Best Nonprofits Go Beyond Fundraising Podcasts (2025)

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Unlocking Mid-Level Giving: Precision Strategies for Sustainable Growth 53:52

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21d ago53:52

53:52

Your organization’s mid-level donors are already fueling your mission by giving as much as 10x more than entry-level supporters. These donors are loyal, passionate, and just one intentional moment away from becoming major givers.  However, these donors often fall through the cracks. With donor acquisition getting harder and more expensive – and ret…

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AI vs. Human: Nonprofit Hiring Practices in 2025 28:52

12h ago28:52

28:52

What happens when artificial intelligence collides with nonprofit hiring? Katie Warnock, CEO and Founder of Staffing Boutique, brings over two decades of recruitment wisdom to unpack the evolving world of nonprofit staffing—where AI, automation, and applicant tracking systems are rapidly reshaping the game. From resume reviews to video interviews s…

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The Giving Rebound: What Every Nonprofit Leader Needs to Know 26:07

1d ago26:07

26:07

Send us a text After three years of declining donations, 2024 delivered a reversal that has nonprofit leaders everywhere asking: "Is this rebound for real?" In this insightful analysis linked to the 2025 Giving USA Report, Convergent Principal Tom Ralser and General Manager, Brian Abernathy, join Jay Werth to reveal the drivers behind donor behavio…

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Modern Fundraising Starts Here: Tech Can Save You Time & Raise More 31:39

4d ago31:39

31:39

This fast episode plants more than a few seeds—it digs deep into the fertile soil of fundraising tech and AI, showing nonprofit leaders how to embrace new tools without fear or being overwhelmed. Co-host Julia Patrick opens with her signature energy: “It’s always a good day when I get to work with my cohost Tony Beall,” . . .and what follows is an …

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Why Nonprofit's Finance and Program Teams Clash—and How to Fix It! 30:49

5d ago30:49

30:49

Leadership meets lived experience as Eric Wilson, Director at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), unpacks the long-standing tension between nonprofit finance and programming. With warmth, wit, and real-world clarity, Eric takes us into the heart of the issue—how two departments with the same mission often work in silos, risking confusion, inefficienc…

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The Cybercrime Response Plan Every Nonprofit Needs: What To Do First 31:31

6d ago31:31

31:31

When a cyberattack hits your nonprofit, do you know what to do? Cybersecurity expert Michael Nouguier, Partner at Cybersecurity Services at Richey May, walks us through the essential steps every nonprofit must take—before, during, and after a cyber event. As host Julia Patrick notes, it's not a matter of if, but when, and being unprepared is no lon…

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The Myth of Declining Generosity 31:21

7d ago31:21

31:21

A clear message: “Generosity is not dead—it’s transforming”, says Ann Fellman, Chief Marketing Officer at Bloomerang. As headlines churn out fatigue-inducing stories of donor decline and uncertainty, Ann injects much-needed optimism rooted in data and strategy. “We are in it now,” Ann declares about the $70 trillion wealth transfer, urging nonprofi…

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Why HR Chaos Sinks New CEOs: Interims to the Rescue! 29:34

8d ago29:34

29:34

Jeffrey Wilcox (President) and Joan Brown (COO) of the Interim Executives Academy unpack the harsh realities of nonprofit leadership turnover—and the game-changing role of interim executives. Jeffrey starts this lively session with. . . “Interim leaders aren’t temps—they’re bees, cross-pollinating wisdom to prepare organizations for their next lead…

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Digital Natives, Real Impact: Engaging Gen Z Volunteers 30:37

15d ago30:37

30:37

How do you win the hearts—and hands—of Gen Z donors? According to Emily Tisdale, West Coast Manager for Team for Cures at the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (TheMMRF.org), you stop seeing them as “the future” and start engaging them right now. In this lively session, Julia C. Patrick explores Gen Z’s philanthropic behavior with Emily, who’s o…

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Crypto, DAFs, and Nonprofit Magic: It's Fundraiser's Friday! 28:48

18d ago28:48

28:48

In a whirlwind of nonprofit questions from viewers, Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall splash into the world of fundraising mysteries. "We need to diversify our funding streams," Tony begins, setting the tone for a conversation that's part strategy session, part confessional. From the complex dance of fundraising committees to the cutting-edge world o…

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How to Run a Nonprofit Thrift Store That Doesn’t End Up in the Clearance Bin 30:43

19d ago30:43

30:43

Thinking of opening a nonprofit thrift store? Before you dust off those donation bins, take a lesson from Kate Thoene, CEO of New Life Center., as she gives us a masterclass in turning a pile of secondhand shoes into sustainable impact. Spoiler: It’s not as easy as slapping a price tag on old lamps and hoping for the best. At Hope’s Closet, the soc…

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Collaboration Is Not a Vibe—It’s a Skill: A Wake-Up Call to Philanthropy 29:36

20d ago29:36

29:36

In this electric and occasionally uncomfortable conversation, Stephen Minix—VP of Community at UpMetrics—lays bare the myth that collaboration simply “happens” in the nonprofit sector. His assertion is sharp: “If I can cut the check, I can set the terms.” This statement cuts to the core of a sector that talks community but often operates in silos d…

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Nonprofit Donor Data Is a Gold Mine. Here’s How to Dig! 29:12

21d ago29:12

29:12

If you've ever wondered whether your nonprofit fundraising data is a treasure chest or a digital junk drawer, Greg Warner is here with a flashlight, a map, and a pickaxe. In this entertaining conversation, Greg—CEO of MarketSmart and creator of the Fundraising Report Card—joins host Julia Patrick to dissect the murky waters of metrics and help nonp…

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Turn Your Nonprofit's Auctions Into Joyful, Money-Making Machines 30:48

22d ago30:48

30:48

What happens when a PTA president-turned-techie disrupts the nonprofit auction world? You get Roger Devine, co-founder of SchoolAuction.net, a man on a mission to make fundraising events both profitable and meaningful. In this fast-moving conversation with host Julia Patrick, Roger doesn’t just talk events—he redefines them. From live auctions and …

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Promise Programs: A Workforce Game Changer 20:45

22d ago20:45

20:45

Send us a text In this episode, Convergent's Funding Strategist, Katie Davenport, shares her inspiring journey from middle school science teacher to Executive Director of the Greenwood Promise. She discusses how the program provides tuition-free education to students in Greenwood County, building a skilled workforce and strengthening the local econ…

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The Nonprofit Overhead Myth Explained 30:51

27d ago30:51

30:51

Are you still chasing a “low overhead” badge of honor? Gregg Indictor, Director at Your Part-Time Controller, confronts one of the nonprofit sector’s most persistent misinterpretations: the overhead myth. With cohosts Julia Patrick and Meico Marquette Whitlock, the conversation unpacks what "overhead" actually represents, why it’s often misundersto…

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Fundraising Shakeup: Local, Smart, Data-Driven 29:06

28d ago29:06

29:06

Explore the intersection of philanthropy, data science, and the evolving tools shaping nonprofit fundraising, with our guest, Scott Brighton, CEO of Bonterra. Bonterra, a software company serving both nonprofits and funders, processes nearly 10% of all U.S. philanthropic activity outside government sources. This scale gives Scott and his team a uni…

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The Intentional Nonprofit Executive: Strategies for Sustainable Leadership 30:20

29d ago30:20

30:20

In an era marked by organizational strain and evolving workplace expectations, leadership must move beyond traditional fixes and embrace systemic transformation. Patrick Farran, PhD, MBA, co-founder of Ad Lucem Group, joins host Julia Patrick to dissect the true nature of burnout, succession, and sustainable engagement in nonprofit leadership. Patr…

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Secrets Behind Fundraiser's Salaries Revealed! 30:07

1M ago30:07

30:07

How much should a fundraiser make—and why is it still taboo to ask? Cohosts Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall tackle the longstanding silence around nonprofit salary transparency. “There isn’t a whole lot of trust around this topic,” says Tony, “and it’s good for us to start talking about it.” What unfolds on this Fundraiser’s Friday episode is a can…

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Nonprofit Raffles, Auctions, and Events: Why It Matters To The IRS! 30:52

1M ago30:52

30:52

Is your nonprofit planning a gala, auction, or bingo night? Before you book the venue or sell that first ticket, there’s one essential step you may be skipping—looping in your accounting team. In this eye-opening conversation Dan Tritch, Director at Your Part-Time Controller, issues a clear directive to fundraisers: “Talk to your accountants before…

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Your Nonprofit's Trusted Platforms Might Be Leaking Donor Info! 29:17

1M ago29:17

29:17

“Cybersecurity used to be the Department of ‘No’. Today, it's about enablement—how we help people work securely without getting in the way.” Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a trust issue. Michael Nouguier, Partner at Richey May’s Cybersecurity Services, joins us to discuss how nonprofits can better protect donor data, assess third-party p…

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Beyond the Sign-Up Sheet: Build a Volunteer Strategy That Works 30:14

1M ago30:14

30:14

You'll love this master class on the untapped power of volunteerism—with a call to rethink how we attract, support, and retain volunteers—led by guest expert Kirsten Wantland, Manager of Customer Best Practices and Enablement at Bloomerang, Kirsten, who holds credentials as a Certified Nonprofit Consultant and Certified Development Executive, bring…

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From Data to Fierce Loyalty: Humanizing Donor Engagement 46:40

1M ago46:40

46:40

Think about an exceptional experience you’ve had with a commercial brand. Did it seem to know precisely what you needed and when you needed it? Did its team go above and beyond to discover what you like for a more customized experience? Most for-profits do an excellent job of providing a personalized, engaging experience to their customers, who rew…

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Remote Work Realities for Nonprofits: What You Need to Know 30:58

1M ago30:58

30:58

As remote work settles into the nonprofit landscape, what does the future of flexible staffing really look like? Dana Scurlock, Director of Recruitment at Staffing Boutique, returns to unpack this pressing issue—and she doesn’t shy away from the complexity. Dana brings clarity to the evolution of work-from-home (WFH) culture. Initially a crisis res…

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Setting Fundraising Goals? The Fundraiser’s Roadmap 30:42

1M ago30:42

30:42

If setting fundraising goals gives you a headache, this episode of Fundraisers Friday is the relief you didn’t know you needed. Our cohosts unpack the complexities of data-informed goal setting with a mix of practicality, good humor, and insight born from the frontlines of nonprofit leadership. Right from the start, Tony Beall shares his signature …

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Beyond Instinct: Using Feasibility Studies to Guide Campaign Strategy 17:51

1M ago17:51

17:51

Send us a text Convergent's Jay Werth and Pam Reid discuss the importance of conducting a feasibility study before launching a capital or comprehensive campaign. Pam emphasizes that feasibility studies provide crucial intelligence for a case for investment development and informed decision-making. She also introduces the IMPACT acronym for case con…

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What 1,000 Donors Told Us About Nonprofit Auctions! 31:03

1M ago31:03

31:03

Auctions are far from obsolete—and the data proves it. We sit down with Karrie Wozniak, Chief Marketing Officer at OneCause, and Sarah Sebastian, Director of Corporate Communications, to dive into their comprehensive “State of Nonprofit Auctions” report. Backed by responses from over 1,000 donors and nonprofit professionals, this conversation might…

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How to Find a Banker for Your Nonprofit 27:07

1M ago27:07

27:07

We chat with Jeff Young, Senior Vice President at First Bank, about why your nonprofit absolutely needs a good banker—and it's probably not for the reasons you think. Jeff breaks down exactly why banks see nonprofits as desirable clients and how having a strong relationship with your banker can open doors to some unexpected benefits. Jeff shared th…

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Board vs. Executive: Who Really Leads During Transition? 31:07

1M ago31:07

31:07

When a nonprofit reaches a pivotal moment of transition, the question arises: who will guide it through the unknown? Jeffrey Wilcox, President of Interim Executives Academy, and Anne Wilson, Peer Advisor and Faculty Member, share the wisdom earned from years of navigating the space between permanent leadership. Jeffrey opens with a profound reminde…

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Fear, Fatigue, and Fundraising: The Pressure No One Talks About 30:39

2M ago30:39

30:39

We take a no-fluff approach to unpacking the real, often unspoken stressors that nonprofit fundraisers face. Cohosts Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall dissect why development teams are overwhelmed—and what can be done about it. This episode isn’t just a venting session—it’s a strategic reality check. It challenges nonprofit leaders to re-evaluate the…

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When Nonprofit Finance Meets Nonprofit Mission: Real Talk from the Frontlines 29:14

2M ago29:14

29:14

When finance and mission meet, it's often a delicate dance—but Terri Sorrentino, Director of Finance and Administration at Friends of Karen, shows that collaboration can be both powerful and transformative. In this candid and compassionate episode, Terri walks us through how her organization supports families of children facing life-threatening ill…

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Innovation Meets Compassion: The Future of Food Pantries 30:32

2M ago30:32

30:32

Drew Moran, Chief Development Officer at Nourishing Hope, joins our cohosts,Julia Patrick and Sherry Quam Taylor, for a conversation that blends visionary thinking with practical strategies. From the moment the discussion begins, you’ll see that this is more than a typical food pantry story. Drew’s journey—from volunteer manager to a leader at a $2…

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Spreadsheets Can Be Hell! Automate Your Grant Reporting! 30:29

2M ago30:29

30:29

We are joined by Srikar Chinam, CEO of KarmaSuite, for a conversation that flips conventional grant thinking on its head. While most nonprofit leaders pour their energy into winning grants, Srikar urges the sector to focus just as hard—if not more so—on what comes after the win: post-award grant management. Srikar explains that managing grants isn'…

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How Nonprofits Can Navigate Uncertainty and Emerge Stronger in 2025 37:08

2M ago37:08

37:08

The challenges have come quickly in 2025, leaving many nonprofits at risk of losing funding. Donors could be impacted, too, amid job loss, tariffs, and inflation. The next step forward may not be obvious, but one thing is clear: this is no time to stand still. On this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we talk with Allegiance Group + Pur…

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Major Gifts 101: Winning Over High Net Worth Donors 30:09

2M ago30:09

30:09

Our cohosts deliver a practical conversation on cultivating relationships with high net worth (HNW) donors. They explore how nonprofit organizations of all sizes can define what “high net worth” means in their context, identify aligned individuals, and thoughtfully steward them toward transformational giving. Tony Beall opens with a foundational po…

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Beyond Adoption: Rebuilding Child Welfare Systems 29:07

2M ago29:07

29:07

What does it take to reimagine child welfare on a global scale? Caroline Boudreaux, Founder of the Miracle Foundation, shares her extraordinary evolution from corporate life to global changemaker. Her journey began on a spontaneous trip to India where, on Mother’s Day in 2000, she met a group of orphaned children—and one moment changed her forever.…

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Calm, Clarity, Cash Flow: Nonprofit Financial Survival Tools for Today 30:18

2M ago30:18

30:18

Paul Preziotti, CPA and partner at Johnson Lambert, joins co-hosts Julia Patrick and Meico Marquette Whitlock to provide a grounded, real-time financial snapshot of the nonprofit sector in 2025. As Paul begins, “Each month, it’s like, oh, that happened… now that happened,” capturing the fast-moving nature of today’s funding landscape. The hosts and…

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Beyond Either/Or: Creating Cohesive Donor Journeys Across Channels 48:22

2M ago48:22

48:22

Many nonprofits focus only on digital or direct mail, but you don’t have to choose — nor should you. Donors crave cohesive, consistent experiences across multiple touchpoints, and getting your digital and direct mail efforts in sync can help you deliver. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we’re talking with David Sacchetti, AVP o…

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Cybersecurity for Nonprofits on a Budget 31:27

2M ago31:27

31:27

For many nonprofits, cybersecurity feels like a luxury they simply can’t afford. But according to Michael Nouguier, Partner of Cybersecurity Services at Richey May, ignoring cybersecurity can end up being far more expensive than proactively investing in it. Michael dismantles the myth that strong digital security comes with an unaffordable price ta…

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Asking Rights™, Fundraising's Magic Bullet? 20:00

2M ago20:00

20:00

Send us a text Convergent Nonprofit Solutions' Tom Ralser explains why Asking Rights™ raises the sights for your organization's donors. Join Tom and The Difference Host Jay Werth as they discuss how nonprofit leaders and organizations can move the funding process from a charity mindset to one of investment. You don't want to miss it!…

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Why Cultural Humility Is a Leader's Superpower in Nonprofit Work 30:05

2M ago30:05

30:05

Dr. Pierre Berastaín, Regional Director at the Centre for Public Impact, invites us into a powerful conversation about leadership, cultural humility, and living with integrity across lines of difference. With warmth and depth, Dr. Berastaín shares how personal identity can be a source of strength in leadership—not something to minimize or check at …

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Who Owns the Donor? Fundraiser vs. Structure Showdown 29:56

2M ago29:56

29:56

Bubble blowers, legacy gifts, and neighborly introductions—this session of Fundraisers Friday bubbles over with wit and wisdom from cohosts Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall. Tackling real-world fundraising dilemmas, the duo dives into sticky questions nonprofits often tiptoe around. We kick off with a sparkling debate: when a donor grows from a smal…

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Fear Isn’t the Enemy—It’s the Catalyst: Emotional EQ for Nonprofit Leaders 30:27

2M ago30:27

30:27

In a moment of transformational clarity, life and leadership coach George “Iceberg” Miller addresses what so many in the sector struggle with but rarely name: fear. Hosted by Julia Patrick, this conversation dares nonprofit leaders to face their internal barriers and lead from a place of emotional intelligence. “We train ourselves out of even feeli…

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From One Video to $88 Million in Debt Forgiven: What Hospitals Don't Tell Us! 28:52

2M ago28:52

28:52

Jared Walker, founder of Dollar For, shares how one TikTok video launched a national movement to eliminate medical debt through little-known hospital financial assistance policies. Joined by cohosts Julia Patrick and Sherry Quam Taylor, Jared recounts how a personal family tragedy sparked his commitment to helping others avoid the crushing financia…

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Donor Events That Really Work! 30:19

2M ago30:19

30:19

What if your next fundraising event wasn’t just another rubber chicken gala—but a magnetic, mission-driven experience people couldn’t stop talking about? That’s exactly what Brittany Bedford, Customer Success Manager at Bloomerang, urges nonprofit leaders to imagine. In this high-energy episode, Brittany dives deep into the art of turning events fr…

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Nonprofit Mergers: Smart Strategy or Last Resort? 30:44

2M ago30:44

30:44

Nonprofit mergers and acquisitions aren’t a sign of weakness—they're a powerful strategy for long-term viability and community impact. In this leading edge conversation, we bring together two sector leaders: Tim Davis, President and Managing Partner of Glick Davis and Associates, and Jeffrey R. Wilcox, CEO and Founder of Interim Executives Academy.…

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Events, Donors, Deadlines: Managing Fundraiser's Stress! 32:17

2M ago32:17

32:17

It’s Fundraiser’s Friday—and we engage in a candid, layered conversation about one of the sector’s least addressed yet most persistent realities: stress. Specifically, the stress experienced by nonprofit fundraisers who juggle mounting expectations, emotional labor, event overload, and relentless revenue goals. Cohost Julia Patrick opens with a sob…

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Hope Over Fear: DEIB Leadership in a Testy Climate 31:30

2M ago31:30

31:30

In a conversation as timely as it is timeless, we welcome Gordon Sims, Director of Development at the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio, to explore how nonprofits can sustain their commitment to DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) amid increasing societal and political scrutiny. Joined by cohosts Wendy F. Adams and Julia Patrick, th…

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Inside a Disability-Inclusive Summer Camp: Lessons in Leadership 31:26

3M ago31:26

31:26

Dawn Trapp, CEO of the Civitan Foundation AZ, delivers an inspiring and detailed look into how her organization successfully runs a summer camp for individuals with disabilities. With operations dating back to 1968, Civitan has evolved from a modest two-week camp into a year-round service hub providing inclusive programming, employment training, ar…

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Creative Aging: The Movement Nonprofits Can't Ignore! 29:56

3M ago29:56

29:56

Julie Kline and Sarah Jacobus from Lifetime Arts take a deep and inspiring dive into the transformative world of creative aging. As America's population shifts, nonprofits must adapt—and creative engagement is an exciting and necessary path forward. Together, they break open the outdated, medicalized view of aging and replace it with a vision where…