Nonprofit Expert

In this episode, we sit down with Amy Eisenstein, ACFRE, CEO and Co-Founder of Capital Campaign Pro, to demystify what capital campaigns are, when nonprofits are truly ready for one, and how to plan them well.  Amy shares how campaigns differ from day-to-day major gift fundraising, key indicators that your organization is ready to “think bigger,” and why careful planning, feasibility studies,...

Whether you’re new to major gifts or looking to refine your approach, this conversation offers clear, actionable insights to help you build confidence, strengthen your strategy, and connect donors to the impact they care about most. In this episode, we sit down with Ken Miller, CFRE — nationally recognized fundraising consultant and president of Denali FSP — to discuss the mindset, mechanics, and...

In this episode, we sit down with Martie Bernicker, Director of Speak Up , a youth well-being nonprofit that helps teenagers talk openly about the challenges they face—and helps the adults in their lives listen to, guide, and support them. Martie shares the origin story behind Speak Up, how the program works in schools and communities, and what they have learned from serving tens of thousands of y...

Whether you’re strengthening donor relationships or simply trying to stay on top of your notes, this episode offers actionable strategies you can apply right away. We’re joined by Ceciry Rodriguez-Pimentel, the Director of Development & Community Engagement at the HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy, to explore how fundraisers can better understand their donors, stay organized, and mak...

In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Mintzer, CEO and Founder of Youth Mentoring Partnership, a youth development organization that has experienced remarkable programmatic and fundraising growth by combining mission-driven passion with data-informed decision-making. Mintzer shares how mentorship changes lives, why understanding community needs shapes effective messaging, and how a business-minded...

In this episode of Nonprofit Expert, we dive into how nonprofits can transform digital interactions into lasting donor relationships. Join Constant Contact’s Matthew Montoya and DonorPerfect’s Darryl Moser as they share essential nonprofit fundraising tips on leveraging clicks, opens, and engagement data to truly understand and engage your audience. You'll discover why click rates matter more than...

When fundraising feels overwhelming, this episode of Nonprofit Expert offers a short guided affirmation practice to help you stay grounded. Fundraising coach Mallory Erickson helps you recenter, release stress, and move forward with compassion for yourself and your donors.

Go beyond dollars raised! In the final episode of her mini series, fundraising coach Mallory Erickson introduces key relational KPIs you can start tracking in 2026 — including trust, engagement consistency, and impact awareness — to measure what truly matters and strengthen long-term donor relationships.

Stop sending one-size-fits-all messages to your donors. In this episode of Nonprofit Expert, Mallory Erickson shows you how to use donor segmentation to tailor your appeals, strengthen connections, and make every donor feel seen. Learn which segments to start with and how to track engagement in your CRM.

Learn how to overcome hesitation and confidently reach out to lapsed or quiet donors. In this episode, nonprofit expert Mallory Erickson shares practical strategies for leading with courage, authenticity, and transparency, so you can build stronger donor relationships without waiting to “feel ready.”

Boost your email open rates with curiosity-driven subject lines. In this episode, nonprofit expert Mallory Erickson explains how to use the “curiosity gap” to spark interest, inspire clicks, and motivate donors to engage more deeply with your mission, plus simple tweaks you can test in your next campaign.

Join us for a mini series hosted by fundraising coach Mallory Erickson! We’ll begin with a roadmap for integrating courage, curiosity, segmentation, and relationship-focused KPIs into your 2026 fundraising plan, showing you how to turn these insights into daily habits that deepen donor trust and sustain results.

In just a few minutes, reset your mindset to approach fundraising tasks with increased confidence. In this episode, nonprofit expert Mallory Erickson guides you through affirmations that help you quiet self-doubt, embrace authenticity, and approach each donor conversation with calm, focused courage

In this episode of Nonprofit Expert , host Julia Gackenbach sits down with internationally recognized fundraising strategist Tammy Zonker , founder of Fundraising Transformed. Tammy reveals lessons learned from her early mistakes, the story behind a $27.1 million gift, and practical steps for starting a successful major gifts program in just 90 days. From asking the right questions to building tru...

Former National Philanthropic Trust CEO Eileen Heisman joins host Robbe Healey to share her remarkable journey from politics to leading one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations. Along the way, she reflects on the pivotal $650,000 check that changed her view of fundraising — and the lessons that shaped her decades of leadership. From mentorship to emotional IQ, her story offers inspir...

Art Taylor, President of AFP Global, joins host Robbe Healey to share lessons from his distinguished career and his vision for the sector’s future. From donor intent and board dynamics to collaboration, innovation, and the power of hope, this conversation offers practical wisdom for today’s leaders and tomorrow’s changemakers. Watch full episode Connect with DonorPerfect LinkedIn | Facebook | Inst...

Effective development is about inspiring shared values. In this episode – the last of our “Respect, Relationships, and Resources” series – Robbe Healey highlights advice from nonprofit leaders about treating donor values as mission-critical information. Discover how to drive fundraising results through authentic connections with your donors and meaningful engagements with your staff, creating a cu...

Robbe Healey and Michelle Gollapalli dive into the operational realities of fundraising leadership, from evaluating red flags in new roles to engaging executives in development. Learn how to align values, build trust across departments, and cultivate donor relationships that are ethical, strategic, and rooted in organizational mission and outcomes. Watch full episode Connect with DonorPerfect Link...

Hesitant to ask your board for fundraising help? Join Andrea McManus, former AFP Chair, to challenge conventional thinking about board engagement. Through enlightening stories and insights, she urges fundraisers to see their board as a group of unique individuals, rather than a collective, to reframe their engagement as a shared, mission-driven process that goes beyond solicitation. Connect with D...

Bring clarity to engagement and retention challenges in a relationship-building masterclass! Fundraising pioneer Birgit Smith Burton shares the four pillars of lasting donor relationships: trust, credibility, accountability, and transparency. Founder of the African American Development Officers Network, Burton demonstrates how these core values have driven her success throughout her career. Watch...

In this episode, join Dr. Mike Mittelman, former naval officer turned President of Salus at Drexel University, as he shares his journey to reshape fundraising. Learn how to emphasize respect and relationships with donors and transform operations with professional staff and data. Gain insight into creating a strong culture of giving at your nonprofit and aligning donor interests with institutional...

Join Robbe Healey as she explores the transformative power of respectful donor relationships, sharing practical tips to drive measurable, sustainable impact. Learn how to create a “culture of generosity” at your nonprofit by shifting your mindset from transactional fundraising to relationship-based strategies. Watch full episode Connect with DonorPerfect LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok |...

Transform your engagement techniques with personalized donor journeys informed by behavioral science! Join us to learn how to improve donor retention, drive lifetime value, and create meaningful connections with Cherian Koshy, CFRE . Gain inspiration from Koshy’s 25+ years of experience, including his journey from door-to-door fundraising to leading nonprofit teams! Learn more > Donor Journeys...

Are you interpreting your nonprofit data the right way? How can you avoid unconscious bias to better your relationships? Join Meena Das , Nonprofit Consultant and Founder of Namaste Data , to discover how ethical, human-centered data usage can improve your donor connections and fundraising outcomes. Learn how to analyze your past, present, and future fundraising efforts to cultivate authentic, mea...

Explore the intersection of nonprofit marketing and global generosity with the Chief Data Officer of GivingTuesday, Woodrow Rosenbaum. Discover how data innovations like AI technology are transforming the world of fundraising, from decision-making to donor outreach - and how to implement them ethically! Resources: Giving Tuesday Hub Download: The Giving Tuesday Cheat Sheet Watch full episode Conne...