What if the biggest barrier to your fundraising success isn’t your strategy or your donor list — but your workplace culture?

In this insightful episode, I sit down with Marcia Beckner, a nationally recognized nonprofit founder, CEO mentor, culture strategist, and host of the Nonprofit CEO SPARK podcast. Marcia is the creator of the Culture CARES® Framework, a proven model for helping nonprofit leaders build healthy, inclusive, and empowering organizational cultures where everyone can thrive — and where fundraising can flourish.

Marcia shares her powerful personal journey, beginning with a life-altering ovarian cancer diagnosis in her 20s that led her to found MyLifeLine Cancer Foundation. Under her leadership, the organization grew nationally and eventually merged with a global nonprofit, reaching over 300,000 cancer patients and families.

Today, Marcia works with mission-driven leaders across the country to tackle a commonly overlooked truth: your culture is your growth engine. Without alignment, even the best fundraising strategies fall flat. But when leadership, values, and strategy are united? Teams thrive. Revenue grows. Burnout fades.

💡 You’ll learn:

• Why fundraising breakthroughs don’t happen without cultural alignment
• How to recognize and repair cultural misalignments in your organization
• The essential components of the Culture CARES® Framework
• Practical leadership shifts that reduce burnout and unlock momentum
• How inclusive cultures drive both mission and money
• Marcia’s personal story of resilience, reinvention, and impact — and how it shaped her leadership philosophy

Whether you're an executive director, fundraiser, or board leader, this episode offers a fresh, energizing perspective on what it really takes to build sustainable, thriving nonprofits.

💼 About Marcia Beckner

Marcia Beckner is the Founder & CEO of Culture CARES®, a consulting firm that helps nonprofit executives lead with confidence, unify their teams, and build inclusive cultures. She created the Culture CARES® Framework, a practical, proven approach to healthy workplace cultures. After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 27, Marcia founded MyLifeLine Cancer Foundation in 2007 with a vision to transform the cancer experience through connection and community. She led its national growth and successful merger with the Cancer Support Community, expanding its impact to more than 300,000 cancer patients and families.

Today, Marcia guides nonprofit leaders through executive coaching, mentoring, and strategic advisory services. Her clients have included the Epilepsy Foundation, Colorado College, Colorado Nonprofit Association, Beryl Institute, The Art Garage, Pepper’s Senior Dog Sanctuary, The Collaborative of the SCFD in Denver, and many more. Her passion is helping organizations build healthy, empowering, and inclusive cultures where all staff can thrive.

🔗 Resources and Links

• 🌐 Website: www.CultureCARES.com
• 🎙️ Podcast: Nonprofit CEO SPARK
• 📚 Book: You Are Meant for Great Things
• 🧡 MyLifeLine Cancer Foundation: www.MyLifeLine.org
• LinkedIn 

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Social Media for Social Good Academy is OPEN for enrollment! Class starts Feb 23 so don't delay - sign up now! 

Social media is not slowing down. 

But here’s the good news: you do not need to do everything. 

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I’m breaking down what’s actually working right now, and what you can safely ignore. 

Because 2026 is not the year to chase every shiny object. 

It’s the year to get focused. 

I'm talking about: 

• Short-form video
• Engagement signals
• Storytelling that converts
• Smart AI use
• Platform-specific strategy
• And building community beyond campaigns

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, this episode will help you simplify.

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Workplace giving is one of the most underused tools in a fundraiser’s toolkit—but it’s also one of the most powerful.

More than 26 million U.S. employees have access to workplace giving programs, and in 2024, they donated an estimated $3 billion to nonprofits. With corporate matches included, the average employee gift totaled $1,744. That’s a major opportunity!

In this episode, we’re talking about why workplace giving is so much more than a matching gift: it’s a strategic lever for building stronger donor relationships, deepening community partnerships, and expanding your reach to younger, purpose-driven supporters.

My guest is Matt Nash, Executive Director of The Blackbaud Giving Fund, which has disbursed more than $1.6 billion to over 195,000 nonprofits around the world. He’s also a former senior leader at Fidelity Charitable and brings decades of insight into donor behavior, corporate philanthropy, and what’s next for fundraising.

💡 Together, we explore:

• How workplace giving is evolving, and what nonprofits need to know heading into 2026
• What’s changing in the expectations of employees, companies, and donors
• How to make the most of matching gift programs and workplace donations
• Five concrete ways to turn workplace giving into long-term donor engagement
• Why this channel is a key strategy for reaching and retaining younger donors

We also highlight a real-world example from Note in the Pocket, a North Carolina nonprofit that doubled its corporate volunteer hours between 2022 and 2024. When a hurricane hit, their workplace giving partnerships paid off in a big way—one company stepped in with space, funding, and logistical support to help keep their back-to-school programs on track. It’s a powerful reminder that the relationships you build through workplace giving don’t just boost donations—they build resilience.

This episode will give you a roadmap to strengthen your workplace giving strategy—and head into the new year ready to grow.

🔗 Links & Resources

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-nash/ 
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-blackbaud-giving-fund/
• https://www.facebook.com/BlackbaudGivingFund
• https://www.instagram.com/blackbaudgivingfund/

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In this episode, Julia Campbell discusses the evolving landscape of nonprofit social media management in 2026. She shares insights on the challenges faced by social media managers, including low engagement rates and the importance of community building.

Julia provides five essential tips for effective social media management, emphasizing the need for time management, mental health breaks, and the acceptance of imperfection in content creation. She encourages listeners to advocate for themselves within their organizations and highlights the significance of marketing as part of the nonprofit mission.

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What does it really mean to lead through change—especially when you're still figuring things out yourself?

This week on Nonprofit Nation, we’re diving into what it takes to navigate organizational change with a growth mindset. My guest is Sabine Gedeon—executive coach, transformational speaker, and host of The Aligned Leader Show podcast. She has 20 years of experience guiding leaders and organizations through critical moments of growth, change, and reinvention.

We talk about the reality behind change—what it feels like to lead in the messy middle, why high-achieving leaders often hide their process, and how vulnerability can become a strategic advantage. Sabine brings a rare mix of emotional intelligence and practical wisdom to this conversation—reminding us that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about staying open, steady, and self-aware as you grow.

🔍 We explore:

• How to lead through organizational change even when the outcome is unclear
• What it looks like to shift from performance to presence in leadership
• How to reframe setbacks as information, not personal failure
• The pressure leaders feel to “have it all together”—and how to let go of that
• What it means to be witnessed in growth, not just the results

Sabine’s insights are especially relevant for nonprofit leaders navigating transition, burnout, or major strategic shifts. Her reflection questions and mindset frameworks offer a grounded way to stay clear and connected—even in seasons of uncertainty.

💼 About Sabine Gedeon

Sabine Gedeon is a transformational speaker, executive coach, and leadership strategist with over 20 years of experience guiding leaders and organizations through critical moments of growth, change, and reinvention.

As the founder of Gedeon Enterprises, she partners with high-impact leaders to build resilience, strengthen team alignment, and lead with greater clarity and influence. Her work has been featured in national media, and in 2025, she was named one of Influence Digest’s Top 15 Coaches in San Diego.

Sabine holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, is a certified ICF Professional Coach, and is the author of Transformed: The Journey to Becoming and two additional books on self-leadership and personal power.

🧰 Resources & Links:

• https://sabinegedeon.com/ 
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabinegedeon/ 

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What happens when a nonprofit loses critical federal funding overnight? And how can we prepare for even greater funding shifts ahead?

In this episode, we explore the changing landscape of charitable funding—what’s happening now, what’s coming with the 2026 federal budget, and how nonprofits can build resilience in the face of uncertainty.

My guest is Kendall Webb, a pioneer in digital philanthropy and the Founder & Executive Director of Charity Bridge Fund—a new, nonpartisan platform that connects donors with nonprofits that have lost federal funding. With over 25 years of experience at the intersection of giving, technology, and impact, Kendall brings both a big-picture perspective and practical advice for today’s nonprofit leaders.

💡 We discuss:

• What’s at stake for nonprofits as the 2026 federal budget looms
• How to proactively prepare for funding gaps before they hit
• Why transparency and data-driven giving are essential in this next era of philanthropy
• How platforms like Charity Bridge Fund can connect donors and nonprofits in smarter, more sustainable ways
• Broader trends in digital giving and what they mean for fundraising in 2025 and beyond

Kendall also shares powerful insights from her own journey—from co-founding WorldTeach as a Harvard undergrad, to launching JustGive, one of the first online donation platforms, to volunteering as an EMT and clinic support worker in her local community. Her career is a testament to what’s possible when innovation, service, and generosity come together.

💼 About Kendall Webb

Kendall Webb is a pioneer in online philanthropy, with over 25 years of experience shaping the way individuals, nonprofits, and companies engage in charitable giving. As the Founder & Executive Director of Charity Bridge Fund, she has been a trusted advisor on digital giving strategy, helping organizations and corporations integrate meaningful giving programs into their platforms.

Kendall’s passion for impact began early. As a Harvard undergraduate, she helped launch WorldTeach, a global education nonprofit. After early roles at Goldman Sachs and the World Bank, she volunteered in Uganda, deepening her commitment to service and international development.

Upon returning to the U.S., Kendall joined the founding team at More.com, one of the earliest e-commerce platforms. It was there that she recognized the Internet’s power to transform philanthropy—a realization that led her to launch one of the first nonprofit donation platforms on the web in 2000.

Since then, Kendall has remained at the forefront of digital giving—building strategic partnerships, advising on donation infrastructure, and working to ensure that generosity remains accessible, transparent, and impactful in the digital age.

🧰 Resources & Links:

•  https://www.charitybridgefund.org/

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Feeling stretched too thin? Wondering how your nonprofit will survive the next wave of challenges? You’re not alone.

As we head into 2026, nonprofit leaders are asking tough questions: Where is funding going? Why is donor behavior shifting? How can we keep our teams motivated in the face of burnout and uncertainty?

This week, I’m joined by Rob Harter — veteran nonprofit executive, leadership coach, and host of the long-running Nonprofit Leadership Podcast — to explore what’s really happening across the sector, and where the hope lies. Drawing from his decades of experience, his writing on organizational health and leadership, and the hundreds of interviews he’s conducted on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob offers a hopeful — but honest — roadmap for social impact organizations navigating change.

🔍 About Rob Harter

Rob is a nonprofit executive professional with over 30 years of experience in leading and building social impact organizations. Rob is known as an inspirational leader with contagious energy and entrepreneurial spirit. He is a frequent speaker and seminar facilitator, and he founded and hosts the “Nonprofit Leadership Podcast”, which has had over 541,000 downloads, is heard in 179 countries and is in the top 1.5% of all podcasts globally according to Listen Notes.

Rob has been a member of and contributor for the Forbes Nonprofit Council. Rob was invited to be part of Harvard Business School’s “Young American Leaders Program”. He also serves on the Utah Advisory Committee for the US Global Leadership Coalition. Rob has chaired the MLK Jr. Commission for Human Rights for the State of Utah and served as the Chair of the Utah Nonprofit Association’s Board as well as serving on the Park City Chamber of Commerce. Rob was voted as the professional “Citizen of the Year” for Park City by the local Rotary club, received the Park City “Chief’s Award for Community Service” and was also recognized as a “Hometown Hero” by Salt Lake Magazine. Most recently, Rob has launched his own Coaching business Rob Harter Coaching and Consulting as a way to invest in and strengthen leaders and individuals to grow both personally and professionally. He is a certified Professional Coach and Certified Enneagram Instructor along with being a Neurofeedback trained technician.

Rob has received a Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees. He loves deep powder skiing, hiking, cycling, reading great books, and traveling to new places. Most of all, Rob loves spending quality time with his amazing wife and family. 

🧰 Resources & Links:

• Nonprofit Leadership Podcast: https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
• Rob’s website: https://robharter.com/ 
• Connect with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rob-harter-25457313/ 

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If you’ve ever wondered whether AI is actually useful for your nonprofit - and how to implement without tech-savvy or overwhelm - this episode is for you.

Joining me are Darian Rodriguez Heyman, social entrepreneur, nonprofit strategist, Heyman also founded AI4NP.org, a national hub for AI education in the social sector, and Cheryl Contee, a pioneering technology entrepreneur and digital transformation expert and Chief Innovation Officer at BrightWorksAI.com and co-author of the new book AI for Nonprofits: Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work for Your Cause,

Darian and Cheryl bring a wealth of insight into how nonprofits can harness AI to work smarter, not harder. AI for Nonprofits is a practical, resource-rich guide based on interviews with 57 nonprofit leaders (including me!) who are successfully leveraging AI to enhance fundraising, streamline operations, and engage supporters more effectively — all while staying grounded in mission, values, and ethics.

Together, we explore the most accessible tools, the smartest use cases, and the common pitfalls to avoid when adopting AI in your organization. Whether you're AI-curious or already experimenting, you'll come away with actionable next steps to help you move forward confidently.

🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Actionable ways to use AI for donor communications, content creation, and outreach
• The fundamentals of data privacy and compliance every nonprofit must understand
• Top AI tools recommended by experts across the nonprofit sector
• How to avoid the most common mistakes nonprofits make when adopting AI
• How equity and inclusion must factor into AI implementation strategies

🧰 Resources & Links:

• Get the book: AI for Nonprofits

💼 Guest Bio

Cheryl Contee is the Chief Innovation Officer at BrightWorksAI.com. She is a pioneering technology entrepreneur and digital transformation expert. Cheryl is renowned as a trailblazing startup founder and a trusted advisor on innovation & impact. She inspires audiences globally as a leading voice on inclusive entrepreneurship and social enterprise. She has co-authored a bestselling new book called "AI for Nonprofits: Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work for Your Cause" with Darian Rodriguez Heyman sharing insights from over 50 AI experts intended to help nonprofit leaders embrace new tech. She is also a senior advisor for PosterChild.AI and co-founder of Change Agent AI, mission-driven & gamechanging AI powered startups.

Darian Rodriguez Heyman is a seasoned nonprofit leader, fundraiser, and social entrepreneur best known for making complex ideas accessible and actionable. He began his impact journey as Executive Director of Craigslist Foundation, where he launched the Nonprofit Boot Camp — which quickly became the largest nonprofit gathering in the Bay Area. He’s the author of Nonprofit Fundraising 101, editor of the best-selling Nonprofit Management 101, and most recently, co-author of AI for Nonprofits: Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work for Your Cause, a tactical guide featuring insights from 57 nonprofit leaders on how to responsibly and effectively integrate AI into fundraising, marketing, program delivery, and operations.

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"We’re not just telling stories anymore—we’re helping people make sense of the world."

That’s the powerful message behind this week’s episode of Nonprofit Nation featuring Kristen Grimm, founder and strategist of Spitfire Strategies, a leading communications firm that helps nonprofits, foundations, and social changemakers sharpen their voice and deepen their impact.

In this conversation, Kristen introduces the concept of “meaning-making” — the process of helping people interpret what’s happening around them, understand what it means, and decide how to act. With the world experiencing unprecedented levels of uncertainty, polarization, and complexity, Kristen argues that communicators now face a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help people cut through the noise and find clarity, purpose, and direction.

Drawing on her recently published meaning-making blog series, Kristen shares a timely roadmap for nonprofit leaders looking to rise above the chaos and communicate with resonance. You’ll hear about the different phases of meaning-making, how to spot a "meaning-making window" when it opens, and why now is the time to shift from persuasion to perspective-shaping.

🔍 In This Episode, We Discuss:

• What “meaning-making” really is — and why it's vital right now
• Why traditional messaging may fall flat in today’s environment
• The phases of meaning-making: from recognition to resonance
• Tools to assess your organization's readiness to lead with meaning
• Real-world examples of meaning-making strategies in action
• How small or resource-constrained nonprofits can start this work today

💼 About Kristen Grimm

Kristen is the founder of Spitfire Strategies, a public interest firm focused on advancing racial, economic and social justice, protecting the environment and promoting opportunity for all. She has extensive experience running smart communication and campaign efforts that create lasting social change. A hopeful strategist, she believes progress is always possible, setbacks are sources of inspiration and building beyond the choir is where the real work is. She is the mastermind behind Spitfire’s Smart Chart, Planning to Win, Mindful Messaging and Replenishing Trust, thinks fast in a crisis, is deft at drawing phenomenal visionary speeches out of leaders and is someone you want in your corner when you’re ready to go big. When it comes to storytelling, all you need to know is that her last name is Grimm.

🧰 Resources & Links:

• 🔗 Kristen Grimm’s Meaning-Making Series – Spitfire Strategies
• 🔗 Meaning-Making: An Idea Whose Time Has Come and How to Make It Come to Fruition
• 🔗 Meaning-Making: Approaches to Consider
• 🔗 Meaning-Making: Live Examples We Can Watch Play Out

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Social media success isn’t just about posting content and hoping for the best. It's about strategy, audience insight, and internal advocacy.

This was originally a live conversation on LinkedIn. 

Listen in to my conversation with Kate Meyers Emery, Ph.D., Senior Digital Comms Manager at Candid and one of the most insightful voices speaking up about what social media professionals really need to succeed. 

Kate shares why social media needs to be seen as an organization-wide responsibility, how SMMs can elevate their role beyond “just posting,” and what nonprofits must do to ensure these roles are sustainable and strategic going into 2026.

In this episode, we cover: 

• Why social media is a team sport, even if you're the only one on the field
• How to advocate for your work and educate others about its value
• Strategies to build a culture of content collaboration across departments
• What systems and tools need to evolve for long-term sustainability
• What’s ahead in 2026: predictions and priorities for social media teams

About Kate: 

With over 14 years of experience, Kate Meyers Emery, Ph.D., has proven track record of using experimentation, data, and creativity to transform complex stories into simple yet compelling content on social media, web, email, and other digital platforms. She is a data nerd who uses her depth of industry knowledge, natural curiosity, and background in anthropology to create innovative, inclusive, and human-centered stories in digital spaces.  

Kate has worked with nonprofits, museums, and universities to engage and educate. She is currently the senior digital communications manager at Candid, where she leads the strategy, content production, and analysis of organic social media. 

Connect with Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meyersemery/ 

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