[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.
[Ep. 59] Engaging Audiences with Effective Messaging & Storytelling — What Works on Tough Issues (with Brian Malte and Josh Gryniewicz)
When tackling tough issues that may take years or even decades to solve, how do you sustain donor engagement for the duration? In today's episode, we delve into strategies for keeping donors engaged on hard-to-solve issues through the power of effective messaging and strategic storytelling.
[Ep. 58] The Challenges Facing Higher Ed Fundraisers (with Sami Zoss and Emily Berry)
Higher education institutions are struggling to make their case for support with donors. In today’s episode, we look at strategies for higher ed fundraising, including how to engage young alumni, the role of major donors, attracting corporate partners, the value of give-to-get, and more.
[Ep. 57] Innovation, Authenticity, and Impact in Fundraising (with Jarrett Ransom)
What does it take to be successful — and stay sane — in nonprofit fundraising? Hear insights from consultants in the nonprofit sector about the need for innovation in fundraising, how to achieve a healthy work-life blend, the value of bringing who you truly are into your work, and more.
[Ep. 56] The Intersection of Organizational Wellness and Impact (with Shaun Leonardo and Melissa Cowley Wolf)
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 organizational wellness to help nonprofits improve their internal health and increase their impact.
[Ep. 55] Boost Donor Engagement with Messaging That Matters
Effective messaging is the key to good fundraising, which in turn 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, real world examples of how to apply them, and pitfalls to watch out for.
[Ep. 54] Measuring More than Money: Why Donor Relationships Matter (with Michele Rebeor and Elizabeth Silverstein)
Individual giving has reached a crisis point for many nonprofits who are struggling to engage supporters. In today's episode, we discuss the importance of measuring donor relationships (not just revenue) and share strategies to track and improve donor relationships at every level of giving.
[Ep. 53] Meaningful Donor Relationships: The Key to Financial Stability (with Lisa Greer and Sami Zoss)
More than just ensuring financial support, meaningful donor relationships foster trust, loyalty, and a sense of shared purpose. In today's episode, we discuss common stewardship mistakes, how to better understand the experience of donors, and strategies you can use to forge stronger bonds.
[Ep. 52] Donor Behavior Is Changing: Insights from Chronicle of Philanthropy’s New Fundraiser Survey
The Chronicle of Philanthropy's 2023 fundraiser survey reveals much about changing donor behavior and its impact on fundraising. In today's episode, the IPM team digs deep into the data to help explain these changes and what nonprofits can do to meet their financial and mission goals for 2024.
[Ep. 51] Tips for 2023 Year-End Fundraising (and How to Prepare for 2024)
Given that 30% of annual giving happens in December, it's crucial to have a winning year-end strategy. In today's episode, the IPM team shares their best tips for CYE fundraising, including the importance of major donors, why direct mail still matters, re-engaging lapsed donors, and more.
[Ep. 50] Inflation and Impact: How Nonprofits Are Navigating Economic Realities (with Ali Colbran and Nicole Williams)
As inflation drives up the cost for nonprofits to provide services, it also means every dollar raised has less buying power. In today's episode, we look at how two nonprofits fighting food insecurity are overcoming these challenges and growing their operations despite economic realities.
[Ep. 49] AI Tools for Grant Writing, Prospecting, and More (with Shereese Floyd and Ashutosh Nandeshwar)
Many nonprofits have embraced AI for grant writing, donor engagement, prospecting, 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 navigate ethical concerns, and our favorite AI tools that you can start using today.
[Ep. 48] Giving USA 2023: Key Insights behind the Numbers
Giving USA 2023 reported 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 today's challenges and find creative opportunities to boost fundraising and membership.
[Ep. 47] Why Smaller Nonprofits Are Employing Fractional Fundraisers to Grow Their Revenue (with Trica Oshant Hawkins and Alan Knobloch)
Many small 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. Today, we explore how hiring a seasoned fundraiser for a fraction of the work week can be a game changer for small nonprofits.
[Ep. 46] How to Prevent Nonprofit Staff Burnout and Create a Culture of Wellness (with Dr. Evisha Ford)
Staff turnover has become a challenge for many nonprofits. Increasing numbers of nonprofit employees report feeling stressed and burned out. In today’s episode, we discuss what causes nonprofit burnout and how both the individual and the organization can co-create a culture of wellness and support.
[Ep. 45] Sustaining Donor Attention after the Headlines Fade (with Michelle Boggs and Melissa Rutan)
When donors rally to support relief efforts during a crisis, how do you sustain their attention — many of whom are first-time donors — after the media spotlight fades? In today's episode, we examine episodic giving and how nonprofits keep donors engaged beyond that initial rapid response connection.
[Ep. 44] How to Make Your Next Board Meeting More Productive (with Nate Rhoton and Rick McCartney)
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. In today's episode, we discuss ways to help make your next board meeting more productive, collaborative, and engaging.