Nonprofit Hub Radio

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In this episode of the Nonprofit Hub Radio Podcast, host Meghan Speer welcomes back fan-favorite guest Becca Segovia, CEO of GCS Partners, for a deep dive into the “V” of the G.I.V.E. Framework—Volunteer—as a powerful strategy for turning supporters into ambassadors. Together, they explore how nonprofits can activate volunteers, donors, and supporters to lend not just their time or dollars, but their voices, sharing authentic stories that drive awareness, engagement, and giving. Becca unpacks practical ways to equip communities with messaging tools, embrace generational differences in advocacy, responsibly release...

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As we kick off a new year, it’s time to reimagine what healthy, sustainable leadership can look like. In this refreshed conversation, author, consultant, and recovering fundraiser Kishshana Palmer joins Meghan Speer to explore why “busy” is the four-letter word holding so many nonprofit leaders back. Kishshana unpacks the personal wake-up call that led her to redefine success, why rest must be a non-negotiable, and how leaders can model wellbeing for their teams without losing credibility. From setting boundaries to choosing one meaningful wellness domino to tip the rest, this episode is an inv...

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As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time for nonprofits to take a hard look at their website and ensure it’s ready for the year ahead. In this refreshed conversation, Meghan sits down with Jay Owen, CEO of Business Builders, to unpack the most common website mistakes nonprofits make—and what to fix first. From clarifying your message to choosing the right primary audience, prioritizing design that builds trust, and understanding the data that actually matters, Jay offers clear, practical guidance to help nonprofits strengthen their digital presence. If you want y...

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Governance can propel a mission forward or quietly stall it, and the difference often comes down to clarity, courage, and the right people in the right roles. We sit down with strategist and former executive director Eddrick Martin to unpack how boards become true force multipliers instead of rubber-stamp committees. From aligning with your board chair to recruiting beyond your first-degree network, this conversation delivers a practical blueprint for nonprofit leaders ready to modernize their governance and build momentum.

If you’re ready to turn governance into a strategic advantage, this ep...

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In this episode of the Nonprofit Hub Radio Podcast, Nina Guise-Gerrity, founder and CEO of Get Gifted and longtime Loyola University professor, shares the story behind building an innovative platform designed to make giving more personal, efficient, and meaningful. What began as a simple challenge—wanting to send her niece blueberries from across the country—became a powerful solution for individuals and nonprofits alike. Nina walks through her transition from academia to entrepreneurship, the persistence required to build technology in an unfamiliar space, and how Get Gifted enables nonprofits to clearly communicate their real...

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In this episode, Pieta Blakely, Managing Principal at Rojas Blakely Associates, unpacks her concept of “joyful accountability”—a refreshing, motivating approach to program evaluation in the nonprofit sector. Drawing from her experience in workforce development and economic mobility, Pieta shares how she moved from the classroom into evaluation after seeing the need for clarity, data, and mission alignment. She explains how nonprofits can identify what truly matters to measure, avoid becoming overwhelmed by the scale of the issues they tackle, and stay energized by recognizing small wins along the way. The conversation explores buildi...

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As Giving Tuesday and the year-end fundraising season arrive, now is the time for nonprofits to double down on the metrics that truly drive growth. In this refreshed episode of the Nonprofit Hub Podcast, Meghan sits down with Carly Berna of Virtuous to unpack the most essential data points every fundraiser needs to understand before year-end appeals hit full speed. From donor retention and average gift size to recurring giving, acquisition costs, portfolio balance, and the brand-new “days to second gift” metric, Carly breaks down how these insights can shape smarter asks, stronger dono...

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This episode explores a scientific and psychologically informed approach to major gift fundraising with Bill Crouch, CEO of BrightDot. Bill shares his journey from higher education leadership to developing a consultancy built around understanding emotional intelligence and the balance of left-brain and right-brain thinking in fundraising. He explains how successful major gift work requires both analytical structure and creative relational engagement, and how teams can better leverage these strengths—whether through tailored roles, environmental triggers, or deeper insight into donor motivations. The conversation highlights practical strategies, including how to think like a high-wealth do...

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In this episode of the Nonprofit Hub Radio Podcast, host Meghan Speer sits down with Matthew Courtney, principal consultant at Courtney Consulting, to explore how nonprofits can use program evaluation to strengthen funding applications, prove impact, and improve programs. Drawing from his own experience as a former nonprofit founder, Matthew shares hard-earned lessons about the importance of collecting and analyzing data—beyond just counting participants—to tell a compelling story of real change. He offers practical tips for starting from scratch, making data collection automatic, and creating a culture of continuous improvement that fund...

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Urgent programs and tight grants can push culture work to the margins, but that’s exactly where nonprofit teams lose speed and trust. We sit down with strategist Page Hinerman of Page Capacity Builders to unpack how hybrid and remote teams thrive when leaders treat culture as core infrastructure. From rethinking “all‑staff” meetings to redesigning one‑on‑ones, we get tactical about turning updates into strategy, building psychological safety, and aligning back‑office work with frontline impact.

Page shares battle‑tested ideas from years of capacity building across nonprofits, philanthropy, and government...

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The ground shifted under nonprofit fundraising, and we felt the jolt. Federal grants vanished, competition for private dollars surged, and small teams were suddenly racing against institutions with entire development departments. So we got practical: rebuild the grant pipeline, rethink risk, and double down on alignment over volume. Luke Keller—founder and CEO of Match Grant and board leader at Tekton—joins the podcast to share a candid playbook born from necessity: how to diversify revenue, target right-fit funders, and use data to spot warm signals that boost your odds.

If you’...

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Capital campaigns don’t have to be mysterious, exhausting marathons. With Jason Lewis of Seed Fundraisers, we pull back the curtain on a simpler, smarter path: a four‑wave model that mirrors how donors actually give and how organizations can build capacity while they raise transformational dollars. Instead of forcing everything into “quiet” and “public,” we map the journey from experienced, asset‑based leadership gifts through staff‑driven cultivation, to broader, income‑based pledges—so momentum doesn’t stall and volunteers aren’t asked to do the wrong jobs at the wrong time.

We also tackle...

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In this episode of the Nonprofit Hub Radio Podcast, Trevan Strean, co-founder and creative director at Share, unpacks why branding and design are critical for nonprofits.

Trevan explains how outdated visuals, inconsistent messaging, and neglected storytelling can erode trust before a donor even considers giving. He shares practical steps to keep your brand fresh without losing its identity, create a simple style guide, and communicate consistently across every channel—from your website to volunteer t-shirts.

If your nonprofit is struggling to stand out in a crowded cause space, this co...

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Burnout doesn’t always look like flames; sometimes it looks like “fine.” We dig into the hidden gap between employee satisfaction and true engagement—and why that gap quietly drains nonprofit performance even when everyone says they love the mission. With guest Kathryn Cronin Miller, founder of A Better Place to Work, we break down a practical framework leaders can use to move teams from compliant to committed.

If you lead, manage, or care about nonprofit impact, this conversation gives you tools to rebuild trust, raise energy, and turn mission passion into mea...

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In this episode of the Nonprofit Hub Podcast, guest Ben Mohler, chief executive and consultant at Giving Three and author of Nonprofit Board Member Field Guide and Journal, unpacks the realities of nonprofit board leadership. Drawing on decades of experience, he offers practical insights on how organizations can move beyond filling seats with well-meaning supporters to cultivating governing boards that truly represent and advance the mission. From clarifying the different types of boards, to navigating fundraising expectations, to fostering healthy board culture and accountability, this conversation equips nonprofit leaders with both encouragement and...

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Funding challenges affect nonprofits of all sizes, but the solutions might surprise you. In this eye-opening conversation, Charlyn Moss, founder and CEO of Working Within, reveals how her journey from finance to nonprofit support showed her the critical gaps between grassroots organizations and their well-funded counterparts.

Moss challenges conventional nonprofit thinking with a provocative insight: trying to be everything to everyone actually makes your organization less attractive to funders. When you spread yourself too thin chasing various funding opportunities, you dilute your expertise and struggle to compete against organizations with deep...

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In this illuminating conversation with Courtney Krus and Greg Colunga, managing partners of Amplify Fundraising, we unpack how nonprofits can transform their digital strategy from a "bolt-on" tactic to a powerful, relationship-building channel that drives meaningful results. 

These digital fundraising experts reveal what they call "The Pizza Hut Problem" - how traditional nonprofit communications often resemble impersonal, highly-stylized marketing emails that create distance rather than connection. "We have to be authentic and human," Courtney emphasizes, sharing practical ways to write conversational emails that feel like messages from a friend rather than a...

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In a landscape where nonprofit burnout is rampant and mid-career professionals are vanishing from the sector, Kevin and Johanna from the Collaborative Collective bring urgently needed wisdom to address this talent crisis.

The financial stakes are higher than many realize. When a skilled nonprofit professional leaves, the replacement cost exceeds $30,000—not counting the immeasurable loss of relationships and institutional knowledge. Yet despite these sobering numbers, many organizations continue investing mere "pennies per day" in professional development, if anything at all.

"If I'm not willing to spend any time developing th...

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What does innovation really look like in the nonprofit world? In this enlightening conversation, nonprofit consultant and author Leah Kral challenges the notion that innovation requires massive resources or technical expertise.

Drawing from her extensive research and twenty years of experience in the sector, Leah explains that innovation can be as simple as switching from paper forms to iPads at a legal aid clinic or as complex as revolutionizing healthcare delivery for the poor. The key is being willing to question the status quo and experiment with new approaches.

...

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In this eye-opening conversation, Rebecca Prejean, CEO and founder of EB Graphics Consulting, reveals a critical gap in nonprofit work that's keeping organizations from truly serving their communities. Driven by her personal journey as a mother of a child with autism, Rebecca discusses how 14% of working-age African Americans have disabilities, yet this intersection of race and accessibility remains largely invisible in nonprofit conversations. She explains why accessibility isn't just about inclusion—it's a technical skill set that requires intentional implementation, from ensuring websites work with screen readers to creating truly inclusive workplace environments. Re...

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In this episode, host Meghan Speer sits down with Chris Wong, founder and executive coach at Leadership Potential and a featured main stage speaker at this year’s Cause Camp. Drawing from his background as a licensed therapist turned leadership and organizational development expert, Chris shares practical strategies for nonprofit leaders—especially those who identify as “chronic people pleasers”—to navigate difficult conversations, balance accountability with support, and set clear boundaries without sacrificing empathy. Together, they explore how regular check-ins, progressive discipline, and value-driven leadership can transform team culture, prevent burnout, and keep organizati...

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What if the key to greater nonprofit impact isn’t pushing harder—but leading differently? In this refreshing and deeply honest conversation, Kishshana Palmer—veteran fundraiser, founder of ManageMint, and author of Busy is a Four-Letter Word—challenges the toxic myth that busyness equals effectiveness. After a debilitating injury forced her to confront her own unsustainable pace, Palmer began reimagining leadership rooted in wellbeing, not overwork. She shares her Five-Star Wellness Plan—physical, mental, spiritual, financial, and community health—as a framework for reclaiming balance and breaking the cycle of burnout, especially for women and "o...

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What if the key to thriving as a nonprofit leader isn't avoiding failure, but actively seeking it out? That's the counterintuitive wisdom Cathleen Armstead, founder of Sunshine Nonprofit Solutions, shares in this transformative conversation about developing a growth mindset during challenging times.

Whether you're leading a nonprofit through turbulent times or working to influence your organization from within, this episode offers actionable strategies for developing resilience, improving team dynamics, and creating a culture where everyone can thrive through continuous learning. As Kathleen reminds us, "We look at these turbulent times as...

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In this episode of the Nonprofit Hub Podcast, host Megan Speer is joined by Jess DiVito and Megan Frenz from Nonprofit People to explore the essentials of fundraising readiness as part of the "Nonprofit 101" series. Drawing from decades of hands-on experience, Jess and Megan share insights into how new fundraisers and nonprofit leaders—especially those without formal training—can build a strong foundation for sustainable fundraising. The conversation covers everything from clarifying strategy and understanding budgets to building a supportive team, creating donor-ready infrastructure, tracking key metrics, and crafting clear, compelling messaging. Whether you...

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In this episode of the Nonprofit Hub Podcast, host Meghan Speer is joined by Carly Berna, Fundraiser in Residence at Virtuous, for a practical discussion of key fundraising benchmarks as part of the Nonprofit 101 series. Carly shares insights from Virtuous’ latest Benchmark Report, highlighting key fundraising metrics like donor retention, average gift size, and recurring giving—plus new tools such as "days to second gift," case studies, and a board-ready presentation deck. With an emphasis on data-driven decision-making, Carly encourages fundraisers—especially those just starting out—to view their work through a business lens and...

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Nonprofit marketing often feels like a juggling act—and according to veteran fundraiser Kiersten Hill, that’s because it is. In this episode, Hill, who’s raised over $20 million for nonprofits, unpacks the core challenge of communicating with multiple stakeholder groups at once—from donors and volunteers to clients, board members, and funders—all requiring unique messaging across different platforms. In this installment of our NonProfit 101 series, Kiersten shares practical strategies for prioritizing audiences, offers a powerful ethical storytelling framework, and reminds marketers that they don’t need to be everywhere online—just where it matte...

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What does it take to build a lasting ministry without burning out? Eric Anderson, Director of Performing Arts at Urban Impact Foundation, shares lessons from 17 years of youth ministry in Pittsburgh’s North Side. In this powerful episode, Eric unpacks the simple but transformative priority framework that’s sustained him—God, spouse, children, ministry, personal recreation—and explains how faithfulness, not outcomes, is the true measure of success. With honest reflections on burnout, healthy boundaries, and the realities of nonprofit work, this installment of our Nonprofit 101 series is a must-listen for anyone seeking a minist...

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Stepping into fundraising can feel like learning a new language—but in this episode, Becca Segovia, founder of GCS Partners, helps decode it all. From her unexpected leap from banking to a 25-year career in nonprofit development, Becca shares practical wisdom, accessible definitions, and real-world strategies for navigating donor relationships, making a compelling case for support, and introducing innovation in legacy systems. Whether you're new to the sector or looking to deepen your impact, you'll find fresh insights on using data as a tool for change, engaging donors across all levels, and leading wi...

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In this episode, Janelle Miller Moravec shares how she has not only survived but thrived in nonprofit leadership for over 15 years—defying the sector's alarming burnout trends. Her approach? Reimagining sustainability from the inside out. From rethinking productivity standards and tailoring support for novice clinicians to implementing a team-based supervisory model and using data to track burnout indicators, Janelle offers a powerful blueprint for building resilient, mission-driven organizations. Tune in to learn how modeling boundaries and staying the course can help your nonprofit—and your people—truly thrive.

Janelle Miller Moravec is the...

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In this inspiring episode, Ken Miller shares his journey from foster care to becoming a lifelong mentor to over 50 men. With heartfelt candor, he unpacks the key differences between mentoring, coaching, and workplace sponsorship—emphasizing that true mentorship is always free, relational, and focused on the whole person. Ken’s approach begins with a powerful question: “What is your dream?” and aims to help others rediscover the ability to dream. He also discusses the unique challenges faced by women and people of color in finding mentors and how his organization, Men of Color in Devel...

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In this episode, Meghan talks with David Rhode, author of Passion Isn't Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders, about the often overlooked realities of nonprofit leadership. David offers practical, hard-earned insights on everything from board engagement and leadership isolation to managing the everyday chaos of running a small organization. With real talk on setting expectations, evaluating (and even letting go of) board members, and simplifying roles, this conversation is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders juggling multiple hats. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, under-resourced, or unsure of how to move forward, this ep...

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Matt Lombardi, founder of Share Talent, introduces a transformative approach to nonprofit growth by applying lean startup principles rooted in his journey from ministry to digital consulting. He urges mission-driven organizations to build with their communities, not just for them, through radical humility, listening, and experimentation. Using frameworks like MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) and MAPs (Minimum Awesome Products), Matt shows how nonprofits can adapt quickly, avoid waste, and sustain impact. His core message challenges the status quo: stop chasing more funding—start asking better questions, kill what no longer works, and build what tr...

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Feeling exhausted from chasing the latest fundraising trends with little to show for it? In this insightful conversation with Isaac Ezell, CEO of Seed Fundraisers, we explore what truly drives sustainable nonprofit growth. Drawing from his 13+ years scaling Hope International from $5 million to $38.5 million, Isaac reveals that successful organizations focus on just one or two core strategies—rather than trying to do everything. He outlines five primary fundraising approaches and encourages nonprofits to align with their strengths and donor base. Most importantly, he highlights the relational heart of fundraising, where storytelling and listening bu...

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 In 2025’s shifting nonprofit funding landscape, many organizations face steep federal grant cuts, prompting a pivot toward overlooked private foundations. In a timely discussion, Rachel Fidler Cannella of Instrumentl joins Megan Speer to share insights on navigating this challenge, highlighting examples like Second Harvest Food Bank. She debunks the myth of grants as “easy money,” noting most professionals spend 40+ hours per application with no guarantee of success. The conversation emphasizes how AI and cross-team collaboration are transforming the grant process, and Rachel offers practical strategies for strengthening grant efforts—urging leaders to focus on what’s...

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When the world feels like it's erupting around your nonprofit, should you wait for the storm to pass or forge ahead? In this timely conversation, Kimberly Bottom of Feather shares why inaction during uncertain times poses the greatest risk to your organization's future. We dive into the current challenging climate for nonprofits - from funding freezes to harmful rhetoric questioning the sector's legitimacy. Rather than seeing these as reasons to retreat, Kimberly reveals how they create unprecedented opportunities to amplify your mission and transform criticism into connection. "All press is good press," she...

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What if the most powerful tool for strengthening donor relationships isn't your messaging strategy, but your ability to listen? In this illuminating conversation with Chris Barlow, Customer Happiness Director at Your Beeline, we explore how nonprofits can transform their digital communications from one-way broadcasts into meaningful two-way conversations. We often view our websites, social media accounts, and email campaigns as channels for pushing out information rather than opportunities for genuine engagement. Chris challenges this mindset by showing how active listening principles can be applied across all your digital touchpoints to deepen connection with...

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Volunteers are the lifeblood of nonprofit organizations, yet a staggering 35% don't return year after year. Why is this happening, and what can your organization do about it? In this eye-opening conversation with Eric Burger, Director of Marketing at Volunteer Hub, we unpack the critical importance of volunteer communication and management strategies that keep supporters coming back. When you consider that each volunteer hour is valued at $33.49, retention becomes not just a mission imperative but a financial one too. Burger shares practical insights on why volunteers leave—from feeling underappreciated to lacking proper training—and o...

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When nonprofit leaders hear "operations," many immediately think of bureaucratic processes that pull them away from their mission work. But what if strong operational foundations are actually the key to multiplying your impact? Joshua Monge, fractional COO and founder of Think, Adapt, Build, makes a compelling case that treating your nonprofit like a business – with clear processes, defined roles, and contingency plans – creates the infrastructure needed for sustainable mission fulfillment. For startup nonprofits, Joshua offers three essential pieces of guidance. First, understand and clearly articulate why your organization specifically should be addressing your chos...

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Your nonprofit website isn't just digital real estate—it's the center of your marketing universe and your organization's 24/7 representative. But as Jay Owen, CEO of Business Builders, reveals in this eye-opening conversation, most organizations waste precious time and resources on ineffective digital strategies while missing fundamental opportunities to connect with donors and drive meaningful action. "Design builds trust, but words are what sell," Owen explains, challenging the common practice of prioritizing aesthetics over clear messaging. This insight leads to a practical approach where nonprofits should first perfect their story before worrying about visual el...

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When nonprofit funding landscapes shift dramatically—as they have in recent months—the organizations that survive and thrive are those with impeccable financial stewardship practices. Dayna Sear, founder and CEO of Sear Growth Solutions, brings her wealth of experience to this crucial conversation about compliance, transparency, and strategic financial management. Sear addresses the fundamental paradox facing nonprofits: they're expected to tackle society's most complex challenges while operating under strict administrative spending caps that limit their ability to invest in proper compliance systems. "We want you to solve the hardest problems of the world, but...

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Nonprofits are at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges that can threaten their very existence. In this episode, we delve deep into the operational dilemmas that many organizations encounter, shedding light on why it's crucial to streamline processes and leverage data effectively. Our discussion with Adam Huttler, the founder of MonkeyPod, highlights how nonprofits can reclaim their focus on mission-driven work by integrating all essential functions into one cohesive platform. Navigating through turbulent times requires more than just awareness of the challenges; it takes courage and strategic action. Adam emphasizes the importance of advocacy...

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Join me as we explore how nonprofits can break free from the limitations of traditional strategic planning. In this engaging episode, we delve into the valuable insights of Sophia Shaw and Adam Wolford from PlanPerfect, who discuss how their innovative tool empowers organizations to create dynamic plans that grow with their mission instead of collecting dust. We begin by addressing the pain points of static planning processes often seen in nonprofits, leading to a burden on leaders who just want to make a positive impact. Thankfully, tools like MonkeyPod streamline operations, allowing nonprofits...

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What if the stories you tell could change everything about how your nonprofit engages with the world? Join us for an engaging conversation with Carly Euler, the Marketing Director at MemoryFox, as she shares her journey from coaching to championing ethical storytelling in the nonprofit sector. Carly reveals the evolution of storytelling from a tool often misused for fundraising to a more dignified medium that respects the individuals whose stories are told. Discover how MemoryFox is revolutionizing the way nonprofits collect and share stories, ensuring that the voices of those they serve are...

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Join us for an enlightening conversation with Malcolm Sproull, a fundraising enterprise architect whose journey from the commercial sector to the nonprofit world is nothing short of inspiring. Malcolm's insights, drawn from his Scottish-Irish heritage and his grandmother's teachings on generosity, offer a profound understanding of philanthropy's cultural nuances. As he discusses his book "Cracking Generosity," Malcolm unveils the unique challenges nonprofits face, including the critical need for infrastructure to manage cash flow—key insights for anyone in the nonprofit sector or interested in philanthropy. This episode promises to equip listeners with valuable kn...

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How did Dani Vachon, once immersed in the vibrant world of music and events, become a trailblazer in the nonprofit sector? Join us as we uncover her inspiring journey from orchestrating grand events to founding Beacon Collective, driven by her unwavering passion for activism and environmentalism. Dani shares the pivotal moment that sparked her career transformation, along with the unique challenges she faced in rebranding and establishing her company in a new arena. We also explore the dynamic role of design in creating compelling nonprofit campaigns. From the intricate dance between visual language...

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Ever wondered how a theater major transitions into a powerhouse in nonprofit management? Join me, Meghan Speer, as I chat with Abigayle Tobia, a seasoned nonprofit consultant, who has faced the complex world of nonprofit fundraising and leadership with resilience and creativity. From the pressures of unpredictable funding to the emotional toll on professionals, our conversation uncovers the gritty realities and profound rewards of nonprofit work. We delve into the shifts in leadership post-COVID-19 and the need for empathetic leadership and competitive salaries to keep nonprofit teams thriving and committed. Abigayle and I...

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David Watters, CEO of Simple and Engaging, joins us for an enlightening conversation about the powerful intersection of technology and nonprofit growth. Discover how nonprofits can unlock new levels of efficiency and impact by aligning tech solutions with their core missions. David shares his transformation from corporate project management to founding a company dedicated to guiding nonprofits through informed technology decisions. We promise you'll gain actionable insights on how to navigate operational challenges and enhance your organization's scalability by understanding what true growth entails and how to achieve it effectively. 

David W...

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Can strategic communication truly elevate a nonprofit's mission, or are there obstacles it simply can't overcome?  Joins us to unravel the complexities of communication in the nonprofit sector with Olga Woltman, founder of Lemon Skies. From the necessity of aligning messaging with organizational goals to the challenge of engaging donors without a clear mission, we navigate the nuances of effective communication strategies. Together, we examine the essential components of a holistic communication plan and emphasize the importance of understanding audience needs to tailor messages for maximum impact. In our exploration of communication channels, s...

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What happens when you transition from film school or youth ministry aspirations to a career in the nonprofit sector? In this episode, get ready to explore the journeys of Carrie Richards and Jamie Simmons, two passionate professionals who have embraced the nonprofit world with open arms. Carrie talks about her path from wanting to be a youth minister to becoming a dedicated nonprofit professional, while Jamie shares her shift from the creative realm of film school to the impactful work of nonprofit boards. Their stories challenge the common misconceptions about nonprofit careers, showcasing...

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Discover the secrets of sustainable giving with our guest Dave Raley! We tackle the significant shift in the nonprofit world towards a more structured approach to recurring donations, moving beyond the simplicity of a monthly giving button. Join us as we promise to enlighten you on how the subscription economy is reshaping donor expectations and why comprehensive sustainer programs are the future of nonprofit success.

Dave Raley is the founder of Imago Consulting, an advisory firm that helps organizations create growth through innovation. As a speaker and advisor, he has inspired...

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Join us as we explore the challenges nonprofits face with overwhelming data and outdated technology with insights from Erik Tomalis and Kevin Peters! Kevin reveals the story behind Avid's inception, born from his frustrations with traditional data analytics, while Eric shares his excitement about joining a company that has the power to unify disparate data systems. They discuss how Avid's tools provide actionable insights and streamline marketing efforts, setting the stage for enhanced decision-making and strategic operations within the nonprofit world. Tune in to discover how AI tools like Avid can complement human...

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Unlock the secrets to thriving partnerships in the nonprofit sector with Bart Lillie, Vice President of Partner Engagement at Synergy. Discover the journey that led Bart from nonprofit roles to the tech world and back to his true calling in partner engagement. Bart contrasts meaningful relationships with impersonal tactics like cold emails and LinkedIn spams, and he shares strategies for evaluating potential partners based on mutual resources and goals. Dive into the dynamics of sustainable nonprofit partnerships with Bart's expert advice on rallying around a shared mission and the art of reciprocation. This...

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Join us on a whole new season of podcasts with Meghan Speer, as nonprofit social media strategist Josi Garfield shares her inspiring journey from public relations to founding Branch Out Social, where she now dedicates her expertise solely to helping nonprofits thrive online. Josi offers creative, practical tips for repurposing existing content, like mission statements, to keep your nonprofit's social media presence vibrant and effective. Discover the powerful resurgence of authenticity in digital content and why embracing genuine, less-polished posts could be the game-changer for organizations with limited resources. And learn how to...

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Unlock the secrets of nonprofit fundraising with Meghan Speer, and insights from seasoned expert Kendell Stellfox. Together, we explore the nuanced art of engaging donors, particularly during critical periods like year-end giving. Kendell brings his wealth of experience to the table, emphasizing the importance of using technology wisely to foster a community of informed and cheerful givers, while also maintaining high ethical standards. Kendell shares compelling strategies for nonprofits to engage authentically with this demographic, focusing on culturally sensitive communication and the power of AI-assisted language translation. His insights reveal the immense loyalty...

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Ever wondered why your nonprofit's strategic plan isn't bringing about the change you hoped for? Join Meghan Speer as we promise to unlock the secrets to effective nonprofit strategic planning with Carol Hamilton, a true veteran in the field. In this episode, we dissect the real purpose of strategic planning and dismantle the myths that can lead organizations astray. Carol shares insights from her vast experience, offering guidance on navigating the common pitfalls nonprofits face. We explore how understanding your organization's current state and aligning its vision with achievable strategic priorities can pave...

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Ever wondered why scaling in the nonprofit sector feels like an uphill battle? Join me and Doug Paul, managing partner at Catapult, as we unpack the complexities of scaling nonprofit organizations and reveal the secrets to surmounting these challenges. With over two decades of experience, Doug provides invaluable insights into crafting a vision that is both aspirational and grounded in reality. We delve into the fascinating practice of "assumptions mapping," which helps identify potential pitfalls, ensuring all stakeholders share a clear understanding of the organization's starting point and objectives. Learn how to navigate...

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Discover the untapped potential of modern philanthropy with Meghan Speer featuring Rick Dunham, founder and chairman of Dunham Company, as we unravel the myths surrounding generational giving trends. Contrary to popular belief, younger generations, including Gen Z, are showing a vibrant engagement in philanthropy, though in diverse and innovative ways compared to their predecessors. Rick shares fascinating insights from the Generosity Commission's report, shedding light on how nonprofits can harness the synergistic power of giving and volunteering. He offers practical strategies that can help organizations, especially those like food banks, drastically cut operational...

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In the face of challenges like gentrification and burnout, how can nonprofits sustain a supportive culture? What role does strategic planning play in the success of a nonprofit organization? Journey with us as Meghan Speer explores this critical question with Sara Glover, the Chief Strategy Officer at Urban Impact Foundation. Sara's inspiring rise from administrative assistant to a strategic leadership role provides a rich backdrop for our discussion on the vital, often unnoticed, operational work that underpins effective ministry and nonprofit success. Through her lens, we uncover how operations involving HR...

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Discover what it truly takes to thrive in the nonprofit marketing world with Meghan Speer and special guest, Stephen Boudreau, the acclaimed host of the "Schmarketing" podcast. Stephen guides us through his vast experiences within the nonprofit tech space, touching on the need for clear communication strategies and how to leave outdated marketing trends behind as we head towards 2025. Promising a mix of humor and insight, we unpack the importance of adapting to change for achieving impactful results.

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Could AI be the game-changer nonprofits have been waiting for in the realm of fundraising? Join us as Meghan Speer sits with Griff Bohm, the co-founder of Give Momentum, shares his unique insights into the revolutionary role of AI in nonprofit operations. From his journey transitioning from academia to spearheading AI solutions, Griff challenges the status quo, suggesting that AI can go far beyond simple tasks like copywriting to fundamentally enhance strategies for major gifts. This episode promises to shed light on how traditional fundraising roles are evolving, providing a fresh...

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Craig Dennison, founder of Green Thumb Consulting, joins Meghan Speer to share his unique journey from musician to nonprofit leader, offering insights that resonate with anyone looking to balance passion and responsibility. Discover how Craig manages multiple roles within an organization without succumbing to burnout, especially during the demanding Q4 season. We explore the art of staying energized and focused, ensuring your nonprofit not only survives but thrives as we approach year-end giving—a critical time for many organizations.

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How can nonprofits leverage influencer marketing to create meaningful social change? Join us as Meghan Speer chats with Deanna Tomaselli from "The Motherhood". Deanna Tomaselli will share her expert insights on how influencers are transforming their roles from product promoters to advocates for important social causes. Discover how events of 2020, like the pandemic and social justice movements, have reshaped the influencer landscape, providing unique opportunities for nonprofits to raise awareness and support their missions.

Deanna Tomaselli is a results-driven, award winning communications professional with experience in consumer and B2...

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Want to discover how an unexpected job offer can change the trajectory of your career? Join us as we sit down with Jessi Marsh, the Senior Director of Creative Strategy at Dickerson Baker, who went from dreaming of a career in advertising to leading impactful nonprofit initiatives. Jessi’s journey takes us through her early days in volunteer coordination and case management, a life-altering move to Seattle, and her eventual return to Pittsburgh, where she now combines her advertising skills with nonprofit missions. Her story not only highlights the rewarding unpredictability of nonprofit wo...

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Ever wondered why your nonprofit's website exists and how it can become a powerful fundraising tool? Join us as Meghan Speer chats with George Wiener, founder and Chief Whaler of Whole Whale, who unveils his groundbreaking approach to digital strategies for nonprofits. Learn why having clear goals and understanding the purpose behind your digital actions are crucial steps to converting attention into meaningful support. This episode promises to unlock the secrets of data-driven decision-making and guide you through the essential steps to turn potential donors into committed supporters.

Discover effective frameworks...

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Curious about how cryptocurrency can revolutionize nonprofit fundraising? This episode is for you. Meghan Speer sits down with Pat Duffy, CEO and co-founder of The Giving Block, who unveils his journey from pharmaceuticals to pioneering crypto donations in the nonprofit world.  Discover how nonprofits can effortlessly convert crypto donations into US dollars, avoiding the technicalities of holding or trading cryptocurrencies, and learn practical strategies for integrating crypto into your fundraising toolkit. Don't miss this transformative conversation that could elevate your fundraising efforts to new heights.

Pat shares the compelling story of h...

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What if leadership isn't about having all the answers? Discover the power of embracing uncertainty with our special guest, Lisa Slayton, a former nonprofit leader who now thrives as a consultant and author. Join us as Lisa recounts her transformative journey from heading the a local Pittsburgh nonprofit to co-authoring "Life in Flux" with Michaela O'Donnell.

In this eye-opening episode, we challenge conventional problem-solving approaches by exploring the concept of "embracing the unfigureoutable." Lisa and I talk about the shift from solving problems to fostering curiosity, especially when facing complex, unsolvable...

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Wondering how to ensure the long-term sustainability of your nonprofit? Our latest episode with philanthropy expert Mike Goorhouse dives into the often-overlooked world of planned giving strategies. Mike joins host Meghan Speer to share his journey from a youth grantmaker to leading a philanthropic consulting company, revealing why delayed gratification is essential for securing your mission's future. Learn how to make strategic asks that promise future rewards, even when the immediate benefits are not visible. From creative approaches to measurable metrics, this episode offers actionable steps to foster estate gift commitments, ensuring your...

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Social media platforms can be enjoyable, but are not always beneficial for building diverse communities, as younger generations are often not actively engaged with the content nonprofits are putting out. Younger generations seem to want to be generous, but don’t often use social platforms for that kind of connection. Is it due to the fraudulent past of some organizations? Is it because older organizations have more credibility than younger ones? In this episode, host Meghan Speer chats with John Del Bello about his proposal to build the first-ever Social Philanthropic platform, which wi...

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Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) are becoming more and more prevalent in the nonprofit space, and it is becoming increasingly crucial for nonprofits to understand this method of giving. What is a DAF? What are the advantages of donating through DAFs in a world where credit card usage is more convenient? How can you accommodate donors who are looking to use this new means of supporting your mission? Learn about the motivations behind your donors who are switching to DAFs, the benefits of DAFs for your nonprofit organization, and the latest strategies for accommodating...

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Starting a nonprofit organization is a daunting task, and it can be easy to feel stuck when all the obstacles in the way of turning your passion into an organization lie before you. How can you transform a vision into a real nonprofit? How can you make a difference in your community without the funding that bigger organizations may have? Learn about how your nonprofit organization can play a role in supporting and strengthening your community, no matter how big or small your organization may be. On this episode, host Meghan Speer sits...

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Everyone in the nonprofit space is talking about Google Grants and how to get one for your nonprofit organization. But how do you use a Google Grant to its fullest potential once you’ve been approved for the grant? How can you build an effective search campaign to bring people to your website? How can you convert clicks to donations? Learn about strategies and best practices for getting the most out of your Google Grant. On this episode, host Meghan Speer sits down with Sean Littman to discuss the importance of thinking outside of...

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As your organization grows, all-in-one solutions may not be offering everything that your organization needs. How can you determine when it’s time to drop the all-in-one solutions and search for more fitting single point solutions? How can you motivate a shift from an all-in-one solution that your organization has been using for a long time? Learn about all the benefits of more specialized, single point solutions for your nonprofit operations and the importance of graduating from all-in-one solutions that are limiting you and your team. On this episode, host Meghan Speer sits do...

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It’s time to stop being satisfied with “well, that’s how it’s always been.” How can you help move an organization forward that seems to be stuck in place as a leader in the organization or as just a member of the team? How can you create proactive strategies that allow for necessary change in a world that is always changing? Learn how to get started with breaking through stagnation and creating sustainable change in your organization that will allow for greater growth and success. On this episode, host Meghan Speer sits down...

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How can you mold your leadership strategies to create a culture of generosity in your nonprofit organization that allows for strong relationships with donors and with every member of your team? How can you implement important principles into the day-to-day operations of your organization that creates a culture for growth, authenticity, and comradery? Learn how to break down walls between different groups of your team, stay connected to your cause through adopting a willingness to get shoulder-to-shoulder with people, and become a model of transparency and authenticity as a leader in your organization...

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How can you ensure that you are dedicating the most time to the aspects of your life and work that you care about the most? How can you create an environment that allows your team to prioritize what they care about most while also maintaining productivity? Learn how to effectively prioritize your goals and encourage your team members to prioritize theirs as well by recognizing where you currently are and drawing a plan for how to get to your desired destination. On this episode, host Meghan Speer sits down with Nicole Smithee to...

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As presidential elections grow nearer, how much should your organization change your marketing strategy and how much should you keep the same? How can you make your attempts to connect with new and old donors stand out among the rush of emails, text messages, and direct mail that comes with election season? Learn about how to navigate through an election year and how to avoid common mistakes that nonprofit organizations make during this time. On this episode, host Meghan Speer sits down with Jeff Kruszyna and Joel Baugher to discuss strategies for nonprofit...

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Whether it’s an interview about the life of one of the people your organization is helping or a discussion with your donors about the motivations behind their support for your cause, the ability to capture and communicate a story is crucial to the success of your organization. So how do you enhance your storytelling abilities and improve the stories that your organization tells? How can you tell the story of the present while also inviting your audience to play a role in a possible story for the future? On this episode, host Me...

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How much time do you spend on your organization’s finances? Are you confident that you have the correct processes in place to manage your finances as efficiently and effectively as possible? Finances should be a path towards your mission, not an obstacle in front of it. Learn about all the benefits of developing your finance management processes to optimize your time and resources. On this episode, host Meghan Speer sits down with Alexis Becker to discuss the world of modern finance management and the outsourcing possibilities for nonprofit organizations.

Alexis Be...

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Has your social media content felt repetitive and robotic lately? Are you and your organization looking for a way to refresh your social media content and maximize your social media presence? Influencer marketing may be the refreshment that your social media pages need. Learn how to humanize your message by tapping into the potential of social media influencers who have audiences that are interested in your organization and its purpose! On this episode, host Meghan Speer sits down with Ryan Davis and Mel to discuss the world of influencer marketing and the doors...

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Are all of your marketing efforts worth the time and money you pour into them? How do you get the best results from your marketing campaigns and optimize the use of your resources? Learn how to break through the dead-ends of ineffective and unproductive marketing that does not benefit your organization and saps you of time and money that you could be using elsewhere. On this episode, host Meghan Speer sits down with Lindsay LaShall to discuss three of her courses that are available on the Nonprofit Hub website for you. These courses...

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What is the best way to convince someone to donate to your organization? How can you maintain relationships with donors to bring in more donations from them in the future? These questions are crucial to the success and long-term growth of organizations, and the answers are not always simple! On this episode, host Meghan Speer sits down with Matt Hussey to discuss strategies for persuading people to donate and maintaining long-term relationships with donors through the power of storytelling.

Matthew Hussey is the Lead Strategist & Founder. Throughout his career, he has...

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One of the biggest challenges a nonprofit leader can face is managing their team. When you have a diverse group of people from multiple generations who all come with their own unique communication styles, motivations, and life experiences, it can be tough to bridge those gaps. On today's episode, host Meghan Speer sits down with Kate Viana from Nontoxic Nonprofits to discuss everything leaders need to understand about these different generations and how to manage them effectively. 

Kate's odyssey in nonprofit communications and marketing spans over a decade, evolving from a d...

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Can your leadership, board, and key audiences rattle off your organization's mission statement? Maybe, but not likely. Can they each tell you what your organization is about? Probably, but based on their perspective you can get a wide variety of answers. This is why clarity and simplicity is so key when it comes to nonprofit marketing! On this episode, host Meghan Speer sits down with Wes Gay to talk about the importance of clarifying you marketing messages. A must-listen episode for anyone in marketing or development and a great one to share with...

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What would happen to your fundraising strategy if you knew your donors beyond their names and addresses? What would happen if you could understand their passions, connections, and social circles? For many organizations, this would be a game changer in influencing how marketing dollars are spent and how messages are crafted. With the new options available to AI, this idea is now within easy reach and on this episode host Meghan Speer sits down with Moshe Hecht to talk about how AI can up your fundraising game.

A philanthropic futurist and...

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If the average person looked at their bank statement for the month, how many subscriptions do you think they would find? Between streaming services, delivery services, and apps, it's probably more than we realize! The subscription mindset has taken over our society and in today's episode host Meghan Speer sits down with Dave Raley to talk about how nonprofits can increase their recurring giving through it.

As a consultant, speaker, writer, and founder of Imago Consulting, Dave Raley works with leaders who recognize the importance of innovation as a path to...

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Anyone who works in fundraising dreams of a world where everyone automatically cares about and supports their mission without even having to be asked, but that is just not our reality. In our actual world, donors are people who have lives and jobs and responsibilities and even if they do want to support the mission, they don't want to be treated like an ATM machine. This is where the importance of providing value back to donors comes in. In today's episode Meghan Speer sits down with Brad Davies to discuss the importance of...

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There are plenty of personality profile tests out there. From Meyers Briggs to the Enneagram to Strengths Finders to DISC, the list can go on and on. These tools can be a great way to get to know yourself better and a great tool for team building... if you actually use and learn from them! On today's episode, Meghan sits down with Jon Sarles to talk about the importance of emotional intelligence for leaders, the science behind why these tools help, and the growth an organization can have when the leader knows their...

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When it comes to choosing  a system to manage donors, relationships, and donations effectively, and the results can be overwhelming! A quick Google search of "nonprofit CRM systems" will give you more options that you could have imagined, and each one sounds like it could be the answer to all of your development woes. It can be a dauting task to find the right one, but today's episode may help you do just that! Nonprofit Hub Radio podcast host Meghan Speer sits down with our guest Christine Robertson to look at questions everyone s...

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 The relationship between a CEO or ED at a nonprofit and the folks on their Board of Directors can be one of the most critical for any organization’s success, but that also means it can be a tough one to manage well. On today’s episode, Meghan sits down with Tim Kachuriak to talk about what it looks like to serve well on the board and how key leaders can manage those relationships. Tim gives some great tips for a thriving board! Take a listen and pass it along to your board today...

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It’s easy to get caught up in thinking we’re headed for a Jetson’s-like reality when someone starts talking about AI and how it can help us in our work and daily lives. In this case though, we’re not talking about robots who will do you house chores, but more about the productivity AI can bring. On today’s episode, Meghan sits down with Nils Smith to talk about AI, Chat GPT, and other tools that can help us all be more efficient in our work and how to make sure you a...

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Sometimes in the nonprofit space it can tend to feel like a competition where your organization is fighting against all the others for those donation dollars and grant money or to provide the services better than the organization down the street. But it doesn’t have to be like that! This week, Meghan sits down with Maggie Johnson Richardson to talk about how organizations can collaborate and work together to move their respective causes forward. 

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In this episode, Meghan Speer, host of the Nonprofit Hub Radio podcast, interviews another Megan! Our guest, Megan Donahue shares her wisdom about tweaks and simple things that nonprofits can do to improve messaging. 

Megan talks about her ideas on improving letters and email acknowledgments,  how to sound personable in communication, and how to move away from organization-centric messaging and toward donor and audience-focused messaging. 

Megan Donahue is a writer and nonprofit communications consultant, focused on helping organizations create content that connects with their audiences. She specializes in finding the...

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Nonprofit Leadership Under the Microscope

What traits do you associate with strong nonprofit leadership? Confidence? Persistence? Assertiveness?

In speaking with our latest guest, Trent Dunham,  the president and CEO of Dunham+Company, we learned that essential nonprofit leadership traits are often much more humbling.

Trent upens up about how his leadership grew as a result of accepting tough feedback, questioning himself, and pausing for reflection. His prevailing mantras "humble aggressiveness, patience, and honor" have helped orient him through the h...

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How do Plato's models of persuasion hold up with respect to direct email marketing over 2,400 years later? According to our guest Derek Scott, pretty reliably!

People who see poor results with their direct email marketing campaigns usually make at least one of the following mistakes. 

1) They fail to segment their donors when they should be rewarding the most consistent ones and recalibrating for the MIA ones.

2) They excessively manufacture a sense of urgency to the point that recipients are numb to c...

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How can we be more engaged and authentic in our professional lives?
Amidst a slew of excellent advice our Guest Bethany Cranfield shares in this latest episode, two mantras stand out.

First, we must keep "All bars on green" meaning we optimize our professional practices so that they don't evaporate our energy by day's end. We can do this by prioritizing self-care, but also by setting professional boundaries in ways that might make us uncomfortable at first. Especially if we are habitual overachievers!

The second is that we "...

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"There's no excuse for not knowing a little bit more than you do right now about your audiences." (Ben Smithee)

In 2024, transparency and adaptability are more essential than ever for the survival of your brand. 

Transparency, because stakeholders have so many options to pick from that if your marketing material fails to clearly outline what you are offering and what they must do to obtain it, they will distrust you and switch to your competitors. Adaptability, because easy access to information about global pandemics, contentious elections, and technological upheavals p...

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If you have been to a nonprofit event or conference in the last few years, chances are you've run into Erik Tomalis from Virtuous. Maybe you've even been in one of his famous LinkedIn selfies. His passion for helping grow generosity is unmatched, and he speaks and shares across the country to help industry professionals do their best work. Erik joins Meghan on the podcast today to talk about practical steps you can take this year to make donor personalization a priority in 2024 by working on your segmentation and listening. He shares some...

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It's a new year and a new chapter for the Nonprofit Hub Podcast! We are excited to kick off the new podcast season by introducing you to your new hosts, Meghan Speer and Cara Godlesky. Both of these ladies share a passion for supporting the nonprofit community and are looking forward to a season of great interviews full of helpful, actionable content. Listen to meet the ladies!

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James Thorne is a passionate creator dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and communities through entrepreneurial opportunities. In a career that has spanned a range of industries—from hospitality to ministry, from filmmaking to marketing and business coaching—James has managed teams, led departments, and built several businesses from the ground up. 

Tune into this episode to hear James talk about creating relationships with donors that last, how to create a smooth donation process, and how to add value to email campaigns to secure more donations. 

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