Nonprofit Marketing And Communications
Build a brand that moves people and a message that gets results. This collection of expert-led videos gives nonprofit leaders the tools to plan smarter, communicate clearly, and expand their reach across today’s fast-changing media, technology, and stakeholder landscape.
Learn how to position your mission with confidence, develop content that converts, drive engagement across platforms, and create campaigns that attract donors, volunteers, and advocates. These sessions explore everything from brand strategy and storytelling to social media, email impact, and data-informed marketing.
You’ll also gain guidance on internal communications and crisis messaging—so your team stays aligned, your board stays informed, and your organization remains steady when it matters most. Whether you’re refreshing your brand, launching a new campaign, responding to a challenge, or navigating the demands of digital visibility, you’ll find real-world insights and proven methods to amplify your voice and move people to action.
This episode explores how nonprofits can use neuroscience to improve marketing, donor engagement, trust-building, and message clarity. Sally Mildren explains why emotion, relevance, consistency, and audience focus are not “soft” ideas — they are business drivers. Plus, the 2-second marketing rule.
Nonprofit crisis fundraising strategy requires more than urgent language—it requires mission clarity, donor trust, and disciplined messaging. In this episode, Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall examine how nonprofits can communicate real emergencies without exhausting supporters or weakening long-term fundraising relationships.
Nonprofit marketing strategy with fractional CMO leadership can help organizations move beyond reactive communications and build smarter pathways to donors, volunteers, clients, and community trust. Andrea Sok of Sok Influencer PR shares how nonprofits can use influence, AI, automation, and goal-driven marketing to strengthen operations and grow support.
Nonprofit conference strategy for fundraisers starts before the badge is printed. In this conversation, Tim Sarrantonio shares what AFP ICON revealed about learning, networking, vendor relationships, sector confidence, and how nonprofit leaders can turn conference attendance into real business value.
How can nonprofits use AI to scale learning without losing the human connection? Patricia Machado of SQA Education shares how her organization combines teacher-led instruction with AI-powered conversation tools to help immigrant adults build language confidence, workforce readiness, and long-term community participation.
AI as a capacity multiplier for nonprofits with limited staffing
Language access as workforce infrastructure, not charity
Mobile-first program delivery for underserved communities
Adult learning strategies tied to real-life outcomes
Community partnerships as mission accelerators
Confidence-building as a measurable program outcome
Operational efficiency gains through AI-supported curriculum and outreach
Immigrant workforce development and retention strategies
Digital inclusion through phone-based learning models
Long-term donor and funder framing around continuum-of-growth impact
Fundraising events succeed when nonprofit professionals lead with strategy, professionalism, and intentional relationship-building—not just attendance.
Fundraisers operate under a higher standard of professional conduct at events—whether hosting or attending
Event behavior directly impacts organizational brand perception
Alcohol, attire, and guest behavior are not personal choices—they are strategic signals
Fundraising events are relationship ecosystems, not just transactions
The most effective professionals focus on:
Intentional presence
Emotional connection over scripted messaging
Pre-event planning and post-event follow-up
Events are also learning labs for operations, logistics, and donor experience
Hidden costs (attire, attendance expectations) impact staff and should be addressed organizationally
Actionable Strategies
Set clear behavioral standards for staff (especially around alcohol and representation)
Enter events with defined goals (relationships, learning, stewardship)
Use early arrival + exit positioning strategically
Prioritize feeling-based engagement in noisy environments
Leverage follow-up hooks (selfies, quick connections)
Evaluate events for replicable operational insights
Be intentional about plus-one selection and expectations
Second homeowners represent a major untapped donor market—if nonprofits shift to relationship-first, low-friction fundraising strategies.
Second home donor fundraising strategy is one of the most overlooked opportunities in nonprofit growth today—and it’s costing organizations real revenue. With over 6.5 million second homes in the U.S., nonprofits have access to a donor base that is ready to give… but often ignored or mishandled.
In this continuation conversation, Jeffrey Glebocki, Founder of Strategy Plus Action Philanthropy, shares groundbreaking research into how second homeowners think, give, and engage with nonprofits. The findings challenge common fundraising practices and reveal a major gap between nonprofit assumptions and donor expectations.
One of the clearest takeaways: pressure doesn’t work. As one donor put it, “Guilt is not a good way to ask for a contribution.” Instead, donors want authentic connection, thoughtful outreach, and a sense of belonging in their second-home communities.
This episode highlights how nonprofits are missing opportunities hiding in plain sight—from regular attendees at local organizations to high-capacity donors who are never approached. The lesson is simple but powerful: relationship-first fundraising still wins. “If I know you, if I trust you, and you're involved with this group, I’ll support you.”
You’ll also learn:
Why assumptions about wealth and capacity can shut down giving
How second homeowners actively seek community connection
The importance of personal communication and meaningful follow-up
Why making giving easy (single contributions, trusted intermediaries) increases results
How community foundations are successfully capturing this donor segment
For nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and community organizations, this is a strategic wake-up call. The opportunity is real—but only for those willing to rethink how they approach donor engagement!!
#NonprofitFundraising #DonorStrategy #TheNonprofitShow
Nonprofits struggle with engagement not because they lack stories—but because their messaging lacks clarity. This episode reveals how strategic storytelling drives real connection and results.
Storytelling is not a tactic—it’s a strategic alignment issue tied to mission clarity and organizational focus
Inconsistent messaging creates confusion, weakening donor trust and engagement
Nonprofits must operate with a business mindset, especially in communication strategy
Clarity of pillars > volume of activities (avoid “everything for everyone” syndrome)
Top-of-funnel awareness matters before asking for donations or engagement
Owned channels (email, website, social) are underutilized measurement tools
Internal alignment (staff + board) is as critical as external messaging
Data supports storytelling—but only after clarity is established
Aligning nonprofit branding with fundraising strategy drives clarity, builds donor trust, and creates sustainable growth without increasing staff burnout.
Nonprofit branding and fundraising strategy are more connected than most organizations realize—and when they’re misaligned, donor retention, staff capacity, and revenue all suffer.
Brianna Pyka, Co-Founder of Brandraise, breaks down how nonprofits can bridge the gap between branding and fundraising to create clarity, build trust, and drive sustainable growth. Instead of treating fundraising as a series of transactions, this conversation reframes it as a long-term relationship strategy rooted in consistent messaging and shared understanding across the organization.
As Brianna explains, “That’s not really a capacity problem—it’s a clarity problem.” When teams, boards, and donors all describe your mission differently, trust erodes and opportunities are lost. But when everyone speaks the same language, fundraising becomes a shared responsibility—not a burden carried by one department.
This lively discussion also challenges a common mindset in the sector: more activity does not equal better results. “Stop making tired people more tired” is a powerful reminder that strategic focus—not volume—is what moves organizations forward. By simplifying messaging, prioritizing key communication channels, and building repeatable systems, nonprofits can reduce burnout while increasing impact.
You’ll also hear why “the ask is not the finish line—it’s a doorway.” What happens after a donor gives determines whether they stay, give again, and bring others with them. This shift from acquisition to relationship-building is where real growth happens.
If your organization feels stuck in a cycle of starting over each year, struggling with donor retention, or overwhelmed by too many competing messages, this episode offers a clear, practical path forward.
#NonprofitFundraising #NonprofitStrategy #TheNonprofitShow
A nonprofit model that transforms artisans into entrepreneurs through training, partnerships, and ethical global market access.
Nonprofit artisan economic development models are reshaping how organizations approach global impact—and this conversation shows exactly how.
Rebecca Van Bergen, Founder and Executive Director of Nest, shares how her nonprofit built a scalable system supporting artisans across 128 countries by combining business training, ethical sourcing, and strategic partnerships. This isn’t about charity—it’s about building sustainable microenterprises that connect directly to global markets.
At the core is a powerful shift: treating craft not as “supplemental income,” but as a legitimate economic sector. As Rebecca explains, “Nobody saw it as an investable sector… not that it was a massive economic opportunity.” That perception has changed—and nonprofits that recognize this shift can unlock entirely new pathways for impact.
This episode breaks down how Nest operationalizes its model:
A global artisan guild providing free training and business resources
Strategic partnerships with organizations like Environmental Defense Fund and CARE
Ethical supply chain certification that connects artisans to major retailers
A growing focus on resilience, including climate adaptation and recovery tools
But the bigger takeaway is strategic. Nonprofits can no longer operate in silos. Rebecca makes it clear: “No organization can do all of that… how can we work in partnership with others to support people as holistically as we can?”
For nonprofit leaders, this is a blueprint for:
Expanding mission through partnerships
Building scalable program models
Aligning impact with market systems
Responding to global disruptions like climate and supply chain shifts
The future of nonprofit work isn’t just service delivery—it’s ecosystem building. And this conversation shows how to do it.
#TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitStrategy #GlobalImpact
Clear messaging and strategic PR help nonprofits build trust, stand out, and drive donor engagement in a crowded market.
Samantha Flynn, Founder of JuniPR Public Relations, breaks down how nonprofits can move beyond reactive PR and build a proactive communications strategy that actually delivers results. With over 1.8 million nonprofits competing for attention, clarity is what separates organizations that grow from those that get ignored.
“Clarity is a currency,” Flynn explains, emphasizing that donors today are more intentional with their giving. They want to know exactly how their contributions make an impact—and organizations that communicate this clearly are the ones that win.
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
Emotion drives giving; nonprofits must align with donor intent. a sophisticated and deeply reflective conversation on the science behind donor decision-making from Cherian Koshy. 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 cherian koshy
Smarter gala strategy can grow revenue and donor loyalty. 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 makes it clear that the strongest galas are no longer built around chaos, long lines, and overworked staff.
In this energizing conversation, Justin Goodhew, Co-Founder and CEO of Trellis, makes the case that event success is not just about what happens in the ballroom. It starts before the event with better use of donor data, stronger integration with internal systems, and smarter choices about where staff time should go. He explains that many organizations stop doing galas not because events no longer matter, but because the process drains team capacity. By simplifying check-in, reducing friction, and using technology that connects with existing CRM and finance systems, nonprofits can free staff and volunteers to focus on donor relationships rather than administrative bottlenecks.
He also brings a strong business lens to revenue strategy. Instead of piling on low-yield activities that consume time, Justin encourages nonprofits to focus on the highest net return, such as paddle raises, major auction items, and thoughtfully designed upsell options. As he puts it, “We’re actually really a fundraising and a donor retention platform disguised as an event platform.” That perspective shifts the conversation from event logistics to donor value and lifetime engagement.
One of the key takeaways is Justin’s emphasis on what happens after the event. Fast follow-up, integrated donor data, and immediate action are what turn a one-night attendee into a future supporter. He also shares that strategic auction upsells can produce “about 6 to 7% increase in revenue” simply by giving donors another easy, mission-aligned way to give.
This session is a smart reminder that nonprofit events do not need to disappear. They need to evolve. With the right systems, intentional design, and a stronger focus on donor experience, galas can become more productive, more profitable, and far more sustainable for nonprofit teams!
#TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFundraising #EventStrategy
The Nonprofit Show launches its Global Edition with cohosts Julia C. Patrick and Matthew Murray (CEO, Expand PR / Expand Consultancy), taking listeners inside what it really looks like to start and operate a charity/NGO in the United Kingdom—and why global expansion is as much a business decision as it is a mission decision.
Matthew opens with the on-the-ground reality that “every culture has its own nuances… laws and rules,” and that expanding beyond your home country requires leaders to respect local norms, donor behaviors, and governance expectations. The conversation quickly turns practical: Do Brits give? Matthew says yes—substantially—while noting economic pressures have shifted donor patterns. He also explains a key difference for revenue strategy: the UK doesn’t mirror U.S.-style donor tax deductions, but it does offer Gift Aid, where government adds funding to eligible donations. As Matthew describes it, “25 pence for every pound donated,” meaning a £100 gift can become £125 for the charity—an important lever for fundraising planning, messaging, and cash forecasting.
On governance and transparency, the UK’s Charity Commission functions as a dedicated regulator for charities. Matthew emphasizes the public nature of filings and the reputational impact of being late or sloppy with reporting—because funders, partners, and major donors look. In the UK, board members are typically called trustees, are usually unpaid, and cannot be paid for the trustee role itself (though they may be compensated for a separate job). For organizations with global ambitions, Matthew shares a strategic advantage: non-UK residents can serve as trustees in Britain, which can simplify governance when launching a UK-based entity.
The global discussion also contrasts donor culture. Matthew suggests UK donors may give differently than U.S. donors—often less driven by “momentary adrenaline” and more oriented toward longer-term loyalty—reinforcing the value of relationship, credibility, and consistency. Julia adds a caution for international leaders: expansion fails fast when it arrives with a “we’ll fix you” mindset. The Global Edition’s promise is clear: practical global learning that helps nonprofit executives expand responsibly, protect integrity, and build durable support across borders.
#NonprofitBusiness #GlobalPhilanthropy #TheNonprofitShow