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 fundraising trends, the dangers of “we’ve always done it this way” thinking, and the simplest ways nonprofits can raise more money this year. Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or just starting, this conversation is packed with insights you can use today!

🔹 In This Episode, We Cover:

• The inspiration behind Fundraise Like a 5th Grader
• Why overcomplicating fundraising is holding nonprofits back
• The biggest fundraising trends for 2025
• The most common fundraising mistakes (and how to fix them!)
• Why breaking old habits is critical for nonprofit success

Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!

Guest Links & Resources:

📖 Get Fundraise Like a 5th Grader: Do Good Better Consulting
💡 Learn more about Patrick Kirby: Do Good Better Consulting
🎙 Listen to The Official Do Good Better Podcast: [Podcast Link]
📲 Follow Patrick on LinkedIn | Twitter

Enjoying the Podcast?

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform!

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars. Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!

Ready to join them?

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

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 nonprofit professionals, educators, and leaders write clearly and concisely.

We also explore:
✅ The psychology behind why people skim instead of read
✅ A simple checklist to make writing more engaging and effective
✅ A free AI tool that helps writers refine their messages
✅ How nonprofits can apply these strategies without oversimplifying complex ideas

If you’ve ever struggled with getting your emails read, crafting compelling donor messages, or writing reports that don’t get ignored—this episode is for you.

About Todd Rogers:

Todd Rogers is Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government (research homepage). He is a behavioral scientist who studies how to better communicate with families, students, consumers, employees, and voters. Todd has co-founded two social enterprises: the Analyst Institute, which uses behavioral science to improve voter communications, and EveryDay Labs, which helps school districts reduce student absenteeism by communicating more effectively with families. He is also Senior Scientist at ideas42 and Academic Advisor at the Behavioural Insights Team.

At Harvard, Todd has won teaching awards every year for the past decade. His course, The Science of Behavior Change, is consistently among the most popular courses at Harvard Kennedy School. He is also the faculty chair of the executive education program Behavioral Insights and Public Policy, and he serves as faculty director of the Harvard Behavioral Insights Group, a network of more than 60 Harvard faculty whose research uses behavioral science for public good.

Todd has published in top journals in psychology, economics, political science, education, organizational behavior, management, marketing, public health, and medicine. Todd has been featured in numerous national media outlets, both as an author of opinion articles and in stories highlighting his work and expertise.

Resources Mentioned:

• Todd Rogers’ Book: Writing for Busy Readers
• Free AI email editing tool: Writing for Busy Readers AI
• Todd Rogers’ research homepage: Harvard Kennedy School

Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

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 that drives real impact. Christal brings years of experience coaching and training boards, and she’s passionate about ensuring boards reflect the communities they serve.

We also dive into:

✔️ The biggest mistakes boards make during times of crisis
✔️ How to create a board culture of trust, transparency, and inclusion
✔️ The power dynamics that often hold boards back—and how to fix them
✔️ Why diversity and lived experience matter in board leadership
✔️ How to keep fundraising strong in the face of uncertainty

If your nonprofit’s board is struggling to lead effectively through turbulence, this episode is a must-listen!

In This Episode, We Discuss:

🔹 What “turbulent times” look like for nonprofits today
🔹 The role of a board during uncertainty—and how to step up
🔹 Why some boards freeze instead of taking action—and how to overcome it
🔹 How to ensure your board reflects the community it serves
🔹 Practical ways to empower board members to be bold, engaged leaders
🔹 How to fundraise effectively, even in the face of political and economic challenges
🔹 The future of nonprofit governance—where do we go from here?

Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!

Connect with Christal Cherry:

🌐 Website: www.theboardpro.com
📩 LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/christalmcherry
📖 Read Collecting Courage, a collection of stories from Black fundraisers

Enjoying the Podcast?

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform!

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars. Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!

Ready to join them?

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

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 episode, Mandy shares her journey into consulting, the biggest lessons she’s learned, and practical advice on how to attract clients, price your services, and create multiple income streams. She also gives us a sneak peek into the Nonprofit Consulting Conference, an event designed to help consultants grow, network, and scale their businesses.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

✔️ How Mandy transitioned from working in nonprofits to running a successful consulting business.
✔️ The biggest challenges consultants face—and how to overcome them.
✔️ The power of niching down and defining your expertise.
✔️ How to attract and retain high-value nonprofit clients.
✔️ Pricing strategies: Hourly vs. project-based—what works best?
✔️ How to build passive income as a consultant (courses, memberships, and more!).
✔️ Why Mandy launched the Nonprofit Consulting Conference and what attendees can expect.
✔️ Essential steps for scaling and sustaining a profitable consulting business.

Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars. Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!

Ready to join them?

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

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 with courage—even in uncertain times. With a Harvard certification in nonprofit management, eight influential e-books, and a track record of empowering over 10,000 nonprofit professionals, Sabrina is a powerhouse in nonprofit leadership development.

We dive into:

✔️ The difference between authentic leadership and performative leadership
✔️ Why transparency and vulnerability are essential for strong leadership
✔️ How to balance confidence with humility in a leadership role
✔️ The power of empathetic leadership in driving team success
✔️ Practical ways to create a culture of trust and accountability in your nonprofit

If you’re looking for actionable ways to become a stronger, more authentic leader, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real-world strategies.

Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!

About Sabrina Walker Hernandez:

Sabrina Walker Hernandez, President & CEO of Building Better Boards, exemplifies empowerment and strategic leadership. With a robust background in nonprofit management and a passion for fostering leadership skills, Sabrina has empowered countless. Her workshops and Keynotes, including "5 Keys to Unstoppable Teams," have equipped over 10,000 professionals with tools to make meaningful impacts in their organizations.

Certified in Nonprofit Management by Harvard Business School and a published author of eight influential e-books and bestselling book Successonomics, Sabrina not only educates but inspires through her "Sipping Tea With Sabrina" podcast and as editor of the Here’s the Tea Nonprofit Report.

Resources & Links:

🔹 Read Sabrina’s blog post on authentic leadership: Unlocking Authentic Leadership
🔹 Learn more about Building Better Boards: www.buildingbetterboards.org
🔹 Check out Sabrina’s Sipping Tea With Sabrina podcast
🔹 Subscribe to Here's the Tea Nonprofit Report

Connect with Sabrina Walker Hernandez:

• 🌐 Website: www.buildingbetterboards.org
• 📩 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sabrina-walker-hernandez
• The Thin Book of Trust

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

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 Giving and What Nonprofits Can Do to Benefit. Dave shares why traditional fundraising models are broken, what nonprofits can learn from companies like Netflix and Spotify, and how organizations can create engaging, value-driven donor experiences that inspire long-term commitment.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

✔️ Why donor behavior is shifting toward subscription-style giving
✔️ The 6 key shifts nonprofits need to embrace to grow recurring giving
✔️ The #1 mistake nonprofits make with their sustainer programs
✔️ What nonprofits can learn from brands like Netflix, Spotify, and Amazon
✔️ How to move from one-time donations to sustainable, recurring revenue
✔️ The role of community and engagement in donor retention
✔️ Practical steps to create a seamless, value-driven recurring giving experience

Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!

Resources & Links:

🔹 Grab Dave’s book, The Rise of Sustainable Giving: www.imago.consulting/book
🔹 Subscribe to The Wave Report for weekly insights on innovation and leadership: www.imago.consulting/wavereport
🔹 Listen to The Purpose & Profit Podcast: www.purposeandprofitpodcast.com/podcast

Connect with Dave Raley:

🌐 Website: www.imago.consulting
📩 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/daveraley
🎧 Podcast: www.purposeandprofitpodcast.com

Enjoying the Podcast?

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform!

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars. Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!
Ready to join them? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact.

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

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 former Innovation Catalyst at Chick-fil-A, a LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® facilitator, and a LinkedIn Learning instructor, shares hands-on techniques to cultivate curiosity and apply it to your work.

We dive into:

✅ The foundations of curiosity and why it matters in nonprofit communications
✅ How curiosity fuels innovation and creativity—even on a limited budget
✅ Practical tools and exercises to become more curious every day
✅ What LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is—and how it unlocks new ways of thinking
✅ How to foster a culture of curiosity within nonprofit teams

Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, communicator, or fundraiser, this episode will help you harness curiosity to improve messaging, engage supporters, and drive greater impact.

Resources and links:

• https://aboundinnovation.ca/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/everyonecaninnovate/

🎙️ Subscribe & Leave a Review! Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more nonprofit professionals discover the power of curiosity in communications!

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars. Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!
Ready to join them? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact.

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

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, crafting engaging content that nurtures trust, and using storytelling to inspire action. Whether you're struggling to grow your list or wondering why your emails aren’t converting, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you optimize your email marketing strategy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why email remains one of the most powerful donor acquisition tools
✅ The most effective (and ethical) ways to grow your email list
✅ How to create a compelling welcome email sequence that nurtures trust
✅ Strategies to engage subscribers without overwhelming them with fundraising appeals
✅ Proven techniques for converting email subscribers into first-time donors
✅ Key email marketing metrics nonprofits should track for long-term success

About Chris Barlow:
Chris Barlow is the founder and Managing Director of Beeline Marketing, a firm dedicated to helping nonprofits attract and engage donors through digital marketing. With years of experience working exclusively with mission-driven organizations, Chris specializes in donor-centered strategies that build relationships and drive sustainable growth.

Learn more at yourbeeline.com.

Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars. Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!
Ready to join them? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact.

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts