In this episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I sit down with Holly Rustick to explore the nuances of grant writing and discuss the challenges within the nonprofit sector. Holly shares her journey from stumbling into grant writing while abroad, to becoming a seasoned grant writer and nonprofit consultant. We delve into the strategic differences between in-…

Navigating the fundraising world as a BIPOC expert comes with its own set of unique challenges. From overcoming systemic barriers to building impactful relationships in spaces that traditionally haven't embraced diversity. This episode dives into the gritty realities and triumphs of fundraising while black. Christopher Beck is a seasoned Major and …

Ever felt the sting of microaggressions while doing your nonprofit work? Or perhaps you’ve noticed that most fundraising departments are predominantly white, leaving women of color to navigate tricky, often unwelcoming spaces? I am here to help as I welcome a powerhouse panel of experts who delve into the world of Black women fundraisers, the diffi…

Ever been at a networking event and felt a sense of dread when asked to "tell me about yourself"? 😃 Or maybe you've done the opposite and talked so much you never gave the other person a chance to reply? In this informative episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I sit down with Rebecca Okamoto, a branding and communications expert, to discuss the art of mak…

Are you stressed from endlessly chasing to-do lists? This week, we dive into why the relentless hustle can leave executive directors of nonprofits running on fumes and what you can do about it. 👀 Kishshana Palmer makes a much-anticipated return to the show, and this conversation is nothing short of a revelation. We explore the intersection of perso…

Do your donor relationships feel like transactional nightmares or mutually beneficial partnerships? Post 2020, many nonprofit executive directors find themselves wrestling with dwindling donor bases, transactional relationships, and the struggle to turn one-time gifts into enduring support. The transactional approach is not only soul-sucking for yo…

🛑 Feeling the pinch in your fundraising efforts lately? In the evolving landscape of giving, traditional donor methods are on the decline. As fundraisers, it's essential to prioritize deep, meaningful relationships over mere transactions. But how can we do that effectively in an era where people are more selective about where their dollars go? 🤔 In…

🤪 Feeling the intern overwhelm? You’re not alone! Executive Directors of nonprofits often face the daunting task of sorting through intern candidates, training them, and deciding what tasks they can handle—balancing between busywork and overwhelming challenges. These young minds need ownership of their roles, even in a short timeframe, and director…

Feeling jittery about making that fundraising call? You’re not alone. Many fear the dreaded hang-up when reaching out to potential donors. But imagine turning calls from cold to gold, sparking genuine connections that open doors to vital funds. This week, I chat with the remarkable Kel Haney about turning dreaded fundraising calls into thrilling op…

🚀 Is your board more like a stubborn mule than a spirited stallion when it comes to fundraising? 🐴 On today's edition of Nonprofit Lowdown, we're diving into a burning question that keeps many of you up at night: "Why won't my board fundraise?"😡 You're not alone in this struggle—research shows only 41% of boards are engaged in fundraising. Shocking…

🌟 Are you wrestling with understanding what your donors really want?🌟 If you're an executive director on the hunt for that sweet strategy that separates annual donors from major donors, pull up your comfy chair! Here’s the scoop: treating both types of donors with the same approach just isn’t cutting it. Annual and major donors are as different as …

What if I told you the reason 82% of your donors never give again is because of something you’re doing? 😳 It’s true - we churn through first-time givers by failing to build real relationships and showcase impact. We leave donors confused about what their money achieved, then bombard them with more asks. Donors ghost you because you’re giving them b…

Executive directors, are you tired of chasing after those $20 donations like a squirrel on espresso? Yeah, me too. And let me tell you, focusing all our energy on foundation grants and corporate donations because they seem easier is a bit like preferring instant noodles over a gourmet meal—it sort of does the job, but we're left feeling unsatisfied…

Feeling overwhelmed by the tsunami wave of AI chatter? Wondering how your nonprofit can ride the AI wave without wiping out? You're not alone. The rapid evolution of AI technology has everyone's heads spinning, trying to figure out how to adopt it responsibly and effectively to amplify their impact. In today's episode, I sit down with the phenomena…

Ever felt a surge of imposter syndrome just as you're about to hit a major fundraising goal? Wonder why, even after securing that dream funding, a creeping sense of dread shadows your success? If your accomplishments in the nonprofit realm leave you more anxious than empowered, it’s time we talk about your "Identity Upgrade." In today’s episode, we…

Worried AI will take your job? Fear robots more than global warming? Think AI lacks morals? Well, take a chill pill my nonprofit friends. 💊 Today's guest Vilas Dhar provides a refreshing perspective on AI. Rather than some apocalyptic force, he views it as a "human-centric reflection of our society." Our biases and beliefs shape how it develops. So…

Are you giving money too much power in your fundraising efforts? Are desperation and scarcity sabotaging your fundraising success? 😣 You’re not alone, my friend. Many leaders try tactic after tactic, only to come up short again and again. Exhausting, right? But what if the real barrier isn’t your savvy strategy, but your mindset? 💭 On this week’s e…

Is it going to take over the world and make nonprofit work obsolete? Some peeps seem hyped, while others wanna unplug the mainframe, Office Space-style. 💻🚫 Well, never fear! With experience from computer engineering to working for the FBI in the White House (?!?), my guest Afua Bruce knows her bytes from her bits. Afua decrypts how bias gets baked …

With the first blooms of spring comes our annual opportunity for renewal. Time to clear out the old and make way for new growth! In this solo episode, I'll share my best tips for spring cleaning every aspect of your NPO - from refreshing stale programs to pruning unengaged contacts. Get ready to plant the seeds now for a fruitful year ahead! Here's…

This week on the podcast, I had an illuminating discussion with spiritual healer John Jacob Mubarak - a spiritual advisor with a heart for integrating soulful practices into everyday life. Our deep dive was enlightening, revealing how to pour into the causes we're passionate about without draining our own spirit. Key Takeaways: Embracing nature and…

When we're scraping by each month, it's natural to get transactional with donors. But people give to people, not causes. The good news? By shifting your mindset and strategies, you can move from survival mode to stability and even abundance. 🙌 In this episode, I’ll outline the top mistakes nonprofit pros make that lead to fundraising fatigue and gi…

I think we can all agree Gen Z has lofty ideals and a spring in their step for social change that makes some of us old fogeys a little uncomfortable. But could they be the generation that deconstructs the nonprofit industrial complex while the rest of us stand by and watch the show? Today, I’m joined by Sarah Medina Camiscoli, Assistant Professor o…

Itching to make your passion project a legendary nonprofit? It might not be as straightforward as you think. I sat down with my gal pal Tiffany Allen, founder and president of Boss on a Budget, to spill some piping hot tea about the real deal when it comes to starting up your own nonprofit. And let me tell ya…it ain't as easy as just slapping a 501…

Does your nonprofit have a “part-time” fundraising problem? As an ED, I learned the hard way that hiring well-meaning but inexperienced junior development folks often wastes precious resources. 💸 Their lack of strategic chops yields scattershot efforts and little ROI…leaving us with a half-baked revenue recipe. 🍳 But Cindy suggests a secret ingredi…

Sick of shame sabotaging your fundraising? 😣 Turns out our money baggage builds invisible barriers between us and the resources we need. But together with my soul sister Shulamit Ber Levtov, we're busting through old stories to unlock flow! 💸 In this week's episode, Shula and I get real about how oppressive systems and early traumas wire our minds …

Does chasing big donor bucks leave you feeling shook? Here’s a little secret to flip the switch on our inner dialogue so you can start bringing in major gifts: When you fix your mindset, you fix your money probs. But don’t take my word for it! I’m all about a case study too. Once upon a nonprofit, Emerald felt like an imposter around donors. But to…

Fundraising leaving you frazzled? 😫 I've been there too. Turns out the problem isn't stingy donors - it's our own money mindset. 😳 I used to get bent out of shape whenever a gift fell through or the budget got tight. Then I learned around 80% of fundraising flows from how we feel about finances deep down. Repeat after me: “Scarcity thinking repels …

Sick of "spraying and praying" when it comes to finding new donors? I'm dishing my best tips on targeting your ideal supporters in this solo episode. I'm tackling the common mistakes I see nonprofits make, from failing to define their audience to not optimizing existing channels. Expect straight talk on the pros and cons of various donor acquisitio…

Are you trudging through the fundraising world, feeling the weight of 'never enough'? It's time to drop the scarcity storyline and embrace the abundance that surrounds us. We've all carried baggage into our donor meetings, narratives laced with trauma and social hurdles. But what if I told you, it doesn't have to be that way? Let’s talk about the b…

🎆 Happy 2023! Before we dive into the new year, let's recap my 5 most popular Nonprofit Lowdown episodes from 2022. These insightful convos cover everything from ditching toxic fundraising tactics to navigating across generations in the workplace and beyond. I've compiled the very best nuggets of wisdom to inspire you to find greater connection and…

Burned by social media and its tiny ROI? 📥 Time to make email your BFF for bringing home the bacon in 2023! Digital marketing maven Christina Edwards explains why email crushes social media when it comes to converting supporters into donors. Listen and learn why you should centralize and optimize this workhorse channel ASAP. We cover the ideal emai…

Does your nonprofit website attract donors like a 20-year-old Geo Metro? 🚗 Here's how to give it a sleek new upgrade without breaking the bank. Lou Kotsinis of BCS Interactive shares his 20+ years of digital marketing expertise to help nonprofits level up their online presence. A beautiful website matters - it’s often the first impression funders h…

Are visions of year-end dollar signs turning into lumps of coal? 💸 We’ll help you turn your fundraising frown upside down with an email marketing strategy that converts before 2023 comes to a close! Here’s how to salvage your campaign in the final weeks of 2023. Email marketing whiz Jess Campbell of Out in the Boons returns to share late-game fundr…

Fundraising can feel transactional, manipulative, and just plain icky. But it doesn’t have to be that way. As donor-turned-expert Lisa Greer explains, with authentic connection and a "ditch the pitch" mindset, fundraising can actually feel human. Lisa gets what it’s like to be on the receiving end of clumsy asks and ill-informed wealth screens. Aft…

In love with your mission but not getting warm fuzzies from the fundraising? You’ve got to start thinking of your NPO as a business! Wait, what? Robert is the founder of Power Couples by Design and co-author of the book Tandem: The Married Entrepreneurs’ Guide For Greater Work-Life Balance. As a former Fortune 500 exec helping nonprofits grow and t…

Ever feel like no matter how hard you shake the money tree, the fruit only falls for certain folks? 💰🌳 On the latest episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, Garrett Neiman riffs on how subtle (and not so subtle) biases in philanthropy make it dramatically easier for privileged people to fundraise. Garrett knows this song by heart. As a former nonprofit found…

Confused about all the options for nonprofit marketing? 🤔 Don't let analysis paralysis stop your impact! 🛑 Krystal Covington, marketing pro turned nonprofit consultant, shares bite-sized tips to level up your marketing—even with limited time and budget. 💡 Krystal is a Marketing Consultant with GO Lead, LLC and the Community Outreach Coordinator at …

🎤 Why be a hero when you can be a guide? 🧭 On this episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, we’re chatting with author/fundraiser Evan Wildstein as he dishes on servant leadership - how embracing empathy, community, and self-growth can transform nonprofit fundraising. 🙌 Servant leadership isn't about being a martyr (hard pass). It's about mindset shifts from …

Diversifying your board - yup, it's time for that awkward convo! But it's so key for representing your community, getting new perspectives, and just making decisions with more empathy and cultural awareness. Am I right?In this episode, I chat with Andy and Mayowa from the National Science and Technology Medals Foundation about how they transitioned…

Ask and you shall receive! Making big fundraising asks doesn't have to feel scary or daunting. My brilliant guest Laura Fredricks shares her golden rules for powering through the fear of asking and inspiring donors to take action. Laura is a best-selling author and fundraising guru who helps organizations bring in the big bucks. As CEO and founder …

Could Facebook be an untapped goldmine for your NPO? Sean Kosofsky, a veteran nonprofit leader turned consultant, makes a compelling case for maximizing Facebook fundraisers. He shares hard-won insights on how to run effective peer-to-peer campaigns that leverage individuals' networks for fundraising wins. Sean emphasizes that with the right strate…

Join me as I chat with Brooke Richie-Babbage, Cindy Wagman, and Jess Campbell about “How to stop chasing donors and 10x your thinking.” This episode feels a little different than past episodes not just because we’re coming to you from behind the steering wheel, but because these are some of my favorite non-profit ladies who really know their stuff …

While the tides are changing for people of color in the corporate world, there’s this awkward space where pillars of the old system still stand ominous while the framework of a new system begins to take shape. So where does that leave women of color in 2023? Do we gear up for an all-out war on the old system or don an every-woman-for-herself demean…

How do we untangle the web of systemic racism and inherent bias that are deeply etched into our society's fabric? How do white individuals fit into this dialogue, and more importantly, confront their roles in perpetuating or combating racism? All of these big questions might sound daunting, but we’ve got answers that will put the wind back in your …

Hey friends and fellow nonprofit nerds! Get ready for a super fun and informative chat with my buddy Raj Thakkar. You may know Raj as the founding genius behind FOREsight Financial Services for Good. But did you also know he's the author of a brand-new book called Fiscally Secure?! Raj knows his stuff when it comes to helping nonprofits get their f…

We all know storytelling is a powerful way to move people and effect change on the important issues of today. But in the fundraising world, storytelling has gotten a bad rap. Poverty porn, sensationalism, and negative storytelling practices have left a bad taste in our mouths and, at times, exposed the very people we want to help. So how can we use…

Social media is a modern-day jungle. If you don’t know who you are and what you want to say; the algorithms will eat you for breakfast. So what choice do non-profit folks have if we want to be heard above all the noise? Please, don’t tell me I have to dance... PLEASE don’t tell me I have to dance… Not even a little, my non-profit fam! For your sake…

Succession planning. We all know it’s a possibility, but none of us wants to think about it. What processes do you have in place to protect your organization from losing funding? How will you manage the optics and let funders know your organization’s values and vision won’t change just because one person steps down? Hint: Don’t make it all about yo…

I’ve said it before; if you want to get big contributions, you have to make big asks. But, for so many of us, our scarcity mindset holds us back. We wonder, can we really make big asks in an economic downturn? Does generosity still exist in America in 2023? Do donors of color give monetarily to the causes they care about? The numbers say, yes, to a…

In this episode, we're joined by the inspiring voices of Alison Overseth, Gisele Castro, and Erica Hamilton at The Women's Leadership Council. Our discussion centers around the dynamic landscape of leadership, highlighting our personal experiences, insights, and the ever-important journey toward diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. We’ll…