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 Grow & Convert Your Email List with Chris Barlow
Apr 23, 202500:35:38Summary readyGrowing your nonprofit’s email list is one thing—but turning subscribers into engaged donors is another. In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I talk with nonprofit digital marketing expert Chris Barlow, founder of Beeline Marketing, to discuss how nonprofits can consistently grow their audience and cultivate relationships that lead to first-time donations.Chris shares expert insights on ethical email list-building strategies, crafting engaging content that nurtures trust, and using storytelling to inspire action. Whether you're struggling to grow your list or wondering why your emails aren’t converting, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you optimize your email marketing strategy.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why email remains one of the most powerful donor acquisition tools✅ The most effective (and ethical) ways to grow your email list✅ How to create a compelling welcome email sequence that nurtures trust✅ Strategies to engage subscribers without overwhelming them with fundraising appeals✅ Proven techniques for converting email subscribers into first-time donors✅ Key email marketing metrics nonprofits should track for long-term successAbout Chris Barlow:Chris Barlow is the founder and Managing Director of Beeline Marketing, a firm dedicated to helping nonprofits attract and engage donors through digital marketing. With years of experience working exclusively with mission-driven organizations, Chris specializes in donor-centered strategies that build relationships and drive sustainable growth.Learn more at yourbeeline.com.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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Effective Digital Storytelling Strategies with Neda Azarfar & Charlie Kunzer
Apr 16, 202500:35:48Summary readyChildbirth is a universally significant experience, but for too many mothers around the world, it is also a life-threatening one. In this episode, we explore the urgent maternal health crisis in sub-Saharan Africa and the power of storytelling to drive change.Joining us are Charlie Kunzer, Executive Director of ALIMA USA, and Neda Azarfar, Managing Director of Nazar Works. They take us behind the scenes of ALIMA’s “Ode to Strangers” campaign, a powerful digital storytelling initiative that sheds light on the life-saving impact of compassionate strangers.Through real-life stories, immersive animations, and emotional narration, the campaign illustrates how individuals—even those thousands of miles away—can make a difference for mothers and newborns in crisis.Tune in to learn:Why maternal mortality remains a global crisis and how ALIMA is addressing it.How digital storytelling is being used to engage audiences and inspire action.What nonprofits can learn from the campaign’s innovative approach to advocacy.How you can become a “stranger who cares” and support maternal health worldwide.This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about global health, nonprofit storytelling, and making a real impact in the world.Resources & Links:📌 Learn more about ALIMA’s “Ode to Strangers” campaign: https://odetostrangers.alima.ngo/📌 Support ALIMA’s life-saving work: https://alima.ngo/en/📌 Follow ALIMA on social media for updates and stories.🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to Nonprofit Nation and leave us a review!🪷🪷 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? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact. Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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Digital Threads: A New Approach to Digital Marketing with Neal Schaffer
Apr 9, 202500:43:46Summary readyNonprofits know that digital engagement is essential, but too often, their marketing efforts feel disconnected—social media posts, emails, fundraising campaigns, and website updates can feel like separate pieces rather than a cohesive strategy.Enter Neal Schaffer, a leading authority on digital transformation in sales and marketing, and author of the new book Digital Threads. Neal joins us to share how nonprofits can use this innovative marketing approach to create stronger relationships, better engagement, and more sustainable growth in the digital space.In this episode, we discuss:✅ What the Digital Threads concept is and why it matters✅ How nonprofits can move beyond one-off marketing campaigns and create lasting engagement✅ Why traditional digital marketing strategies no longer work as they once did✅ Actionable steps to start weaving Digital Threads into your nonprofit’s outreachWhether you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or marketer, this episode will give you a new way to think about digital engagement and how to make it more effective.Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!Resources Mentioned:Neal Schaffer’s Digital Threads – Free PreviewNeal’s Podcast: Maximize Your Social InfluencePDCA SocialTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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The Importance of Community Foundations with Peter Panepento and Elyse Hammett
Apr 2, 202500:32:56Summary readyCommunity foundations have long been the quiet force behind local philanthropy, but how can they step into the spotlight and inspire action on a national scale? In this episode I sit down with Peter Panepento, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Turn Two Communications and Elyse Hammett, Vice President, Marketing and Communications at Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta to discuss the groundbreaking Make More Possible campaign—an effort to create a true national brand for community foundations.Peter shares insights on how social good organizations can align their messaging with their mission and values to better connect with audiences. He also dives into the power of strategic storytelling and why today’s donors need a fresh, engaging approach to philanthropy. If you're looking for ways to amplify your nonprofit’s message and make a greater impact, this conversation is a must-listen.Key Takeaways:The role of community foundations in strengthening local and national philanthropy.How the Make More Possible campaign is changing the narrative around community foundations.Why storytelling is crucial in engaging modern donors and inspiring action.Strategies for aligning your organization’s messaging with mission and values.How nonprofits can elevate their visibility and influence through effective communication.Resources and Links:For more information on Turn Two Communications the agency behind the campaign: https://www.turn-two.co/For more details on the Community Foundation Awareness Initiative and the “Make More Possible” campaign, visit MakeMorePossible.org.For more information on the Greater Atlanta Community Foundation: https://cfgreateratlanta.org/Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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Non-Obvious Thinking for Nonprofit Leaders with Rohit Bhargava
Mar 26, 202500:41:38Summary readyWhat if the key to innovation isn’t following best practices—but seeing what others miss? I sit down with Rohit Bhargava, bestselling author, futurist, and expert in non-obvious thinking, to explore how nonprofit leaders can break free from conventional wisdom and discover fresh ideas. Rohit’s latest book, Non-Obvious Thinking: How to See What Others Miss, introduces a four-step framework (SIFT) to help leaders generate better ideas, uncover hidden insights, and rethink the way they work. We’ll discuss how nonprofits can apply these principles to fundraising, storytelling, innovation, and diversity & belonging—even with limited resources.If you’re looking to think bigger, disrupt the status quo, and make your nonprofit stand out, this conversation is for you!In This Episode, We Discuss:✅ What “Non-Obvious Thinking” really means—and why it’s a game-changer for nonprofits✅ The SIFT framework (Space, Insight, Focus, Twist) and how nonprofit leaders can use it to generate new ideas and innovative strategies✅ How to stand out in fundraising, storytelling, and donor engagement with a fresh approach✅ The power of observation—and how leaders can spot opportunities that others overlook✅ Why diversity and belonging drive creativity—and how nonprofits can foster inclusion in non-obvious ways✅ Actionable strategies for breaking out of conventional thinking—even with tight budgets and limited timeHit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!Resources and Links:📖 Get Rohit’s new book → Non-Obvious Thinking: How to See What Others Miss🌎 Follow Rohit & The Non-Obvious Company → www.nonobvious.com📢 Connect with Rohit on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/rohitbhargava🪷🪷 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? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact. Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
SummaryMission Retainable: How to Inspire Donor Loyalty with Wendy Mercurio of Bloomerang
Mar 19, 202500:32:00Summary readyDonor retention is more than just a fundraising metric—it’s the key to nonprofit sustainability. Yet, retention rates remain stubbornly low. In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Mercurio, Market Researcher at Bloomerang, to discuss the findings from their latest report, Mission Retainable: Research-Backed Strategies to Inspire Donor Loyalty. We explore:Why donors give but don’t always stayThe biggest challenges in donor retentionStrategies high-retention nonprofits use to build loyaltyHow technology, personalization, and transparency can improve donor engagementActionable steps nonprofits can take to bridge the gap between donor expectations and nonprofit actionsWatch the LinkedIn Live recording here. Resources & Links📄 Mission Retainable: Research-Backed Strategies to Inspire Donor Loyalty – Download the Report 📢 Learn more about Bloomerang 📩 Connect with Wendy Mercurio 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? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact. Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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How Micro Influencer Marketing is Changing Outreach with Ryan Davis
Mar 19, 202500:31:10Summary readyHow do you get real people—especially those deeply embedded in their communities—to amplify your cause in a meaningful way? Traditional influencer marketing often focuses on celebrities, but micro influencers—everyday people with strong, trusted networks—are proving to be far more effective for building lasting engagement.This week, we’re joined by Ryan Davis, Co-founder & COO of People First, a company that identifies, recruits, and manages content from diverse communities by blending technology with human organizing. Ryan shares how nonprofits, advocacy groups, and mission-driven brands can tap into micro influencer marketing at scale to reach the right audiences with the right message.We’ll discuss:✅ The difference between traditional influencer marketing and precision micro influencer marketing✅ Why smaller, community-based influencers have more impact than celebrity endorsements✅ How People First combines technology and human organizers to build large-scale grassroots campaigns✅ Best practices for nonprofits looking to leverage influencer marketing effectivelyIf your organization wants to reach more people with authentic, community-driven messaging, this episode is for you!Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!Links and ResourcesPeople First WebsiteThe Month In Digital🪷🪷 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? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact. Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
SummaryHow to Build Trust with One Acre Fund
Mar 14, 202500:31:25Summary readyToday, instead of our regular program, I wanted to play an episode from a show I think you'll love. I'm talking about System Catalysts, a podcast about the incredible people who are fixing the broken systems that run the world. In this episode, English Sall talks to the people behind One Acre Fund, an organization that supports smallholder farmers in Africa through a brilliant social enterprise model. They discuss how to build trust across sectors, something I think all social entrepreneurs should learn to do. If you like what you hear, don’t forget to follow the link in the show notes to subscribe to System Catalysts and listen to more episodes. Hope you enjoy it!If you like what you hear, don’t forget to follow this link to subscribe to System Catalysts and listen to more episodes:https://lnk.to/nonprofitnationscTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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The State of Fundraising Events in 2025 with Samantha Swaim
Mar 12, 202500:37:24Summary readyThe landscape of nonprofit fundraising events is evolving rapidly in 2025. With the return of in-person gatherings, the rise of digital engagement, and changing donor expectations, how can nonprofits design events that maximize impact and financial success?In this episode, we sit down with Samantha Swaim, co-host of The Fundraising Elevator podcast and 20 year consultant to nonprofit fundraising events, to explore the latest trends shaping nonprofit events this year. Drawing on decades of experience in event strategy, storytelling, and fundraising, she shares insights on:✅ Why in-person events are making a strong comeback✅ How nonprofits can balance virtual, hybrid, and live events✅ Data-driven strategies for maximizing event ROI in 2025✅ The role of social media in donor engagement and fundraising✅ How to counteract donor fatigue and declining participation rates✅ The growing trust in nonprofits—and how organizations can build on itWhether you’re a nonprofit leader, event planner, or fundraiser looking to future-proof your event strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate 2025’s fundraising landscape.🎙️ Subscribe & Leave a Review!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review to help more nonprofit professionals discover the show!Links and Resources🎧 Listen to The Fundraising Elevator podcast: https://elevatenonprofit.com/podcasts/📌 Learn more about Swaim Strategies: https://www.swaimstrategies.com📖 Swaim Strategies SubstackElevate Conference March 12-13, 2025🪷🪷 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? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact. Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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How to Nail Your Nonprofit Website with David Hartstein
Mar 5, 202500:40:50Summary readyYour website is one of the most powerful tools your nonprofit has—but is it actually working for you? Too often, nonprofit websites are cluttered, confusing, or missing key elements that drive engagement, donations, and action.In this episode, David Hartstein, co-founder of Wired Impact, shares expert insights on how nonprofits can build a website that is clear, compelling, and built to convert. Whether you’re launching a new site or improving an existing one, this conversation will help you create a website that serves your mission effectively.We’ll cover:✔️ The ideal role a website should play for a nonprofit today✔️ The biggest mistakes that hurt nonprofit websites (and how to fix them)✔️ How to structure your site to engage visitors and drive action✔️ What every nonprofit should know about accessibility and usability✔️ How to plan a website project so it runs smoothlyIf your website feels outdated, overwhelming, or just isn’t helping you reach your goals, this episode is for you!Resources & Links:https://wiredimpact.com/nation https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhartstein/https://www.linkedin.com/company/wired-impact/Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts
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