Best Nonprofits Go Beyond Fundraising Podcasts (2025)

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Unlocking the Hidden Value of Hospital Annual Funds: Building Pipelines, Strengthening Donor Journeys and Driving Transformational Giving 27:40

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1M ago27:40

27:40

In this episode of the “Go Beyond Fundraising” podcast, we talk with Alyssa Boger, Executive Vice President of Client Experience, and Jennifer Lomax, Senior Executive Director of Direct Response at City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., to break down how annual giving can create s…

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Can Mindset and a Soccer Ball Change a Child’s Future? 28:51

8h ago28:51

28:51

What happens when a kid who scribbles “play soccer at Ohio State” in kindergarten actually does it—and then decides his story shouldn’t be the exception? That question sits at the center of this episode with Channing Chasten, professional athlete and founder of The One Percent Kid Foundation. From the start, Channing describes a childhood shaped by…

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Ink, Innovation & Impact: The Power of Handwritten Notes 17:14

5h ago17:14

17:14

Send us a text In this episode of The Difference, Jay Werth welcomes David Wachs, the creator of Handwrytten, a groundbreaking platform that helps nonprofits deepen donor relationships through handwritten communication, produced by remarkably life-like writing robots. David explains how handwritten notes enhance donor stewardship, boost retention, …

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Nonprofit Cyber Wake-Up Call: Phishing, Vishing and Donor Data 33:08

4h ago33:08

33:08

Year-end generosity is a perfect storm for cybercrime—and most nonprofits don’t see the danger until after the damage is done. We talk with Alex Brown, Director of Business Development at Richey May, about why the busiest time of your fundraising year is also one of the most hazardous for your systems, donors, and reputation. Alex explains how atta…

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Grant Writers and Fundraisers! Can They Really Work as One Team? 31:22

2h ago31:22

31:22

Grant writers and fundraisers share the same mission, but often work in different corners of the building—and sometimes entirely different worlds. In this Fundraisers Friday convo, cohosts Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall peel back the curtain on how these two roles can move from quiet coexistence to true collaboration. Julia opens with gratitude—fo…

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Elevating Donor Relationships with Eva Fordham 27:09

2h ago27:09

27:09

In this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, host Jarrett Ransom sits down with Eva Fordham, founder and principal of Expert Philanthropy, to unpack the art and strategy of giving. Eva shares how she helps high-net-worth donors align their values with meaningful causes, and offers insight into what separates a good donor experience from a …

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Inside the Generosity Generation with Bonterra’s Chief Fundraising Officer 30:44

2h ago30:44

30:44

Tech, data, and generosity are not abstract buzzwords—they’re concrete levers that can stabilize funding, expand impact, and re-energize exhausted fundraisers. Chief Fundraising Officer Kimberly O’Donnell of Bonterra joins us to map out how recurring giving, trust-based philanthropy, and AI-powered tools can move the entire sector from scarcity thi…

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Donor Relations Data Every Nonprofit Development Team Must See! 32:14

19h ago32:14

32:14

Donor love is measurable, and in this lively discussion, guest Lynne Wester, Principal and Founder of Donor Relations Group, brings the receipts. Drawing on data from her seventh global donor relations survey, conducted every two years since 2013 with more than 1,000 participants, Lynne shows us why retention, not the next big campaign, is where th…

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Data Trouble Starts Small: Hidden Cyber Risks Nonprofits Ignore 31:37

7h ago31:37

31:37

Who actually owns data protection in a nonprofit? In this fast-paced conversation, host Julia C. Patrick sits down with Taysha Adams, Manager Technology Support at JMT Consulting, and Josh Fricovsky, Engineering Director at Cortavo, to tackle the uncomfortable truth: cybersecurity is no longer “someone else’s job.” Taysha starts with a reality chec…

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Servant Leadership’s Blind Spot: When Caring Gets in the Way 22:42

8d ago22:42

22:42

Send us a text Mission-focused leaders often prioritize compassion and team harmony—but sometimes at the expense of accountability. In this podcast, host Jay Werth and guest Chris Wong, who advises both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, discuss how leaders can hold people to standards without abandoning empathy, and how this balance improves …

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Donor or Investor? Why Calling Them ‘Investors’ Changes Everything 31:09

2h ago31:09

31:09

What if the people we call donors are actually investors? And what if this subtle shift reshapes expectations, power, professionalism, and even the identity of philanthropy itself? Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall challenge one of the nonprofit sector’s most deeply rooted labels. Julia opens the conversation by admitting she’s ready to change her ow…

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Unleashing the Power of Purpose with Erik Speakman 27:14

4d ago27:14

27:14

In this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, host Jarrett Ransom sits down with Erik Speakman, founder and principal of Speakman Management Consulting, for an insightful conversation about what it truly takes to lead with purpose in today’s complex nonprofit environment. Drawing on decades of experience guiding organizations through growth…

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Shutdown Over, Now What? How Nonprofits Recover! 31:10

14d ago31:10

31:10

Federal shutdown over! Systems rebooting! Nonprofits on the clock! In this urgent episode, we bring back Derick Dreher, Department Leader, Government Funding at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC)—just hours after the government reopens from the longest shutdown in U.S. history. Derick starts with what happened in Washington: failed Senate votes, a la…

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Fundraising Fog? Messaging That Donors Actually Love 29:53

4d ago29:53

29:53

Fundraising can feel like walking through mist—messages blur, instincts wobble, and urgency crowds out intention. In this energizing conversation, we welcome returning favorite Micah James (team lead and coach at Bloomerang—and a bride-to-be!) to name the haze and show practical ways through it. Micah calls today’s moment “muddy and foggy” because …

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Events, Data, Volunteers: Temp Staffing Power Plan 30:18

14d ago30:18

30:18

Nonprofits can absolutely finish the year strong—especially when they treat staffing as a strategic tool, not a scramble! In this energizing convo, Katie Warnock, founder and president of Staffing Boutique, maps out practical ways organizations can add capacity right when it matters most. Katie is plainspoken and solution-oriented: for major fundra…

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10 Strategic Fundraising Principles - Every Fundraiser Should Know 8:47

18d ago8:47

8:47

Fundraising—it's part charm offensive, part emotional trapeze act, part caffeine-fueled chaos. Some days you feel like a philanthropic superhero, and other days you're crying into your donor database while searching for the 'undo' button. But you don't have to go it alone. Enter the Rainmakers: the mythical, magical, magnificently strategic fundrai…

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Don't Pitch—Connect: 10 Smart Moves for First Donor Meetings 7:56

20d ago7:56

7:56

Your first face-to-face meeting with a donor isn't a sales pitch or interview. And it's definitely not the time to comb through the details for your 30-page strategic plan. It's a discovery conversation—a delightful dance where you listen, learn, and laugh. Apply the following 10 tactics to get your first meeting right and the odds of landing a sec…

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The Future of Philanthropy and Adoption: The CEO of Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption 30:53

8h ago30:53

30:53

In this capstone to Nonprofit Power Week, Rita L. Soronen, President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, looks forward—past the news cycle and into the work that will shape children, families, and the sector. In a calm, mentoring tone, Rita keeps leaders grounded in first principles: start with the child. As she puts it, “We’re not …

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A Lighthearted Field Guide to Fundraising Disasters 6:59

20d ago6:59

6:59

Here's a crash course in what "not" to do when fundraising, what donors secretly loathe, and a short list of how to ask for money without breaking into hives. Listen in and learn . . .By Tom Iselin

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Make Your Board Retreats Outcomes Stick with "Ownership." 10:04

20d ago10:04

10:04

Ah, the board retreat. A magical time when board members gather to dive into strategic discussions, unleash big ideas, and nod sagely at visionary plans. You laugh, you brainstorm, you may even awkwardly roleplay. By the end, you've covered walls with stickies and flipchart paper, deepened your culture, and high-fived over fresh possibilities. And …

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Donor Objections: Part 3: Common and Uncommon Types (includes scripts) 30:19

20d ago30:19

30:19

Fundraisers know that most donor objections boil down to just two things: the amount you're asking for and the timing of the ask. But here's the good news—both are manageable. In this article, you'll discover practical tactics to navigate these common roadblocks, plus smart ways to handle the trickier, less common objections that inevitably pop up.…

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Donor Objections: Part 2: A Simple 3-Step Process 9:11

17d ago9:11

9:11

Encountering objections when asking donors for money is a given. One tactic for handling objections would be to develop and memorize canned responses to every possible type of objection. Experienced fundraisers know this tactic is futile, because a simple "ask" often triggers an avalanche of donor replies, ranging from polite deflections to excuse…

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Donor Objections: Part 1: A Primer 17:13

19d ago17:13

17:13

Experienced fundraisers know objections are part of the ask process, which is why they embrace them. There are dozens of reasons why donors throw caution signs that feel like red lights. What follows is a high-level primer that unpacks why donors hesitate, paired with clear principles for handling those objections with confidence—so you can turn to…

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The Golden Hour: Tips for Mastering the Art of Donor Cultivation 10:21

18d ago10:21

10:21

Cultivation is the golden hour before the ask. It's when you introduce someone to your nonprofit, show them the heart behind the stats, the faces behind the facts, and the mission behind the jargon. And it isn't just about raising money—it's about raising friends, champions, connectors, and believers. Done well, cultivation deepens emotional connec…

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The Other 20%: Winning Foundation, Corporate, and Government Dollars 16:15

18d ago16:15

16:15

As fundraisers, we know that while individual giving dominates, finding the right foundation, corporate, or government grant can give your budget a real boost. Many of these funding sources make large, multiyear commitments, and for some nonprofits, these sources of funding are their only sources of funding. And while unlocking these sources of fun…

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Beyond Clicks and Campaigns with Javan Van Gronigen 25:32

6h ago25:32

25:32

In this episode of Nonprofit Nerd Impact Unleashed, host Jarrett Ransom welcomes Javan Van Gronigen, creative agency founder and digital strategist, for an insightful conversation on the future of nonprofit fundraising. Together, they explore how AI, automation, and data are reshaping donor engagement—and how to balance cutting-edge technology with…

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One Nonprofit Team, Two Engines: How They Fuse Marketing and Development 30:19

5d ago30:19

30:19

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption shows exactly how today’s nonprofits can accelerate mission and amplify revenue by putting marketing and development on the same team! CEO & President Rita L. Soronen and SVP of Marketing & Development Jill Crumbacher explain how an approach that started 11 years ago matured into an integrated structure with …

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For Nonprofits: When Critics Shout—What to Say—A Field Manual for Communications 31:55

19d ago31:55

31:55

Nonprofits are being yanked into culture wars they never asked for. In this Nonprofit Power Week conversation, Jill Crumbacher, Senior VP of Marketing and Development at the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, lays out how to keep your message steady when the public square gets noisy. This episode is a field manual for keeping your purpose intact—…

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Nonprofit Board Energy That Lasts: Committees that Work, Meetings that Fly 31:36

21d ago31:36

31:36

In this key conversation, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption President & CEO Rita L. Soronen maps out a modern playbook for governing with purpose while sustaining momentum after years of change. She begins with the Dave Thomas legacy—not as a branding exercise, but as a lived journey that shaped a national public charity with a singular focus: pe…

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Modern Partnerships: PSAs, “Low Bono,” and Data-Smart Media 31:17

24d ago31:17

31:17

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption doesn’t treat partnerships as a side project—they’re the operating system. During this National Adoption Month and in this Nonprofit Power Week kickoff, Senior VP Jill Crumbacher shares how the Foundation builds relationships that move from a good idea to real results. Step one: align the people doing the wor…

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Effective Board Management 29:19

8d ago29:19

29:19

Send us a text In this episode of The Difference podcast, Host Jay Werth is joined by Convergent's Pam Reid and Andy Brubaker to discuss Effective Board Management. Topics discussed include: Governance vs. management (setting boundaries) Clarifying roles and responsibilities Effective use of committees and task forces Assessing performance & handli…

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The Scariest Board Risks! Revealed by Countess Justine Townsend 29:39

27d ago29:39

29:39

On this special Halloween edition of #TheNonprofitShow, Host Julia C. Patrick welcomes “Countess” Justine Townsend of Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), to turn board governance fears into practical know-how. Capes, cobwebs, and clever metaphors aside, the lesson is real: fiduciary duties aren’t folklore; they’re law. As Justine explains, “you have …

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Future-Proofing Nonprofits with Ann Fellman 33:14

6d ago33:14

33:14

In this episode of Nonprofit Nerd Impact Unleashed, host Jarrett Ransom welcomes Ann Fellman from Bloomerang for an insightful conversation about the future of nonprofit sustainability. Ann shares practical strategies for future planning, donor engagement, and integrating technology to streamline operations and build stronger donor relationships. T…

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The Science of Yes: 7 Decision Profiles That Lift Donor Response 30:10

29d ago30:10

30:10

Nonprofits send more messages than ever, yet many still miss the moment that matters: the decision. The CEO and Co-Founder Kylee Ingram of Wizer Technologies explains how seven decision profiles can transform fundraising emails, stewardship notes, and board communications from “nice” to effective. If donor retention, board alignment, and major-gift…

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From Donor-Centered to Human-Centered: A New Era of Giving 30:17

30d ago30:17

30:17

When fundraising meets humanity, transformation follows—and few express that better than Tammy Zonker, founder of Fundraising Transformed and author of Calling All Heroes. In this powerful episode, host Julia C. Patrick engages Tammy in a deep conversation about reimagining philanthropy through what she calls a human-centered mindset—a new evolutio…

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Expand Your Nonprofit's Board Beyond Your Friends and Zipcode! 28:39

1M ago28:39

28:39

What happens when you stop fishing for board members in the same small pond and start casting into the ocean? According to TD Smyers, CEO and co-founder of BoardBuild.org, you get a board that actually reflects the people you serve and a lot more horsepower where it counts. TD admits he learned the hard way. Traditional recruiting leans almost enti…

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Celebrating Nonprofit Leadership and Growth 3:25

1M ago3:25

3:25

Host Jarrett Ransom, The Nonprofit Nerd®, kicks off a new chapter of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed by reflecting on the show’s inspiring journey — over 70 episodes of stories and strategies from the nonprofit world. Tune in to explore what’s next for leaders tackling the sector’s toughest challenges in sustainability, innovation, and community …

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Training That Ends Tech Anxiety: Roadmap to a Smooth Go-Live! 31:03

1M ago31:03

31:03

When nonprofits tackle a major platform shift, the tech is only half the story. JMT Consulting pros Brady Haslebacher (Director of Program Management) and Dagmar “Dagi” Stanton (Manager of Education Services) map out the human and operational moves that make change stick. This informative episode breaks down why big projects stall—no top-down buy-i…

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From Invisible to Influential: How Nonprofit Leaders Build Presence 30:30

1M ago30:30

30:30

We sat down with Amos Balongo, keynote speaker and communications coach, to explore a subject rarely discussed in the nonprofit space — personal visibility. Amos challenges the traditional mindset that humility and impact must exist in separate spheres, proposing instead that visibility is both a professional asset and a form of leadership. Speakin…

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The Nonprofit Circles That Matter: Staff—Board—Donor—Constituent 29:30

1M ago29:30

29:30

Craig Shelley, CEO of Schultz & Williams, joins Show host Julia Patrick, as they examine how philanthropy and nonprofit leadership are being reshaped under persistent uncertainty. Craig frames the moment succinctly: skepticism toward institutions is rising, which means nonprofits must state their values plainly and show exactly how funds power outc…

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Joint Fundraising That Actually Works: For Collab Events and Small Teams 30:32

1M ago30:32

30:32

Joint fundraising: bold idea, complicated feelings. On this Fundraisers Friday, Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall swap real-world stories and field notes on how small and midsize nonprofits can team up without tripping over turf, lists, or logistics. Julia sets the table with a grin—“They’re super tricky, they’re very interesting, and I think there’s…

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Are Donors Wrong About Nonprofit's Overhead? The Myth Exposed! 30:04

1M ago30:04

30:04

The phrase “overhead myth” still haunts the nonprofit world like a stubborn ghost. Host Julia C. Patrick sits down with Adam Holzberg, Partner and CPA at SAX Advisory Group, to teach viewers why judging nonprofits by their administrative expenses misses the point—and how education, transparency, and storytelling can replace outdated thinking with r…

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Temp Work That Boosts Your Nonprofit Career: How to Get Hired Fast 27:22

1M ago27:22

27:22

Temporary work isn’t a consolation prize—it’s a lever. In this candid conversation, Staffing Boutique’s Director of Recruitment, Dana Scurlock, reframes the temp path as a smart way to stay employed, sharpen skills, and earn while exploring fit. She traces her roots to a temp desk in 2006 and explains why the market’s realities—shorter tenures, yea…

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Placemaking as an Economic Driver 28:10

1M ago28:10

28:10

Send us a text In this episode of 'The Difference', we explore how great communities don’t just attract businesses, they inspire people to put down roots. Join Brian Abernathy, General Manager at Convergent Nonprofit Solutions, and Jerald Mitchell, President & CEO of Beaten Path LLC, as they dive into the power of placemaking as a catalyst for econ…

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Stop Chasing Unicorn Donors! Start Growing Loyal Givers! 31:13

1M ago31:13

31:13

Fundraising folklore says the “one big donor” will save the day! Katie Gaston, Director of Product Marketing at Bloomerang, dismantles that ‘chase’ and replaces it with steady, systems-based fundraising. Katie frames her role in product marketing as disciplined storytelling: know your audience, understand what they care about, and read the landscap…

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Where the Best Fundraising Talent Actually Looks For Jobs 30:02

2M ago30:02

30:02

Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall get practical about recruiting fundraising talent when Q4 urgency is peaking. They open with empathy for development teams sprinting toward holiday giving, then move straight into the realities leaders must manage: retention, clarity, and smarter channels for sourcing candidates. Tony reminds us of the data behind tu…

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Reflecting on Lessons in Leadership and Nonprofit Sustainability 4:47

2M ago4:47

4:47

In this season finale of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, host Jarrett Ransom reflects on the key themes and takeaways from an inspiring season focused on nonprofit leadership, sustainability, and strategic growth. From navigating organizational challenges to celebrating the dedication of mission-driven leaders, this episode ties together the ins…

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From Zero to 10,000 Scholars: Inside a Nonprofit's Rapid Expansion 30:06

2M ago30:06

30:06

Dwyer Workforce Development is rewriting what “possible” looks like for a young, fast-scaling nonprofit. In this compelling conversation, CEO Barb Clapp traces a journey that began with a blank slate in September 2022 and now stands at 10,000 Dwyer Scholars across seven states—with a confident path to 100,000 by 2030. The spark came from founder Ja…

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Persuasion Skills Nonprofit Teams Can Use Today 30:19

2M ago30:19

30:19

Nonprofits don’t just need more messages—they need messages that move people. In this fast-paced episode we welcome persuasion instructor and longtime marketer Dean Batson to show how science-based communication turns attention into action. Batson traces his path from launching a digital agency to teaching persuasion at Arizona State University, wh…

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Clarity Is Kindness: Nonprofit Culture That Pays Off 31:10

2M ago31:10

31:10

By American Nonprofit Academy