Nonprofit Hub Radio

Send us Fan Mail Your nonprofit already has influencers, and they’re sitting in your staff meetings. In this episode, Meghan Speer talks with Deanna Tomaselli from The Motherhood: Influencer Marketing Agency about employee-generated content and why it is the most realistic, budget-friendly way to grow nonprofit visibility, trust, and community support. We dig into how to make advocacy work by keeping participation optional, training staff on the platforms they already use, and addressing brand safety concerns head-on with clear social media guidelines and crisis protocols. Deanna Tomaselli is a seasoned communications leader at The Motherhood, an agency specializing in influencer marketing and community engagement. With years of experience bridging the gap between brand voice and personal authenticity, Deanna helps organizations empower their teams to share mission-driven stories effectively. She is a passionate advocate for "Step Into Your Story" training, helping staff and volunteers find their unique voices to build deeper connections with donors and stakeholders. Support the show Get free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org

Send us Fan Mail We explore the quiet creep of nonprofit burnout and the "dehumanized leadership" patterns that often cause it. Moving beyond standard metrics, this conversation dives into the vital difference between "checking up" on goals versus "checking in" on people, and why the most effective leaders are those willing to start hard conversations without having all the answers. By focusing on psychological safety and vulnerability, we provide a roadmap for rehumanizing mission-driven work and building a workplace culture where high performers can actually thrive long-term. James Dismond serves as the CEO of MiraSol Health, an organization providing comprehensive medical and social support services. As a seasoned nonprofit leader, James is dedicated to fostering healthy organizational cultures and developing leadership strategies that prioritize employee wellbeing alongside mission success. His expertise in navigating the complexities of mission-driven environments helps leaders move away from "pedestal culture" toward more authentic, sustainable team engagement. Support the show Get free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org

Send us Fan Mail A lot of nonprofits still plan fundraising like every channel lives on its own island, then wonder why “more posting” doesn’t turn into more giving. In this episode, Ben Smithee, Chief Growth Officer at NextAfter, unpacks what happens when you build an omnichannel fundraising ecosystem where each touchpoint increases familiarity, trust, and momentum toward a gift. If you want more practical nonprofit marketing and fundraising strategy, subscribe, share this with a teammate, and leave a review. What’s one channel you’re ready to connect into a real donor journey this week? Support the show Get free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org

Send us Fan Mail Monthly giving is exploding, but a lot of nonprofits are still treating recurring donors like a one time gift that repeats. We sit down with Dave Raley, founder of Imago Consulting and author of The Rise Of Sustainable Giving, to talk about what changes after the “big idea” phase and what it takes to build a mature sustainable giving program that donors actually trust. If you want stronger donor retention, more predictable recurring revenue, and a healthier culture of generosity, you’ll get a clear next step from this conversation. Subscribe, share this with a fundraiser friend, and leave a review with your biggest question about monthly giving. Support the show Get free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org

Send us Fan Mail Social media can feel like a dead end for nonprofits: you post, you hope, you celebrate likes, and somehow the donations still don’t show up. We sit down with Nick Black, CEO of Good United and founder of Stop Soldier Suicide, to get brutally honest about why “good work” isn’t a fundraising strategy and why donors can’t be treated like ATM machines. Nick shares how losing fellow soldiers to suicide pushed him to build a nonprofit from scratch and how that lived experience shaped his obsession with practical, repeatable relationship-building. Subscribe for more nonprofit marketing and fundraising conversations, share this with a teammate who owns social, and leave a review if it helps. What’s your biggest barrier to engaging supporters through DMs right now? Support the show Get free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org

Send us Fan Mail Stop writing emails no one wants to open. We sat down with email strategist Amanda Nicholson to unpack why “email is dead” keeps getting repeated—and why the data says otherwise for nonprofits seeking real donor relationships and measurable results. From the first line to the final click, Amanda breaks down how to turn a crowded inbox into a steady channel for funding, volunteering, and community. If you’re ready to turn messages into momentum—more opens, more clicks, and more impact—hit play. Then subscribe, share this episode with a nonprofit friend, and leave a quick review telling us your next test. Support the show Get free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org

Send a text In this episode of the Nonprofit Hub Podcast, Rhiannon Hendrickson, founder and senior strategist at Orapin, unpacks the often-overlooked role of public relations in a nonprofit’s communication strategy. From building authentic relationships with reporters and pitching stories that connect to larger community conversations, to preparing spokespeople and crafting clear talking points, Rhiannon shares practical guidance for earning meaningful media coverage. The conversation also dives into crisis communications—why “no comment” can do more harm than good, how transparency builds trust, and what every organization should include in a crisis PR plan. Packed with actionable insights, this episode equips nonprofit leaders to move from reactive, ad hoc publicity efforts to a more strategic, credibility-building approach to PR. Support the show Get free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org

Send a text In this episode of the Nonprofit Hub Podcast, Joshua Crowther, Vice President at Dunham+Company, breaks down recent tax policy changes that could significantly impact charitable giving. Drawing from newly commissioned donor research, he explains how updates to the state and local tax (SALT) deduction and the introduction of a universal charitable deduction may unlock new generosity—especially among Gen X and Millennial donors. With only 25% of donors currently aware of these changes, nonprofits have a timely opportunity to increase giving through simple, strategic messaging—without turning their communications into tax seminars. The conversation explores what this means for development teams, how to position the message appropriately across donor segments, and why this potential boost matters in a year marked by economic uncertainty and declining donor confidence. Support the show Get free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org

Send a text Feeling uneasy about asking for money? In this episode, we sit down with Mike Duerksen, CEO of BuildGood, to break down a simple flywheel that takes the pressure off the ask and builds trust through the parts most teams skip: listening deeply, engaging like a real community, celebrating every gift, and reporting back with honesty. When those four pieces are strong, asking becomes a natural next step instead of a nerve-wracking leap. We also share how the Fundraising Academy blends coaching, cohorts, and live copy sessions so EDs and solo fundraisers can build pattern recognition and confidence faster. If you want asking to feel earned—and you want donors to feel seen, effective, and connected—this framework will help you install a sustainable rhythm that grows loyalty and revenue. If this conversation sparks ideas, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review to tell us which part of your flywheel you’ll strengthen next. Support the show Get free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org

Send a text Donor trust doesn’t travel on autopilot across borders—it’s earned through clarity, consistency, and care. We sit down with Morgan Gross, founder and CEO of Fundraising Beyond Borders, to unpack a practical playbook for U.S.-based fundraising that supports programs around the world, from first impressions on your website to the stewardship that keeps supporters engaged long after they give. If you’re building support for global programs from a U.S. base, this conversation delivers the how-to details: trust signals that convert, ethics that protect people and brand, and structures that meet your stage of growth. Subscribe, share this with a colleague who fundraises across borders, and leave a review with one trust tactic you’re adopting next. Support the show Get free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org

Send a text Ever wonder why some boards feel alive, focused, and productive while others stall out in meetings and rubber-stamp decisions? In this episode, we're joined by Debra Hertz, Managing Director at The Strategy Group, who unpacks a practical roadmap for turning any board into a true strategic asset—from first contact in recruitment to the cadence of training, evaluation, and culture-building that keeps trustees engaged for the long haul. As hosts, we press into the hard truths: vague expectations create passive members, “fundraise-only” mindsets repel great candidates, and friends-and-family boards can lock you into short-term thinking. The fix is a board experience people genuinely want to join. If you want a board that thinks strategically, opens doors, and protects the mission with courage, this conversation gives you the tools to start today. Subscribe, share this with a fellow nonprofit leader, and leave a review with the one change you’ll make to strengthen your board this quarter. Support the show Get free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org

Send us a text A tidal shift in philanthropy is underway, and the clock is ticking. We sit down with fundraising strategist Sarah B. Lange to unpack the $84 trillion wealth transfer and lay out a practical roadmap for turning loyal supporters into legacy champions—without massive budgets or complex infrastructure. If you’ve wondered how to approach planned giving, engage entire families, or earn Gen Z’s trust, this conversation delivers clear steps you can use now. If you’re ready to move from reactive fundraising to a family-centered legacy strategy, press play and take notes. Then share this episode with your board, subscribe for more nonprofit growth tactics, and leave a review to help other leaders find us. Support the show Get free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org

Send us a text Year-end left many teams drained and second-guessing their playbook. We brought in Jeff Schreifels, principal at Veritus Group, to reframe the path forward: treat staff, donors, volunteers, and the community as the mission—and rebuild fundraising around real relationships that last through channel swings and economic shifts. We start with leadership fundamentals: rest, clarity, and a broader definition of mission that includes the people who carry it. Jeff lays out four pillars—staff, donors, volunteers, community—and shows how culture becomes strategy when you reduce burnout, align teams, and make gratitude and impact reporting routine. From there, we get tactical. If Giving Tuesday underperformed or grants tightened, the lever you control is relationship-based fundraising. Jeff explains why mid-level programs are the missing bridge, how to tier a 500–700 donor mid-level portfolio, and why personalized outreach turns steady givers into passionate partners. We walk through defining thresholds that fit your size, setting goals for each donor in a major portfolio of up to 150, and measuring movement from mid to major at two to three times the usual rate. If this conversation helps you think differently about fundraising in 2026, share it with a colleague, subscribe for more practical episodes, and leave a quick review so others can find the show. Your feedback shapes what we explore next. Support the show Get free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org

Send us a text If you’ve ever tried to run a nonprofit on passion alone, you know where that road leads: long hours, reactive decisions, and donor updates that feel like fire drills. We sat down with Lauren Reilly, executive director of the Gratitude Network, to map a different path—one where nonprofit leaders claim the tools CEOs use and apply them to mission-driven work without losing soul. We start by flipping a core belief: a nonprofit is a business. Lauren shares how to trade busywork for “CEO sprints,” short, focused blocks that pull you out of the weeds and into strategy. We unpack the difference between being a servant leader and starving your team of autonomy, and we show how mentorship, advisors, and executive coaching play distinct roles in a healthy leadership system. From crisis communication plans that calm donors to accountability rhythms that grow your next tier of leaders, you’ll get practical habits you can put on the calendar this week. If you’re ready to replace scarcity thinking with systems, and replace burnout with durable impact, this conversation will give you the prompts, tools, and next steps to lead with clarity. Enjoy the insights, share them with your team, and if this helped, subscribe, leave a review, and tell us the one habit you’re committing to this month. Support the show Get free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org

Send us a text In this episode of the Nonprofit Hub Radio Podcast, host Meghan Speer is joined by Dr. Bill Flores—speaker, author, consultant, and former university president—for a timely conversation on leading nonprofits through turbulent times. Drawing from decades of hands-on nonprofit leadership, Dr. Flores challenges organizations to stop “driving blindfolded” and instead embrace strategic planning, business planning, and creative adaptation in the face of uncertainty. Together, they explore why so many nonprofits struggle without clear plans, how leaders can refocus on strengths and core supporters, and what it takes to build sustainable revenue beyond grants alone. This episode offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and a clear call for nonprofit leaders to think differently, plan boldly, and invest in their own leadership development as they work to change the world. Support the show Get free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org

Send us a text In this episode of the Nonprofit Hub Radio Podcast, host Meghan Speer welcomes back fan-favorite guest Becca Segovia, CEO of GCS Partners, for a deep dive into the “V” of the G.I.V.E. Framework—Volunteer—as a powerful strategy for turning supporters into ambassadors. Together, they explore how nonprofits can activate volunteers, donors, and supporters to lend not just their time or dollars, but their voices, sharing authentic stories that drive awareness, engagement, and giving. Becca unpacks practical ways to equip communities with messaging tools, embrace generational differences in advocacy, responsibly release control of the narrative, and leverage data showing the real financial impact of social sharing. The conversation offers actionable insights for nonprofits looking to grow retention, acquisition, and community impact by empowering their people to tell the story. Support the show Get free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org

Send us a text As we kick off a new year, it’s time to reimagine what healthy, sustainable leadership can look like. In this refreshed conversation, author, consultant, and recovering fundraiser Kishshana Palmer joins Meghan Speer to explore why “busy” is the four-letter word holding so many nonprofit leaders back. Kishshana unpacks the personal wake-up call that led her to redefine success, why rest must be a non-negotiable, and how leaders can model wellbeing for their teams without losing credibility. From setting boundaries to choosing one meaningful wellness domino to tip the rest, this episode is an invitation to step out of the frantic pace and step into a year marked by clarity, capacity, and care—for yourself and your people. Support the show Get free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org

Send us a text As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time for nonprofits to take a hard look at their website and ensure it’s ready for the year ahead. In this refreshed conversation, Meghan sits down with Jay Owen, CEO of Business Builders, to unpack the most common website mistakes nonprofits make—and what to fix first. From clarifying your message to choosing the right primary audience, prioritizing design that builds trust, and understanding the data that actually matters, Jay offers clear, practical guidance to help nonprofits strengthen their digital presence. If you want your website to work harder for you in the new year, this episode is your roadmap to starting strong. Support the show Get free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org

Send us a text Governance can propel a mission forward or quietly stall it, and the difference often comes down to clarity, courage, and the right people in the right roles. We sit down with strategist and former executive director Eddrick Martin to unpack how boards become true force multipliers instead of rubber-stamp committees. From aligning with your board chair to recruiting beyond your first-degree network, this conversation delivers a practical blueprint for nonprofit leaders ready to modernize their governance and build momentum. If you’re ready to turn governance into a strategic advantage, this episode offers clear steps you can apply at your next board meeting. Subscribe, share with your board, and leave a review with your top governance challenge—we’ll feature solutions in a future show. Support the show Get free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org

Send us a text In this episode of the Nonprofit Hub Radio Podcast, Nina Guise-Gerrity, founder and CEO of Get Gifted and longtime Loyola University professor, shares the story behind building an innovative platform designed to make giving more personal, efficient, and meaningful. What began as a simple challenge—wanting to send her niece blueberries from across the country—became a powerful solution for individuals and nonprofits alike. Nina walks through her transition from academia to entrepreneurship, the persistence required to build technology in an unfamiliar space, and how Get Gifted enables nonprofits to clearly communicate their real, day-to-day needs through customizable wish lists. The conversation highlights donor motivation, the importance of matching intention with execution, and how tangible, personalized giving creates deeper connection and impact for communities, donors, and nonprofit leaders alike. Support the show Get free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org