Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

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...

Nonprofits know that digital engagement is essential, but too often, their marketing efforts feel disconnected—social media posts, emails, fundraising campaigns, and website updates can feel like separate pieces rather than a cohesive strategy.

Enter Neal Schaffer, a leading authority on digital transformation in sales and marketing, and author of the new book Digital Threads. Neal joins us to share how nonprofits can use this innov...

Community foundations have long been the quiet force behind local philanthropy, but how can they step into the spotlight and inspire action on a national scale? In this episode I sit down with Peter Panepento, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Turn Two Communications and Elyse Hammett, Vice President, Marketing and Communications at Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta to discuss the groundbreaking Make More Possible campaign—...

What if the key to innovation isn’t following best practices—but seeing what others miss? I sit down with Rohit Bhargava, bestselling author, futurist, and expert in non-obvious thinking, to explore how nonprofit leaders can break free from conventional wisdom and discover fresh ideas. 

Rohit’s latest book, Non-Obvious Thinking: How to See What Others Miss, introduces a four-step framework (SIFT) to help leaders generate better idea...

Donor retention is more than just a fundraising metric—it’s the key to nonprofit sustainability. Yet, retention rates remain stubbornly low. In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Mercurio, Market Researcher at Bloomerang, to discuss the findings from their latest report, Mission Retainable: Research-Backed Strategies to Inspire Donor Loyalty.  

We explore:

• Why donors give but don’t always stay
• The biggest challenges in donor ret...

How do you get real people—especially those deeply embedded in their communities—to amplify your cause in a meaningful way? Traditional influencer marketing often focuses on celebrities, but micro influencers—everyday people with strong, trusted networks—are proving to be far more effective for building lasting engagement.

This week, we’re joined by Ryan Davis, Co-founder & COO of People First, a company that identifies, recruit...

Today, instead of our regular program, I wanted to play an episode from a show I think you'll love. I'm talking about System Catalysts, a podcast about the incredible people who are fixing the broken systems that run the world. 

In this episode, English Sall talks to the people behind One Acre Fund, an organization that supports smallholder farmers in Africa through a brilliant social enterprise model. They discuss how to ...

The landscape of nonprofit fundraising events is evolving rapidly in 2025. With the return of in-person gatherings, the rise of digital engagement, and changing donor expectations, how can nonprofits design events that maximize impact and financial success?

In this episode, we sit down with Samantha Swaim, co-host of The Fundraising Elevator podcast and 20 year consultant to nonprofit fundraising events, to explore the latest trends...

Your website is one of the most powerful tools your nonprofit has—but is it actually working for you? Too often, nonprofit websites are cluttered, confusing, or missing key elements that drive engagement, donations, and action.

In this episode, David Hartstein, co-founder of Wired Impact, shares expert insights on how nonprofits can build a website that is clear, compelling, and built to convert. Whether you’re launching a new site ...

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.

We dive deep into:
✔️ Reconnect...

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 nonprofit technology space, Tim has help...

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. We dive deep into how Paul Newman ...

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.

Shilpa’s journey—from her background...

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 also deeply involved in leadership roles...

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 before.

This fight is going to be toug...

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​.

This week, we’re joined by Josh Hirsch...

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 leadership offers actionable insights for ...

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 organization as a thought leader, win the ...