Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

What does it take to lead with purpose in philanthropy today? How can foundations lead in moments of political uncertainty or during periods of reduced federal support for nonprofits?

As nonprofits across the country face political and financial pressures—from policy rollbacks to funding cuts—the role of foundations has never been more critical. In this episode, Dr. Sherece West-Scantlebury, President & CEO of the Winthrop Rocke...

Simply “raising awareness” isn’t enough anymore for nonprofits. In this episode, communications specialist Kathleen Tonini joins Nonprofit Nation to challenge one of the sector’s most common traps—mistaking noise for strategy. With her G.A.M.E. framework (Goal, Audience, Message, Engage), Kathleen helps values-driven organizations get clear and confident about how they communicate, so they can inspire real action—not just fill inbo...

Can artificial intelligence actually help you raise more money, as well as build better donor relationships? We’re diving into the future of fundraising with Juliet MacDowell, a veteran development strategist who’s raised over $1 billion for global NGOs and is now the founder of Mission AI.

Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or just curious about how AI is impacting our sector, this episode is full of practical insights, big-...

If you've ever wondered how to land and leverage sponsorships for your nonprofit’s events, this episode is your playbook. A.J. Steinberg is a fundraising powerhouse with more than 20 years of experience producing high-impact nonprofit events and millions raised for mission-driven causes. Through her company, Queen Bee Fundraising, A.J. teaches organizations the art of securing corporate sponsorships that don’t just support eve...

What does it take to step into leadership during a time of profound cultural, social, and institutional change? Rabbi Joanna Samuels joins Nonprofit Nation to share how she’s navigating this challenge as the CEO of the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan—one of the largest and most influential Jewish community centers in the U.S.

A longtime advocate for gender equity and social justice, Rabbi Samuels brings a unique lens to leadership, s...

What if the reason you're not raising more money... isn't your fundraising strategy?

Kevin L. Brown believes most nonprofits are stuck in the wrong cycle—constantly doing more fundraising, instead of fixing their fundability and visibility. In this episode, the Mighty Ally CEO and author of Fundable & Findable shares a brand-first, strategy-driven approach to nonprofit growth that challenges everything you've been...

📊 Did you know the average human attention span is just 8 seconds—shorter than a goldfish? In today’s noisy digital world, that stat has big implications for how nonprofits write appeals, newsletters, and even mission statements.

This week, Lynn Bohart—author, former nonprofit executive, and founder of Lil Dog Communications—joins us to unpack how nonprofit professionals can dramatically increase fundraising results through stronge...

In a time when short-term fundraising feels relentless, planned giving offers something rare: stability.

Planned giving often seems like a strategy reserved for large institutions or a distant concern for smaller nonprofits. However, Tony Martignetti, the Planned Giving evangelist, and host of Tony Martignetti Nonprofit Radio podcast, argues that it's a crucial tool for organizations of all sizes seeking long-term financial res...

What if fundraising isn’t a “necessary evil,” but a powerful act of bridge-building?

Jill Vorndran leads a 75-person team raising over $85 million annually for Covenant House International. In this episode, she shares what most conferences leave out: how to lead with both relentless joy and accountability, why excellent CEOs still struggle with fundraising, and what it really takes to sustain a high-performing development culture.

We...

What if science wasn’t just about data—but about meaning? And what if stories were our most powerful technology for building a better future?

This week on Nonprofit Nation, we’re joined by Dr. Vivienne Ming—theoretical neuroscientist, delusional inventor, and founder of The Human Trust—for a mind-expanding conversation about the stories we tell about science, progress, and ourselves.

Vivienne is known for using AI, neuroscience, and ...

What if fundraising was as simple and fun as a 5th-grade project? In today’s episode, we sit down with Patrick Kirby, founder of Do Good Better Consulting and host of The Official Do Good Better Podcast, to talk about his newest book, Fundraise Like a 5th Grader. Patrick brings his signature energy and humor to share why embracing a childlike approach to fundraising can lead to big wins for nonprofits.

We also dive into 2025 fundrai...

Everyone is busy. Whether it’s emails, reports, or social media, most people skim rather than read in depth. So how can we write in a way that ensures our message gets through?

In this episode, we’re joined by Todd Rogers, a Harvard Kennedy School professor, behavioral scientist, and author of Writing for Busy Readers. Todd shares the cognitive science behind effective communication and offers six actionable principles to help nonpr...

In times of uncertainty—whether due to political shifts, economic downturns, or crises—strong nonprofit boards are more essential than ever. But how can boards step up, adapt, and lead with equity, inclusion, and power-sharing at the forefront?

In this episode, I sit down with Christal M. Cherry, Principal & CEO of The Board Pro, to explore how nonprofit boards can navigate challenges, build resilience, and foster leadership tha...

If you’ve ever thought about starting or growing a nonprofit consulting business, this episode is for you! Our guest, Mandy Pearce, is the founder of Funding for Good, where she has spent over two decades helping nonprofits build sustainable fundraising strategies. She also coaches aspiring and established consultants, helping them refine their business models and create profitable, purpose-driven consulting practices.

In this episo...

Leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about authenticity, empathy, and vulnerability. But in the nonprofit sector, where burnout is high and resources are stretched thin, how can leaders balance transparency while maintaining strong leadership?

In this episode, I sit down with Sabrina Walker Hernandez, President & CEO of Building Better Boards, to explore how nonprofit leaders can build trust, inspire their teams, and lead w...

Recurring giving isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating sustainable, long-term impact. What if nonprofits took lessons from the booming subscription economy to revolutionize donor retention and engagement?

In this episode, I sit down with Dave Raley—speaker, consultant, writer, and founder of Imago Consulting—to discuss his new book, The Rise of Sustainable Giving: How the Subscription Economy is Transforming Recurring Giv...

We’re often told to “be more curious,” but how do you actually develop curiosity as a skill? And how can curiosity be used as a powerful tool in nonprofit and philanthropy communicators?

In this episode, I talk with Leo Chan, founder and Chief Innovation Igniter of Abound Innovation Inc., to explore how curiosity fuels creativity, improves storytelling, and leads to fresh, innovative solutions in nonprofit communications. Leo, a for...

Growing your nonprofit’s email list is one thing—but turning subscribers into engaged donors is another. In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I talk with nonprofit digital marketing expert Chris Barlow, founder of Beeline Marketing, to discuss how nonprofits can consistently grow their audience and cultivate relationships that lead to first-time donations.

Chris shares expert insights on ethical email list-building strategies, craft...

Childbirth is a universally significant experience, but for too many mothers around the world, it is also a life-threatening one. In this episode, we explore the urgent maternal health crisis in sub-Saharan Africa and the power of storytelling to drive change.

Joining us are Charlie Kunzer, Executive Director of ALIMA USA, and Neda Azarfar, Managing Director of Nazar Works. They take us behind the scenes of ALIMA’s “Ode to Strangers...