Did you know that nonprofits using data to tell their stories are 70% more likely to secure major grants and build donor trust? In this episode, we dive into how your nonprofit can harness the power of data to amplify your message, establish authority, and communicate your impact effectively.

My guest, Drew Reynolds, founder of Common Good Data, shares actionable strategies to position your organization as a thought leader, win the confidence of funders, and scale your efforts to drive meaningful change.

About Drew: Drew Reynolds is a nationally recognized expert in nonprofit evaluation and storytelling. As the founder of Common Good Data, he helps nonprofits use data to showcase their effectiveness, secure major grants, and scale their impact. With years of experience supporting organizations in achieving measurable results, Drew blends data-driven insights with compelling narratives to drive donor engagement and organizational growth.

Drew has been featured on podcasts like Nonprofit Jenni Show and Nonprofit Vision, where he shares practical advice for nonprofit leaders looking to deepen their impact.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Be the Go-To Expert:
   • How to use data and storytelling to establish your nonprofit as a leader in your space.
   • Practical ways to build trust and credibility with funders, partners, and the community.
2. Turn Impact into Action:
   • Why data alone isn’t enough—and how to pair it with storytelling for maximum impact.
   • Real-world examples of nonprofits that nailed it and what you can learn from them.
3. Scale Up with Confidence:
   • How transparency and accountability can help you grow your donor base.
   • Steps to expand your funding and prove your nonprofit’s value with clear, data-driven results.

Resources You’ll Love:

• Common Good Data Website

Connect with Drew Reynolds:

• Drew Reynolds at LinkedIn
• Check out Drew’s work and resources at Common Good Data.

Ready to Step Up?
This is your moment. If you’re serious about building authority, engaging donors, and showcasing your nonprofit’s impact, this episode is packed with strategies to get you there. Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!

Does cybersecurity seem like a terrifying topic? Don’t worry—we’re here to make it a smash hit! This episode is brought to you by RoundTable Technology—the Nonprofit IT Partner. For the tenth year in a row, they’re back with their FREE annual webinar, and this time, it’s bigger and bolder with a 2025 twist: Cyber Karaoke!

That’s right—RoundTable Technology is turning up the volume to teach you and your team exactly how to make your nonprofit more secure in the New Year, all while keeping things fun and engaging. With over 200 nonprofit clients, they know how to help organizations like yours hit all the right notes when it comes to cybersecurity.

Make it your New Year’s resolution to give your entire staff FREE cybersecurity awareness training. Don’t miss the encore—head over to NonprofitIT.com/best-ever to save your seat now. Here’s to a secure and harmonious 2025!

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This bonus episode is brought to you by RoundTable Technology—your Nonprofit IT Partner. For the tenth year in a row, they’re back with their FREE annual cybersecurity webinar, and this time, it’s bigger and bolder with a 2025 twist: Cyber Karaoke! 

Make it your New Year’s resolution to give your entire staff FREE cybersecurity awareness training. Don’t miss the encore—head over to NonprofitIT.com/best-ever to save your seat now. 

I also have another exciting announcement - Social Media for Social Good Academy is open for 2025 enrollment! It only opens once per year, so don’t wait. Go to www.socialgoodacademy.com to get all the details. You can enroll in the basic program or upgrade to get a follow-up session one on one with me. Class starts Feb 12th so don’t delay! You will learn: 

• How to use the highest performing social media platforms to grow your audience, get more visibility, and drive donations; 
• The latest trends nonprofits need to know in social media;
• How to build and grow a community with compelling content;
• How to use AI tools like ChatGPT to create posts;
• How social media fits into an overall digital fundraising plan, including your website and email newsletter. 

That’s socialgoodacademy.com and I hope to see you on the inside this year. 

Now let’s get to the episode! 

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David Rhode is a seasoned nonprofit founder, consultant, and author whose career has centered on scaling impact for mission-driven organizations. In this episode, he shares valuable insights from his new book, Passion Isn’t Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders, a comprehensive resource for nonprofit executives, board members, and emerging leaders. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, teaching, and consulting, David reveals why passion, while essential, must be paired with strategic and practical leadership skills to drive meaningful change.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why passion alone isn’t sufficient for nonprofit success.
• Key frameworks and practical tools for nonprofit management.
• Tips for balancing vision with operational skill to scale impact.
• Self-care strategies for nonprofit leaders.
• How Passion Isn’t Enough can empower nonprofit leaders to drive lasting change.

David Rhode on LinkedIn
Passion Isn't Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders

Does cybersecurity seem like a terrifying topic? Don’t worry—we’re here to make it a smash hit! This episode is brought to you by RoundTable Technology—the Nonprofit IT Partner. For the tenth year in a row, they’re back with their FREE annual webinar, and this time, it’s bigger and bolder with a 2025 twist: Cyber Karaoke!

That’s right—RoundTable Technology is turning up the volume to teach you and your team exactly how to make your nonprofit more secure in the New Year, all while keeping things fun and engaging. With over 200 nonprofit clients, they know how to help organizations like yours hit all the right notes when it comes to cybersecurity.

Make it your New Year’s resolution to give your entire staff FREE cybersecurity awareness training. Don’t miss the encore—head over to NonprofitIT.com/best-ever to save your seat now. Here’s to a secure and harmonious 2025!

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

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, we’re joined by Cecilia Lee, Alumni Relations Principal at Communities In Schools (CIS), to discuss the powerful role alumni networks can play in driving nonprofit success. CIS—a national organization ensuring students have the resources they need to stay in school—has built a robust alumni engagement strategy that connects participants beyond graduation, turning them into lifelong supporters, advocates, and ambassadors.

Cecilia shares how nonprofits can leverage alumni to increase community outreach, event participation, and donor engagement. She explains how public recognition—through programs like the Distinguished Service Alumni Award—motivates alumni involvement and how CIS’s President and CEO, Rey Saldaña, exemplifies the potential of alumni who become leaders.

Whether you’re a nonprofit marketer, fundraiser, or executive, you’ll learn actionable strategies for building sustainable alumni networks that deepen engagement and drive long-term mission impact.

Key takeaways: 

• Alumni aren’t just participants—they’re future leaders and lifelong advocates.
• Public recognition matters. Celebrating alumni can drive engagement and inspire others to stay involved.
• Alumni ambassadors extend your nonprofit’s reach organically, promoting events, recruiting new supporters, and growing awareness.

Challenges are inevitable, but thoughtful engagement strategies can keep alumni connected through different stages of life.

About Cecilia Lee

Cecilia Garcia Lee is an immigrant Latina from Mexico. At the age of 3, her family
moved to Houston, TX where she attended school through post-secondary.
Cecilia attended Houston Baptist University and began her career working at an
elementary school for 2 years. She then transitioned to the non-profit sector, joining the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council in Houston, where she assisted and supported the creation of Girl Scout troops in underserved areas, focusing on predominantly black and brown communities.

Following her impactful work with the Girl Scouts, Cecilia joined Communities In
Schools of Houston (CIS) as a Case Manager at Milby High School. It was here that she discovered her true calling. She later moved to the Development department, where she successfully managed the organization's largest fundraising event for 13 years. During this period, Cecilia started engaging with former CIS students, leading these efforts for over 5 years locally.

Links:

• Communities in Schools
• LinkedIn: Communities in Schools National Office
• CIS Alumni Community

This Episode Sponsored By Neon One:

Convincing your board to invest in nonprofit tech can feel like a challenge. That’s why Neon One created ‘6 Steps to Sell Your Board on Nonprofit Technology.’ This guide walks you through identifying your needs, showing how technology can streamline operations, and tackling common objections—all to make your case confidently. Visit neonone.com/julia to download it free and empower your mission with the right tools.

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

Confused or overwhelmed by capital campaigns? I've got just the right person for you!

In this episode, I welcome Steven Shattuck, Director of Engagement at Capital Campaign Pro and a highly respected thought leader in the nonprofit sector. Steven shares his perspectives on the 2024 Capital Campaign Benchmark Report findings, the balance between heart and data in fundraising, and how nonprofits of all sizes can achieve their capital campaign goals. From the role of board support to the power of feasibility studies, Steven provides actionable insights into building a campaign that not only raises funds but strengthens an organization’s mission and community impact.

Key Topics Covered:

• Balancing digital strategy with donor relationships in capital campaigns
• The 2024 capital campaign success rate and factors driving higher achievements
• The evolving role of boards and diverse donors in campaign success
• Effective use of feasibility studies and data in campaign planning
• Maintaining momentum during multi-year campaigns and keeping donors engaged

About Steven Shattuck

Steven Shattuck is the Director of Engagement at Capital Campaign Pro. A frequent webinar presenter and conference speaker in the nonprofit sector, he has over 18 years of experience advising nonprofits on donor communications, data management, and digital content.

He is the author of Robots Make Bad Fundraisers – How Nonprofits Can Maintain the Heart in the Digital Age, published by Bold and Bright Media (2020), and a contributor to Fundraising Principles and Practice: Second Edition.

Steven has contributed content to the National Council of Nonprofits, AFP, Advancing Philanthropy, NTEN and Nonprofit Hub, and has spoken at AFP ICON, NAYDO, Cause Camp, ADRP, the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference, and Planet Philanthropy to name a few.

Recipient of the David Letterman Scholarship, Steven graduated with honors from Ball State University in 2006 with a degree in Telecommunications and Creative Writing. He resides in Indianapolis with his wife, son and daughter.

Links:

• LinkedIn: Steven Shattuck
• Latest Research: The State of Capital Campaigns in 2024

This Episode Sponsored By Neon One:

Convincing your board to invest in nonprofit tech can feel like a challenge. That’s why Neon One created ‘6 Steps to Sell Your Board on Nonprofit Technology.’ This guide walks you through identifying your needs, showing how technology can streamline operations, and tackling common objections—all to make your case confidently. Visit neonone.com/julia to download it free and empower your mission with the right tools.

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

Rapinder Dhinsa is the Director of Mass Marketing at Make-A-Wish Canada, and she's an expert in the ever-changing, always-evolving donor landscape. Rapinder shares with us the best ways for nonprofits to engage with younger donors and to connect meaningfully with diverse audiences. 

Drawing on her storytelling background and years of experience in nonprofit marketing, Rapinder discusses practical strategies and challenges that nonprofits face when adapting to shifting donor expectations. She also reflects on the importance of inclusive fundraising practices and the future of philanthropy.

We cover:

• Rapinder’s personal journey, from storytelling in grade school to leading mass marketing efforts at Make-A-Wish Canada.
• Trends in the new donor landscape: How younger donors and diverse communities are shaping the future of giving.
• The challenges nonprofits face in staying relevant and how to avoid performative or surface-level engagement.
• Strategies for building trust through storytelling, transparency, and digital platforms.
• Make-A-Wish Canada’s approach to inclusion and how it connects with the communities it serves.

About Rapinder Dhinsa

Rapinder Dhinsa is an expert strategist and storyteller, and helps guide nonprofit organizations with a holistic approach to fundraising. She has worked with numerous organizations across Canada and the U.S., including UNICEF Canada, Save the Children, MSF/Doctors Without Borders, Guide Dogs for the Blind, CAMH and many others. She is a self-proclaimed fundraising nerd and is passionate about serving great missions to make the world a more compassionate and just place — and is thrilled to be doing that in her current role  as Director of Mass Marketing with Make-A-Wish Canada.

Resources and Links:

• Learn more about Make-A-Wish Canada
• Follow Rapinder Dhinsa-Singh on LinkedIn

This Episode Sponsored By Neon One:

Convincing your board to invest in nonprofit tech can feel like a challenge. That’s why Neon One created ‘6 Steps to Sell Your Board on Nonprofit Technology.’ This guide walks you through identifying your needs, showing how technology can streamline operations, and tackling common objections—all to make your case confidently. Visit neonone.com/julia to download it free and empower your mission with the right tools.

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

In this episode, we speak with Bhumika Regmi, Digital Director at the Malala Fund, and Mahina Martison, Digital Coordinator at Malala Fund to explore how the organization leverages TikTok and other digital platforms to engage young audiences and promote girls’ education worldwide. Bhumika shares how her team balances trendy content with meaningful advocacy, discusses the challenges and rewards of working on youth-centric platforms, and offers insights on how to stay innovative in the fast-changing world of digital strategy.

We also dive the ways that they use their website to amplify the voices of young women globally. Bhumika explains how this platform has become a conduit for youth expression and advocacy, and how the Malala Fund promotes the content across digital channels to expand its impact.

What You’ll Learn:

• Strategies for balancing trends and mission-driven content on TikTok
• How the Malala Fund stays innovative and agile with new digital formats
• How they are giving young women a voice and shaping advocacy
• Tips for nonprofits looking to build their youth engagement strategies
• What the future holds for youth-centered digital advocacy

Links and Resources

• Malala Fund Website
• Follow Malala Fund on TikTok |Instagram |Twitter
• Learn more about how you can support: Malala Fund Programs

This Episode Sponsored By Neon One:

Convincing your board to invest in nonprofit tech can feel like a challenge. That’s why Neon One created ‘6 Steps to Sell Your Board on Nonprofit Technology.’ This guide walks you through identifying your needs, showing how technology can streamline operations, and tackling common objections—all to make your case confidently. Visit neonone.com/julia to download it free and empower your mission with the right tools.

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

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, we sit down with Brad West, attorney, nonprofit leader, and the visionary behind the Profit for Good Initiative. Brad shares his innovative approach to transforming the way businesses contribute to impactful causes—without adding any extra cost to consumers.

We’ll also dive into his newly launched initiative, Commissions for a Cause, which partners with a life insurance agent to donate 40% of commissions from every lead generated. This groundbreaking model allows people across North America to support nonprofits like The New Roots Institute and The Life You Can Save's Maximize Your Impact Fund simply by purchasing life insurance—at no additional cost.

Brad opens up about the challenges of running a nonprofit while managing a full-time career, and his vision for a future where profits fund justice, sustainability, and vibrant communities. Whether you’re a consumer, nonprofit, or business owner, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how everyday financial decisions can generate meaningful change.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Why Brad created the Profit for Good model
• How businesses can create impact without extra cost to consumers
• The Commissions for a Cause initiative and how it works
• Challenges of running a nonprofit while working full-time
• The two songs Brad listens to when he needs inspiration

About Brad West

Brad West is the visionary behind the Profit for Good Initiative. A University of Chicago grad and innovative attorney. Brad’s TEDx talk on transforming consumer spending into impactful charitable contributions has inspired audiences worldwide. His mission? To create a world where our choices as consumers can save lives and better the planet. Join Brad on Nonprofit Nation to discover how his groundbreaking model can empower nonprofits, consumers, and philanthropists to foster vibrant, sustainable communities and make every dollar count.


Did you miss this year’s Nonprofit Social Media Summit? The recordings and all materials are now available! Designed for the small and mid-size nonprofit, my Summit offers actionable and practical insights on how to best use social media to raise awareness and funds, even during turbulent times.Walk away feeling empowered and supported, with strategies you can implement right away. Learn more and get instant access to the recordings at NonprofitSocialMediaSummit.com 

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

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I dive deep into the evolving landscape of major gifts fundraising with two of the industry’s most respected thought leaders, Gail Perry and Beth Ann Locke. Together, they unravel the shift from traditional, scripted major gift solicitations to a transformative, donor-centered approach that fosters authentic relationships and maximizes impact.

Learn why the “old-fashioned pitch” no longer works, discover the power of emotional intelligence in fundraising, and explore actionable tips for cultivating transformational gifts with consent and purpose. Whether you're a seasoned development officer or new to major gifts, this episode is packed with strategies to elevate your fundraising game.

Beth Ann Locke is Director of the Academy of the Gail Perry Group, and Chief Spark at The Fundraiser Coach. She brings over 30 years of accomplished fundraising experience in the U.S. and Canada. Rooted in Seattle and now based in Vancouver, BC, Beth Ann is highly regarded for her major gifts strategy and coaching, team trainings, and guiding fundraisers and nonprofit leaders to secure major gifts and amplify their impact.  

Gail Perry is a renowned philanthropy leader, keynote speaker, and author with over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Gail is the founder of the Gail Perry Group, where she helps nonprofits achieve extraordinary fundraising and capital campaign goals.

Visit Gail Perry Group to learn more about how Gail and her team can help your nonprofit achieve its fundraising goals.

Follow Gail Perry on LinkedIn and Beth Ann Locke on LinkedIn for more insights and updates in the field of philanthropy.

Did you miss this year’s Nonprofit Social Media Summit? The recordings and all materials are now available! Designed for the small and mid-size nonprofit, my Summit offers actionable and practical insights on how to best use social media to raise awareness and funds, even during turbulent times.Walk away feeling empowered and supported, with strategies you can implement right away. Learn more and get instant access to the recordings at NonprofitSocialMediaSummit.com

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

In this episode, we’re diving into the art and ethics of nonprofit storytelling with Carly Euler, the creative force behind MemoryFox’s 2023 Ethical Storytelling Report. With experience across multiple nonprofits—from working with youth development at the Wily Network to community fundraising at the Breast Cancer Coalition—Carly knows how storytelling can engage, inspire, and empower. We’ll explore out-of-the-box storytelling techniques, practical ways to collect stories, and the fine line nonprofits walk to ensure their storytelling remains ethical and authentic.

Expect insights on the best ways to get those meaningful stories from volunteers and donors, why positive storytelling is gaining traction, and how to build trust through transparency—all while staying mindful of consent and dignity. If you're in the nonprofit space or curious about storytelling with impact, this one’s for you.

Topics discussed: 

• New ways to tell stories: Creative strategies to stand out in a noisy digital world.
• Story collection hacks: Tools and tactics to make gathering stories easier and more consistent.
• Prompts that unlock powerful stories: The questions you should ask to spark meaningful responses.
• Ethical storytelling deep-dive: How nonprofits can handle tricky consent situations and build their own storytelling guidelines.

About Carly Euler:

Carly’s heart has always been with nonprofits. Over the years, she’s held roles at organizations like the Wily Network, Code of Support Foundation, Kenya Lacrosse Association, and the BOMA Project, specializing in marketing, communications, and fundraising. Now leading the marketing charge at MemoryFox, Carly is passionate about helping nonprofits share authentic stories while navigating the ethics involved. She earned her bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University and completed an MBA at Gannon University while coaching lacrosse. She lives in Rochester, NY with her husband and her rescue dog, Sadie, and continues to champion meaningful storytelling across the nonprofit world.

Connect with Carly Euler on LinkedIn
Follow Carly Euler on TikTok
Download the 2023 Ethical Storytelling Report on MemoryFox

It’s almost the most wonderful time of year! Giving Tuesday is just around the corner, and to celebrate, Givebutter is giving back $25,000 to nonprofits! Givebutter is the easiest-to-use, all-in-one nonprofit fundraising platform that brings together everything changemakers need to raise more, pay less, and give better, from free fundraising pages, events, and auctions to a built-in CRM, modern marketing features, and so much more. This year, the five Most Engaging Giving Tuesday campaigns on Givebutter will each receive a $5,000 matching donation you can use to multiply your impact this year-end giving season. Get the full spread on Givebutter Gives Back for Giving Tuesday and learn more at www.givebutter.com/nonprofit-nation - I'm so excited to see what you come up with!

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