Advertise on podcast: Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

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

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 griefHow the Virginia Tech community came together after tragedyThe role of community in long-term recovery and resilienceWhat survivors need long after the initial attention disappearsHow lived experience shapes nonprofit leadership and decision-makingCreating boundaries and sustainability when the mission is deeply personalMeasuring impact when the work centers on grief, healing, and human connectionMoving from supporting individual families to advocating for systemic changeCreating sustainable, long-term resources for people affected by mass violenceCarrying 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

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. Nonprofit friends, your domain name is part of your brand - and a .ORG immediately tells people there’s a mission behind your work. Porkbun makes it easy to get a .ORG domain with transparent pricing, no aggressive upsells, and free features like SSL certificates, URL forwarding, and email forwarding. Plus, if you need help, you can actually reach a real human 24/7. Get your .ORG domain from Porkbun at porkbun.com/NonprofitNation26. 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

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 momentumWhy growth and scale aren't necessarily the same thing as impactHow to determine whether your organization is actually ready to growWhy nonprofits often scale programs before strengthening the organization underneath themThe connection between mission clarity, trust, storytelling, and revenueWhy fundraising challenges aren't always fundraising problemsWhy strategic plans so often stall after the planning retreatHow to turn strategy into everyday organizational decision-makingWhy organizational capacity should be viewed as essential infrastructure, rather than simply “overhead”What resilient nonprofit organizations have in commonThe leadership pipeline challenge facing the nonprofit sectorHow boards and funders can strengthen or undermine organizational resiliencePractical 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: www.meetsuzanne.com/nonprofitflywheel Subscribe to Suzanne's Social TrendSpotter: https://socialtrendspot.substack.com/ Learn more about Suzanne: www.meetsuzanne.com Learn more about Social Impact Architects: 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

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

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 resultsThe difference between being active on social media and having an actual social media strategyWhy real names and real stories can be more powerful than generic impact statisticsHow to find compelling nonprofit stories without creating more work for staffHow to gather testimonials while respecting the people your organization servesWhy a sustainable content strategy can outperform an aggressive posting scheduleHow to connect storytelling with fundraising and supporter actionWhich social media metrics nonprofits should actually pay attention toHow to distinguish engagement that looks impressive from engagement that actually moves your mission forwardWhat small nonprofits can realistically accomplish with limited time and resourcesWhat nonprofits should stop doing on social mediaHow 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: 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

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: christinekoh.com 💼 LinkedIn: Christine Koh on LinkedIn 🎙️ Edit Your Life Podcast: Listen to Edit Your LifeChristine 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

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

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

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 philanthropyHow expectations of donors, foundations, and corporations are evolvingThe difference between visibility-driven and impact-driven philanthropyWhy trust, accountability, and measurable outcomes matter more than everHow companies are rethinking their philanthropic strategies amid growing scrutinyWhy local credibility and meaningful community partnerships are critical to lasting impactHow cross-sector collaboration can help address complex social challengesWhat the future of philanthropy could look like in an era of increasing public accountabilityAbout 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! Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

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

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

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

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

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