In times of uncertainty—whether due to political shifts, economic downturns, or crises—strong nonprofit boards are more essential than ever. But how can boards step up, adapt, and lead with equity, inclusion, and power-sharing at the forefront?

In this episode, I sit down with Christal M. Cherry, Principal & CEO of The Board Pro, to explore how nonprofit boards can navigate challenges, build resilience, and foster leadership that drives real impact. Christal brings years of experience coaching and training boards, and she’s passionate about ensuring boards reflect the communities they serve.

We also dive into:

 ✔️ The biggest mistakes boards make during times of crisis
 ✔️ How to create a board culture of trust, transparency, and inclusion
 ✔️ The power dynamics that often hold boards back—and how to fix them
 ✔️ Why diversity and lived experience matter in board leadership
 ✔️ How to keep fundraising strong in the face of uncertainty

If your nonprofit’s board is struggling to lead effectively through turbulence, this episode is a must-listen!

In This Episode, We Discuss:

🔹 What “turbulent times” look like for nonprofits today
 🔹 The role of a board during uncertainty—and how to step up
 🔹 Why some boards freeze instead of taking action—and how to overcome it
 🔹 How to ensure your board reflects the community it serves
 🔹 Practical ways to empower board members to be bold, engaged leaders
 🔹 How to fundraise effectively, even in the face of political and economic challenges
 🔹 The future of nonprofit governance—where do we go from here?

Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!

Connect with Christal Cherry:

🌐 Website: www.theboardpro.com
📩 LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/christalmcherry
📖 Read Collecting Courage, a collection of stories from Black fundraisers

Enjoying the Podcast? 

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform!

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!

Ready to join them?

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

If you’ve ever thought about starting or growing a nonprofit consulting business, this episode is for you! Our guest, Mandy Pearce, is the founder of Funding for Good, where she has spent over two decades helping nonprofits build sustainable fundraising strategies. She also coaches aspiring and established consultants, helping them refine their business models and create profitable, purpose-driven consulting practices.

In this episode, Mandy shares her journey into consulting, the biggest lessons she’s learned, and practical advice on how to attract clients, price your services, and create multiple income streams. She also gives us a sneak peek into the Nonprofit Consulting Conference, an event designed to help consultants grow, network, and scale their businesses.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

✔️ How Mandy transitioned from working in nonprofits to running a successful consulting business.
✔️ The biggest challenges consultants face—and how to overcome them.
✔️ The power of niching down and defining your expertise.
✔️ How to attract and retain high-value nonprofit clients.
✔️ Pricing strategies: Hourly vs. project-based—what works best?
✔️ How to build passive income as a consultant (courses, memberships, and more!).
✔️ Why Mandy launched the Nonprofit Consulting Conference and what attendees can expect.
✔️ Essential steps for scaling and sustaining a profitable consulting business.

Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!

Ready to join them?

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about authenticity, empathy, and vulnerability. But in the nonprofit sector, where burnout is high and resources are stretched thin, how can leaders balance transparency while maintaining strong leadership?

In this episode, I sit down with Sabrina Walker Hernandez, President & CEO of Building Better Boards, to explore how nonprofit leaders can build trust, inspire their teams, and lead with courage—even in uncertain times. With a Harvard certification in nonprofit management, eight influential e-books, and a track record of empowering over 10,000 nonprofit professionals, Sabrina is a powerhouse in nonprofit leadership development.

We dive into:

 ✔️ The difference between authentic leadership and performative leadership
 ✔️ Why transparency and vulnerability are essential for strong leadership
 ✔️ How to balance confidence with humility in a leadership role
 ✔️ The power of empathetic leadership in driving team success
 ✔️ Practical ways to create a culture of trust and accountability in your nonprofit

If you’re looking for actionable ways to become a stronger, more authentic leader, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real-world strategies.

Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!

Resources & Links:

🔹 Read Sabrina’s blog post on authentic leadership: Unlocking Authentic Leadership
🔹 Learn more about Building Better Boards: www.buildingbetterboards.org
🔹 Check out Sabrina’s Sipping Tea With Sabrina podcast
🔹 Subscribe to Here's the Tea Nonprofit Report

Connect with Sabrina Walker Hernandez:

• 🌐 Website: www.buildingbetterboards.org
•  📩 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sabrina-walker-hernandez
• The Thin Book of Trust

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!
Ready to join them?

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Recurring giving isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating sustainable, long-term impact. What if nonprofits took lessons from the booming subscription economy to revolutionize donor retention and engagement?

In this episode, I sit down with Dave Raley—speaker, consultant, writer, and founder of Imago Consulting—to discuss his new book, The Rise of Sustainable Giving: How the Subscription Economy is Transforming Recurring Giving and What Nonprofits Can Do to Benefit. Dave shares why traditional fundraising models are broken, what nonprofits can learn from companies like Netflix and Spotify, and how organizations can create engaging, value-driven donor experiences that inspire long-term commitment.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

✔️ Why donor behavior is shifting toward subscription-style giving
 ✔️ The 6 key shifts nonprofits need to embrace to grow recurring giving
 ✔️ The #1 mistake nonprofits make with their sustainer programs
 ✔️ What nonprofits can learn from brands like Netflix, Spotify, and Amazon
 ✔️ How to move from one-time donations to sustainable, recurring revenue
 ✔️ The role of community and engagement in donor retention
 ✔️ Practical steps to create a seamless, value-driven recurring giving experience

Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!

Resources & Links:

🔹 Grab Dave’s book, The Rise of Sustainable Giving: www.imago.consulting/book
🔹 Subscribe to The Wave Report for weekly insights on innovation and leadership: www.imago.consulting/wavereport
🔹 Listen to The Purpose & Profit Podcast: www.purposeandprofitpodcast.com/podcast

Connect with Dave Raley:

🌐 Website: www.imago.consulting
📩 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/daveraley
🎧 Podcast: www.purposeandprofitpodcast.com

Enjoying the Podcast?

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform!

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!
Ready to join them? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact.  

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

We’re often told to “be more curious,” but how do you actually develop curiosity as a skill? And how can curiosity be used as a powerful tool in nonprofit and philanthropy communicators?

In this episode, I talk with Leo Chan, founder and Chief Innovation Igniter of Abound Innovation Inc., to explore how curiosity fuels creativity, improves storytelling, and leads to fresh, innovative solutions in nonprofit communications. Leo, a former Innovation Catalyst at Chick-fil-A, a LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® facilitator, and a LinkedIn Learning instructor, shares hands-on techniques to cultivate curiosity and apply it to your work.

We dive into:

✅ The foundations of curiosity and why it matters in nonprofit communications
✅ How curiosity fuels innovation and creativity—even on a limited budget
✅ Practical tools and exercises to become more curious every day
✅ What LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is—and how it unlocks new ways of thinking
✅ How to foster a culture of curiosity within nonprofit teams

Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, communicator, or fundraiser, this episode will help you harness curiosity to improve messaging, engage supporters, and drive greater impact.

Resources and links:

• https://aboundinnovation.ca/ 
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/everyonecaninnovate/

🎙️ Subscribe & Leave a Review! Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more nonprofit professionals discover the power of curiosity in communications!

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!
Ready to join them? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact.  

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Growing your nonprofit’s email list is one thing—but turning subscribers into engaged donors is another. In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I talk with nonprofit digital marketing expert Chris Barlow, founder of Beeline Marketing, to discuss how nonprofits can consistently grow their audience and cultivate relationships that lead to first-time donations.

Chris shares expert insights on ethical email list-building strategies, crafting engaging content that nurtures trust, and using storytelling to inspire action. Whether you're struggling to grow your list or wondering why your emails aren’t converting, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you optimize your email marketing strategy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why email remains one of the most powerful donor acquisition tools
✅ The most effective (and ethical) ways to grow your email list
✅ How to create a compelling welcome email sequence that nurtures trust
✅ Strategies to engage subscribers without overwhelming them with fundraising appeals
✅ Proven techniques for converting email subscribers into first-time donors
✅ Key email marketing metrics nonprofits should track for long-term success

About Chris Barlow:
Chris Barlow is the founder and Managing Director of Beeline Marketing, a firm dedicated to helping nonprofits attract and engage donors through digital marketing. With years of experience working exclusively with mission-driven organizations, Chris specializes in donor-centered strategies that build relationships and drive sustainable growth.

Learn more at yourbeeline.com.

Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!
Ready to join them? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact.  

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Childbirth is a universally significant experience, but for too many mothers around the world, it is also a life-threatening one. In this episode, we explore the urgent maternal health crisis in sub-Saharan Africa and the power of storytelling to drive change.

Joining us are Charlie Kunzer, Executive Director of ALIMA USA, and Neda Azarfar, Managing Director of Nazar Works. They take us behind the scenes of ALIMA’s “Ode to Strangers” campaign, a powerful digital storytelling initiative that sheds light on the life-saving impact of compassionate strangers.

Through real-life stories, immersive animations, and emotional narration, the campaign illustrates how individuals—even those thousands of miles away—can make a difference for mothers and newborns in crisis.

Tune in to learn:

• Why maternal mortality remains a global crisis and how ALIMA is addressing it.
• How digital storytelling is being used to engage audiences and inspire action.
• What nonprofits can learn from the campaign’s innovative approach to advocacy.
• How you can become a “stranger who cares” and support maternal health worldwide.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about global health, nonprofit storytelling, and making a real impact in the world.

Resources & Links:

📌 Learn more about ALIMA’s “Ode to Strangers” campaign: https://odetostrangers.alima.ngo/
📌 Support ALIMA’s life-saving work: https://alima.ngo/en/
📌 Follow ALIMA on social media for updates and stories.

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to Nonprofit Nation and leave us a review!

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!
Ready to join them? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact.  

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Nonprofits know that digital engagement is essential, but too often, their marketing efforts feel disconnected—social media posts, emails, fundraising campaigns, and website updates can feel like separate pieces rather than a cohesive strategy.

Enter Neal Schaffer, a leading authority on digital transformation in sales and marketing, and author of the new book Digital Threads. Neal joins us to share how nonprofits can use this innovative marketing approach to create stronger relationships, better engagement, and more sustainable growth in the digital space.

In this episode, we discuss:
✅ What the Digital Threads concept is and why it matters
✅ How nonprofits can move beyond one-off marketing campaigns and create lasting engagement
✅ Why traditional digital marketing strategies no longer work as they once did
✅ Actionable steps to start weaving Digital Threads into your nonprofit’s outreach

Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or marketer, this episode will give you a new way to think about digital engagement and how to make it more effective.

Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!

Resources Mentioned:

• Neal Schaffer’s Digital Threads – Free Preview
• Neal’s Podcast: Maximize Your Social Influence
• PDCA Social

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!
Ready to join them? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact.  

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Community foundations have long been the quiet force behind local philanthropy, but how can they step into the spotlight and inspire action on a national scale? In this episode I sit down with Peter Panepento, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Turn Two Communications and Elyse Hammett, Vice President, Marketing and Communications at Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta to discuss the groundbreaking Make More Possible campaign—an effort to create a true national brand for community foundations.

Peter shares insights on how social good organizations can align their messaging with their mission and values to better connect with audiences. He also dives into the power of strategic storytelling and why today’s donors need a fresh, engaging approach to philanthropy. If you're looking for ways to amplify your nonprofit’s message and make a greater impact, this conversation is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

• The role of community foundations in strengthening local and national philanthropy.
• How the Make More Possible campaign is changing the narrative around community foundations.
• Why storytelling is crucial in engaging modern donors and inspiring action.
• Strategies for aligning your organization’s messaging with mission and values.
• How nonprofits can elevate their visibility and influence through effective communication.

Resources and Links:

• For more information on Turn Two Communications the agency behind the campaign: https://www.turn-two.co/
• For more details on the Community Foundation Awareness Initiative and the “Make More Possible” campaign, visit MakeMorePossible.org.
• For more information on the Greater Atlanta Community Foundation: https://cfgreateratlanta.org/

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!
Ready to join them? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact.  

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

What if the key to innovation isn’t following best practices—but seeing what others miss? I sit down with Rohit Bhargava, bestselling author, futurist, and expert in non-obvious thinking, to explore how nonprofit leaders can break free from conventional wisdom and discover fresh ideas. 

Rohit’s latest book, Non-Obvious Thinking: How to See What Others Miss, introduces a four-step framework (SIFT) to help leaders generate better ideas, uncover hidden insights, and rethink the way they work. We’ll discuss how nonprofits can apply these principles to fundraising, storytelling, innovation, and diversity & belonging—even with limited resources.

If you’re looking to think bigger, disrupt the status quo, and make your nonprofit stand out, this conversation is for you!

In This Episode, We Discuss:

✅ What “Non-Obvious Thinking” really means—and why it’s a game-changer for nonprofits
✅ The SIFT framework (Space, Insight, Focus, Twist) and how nonprofit leaders can use it to generate new ideas and innovative strategies
✅ How to stand out in fundraising, storytelling, and donor engagement with a fresh approach
✅ The power of observation—and how leaders can spot opportunities that others overlook
✅ Why diversity and belonging drive creativity—and how nonprofits can foster inclusion in non-obvious ways
✅ Actionable strategies for breaking out of conventional thinking—even with tight budgets and limited time

Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!

Resources and Links:

• 📖 Get Rohit’s new book → Non-Obvious Thinking: How to See What Others Miss
• 🌎 Follow Rohit & The Non-Obvious Company → www.nonobvious.com
• 📢 Connect with Rohit on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/rohitbhargava

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!
Ready to join them? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact.  

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts