Nonprofit organizations face more demands than ever: impact measurement, stakeholder accountability, competition for donors, digital disruption, talent retention. At the American Nonprofit Academy, we believe mission matters—and so does the business behind it. Our content and community of experts help nonprofits get the operational, leadership and technology tools they need to thrive. From strategy to staffing to tech — we help you build your nonprofit to be a high-performing organization.
MANAGEMENT AND STAFFING
Manage people, culture, operations and performance.
BOARDS AND PLANNING
Equip your board and leadership team with strategy, governance and policy frameworks.
FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING
Build financial clarity of budgeting, reporting, compliance, and stewardship practices.
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Build your brand, tell your story, engage digital and network channels.
TECHNOLOGY
Leverage systems, data, automation and tools to amplify efficiency and impact.
FUNDING
Classic and modern fundraising tactics, systems and accountability.
Our Education Partners — Serving the Entire Nonprofit Sector!
Nonprofit Donor Journey Strategy: From Ticket Buyer to Major Donor
Exploring how nonprofits can build a seamless donor journey strategy by integrating earned revenue, audience experience, and long-term philanthropic engagement. A strong nonprofit donor journey strategy connects every touchpoint—from first interaction to long-term giving. Dr. Jonathon Scott Crider of Fox Tucson Theatre shares how integrating earned revenue, audience experience, and philanthropy can transform financial sustainability for nonprofits. For organizations balancing mission delivery with revenue realities, this conversation highlights a critical truth: “This organization has to sell tickets in order to fulfill its mission.” Ticket sales drive engagement, but they are only the beginning. The real opportunity lies in what happens next. Jonathon outlines how his team manages the full continuum—from awareness to ticket purchase, live experience, and ultimately donor cultivation. Rather than separating marketing and development, they treat every attendee as a potential long-term supporter. This unified approach allows them to grow both earned and contributed revenue simultaneously. One of the most powerful takeaways challenges traditional fundraising assumptions. Many nonprofits focus heavily on high-capacity donors, but Jonathon emphasizes that loyalty may be the most overlooked asset: “You’re leaving money on the table when you’re not talking to people who’ve just been loyal to you.” Consistent, modest donors often represent strong planned giving prospects because of their sustained connection to the mission. The episode also introduces practical strategies like identifying “super fans”—high-frequency participants who can become key donors—and aligning programming decisions with sponsorship opportunities. By connecting experiences directly to funding, nonprofits can create a more predictable and engaged revenue model. For nonprofit leaders, this conversation reinforces a critical operational mindset: every interaction is part of the donor journey. When organizations intentionally design that journey, they unlock deeper engagement, stronger loyalty, and more sustainable growth. #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitStrategy #Fundraising
Why Every Nonprofit Needs a Development Assistant
The nonprofit development assistant role responsibilities are often misunderstood—but getting this position right can dramatically increase fundraising results and operational efficiency. Julia Patrick and Tony Beall break down why . . . . . . . . .
Clarity Before Capacity: Why Your Nonprofit Can’t Execute Your Strategic Plan
If your nonprofit’s strategic plan is sitting on a shelf instead of driving results, this conversation is your wake-up call. Dylan Bassett, Principal and Founder of Department 1 Solutions, challenges a deeply ingrained habit across the sector: setting ambitious goals without first understanding operational capacity. Dylan makes it clear—most nonprofit plans fail not because of poor intentions, but because they are disconnected from the realities of staff bandwidth, . . . . . . . . .
Neuro Giving: The Science Behind Why Donors Donate
In this milestone 1,500th episode of The Nonprofit Show, Julia Patrick welcomes Cherian Koshy for a sophisticated and deeply reflective conversation on the science behind donor decision-making. Drawing from neuroscience and behavioral research, Cherian reframes fundraising not as persuasion, but as understanding—an evolution that has profound implications for the business of nonprofits. Cherian shares his own journey into fundraising, describing how early trial-and-error efforts led him to question a fundamental issue: why do donors give? That curiosity sparked a deeper exploration into human behavior, ultimately revealing that giving is not driven primarily by logic, but by emotion. As he explains, “We make the emotional decision… and then our brain says, how do I justify or rationalize that decision based upon proof.” This insight challenges long-held assumptions in nonprofit strategy. Rather than focusing solely on rational appeals or comparative value, organizations must recognize that donors are already motivated by internal emotional drivers. The fundraiser’s role, Cherian emphasizes, is not to convince, but to facilitate: “Our job as fundraisers is actually to get out of their way… not to convince them to do something that they don’t want to do.” The discussion also confronts ethical considerations, particularly as technology and AI reshape the sector. Cherian introduces a practical ethical framework: if a donor would feel uncomfortable knowing how their behavior is being influenced, the approach is likely inappropriate. Transparency, consent, and donor intent become essential guardrails. Importantly, the conversation bridges theory with application. From simplifying donation processes to rethinking stewardship messaging, Cherian illustrates how neuroscience can strengthen donor relationships when used responsibly. His example of moving from transactional acknowledgments to emotionally resonant gratitude reveals a powerful truth: donors are not giving to organizations—they are expressing personal meaning. As nonprofits face increasing pressure to perform, this episode offers a refined perspective on sustainable fundraising, inviting leaders to move beyond tactics and toward a more human-centered, ethically grounded approach that builds long-term trust and impact. #TheNonprofitShow #FundraisingStrategy #DonorBehavior
Your Gala Isn’t Broken—But Your Process Might Be!
Nonprofits can turn fundraising events into more efficient, donor-friendly, revenue-generating experiences that support long-term growth. Most events are full of potential, but this learning session . . . . . . . . .
Second-Home Owners: Donors Transforming Local Nonprofits!
Second-home ownership may sound like a lifestyle topic, but this episode makes it clear that it is also a major nonprofit business opportunity. Jeffrey . . . . . . . . .
The Donor Retention Formula Every Nonprofit Needs
Donor retention is a measurable strategy, not just a fundraising hope. Plus, how to calculate donor retention for nonprofits. On this episode of Fundraisers . . . . . . . . .
The Audit Roadmap Nonprofits Need: Tips Every Leader Should Know
Audits may make nonprofit leaders tense, but this discussion reframes the audit process as smart organizational practice rather than a yearly ordeal. Ben Stapp . . . . . . . . .
Beyond the First Gift: How Smart Nonprofits Keep Donors Giving
What happens after the first donation may matter even more than the donation itself! Lauren Laski, Manager of Customer Success at Bloomerang, talks about . . . . . . . . .
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