.

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

Erik Tomalis, Chief Revenue Officer at Avid, shares how nonprofits can move from data overload to clear direction. We explore how Avid's fundraising operating system unifies disconnected tools, surfaces real insights, and helps teams focus on what truly drives generosity, trust, clarity, and human connection.

If you want donors to move, tell them exactly where to go. In this Fundraisers Friday conversation, Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall turn vague appeals into precise, energizing calls to action (CTA's)—across giving, events, engagement, volunteering, and advocacy. Tony lays the foundation early: “Start with the call to action. What do I want folks to do?” When you begin with the outcome, every sentence supports momentum, not meandering.Julia puts a common myth on the table: “It's not just like go out and ask a bunch of rich people for money.” Fundraising isn't speed-dial; it's relationship-building, timing, and clarity. Tony reinforces the point: “Fundraising is all about relationships,” and your CTA is the moment you convert relationship energy into tangible next steps—give, register, share, join, or contact.Time-bound CTAs matter. Use real clocks, not artificial pressure. Matching gifts? Set the deadline: “Donate by October 15 so your gift will be doubled.” Community emergencies? Be specific: protect 20 roofs, feed families during power loss, or restore safe access to services this week. Impact framing turns abstract dollars into visible outcomes: $50 feeds one student for a month—$100 feeds two. That clarity invites bigger gifts because supporters can instantly see scale.Equally important: truth and fit. If the amount and impact don't match, supporters feel it. Build your figures from real program data, and keep the language human. Julia adds a practical lens for events: swap “RSVP” for action-forward phrases like “Save my seat.” Tap joyful FOMO without panic. Want engagement? Ask for it. “Click subscribe,” “Invite 10 friends,” “Share with a neighbor adopting a pet.” Want volunteers or in-kind items? Say exactly how to respond and how you'll make it easy.Advocacy belongs in your CTA toolkit too. This isn't about politics—it's about mission. Invite your community to “Stand with families—email your legislator today to support…” Frame the request around the people you serve and the outcome your programs create.Finally, close the loop with gratitude-based storytelling. Julia's favorite “Because of you” CTA wraps action and appreciation into one cadence: Because of you, 50 students received laptops; because of you, seniors got meals during outages. That framing reminds supporters they are the hero—today and tomorrow.Start with the action you need, frame it with authentic impact, and invite your community to step forward—now.  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

In today's unpredictable landscape, nonprofit organizations face both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges. Economic shifts, global crises, and cultural changes have altered the way people give. Yet at the heart of this transformation lies a timeless truth: donors want to feel connected to a cause. That means nonprofit leaders must adapt—by weaving data, storytelling, and human connection into every aspect of fundraising. Stephen Halasnik, co-founder of Financing Solutions, sat down with Tim Sarrantonio of Neon One, a leading nonprofit software company, to explore the future of fundraising. Their conversation revealed that while technology can help organizations thrive, it is ultimately the human element—the story, the relationship, the personal connection—that drives long-term donor support.

In this episode of Nonprofit Board Members, host Michael Corley chats with Javan Van Gronigen, co-founder of Donately, to explore the evolving landscape of digital fundraising. Javan shares his journey from creative agency work to mission-driven tech innovation, and explains how Donately is helping nonprofits modernize their donor experience. They dig into why targeting matters, the power of board members in fundraising, and how nonprofits can avoid donor fatigue. Plus, Javan offers insights on AI, digital trust, and why nonprofits must embrace content strategy now, not later. https://www.donately.com/ Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Javan Van Gronigen, Co-Founder of Donately (02:40) What is Donately? (04:30) Human expertise on Donately (05:55) What do nonprofits do that turn away donors? (11:00) What do board members need to know about fundraising? (13:30) What is the future of fundraising? (20:30) Who usually reaches out to Donately? (22:45) Recapping with Read Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization. Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Today my guest is fundraiser and impact growth leader, Alexandra Dumitrescu. In this episode, we discuss nonprofit funding. Alexandra highlights the potential of technology to enhance fundraising efforts and presents ways nonprofits can diversify income streams. We discuss e-commerce models, leveraging SaaS platforms, improving donor relations, and lost funding opportunities.We also discuss initiatives Alexandra founded to help nonprofits create sustainable income and integrate social impact features in business products.How might Alexandra's ideas (or some version of them) be applied to your project, organization, or partnerships?How does this conversation reframe what you see as being possible in environmental education? LEARN MOREAlexandra Dumitrescu on LinkedInBiggerPie (LinkedIn)RWAYS for Nonprofits (LinkedIn)Shop for Hope (Alexandra on Substack)Fundraising Platforms Mentioned:FundraiseUpDonorBoxiRaiserDataro.io Automation Services Mentioned:ZapierZendeskAcronyms Defined:Saas - Software as a Service (cloud-based services)KPI - Key Performance IndicatorsMVP - Minimum Viable ProductCSR - Corporate Social ResponsibilityAlexandra's Recommended Resources:Daniela Papi Thornton - Reclaiming Social Entrepreneurship (TEDx)Dan Pallotta - The Way We Think About Charity is Dead Wrong (TED)Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life (Nassim Nicholas Taleb)*Manifesto for a Moral Revolution (Jacqueline Novogratz)*Subscribe to the Transferable Solutions newsletter. _______________ABOUT:TALATERRA combines "tala" (Icelandic for "to speak" and "to talk") with "terra" (Earth)—because speaking for our planet and telling its stories is what environmental educators do.TALATERRA: to speak Earth. CREDITS:Producer: Tania MarienMusic: So Far So Close by Jahzzar is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike License;SOLO ACOUSTIC GUITAR by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License.Subscribe to Transferable Solutions.Contact Us© 2019 - 2025 Talaterra Inc * TALATERRA is an affiliate of Bookshop.org.

Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall turn board jitters into momentum with a simple, generous framework: four board roles that make fundraising feel natural, human, and actually fun. Julia sets the tone with a zinger that boards will remember: “This is not a no situation. This is a KNOW situation.” From there, Tony maps the path: “Prospector, cultivator, solicitor, and steward—four very simple roles that are really impactful.”Prospectors spark the pipeline by looking at real relationships—LinkedIn, circles of influence, workplace connections—to spot people who might love your mission. Julia notes this is the one job every board member can do without sweaty palms. Cultivators then step in as brand ambassadors, sharing stories, hosting small gatherings, and learning what lights a supporter up—without making the ask. Think hype team with heart!Next up: solicitors. Some board members truly enjoy asking (yes, unicorns exist). Tony clarifies that “strength in numbers” doesn't mean bringing a stranger to the ask; the right voice in the room is the one with an authentic relationship. Finally, stewards keep the glow going—handwritten notes, quick calls, social shout-outs, tours—feeding the feedback loop so staff and board hear what donors feel and see. Introverts rejoice: stewardship offers tons of low-pressure ways to shine.Julia and Tony keep it real about energy, fit, and growth. Not everyone will love every role, but everyone can contribute somewhere—and many will stretch into new skills with a little structure and encouragement. The pair celebrate their new book, The Architecture of Fundraising (artwork by Tony, applause from Julia), and salute Executive Producer Kevin Pace for nudging the dream into reality.Bottom line: pick your lane, keep the lanes moving, and talk about them at every board meeting with intention. When board members match their temperament to the right role, confidence rises, the process hums, and your mission gets the fuel it deserves.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

Samantha Swaim of Swaim Strategies shares how to design fundraising events that move people: from storytelling that doubles giving, to match strategies that multiply impact, to follow-ups that turn donors into lifelong supporters.

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

Keywords:  entrepreneurship, bookkeeping, technology, startups, financial management, small business, accounting, operational efficiency, nonprofit fundraising, restaurant marketing, bookkeeping, accounting, collections, remote work, sales strategies, franchising, financial services, technology integration, small business, cash flow Takeaways Matt Tait transitioned from law to entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of operational efficiency in accounting. Technology can streamline financial processes for small businesses. Understanding the cost of time is crucial for entrepreneurs. Many business owners overlook the importance of bookkeeping. Common mistakes include doing bookkeeping themselves and not seeking help. Businesses need to focus on their core competencies. The journey from employee to owner can be complex but rewarding. Innovative tech solutions can enhance fundraising for nonprofits. Effective financial management is key to business success. It's not just bookkeeping; it's all processes involved. Many companies struggle with accounts receivable and collections. Good businesses have good processes and habits. Collections should be a dedicated time each week. Outsourcing collections can harm client relationships. Fixed monthly fees provide predictability for clients. Technology and globalization are key to scaling operations. Partnerships with fractional CFOs drive growth. Franchising can help accountants start their own firms. Understanding your numbers is crucial for business success. Summary:  In this episode, Mitch Beinhaker interviews Matt Tait, CEO of Decimal, who shares his journey from being a lawyer to becoming an entrepreneur. Matt discusses the importance of operational efficiency in accounting and how technology can streamline financial processes for small businesses. He emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to understand the cost of their time and the common mistakes they make in financial management. The conversation also touches on innovative solutions in nonprofit fundraising and the transition from employee to owner. In this conversation, Matt Tait discusses the intricacies of bookkeeping and accounting processes, emphasizing the importance of streamlining operations for efficiency. He highlights the challenges businesses face with collections and the necessity of establishing good habits for financial management. Tait shares insights on building a remote accounting firm, the evolution of sales strategies in a digital landscape, and the upcoming franchising model for Decimal. He also addresses the complexities of managing a global workforce and the comprehensive financial services offered to small businesses. Titles From Lawyer to Entrepreneur: Matt Tait's Journey Streamlining Bookkeeping for Small Businesses Innovative Solutions in Nonprofit Fundraising The Cost of Time: Why Entrepreneurs Should Delegate Sound Bites "I'm a recovering attorney." "Every business has to pay their bills and get paid." "You shouldn't do it. It's not a good use of time." "Common mistakes include doing bookkeeping themselves." "Make it nice and easy." "Nobody wants to be in business collecting money." "We have a big team in the Philippines." "We're going to start franchising Decimal." "You have to think through the whole life cycle." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:11 Matt Tait's Entrepreneurial Journey 04:09 Transitioning from Law to Tech Startups 06:14 Innovations in Nonprofit Fundraising Technology 09:16 Creating a Restaurant Marketing Platform 12:22 Joining Decimal and the Journey to Ownership 14:34 The Importance of Bookkeeping for Businesses 18:11 Understanding the Cost of Time in Business 21:14 Common Mistakes in Financial Management 22:12 Streamlining Bookkeeping Processes 25:30 The Importance of Collections 26:51 Building a Remote Accounting Firm 30:33 Sales Strategies in a Digital Age 34:42 Franchising the Decimal Model 36:05 Challenges of a Remote Workforce 41:29 Comprehensive Financial Services for Small Businesses

Maria Fundora, Purple Pansies: Fighting Pancreatic Cancer (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 898) Maria Fundora, founder of Purple Pansies and owner of Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant, joined host John Ray on North Fulton Business Radio to share her mission to fight pancreatic cancer. After losing her mother to the disease, Maria turned personal loss into […] The post Maria Fundora, Purple Pansies: Fighting Pancreatic Cancer appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Maria Fundora, Purple Pansies: Fighting Pancreatic Cancer (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 898) Maria Fundora, founder of Purple Pansies and owner of Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant, joined host John Ray on North Fulton Business Radio to share her mission to fight pancreatic cancer. After losing her mother to the disease, Maria turned personal loss into […]

Fundraisers Friday cohosts Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall dive into a thought-provoking conversation about the future of corporate sponsorships, the changing dynamics of nonprofit partnerships, and the launch of their new book, The Architecture of Fundraising.The show kicks off with Julia setting the tone for a discussion that is anything but light—because corporate sponsorships in 2026 will demand more strategy, accountability, and creativity than ever before.Tony adds his perspective, explaining how employee engagement has overtaken gala tables as the centerpiece of sponsorship. He explains: “When structured well, employee engagement helps a corporation develop emerging leaders through volunteerism, while strengthening teams through shared service experiences.”Julia expands the conversation by connecting sponsorships to employee retention, HR priorities, and brand loyalty. She shares real stories from her career, including the tough calls nonprofits face when lucrative corporate dollars come from companies with misaligned values. Together, the cohosts explore how consumer behavior and corporate reputation intersect with philanthropy, reminding us that today's donors and customers expect alignment of values, not just a logo on a program.The episode doesn't shy away from controversy. DEIB funding withdrawals, politically charged sponsorships, and “cancel culture” pressure on corporations have already reshaped the landscape. Julia tells of an advisory board that lost funding simply for using DEIB language, while Tony points to Pride organizations nationwide that saw longtime sponsors retreat. Yet both emphasize that diversification of revenue, transparent policies, and mission alignment are essential for weathering these storms.Technology and data are also at the forefront. Sponsors are no longer satisfied with anecdotes or temporary goodwill; they want measurable outcomes. Julia and Tony challenge nonprofits to track impact rigorously, report frequently, and integrate sponsor ROI into community stories. The conversation makes clear: numbers, stories, and values all matter—and nonprofits that can weave them together will win long-term partnerships.This episode motivates nonprofits to rethink how they approach corporate sponsors. The message is unmistakable: the future of sponsorships is about long-term vision, measurable impact, and authentic alignment.Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions 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

We're exploring a powerful theme that affects every nonprofit: the necessity of diversifying revenue streams—with cohosts Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall. While fundraising is often viewed as a singular number to hit, Tony ignites the convo with, “If we are focused on putting everything in one basket, we're putting our programs and services at risk.”Together, they walk through the “lanes” of nonprofit revenue: major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, and planned giving—each requiring different skill sets but all anchored in one common thread: relationships. Tony's thinking. . .  “True success in fundraising rests in your ability to build relationships, even in grantmaking where you may need an invitation from a foundation.” Julia echoes the reality that planned giving, while unpredictable, can yield transformational gifts, while corporate sponsorships often demand careful alignment between mission and brand values.The informative conversation covers monthly giving programs, now empowered by digital tools. What once felt arduous is now a viable, forecastable stream. Monthly donors often “testing” an organization with smaller contributions before stepping into major gift or legacy conversations—a fact savvy nonprofits should embrace. Julia points out how this incremental giving builds a sense of community: donors rowing in the same direction together, proving that even $10 a month can matter.‘Cause Marketing' receives sharp focus. Tony explains that beyond revenue, its real value is in brand awareness. “What is the soft dollar value of the exposure your nonprofit gains?” he asks, while cautioning that consumers demand authentic mission alignment; token efforts rarely shift donor or customer behavior without deeper resonance.The discussion wraps with a thoughtful action strategy: how nonprofits allocate time and talent across lanes. For many, events consume disproportionate staff energy—sometimes to the detriment of post-event stewardship. Tony clarifies how staff specialization matters too—grant writers are not gala planners—and leaders must invest in professional development and digital tools to support diversification.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

How do you grow predictable revenue for your non-profit initiative?  In this value-packed episode of Leaders of Transformation, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Jonathan Beck, founder of WeGive—a powerful SaaS platform transforming how nonprofits and faith-based organizations engage donors and fuel their missions. After co-founding PayStand, a global leader in digital payments, and building a successful career in Silicon Valley, Jonathan felt a strong pull to return to his roots and serve the nonprofit world. With WeGive, he's merging innovative technology with purpose, helping mission-driven leaders build stronger supporter relationships and generate sustainable, predictable revenue. Jonathan shares how donor engagement is evolving from basic transactions (“Giving 1.0”) to immersive, personalized experiences through what he calls a Giving Experience Platform. Today's donors expect more than forms and receipts—they want meaningful stories, deeper connection, and seamless digital interactions. Nicole and Jonathan discuss how nonprofits and churches can elevate engagement, integrate modern tech like Salesforce and Planning Center, and use AI to reduce administrative burden. They also dive into the real-world challenges leaders face when navigating digital transformation—and how to overcome them with clarity and confidence. Whether you're an executive director, outreach pastor, fundraising professional, or mission-driven entrepreneur, this episode will inspire you with fresh ideas and actionable strategies to amplify your impact. What We Discuss in This Episode How is “Giving 3.0” different from traditional fundraising methods? What is a “Giving Experience Platform” and how does it work? Why are personalized donor journeys critical for today's nonprofit growth? What practical steps help nonprofits increase donor retention and conversion? How does WeGive integrate with tools like Planning Center, Salesforce, and more? Which donor engagement strategies work best for Gen X and Millennial supporters? What are the biggest barriers to technology adoption in the nonprofit sector—and how can leaders overcome them? How does AI streamline repetitive nonprofit tasks and elevate donor relationships? Who are WeGive's ideal clients—and how do they measure success? What pricing models make advanced fundraising tech accessible for growing organizations? Podcast Highlights 0:00 - Evolution of Giving Platforms 6:09 - Donor Journey: From Online to Mailbox 7:54 - Effortless Fundraising Boosts Connections 12:25 - Church Software Usability Challenges 13:42 - Enhanced Church Giving Tools 17:27 - WeGive: Seamless Donation Experience 21:47 - Nonprofits Lack Innovation Culture 25:37 - Essentials for Any Church 29:21 - Flexible CRM and Payment Solutions 30:09 - Affordable Platform Fees for Nonprofits 34:27 - AI-Driven CRM Insights 36:47 - Entrepreneurial Insights and Innovation Favorite Quotes “Today's donors are purchasing a piece of their identity, and the product is delivered via communication. It's not just a transaction—it's a relationship.” ~ Jonathan Beck “Most nonprofit tools are stand-alone point solutions. What we need is an integrated giving commerce flow that merges online and offline experiences.” ~ Jonathan Beck “AI and integrated platforms are finally letting small teams create the personal, high-touch donor journeys that used to be reserved for huge organizations.” ~ Jonathan Beck Be sure to check out WeGive.com for more info, a demo, or to explore partnership opportunities. Looking to take your nonprofit or church fundraising to the next level? This episode is your roadmap. Episode Resources: https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/business/541-the-future-of-giving-adapting-for-the-next-generation-with-jonathan-beck/ Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com ________

“I've always just had a goal of helping as many animals as possible.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants. For passionate individuals and grassroots organizations working tirelessly in the world of animal welfare, financial logistics and nonprofit administration can feel like insurmountable hurdles. In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes Robert Bills, founder of Chappy & Friends, a unique fiscal sponsor dedicated exclusively to animal welfare initiatives. Robert's journey from finance and entertainment to animal advocacy was inspired by Chappy, a resilient Havanese poodle rescued from a Tennessee puppy mill. This heartfelt backstory paved the way for Chappy & Friends, which now helps individuals and small organizations carry out impactful work—without the daunting burden of establishing their own 501(c)(3). This episode dives deep into how Chappy & Friends empowers TNR groups, rescue efforts, and even equine programs by providing the legal and administrative infrastructure they need to accept tax-deductible donations, manage finances, and remain compliant with IRS regulations. Robert outlines the application and vetting process, explains how funds are disbursed, and shares examples of successful projects, including angel funds for veterinary hospitals and trap bank campaigns for cat rescues. Whether you're a one-person rescue or a small team with big dreams, this conversation offers a practical alternative to traditional nonprofit formation. Robert's insights are especially valuable for listeners ready to take their mission to the next level without getting bogged down by red tape. Press Play Now For: A simple explanation of what a fiscal sponsor is and how it works How to get started with your own cat rescue project—without forming a nonprofit Ways Chappy & Friends supports animal lovers across species and borders An honest look at donor transparency and IRS compliance Real-life stories of grassroots groups that are making it work Resources & Links: Chappy & Friends Website (https://chappyandfriends.org/) Contact Robert: chapster@chappyandfriends.org | 212-641-0203 Sponsor Links: Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies623) Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/virox) Follow & Review We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then share a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.