Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

In a world where burnout is the norm and rest is often seen as a luxury, how can changemakers sustain their well-being while making an impact? Meico Marquette Whitlock —a workplace well-being strategist, mindfulness teacher, and recovering workaholic—joins us to explore how mission-driven professionals can prioritize self-care without guilt and create a culture of well-being in their organizations...

As AI continues to reshape industries—including the nonprofit sector—how can we ensure that technology serves people, rather than the other way around?  In this episode of Nonprofit Nation , we dive into the intersection of artificial intelligence and human-centered work with Tim Lockie, founder of The Human Stack and creator of the AI for Anyone course. With over 20 years of experience in the non...

What if businesses existed solely to give back? That’s the revolutionary idea behind the 100% for Purpose business model—one pioneered by Paul Newman over 40 years ago and now embraced by companies like Patagonia and Bloomberg. In this episode, we’re joined by Alex Amouyel, CEO of Newman’s Own Foundation, to discuss how philanthropy and business can intersect in a way that truly serves communities...

Shilpa Alva is the visionary founder of Surge for Water, a women-led, women-centered nonprofit dedicated to providing marginalized global communities with access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health solutions.  Under Shilpa’s leadership, Surge has impacted over 1 million lives and created more than 2,000 community jobs, while advancing sustainable water equity around the globe....

What if mentorship could help you grow your career, and your fundraising bottom line?   This week, I’m joined by the amazing Ken Miller, CFRE —a powerhouse in the nonprofit world and a true advocate for professional growth. Ken is the president of Denali FSP Fundraising & Grant Consultants, a fundraising consultancy he founded in 2014 after a long and successful career in development. He’s als...

Since his inauguration, President Trump has signed dozens of executive orders covering a broad range of issues, including many that impact charitable nonprofits directly or indirectly. Some won’t take effect immediately and will be challenged in court. This slew of Executive Orders are threatening the communities we serve, and nonprofits must be ready to prepare, respond, and advocate like never b...

AI is reshaping the nonprofit sector, from improving efficiency to revolutionizing donor engagement—but how do we ensure it’s done ethically and effectively? 65% of nonprofits using AI report improvements in efficiency and productivity, with the biggest wins in communication and data analysis​. But 42% of nonprofits cite ethical concerns, such as data privacy and bias, as barriers to adoption​. Th...

In this episode, we explore the art of scaling nonprofit impact with Dr. Johanna Moya Fábregas, executive director of Con Mi Madre. This Central Texas nonprofit empowers Latina girls and their mothers, combining social-emotional learning with college readiness. But the strategies Johanna shares extend far beyond one mission—her expertise in storytelling, partnership building, and inclusive leaders...

Did you know that nonprofits using data to tell their stories are 70% more likely to secure major grants and build donor trust? In this episode, we dive into how your nonprofit can harness the power of data to amplify your message, establish authority, and communicate your impact effectively. My guest, Drew Reynolds, founder of Common Good Data, shares actionable strategies to position your organi...

This bonus episode is brought to you by RoundTable Technology—your Nonprofit IT Partner. For the tenth year in a row, they’re back with their FREE annual cybersecurity webinar, and this time, it’s bigger and bolder with a 2025 twist: Cyber Karaoke!  Make it your New Year’s resolution to give your entire staff FREE cybersecurity awareness training. Don’t miss the encore— head over to NonprofitIT.co...

David Rhode is a seasoned nonprofit founder, consultant, and author whose career has centered on scaling impact for mission-driven organizations. In this episode, he shares valuable insights from his new book, Passion Isn’t Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders , a comprehensive resource for nonprofit executives, board members, and emerging leaders. With over two decades of experience in...

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation , we’re joined by Cecilia Lee, Alumni Relations Principal at Communities In Schools (CIS), to discuss the powerful role alumni networks can play in driving nonprofit success. CIS—a national organization ensuring students have the resources they need to stay in school—has built a robust alumni engagement strategy that connects participants beyond graduation, turn...

Confused or overwhelmed by capital campaigns? I've got just the right person for you! In this episode, I welcome Steven Shattuck, Director of Engagement at Capital Campaign Pro and a highly respected thought leader in the nonprofit sector. Steven shares his perspectives on the 2024 Capital Campaign Benchmark Report findings, the balance between heart and data in fundraising, and how nonprofit...

Rapinder Dhinsa is the Director of Mass Marketing at Make-A-Wish Canada, and she's an expert in the ever-changing, always-evolving donor landscape. Rapinder shares with us the best ways for nonprofits to engage with younger donors and to connect meaningfully with diverse audiences.  Drawing on her storytelling background and years of experience in nonprofit marketing, Rapinder discusses pract...

In this episode, we speak with Bhumika Regmi, Digital Director at the Malala Fund, and Mahina Martison, Digital Coordinator at Malala Fund to explore how the organization leverages TikTok and other digital platforms to engage young audiences and promote girls’ education worldwide. Bhumika shares how her team balances trendy content with meaningful advocacy, discusses the challenges and rewards of...

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation , we sit down with Brad West, attorney, nonprofit leader, and the visionary behind the Profit for Good Initiative . Brad shares his innovative approach to transforming the way businesses contribute to impactful causes—without adding any extra cost to consumers. We’ll also dive into his newly launched initiative, Commissions for a Cause , which partners with a li...

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I dive deep into the evolving landscape of major gifts fundraising with two of the industry’s most respected thought leaders, Gail Perry and Beth Ann Locke. Together, they unravel the shift from traditional, scripted major gift solicitations to a transformative, donor-centered approach that fosters authentic relationships and maximizes impact. Learn why the “ol...

In this episode, we’re diving into the art and ethics of nonprofit storytelling with Carly Euler, the creative force behind MemoryFox’s 2023 Ethical Storytelling Report. With experience across multiple nonprofits—from working with youth development at the Wily Network to community fundraising at the Breast Cancer Coalition—Carly knows how storytelling can engage, inspire, and empower. We’ll explor...

Monthly giving is one of the fastest-growing areas of nonprofit fundraising, with organizations seeing a 52% increase in recurring donors and a 94% rise in revenue from these gifts over the past three years. On average, monthly donors give between $24 and $36 per month, and retention rates for these donors can be as high as 94% when using bank transfers or credit cards. With monthly donors contrib...

Executive directors, are you tired of chasing after those $20 donations like a squirrel on espresso? Focusing all your energy on foundation grants and corporate donations because they seem easier is a bit like preferring instant noodles over a gourmet meal—it sort of does the job, but often, you are left feeling unsatisfied.  Rhea Wong to the rescue! Rhea has over 20 years experience in the nonpro...

This week on Nonprofit Nation, I’m excited to sit down with Erin Hogue, Senior Director of Spark Good at Walmart. Erin is leading the charge on how Walmart is bringing nonprofits, customers, and associates together to make a real impact in communities across the country. In this episode, we’ll get into the nitty-gritty of how Walmart is using data to power its giving, the inspiration behind their...

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation I am thrilled to welcome back the brilliant Tamsen Webster, a renowned message strategist, author, and keynote speaker, whose latest book, Say What They Can’t Unhear: The 9 Principles of Lasting Change , is launched on October 8. Tamsen brings her 25 years of experience in message design and change communication to the table, offering actionable insights for any...

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation , I have an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with Mallory Erickson, the brilliant mind behind What The Fundraising: Embracing and Enabling the People Behind the Purpose , which launched on October 1st. As a fundraising expert and coach, Mallory opens up about the emotional journey behind writing her first book, and how her personal experiences as a new mothe...

In this episode, Jay Acunzo, a leading voice in content creation and storytelling, shares invaluable insights tailored for nonprofit fundraisers and marketers. Jay discusses how to move beyond traditional, transactional fundraising tactics to create transformational experiences that resonate deeply with donors and volunteers. He offers guidance on building a strong Brand IP for nonprofits, the pow...

The way we search the web is being transformed in huge ways, and nonprofits need to understand the changing landscape in order to reach their donors and their stakeholders online.  In this episode, I sit down with Rafi Norberg to explore the latest development in search technology: Google’s AI Overviews.  Rafi  serves as President and Founder of Nexus Marketing , a marketing agency that helps busi...