In this episode, the podcast takes a new direction with Noah Barnett as the co-host, focusing on insights from nonprofit leaders. The hosts challenge the idea that nonprofit leaders must constantly do more, encouraging listeners to prioritize what truly matters. They introduce the concept of zero-based prioritization, urging nonprofits to reassess their tasks and focus on core elements that drive impact. The importance of celebrating small accomplishments is highlighted, as it fosters motivation and team morale. Future episodes will delve into technology's role in nonprofit work and continue the conversation on prioritizing essential tasks.

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, host Matt Bitzegaio welcomes Michelle Boggs from the GoFundMe Pro team. They discuss Michelle's extensive experience in fund development, explore the evolution of fundraising, the impact of technology, and the vital role of human relationships. 

The conversation also delves into the increasing costs of donor acquisition and retention, the power of social media and impact creators, and practical strategies for nonprofits to leverage GoFundMe Pro for better fundraising outcomes.

00:00 Introduction

00:31 Guest Introduction: Michelle Boggs

01:16 Michelle’s Background and Role at GoFundMe

03:29 The Evolution of Fundraising

05:42 Challenges in Fundraising Today

05:59 The Importance of Technology

10:48 Strategies for Nonprofits

20:48 Leveraging GoFundMe for Nonprofits

27:14 Final Thoughts and Resources

To Connect with Beyond the Donation Podcast:

BTD Podcast | DonorDock LinkedIn | Matt LinkedIn

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, host Matt Bitzegaio talks with Courtney Harness, the Director of Strategic Advancement for the Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery. 

Courtney shares insights from his 20+ years of experience in mission-driven organizations and discusses the importance of leveraging technology, specifically CRM systems, for building strong donor relationships. They explore how CRM can enhance efficiency, foster community, and drive donor retention. 

Courtney also highlights the balance between automation and the human touch, and discusses the potential of AI in personalizing donor interactions. The episode concludes with practical tips for better CRM adoption within nonprofits.

00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Donation

00:29 Meet Courtney Harness: A Journey in Nonprofit Leadership

02:23 Current Role and Mission in Vermont

03:45 The Power of CRM in Nonprofits

06:38 Leveraging Technology for Donor Relationships

15:55 The Role of AI in Fundraising

21:13 Challenges and Tips for CRM Adoption

25:32 Conclusion and Contact Information

To Connect with Beyond the Donation Podcast:

BTD Podcast | DonorDock LinkedIn | Matt LinkedIn

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, Matt Bitzegaio sits down with David Hartstein from Wired Impact to explore what makes a nonprofit website truly effective. They dive into the common challenges small to mid-sized nonprofits face when it comes to web design, and why a well-crafted website is more than just a nice-to-have—it's your 24/7 digital storefront. David shares practical advice on conducting website audits, improving accessibility, and simplifying homepage design to better serve visitors. 

You'll also hear how AI is shifting the SEO landscape, and what that means for creating content that ranks and resonates. 

Whether you're working with a shoestring budget or looking for quick wins, this conversation is packed with actionable tips to help your website do more for your mission.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:17 David Hartstein's Background and Wired Impact

01:52 Importance of a Well-Designed Website

04:32 Budget Constraints and Website Prioritization

06:23 Conducting a Website Audit

08:57 Key Elements of a Nonprofit Homepage

12:51 Impact of AI on SEO and Website Design

19:10 Website Accessibility

26:15 Final Tips and Resources

To Connect with Beyond the Donation Podcast:

BTD Podcast | DonorDock LinkedIn | Matt LinkedIn

In this special episode of Beyond the Donation, Matt Bitzegaio and Rob Burke from DonorDock sit down with Max Kringen from Tellwell to discuss something big—the WellTold Storytelling Conference coming this April. This event is all about equipping nonprofits with the tools and strategies to tell their stories in a way that drives impact. 

In this episode, we dive into the journey that brought DonorDock and Tellwell together, the challenges and excitement of launching a brand-new conference, and why storytelling is a game-changer for nonprofits. Plus, we share how you can get involved and be part of this first-of-its-kind event!

00:00 Welcome to Beyond the Donation

00:27 Introduction to Tellwell and DonorDock

01:18 The Origin Story of DonorDock

05:10 Innovating Through Simplicity

08:23 The WellTold Storytelling Conference

14:37 Excitement and Concerns for the Conference

18:36 How to Engage with DonorDock and WellTold Conference

20:21 Closing Remarks

To Connect with Tellwell:

Tellwell | Tellwell LinkedIn | Max LinkedIn

 To Connect with Beyond the Donation Podcast:

BTD Podcast | DonorDock LinkedIn | Matt LinkedIn

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, host Matt Bitzegaio welcomes Steve Lausch and Sarah Sebastian from OneCause to discuss their 2025 Fundraising Outlook Report and the Giving Experience Study. The conversation covers key strategies for enhancing donor relationships, leveraging AI, managing events and recurring giving programs, and overcoming challenges faced by smaller nonprofits. 

The guests share actionable tips and insights backed by this data to help nonprofit organizations improve their fundraising tactics, enhance the donor experience, and drive impact.

 00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Donation

00:28 Meet the Guests: Steve Lausch and Sarah Sebastian

01:02 Overview of One Cause and Its Role

03:01 Insights from the 2025 Fundraising Outlook Report

05:23 Understanding Donor Motivations and Trends

10:29 Strategies for Effective Fundraising Events

17:36 Recurring Giving: Building Long-Term Donor Relationships

22:11 Leveraging AI in Nonprofit Fundraising

27:19 Personalizing Donor Communications

30:11 Addressing Staffing Challenges in Nonprofits

34:53 Quick Wins and Practical Tips for Nonprofits

37:57 Conclusion and Resources

To Connect with OneCause:

OneCause | Sarah LinkedIn | Steve LinkedIn

 To Connect with Beyond the Donation Podcast:

BTD Podcast | DonorDock LinkedIn | Matt LinkedIn

In this episode of 'Beyond the Donation,' host Matt Bitzegaio welcomes Zach Hynek from Cadenza, who serves as a board member of the Topfer Family Foundation.

Zach delves into his journey within the nonprofit sector, sharing valuable insights on effective grant applications and the importance of aligning with giving pillars. He highlights common mistakes nonprofits make and provides actionable advice on data-driven storytelling, emphasizing the need for quantifiable metrics alongside emotional narratives. 

Zach also discusses the evolving trends in the grant funding space, encouraging nonprofits to build strong relationships with funders and leverage advanced AI technologies to streamline their processes. Tune in for practical strategies to enhance your fundraising efforts and build stronger donor connections.

00:25 Meet Zach Hynek: A Journey into the Nonprofit Sector

02:56 Understanding the Funder's Perspective

05:47 Common Mistakes in Grant Applications

11:05 The Importance of Data-Driven Storytelling

20:28 Trends in Grant Funding

23:00 Actionable Advice for Nonprofits

26:07 Connecting with Zach Hynek and Cadenza

27:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

To Connect with Zach Hynek:

Cadenza | LinkedIn | Topfer Family Foundation

To Connect with Beyond the Donation Podcast:

BTD Podcast | DonorDock LinkedIn | Matt LinkedIn

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, host Matt Bitzegaio chats with Becky Endicott and John McCoy from We Are For Good. They share their journey from university colleagues to founders of a media ecosystem centered around philanthropy and generosity. Becky and John discuss their unique approach to storytelling, community building, and the importance of shifting from transactional to relationship-focused fundraising. They also introduce their 'Impact Uprising' initiative, which aims to create local and global conversations about key issues. 

The episode delves into practical advice for nonprofit leaders, emphasizing donor engagement and the long game of building movements. Listeners are encouraged to get involved and learn how small actions can collectively make a significant impact.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:22 The Journey of We Are For Good

01:56 Challenges and Transformations

03:57 Building a Community-Centric Approach 

08:17 Impact Uprising and Its Growth

16:02 Shifting from Transactional to Relational Fundraising 

23:42 Advice for Nonprofit Leaders

32:14 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

To Connect with We Are For Good:

Website | We Are For Good LinkedIn | Jon LinkedIn | Becky LinkedIn

To Connect with Beyond the Donation Podcast:

BTD Podcast | DonorDock LinkedIn | Matt LinkedIn

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, host Matt Bitzegaio is joined by Joanne Toller from The Cause Specialists. With over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Joanne discusses the critical importance of year-end giving, effective digital fundraising strategies, and the significance of consistent messaging. 

She also highlights the power of storytelling, avoiding desperation in campaign messaging, and the value of personal donor stewardship. Key insights include leveraging donor data for targeted outreach and the importance of a well-planned fund development strategy. Joanne shares practical tips and resources to help nonprofits maximize their year-end fundraising efforts.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:29 Joanne Toller's Background and Experience

01:48 Importance of Year-End Giving

04:27 Effective Digital Fundraising Strategies

06:48 Leveraging Donor Data and CRM

10:36 Balancing Relationships with Donors

13:23 Creating Urgency Without Desperation

15:07 Common Pitfalls in Year-End Campaigns

15:57 Stewardship and Donor Retention

17:57 Actionable Tips for Resource-Constrained Nonprofits

19:12 Conclusion and Contact Information

 To Connect with Joanne:

Website | LinkedIn

To Connect with Beyond the Donation Podcast:

BTD Podcast | DonorDock LinkedIn | Matt LinkedIn

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, Matt Bitzegaio chats with David Pisarek, founder of Wow Digital, about boosting nonprofits' online presence. Drawing on 30 years of experience, David dives into website development, social media, and branding strategies tailored to the unique challenges of nonprofits.

 Topics include budget-friendly tips, data insights, RFP best practices, and the emotional impact of website design. David highlights the importance of collaboration, transparency, and tools like ClickUp, while also offering free consultations and audits to boost nonprofits' digital impact.

00:12 Meet David Pisarek of Wow Digital

01:34 The Importance of a Strong Online Presence

03:48 Challenges Nonprofits Face with Websites

05:49 Choosing the Right Agency for Your Nonprofit

06:10 Budgeting and Analytics for Nonprofit Websites

09:03 Content Management and Optimization

10:43 Evaluating Website Quotes and Red Flags 

12:57 Trusting Your Gut in Decision Making

14:04 Key Elements of Website Design

16:08 Collaborative Project Management

19:56 Transparency and Client Engagement

20:56 Success Stories and Impact

22:40 Final Advice and Contact Information

To Connect with David:

Website | LinkedIn

To Connect with Beyond the Donation Podcast:

BTD Podcast | DonorDock LinkedIn | Matt LinkedIn