[Ep. 79] How to Measure the Impact of Your Narrative Change Strategy (with Josh Gryniewicz and Brett Davidson)
Stories matter. But the underlying narratives that shape how people make sense of the world matter even more. In today's episode we discuss ways nonprofits of all sizes can measure the impact of narrative change work and why that measurement matters. Learn practical frameworks for assessing narrative impact, and how to make a stronger case for narrative strategy with funders and decision-makers.
[Ep. 78] Power Ecosystems: Grow Your Impact, Build Collective Power, and Attract Funders (with Ginger Lee, Dr. Tony Iton, and Elizabeth Silverstein)
Private funders are increasingly shifting from funding short-term service delivery to long-term systems change. Many nonprofits are now asking, how do we stay mission-focused while building the relationships needed to attract funders who want deeper change? In today's episode, we explore the idea of power ecosystems — what they are, how they work, and why they're reshaping the nonprofit-funder relationship. Tune in to learn how to identify your power ecosystem, build collective power, and engage private funders more effectively.
[Ep. 77] Co-Creating Solutions: The Next Level of Community Listening (Narrative Strategy with Josh Gryniewicz and Dana Pearlman)
Community listening sessions are essential for effective nonprofit work, yet too often they become a box-checking exercise rather than a chance to uncover blind spots and foster true collaboration. In today's episode, we explore practical strategies for meaningful, co-creative listening. Tune in for a fresh perspective on systems change, community listening, and narrative strategy.
[Ep. 76] Giving USA 2025: Insights from an Individual Giving Perspective (with Colton Strawser and Samantha Timlick)
When three-quarters of individual giving dollars comes from the wealthiest 3% of donors, should you keep investing in your annual fund program? In today’s episode, we discuss why the annual fund is essential for donor retention, reengaging lapsed donors, and strengthening your donor pipeline.
[Ep. 75] From Micro-Stories to Meta-Narratives: How to Influence Perception and Drive Change (Narrative Strategy with Josh Gryniewicz)
The goal of narrative strategy is to influence a community's perception of an issue to enroll support and inspire real change. In today's episode, you'll learn how to shape storytelling at every level so your communications and fundraising efforts connect more deeply and deliver greater impact.
[Ep. 74] Authentic, Ethical, and Effective Messaging — From Theory to Practice (Bridge Conference Q&A with Sadé Dozan and Josh Gryniewicz)
Donors today are demanding greater transparency and efficacy from the nonprofits they support. Therefore, your nonprofit's narrative strategy must evolve beyond traditional fundraising messaging. In today's episode, we answer questions to help you apply narrative strategy to real world challenges.
[Ep. 73] Rethinking How We Do Good: What We Can Learn from This Funding Crisis (with Melissa Cowley Wolf, Patton Hindle, and George Suttles)
The current challenges the nonprofit sector is facing are rooted in deep, systemic issues, and they raise fundamental questions about the role of nonprofits in society. In today's episode, we discuss how we got here, what's changing, and where the sector can and should go next.
[Ep. 72] Seeing the Person Behind the Donation (Donor Stewardship with Sami Zoss and Mikey Latner)
Donor stewardship is fundamentally about human connection, treating every donor as equally valuable regardless of their donation size, and making them feel genuinely seen and appreciated. In this episode, learn how even the smallest nonprofit can create meaningful relationships with supporters.
[Ep. 71] Narrative Strategy: How to Find Authentic Voices That Inspire Action (with Josh Gryniewicz and Kurt Shaw)
Smart narrative strategy ensures that your messaging connects. In today's episode, you'll learn techniques for finding authentic voices that inspire change, co-creating stories with community members, and using both fiction and non-fiction to reveal deeper truths that can challenge the status quo.
[Ep. 70] Donor Stewardship: Helping Donors Find Meaning through Philanthropy (with Sami Zoss and Dzenan Berberovic)
Great donor stewardship goes beyond thank-you notes — it creates a sense of meaning for the donor. In our new episode, we discuss how thoughtful donor stewardship can deepen relationships, celebrate generosity, and offer donors what they truly seek: a lasting sense of purpose and impact.
[Ep. 69] Building Resilience in the Face of Funding Cuts (with Laura Rosi and Elizabeth Silverstein)
In today’s episode, we explore strategies to build organizational resilience, collaborate with other nonprofits, and communicate effectively with donors and funders during difficult times. We also share key criteria for choosing the right consultant to help your nonprofit thrive.
[Ep. 68] Advocacy Matters: Defending Federal Funding for Nonprofits (with Pat Libby, Kendra Davenport, and Shannon McCracken)
With federal funding at risk, diversification is a smart long-term strategy. But there's a more immediate response nonprofits can’t afford to ignore — advocacy. In this episode, we discuss what advocacy really means, how it works, and why it’s essential for every nonprofit to get involved right now.
[Ep. 67] Federal Funding Uncertainty: How to Assess the Risks and Respond Strategically (with Lauren Steiner, Anne Newland, and Elizabeth Silverstein)
Given the uncertain future of federal grants, our panel explores strategies for assessing the challenges nonprofits face and surviving potential funding cuts. With insights on collaboration, impact assessments, and advocacy, this episode offers a lifeline to nonprofits facing unprecedented threats.
[Ep. 66] 10 Lessons Nonprofits Learned Last Year — and How to Thrive in 2025
Presenting the top tips learned by fundraising professionals last year, including strategies for donor engagement, the importance of managing your data, leveraging your annual fund for major gifts, the value of unrestricted funds, and a message of inspiration that every nonprofit should hear.
[Ep. 65] Leading through Layers: Communication Strategies to Align Your Team (with Beth Napleton, Christina Lear, and Amy Tamura)
How effectively communication flows from leadership to management to staff (and vice versa) can make or break a nonprofit organization. In today's episode, we explore communication strategies for creating more engaged teams, safer environments for feedback, and ultimately, greater mission impact.
[Ep. 64] How to Engage Millennial and Gen Z Donors: Make Them Partners in Progress (with Derrick Feldmann)
As giving from Boomers and Gen X decreases, Millennials and Gen Z are becoming vital to the long-term health of nonprofits. Yet many fundraisers struggle to connect with these young donors. In this episode, we explore strategies to engage the younger generations — and donors of all ages.
[Ep. 63] Leveraging AI as Your Nonprofit Thought Partner (with Shereese Floyd)
As AI tools evolve, some nonprofits are championing this technology, while others raise valid concerns. In today’s episode, we examine the potential of AI as a strategic partner for nonprofits, including how to use AI responsibly to free up time and offer fresh solutions to longstanding challenges.
[Ep. 62] Flipping the Script: Using Narrative Strategy to Improve Messaging and Prevent Donor Attrition (with Josh Gryniewicz)
The conventional fundraising messaging formula of problem -> solution -> ask is turning off some supporters, especially younger generations. In this episode, we explore how Narrative Strategy can help you deliver the right message to the right audience, inspiring greater commitment to your mission.
[Ep. 61] How to Attract and Retain Fundraising Talent: Discussing AFP’s 2024 Compensation & Benefits Survey Report (with Colton Strawser and Julie Trimarchi)
The percentage of individuals donating to nonprofits is at a 40-year low, increasing reliance on major gifts. Attracting and retaining fundraisers who can build relationships with top donors is crucial. Today, we explore findings from AFP's 2024 survey and discuss how to keep top fundraisers happy.
[Ep. 60] Strategic Planning: Why Some Plans Succeed and Others Fail (with Barbara Wood, Laura Rosi, and Nate Rhoton)
Strategic planning done poorly can be time-consuming and yield little benefit. Done well it provides clear direction and enhances organizational effectiveness. In today’s episode, we'll explore why investing in a well-crafted strategic plan is worth your time and how to avoid costly mistakes.