Best CFRE Podcasts (2026)

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Stop Making AI Slop, and Actually Leverage What It's Good For 26:46

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17h ago26:46

26:46

Download the Big Goals Worksheet The problem with so much “polished” AI content isn’t grammar, it’s judgment. We unpack why clean sentences can still feel hollow, and how fundraisers can use AI without outsourcing the thinking that protects the quality of your work. Instead of arguing for or against tools, we reframe the choice: Which role do you a…

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Ep 190| 2026 Fundraising Trends: What Leaders Are Quietly Changing to Build Stability 24:10

3h ago24:10

24:10

Send us a text Happy New Year! We’re kicking off 2026 with a conversation many nonprofit leaders are already having behind the scenes: What’s actually changing in fundraising…and what’s just noise? Every year, nonprofits get told to prepare for the next big trend. But the shifts shaping 2026 aren’t about shiny tools or louder campaigns. They’re qui…

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A More Supportive Goal Strategy 26:02

19h ago26:02

26:02

Free Gift 🎁 Big Goals Worksheet If goal setting feels like a test you’re always failing, this conversation offers a calmer path. We pull apart the myths that keep fundraisers stuck—outcome-only targets, motivation as strategy, and the idea that discipline alone drives results—and replace them with a research-backed approach that actually holds the …

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016: Are We Willing to Pay the Price for the Future We Want, with Keesha Gaskins-Nathan 1:11:00

18d ago1:11:00

1:11:00

016: Will We Pay the Price for the Future We Want, with Keesha Gaskins-Nathan How do we build a vital and inclusive democracy in a time of polarization, uncertainty, and systemic inequities? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Keesha Gaskins-Nathan, Director of the Democratic Practic…

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E123: Choosing Clarity Over Burnout: Why I’m Pausing the Podcast 12:14

14d ago12:14

12:14

Friends, this episode is a vulnerable one. For the first time since launching Lead with Heart, I’m pressing pause on the podcast for Q1 of 2026. Not because I’m quitting. Not because the mission has dimmed. But because clarity asked me to make a courageous decision — one that aligns with the emotional sustainability I teach every day In this episod…

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Ep 189| How Evidence-Based Giving Changed Thousands of Lives - with Jessica LaMesa 29:12

23d ago29:12

29:12

Send us a text Final 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 jus…

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E122: Leading Through Trauma, Burnout & Transformational Philanthropy with Laura Bode 34:17

21d ago34:17

34:17

I am so honored to share today’s conversation with Laura Bode, the newly appointed Chief Philanthropy Officer at A New Leaf. A survivor of childhood trauma, Laura rebuilt her confidence as an adult with the support of key mentors who saw her potential before she could see it herself. Today, she leads a powerhouse nonprofit serving more than 30,000 …

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Ep 188| Boost December Donations After Giving Tuesday (5 Smart Tips) 15:16

26d ago15:16

15:16

Send us a text Giving Tuesday felt quieter than you hoped? Take a breath. Your December is still wide open. In this episode, Jena and Britt break down what a slow Giving Tuesday really means, and what to do next without panic, pressure, or a full campaign rewrite. You’ll learn how to: Read the data signals behind a “quiet” Giving Tuesday Reconnect …

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E121: Breaking the Cycle of “I’m Too Busy” – Intentional Leadership & Sustainable Energy with Jen Recla 37:10

1M ago37:10

37:10

I am so excited to welcome leadership coach Jen Recla to the Lead with Heart Podcast. Jen helps senior nonprofit leaders break free from burnout, reclaim their clarity and energy, and build teams that thrive even in seasons of complexity and change. In this episode, we dig into one of the most common and corrosive habits in the nonprofit sector: sa…

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Ep 187| December Fundraising Essentials You NEED For Year-End Success 18:34

1M ago18:34

18:34

Send us a text December 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…

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Episode 32: 5 ideas to boost your annual fund by the end of the year with Mike Ward 13:16

1M ago13:16

13:16

www.centerforgenerosity.com www.gsbfundraising.com Strengthening charitable causes to change the world through generosity. For nearly 50 years, GSB has provided effective counsel to a wide array of non-profit entities, including congregations, camps, healthcare systems, colleges, and other agencies. We have established a formidable reputation for e…

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E120: Digital Fundraising Trends and Donor Trust in 2026 with Javan Van Gronigen 42:50

1M ago42:50

42:50

On this episode of the Lead with Heart podcast, I’m joined by Javan Van Gronigen, the founder of the creative agency Fifty & Fifty and the nonprofit fundraising platform Donately, which has helped organizations raise more than $180 million since 2013. Javan has spent his career at the intersection of design, technology, and social impact. His work …

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015: From Crack Dealer to Hope Dealer, Ken Miller CFRE on Prison, Mastering Fundraising & Mentoring Black Men 1:55:05

1M ago1:55:05

1:55:05

What does it take to transform a life from selling drugs to raising millions for nonprofits? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Ken Miller, CFRE, a nationally recognized fundraising strategist, mentor, and advocate for Black men in development. Ken's story is one of resilience, fait…

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Ep 186| Gratitude for the Good You Grow 4:47

1M ago4:47

4:47

Send us a text Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at The Nonprofit Podcast. 🦃 Today’s episode is simply a pause - a moment to acknowledge the people who keep showing up, even in a year that’s felt heavier than most. If you’re writing the extra email, answering the late call, carrying more need than resources, or holding hope for someone else when yo…

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Episode 29: 3 Ingredients to Organizational Health: A Turnaround Case Study - Strengthening Governance with Clyde Walter 39:44

2M ago39:44

39:44

www.centerforgenerosity.com www.gsbfundraising.com Strengthening charitable causes to change the world through generosity. For nearly 50 years, GSB has provided effective counsel to a wide array of non-profit entities, including congregations, camps, healthcare systems, colleges, and other agencies. We have established a formidable reputation for e…

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Episode 30: 3 Ingredients to Organizational Health: A Turnaround Case Study - Sharpening Priorities with Clyde Walter 15:27

2M ago15:27

15:27

www.centerforgenerosity.com www.gsbfundraising.com Strengthening charitable causes to change the world through generosity. For nearly 50 years, GSB has provided effective counsel to a wide array of non-profit entities, including congregations, camps, healthcare systems, colleges, and other agencies. We have established a formidable reputation for e…

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Episode 31: 3 Ingredients to Organizational Health: A Turnaround Case Study - Aligning Resources of People, Property, and Money with Clyde Walter 33:07

2M ago33:07

33:07

www.centerforgenerosity.com www.gsbfundraising.com Strengthening charitable causes to change the world through generosity. For nearly 50 years, GSB has provided effective counsel to a wide array of non-profit entities, including congregations, camps, healthcare systems, colleges, and other agencies. We have established a formidable reputation for e…

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E119: Decolonizing Nonprofit Leadership: Redefining Risk, Safety & Imagination with Pierre Berastain 38:20

2M ago38:20

38:20

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Pierre Berastain, former Regional Director for North America at the Center for Public Impact and co-founder of Caminar Latino-Latinos United for Peace and Equity. Pierre has spent over 15 years advancing social justice, gender equity, and systems change. Today, he joins us to talk about what it really …

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Ep 185 | Last-Minute Giving Tuesday Success Tips 11:32

2M ago11:32

11:32

Send us a text Giving Tuesday Is Days Away - Here’s Your Game Plan Giving Tuesday is almost here…and yes, you still have time to show up with clarity, confidence, and zero panic. In this episode, Cara Augspurger walks you through the final steps that make the biggest difference – the practical moves, the strategic choices, and the calm mindset that…

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E118: The Evolving Landscape of Generosity: Key Insights from the 2025 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy with William Jarvis 35:49

2M ago35:49

35:49

I am thrilled to welcome William Jarvis, Managing Director and Philanthropy Executive at Bank of America Private Bank, to the Lead with Heart podcast. In this episode, we unpack the 2025 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy—a fascinating deep dive into how affluent households are giving today, what motivates their generosity, and how nonprofits ca…

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Ep 184| Elevate Your Fundraising Success with These 3 AI Prompts! 11:00

2M ago11:00

11:00

Send us a text Writer’s block for Christmas? You’re not alone. Try these Giving Season AI writing prompts that actually work In this short, informative easy listen, Britt Stockert shares how AI can be the creative writing partner you didn’t know you needed this Giving Season. She walks through how to use AI prompts to beat the blank page, keep your…

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No 96: Introducing The PGcommons 34:05

2M ago34:05

34:05

In this week’s podcast, Ed Sluga is joined by Julia Magnuson-Ford and Erika Ewacha to share some exciting news! As many planned giving professionals know, the industry is changing rapidly and facing new challenges as a result. The digital age has made it harder for fundraisers to connect with each other, and smaller charities are finding it difficu…

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E117: Declutter Your Mind and Mission - How Nonprofit Leaders Can Find Focus Through Organization with Tracy Hoth 34:29

2M ago34:29

34:29

I am thrilled to welcome Tracy Hoth, founder of Simply Squared Away and host of The Organized Coach Podcast, to Lead with Heart! Tracy brings over 17 years of experience transforming chaos into clarity. She specializes in helping leaders create practical systems that reduce overwhelm, boost focus, and make space for what matters most: your mission.…

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014: From Feeling Unworthy to Leading Health Equity, Maisha Simmons' Journey through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 1:16:34

2M ago1:16:34

1:16:34

How does one help to embed equity into the DNA of a major philanthropic institution like the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, speaks with Maisha Simmons, Associate Vice President of Equity and Culture at RWJF. Together, they discuss how Maisha leads efforts to ope…

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Ep 183| 3 November Fundraising Strategies To Maximize Year-End Results 21:26

2M ago21:26

21:26

Send us a text November is Giving Season Go Time It’s here - now is the time to transition your year-end campaigns from planning to performance. Your message is live, donors are active, and every touchpoint counts. In this episode, Jena and Cara break down how to confidently lead your campaign, stay engaged, and keep supporters connected through ev…

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E116: Breaking the Stigma: Building Mentally Healthy Workplaces with Dru Wischhover 42:55

2M ago42:55

42:55

I am so excited to welcome Dru Wischhover to the Lead with Heart Podcast. Over the past 20 years, Dru has founded three real estate companies — Inspired Title Group, Inspired Development Group, and Winspire LLC — dedicated not just to business success, but to making an impact. With every closing, his companies give back: funding scholarships, sup…

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Ep 182| The truth about nonprofit online presence nobody tells you! 10:48

3M ago10:48

10:48

Send us a text Recent events reminded nonprofits everywhere: if you don’t shape your online presence, someone else might. In this episode, Jena Lynch digs into how transparency, nonprofit visibility, and AI discoverability shape donor trust and organizational credibility. She walks through practical steps to review your digital footprint, ensure ac…

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E115: How to Thrive with ADHD as a Nonprofit Leader with Dr. Jennifer Dall 36:39

2M ago36:39

36:39

I am so excited to welcome Dr. Jennifer Dall, a grief-informed neurodivergent specialist and founder of ADHD Holistically, to the Lead with Heart Podcast. This episode explores how understanding and embracing ADHD can actually help nonprofit professionals, and especially leaders, thrive. Dr. Jen shares her personal story of being diagnosed with ADH…

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Ep 181| 5 Simple Steps to Ease Donor Meeting Stress 19:07

3M ago19:07

19:07

Send us a text Freezing Before Donor Meetings? Let’s Fix That. Why do donor meetings feel so stressful - especially at year-end? Brittan breaks down the real reason so many fundraisers dread sitting down with donors, and why it's not about your fundraising skills. You’ll learn how cultural money stories shape your confidence, how to reframe the fea…

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E114: Balancing Inclusive Philanthropy and Motherhood in Nonprofit Leadership with Bree Muehlbauer 37:58

3M ago37:58

37:58

I’m so excited to bring you this conversation with Bree Muehlbauer, an accomplished fundraiser, nonprofit leader, and senior director of philanthropy at Digital Health Strategies - a healthcare-focused digital marketing and fundraising agency. Bree is a CFRE and inclusive philanthropy certificate holder who blends her technical fundraising experti…

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Ep 180| Your Year-End Edge: Direct Mail Fundraising That Delivers 18:16

3M ago18:16

18:16

Send us a text Some tools evolve. Others endure. Direct mail does both. Cara Augspurger sits down with Joe Leach, CEO of AppealMaker, to unpack how technology is reshaping one of fundraising’s most trusted tools - direct mail. They dig deep into how automation, follow-up strategies, and smart timing can turn traditional mail into a high-performing …

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013: How to Protect Your Foundation's Mission in a Politically Charged Climate, with Rey Ramsey 1:18:36

3M ago1:18:36

1:18:36

How do leaders in philanthropy navigate challenges to their mission, purpose, and legacy in a time of political uncertainty and social change? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, a Simuel + Murray podcast, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Rey Ramsey, President and CEO of the Nathan Cummings Foundation, to explore hi…

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Ep 179| 4 Must-Know Tips for Stronger Year-End Appeals 17:19

3M ago17:19

17:19

Send us a text Year-end appeals are your nonprofit’s biggest fundraising moment - and you only get one shot. Fundraising coach Britt Stockert shares 4 smart ways to help your appeal break through the noise and connect where it counts. Discover: A better way to segment your donors The story shift that grabs attention fast What donors actually want t…

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E113: Building Bridges with Empathy, Purpose, and Action with Neil Ghosh 44:19

3M ago44:19

44:19

I am thrilled to welcome Neil Ghosh to the Lead with Heart Podcast. Neil is the former CEO of SOS Children’s Village USA, Senior Advisor to the Ousri Family Foundation, and the author of Do More Good - a #1 new release praised by President Bill Clinton and featuring a foreword by the Dalai Lama. Neil’s life’s work is centered on building bridges ac…

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012: Insider Grant Strategies Revealed, Francesca Axam Frederick on How Grantyd Helps Grassroots Nonprofits Unlock Funding 1:09:14

3M ago1:09:14

1:09:14

How can small nonprofits build sustainable revenue, access philanthropic data, and stay rooted in community? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Francesca Axam Frederick, a fundraiser, strategist, and tech entrepreneur whose journey from dance to data is reshaping how grassroots orga…

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Ep 178| The 3 Don’ts of October Fundraising (Year-End Roadmap) 20:01

3M ago20:01

20:01

Send us a text Skip the scramble. These 3 October fundraising don’ts turn stress into strategy. October is where the pressure builds, and where many nonprofits either set themselves up for success or stumble into a December scramble. In this episode of The Nonprofit Podcast, host Jena Lynch and co-host Cara Augspurger walk through practical plannin…

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E112: Building Brave Spaces for Leaders of Color with Frank Velásquez Jr. 45:27

3M ago45:27

45:27

I am so excited to introduce you to Frank Velásquez Jr., a storyteller, social justice leader, and founder of 4 Da Hood. Frank is passionate about equity, authenticity, and helping leaders of color rise into their power with unapologetic joy. In this conversation, we explore how storytelling can double nonprofit funding, why creating restorative ci…

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Ep 177|From Year-End to Year-Round: 5 Top Recurring Giving Tips 15:16

4M ago15:16

15:16

Send us a text Ready to go from year-end gifts to year-round growth? Year-end giving may steal the spotlight, but what happens after December is what determines lasting success. The nonprofits that thrive aren’t just chasing one-time gifts - they’re building relationships that carry impact well into the new year. Today, Jena revisits a standout 202…

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E111: Mastering Difficult Conversations & Building Trust in Nonprofit Leadership with Chris Wong 43:16

4M ago43:16

43:16

I am so excited to welcome Chris Wong to the Lead with Heart Podcast. Chris is a licensed therapist, executive coach, and host of The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations podcast. With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit and health sectors, Chris specializes in helping purpose-driven leaders navigate difficult transitions, rebuild tr…

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From Survival Mode to Steady Fundraising: How AI Brings Calm to Year-End 19:38

4M ago19:38

19:38

Year-end fundraising doesn’t have to feel like survival mode. If you’ve ever spent December scrambling — rushing appeals, juggling Finance deadlines, and showing up exhausted for donors and family — you’re not alone. The truth is, survival mode isn’t a strategy. Steady rhythms are. In this episode, I’ll share how to shift from frazzled to focused —…

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011 Ex-Army Officer's Eye-Opening Take on the World of Philanthropy, with Darrin Goss 1:39:39

4M ago1:39:39

1:39:39

What can philanthropy learn from military leadership, ancestral resilience, and faith-driven service? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Darrin Goss Sr., President & CEO of Coastal Community Foundation, to explore his journey from Army officer and minister to foundation president. D…

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Episode 28: Foundation Grants Where to Begin with Sara Spoonheim Amit 15:33

4M ago15:33

15:33

www.centerforgenerosity.com www.gsbfundraising.com Strengthening charitable causes to change the world through generosity. For nearly 50 years, GSB has provided effective counsel to a wide array of non-profit entities, including congregations, camps, healthcare systems, colleges, and other agencies. We have established a formidable reputation for e…

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Ep 176| From Guest to Donor: Your Nonprofit Event Game Plan with Chad Barger 30:24

4M ago30:24

30:24

Send us a text What if your nonprofit event did more than raise money for a night? What if it sparked long-term donor loyalty? This week, Jena Lynch sits down with master fundraising strategist Chad Barger to rethink how we measure event success. Forget vanity metrics. We're talking about the event ROI that actually counts, and how your fall events…

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E110: Nonprofit Strategic Planning - How to Grow Without Burning Out with Amanda Pearce 47:16

4M ago47:16

47:16

I am so excited to welcome Amanda Pearce to the Lead with Heart Podcast! Mandy is the powerhouse founder and CEO of Funding for Good, bringing over two decades of expertise in nonprofit fundraising, organizational development, and business growth. In this episode, we dive into the realities of nonprofit burnout, the power of saying no, and how str…

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No 95: SPECIAL EPISODE All About Tracey Church 33:25

4M ago33:25

33:25

In a continuation of PGgrowth’s 15th anniversary, this week’s podcast is all about Tracey Church. Tracey is a Senior Research Consultant at PGgrowth and one of the preeminent prospect researchers in Canada. In addition to her work with over 400 organizations, Tracey was a part-time faculty member at Western University for 15 years and also co-edite…

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When Donor Thank-Yous Feel Rushed 21:08

4M ago21:08

21:08

Every fundraiser knows the weight of unwritten thank you notes—that pile on your desk, the rushed emails sent just to clear your to-do list, the nagging guilt when your gratitude doesn't sound quite right. You're not alone in this struggle. I share a personal story about working at an organization where the CEO expected impossible levels of persona…

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Ep 175| 3 Simple Strategies to Grow Donor Relationships 17:12

4M ago17:12

17:12

Send us a text Tiny Touches, Big Impact: Micro-Moments That Drive Donor Loyalty This week, Donorbox Fundraising Coach Britt Stockert shares why “be the most human voice in the inbox” should be your year-end fundraising motto. Britt unpacks the power of micro-touches - short, emotionally resonant messages that build donor trust and keep your cause t…

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E109: Building an Equitable Future for Fundraising with Maria Rio 46:56

4M ago46:56

46:56

I am so excited to welcome Maria Rio to the podcast! Maria is the founder of Further Together, a fundraising consultancy helping nonprofit leaders raise money without stress, scarcity, or burnout. As a former refugee and user of charitable services, Maria brings powerful lived experience to her equity-driven approach to fundraising. With over 15 ye…

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No 94: SPECIAL EPISODE All About Suzanne Bone 23:13

4M ago23:13

23:13

In this special episode, we shine a spotlight on Suzanne Bone, Senior Consultant at PGgrowth and a trailblazer in hospital foundation fundraising. With over three decades of leadership as the inaugural—and for 31 years, the only—CEO of the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital, Suzanne has built a legacy of progressive impact and fundraising succes…

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Ep 174| September Reset: Simplify Giving Season 15:24

4M ago15:24

15:24

Send us a text September Reset: How to Re-Engage Donors Before Year-End Your donors don’t remember every word from last year, but they do remember how you made them feel. Today, Jena and Cara break down three simple but powerful moves you can make this September to reconnect with donors, refresh your strategy, and set yourself up for year-end succe…