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…

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 in…

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 organiza…

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. Free 3…

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 leader…

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…

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 mis…

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…

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 fight…

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 navig…

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, …

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 cha…

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. Free 30-minu…

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 bey…

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 me…

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 f…

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…

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, techn…

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. Fr…

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. Free 30-minute cons…

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…

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. Free 30-m…

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 goo…

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 n…

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 t…

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 thes…

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 …

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. Free 30-minute co…

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 Cro…

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 a…

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 successio…

Hello NPFX listener! We want to hear from you! What topics would you like us to discuss next on the podcast? Please take just a few seconds to complete our short, anonymous, one-question poll: https://www.ipmadvancement.com/poll Thank you for listening and helping make the NPFX podcast a success. We look forward to hearing your suggestions! Additio…

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 no…

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 …

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 nonprof…

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, …

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…

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 organiza…

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 a…

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 wh…

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. Free 30-minute consultation for NPFX listeners: http://…

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…

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 ma…

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 Advancemen…

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…

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. Free 30-minute consultation for NPFX listeners: http://ww…

For many nonprofits, Calendar Year-End fundraising accounts for a significant portion of their fundraising dollars for the entire year. In today’s podcast episode, we will review four of our favorite strategies to help our clients beat their annual fundraising goals and finish the year strong. Free 30-minute consultation for NPFX listeners http://w…

In today’s podcast episode, we host a virtual panel of nonprofit fundraising consultants to discuss whether or not now is a good time to start a consulting business, the opportunities for consultants to actually grow their businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the panel members themselves have adapted their own businesses to the changing…

Giving Tuesday has become one of the biggest nonprofit fundraising days of the year, making it a fundraising event no nonprofit can afford to ignore. In today’s podcast episode, we’ll discuss what nonprofits should expect from Giving Tuesday 2020, best practices for Giving Tuesday fundraising during the COVID-19 pandemic, and strategies to ensure y…

As donor behavior shifts more and more to episodic giving, it's crucial for a nonprofit to have an effective rapid response fundraising strategy. In today's episode, we discuss the 3 types of rapid response strategies every nonprofit should implement so you can be ready to engage donors when they suddenly care about your cause and are most inclined…