Podcast
Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell
Hosted by Julia Campbell · EN
Ready for some real talk about nonprofits? Julia Campbell sits down with industry experts and practitioners to get advice on the best ways to build a thriving movement and a vibrant, passionate community around a cause.
Topics include fundraising, storytelling, and marketing of course - but it also dives into mental health issues, leadership strategy, digital wellness, and much more. Julia's guests share practical wisdom, entertaining stories, and real-world tips that will help you strategize, plan, and grow your nonprofit.
You never know exactly what you’re going to learn when you tune into Nonprofit Nation, but you can be assured that it will be worth your valuable time and attention.
Nonprofit Nation is hosted by Julia Campbell, digital marketing and fundraising expert, nonprofit consultant, and author of Storytelling in the Digital Age: A Guide for Nonprofits and How to Build and Mobilize a Social Media Community for Your Nonprofit in 90 Days.
Julia helps nonprofits build movements, and in her work she teaches nonprofits how to build community, audience and raise influence on social media channels.
Be sure to click the subscribe button on Apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
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How AI Can Help Year-End Fundraising Overwhelm with Tommy Vacek
Nov 1000:38:36Summary ready🪷Nonprofit Nation is supported by Bloomerang. Download their 12 Year-End Fundraising Checklists and get helpful templates to help you raise more. 🪷 This episode was recorded live on LinkedIn. The final months of the year can feel like a sprint—and for nonprofit fundraisers, it’s often a marathon on top of that. Between Giving Tuesday, holiday campaigns, and meeting year-end goals, teams are juggling outreach, reporting, donor stewardship, and internal pressure to perform with limited resources.But what if fundraisers could move from a place of overwhelm to a sense of abundance—not by working harder, but by working smarter?In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, we’re diving into the power and possibility of AI with Tommy Vacek, Chief Technology Officer at Bloomerang. Tommy brings a unique perspective to this conversation—not only as a tech leader, but as someone deeply invested in building tools that amplify, not replace, human effort in the nonprofit sector.Together, we explore how AI can become a trusted ally to fundraisers, especially during the high-pressure year-end season. From practical ways AI can lighten the lift—like automating repetitive tasks or drafting donor communications—to more strategic considerations around ethics and human connection, this conversation is full of actionable insights for nonprofit leaders looking to embrace AI with confidence and clarity.Tommy also shares a behind-the-scenes look at how Bloomerang is approaching AI within its own platform, and how the company is working to ensure its tools are aligned with the values and real-world challenges of the fundraising community.🔍 We Discuss:Why year-end fundraising is a perfect test case for smart AI implementationReal-world examples of how AI can support donor segmentation, appeal writing, and campaign optimizationHow nonprofit professionals can upskill to stay ahead of the AI curveEthical considerations and how to keep technology aligned with trust and transparencyA sneak peek into how Bloomerang is integrating AI in ways that empower, not overwhelm, fundraising teams🧰 Resources & Links:Learn more about Bloomerang's AI tool: https://bloomerang.com/blog/meet-penny/Connect with Tommy Vacek on LinkedIn 🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars. Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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We Are Leaving $52 Billion On The Table with Woodrow Rosenbaum
Nov 500:36:39Summary ready💰 What if the nonprofit sector could help grow giving by $52 billion every year?That’s not a pie-in-the-sky projection. It’s the real, data-backed opportunity uncovered by Woodrow Rosenbaum, Chief Data Officer at GivingTuesday, in their latest research from GivingTuesday Data Commons: Growing Giving: How Nonprofits Can Unlock Billions in Generosity.In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Woodrow joins me to share insights that every nonprofit leader, fundraiser, and strategist needs to hear. Drawing from the GivingTuesday Data Commons, which spans 2,000+ collaborators and 150+ data providers around the world, he reveals how to activate hidden giving potential, reach donors who are ready to say "yes," and build lasting generosity in your community.🔍 Together, we explore:Why year-end giving is just the tip of the icebergHow recurring giving could be supercharged with smarter acquisitionThe powerful potential of simply “asking” the unaskedThe role of data in building community-centered impactWhat’s next for the GivingTuesday movement and the Data Commons💼 About Woodrow RosenbaumAs Chief Data Officer for GivingTuesday, Woodrow has been instrumental in shaping the global generosity movement and has led ground-breaking research and analysis of individual giving behaviors. He leads the GivingTuesday Data Commons, bringing together a coalition of more than 2,000 collaborators coordinated through eight working groups as well as data teams around the world to understand the drivers and impacts of generosity to inspire more giving of all types. Woodrow brings expertise in moving markets and transforming audiences from passive participants to active and vocal ambassadors. Woodrow is also the founder of With Intent Strategies, an international agency specializing in brand reimagination.Woodrow was a member of the Generosity Commission Research Task Force, is a past Co-Chair for Global Impact Canada’s Board of Directors where he now serves as strategic advisor, and was previously a Fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School.🧰 Resources & Links:Growing Giving ReportGivingTuesday Data CommonsTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
SummaryHow to Engage Women Donors With Jaqueline Ackerman
Oct 3100:33:02Summary readyWhy do women give — and what truly inspires them to give more? In this powerful episode of Nonprofit Nation, I’m joined by Jacqueline Ackerman, Director of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.and a leading voice in gender and philanthropy. With a background shaped by early experiences in Haiti and a career grounded in rigorous research, Jacqueline shares why understanding how women give is just as important as how much they give.If you’re not segmenting, stewarding, and storytelling with women in mind, you’re not just missing out on donations — you’re missing the opportunity to build a more inclusive and sustainable culture of philanthropy.💡 Key Topics:Why women give and why it’s important to understandThe biggest myths and blind spots nonprofits have about women donorsHow to use storytelling to build trust and deepen engagementWhat it means to create a gender-inclusive fundraising strategyHow fundraisers can apply an intersectional lens to their workReal examples of how WPI research has helped nonprofits grow giving🔍 About Jacqueline AckermanJacqueline Ackerman is Director of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. WPI believes that gender matters in philanthropy, and that solving the world’s complex problems requires perspective, leadership and generosity from women and men. Jacqueline’s work centers on moving the institute’s research into action, delivering insights to donors, fundraisers and sector leaders that grow women’s giving and deepen fundraisers’ engagements with female donors. Over the last decade, Jacqueline has led WPI’s research agenda, including serving as primary author on most of WPI’s research reports. Jacqueline joined the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy in 2012 after earning a Master of Public Affairs from the Indiana University O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington. She was raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and resides in Bethesda, MD.🧰 Resources & Links:Explore the Women’s Philanthropy Institute: https://philanthropy.indianapolis.iu.edu/institutes/womens-philanthropy-institute/about/index.htmlAccess WPI’s latest research reports: https://philanthropy.indianapolis.iu.edu/institutes/womens-philanthropy-institute/research/index.htmlConnect with Jacqueline Ackerman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelineackerman/Learn more from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy: https://philanthropy.indianapolis.iu.edu/index.htmlTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
SummaryFinding Your Place In The Movement: A Conversation with Rachel D’Souza
Oct 2700:41:43Summary readyThis episode was recorded live on LinkedIn. Join me and Rachel at the all-virtual, free Nonprofit Social Media Summit November 18-19! What does it mean to be a changemaker in today’s nonprofit world — and how do we take that spirit onto social media, and even into the halls of government?In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Rachel D’Souza, founder of Gladiator Consulting and a leading voice in community-centric fundraising, joins Nonprofit Nation to talk about changemaking, systems transformation, and her next big leap: a run for public office in Missouri.Rachel is currently a candidate for the Missouri House of Representatives (District 79), bringing her deep experience in nonprofit leadership, racial equity, and social justice to the legislative arena. From organizational healing to fundraising with integrity, Rachel has long been committed to reshaping the sector — and now she’s taking that commitment to the ballot.We also preview Rachel’s upcoming keynote at the 2025 Nonprofit Social Media Summit, where she’ll be sharing tools for navigating power, privilege, and purpose in a digital world.In This Episode:What it really means to be a changemaker todayHow to navigate the tension between tradition and transformation in nonprofitsThe intersection of nonprofit leadership and political advocacyWhy community-centric fundraising still matters more than everHow nonprofit leaders can engage in healing work within organizational culturesA sneak peek at Rachel’s keynote at the Nonprofit Social Media Summit🧰 Resources & Links:🔗 Learn more about Rachel and her work at Gladiator Consulting🎟️ Register for the Nonprofit Social Media Summit 🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars. Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!Ready to join them? Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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From Vacant Spaces to Vibrant Places with Kathleen Guillaume-Delemar
Oct 2200:34:18Summary readyIn this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I welcome Kathleen Jeanette Guillaume-Delemar, President and CEO of the Center for Community Progress. With more than 20 years of leadership in community development and philanthropy, Kathleen is driving bold, equity-centered solutions to end and prevent property vacancy nationwide.From her historic role as the first Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latina, Haitian American elected to the Glenarden City Council to her current work shaping national policy, Kathleen’s journey is both inspiring and instructive. She shares how Community Progress builds partnerships, communicates impact, and mobilizes policymakers, funders, and practitioners toward transformative change.If you’re a nonprofit leader, marketer, or fundraiser, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas on:How to tell compelling stories that make systemic issues like vacancy urgent and relatable.Building partnerships that align with both local needs and national priorities.Elevating equity and justice in your messaging and fundraising.Inspiring donors and stakeholders to see themselves as part of lasting community revitalization.💡 Key Topics:Why property vacancy is more than a housing issue—it’s a nonprofit issue tied to racial, economic, and community justice.How to frame complex problems for funders, policymakers, and partners in ways that motivate action.Practical strategies for connecting local voices with national platforms.Lessons in leadership, authenticity, and resilience that nonprofit professionals can apply in their own work.🔍 About Kathleen Guillaume-DelemarKathleen Jeanette Guillaume-Delemar is the President and CEO of the Center for Community Progress. Commanding over two decades of distinguished leadership in community development and philanthropy, she brings to the organization visionary leadership that drives transformative, equitable change to end and prevent property vacancy and revitalize communities across the nation.With a deep personal connection to the harm vacant properties cause a community, Guillaume-Delemar has focused her career on addressing injustice, working on issues including community revitalization, affordable housing, and combatting homelessness. At Community Progress, she motivates policymakers, funders, and partners to take innovative, human-centered approaches to tackling property vacancy. This includes Community Progress’ work to bring practitioners together through the National Land Bank Network, to create pipelines for more developers of color, and to help cities and states pass equitable policies to address decades of disinvestment disproportionately harming Black and Brown communities. She is proud to use her platform to elevate diversity and equity in community development.🧰 Resources & Links:Learn more about the Center for Community ProgressExplore the National Land Bank NetworkConnect with Kathleen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-guillaume-delemar/Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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How to Raise Money with Newsletters with Julie Edwards
Oct 1500:39:00Summary ready🪷Nonprofit Nation is supported by Bloomerang. Download their free Ultimate Guide to GivingTuesday and get helpful templates to help you raise more on the biggest day of the year for new donor acquisition. 🪷Is the print newsletter dead? Not so fast. In this episode, I’m joined by Julie Edwards, also known as The Nonprofit Maven, a fundraising strategist and coach who helps organizations move from reactive chaos to strategic clarity. Julie shares a real-world case study where one mid-size nonprofit reimagined their print newsletter and saw a 55% increase in giving.🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:Why donor-focused storytelling beats internal updatesWhat direct mail best practices can boost newsletter ROIHow to evaluate whether a purchased mailing list makes senseTips to refresh old fundraising tactics with new energyWhy it’s time to stop saying, “Our donors don’t give that way”Whether you’re a one-person dev shop or leading a full team, this episode will help you rethink how you connect with supporters and the type of communication that you give to them. 🔍 About Julie EdwardsJulie Edwards is a nonprofit strategist with 30+ years of experience in copywriting, marketing communications, and fundraising. After a decade of leading a nonprofit organization, she launched The Nonprofit Maven in 2020 and has since helped clients raise over $20 million. Known for turning reactive chaos into strategic clarity, Julie brings a practical, donor-centric approach to fundraising strategy, donor relations, and campaign management. She partners with nonprofit leaders to create clear, effective plans that strengthen donor relationships, increase revenue, and build sustainable growth.🧰 Resources & Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieedwards/ Get on the Maven Mailing List!🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars. Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!Ready to join them? Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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How to Build a Community Ambassador Program with Tasha Van Vlack
Oct 800:44:38Summary readyWhat if your most powerful advocates are already inside your community — and just waiting for you to activate them?In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell talks with Tasha Van Vlack, community builder, engagement strategist, and founder of The Nonprofit Hive, about how nonprofit organizations can create impactful community ambassador programs without burning out their teams or breaking the bank.Tasha breaks down how to recruit, support, and amplify mission-aligned advocates like volunteers, staff, and board members. Whether you’re looking to boost your marketing reach, improve retention, or build long-term sustainability, this conversation is packed with practical strategies for using community engagement as a growth engine — not just a feel-good extra.🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:Why “micro-influencers” in your own community are more powerful than you thinkWhat a community ambassador program really looks like (and how to start small)How to create social media toolkits and storytelling prompts that ambassadors will actually useBest practices for recognition and motivation beyond “thank-you” emailsWhat shifts when nonprofits center community instead of just transactions🔍 About Tasha Van VlackTasha is a dedicated nonprofit superfan, community builder, and engagement strategist with a passion for fostering meaningful connections in the social impact sector. As the Founder and Chief Engagement Officer of The Nonprofit Hive, Tasha has been working to create a thriving space where nonprofit professionals, consultants, and changemakers come together to collaborate, share insights, and elevate their work🧰 Resources & Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tasha-van-vlack/ Website: https://thenonprofithive.com/ Beyond fundraising: How building community strengthens nonprofit sustainabilityhttps://communityhives.com/shareable-community-growth-trust-engagement/Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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Giving Is Back: Insights from the 2025 Giving USA Report with Wendy McGrady
Oct 100:36:52Summary readyThe numbers don’t lie - 2024 was a record-breaking year for charitable giving. But are you actually feeling it this year? And what does it mean for 2026?I talk with Wendy McGrady, President and COO of The Curtis Group, and Chair of Giving USA Foundation, to break down insights from the newly released Giving USA 2025 Annual Report. With giving up 6.3% and outpacing inflation for the first time in three years, fundraisers have reason to be optimistic — but also strategic.We unpack what’s really behind the numbers, how donor behavior is evolving post-pandemic, and how nonprofit marketers can turn these insights into better messaging, stronger relationships, and more sustainable funding.🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:The economic tailwinds that fueled the recent giving surgeChanging donor behavior and emerging giving patternsHow to message hope and legacy in a divided, uncertain timeWays to adapt to federal funding cuts through stronger philanthropyWhy now is the moment to deepen — not just diversify — donor engagement🔍 About Wendy McGradyWendy McGrady is President and Chief Operating Officer of The Curtis Group, a fundraising consulting firm serving a diverse group of nonprofit clients across the United States. For more than 35 years, Wendy has served as a leader in her firm, in her community and in the philanthropic sector.In addition to her recent appointment as Chair of the Giving USA Foundation, she has led local and statewide groups of fundraising professionals, and she has been recognized for her work in the business community as well as by her peers in advancement and fundraising. Even though most of her work takes place behind the scenes, coaching senior staff and volunteers of her nonprofit clients, she is also a sought-after presenter and frequently shares her experience and expertise with those in the field. She is driven by results and inspired by integrity and the importance of every relationship.In her community, she has served as a board leader of several nonprofits. Wendy is a former community college development officer and believes strongly in the power of education to enhance lives. Wendy is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Hollins University and has served on the University’s Alumnae Board.🧰 Resources & Links:Full Report: Giving USA 2025Learn more about Wendy: Wendy McGrady – Giving USATake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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Reconnecting With Your Mission’s Biggest Fans with Gustavo Zylberberg
Sep 2400:35:44Summary readyWhat if your nonprofit’s most passionate supporters aren’t new donors or current volunteers, but the people who were part of your mission years ago?In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I talk with Gustavo Zylberberg, founder of Vitalcy, an AI-powered engagement platform built to help nonprofits reconnect with the former staff, members, and donors who still care deeply but may have fallen off the radar.Gustavo shares his journey from physical therapy and finance to launching a tech platform focused on community, storytelling, and long-term connection. We explore why re-engaging your extended community can unlock surprising value - and how AI can help make that possible without adding extra work for your team.🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:Why your former members, staff, and donors might be your greatest untapped assetHow Vitalcy uses AI to automate personalized re-engagementLessons learned from working with camps, Hillels, and Boys & Girls ClubsEthical considerations around using AI in nonprofit outreachWhat nonprofits can do today to start rebuilding relationships with their alumni communityWhy community isn’t just about who’s here now — it’s also about who helped get you here💡 About Gustavo ZylberbergGustavo Zylberberg is a mission-driven entrepreneur with a background in both the nonprofit and business worlds. He’s the founder of Vitalcy, an AI-powered platform that helps organizations reconnect with former members, donors, and staff without adding extra work to their teams.Earlier in his career, he led strategy and finance at a growing company, helping guide it through a period of meaningful growth and impact. He also holds a doctorate in physical therapy, and his work has consistently centered around community, storytelling, and building things that last.Gustavo approaches every project with curiosity and a strong belief in learning from others. He’s grateful to be part of conversations that push important ideas forward.🧰 Resources & Links:Learn more: vitalcy.comConnect with Gustavo on LinkedInEmail: gustavo@vitalcy.comTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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How to Tell Powerful Stories, Ethically with Carly Euler
Sep 1700:36:32Summary readyHow can nonprofits tell powerful, compelling stories without compromising the dignity of the people they serve?In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I welcome Carly Euler, Marketing Director at MemoryFox and creator of the Ethical Storytelling Report. With a rich background in fundraising, marketing, and communications across organizations like the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester and the BOMA Project, Carly has seen firsthand how storytelling can both uplift and unintentionally harm.We dive into Carly’s recent article, “I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me: Stories Can Be Ethical & Still Raise Funds,” and unpack the fundraising industry’s overreliance on trauma-driven narratives. Carly shares a powerful personal moment that reshaped how she approaches storytelling, and offers tangible strategies for nonprofit professionals who want to center consent, agency, and dignity while still driving results.🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:Why “trauma-forward” storytelling is so common—and so problematicThe key elements of ethical storytellingHighlights from the 2023 Ethical Storytelling ReportHow to give story subjects real agency (even on a small budget)Building trust and long-term relationships through dignified narratives🧰 Resources & LinksWeb: https://www.memoryfox.io/ethical-storytelling/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carly-euler-53a0b776/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carly_memfox 2024 MemoryFox Ethical Storytelling Report 🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars. Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!Ready to join them? Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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