Podcast

Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

Business, Non-Profit

Ready for some real talk about nonprofits? Julia Campbell sits down with industry experts and practitioners to get advice on the best ways to build a thriving movement and a vibrant, passionate community around a cause.

Topics include fundraising, storytelling, and marketing of course - but it also dives into mental health issues, leadership strategy, digital wellness, and much more. Julia's guests share practical wisdom, entertaining stories, and real-world tips that will help you strategize, plan, and grow your nonprofit.

You never know exactly what you’re going to learn when you tune into Nonprofit Nation, but you can be assured that it will be worth your valuable time and attention.

Nonprofit Nation is hosted by Julia Campbell, digital marketing and fundraising expert, nonprofit consultant, and author of Storytelling in the Digital Age: A Guide for Nonprofits and How to Build and Mobilize a Social Media Community for Your Nonprofit in 90 Days.

Julia helps nonprofits build movements, and in her work she teaches nonprofits how to build community, audience and raise influence on social media channels.

Be sure to click the subscribe button on Apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Non-Profit chart
#20
Episodes
318
Releases
Twice a week
Typical length
37 min
On air since
2021
Latest episode
1 day ago

Episodes

318 episodes, newest first

  1. What’s Actually Working on Social Media – and What’s Next

    Show notes

    There is always another social media tactic to try.

    Another platform update. Another content format. Another person telling you to post more.

    But with year-end approaching, the question I keep coming back to is: What deserves your time—and how does it help people connect with your mission?

    Last week I went live on LinkedIn with my Nonprofit Social Media Summit partner, Tim Sarrantonio, to talk about exactly that.

    We shared what we think nonprofit communicators should prioritize, explore how content can build relationships and inspire action, and answer your questions.

    We also introduced some of the speakers and sessions coming to the Nonprofit Social Media Summit, November 17–18, through the real challenges they’ll help you tackle.

    If you’re planning your year-end communications—or wondering whether the Summit belongs on your calendar—listen in!

    You can watch the LinkedIn live video here.

    Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

    54 min
  2. Dear Nonprofiteer: Why Do We Stay? with Evan Wildstein

    Show notes

    What keeps nonprofit professionals in this work, and what does it cost them to stay?

    Nonprofit professionals dedicate their careers to making the world a better place, but who takes care of the people doing the work?

    In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell sits down with Evan Wildstein, longtime nonprofit practitioner, fundraiser, author, and self-described “nonprofiteer,” to explore the realities of working in the social impact sector and his latest project, Dear Nonprofiteer, a collaborative, print-only zine created with and for nonprofit professionals.

    Drawing on nearly 25 years of experience in the sector, Evan reflects on why people choose to stay in nonprofit work, what that commitment can cost them, and why burnout and self-sacrifice have become so normalized. Together, Julia and Evan explore the tension between caring deeply about a mission and feeling exhausted by the organizations carrying it out.

    They also discuss the importance of staff well-being, the stories the nonprofit sector tells about passion and productivity, and what leaders often misunderstand about staff retention. Through humor, poetry, storytelling, research, and community, Dear Nonprofiteer creates space for nonprofit professionals to feel seen and heard, not simply encouraged to do more.

    Because sustainable organizations depend on sustainable people, and caring for the people behind the mission should never be an afterthought.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • Why Evan created Dear Nonprofiteer and why this project matters now
    • Why nonprofit professionals stay in the sector—and what staying can cost
    • The difference between mission-driven commitment and unhealthy self-sacrifice
    • Why organizational sustainability must include staff well-being
    • The nonprofit narratives we need to challenge, including “do more with less”
    • What nonprofit leaders often misunderstand about staff retention
    • How humor, poetry, storytelling, and community help us talk honestly about nonprofit work
    • Why Evan chose a collaborative, print-only zine in an increasingly digital world
    • What research and lived experiences reveal about why people stay or leave
    • What continues to give Evan hope after nearly 25 years in the sector

    About Evan Wildstein

    Evan Wildstein is a nonprofit practitioner, fundraiser, author, musician, and advocate for the people who power social impact organizations. With nearly 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, he has held fundraising and senior staff roles focused on systems, programs, and people at institutions including The Juilliard School, Rice University, and Asia Society. His work has helped raise more than $30 million.

    Evan is the author of The Nonprofiteer's Fundraising Field Guide and has contributed to research on nonprofit staff retention. He is also a co-lead of the Social Impact Staff Retention Project and the creator of Dear Nonprofiteer, a collaborative zine exploring why nonprofit professionals stay, what it costs them, and why the work can still be worth it.

    Resources & Links

    • Evan Wildstein's website:https://www.thenonprofiteers.com/
    • Connect with Evan on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-a-wildstein/
    • Social Impact Staff Retention Project:https://www.thenonprofiteers.com/sisr

    Let's Keep the Conversation Going!

    What keeps you in nonprofit work, and what do you wish the sector would do differently to take better care of the people doing it?

    Share your thoughts, and if you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Nonprofit Nation, leave a review, and share it with a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or colleague who could use this conversation.

    Because the people behind the mission matter, too.

    Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

    38 min
  3. Defiant Hope: How to Tell Nonprofit Stories with Dignity, Trust, and Impact with Yuriy Boyechko

    Show notes

    Stories are among the most powerful tools nonprofits have. They can build understanding, inspire generosity, and connect people across communities. But how can nonprofits tell compelling stories without compromising the dignity of the people behind them?

    In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I sit down with Yuriy Boyechko, founder and CEO of Hope For Ukraine, to explore the responsibility that comes with telling stories of hardship, resilience, and hope.

    Through nearly a decade of humanitarian work in Ukraine, Yuriy has seen firsthand how storytelling can mobilize support for families, refugees, and communities affected by war. He shares why ethical storytelling begins with listening, meaningful consent, and recognizing that the stories nonprofits tell ultimately belong to the people who lived them.

    We also discuss how nonprofits can build donor trust through authentic storytelling, communicate urgency without contributing to compassion fatigue, and show the impact of their work without positioning themselves as the heroes of someone else's story.

    Yuriy is also the co-author of the forthcoming book Defiant Hope: Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Courage, and the Fight for Ukraine, which highlights the courage, resilience, and humanity of ordinary Ukrainians navigating extraordinary circumstances.

    If you're a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or communicator, this conversation offers a meaningful reminder that storytelling isn't just about raising awareness or generating donations. It's about honoring people's experiences, building trust, and creating genuine connections that inspire action.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • Why the stories nonprofits tell ultimately belong to the people who lived them
    • What ethical storytelling looks like in practice
    • How to preserve dignity when sharing stories involving hardship, trauma, and crisis
    • The importance of meaningful consent when telling someone's story
    • How to create emotional connections without exploiting someone's pain
    • Why nonprofits shouldn't always position themselves as the heroes of the story
    • Building donor trust through transparency and authentic storytelling
    • Combining personal stories with data and evidence of impact
    • Communicating urgency and hope without contributing to compassion fatigue
    • How to keep nonprofit communications authentic as an organization grows
    • What nearly a decade of humanitarian work has taught Yuriy about leadership and resilience
    • The meaning of Defiant Hope and what ordinary people can teach us about courage and community

    About Yuriy Boyechko

    Yuriy Boyechko is the founder and CEO of Hope For Ukraine, a humanitarian organization established in 2016. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, he has helped lead efforts to deliver essential humanitarian aid, including food, medical supplies, shelter, clean water, and solar power solutions to communities in crisis.

    Born and raised in Ukraine, Yuriy brings a deeply personal connection to his humanitarian work. He is also a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council and co-author of the forthcoming book Defiant Hope: Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Courage, and the Fight for Ukraine.

    Learn more about Yuriy and Hope For Ukraine:

    • Website: https://hfu.org/
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuriy-boyechko
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hope4ukraine/

    Coming February 16, 2027: Defiant Hope: Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Courage, and the Fight for Ukraine.

    Enjoyed this episode?

    Subscribe to Nonprofit Nation, leave a review, and share this episode with a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or communicator who wants to tell stories that inspire action while honoring the dignity of the people behind them.

    Because the goal isn't simply to tell a more compelling story. It's to become a better steward of the stories people trust us to tell.

    Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

    33 min
  4. How to Savor the Work (Especially When It’s Hard) with Lisa Bennett

    Show notes

    Nonprofit leaders are carrying a lot right now. Between funding uncertainty, team burnout, political instability, and growing community needs, it can feel like there’s always another challenge to tackle. And through it all, leaders are expected to inspire their teams, communicate hope, and keep their missions moving forward. But what happens when the people doing the work are running out of energy themselves?

    In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell sits down with Lisa Bennett, author, facilitator, advisor, and award-winning journalist, to explore how purpose-driven people can continue making a difference without becoming depleted by the work they care so deeply about.

    Lisa, author of the forthcoming book Savor the World: How to Draw Strength From What You Love and Keep Showing Up for It, challenges us to rethink what it means to be committed to a cause. She shares why constant urgency can undermine our clarity, creativity, and decision-making, and why sustaining ourselves is not separate from sustaining our missions.

    Together, Julia and Lisa explore the idea of savoring, not as another self-care task to add to an already overwhelming to-do list, but as a way to reconnect with what gives our work meaning. They also discuss how storytelling can help nonprofit leaders and teams remember why their work matters, especially when progress feels difficult to see.

    If you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or mission-driven professional who wants to stay engaged without sacrificing your well-being, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on burnout, leadership, and finding the strength to keep showing up for the causes that matter.

    In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

    • Why nonprofit leaders and purpose-driven professionals may be especially vulnerable to burnout and depletion.
    • How constant urgency affects clarity, creativity, and decision-making.
    • How to lead with honesty and hope when the future feels uncertain.
    • Why burnout is not simply an individual self-care problem, but can also reflect organizational culture.
    • What it means to savor the world and how it differs from traditional approaches to self-care.
    • How storytelling can help nonprofit teams reconnect with their purpose and find meaning in difficult work.
    • How to build an organizational culture where commitment is not measured by exhaustion.
    • Practical ways to make room for joy, beauty, humor, and connection while continuing to address urgent challenges.

    About Lisa Bennett

    Lisa Bennett is an author, facilitator, advisor, and award-winning journalist whose work explores how purpose-driven people can tackle difficult problems without being depleted by them. She is the author of the forthcoming book Savor the World: How to Draw Strength From What You Love and Keep Showing Up for It and co-author of Ecoliterate with emotional intelligence pioneer Daniel Goleman.

    Throughout her career in journalism, education, communications, facilitation, and organizational leadership, Lisa has worked with people tackling consequential challenges across sectors and communities. Today, she helps purpose-led organizations reconnect mission, people, and resources, supporting leaders and teams in finding clarity, staying grounded through setbacks, and recognizing where their efforts can make a difference.

    Resources & Connect with Lisa

    • Website:https://lisabennettwrites.com/
    • LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisabennettwriter/
    • Book: Savor the World: How to Draw Strength From What You Love and Keep Showing Up for It (forthcoming)

    If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Nonprofit Nation, leave a review, and share it with a nonprofit leader or fundraiser who could benefit from this conversation.

    Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

    36 min
  5. When Grief Becomes Service: Building Community After Unimaginable Loss with Joe Samaha

    Show notes

    What happens when unimaginable loss becomes a catalyst for service, advocacy, and community?

    In this deeply moving episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell sits down with Joseph Samaha, Director of Victim Advocacy and Outreach for VTVCare, an organization rooted in the community of families and survivors brought together following the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting.

    Joe’s daughter, Reema, was killed in the tragedy. In the aftermath, Joe and other families found themselves navigating profound grief while also discovering the power of community, people coming together, sharing what they were learning, supporting one another, and creating a path forward when there was no roadmap.

    Over time, that community became something much larger.

    Joe shares what it means to lead a mission-driven organization when the mission is deeply connected to your own lived experience. He talks about the long-term needs of survivors and families after the public attention surrounding a tragedy fades, the role of community in recovery and resilience, and the challenges of turning individual support into systemic change.

    We also explore what nonprofit leadership looks like when the work is deeply personal, how to think about impact when outcomes involve grief, healing, and human connection, and how VTVCare is working to create more sustainable resources for people affected by mass violence. Nonprofit Nation Podcast Prep -…

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • Starting a nonprofit while navigating profound personal grief
    • How the Virginia Tech community came together after tragedy
    • The role of community in long-term recovery and resilience
    • What survivors need long after the initial attention disappears
    • How lived experience shapes nonprofit leadership and decision-making
    • Creating boundaries and sustainability when the mission is deeply personal
    • Measuring impact when the work centers on grief, healing, and human connection
    • Moving from supporting individual families to advocating for systemic change
    • Creating sustainable, long-term resources for people affected by mass violence
    • Carrying Reema’s memory forward through service Nonprofit Nation Podcast Prep -…

    About Joseph Samaha

    Joseph Samaha is the Director of Victim Advocacy and Outreach at VTVCare and a lifelong resident of Northern Virginia. Following the Virginia Tech tragedy, Joe and his wife, Mona, established scholarships and funds in memory of their daughter, Reema, and Joe became a tireless advocate for Virginia Tech families and other survivors.

    He has served as the first president of VTVFOF and works as a consultant and speaker with the Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center. He also consults with the Medical University of South Carolina’s National Mass Violence and Victim Resource Center.

    Joe has helped advise states and institutions on VTVCare’s investment model for sustaining the cost of assisting victims of mass violence. His advocacy contributed to Virginia and Maine becoming the first states in the nation to establish non-reverting Mass Violence Care Funds for citizens impacted by mass violence.

    Learn More

    Learn more about VTVCare at vtvcare.org.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a nonprofit leader or fundraiser who could benefit from this conversation.

    Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

    35 min
  6. When Facebook Changes the Rules: Protecting Your Year-End Fundraising

    Show notes

    If your nonprofit is preparing for year-end fundraising, there’s a Facebook development I want you to know about.

    Facebook expert Mari Smith is reporting that some Facebook Pages and professional-mode profiles are encountering a limit of two organic external-link posts per month. Under the restrictions she describes, putting a link in the comments can count, too.

    Two links per month.

    If you’re promoting a fundraising campaign, a volunteer opportunity, and an event, you can see how quickly that becomes a problem.

    Availability varies, so check your own Page for notices before assuming you’re affected. I’ll link to Mari’s article in the show notes.

    But this development raises a question every nonprofit should consider:

    How much of our fundraising depends on Facebook allowing supporters to reach our website?

    Today, we’re going to look at what the data tells us, what paying for more link sharing actually gets you, and three practical steps you can take before year-end.

    Mari Smith article

    Jon Loomer podcast

    Meta's Widely Viewed Content Report: What People See on Facebook

    This episode of Nonprofit Nation is brought to you by Porkbun.

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    And thank you to Porkbun for supporting Nonprofit Nation and the Nonprofit Social Media Summit!

    Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

    13 min
  7. Building the Nonprofit Flywheel: What Sustainable Growth Really Takes with Suzanne Smith

    Show notes

    What if sustainable nonprofit growth isn't about getting bigger, but about making your organization stronger?

    Nonprofits are constantly being told to grow, scale, serve more people, raise more money, and demonstrate greater impact. But what happens when the need for growth moves faster than an organization’s ability to actually sustain it?

    In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell talks with Suzanne Smith, founder and CEO of Social Impact Architects and author of The Nonprofit Flywheel: A Playbook for Sustainable Growth, Smarter Strategy and Lasting Impact, about what it really takes to build a stronger, more resilient nonprofit.

    Suzanne introduces the idea of the nonprofit flywheel, a way of thinking about how interconnected parts of an organization can work together to create sustainable momentum. Rather than treating growth as simply getting bigger, Suzanne makes the case for strengthening the systems underneath the work, including mission, strategy, leadership, trust, storytelling, revenue, operations, culture, and governance.

    Julia and Suzanne dig into why nonprofits sometimes try to scale programs before building the organizational capacity needed to support them, why a fundraising problem may actually be a problem with mission clarity or trust, and why so many strategic plans lose momentum once the retreat is over.

    They also explore the nonprofit sector's leadership pipeline, the importance of investing in organizational infrastructure, and what boards and funders can do to help—or hinder—organizational resilience.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • What the “nonprofit flywheel” is and how it creates sustainable momentum
    • Why growth and scale aren't necessarily the same thing as impact
    • How to determine whether your organization is actually ready to grow
    • Why nonprofits often scale programs before strengthening the organization underneath them
    • The connection between mission clarity, trust, storytelling, and revenue
    • Why fundraising challenges aren't always fundraising problems
    • Why strategic plans so often stall after the planning retreat
    • How to turn strategy into everyday organizational decision-making
    • Why organizational capacity should be viewed as essential infrastructure, rather than simply “overhead”
    • What resilient nonprofit organizations have in common
    • The leadership pipeline challenge facing the nonprofit sector
    • How boards and funders can strengthen or undermine organizational resilience
    • Practical ways nonprofit leaders can begin building sustainable momentum.

    About Suzanne Smith

    Suzanne Smith, MBA, is the founder and CEO of Social Impact Architects and the author of The Nonprofit Flywheel: A Playbook for Sustainable Growth, Smarter Strategy and Lasting Impact, launching October 1, 2026.

    Drawing on 16 years of research, testing, and work with hundreds of nonprofits, Suzanne's book explores six interconnected drivers—impact, brand, revenue, operations, culture, and governance—and how they work together to build stronger and more resilient organizations.

    A question to think about:

    Is your nonprofit actually growing, or are you simply doing more without building the infrastructure needed to sustain it?

    If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a nonprofit leader or fundraiser who could benefit from the conversation.

    Learn More About Suzanne

    Learn more about The Nonprofit Flywheel and sign up for the free digital edition:
    http://www.meetsuzanne.com/nonprofitflywheel

    Subscribe to Suzanne's Social TrendSpotter:
    https://socialtrendspot.substack.com/

    Learn more about Suzanne:
    http://www.meetsuzanne.com

    Learn more about Social Impact Architects:
    http://www.socialimpactarchitects.com

    Follow Suzanne on social media:
    https://linktr.ee/socialimpactarchitects

    Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

    38 min
  8. Becoming Community-Led with Carolyn Daly

    Show notes

    What does it really mean to be community-led?

    In the nonprofit sector, “community-led” has become a popular phrase, but what does it actually look like when an organization is willing to transfer real decision-making power to the people closest to the work?

    In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell talks with Carolyn Daly, Executive Director of Nuya’, a nonprofit partnering with Indigenous Maya women in Guatemala to improve health, education, and economic opportunity through community-led solutions. Carolyn has spent the past 13 years working alongside local women leaders as programs have increasingly been designed, led, and sustained by the communities they serve. She is now helping lead a long-term transition of executive leadership to Nuya’s Indigenous Guatemalan leadership team.

    Carolyn shares how this experience has challenged her assumptions about leadership, philanthropy, growth, and sustainability and what nonprofit leaders may need to unlearn and let go of in order to make meaningful community ownership possible.

    We also dig into a question that many nonprofits and funders wrestle with: Does bigger actually mean better? Carolyn shares what a failed program experiment in Guatemala taught her about the idea of “enough,” and why sustainability and lasting impact may require organizations to rethink their relationship with growth.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • What “community-led” really means beyond simply asking for community input
    • The difference between community participation and community power
    • What it takes to develop local leadership over many years—not just within a grant cycle
    • Why transferring leadership is about much more than changing someone's title
    • What Carolyn has had to unlearn about leadership and power
    • How boards, staff, and organizational structures need to evolve when leadership is being transferred
    • The important work of community leadership that philanthropy often doesn't see or fund
    • Why leadership development can be difficult to fit into traditional funder metrics
    • The importance of patient and unrestricted funding
    • What happens when funder priorities don't align with what a community actually needs
    • Who should define what “impact” means: funders, nonprofits, or the communities being served?
    • Why nonprofits and funders often equate growth with impact
    • What a failed program experiment in Guatemala taught Carolyn about knowing when “enough” is enough
    • Rethinking sustainability beyond simply having enough money to keep an organization running
    • Whether a nonprofit leader's success can eventually mean becoming less necessary
    • One uncomfortable question nonprofit leaders and funders should be willing to ask if they genuinely want to become more community-led

    About Carolyn Daly

    Carolyn Daly is the Executive Director of Nuya’, a nonprofit that partners with Indigenous Maya women in Guatemala to improve health, education, and economic opportunity through community-led solutions.

    She is currently helping lead a long-term transition of executive leadership to Nuya’s Indigenous Guatemalan leadership team. Over the past 13 years, Carolyn has worked alongside local women leaders to build programs that are increasingly designed, led, and sustained by the communities they serve.

    Carolyn writes about philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and community-led development, exploring questions around growth, sustainability, and how philanthropy can better support local leadership. Before joining Nuya’, she served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala.

    Short Description

    What does it really mean to become community-led? Carolyn Daly of Nuya’ joins Julia to explore transferring power, not just titles, to Indigenous Guatemalan leaders, the challenges philanthropy creates for community-led work, and why nonprofit leaders should question whether growth always equals impact.

    Suggested Episode Hook

    What if becoming a more effective nonprofit leader means learning to give up control?

    Carolyn Daly joins Julia Campbell to talk about what it really takes to transfer power to the communities nonprofits serve and why sometimes the most meaningful measure of success isn't how much an organization grows, but how much ownership it is able to give away.

    Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

    36 min
  9. How to Post Less On Social Media and 10X Engagement with Reuben Harney

    Show notes

    What if your nonprofit doesn't need to post more, it just needs to post better?

    Nonprofits are constantly told they need to be more active on social media. Post consistently. Create more Reels. Follow the trends. Keep feeding the algorithm.

    But what if doing more isn't actually the answer?

    In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia sits down with Reuben Harney, founder of Motus Reach, to challenge the idea that nonprofits need to constantly create content to succeed on social media.

    Reuben shares his philosophy of “posting less, but better” and explains why focusing on real people, real stories, and meaningful outcomes can create stronger engagement without adding more work to already-busy nonprofit teams.

    Drawing from his work with Family First, a Jersey-based charity, Reuben shares how a more focused and sustainable social media strategy helped increase engagement while reducing the organization's content workload.

    We talk about how nonprofits can uncover compelling stories within the work they're already doing, collect testimonials without overwhelming staff, and turn those stories into content that inspires supporters to actually take action.

    We also dig into the difference between engagement that simply looks good and engagement that genuinely advances the mission—and why nonprofits should stop posting simply because they feel like they have to.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • Why posting more doesn't necessarily lead to better social media results
    • The difference between being active on social media and having an actual social media strategy
    • Why real names and real stories can be more powerful than generic impact statistics
    • How to find compelling nonprofit stories without creating more work for staff
    • How to gather testimonials while respecting the people your organization serves
    • Why a sustainable content strategy can outperform an aggressive posting schedule
    • How to connect storytelling with fundraising and supporter action
    • Which social media metrics nonprofits should actually pay attention to
    • How to distinguish engagement that looks impressive from engagement that actually moves your mission forward
    • What small nonprofits can realistically accomplish with limited time and resources
    • What nonprofits should stop doing on social media
    • How to build a content strategy around impact instead of algorithms

    A Few Key Takeaways

    You don't have to be everywhere.
    Being constantly active on social media isn't the same thing as having a strategy. For nonprofits with limited time and resources, a smaller number of thoughtful, strategic posts can be more effective than trying to keep up with an endless content schedule.

    People connect with people.
    Numbers can communicate scale, but individual stories can help supporters understand the human impact behind those numbers. Reuben's approach centers on real people and real stories to help organizations communicate their impact more meaningfully.

    The best content doesn't have to create more work.
    Nonprofits already have stories happening every day. The challenge is creating simple systems that allow program staff to capture those moments naturally instead of making communications teams constantly chase down content.

    Engagement isn't the end goal.
    Likes and comments can feel good, but nonprofits ultimately need supporters to take meaningful action. The goal is to connect storytelling to what you want people to do—whether that's donate, volunteer, share, subscribe, or simply pay attention.

    About Reuben Harney

    Reuben Harney runs Motus Reach, a social media management agency that works exclusively with charities.

    His approach focuses on real names, real stories, and posting less but better. Through his work with Family First, a Jersey-based charity, Reuben grew their engagement by 272% in under five months while developing a streamlined content strategy designed to increase engagement and support without creating an unsustainable workload for the nonprofit team.

    He works with a small number of charities at a time, helping organizations communicate their impact, build trust, and make it easier for supporters to understand and act on their mission.

    Learn more: https://MotusReach.com

    🎧 Enjoyed this episode?

    If this conversation gave you a new perspective on nonprofit social media, subscribe to Nonprofit Nation, leave a review, and share this episode with a nonprofit leader or fundraiser who could benefit from it.

    Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

    34 min
  10. Nonprofit Communications That Work with Christine Koh

    Show notes

    What if your nonprofit doesn’t actually have a communications problem?

    When a nonprofit’s messaging isn’t landing, the instinct is often to rewrite the website, create a new communications plan, post more content, or bring in a communications expert. But sometimes, the real issue goes much deeper.

    In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell talks with Christine Koh, a strategic communications advisor who works with mission-driven leadership teams to repair narrative breakdowns, strengthen leadership communication, and build the infrastructure organizations need to communicate effectively.

    Christine shares why communications problems are often symptoms of deeper leadership or organizational challenges, and what happens when everyone inside an organization has a different understanding of its story.

    They dig into what “narrative breakdown” actually looks like, how internal misalignment eventually shows up in external communications, and why communications teams can end up being asked to solve problems they don't actually have the authority to fix.

    Julia and Christine also explore how nonprofit leaders can create clearer ownership around messaging, avoid “communications by committee,” and build systems that don't depend on one person carrying the entire organizational story in their head.

    And, as always, they get practical, talking about what nonprofit leaders should diagnose before investing in another website, brand refresh, communications strategy, or endless stream of content.

    If you've ever felt like your nonprofit is communicating a lot but somehow the message still isn't quite landing, this conversation is for you. 🎧

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • Why some nonprofit communications problems are actually leadership problems
    • What narrative breakdown looks like inside an organization
    • How internal misalignment affects external communications
    • Why communications teams can become the catch-all for organizational dysfunction
    • The role of executive leadership in shaping and protecting an organization's narrative
    • How to create clear ownership around messaging and communications decisions
    • How to avoid communications by committee while still making space for input
    • What healthy communications infrastructure actually looks like
    • Why more content isn't necessarily the answer to a communications problem
    • How nonprofits can build communication systems that remain effective through staff and leadership changes
    • What leaders should diagnose before hiring someone to redo their website or create another communications strategy
    • Practical questions nonprofit leaders can ask to assess the health of their communications infrastructure

    About Christine Koh

    Christine Koh, PhD, is a strategic communications advisor who works with mission-driven leaders and executive teams to stabilize leadership communication, repair narrative breakdown, and build sustainable communications infrastructure.

    Her work draws from years of experience across media brand building, creative direction, and strategic advising for nonprofits. She also brings experience as a podcast host through Edit Your Life, where she explores ideas and translates them into practical insights.

    Connect with Christine Koh

    Want to learn more from Christine or follow her work?

    • 🌐 Website: https://www.christinekoh.com/
    • 💼 LinkedIn: Christine Koh on LinkedIn
    • 🎙️ Edit Your Life Podcast: Listen to Edit Your Life

    Christine is also the host of Edit Your Life, an award-winning podcast focused on practical advice for simplifying and decluttering different areas of life.

    Don’t forget: If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Nonprofit Nation, leave a review, and share this episode with a nonprofit leader or fundraiser who could benefit from the conversation.

    Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

    38 min
  11. Planned Giving Without the Stress with Tony Martignetti

    Show notes

    What if planned giving isn’t just for large nonprofits with massive development teams, sophisticated systems, and years of experience?

    In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell talks with Tony Martignetti, the evangelist for Planned Giving and author of the forthcoming book Planned Giving Accelerated, about why small and mid-size nonprofits should be thinking about legacy giving, and why it doesn’t have to be complicated.

    Tony shares a practical, approachable perspective on how nonprofits can recognize potential planned giving donors, start meaningful conversations about legacy giving, and build a program without expensive infrastructure or unnecessary complexity.

    Together, Julia and Tony unpack some of the biggest misconceptions around planned giving, including the idea that only wealthy donors or large institutions should pursue it. They also explore why donor loyalty can matter more than the size of an individual gift, how to make conversations about estate plans feel natural, and what nonprofit leaders and boards need to understand about building a culture around legacy giving.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Why planned giving isn’t just for universities, hospitals, and large institutions
    • The biggest misconceptions that keep small nonprofits from getting started
    • What a simple and affordable planned giving program can look like
    • How to identify donors who may be strong planned giving prospects
    • Why donor loyalty can be more important than wealth when identifying potential legacy donors
    • How to introduce planned giving without making the conversation uncomfortable or transactional
    • What fundraisers need to know before talking with donors about legacy gifts
    • When to involve a donor’s attorney or financial advisor
    • The basic infrastructure a nonprofit actually needs to get started
    • How to communicate about planned giving without overwhelming donors with technical information
    • How nonprofit leaders and boards can support a culture of legacy giving
    • Why the current generational transfer of wealth creates an important opportunity for nonprofits
    • One thing fundraisers can do this week to start moving planned giving forward

    About Tony Martignetti

    Tony Martignetti is the evangelist for Planned Giving and the author of Planned Giving Accelerated, a book designed to help small and mid-size nonprofits launch planned giving programs by making the process easy, accessible, and affordable.

    Tony began his career as a front-line planned giving fundraiser in 1997 and launched his consulting practice in 2003. He is also a lawyer with a background in stand-up comedy and improv—an unusual combination that helps him make planned giving approachable rather than intimidating.

    Resources & Links

    🔗 Tony Martignetti on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymartignetti/

    📖 Planned Giving Accelerated: PlannedGivingAccelerated.com

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    35 min
  12. Capturing the Next Generation of Donors with Logan Vaughan

    Show notes

    What if the next generation of donors wants to give, but they want giving to feel tangible, convenient, and digital at the same time?

    As donor expectations continue to evolve, nonprofits have an opportunity to rethink how they engage younger supporters. While online fundraising has made monetary giving easier than ever, physical-item donations and in-kind giving can still be surprisingly difficult to organize, manage, and scale.

    On this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell sits down with Logan Vaughan, co-founder and CEO of GiftDrive.org, to talk about the changing landscape of donor engagement and what nonprofits need to understand about the way Gen Z and younger millennials want to give.

    Logan shares the story behind GiftDrive, a platform designed specifically to help nonprofits create online wishlists and donation drives for physical goods. Since launching, GiftDrive has supported more than 55 nonprofit organizations and facilitated more than 5,500 item donations valued at over $60,000.

    Together, Julia and Logan explore why physical giving resonates with younger donors, where traditional tools like online wishlists fall short, and how technology can make in-kind giving more accessible and effective.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • Why younger donors are increasingly drawn to giving physical items instead of cash
    • How Gen Z and millennials are changing expectations around philanthropy and nonprofit engagement
    • Why tangible giving can feel more accessible and meaningful to younger supporters
    • What younger donors expect when it comes to convenience, transparency, and technology
    • The challenges nonprofits face when managing physical-item donation drives
    • Why consumer tools like Amazon Wish Lists aren't always the best solution for nonprofit organizations
    • How purpose-built technology can make in-kind giving easier to manage and scale
    • The importance of CRM integrations, automated tax receipts, reporting, analytics, and customization
    • What Logan has learned by building GiftDrive alongside the nonprofits it serves
    • How nonprofit leaders can prepare for the next generation of donors

    About Logan Vaughan

    Logan Vaughan is a senior at the University of Vermont and the co-founder and CEO of GiftDrive.org, a platform that helps nonprofits create wishlists and donation drives to collect physical items from their communities.

    Since launching, GiftDrive has supported more than 55 nonprofit organizations across the country, facilitating more than 5,500 item donations valued at over $60,000. Logan is passionate about building the nonprofit technology and infrastructure of the future and believes organizations need tools designed around the ways modern donors want to give.

    Resources Mentioned

    🎁 GiftDrive: https://giftdrive.org/

    Don't forget!

    If you enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nation, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a nonprofit leader who could benefit from this conversation! 🎧

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    36 min
  13. The New Expectations of Philanthropy with Hala Hanna

    Show notes

    What should we expect from philanthropy in a time of growing conversations about wealth inequality, tax justice, and economic fairness?

    In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell sits down with Hala Hanna, Executive Director of MIT Solve, to explore how the expectations surrounding philanthropy are changing, and what this means for donors, foundations, corporations, nonprofits, and social innovators.

    Today, philanthropy is increasingly being evaluated on more than how much money is given. Donors and institutions are facing greater expectations around impact, accountability, trust, and meaningful community outcomes. Julia and Hala unpack the growing public conversation around concentrated wealth and tax justice and how it is influencing the way philanthropy is viewed.

    They also explore the difference between philanthropy that generates visibility and philanthropy that creates lasting social infrastructure. Hala shares insights from her work supporting social innovators around the world and discusses why local credibility, community partnership, and collaboration across sectors are essential for creating sustainable change.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • Why tax justice is becoming a central part of the conversation around philanthropy
    • How expectations of donors, foundations, and corporations are evolving
    • The difference between visibility-driven and impact-driven philanthropy
    • Why trust, accountability, and measurable outcomes matter more than ever
    • How companies are rethinking their philanthropic strategies amid growing scrutiny
    • Why local credibility and meaningful community partnerships are critical to lasting impact
    • How cross-sector collaboration can help address complex social challenges
    • What the future of philanthropy could look like in an era of increasing public accountability

    About Hala Hanna

    Hala Hanna is the Executive Director of MIT Solve, where she works with social innovators and leaders around the world. Her work offers a unique perspective on how collaboration, innovation, and community-driven approaches can help create sustainable solutions to complex social challenges.

    In this conversation, Hala shares thoughtful insights on the changing expectations of philanthropy and why creating meaningful impact requires more than simply giving. She explores what it looks like to build trust, demonstrate accountability, and work alongside communities to create lasting change.

    Don't forget!

    If you enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nation, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this conversation with a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or board member who is committed to building a stronger and more sustainable organization.

    Let's keep the conversation going!

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    37 min
  14. How to Grow Your Nonprofit Without Burning Out Your Team with Sarah Andrews

    Show notes

    What does it really take to grow a nonprofit without exhausting your team, overwhelming your board, or burning yourself out along the way?

    On this week’s episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell sits down with nonprofit consultant, fundraising strategist, and leadership expert Sarah Andrews for a conversation about sustainable growth, strong leadership, and building the capacity nonprofits need to thrive.

    With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and fundraising, Sarah has helped organizations navigate strategic growth, fundraising campaigns, organizational capacity building, major gifts, grants, sponsorships, and donor engagement. Together, Julia and Sarah explore what separates nonprofits that continue to grow from those that feel stuck, and why building the right foundation before pursuing bigger fundraising goals is so important.

    They also dig into some of the fundraising and leadership misconceptions that can hold organizations back, how to know when an organization is truly ready for a major campaign, and practical ways to help nonprofit boards become more confident ambassadors and fundraisers.

    And in a conversation that goes beyond traditional nonprofit strategy, Sarah shares how her work as a yoga instructor has shaped her approach to leadership, resilience, mindfulness, and balance, lessons that can be especially valuable for nonprofit professionals navigating today's pressures.

    About Sarah Andrews

    Sarah Andrews is a nonprofit consultant, fundraising strategist, and leadership expert with more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and fundraising. As the Founder & Lead Consultant, she works with organizations on strategic growth planning, organizational capacity building, annual and capital campaigns, engagement and stewardship programs, sponsorships and promotions, grant writing, and major giving programs.

    Sarah is passionate about those “aha moments” when things click and turn into action. A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, she enjoys strong coffee, 90s throwbacks, and spending time outdoors with her family and friends. She is a proud mom of two daughters and is married to her husband, Justin. Sarah is also a yoga instructor at Humble Warrior Power Yoga.

    Learn more about Sarah and her work at https://www.sarahjandrews.com/.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    ✔ What sustainable nonprofit growth really looks like
    ✔ Common leadership mistakes that can limit organizational impact
    ✔ How to build organizational capacity before pursuing major growth or fundraising initiatives
    ✔ Fundraising misconceptions that may be holding nonprofits back
    ✔ How to determine whether your organization is ready for a capital campaign
    ✔ Warning signs that it may be time to pause before launching a major campaign
    ✔ Strategies for engaging boards in fundraising and philanthropy
    ✔ How nonprofits can balance annual giving, major gifts, grants, events, and corporate partnerships
    ✔ Emerging fundraising trends and where nonprofit leaders should focus their attention
    ✔ What nonprofit leaders can learn from yoga about resilience, mindfulness, and balance
    ✔ Practical ways to pursue ambitious goals without burning out your team—or yourself

    Don't forget!

    If you enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nation, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this conversation with a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or board member who could use a little inspiration around sustainable growth and leadership.

    Because growing your nonprofit shouldn't mean burning out the people who make the mission possible.

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    35 min
  15. Social Impact Storytelling That Inspires Action with Nicholas Bruneau

    Show notes

    Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways nonprofits can connect with supporters, but too often, organizations struggle to tell stories that truly resonate.

    In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell sits down with Nicholas Bruneau, communications consultant and author of Engage With Impact: Five Steps to Transform Your Digital Communications for Social Impact. Drawing from his experience working with organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, the European Union, and nonprofits around the world, Nicholas shares practical strategies for creating authentic, ethical, and impactful stories that move people to care—and take action.

    Together, Julia and Nicholas explore why storytelling should be a year-round practice rather than a last-minute campaign tactic, how nonprofits can uncover compelling stories hiding in plain sight, and why focusing on people, progress, and purpose creates stronger connections than simply sharing information.

    Whether you're a communications professional, fundraiser, executive director, or marketer, this episode is packed with actionable ideas you can start implementing immediately to strengthen your organization's storytelling strategy.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • Why storytelling is essential for building trust and inspiring action.
    • Common storytelling mistakes nonprofits make—and how to avoid them.
    • Where to find meaningful stories within your organization and community.
    • How to create a simple storytelling system instead of scrambling before every campaign.
    • Best practices for ethical storytelling that preserves dignity and centers the people behind the story.
    • The Challenge → Solution → Impact framework for crafting memorable narratives.
    • How to transform awareness into engagement, advocacy, and donations.
    • Storytelling formats that are performing well today, including short-form video and behind-the-scenes content.
    • Practical habits every nonprofit communicator can adopt to become a stronger storyteller.

    Resources Mentioned

    • Engage With Impact: Five Steps to Transform Your Digital Communications for Social Impact
    • Storytelling Course: engagewithimpact.com/storytelling

    About Nicholas Bruneau

    Nicholas Bruneau is a communications consultant, trainer, and author of Engage With Impact: Five Steps to Transform Your Digital Communications for Social Impact. He helps nonprofits and mission-driven organizations strengthen their digital communications through ethical, audience-centered storytelling that inspires action.

    Throughout his career, Nicholas has partnered with organizations including the United Nations, the World Bank, the European Union, and numerous nonprofits and advocacy organizations around the world. His work focuses on helping organizations communicate their mission more effectively, build stronger relationships with supporters, and create lasting impact through strategic storytelling.

    Connect with Nicholas Bruneau

    If you enjoyed this conversation and want to learn more about Nicholas's work, you can connect with him and explore his storytelling resources below:

    🌐 Website: engagewithimpact.com
    📖 Learn more about: Engage With Impact: Five Steps to Transform Your Digital Communications for Social Impact
    🎓 Storytelling Course Waitlist: engagewithimpact.com/storytelling

    Follow Nicholas for more insights on ethical storytelling, digital communications, and practical strategies to help your nonprofit tell stories that inspire action and create meaningful, lasting impact.

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    38 min
  16. Rethinking Generosity Through Play, Practice, and Community with Tim Sarrantonio

    Season 2

    Show notes

    What if the future of fundraising isn't about finding the perfect answer—but about creating space to ask better questions?

    In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell sits down with longtime nonprofit leader and innovator Tim Sarrantonio, founder of the Generosity Spectrum, to explore a new approach to professional development, generosity, and community learning. Together, they discuss why nonprofits need more opportunities to practice difficult decisions, build trust, and learn collaboratively rather than simply consuming more information.

    Tim shares the inspiration behind the Generosity Spectrum and its flagship experience, the Generosity Roundtable an interactive, scenario-based learning environment where nonprofit professionals navigate real-world challenges through storytelling, role-play, and peer discussion. Instead of focusing on finding a single "right" answer, participants develop the judgment, empathy, and confidence needed to lead in an increasingly complex nonprofit landscape.

    Julia and Tim also explore how AI, social media, and rapid technological change are reshaping the nonprofit sector, why trust is becoming one of the organization's most valuable assets, and what joyful, community-centered learning can look like for today's nonprofit leaders.

    Whether you're a fundraiser, nonprofit marketer, executive director, or simply passionate about building stronger communities, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on practicing generosity in uncertain times.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • Why Tim founded the Generosity Spectrum and the challenges it aims to solve.
    • How the Generosity Roundtable uses storytelling, role-play, and collaborative learning to strengthen nonprofit leadership.
    • Why traditional professional development often falls short—and what can work better.
    • The connection between generosity, trust, and thriving communities.
    • Lessons nonprofits can borrow from industries like medicine and aviation, where professionals practice difficult decisions before facing them in real life.
    • How AI, social media, and emerging technology are changing the way nonprofits engage supporters.
    • Why creating safe spaces to experiment, reflect, and learn together is critical for the future of the sector.
    • What attendees can expect from the Generosity Roundtable at this year's Nonprofit Social Media Summit.

    About Tim Sarrantonio

    Tim Sarrantonio is the founder of Generosity Spectrum, an initiative dedicated to helping nonprofit professionals learn, connect, and grow through collaborative experiences. A longtime leader in the fundraising and nonprofit technology space, Tim has spent his career exploring the intersection of generosity, storytelling, and innovation.

    Through projects like the Generosity Roundtable, he is creating new ways for nonprofit practitioners to build judgment, empathy, and stronger relationships by practicing real-world scenarios in a collaborative environment. His work encourages nonprofit leaders to embrace curiosity, strengthen trust, and navigate an ever-evolving sector with confidence and community.

    Connect with Tim

    Learn more about the Generosity Spectrum and explore the upcoming Generosity Roundtable experience:

    https://www.generosityspectrum.org/password

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    42 min
  17. Stop Confusing Your Donors with Ian Stewart

    Show notes

    Nonprofits are doing incredible work, but if your messaging isn't clear, your impact can easily get lost.

    In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia sits down with Ian Stewart, Founder and CEO of Whole Brand Agency and a StoryBrand Certified Guide, to discuss why clear messaging is one of the most powerful fundraising tools nonprofits can have.

    Ian explains how confusing language can unintentionally create barriers for donors and supporters, making it harder for them to understand your mission and take action. Drawing from the StoryBrand framework, he shares practical strategies to simplify your messaging, position your donors as the heroes of your story, and create communications that inspire generosity without oversimplifying your mission.

    Whether you're planning your next fundraising campaign, refreshing your website, or simply trying to communicate your impact more effectively, this episode offers actionable advice to help your nonprofit connect with the right audience and increase donor engagement.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • Why confusing messaging hurts donor engagement and fundraising.
    • The fundamentals of the StoryBrand framework for nonprofits.
    • How to simplify complex missions without losing authenticity.
    • Tips for creating fundraising campaigns with clear, compelling messaging.
    • How storytelling strengthens donor relationships.
    • Practical exercises to help clarify your nonprofit's message today.
    • Why positioning your donor as the hero leads to stronger engagement.
    • How to evaluate whether your current messaging is actually working.

    About Ian Stewart

    Ian Stewart is the Founder and CEO of Whole Brand Agency, a StoryBrand Certified Guide, and host of the Whole Brand Podcast. He helps organizations clarify their messaging, build trust, and create marketing that keeps their brands top of mind.

    Throughout his career, Ian has worked with organizations including the PGA Tour, the University of Colorado, and nonprofits such as America's Kids Belong, Colorado Youth Outdoors, and the Denver Institute of Work and Faith. His passion lies in helping mission-driven organizations communicate with clarity, build meaningful relationships, and grow with intention.

    Connect with Ian Stewart

    Website: https://wholebrand.agency/

    StoryBrand for Nonprofits: https://wholebrand.agency/sbnonprofit/

    LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ianstewart12

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    35 min
  18. The Case for Slow Fundraising with Chad Barger

    Show notes

    Fundraising doesn't have to feel like a constant race.

    In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell sits down with Chad Barger, fundraising strategist, speaker, and founder of Productive Fundraising, to explore why slowing down may actually be the key to raising more money and building stronger donor relationships.

    Inspired by the principles of Slow Productivity, Chad introduces the concept of Slow Fundraising, a more intentional, sustainable approach that helps nonprofit organizations focus on what truly moves the needle instead of getting caught in an endless cycle of more campaigns, more events, and more asks.

    Together, Julia and Chad discuss how nonprofit leaders can reduce burnout, prioritize meaningful donor stewardship, and create fundraising cultures that value quality over quantity. They also explore how technology and AI can support fundraising efforts without replacing the human connection that donors value most.

    Whether you're a development professional, executive director, or nonprofit leader looking to create healthier fundraising practices, this conversation offers practical strategies for building a more sustainable path to long-term success.

    In This Episode, You'll Learn:

    • Why doing more isn't always the best fundraising strategy.
    • What "Slow Fundraising" really means and why it matters.
    • How to identify the fundraising activities that have the greatest impact.
    • The connection between fundraiser burnout and organizational culture.
    • Why quality donor relationships outperform constant activity.
    • How nonprofit leaders can build healthier, more sustainable fundraising teams.
    • The role AI and technology should play in supporting—not replacing—human relationships.
    • Practical ways to simplify fundraising while improving long-term results.

    About Chad Barger

    Chad Barger is the Chief Strategist and Owner of Productive Fundraising, where he helps nonprofit professionals fundraise more efficiently and effectively through practical, research-based strategies. An internationally recognized speaker and trainer, Chad specializes in helping small and mid-sized nonprofits improve fundraising performance while creating healthier, more sustainable development programs.

    He teaches fundraising at Messiah University and is one of only a select group of fundraising professionals worldwide to hold the prestigious Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive (ACFRE) credential. Through coaching, consulting, and speaking, Chad equips nonprofit leaders with actionable strategies to strengthen donor relationships, improve productivity, and reduce burnout.

    Resources & Connect with Chad

    🌐 Website: https://productivefundraising.com/

    📖 Book: https://amzn.to/43ND8u2

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    37 min
  19. The People Problems Nonprofits Can't Ignore with Bernadette Jones

    Show notes

    People challenges are inevitable in every nonprofit, but too often, leaders find themselves navigating employee conflict, performance issues, and difficult conversations without the tools or training to do so effectively.

    In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell sits down with Bernadette Jones, CEO and Co-Founder of Visionova HR Consulting, to explore how nonprofit leaders can proactively address workplace issues before they become organizational crises.

    With more than 20 years of experience helping nonprofits and mission-driven organizations strengthen their workplace culture, Bernadette shares practical strategies for building healthy teams, fostering accountability, and creating a people-first culture that supports both employees and the organization's mission.

    Together, Julia and Bernadette discuss why culture and compliance go hand in hand, how to navigate challenging employee situations with confidence, and what nonprofit leaders can do, even without an internal HR department—to create a thriving workplace.

    In This Episode, You'll Learn:

    • Why people management is one of the biggest leadership challenges nonprofit executives face.
    • How to use Bernadette's People Problem Triage™ Framework to identify and address employee issues before they escalate.
    • The hidden cost of avoiding difficult conversations or tolerating problematic behavior.
    • Why culture and compliance should work together—not separately—to build a healthier organization.
    • Essential HR practices every nonprofit should implement, even without a dedicated HR professional.
    • Practical ways to prevent burnout, improve employee retention, and create a people-centered workplace.

    About Bernadette Jones

    Bernadette Jones is the CEO and Co-Founder of Visionova HR Consulting and a culture-first HR strategist, speaker, and SHRM-SCP certified leader with more than 20 years of experience helping nonprofits, small businesses, and mission-driven organizations navigate workplace culture, employee relations, compliance, and leadership communication.

    She specializes in helping organizations build stronger workplace cultures, confidently navigate employee challenges, and develop practical people-management strategies that support both organizational success and mission impact. Through her work, Bernadette empowers nonprofit leaders to address difficult conversations, improve team performance, and create workplaces where people can thrive.

    Resources & Connect with Bernadette

    🌐 Website:http://www.visionovahr.com/

    💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernadettejones-visionovahr/

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    38 min
  20. How (and Why) to Work With Creators with Ashwath Narayanan

    Season 2, Episode 238

    Show notes

    What if your nonprofit's next biggest advocates aren't celebrities, but the creators your audience already trusts every day?

    In this week's episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia sits down with Ashwath Narayanan, Founder and CEO of Social Currant, to explore how nonprofits can harness the power of creators and influencer partnerships to expand their reach, build authentic communities, and inspire meaningful action.

    As audiences increasingly turn to social media creators for news, education, and recommendations, nonprofits have an incredible opportunity to rethink how they communicate their mission. Ashwath shares why creator partnerships are about much more than marketing, they're about trust, storytelling, and building genuine connections that move people to care and act.

    Together, they discuss:

    • Why creators are becoming one of the most trusted voices online
    • The biggest misconceptions nonprofits have about influencer marketing
    • How to find creators whose values align with your mission
    • Why authenticity matters more than polished, branded content
    • Best practices for creator briefs, partnerships, and compensation
    • The future of social media, algorithms, and nonprofit communications
    • Practical first steps for organizations just beginning their creator marketing journey

    Ashwath also shares insights into emerging trends shaping the nonprofit sector, including how organizations can stay relevant in an increasingly fast-moving digital landscape while building lasting relationships with supporters through authentic storytelling.

    If your nonprofit has ever wondered whether creator partnerships are worth exploring, this conversation offers practical strategies and a fresh perspective on reaching new audiences where they already are.

    🎧 Tune in now and discover how creators can help amplify your mission and expand your impact.

    About the Guest

    Ashwath Narayanan is the Founder and CEO of Social Currant, a platform that connects nonprofits, advocacy organizations, social impact brands, and CSR initiatives with creators to build authentic influencer marketing campaigns. Social Currant helps organizations identify the right creator partners while managing campaign logistics, including contracts, payments, and creator relationships. Ashwath is passionate about helping nonprofits leverage the creator economy to increase awareness, strengthen community engagement, and drive meaningful social impact.

    🔗 Learn more about Ashwath and Social Currant:

    • Social Currant: https://www.currant.social/
    • Follow Ashwath on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/ashwathnarayana

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    39 min