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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Episodes
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How to Fundraise with Email with Amanda Nicholson
Sep 1000:34:54Summary readyIn this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I’m joined by Amanda Nicholson, an email fundraising strategist with a background in special education and a deep commitment to advocacy and social justice. With nearly four years of experience helping nonprofits close critical fundraising gaps, Amanda brings a unique, mission-centered approach to digital strategy.We explore why email remains one of the most powerful tools in a nonprofit’s toolkit—and how to use it more authentically and effectively in 2025. Amanda shares practical insights on building strong donor relationships, writing compelling email sequences, and designing donation pages that actually convert. Whether you're a small shop or a seasoned fundraising team, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can put to work right away.🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:Why email is still a top-performing fundraising channel in 2025How to strengthen donor relationships through your email listCrafting strategic, authentic copy that reflects your missionBest practices for formatting fundraising pages that convertPost-donation engagement strategies to keep donors connected🔍 About Amanda NicholsonAmanda is an email fundraising strategist and consultant who empowers nonprofits to turn idle supporters into ambitious ambassadors for their mission. Amanda has a background in special education but switched to copywriting and digital marketing in 2021 during her maternity leave.She has collaborated with many nonprofits in teaching roles and now applies her skills and advocacy in a space that helps nonprofits advance their mission. She specializes in creating email fundraising strategies that focus on donor stewardship and keep the organization's mission front and center, with a strong passion for organizations dedicated to sustainability, social justice, and equity.💼 Resources and LinksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-nicholson-20a23a225/ Website: https://amandanicholson.com/ How Nonprofits Can Build Strong Donor Relations: 5-Day Email ChallengeM + R BenchmarksLiz Wilcox’s Email Marketing Membership Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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AI Prompts That Help Nonprofits Do More With Less with Faigy Gilder
Sep 300:35:14Summary readyIn this episode of Nonprofit Nation, we’re joined by Faigy Gilder, a nonprofit digital marketing strategist with over 15 years of experience helping small organizations punch above their weight. With an MPA and a passion for practical, no-fluff strategies, Faigy specializes in teaching AI workflows tailored specifically to the unique challenges nonprofit professionals face.Whether you’re overwhelmed by limited resources or looking for smarter ways to write, market, and fundraise, Faigy shares actionable techniques using free or low-cost AI tools — all without needing to be tech-savvy.💡Tune in to learn how to:Audience research and personas using deep research mode, AI transcripts, and custom botsGenerating compelling grant narratives using AI to research, outline, and draftIdeating and planning marketing content that resonates using your brand voice and content pillars (both generated with the help of AI)And explore even more ways AI can boost your impactThis is a must-listen for any nonprofit leader ready to save time, streamline content creation, and make AI their newest team member.🔍 About Faigy GilderFaigy Gilder, MPA, transforms how nonprofits tell their stories. With over 15 years in digital marketing strategy, she partners with mission-driven organizations to amplify their impact without overwhelming their teams. Through strategic consults, targeted projects, and ongoing fractional support, Faigy helps nonprofits cut through the noise and connect authentically with their audiences. Recognizing that nonprofit teams are stretched thin, she specializes in integrating AI and automation into workflows—freeing organizations from time-consuming tasks so they can focus on what matters most: their mission. Her approach ensures that even resource-strapped teams can compete in today's digital landscape while staying true to their values.💼 Resources & LinksVisit SmallOrgComms.com/Nation to find custom GPTs you can use today and explore Faigy’s strategic and fractional services for your organization.Connect with Faigy on LinkedIn.Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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How to Stop Nonprofit Burnout with Megan Whitney
Aug 2700:36:04Summary readyWhat if nonprofit burnout isn’t inevitable—but preventable?This week on Nonprofit Nation, we’re joined by Megan Whitney—nonprofit leader, coach, and mindfulness guide—who’s on a mission to help changemakers stop sacrificing their well-being for the work.After an 18-year career in the sector—and burning out a decade ago—Megan realized that passion alone isn’t enough. Now, through 1:1 coaching, team workshops, and guided meditations on Insight Timer, she equips nonprofit professionals with tools to release stress, regulate emotions, and build a culture of collective care.In this episode, Megan shares how she turned her own burnout into a blueprint for resilience. We explore how to embed mindfulness into daily routines, why self-compassion is a leadership skill, and what it takes to create nonprofit cultures where rest is not just allowed—but encouraged.Whether you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or trying to support a team that is—this conversation offers both practical tools and permission to pause.💡 Topics We Cover:Why burnout is not a personal failure—but a structural issueThe “Minute to Arrive” practice and how to use it anywhereHow to shift from grind culture to a culture of careEmbedding mindfulness without overhauling your calendarReframing from being “busy” to being “full”Tools from Megan’s free Burnout Prevention KitWhat leaders can do to model emotional intelligenceCreating ripple effects with mindful micro‑practices🧰 Resources & Links:Download the Burnout Prevention KitFollow Megan on Insight TimerConnect with Megan 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 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 Philanthropy Can Step Up In This Moment with Sherece West-Scantlebury
Aug 2000:36:26Summary readyWhat does it take to lead with purpose in philanthropy today? How can foundations lead in moments of political uncertainty or during periods of reduced federal support for nonprofits?As nonprofits across the country face political and financial pressures—from policy rollbacks to funding cuts—the role of foundations has never been more critical. In this episode, Dr. Sherece West-Scantlebury, President & CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, joins us to reflect on how philanthropy can lead in uncertain times. With decades of experience in public policy, community development, and systems change, Dr. West-Scantlebury shares how WRF is leaning into its 50-year legacy to support nonprofits through advocacy, trust-based funding, and bold, equity-focused strategies.For nonprofit leaders navigating a shifting landscape, this conversation offers insight into how to build power, communicate with clarity, and partner with funders who are ready to act.🔍 About Sherece West-ScantleburySherece Y. West-Scantlebury is president and CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, a private, independent foundation whose mission is to relentlessly pursue economic, educational, social, ethnic and racial equity for all Arkansans.Involved in philanthropy for 25 years, Dr. West-Scantlebury served as CEO at the Foundation for Louisiana and as a program associate at the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Her professional career includes nearly 30 years of experience in community development, public policy and advocacy, and public service.In addition to running the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, Dr. West is active in a number of nonprofits and philanthropy organizations, and she is a mentor to several nonprofit leaders and young foundation executives.🔗 Resources and Links:https://forwardarkansas.org/about/team/sherece-west-scantlebury/Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights.Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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Stop Raising Awareness with Kathleen Tonini
Aug 13, 202500:34:12Summary readySimply “raising awareness” isn’t enough anymore for nonprofits. In this episode, communications specialist Kathleen Tonini joins Nonprofit Nation to challenge one of the sector’s most common traps—mistaking noise for strategy. With her G.A.M.E. framework (Goal, Audience, Message, Engage), Kathleen helps values-driven organizations get clear and confident about how they communicate, so they can inspire real action—not just fill inboxes.Together, we dig into the difference between performative messaging and strategic storytelling, and how nonprofit leaders can shift from reactive comms to communications that build trust, clarity, and genuine support.🔍 What We DiscussThe problem with “raising awareness” and what to do insteadKathleen’s G.A.M.E. framework for strategic messagingHow to audit your messaging without scrapping everythingWhy clarity beats cleverness in nonprofit communicationsMessaging mistakes that cost organizations trust and traction✒️ About Kathleen ToniniKathleen is a messaging strategist who helps mission-driven organizations get clear, strategic, and confident with their communications. With years of experience working across issue areas and organizational sizes, she brings a grounded, action-focused approach to communications that converts.🧰 Resources & Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-tonini-419943b9/https://theleap.co/creator/commswithkathleen/Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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How AI Is Reshaping Donor Engagement with Juliet MacDowell
Aug 6, 202500:31:08Summary readyCan artificial intelligence actually help you raise more money—and build better donor relationships? This week on Nonprofit Nation, we’re diving into the future of fundraising with Juliet MacDowell, a veteran development strategist who’s raised over $1 billion for global NGOs and is now the founder of Mission AI.Juliet combines 25 years of hands-on fundraising experience with AI-powered tools to help nonprofits and social enterprises work smarter—not harder. We talk about how AI is reshaping donor engagement, what fundraising teams need to know now, and how organizations can embrace innovation without losing the human touch.Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or just curious about how AI is impacting our sector, this episode is full of practical insights, big-picture thinking, and a hopeful look at what’s next for nonprofit development.🔍 What We Discuss:How Juliet helped raise over $1B for mission-driven organizations—and what she learned along the wayWhat Mission AI is and how it’s helping nonprofits fundraise more effectivelyReal-world examples of how AI tools can support donor segmentation, storytelling, and strategyThe biggest myths about AI in fundraising—and what the tech can’t doWhy AI doesn’t replace fundraisers—it empowers themWhat nonprofits can do today to prepare for a smarter, more data-driven futureHit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!✒️ About Juliet MacDowellJuliet MacDowell is the founder of Mission AI, where she helps nonprofits and social enterprises achieve greater impact by combining the power of AI with 25+ years of strategic fundraising expertise. Over her career, she has helped organizations grow funding by over 50%, secure transformational partnerships, and unlock major gifts across the globe. Her work today focuses on using innovation to accelerate results—without sacrificing connection or mission.🧰 Resources & Links:Connect with Juliet MacDowell on LinkedInLearn more about Mission AITake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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Mastering Nonprofit Sponsorships with A.J. Steinberg
Jul 30, 202500:36:32Summary readyIf you've ever wondered how to land and leverage sponsorships for your nonprofit’s events, this episode is your playbook. A.J. Steinberg is a fundraising powerhouse with more than 20 years of experience producing high-impact nonprofit events and millions raised for mission-driven causes. Through her company, Queen Bee Fundraising, A.J. teaches organizations the art of securing corporate sponsorships that don’t just support events—but fuel entire fundraising strategies.In this episode, A.J. pulls back the curtain on her popular training, Mastering Nonprofit Sponsorships, and shares actionable steps to identify your assets, build irresistible sponsorship packages, and close deals with confidence.Key Topics:What makes a nonprofit “sponsorship-ready”The biggest mistakes organizations make with sponsorship outreachCreating compelling packages that go beyond logos and signageEngaging board and committee members in sponsorship prospectingHow to value and pitch your sponsorship assets effectively 🧰 Resources & Links:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ajsteinbergproductions Twitter: https://twitter.com/QueenBeeMalibu Facebook: www.facebook.com/queenbeefundraisingwww.QueenBeeFundraising.com 🪷🪷 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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Nonprofit Leadership Amid Global Turmoil with Rabbi Joanna Samuels
Jul 23, 202500:36:58Summary readyWhat does it take to step into leadership during a time of profound cultural, social, and institutional change? Rabbi Joanna Samuels joins Nonprofit Nation to share how she’s navigating this challenge as the CEO of the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan—one of the largest and most influential Jewish community centers in the U.S.A longtime advocate for gender equity and social justice, Rabbi Samuels brings a unique lens to leadership, storytelling, and community-building. She discusses how nonprofit leaders can rethink engagement, lift up historically excluded voices, and lead with courage in post-pandemic times. Drawing from her recent viral essay in eJewish Philanthropy, she also unpacks “the vibe shift” in Jewish communal life and what it means for fundraisers, marketers, and mission-driven professionals everywhere.Key Topics:What it means to lead a legacy nonprofit in a post-pandemic worldWhy “the vibe shift” matters—and how to respond as a sectorBuilding inclusive narratives and championing diverse leadershipHow to fundraise and communicate during cultural changeReal-world leadership advice for managing complexity and transitionAbout Joanna Samuels:Rabbi Joanna Samuels became CEO of the MMJCCM in 2022. Previously, she served as founding ED of the Manny Cantor Center and has held numerous roles at the intersection of advocacy, faith, and equity. Her writing has appeared in major publications and she’s recognized nationally as a leading voice on gender justice in the Jewish nonprofit sector.Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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How to Be Fundable and Findable with Kevin L. Brown
Jul 16, 202500:35:22Summary readyWhat if the reason you're not raising more money... isn't your fundraising strategy?Kevin L. Brown believes most nonprofits are stuck in the wrong cycle—constantly doing more fundraising, instead of fixing their fundability and visibility. In this episode, the Mighty Ally CEO and author of Fundable & Findable shares a brand-first, strategy-driven approach to nonprofit growth that challenges everything you've been told about development. We explore why only 1 in 1,000 nonprofits ever scale, what makes a nonprofit actually attractive to funders, and how branding, positioning, and clarity of purpose aren’t luxuries—they’re prerequisites for serious funding.Topics We Cover:Why more fundraising isn’t the solutionThe Fundable/Findable Framework: what it is and how it worksThe nonprofit brand gap—and how to fix itWhat funders are really looking forLessons from building nonprofits across four continentsPractical steps to get fundable and findable, even on a small budget🧰 Resources & Links: https://fundablefindable.org/ https://mightyally.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinlbrown/ 🪷🪷 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 Improve Your Nonprofit’s Message with Lynn Bohart
Jul 9, 202500:36:34Summary ready📊 Did you know the average human attention span is just 8 seconds—shorter than a goldfish? In today’s noisy digital world, that stat has big implications for how nonprofits write appeals, newsletters, and even mission statements.This week, Lynn Bohart—author, former nonprofit executive, and founder of Lil Dog Communications—joins us to unpack how nonprofit professionals can dramatically increase fundraising results through stronger, more persuasive messaging. Lynn Bohart is a seasoned nonprofit professional turned author and writing consultant. With over 35 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she now leverages her expertise to help organizations enhance their messaging and storytelling strategies. She is the founder of Lil Dog Communications, a freelance writing company dedicated to assisting nonprofits worldwide. With over 35 years of experience in the sector, Lynn shares Raise More Money Through Better Messaging why so much nonprofit writing falls flat, and what to do instead.We talk about what makes messaging truly effective, why "what you do" is less important than "why you do it," and how to unlock your organization’s emotional core to better connect with donors.What We Cover:Why most nonprofit messaging gets ignoredThe power of storytelling and “finding the secret sauce”The 1% of your message that drives 99% of the impactTechniques from professional writers that nonprofits can stealA better way to write mission statements, appeals, and case statementsResources:Lynn’s book on AmazonLynn’s website: Little Dog CommunicationsTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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