Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways nonprofits can connect with supporters, but too often, organizations struggle to tell stories that truly resonate.

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell sits down with Nicholas Bruneau, communications consultant and author of Engage With Impact: Five Steps to Transform Your Digital Communications for Social Impact. Drawing from his experience working with organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, the European Union, and nonprofits around the world, Nicholas shares practical strategies for creating authentic, ethical, and impactful stories that move people to care—and take action. 

Together, Julia and Nicholas explore why storytelling should be a year-round practice rather than a last-minute campaign tactic, how nonprofits can uncover compelling stories hiding in plain sight, and why focusing on people, progress, and purpose creates stronger connections than simply sharing information.

Whether you're a communications professional, fundraiser, executive director, or marketer, this episode is packed with actionable ideas you can start implementing immediately to strengthen your organization's storytelling strategy. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

•  Why storytelling is essential for building trust and inspiring action. 
•  Common storytelling mistakes nonprofits make—and how to avoid them. 
•  Where to find meaningful stories within your organization and community. 
•  How to create a simple storytelling system instead of scrambling before every campaign. 
•  Best practices for ethical storytelling that preserves dignity and centers the people behind the story. 
•  The Challenge → Solution → Impact framework for crafting memorable narratives. 
•  How to transform awareness into engagement, advocacy, and donations. 
•  Storytelling formats that are performing well today, including short-form video and behind-the-scenes content. 
•  Practical habits every nonprofit communicator can adopt to become a stronger storyteller. 

Resources Mentioned

• Engage With Impact: Five Steps to Transform Your Digital Communications for Social Impact
•  Storytelling Course: engagewithimpact.com/storytelling 

About Nicholas Bruneau

Nicholas Bruneau is a communications consultant, trainer, and author of Engage With Impact: Five Steps to Transform Your Digital Communications for Social Impact. He helps nonprofits and mission-driven organizations strengthen their digital communications through ethical, audience-centered storytelling that inspires action.

Throughout his career, Nicholas has partnered with organizations including the United Nations, the World Bank, the European Union, and numerous nonprofits and advocacy organizations around the world. His work focuses on helping organizations communicate their mission more effectively, build stronger relationships with supporters, and create lasting impact through strategic storytelling. 

Connect with Nicholas Bruneau

If you enjoyed this conversation and want to learn more about Nicholas's work, you can connect with him and explore his storytelling resources below:

🌐 Website: engagewithimpact.com
 📖 Learn more about: Engage With Impact: Five Steps to Transform Your Digital Communications for Social Impact
🎓 Storytelling Course Waitlist: engagewithimpact.com/storytelling

Follow Nicholas for more insights on ethical storytelling, digital communications, and practical strategies to help your nonprofit tell stories that inspire action and create meaningful, lasting impact.

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What if the future of fundraising isn't about finding the perfect answer—but about creating space to ask better questions?

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell sits down with longtime nonprofit leader and innovator Tim Sarrantonio, founder of the Generosity Spectrum, to explore a new approach to professional development, generosity, and community learning. Together, they discuss why nonprofits need more opportunities to practice difficult decisions, build trust, and learn collaboratively rather than simply consuming more information. 

Tim shares the inspiration behind the Generosity Spectrum and its flagship experience, the Generosity Roundtable an interactive, scenario-based learning environment where nonprofit professionals navigate real-world challenges through storytelling, role-play, and peer discussion. Instead of focusing on finding a single "right" answer, participants develop the judgment, empathy, and confidence needed to lead in an increasingly complex nonprofit landscape. 

Julia and Tim also explore how AI, social media, and rapid technological change are reshaping the nonprofit sector, why trust is becoming one of the organization's most valuable assets, and what joyful, community-centered learning can look like for today's nonprofit leaders. 

Whether you're a fundraiser, nonprofit marketer, executive director, or simply passionate about building stronger communities, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on practicing generosity in uncertain times. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

•  Why Tim founded the Generosity Spectrum and the challenges it aims to solve. 
•  How the Generosity Roundtable uses storytelling, role-play, and collaborative learning to strengthen nonprofit leadership. 
•  Why traditional professional development often falls short—and what can work better. 
•  The connection between generosity, trust, and thriving communities. 
•  Lessons nonprofits can borrow from industries like medicine and aviation, where professionals practice difficult decisions before facing them in real life. 
•  How AI, social media, and emerging technology are changing the way nonprofits engage supporters. 
•  Why creating safe spaces to experiment, reflect, and learn together is critical for the future of the sector. 
•  What attendees can expect from the Generosity Roundtable at this year's Nonprofit Social Media Summit.

About Tim Sarrantonio

Tim Sarrantonio is the founder of Generosity Spectrum, an initiative dedicated to helping nonprofit professionals learn, connect, and grow through collaborative experiences. A longtime leader in the fundraising and nonprofit technology space, Tim has spent his career exploring the intersection of generosity, storytelling, and innovation.

Through projects like the Generosity Roundtable, he is creating new ways for nonprofit practitioners to build judgment, empathy, and stronger relationships by practicing real-world scenarios in a collaborative environment. His work encourages nonprofit leaders to embrace curiosity, strengthen trust, and navigate an ever-evolving sector with confidence and community. 

Connect with Tim

Learn more about the Generosity Spectrum and explore the upcoming Generosity Roundtable experience:

https://www.generosityspectrum.org/password

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Nonprofits are doing incredible work, but if your messaging isn't clear, your impact can easily get lost.

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia sits down with Ian Stewart, Founder and CEO of Whole Brand Agency and a StoryBrand Certified Guide, to discuss why clear messaging is one of the most powerful fundraising tools nonprofits can have.

Ian explains how confusing language can unintentionally create barriers for donors and supporters, making it harder for them to understand your mission and take action. Drawing from the StoryBrand framework, he shares practical strategies to simplify your messaging, position your donors as the heroes of your story, and create communications that inspire generosity without oversimplifying your mission.

Whether you're planning your next fundraising campaign, refreshing your website, or simply trying to communicate your impact more effectively, this episode offers actionable advice to help your nonprofit connect with the right audience and increase donor engagement. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

•  Why confusing messaging hurts donor engagement and fundraising. 
•  The fundamentals of the StoryBrand framework for nonprofits. 
•  How to simplify complex missions without losing authenticity. 
•  Tips for creating fundraising campaigns with clear, compelling messaging. 
•  How storytelling strengthens donor relationships. 
•  Practical exercises to help clarify your nonprofit's message today. 
•  Why positioning your donor as the hero leads to stronger engagement. 
•  How to evaluate whether your current messaging is actually working. 

About Ian Stewart

Ian Stewart is the Founder and CEO of Whole Brand Agency, a StoryBrand Certified Guide, and host of the Whole Brand Podcast. He helps organizations clarify their messaging, build trust, and create marketing that keeps their brands top of mind.

Throughout his career, Ian has worked with organizations including the PGA Tour, the University of Colorado, and nonprofits such as America's Kids Belong, Colorado Youth Outdoors, and the Denver Institute of Work and Faith. His passion lies in helping mission-driven organizations communicate with clarity, build meaningful relationships, and grow with intention. 

Connect with Ian Stewart

Website: https://wholebrand.agency/

StoryBrand for Nonprofits: https://wholebrand.agency/sbnonprofit/

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ianstewart12

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Fundraising doesn't have to feel like a constant race.

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell sits down with Chad Barger, fundraising strategist, speaker, and founder of Productive Fundraising, to explore why slowing down may actually be the key to raising more money and building stronger donor relationships.

Inspired by the principles of Slow Productivity, Chad introduces the concept of Slow Fundraising, a more intentional, sustainable approach that helps nonprofit organizations focus on what truly moves the needle instead of getting caught in an endless cycle of more campaigns, more events, and more asks.

Together, Julia and Chad discuss how nonprofit leaders can reduce burnout, prioritize meaningful donor stewardship, and create fundraising cultures that value quality over quantity. They also explore how technology and AI can support fundraising efforts without replacing the human connection that donors value most.

Whether you're a development professional, executive director, or nonprofit leader looking to create healthier fundraising practices, this conversation offers practical strategies for building a more sustainable path to long-term success. 

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

•  Why doing more isn't always the best fundraising strategy. 
•  What "Slow Fundraising" really means and why it matters. 
•  How to identify the fundraising activities that have the greatest impact. 
•  The connection between fundraiser burnout and organizational culture. 
•  Why quality donor relationships outperform constant activity. 
•  How nonprofit leaders can build healthier, more sustainable fundraising teams. 
•  The role AI and technology should play in supporting—not replacing—human relationships. 
•  Practical ways to simplify fundraising while improving long-term results. 

About Chad Barger

Chad Barger is the Chief Strategist and Owner of Productive Fundraising, where he helps nonprofit professionals fundraise more efficiently and effectively through practical, research-based strategies. An internationally recognized speaker and trainer, Chad specializes in helping small and mid-sized nonprofits improve fundraising performance while creating healthier, more sustainable development programs.

He teaches fundraising at Messiah University and is one of only a select group of fundraising professionals worldwide to hold the prestigious Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive (ACFRE) credential. Through coaching, consulting, and speaking, Chad equips nonprofit leaders with actionable strategies to strengthen donor relationships, improve productivity, and reduce burnout. 

Resources & Connect with Chad

🌐 Website: https://productivefundraising.com/

📖 Book: https://amzn.to/43ND8u2

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People challenges are inevitable in every nonprofit, but too often, leaders find themselves navigating employee conflict, performance issues, and difficult conversations without the tools or training to do so effectively.

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell sits down with Bernadette Jones, CEO and Co-Founder of Visionova HR Consulting, to explore how nonprofit leaders can proactively address workplace issues before they become organizational crises.

With more than 20 years of experience helping nonprofits and mission-driven organizations strengthen their workplace culture, Bernadette shares practical strategies for building healthy teams, fostering accountability, and creating a people-first culture that supports both employees and the organization's mission.

Together, Julia and Bernadette discuss why culture and compliance go hand in hand, how to navigate challenging employee situations with confidence, and what nonprofit leaders can do, even without an internal HR department—to create a thriving workplace. 

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

•  Why people management is one of the biggest leadership challenges nonprofit executives face. 
•  How to use Bernadette's People Problem Triage™ Framework to identify and address employee issues before they escalate. 
•  The hidden cost of avoiding difficult conversations or tolerating problematic behavior. 
•  Why culture and compliance should work together—not separately—to build a healthier organization. 
•  Essential HR practices every nonprofit should implement, even without a dedicated HR professional. 
•  Practical ways to prevent burnout, improve employee retention, and create a people-centered workplace. 

About Bernadette Jones

Bernadette Jones is the CEO and Co-Founder of Visionova HR Consulting and a culture-first HR strategist, speaker, and SHRM-SCP certified leader with more than 20 years of experience helping nonprofits, small businesses, and mission-driven organizations navigate workplace culture, employee relations, compliance, and leadership communication.

She specializes in helping organizations build stronger workplace cultures, confidently navigate employee challenges, and develop practical people-management strategies that support both organizational success and mission impact. Through her work, Bernadette empowers nonprofit leaders to address difficult conversations, improve team performance, and create workplaces where people can thrive. 

Resources & Connect with Bernadette

🌐 Website: https://www.visionovahr.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernadettejones-visionovahr/

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What if your nonprofit's next biggest advocates aren't celebrities, but the creators your audience already trusts every day?

In this week's episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia sits down with Ashwath Narayanan, Founder and CEO of Social Currant, to explore how nonprofits can harness the power of creators and influencer partnerships to expand their reach, build authentic communities, and inspire meaningful action.

As audiences increasingly turn to social media creators for news, education, and recommendations, nonprofits have an incredible opportunity to rethink how they communicate their mission. Ashwath shares why creator partnerships are about much more than marketing, they're about trust, storytelling, and building genuine connections that move people to care and act.

Together, they discuss:

•  Why creators are becoming one of the most trusted voices online
• The biggest misconceptions nonprofits have about influencer marketing
• How to find creators whose values align with your mission
• Why authenticity matters more than polished, branded content
• Best practices for creator briefs, partnerships, and compensation
• The future of social media, algorithms, and nonprofit communications
• Practical first steps for organizations just beginning their creator marketing journey

Ashwath also shares insights into emerging trends shaping the nonprofit sector, including how organizations can stay relevant in an increasingly fast-moving digital landscape while building lasting relationships with supporters through authentic storytelling.

If your nonprofit has ever wondered whether creator partnerships are worth exploring, this conversation offers practical strategies and a fresh perspective on reaching new audiences where they already are.

🎧 Tune in now and discover how creators can help amplify your mission and expand your impact.

About the Guest

Ashwath Narayanan is the Founder and CEO of Social Currant, a platform that connects nonprofits, advocacy organizations, social impact brands, and CSR initiatives with creators to build authentic influencer marketing campaigns. Social Currant helps organizations identify the right creator partners while managing campaign logistics, including contracts, payments, and creator relationships. Ashwath is passionate about helping nonprofits leverage the creator economy to increase awareness, strengthen community engagement, and drive meaningful social impact.

🔗 Learn more about Ashwath and Social Currant:

• Social Currant: https://www.currant.social/ 
• Follow Ashwath on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/ashwathnarayana

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What makes someone truly believe in your nonprofit’s mission enough to give, advocate, and stay connected for the long haul?

In this week’s episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia sits down with Loree Lipstein, Founder and CEO of Thread Strategies, to unpack one of the most important — and often overlooked — fundraising tools nonprofits need: a compelling case for support.

With more than two decades of experience in nonprofit fundraising and strategy, Loree shares practical insights on how organizations can move beyond generic messaging and clearly communicate their impact in ways that resonate with donors and supporters alike.

Together, they discuss:
 ✨ What a strong case for support actually looks like
 ✨ Common messaging mistakes nonprofits make
 ✨ How to communicate transformation instead of just programs
 ✨ Fundraising trends nonprofit leaders should pay attention to
 ✨ Why authentic donor relationships still matter more than ever
 ✨ How smaller nonprofits can stand out in a crowded funding landscape

Loree also shares thoughtful encouragement for nonprofit leaders navigating donor fatigue, increased demand, and the pressure to constantly do more with less. This episode is packed with practical wisdom, reassurance, and actionable ideas for organizations looking to strengthen their fundraising and messaging strategy.

🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation.

About the Guest

Loree Lipstein is the Founder & CEO of Thread Strategies and a passionate nonprofit leader with more than two decades of experience in fundraising and organizational strategy. She founded Thread Strategies after witnessing many nonprofits struggle to maximize their impact due to funding barriers. Through her work, Loree helps organizations strengthen donor relationships, improve messaging, and build sustainable fundraising systems that support long-term growth and impact. 

🔗 Learn more about Loree and Thread Strategies:
 • Thread Strategies: https://www.threadstrategies.com/
 • Thread Journal: https://www.threadstrategies.com/thread-journal
 • Connect with Loree Lipstein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loreelipstein/

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What if the reason most nonprofit strategic plans fail isn’t the strategy itself, but the process behind it?

In this week’s episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia sits down with nonprofit consultant, educator, and author Renee Rubin Ross to explore what it truly means to create an inclusive strategic planning process. Drawing from her new book, Inclusive Strategic Planning for Nonprofits, Renee shares why traditional top-down planning often falls short and how organizations can create plans that people actually believe in, support, and implement.

Together, they discuss:
 ✨ Why inclusive planning leads to stronger alignment and better outcomes
 ✨ The dangers of performative inclusion in nonprofit leadership
 ✨ How to authentically engage staff, boards, and stakeholders
 ✨ The difference between strategy that sits on a shelf vs. strategy that drives action
 ✨ Practical ways small nonprofits can embrace inclusive planning approaches

Whether your organization is preparing for a new strategic plan or struggling to implement an existing one, this episode offers thoughtful guidance for building a process that energizes teams instead of exhausting them.

🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation.

About the Guest

Dr. Renee Rubin Ross is a recognized leader in board and organizational development and the founder of The Ross Collective, a consulting firm that designs and leads inclusive, participatory processes for social sector boards and staff. She is the author of Inclusive Strategic Planning for Nonprofits: A Five-Step Process to Expand Energy, Alignment, and Opportunity and guides organizations through strategic planning and governance processes that deepen social change, racial justice, and community strength. Renee also directs the Cal State University East Bay Nonprofit Management Certificate program. 

🔗 Learn more about Renee Rubin Ross:
 • Website: https://www.therosscollective.com/
• Book: https://www.therosscollective.com/book

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What happens when nonprofits stop centering funders and start centering relationships?

In this week’s episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia sits down with Jacob Adams, founder of Inner Spark Learning Lab, to unpack what he calls the “Disconnection Crisis” — a pattern showing up across education, philanthropy, and social impact work. Drawing from years of experience working with more than 40,000 Black and Brown young people in South Central and East Los Angeles, Jacob shares why so many traditional reform models fail to create lasting change and what becomes possible when organizations build systems rooted in trust, listening, and authentic community partnership.

Together, they explore:
 ✨ Why transactional fundraising weakens long-term impact
 ✨ How disconnection shapes philanthropy and funding decisions
 ✨ What authentic community partnership really looks like
 ✨ Why relationship-centered leadership matters more than ever
 ✨ How nonprofits can stay mission-aligned while navigating funding pressures

This thoughtful and inspiring conversation challenges conventional nonprofit narratives and offers a refreshing framework for leaders who want to deepen trust, strengthen impact, and rethink how meaningful change actually happens.

🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation.

About the Guest

Jacob Adams is a former educator turned nonprofit leader focused on transforming schools from the inside out so they become places where Black and Brown youth want to be. He coined the term “Disconnection Crisis” to describe what happens when traditional systems pull young people away from their purpose, creativity, and community. In 2017, he founded STEM to the Future, now known as Inner Spark Learning Lab, to help schools become places kids and families genuinely want and need them to be. 

🔗 Connect with Jacob Adams:
 • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobadams706/
 • Website: https://www.innersparklab.org/ 

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Live from GiveCon 2026, this special roundtable episode brings together some of the nonprofit sector's most candid voices for a conversation about the advice, lessons, and realities that rarely make it into conference presentations.

Some of the most valuable advice in this industry never makes it onto a conference slide. In this live discussion, we get into the conversations leaders usually save for hallways, coffee breaks, and happy hours, the mistakes nonprofits repeat, the tradeoffs leaders know exist but rarely say out loud, and the places where even experienced professionals genuinely disagree.

🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:

• The mistakes nonprofit leaders see organizations make time and time again
• The hidden challenges that come with growth and scaling impact
• Tough decisions that don't have easy answers
• Fundraising, leadership, and organizational tradeoffs
• Lessons learned from years of experience in the nonprofit sector
• Different perspectives on what success and sustainability really look like
• Practical advice for navigating uncertainty and change

This conversation is honest, insightful, and a little provocative. It's the kind of discussion that reminds you that you're not alone in wrestling with difficult decisions, competing priorities, and the constant pressure to do more with less.

Whether you're a nonprofit executive, fundraiser, marketer, consultant, board member, or emerging leader, you'll walk away with fresh perspectives, practical takeaways, and perhaps a few assumptions challenged along the way.

Come ready to listen, laugh, and maybe rethink something you were sure you had figured out.

🌎 About GiveCon

GiveCon is Bloomerang's annual conference designed to bring together nonprofit professionals, fundraisers, marketers, and industry experts to share ideas, build connections, and learn practical strategies for creating greater impact.

🔗 Learn More About GiveCon & Bloomerang https://bloomerang.com

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