Beyond The Donation

Matt Bitzegaio and Noah Barnett discuss how nonprofit leaders should think about AI implementation in their organizations. They explore the difference between AI as an adjacent tool versus AI embedded within existing workflows, using DonorDock's "Otto" feature as an example. The hosts provide practical advice for nonprofit leaders, including taking inventory of current AI usage, establishing organ...

This is part two of a podcast episode from Beyond the Donation where hosts Noah and Matt discuss how nonprofits should approach selecting technology partners. They share insights from a customer interview about a small organization that thoughtfully evaluated their current and future needs before choosing a platform. The conversation covers key questions to ask during the vendor selection process,...

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, hosts Matt Bitzegaio and Noah Barnett explore a crucial question every nonprofit faces: Is technology really the solution—or is it the system behind it that matters most? They unpack why many organizations struggle with too many disconnected tools, how to think strategically about your people, processes, and platforms, and what it means to choose technology...

What you choose not to do can be just as powerful as what you decide to pursue. In this episode of Beyond the Donation, Matt and Noah explore the value of creating an omissions list for nonprofit leaders. They discuss why saying no is an essential leadership skill, how prioritization prevents overwhelm, and the role clarity and collaboration play in effective decision making. You’ll also learn pra...

Unlock metrics that actually move your mission forward. In this episode of Beyond the Donation, Matt and Noah cut through nonprofit metrics confusion and explain how to separate vanity metrics from numbers that inform real decisions. Learn the difference between leading indicators and trailing indicators, how to create accountability on small teams, and practical ways to improve donor retention th...

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, hosts Matt and Noah explore how small nonprofit teams can boost efficiency through high leverage strategies. They discuss identifying time wasters, prioritizing what matters most, optimizing processes, and leveraging technology to improve donor engagement.

In this episode, the podcast takes a new direction with Noah Barnett as the co-host, focusing on insights from nonprofit leaders. The hosts challenge the idea that nonprofit leaders must constantly do more, encouraging listeners to prioritize what truly matters. They introduce the concept of zero-based prioritization, urging nonprofits to reassess their tasks and focus on core elements that drive...

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, host Matt Bitzegaio welcomes Michelle Boggs from the GoFundMe Pro team. They discuss Michelle's extensive experience in fund development, explore the evolution of fundraising, the impact of technology, and the vital role of human relationships.  The conversation also delves into the increasing costs of donor acquisition and retention, the power of social med...

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, host Matt Bitzegaio talks with Courtney Harness, the Director of Strategic Advancement for the Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery.  Courtney shares insights from his 20+ years of experience in mission-driven organizations and discusses the importance of leveraging technology, specifically CRM systems, for building strong donor relat...

In this episode of Beyond the Donation , Matt Bitzegaio sits down with David Hartstein from Wired Impact to explore what makes a nonprofit website truly effective. They dive into the common challenges small to mid-sized nonprofits face when it comes to web design, and why a well-crafted website is more than just a nice-to-have—it's your 24/7 digital storefront. David shares practical advice on con...

In this special episode of Beyond the Donation , Matt Bitzegaio and Rob Burke from DonorDock sit down with Max Kringen from Tellwell to discuss something big—the WellTold Storytelling Conference coming this April. This event is all about equipping nonprofits with the tools and strategies to tell their stories in a way that drives impact.  In this episode, we dive into the journey that brought Dono...

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, host Matt Bitzegaio welcomes Steve Lausch and Sarah Sebastian from OneCause to discuss their 2025 Fundraising Outlook Report and the Giving Experience Study. The conversation covers key strategies for enhancing donor relationships, leveraging AI, managing events and recurring giving programs, and overcoming challenges faced by smaller nonprofits.  The guests...

In this episode of 'Beyond the Donation,' host Matt Bitzegaio welcomes Zach Hynek from Cadenza, who serves as a board member of the Topfer Family Foundation. Zach delves into his journey within the nonprofit sector, sharing valuable insights on effective grant applications and the importance of aligning with giving pillars. He highlights common mistakes nonprofits make and provides actionable advi...

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, host Matt Bitzegaio chats with Becky Endicott and John McCoy from We Are For Good. They share their journey from university colleagues to founders of a media ecosystem centered around philanthropy and generosity. Becky and John discuss their unique approach to storytelling, community building, and the importance of shifting from transactional to relationship...

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, host Matt Bitzegaio is joined by Joanne Toller from The Cause Specialists. With over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Joanne discusses the critical importance of year-end giving, effective digital fundraising strategies, and the significance of consistent messaging.  She also highlights the power of storytelling, avoiding desperation in campai...

In this episode of Beyond the Donation , Matt Bitzegaio chats with David Pisarek, founder of Wow Digital, about boosting nonprofits' online presence. Drawing on 30 years of experience, David dives into website development, social media, and branding strategies tailored to the unique challenges of nonprofits.  Topics include budget-friendly tips, data insights, RFP best practices, and the emotional...

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, host Matt Bitzegaio is joined by Kelly Hernandez, CEO of Nonprofit Nerd. She shares her extensive experience and knowledge of nonprofit marketing and fundraising. The discussion focuses on the significance of giving days, especially GivingTuesday, and strategies for nonprofits to effectively plan, execute, and capitalize on these campaigns. Key topics includ...

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, guest host Val Kleppen speaks with Sandy Rees, founder of Get Fully Funded, who shares her 20 years of expertise in helping small nonprofits achieve significant fundraising results.  Sandy discusses the importance of starting with close networks for donor engagement, setting realistic goals, and using personal relationships to foster trust. She emphasizes th...

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, host Matt Bitzegaio is joined by peer-to-peer fundraising expert Lou Adducci. Lou shares his journey from a theater background to nonprofit arts and ultimately becoming a peer-to-peer fundraising consultant. Their discussion covers the basics of peer-to-peer fundraising: what it is, why it matters, and the significant impact it can have on nonprofits. Lou of...

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, host Matt Bitzegaio is joined by Katy Calloway and Daniel Stern, co-founders of Calloway Stern Group. Katy and Daniel discuss their background in the nonprofit sector, particularly their efforts to help small to medium-sized nonprofits with fundraising and development.  They emphasize the importance of 'trusting the process' in nonprofit growth, highlighting...

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, guest host Val interviews Carly Euler, a marketing manager at MemoryFox. Carly shares her extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and communications. The discussion centers on the importance of storytelling in the nonprofit sector, the ethical considerations involved, and practical tips for capturing and using stories to enhance donor relat...

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, host Matt Bitzegaio interviews Tasha Van Vlack, the founder of the Nonprofit Hive, a platform designed to connect nonprofit professionals for advice and collaboration. Tasha discusses the rapid growth of the platform and the importance of addressing feelings of loneliness and isolation within the nonprofit sector. The conversation dives into the advantages o...

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, hosted by Matt Bitzegaio, the conversation dives deep into the intersection of technology and human elements within nonprofit organizations.  Special guest Tim Lockie, founder of The Human Stack, shares his extensive experience in the nonprofit sector and discusses the importance of focusing not just on tech stacks, but on building human stacks to solve tech...

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, Matt welcomes Madeline McCoy from The Nonprofit Solution, who shares her journey into the nonprofit sector and discusses the importance of clarity, audience understanding, and donor stewardship in fundraising. Madeline offers practical advice for nonprofits on identifying their audience, crafting impactful messages, and the necessity of diversifying donation...

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, host Matt Bitzegaio talks with Noah Barnett about the power of marketing in the nonprofit world. Noah shares his journey from being intrigued by the influence of marketing on consumer behavior to applying marketing strategies for mission-driven goals. He outlines the development of the 'Good Marketing Framework,' a tool designed to enhance marketing campaign...