NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange

AI tools have rapidly evolved beyond their initial applications in content creation and data analysis. While some nonprofits are leveraging this growing technology, others raise valid concerns about privacy, bias, and data security. In today's episode, we'll examine the potential of AI as a strategic partner for nonprofit leaders and fundraisers. We'll also explore how AI can be implemented safely...

Engaging people as loyal donors and advocates for change is the heart of our job as fundraisers. However, the conventional messaging formula of problem -> solution -> ask is turning off some supporters, especially the younger generations. In this episode, we explore a fresh approach called Narrative Strategy that will help you deliver the right message to the right audience, inspiring greater comm...

The percentage of individuals giving to nonprofits has reached its lowest point in 40 years. As a result, more and more nonprofits are depending on big gifts. That's why it's vital to attract and retain the fundraisers who can cultivate strong relationships with your most generous donors. In today's episode, we examine the latest findings from AFP's 2024 Compensation and Benefits Survey Report and...

Strategic planning done poorly can be time-consuming and yield little practical benefit. Strategic planning done well provides clear direction, aligns resources with mission-critical goals, and enhances organizational effectiveness. In today's episode, we'll explore why investing in a well-crafted strategic plan is worth your time and how it can propel your nonprofit towards greater impact and suc...

Ensuring the success of your nonprofit hinges on effectively capturing and maintaining donor attention and support. But when tackling tough issues that may take years or even decades to solve, how do you sustain donor engagement for the duration? In today's episode, we delve into strategies for keeping donors engaged on hard-to-solve issues through the power of effective messaging and strategic st...

Americans are losing confidence in higher education, alumni are carrying record level student debt loads, and charitable giving in general is shifting more towards social impact causes — all of which makes it harder for higher ed institutions to make their case for support. In today's podcast episode, we look at strategies for higher ed fundraising, including how to engage young alumni, the role o...

Join host Rich Frazier and guest Jarrett Ransom for a candid conversation on what it takes to be successful — and stay sane — in nonprofit fundraising. Jarrett shares insights from her 15-year journey as a consultant in the nonprofit sector, including her latest inspiration from the documentary "Uncharitable" featuring Dan Pallotta. Other topics include the need for innovation in fundraising, how...

A workforce shortage in the nonprofit industry is forcing many organizations to do more with less, resulting in stress and burnout that only worsens staff turnover. How can we expect nonprofits to go out and make the world a better place if the organizations themselves are not well? In today's episode, we take a deep dive into the topic of organizational wellness to help nonprofits improve their i...

Messaging that engages your audience is the key to good fundraising, which in turn is what allows your organization to deliver the programs and services that impact your community. In today's episode, we examine the 5 essential elements of messaging, share real world examples of how to apply them, discuss pitfalls to watch out for, and more. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organizatio...

The percentage of individuals giving to nonprofits has reached its lowest point in 40 years. This "giving crisis" has led to an overreliance on major gifts that isn't sustainable for most nonprofits. In today's episode, we discuss why measuring donor  relationships (not just revenue) must be a part of your fundraising plan, how to enroll your leadership and board, and strategies to track and impro...

Good donor relationships where supporters are engaged and satisfied with giving to your nonprofit can have a profound effect on the success of your organization. More than just ensuring financial support, meaningful relationships with donors foster trust, loyalty, and a sense of shared purpose. In today's episode, we will discuss common stewardship mistakes, how to better understand the experience...

The Chronicle of Philanthropy's 2023 survey of 1000 fundraisers reveals much about how donor behavior is changing and the impact that's having on nonprofit fundraising. In today's podcast episode, the IPM team digs deep into the data to help explain why donors are responding differently now and what nonprofits can do to meet their financial and mission goals for 2024. Want to suggest a topic, gues...

Given that 30% of annual giving happens in December, it's crucial for nonprofits to have a winning year-end fundraising strategy. Calendar year-end fundraising leverages end-of-year tax benefits to motivate donors to give, while also aligning with the holiday spirit when people are more inclined to be charitable. In today's podcast episode, the IPM Advancement team shares their best tips for CYE f...

With inflation rates peaking at 9.1% last summer (the highest since 1981), nonprofits are feeling the strain. Higher prices drive up the cost to provide programs and services while also increasing demand for those services; on the fundraising side, every dollar raised has less buying power. In today's episode, we'll look at how two nonprofits fighting food insecurity are overcoming these challenge...

The genie is out of the bottle — artificial intelligence is here. Despite valid concerns about privacy and bias, many nonprofits have already embraced AI for grant writing, donor engagement, prospecting, automation, data analysis, and more. In this episode, we examine what AI can (and can't) do, ways your nonprofit can benefit from AI, how to navigate ethical concerns, and our favorite AI tools th...

The release of the Giving USA 2023 annual report sent shivers through the nonprofit community with its finding that total charitable giving had declined for the first time since 2009. In today's episode, we look behind the data to share key insights and advice for how nonprofits can navigate changes in donor behavior, weather an uncertain economy, and find creative opportunities to boost fundraisi...

Many smaller nonprofits don't have the budget to hire experienced fundraisers. They either make do with existing staff or hire a consultant that advises but doesn't implement. In today's episode, we explore the benefits of fractional fundraising — hiring a seasoned fundraiser for a fraction of the work week — and why this strategy can be a game changer for small nonprofits. Want to suggest a topic...

Staff turnover has become a challenge for many nonprofits. Increasing numbers of nonprofit employees report feeling stressed and burned out. In today's podcast episode, we sit down with Dr. Evisha Ford to discuss what causes nonprofit burnout and how both the individual and the organization can create a culture of wellness and support. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for...

While it's common for donors to rally to support relief efforts during a crisis, how do you sustain their attention — many of whom are first-time donors to your nonprofit — after the media spotlight begins to fade? In today's episode, our panel examines episodic giving and how organizations like American Red Cross and Classy keep donors engaged beyond that initial rapid response connection. Want t...

When board meetings run too long and feel unproductive, board members get discouraged and the nonprofit suffers. Causes can range from ineffective leadership to poor planning to a general lack of organization and follow-through. In today's episode, our panel discusses specific suggestions to address these challenges and help make your next board meeting more productive, collaborative, and engaging...

A good board of directors is essential to the health and success of any nonprofit organization. By contributing their talent and experience, raising funds, and providing guidance and oversight, the best board members ensure the nonprofit's mission gets carried out effectively and efficiently. In today's episode, our panel discusses strategies for finding good board members and keeping them engaged...

Getting started in peer-to-peer fundraising can be challenging for some nonprofits. But with careful planning, you can launch a P2P campaign that engages donors and increases fundraising revenue. In today's episode, our panel discusses how to start a P2P program from scratch, mistakes and opportunities to watch for, best practices for P2P, and more. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit org...

Peer-to-peer fundraising can account for 10-50% of fundraising revenue for some nonprofits. Advantages of P2P include better donor engagement and retention, increased visibility and reach, and a more personalized donor experience. In today's episode, our panel discusses the benefits of P2P for nonprofits AND donors, pitfalls to watch out for, technologies and tools to help run better P2P campaigns...

Because of their role in society as trusted agents of change, nonprofits are in a unique position to help stop the spread of misinformation and disinformation. In today's podcast episode, our panel discusses how strategic storytelling can be used by nonprofits to help address misunderstandings and even outright deception in our social discourse. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organiz...

A nonprofit's case for support answers a critical question for donors: "Why should I give your nonprofit my money?" In today's podcast episode, our panel examines how to tell the right story in the right way to transform your case for support, better engage donors, and get them to invest generously in your work and your mission. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upco...