NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange

Does telefundraising still work for nonprofits? Yes and no. In the season 4 premiere episode of NPFX, we discuss the challenges of telephone fundraising today, mistakes nonprofits most often make when using the telephone for fundraising, and 3 innovative telephone strategies you can use in 2023 to help raise more money and advance your cause. Don't ditch telefundraising yet! Want to suggest a topi...

In the final episode of season 3, our panel looks back at 2022 to discuss the most valuable lessons learned by nonprofit fundraisers this past year. Topics include the economy's impact on fundraising, challenges for capital campaigns, attracting monthly donors, donor retention and stewardship, how to use QR codes in fundraising, and more. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization f...

As a sector, museums have been slow to engage underserved audiences and adapt to the evolving needs of the communities they serve, leading to a crisis of relevance for many organizations. In today's podcast episode, our panel discusses how cultural institutions can redefine themselves to stay relevant and better fulfill their duty to the public good. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit or...

November 2022 marks the 10th anniversary of GivingTuesday. Since its inception, this annual giving holiday has grown into a global movement that raises billions of dollars each year. Yet some nonprofits are questioning if their results truly justify all the additional work and stress for fundraisers. In this episode, guests from both sides of the nonprofit fundraising spectrum share their favorite...

The lack of diversity on a nonprofit board is more than a perceptual problem. It impacts the nonprofit's ability to serve its community and fulfill its mission. In today's episode, we discuss what diversity on a nonprofit board means to the organization, mistakes nonprofits make when selecting diverse candidates, and how to bring new members into the mix to make your board stronger and more effect...

In the past, researchers have studied much about the people who comprise the LGBTQ community, but little about the nonprofits that serve them. In today's episode, we bring you a discussion of IPM's new report on the current state of LGBTQ nonprofits in the US. We cover how organizations are working on LGBTQ/equality issues nationwide, ways for these organizations to make a greater impact, where to...

Many nonprofits are convinced they can't lobby or the risks of lobbying are too great — they fear alienating donors or losing their tax status. In today's podcast episode, lobbying expert Pat Libby and IPM consultant Colton Strawser join hosts Rich and Russ to discuss why nonprofits should consider lobbying, and how to do it effectively to advance your mission and improve the lives of your nonprof...

After two years of putting projects on hold, many nonprofits have decided it's time to move forward with capital campaigns again. In today's episode, we discuss best practices to engage donors, how to make sure you're ready to launch your capital campaign, mistakes you want to avoid, and how campaigns might look different in 2022. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an up...

Sustaining donors are important to every nonprofit. Their recurring donations help provide financial stability and fund ongoing programs and services. For donors, monthly giving offers convenience and the satisfaction of knowing they're supporting their favorite nonprofits all year long. In today's podcast episode, we talk with the American Red Cross and To Write Love on Her Arms, organizations on...

Donor engagement -- especially with younger donors -- is getting harder as modern donor audiences demand more from the nonprofits they support. In today's episode, Josh Gryniewicz, IPM's narrative strategist, explains how this shift in donor expectations evolved and why nonprofits must change the way they use storytelling to make donors feel like active participants in their mission and cause. Wan...

Nonprofit founders are the heroes of the nonprofit world. Yet some fail to recognize when it's time to step aside. In today's podcast episode, our panel takes a look at the lifecycle of the nonprofit founder, how founders and their boards can best avoid "founder's syndrome," and what it takes to prepare and execute a successful leadership succession plan. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprof...

Planned giving is a vital part of many nonprofits' fundraising programs, yet some fundraisers or nonprofit leaders are slow to solicit planned gifts. Fear of complicated gifts or uncomfortable conversations with donors can push planned giving to the back burner. In today's podcast episode, our panel explores why planned gifts are so important to nonprofits of every size, common mistakes fundraiser...

Welcome to season 3 of the Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange! In today's podcast episode, our panel discusses what nonprofits should watch out for in 2022, including how supply chain delays will impact direct mail calendars, strategies for retaining your best staff during the "Great Resignation," and opportunities to connect better with donors during the midterm election season. Want to suggest a top...

Calendar Year-End can be a challenging time for fundraisers and nonprofit professionals. So we decided to do something special for our season finale as an antidote to the stress and pressure you might be feeling. We invited IPM Advancement team members and clients to call in and share their most inspirational stories and good news about how nonprofits and donors made a difference in 2021. You'll h...

As donor-advised funds increase in popularity, so too grows the controversy surrounding them. Critics cry shadow philanthropy while proponents claim DAFs encourage greater giving, leaving many in the nonprofit sector with the question: Are donor-advised funds good for nonprofits? In today's podcast episode, we'll discuss the pros and cons of DAFs, what effect they have on traditional fundraising s...

Advancing a nonprofit's mission requires the cooperation and support of many individuals and groups — from the recipients of your services to lawmakers, donors, community leaders, and especially the people working within the organization itself. In today's podcast episode, we'll explore what it takes to enroll key stakeholders, overcome barriers to change, and craft an effective narrative with the...

Outdated and inaccurate ideas that emphasize men as the primary philanthropists in the household have led many nonprofits to largely ignore women in their fundraising strategies. In today's podcast episode, we'll explore why women are such an important force in philanthropy today, the reasons they give, what women expect in return from the organizations they support, and how your nonprofit can boo...

Last year saw a measurable drop in philanthropic donations to nonprofit arts and culture organizations. While some are quick to blame the pandemic, others believe the bigger concern is the growing disconnect between the rising generation of donors and the arts and culture sector. In today's podcast episode, our panel unpacks these latest findings and provides practical tips for how arts organizati...

Most nonprofits rely on a small percentage of their donors to provide the majority of their funds. As the wealth gap in the United States grows wider, it's very likely that the importance of these major donors will only increase in the years to come. In today's podcast episode, we've assembled a panel of major gift fundraising experts to discuss what it takes for a nonprofit to create and sustain...

Smart nonprofits rely on data before beginning a capital campaign or other large fundraising project. In today's podcast episode, IPM consultants Rich Frazier, Sondra Madison, and Alan Knobloch take a close look at one of the best sources of data available to nonprofits: The Feasibility Study. Want to suggest a topic for an upcoming episode? Send an email to  contact@ipmadvancement.com . Rich Fraz...

As COVID-19 restrictions are being relaxed across most of the United States, many nonprofits are attempting to define their new normal. In today's episode, Rich Frazier (IPM Advancement's Senior Consultant) is joined by IPM consultants Jana Olslund and Penny Cowden to unpack some of the most valuable lessons of the past year to help nonprofits come out on the other side of this pandemic even smart...

In a special Q&A episode, IPM Advancement's Co-founder, Managing Director & Chief Strategist, Russ Phaneuf, answers listener questions about nonprofit fundraising copywriting. Topics include how to boost response rate, how long your appeal should be and why, what to do if you have a limited direct mail budget, the most important part of a direct mail package, ways to engage your readers, whether o...

More and more, nonprofits are relying on collaboration to advance their mission — especially these days with increased pressure caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Collaboration between nonprofits can provide many advantages to the organizations involved as well as the communities they serve. In today's podcast episode, Rich Frazier (IPM Advancement) is joined by Dr. Anne Newland (North Country He...

With challenges like shrinking budgets, growing demand for their services, and fierce competition for donors, it's no wonder the 10-year failure rate for nonprofits is 30% or higher. In today's podcast episode, Jack Padovano (IPM Advancement) and Liz Feld (RADical Hope Foundation) discuss what it takes for nonprofits to succeed and create a lasting impact. Want to suggest a topic for an upcoming e...

Staff retention and employee burnout is a challenge for many nonprofits, especially when it comes to their fundraising team. In today's podcast episode, we'll look at some of the most common reasons for nonprofit fundraiser burnout, and how you can prevent burnout for yourself or your staff. Want to suggest a topic for an upcoming episode? Send an email to  contact@ipmadvancement.com .