The Nonprofit Lab

How can nonprofits turn data into deeper donor relationships?

In this episode, Brian Gawor from Johnson, Grossnickle & Associates (JGA) shares how to move from wealth-based fundraising to engagement-first philanthropy, where every click, call, and connection becomes a clue to generosity.

Wesley Todd Holiday shares how a 24-year, family-run organization grew from scrappy basketball teams into “Holiday HOOPS & ARTs,” blending athletics, arts, and life skills to expand access for youth. We dig into stepping into leadership midstream, balancing metrics with real stories, cultivating alumni mentors, and the road to a 25th-anniversary vision centered on scholarships, space, and legacy.

Erik Tomalis, Chief Revenue Officer at Avid, shares how nonprofits can move from data overload to clear direction. We explore how Avid’s fundraising operating system unifies disconnected tools, surfaces real insights, and helps teams focus on what truly drives generosity, trust, clarity, and human connection.

Sarah Landman from Insightful shares why good development starts with good listening, tuning into donor news, life updates, and milestones to show up when it matters most. We dig into practical ways nonprofits can track what’s happening in their donors’ world and turn those touchpoints into lasting, trust-filled relationships.

Change CEO Sonia Nigam joins The Nonprofit Lab to unpack the hidden rails behind online giving. From compliance pitfalls and paper checks to donor-advised funds and API-first solutions, Sonia shares how Change is simplifying fundraising infrastructure and unlocking more dollars for nonprofits.

Donor-advised funds now hold over $255 billion in charitable assets, but most nonprofits struggle to access them. In this episode, Elon Packin, Head of Partnerships at Chariot explains how their DAFpay technology makes giving from donor-advised funds seamless, and why unlocking these dollars can transform fundraising. Learn more at givechariot.com.

Samantha Swaim of Swaim Strategies shares how to design fundraising events that move people: from storytelling that doubles giving, to match strategies that multiply impact, to follow-ups that turn donors into lifelong supporters.

Nonprofit finance doesn’t have to be confusing or scarcity-driven. Karen Houghton, CEO of Infinite Giving, shares how nonprofits of every size can move idle cash into growth, accept stock and crypto with confidence, and build reserves and endowments that open doors to major gifts. A practical roadmap for shifting from survival mode to sustainable impact.

Thinking about switching CRMs, moving off spreadsheets, or just getting more from the system you already use? Kevin Wood of NPact breaks down the realities of nonprofit data management, the hidden costs of poor systems, and how to make CRM transitions smoother. A must-listen for any nonprofit leader planning for growth.

What if the key to unlocking billions in medical debt relief was hiding in plain sight? Jared Walker, founder of Dollar For, joins The Nonprofit Lab to share how one viral TikTok exposed hospital charity care, and sparked a movement that’s erased over $90M in medical bills.

Fundraising isn’t just about sending messages, it’s about making people feel seen. Bart Lillie from Synergy joins to share how nonprofits can build real donor connection through intentional, multichannel engagement that centers trust, listening, and humanity.

Mallory Erickson shares how unlearning false beliefs, regulating our nervous systems, and having our own back can transform the way we fundraise. We explore burnout, scarcity mindset, and why emotional well-being is essential to sustainable impact. Mallory is the author and host of What the Fundraising and the creator of Practivated, an AI-powered conversation simulator helping fundraisers build confidence through practice.

Nonprofits can, and should, lobby for systemic change In this powerful episode, consultant and author Pat Libby breaks down the myths, mechanics, and mindset shifts needed for nonprofits to embrace advocacy. From the 501(h) election to coalition-building and stakeholder voice, this is a call to action for organizations ready to create lasting change.

Visit www.patlibby.com to learn more.

Matt Fogarty, founder of Cherry Willow Apparel, shares how personal experiences led him to launch a mission-driven brand reshaping how we engage with homelessness. From wearable storytelling to a 700-mile ride across California, Matt explores narrative change, nonprofit collaboration, and the power of small acts of compassion.

Nonprofit strategist and author Leah Kral shares how innovation doesn’t have to be massive to be meaningful. From small experiments to sector-wide collaboration, Leah offers practical insights on how nonprofits can challenge the status quo, build a culture of creativity, and spark lasting change.

Visit www.leahkral.com to learn more.

Philanthropic expert Claire Axelrad, founder of Clairification, joins to explore the true meaning of philanthropy—love of humankind. We dive into strategic and tactical ways nonprofits can move beyond transactions to build trust, deepen donor relationships, and lead with humanity at the heart of every ask.

Lori Zoss Kraska, CEO of Growth Owl and author of The Boardroom Playbook, shares practical strategies for transforming nonprofit boards from passive participants into purpose-driven partners. Learn how to align motivations, build trust, and activate real boardroom engagement.

Unmesh Sheth, founder of SoPact, shares his approach to impact measurement focused on listening to stakeholders, not just donors. He explains how nonprofits can move beyond activity counts to track real change using practical tools, theory of change, and continuous feedback—making data a driver of strategy, not just reporting.