What does it mean to be a nonprofit today, and how did we reach a point where so many organizations feel underfunded, under attack, and uncertain about their future? The challenges the nonprofit sector is facing didn't come out of nowhere; they're rooted in deeper systemic issues, and they raise fundamental questions about the role of nonprofits in society. In today's episode, we discuss how we got here, what's changing, and where the sector can and should go next.

Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: http://www.ipmadvancement.com/free

Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to [email protected].

Additional Resources

IPM's free Nonprofit Resource Library: https://www.ipmadvancement.com/resources

[NPFX] Federal Funding Uncertainty: How to Assess the Risks and Respond Strategically https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/federal-funding-uncertainty-how-to-assess-the-risks-and-respond-strategically

[NPFX] Building Resilience in the Face of Funding Cuts https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/building-resilience-in-the-face-of-funding-cuts

[NPFX] Advocacy Matters: Defending Federal Funding for Nonprofits https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/advocacy-matters-defending-federal-funding-for-nonprofits

Melissa Cowley Wolf has over 20 years of experience in philanthropy, strategic planning, and programming for art museums and higher education institutions across the United States. A philanthropy consultant for nonprofit organizations, an advisor to next generation philanthropists, and arts advocate working across industries, she was named to the Artnet 2020 Innovators List as one of 51 global innovators transforming the art industry. Melissa founded advising firm MCW Projects LLC in 2017 to expand the next generation of cultural philanthropists, advocates, and audiences. She is also the founding director of the Arts Funders Forum (AFF) an advocacy, media, convening, and research platform designed to develop new models of impact-driven financial support for the cultural sector. https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-cowley-wolf-6440a79/ https://www.mcw-projects.com/ https://www.artsfundersforum.com/

Patton Hindle is the Executive Director of Artadia, a nonprofit grantmaker that centers artists in their vital role in society through providing funding and professional development in 7 US cities. Most recently, Patton was the Head of Forward Funds, Kickstarter’s first social impact. She also served as the Head of Arts at Kickstarter for 5 years, working closely with artists, collectives, arts organizations, and cultural institutions around the world to help them realize creative and ambitious ideas. Patton is a co-author of How to Start and Run a Commercial Art Gallery and was a 2019 Catherine Hannah Behrend Fellow at 92Y Women inPower in New York. Patton served as an advisor to Mellon Foundation and is currently on the Board of Directors of The Laundromat Project, serves as the secretary of the Board of Directors of Socrates Sculpture Park, and she is a mentor for New Inc. https://www.linkedin.com/in/patton-hindle/ https://www.pattonhindle.com/ https://artadia.org/

George Suttles is a recognized expert on the intersection of philanthropy, racial equity, and nonprofit finance. He’s passionate about helping the sector confront its toughest challenges. Prior to his current role, George was a Program Officer at the John A. Hartford Foundation, an independent, national private foundation focused on improving care for older adults. Before joining the foundation, he was a Vice President, Senior Philanthropic Relationship Manager at U.S. Trust/Bank of America. In this role he worked with private and institutional clients on issues related to best practices in strategic grantmaking. He is a member of numerous nonprofit boards including the New York Foundation, where he serves as chair. George received a B.A. from Wesleyan University, an M.A. in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (IUPUI), and an M.P.A. from Baruch CUNY School of Public Affairs. https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgesuttles/

Russ Phaneuf, a co-founder of IPM Advancement, has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/

Rich Frazier has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 35 years. In his roles as senior consultant with IPM Advancement and founder of VisionConnect LLC, Rich offers extensive understanding and knowledge in capital campaigns, fund development, strategic planning, and board of directors development. https://www.linkedin.com/in/richfrazier/ https://www.visionconnectllc.com/

Good donor stewardship is rooted in human connection, where every donor is acknowledged regardless of the size of their contribution. In this episode, Sami Zoss sits down with Mikey Latner, founder of Project:Camp, to discuss how even the smallest nonprofit can create meaningful relationships with their supporters. Learn how Mikey makes his donors feel seen and appreciated, and how his passionate, human-centered stewardship transforms supporters into mission advocates.

Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: http://www.ipmadvancement.com/free

Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to [email protected].

Additional Resources

IPM's free Nonprofit Resource Library: https://www.ipmadvancement.com/resources

[NPFX] Donor Stewardship: Helping Donors Find Meaning through Philanthropy https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/donor-stewardship-helping-donors-find-meaning-through-philanthropy

[NPFX] Meaningful Donor Relationships: The Key to Financial Stability https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/meaningful-donor-relationships-the-key-to-financial-stability

[NPFX] Measuring More than Money: Why Donor Relationships Matter https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/measuring-more-than-money-why-donor-relationships-matter

[Blog] The Secret to Keeping Your Donors Giving: Make Them Feel Special https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/the-secret-to-keeping-your-donors-giving-make-them-feel-special

[Blog] Writing a Great Thank You Letter: The First Step in Successful Donor Stewardship https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/writing-a-great-thank-you-letter-the-first-step-in-successful-donor-stewardship

Sami Zoss is the founder of Zoss Collaborations, a business solutions consulting firm specializing in nonprofit growth and operational efficiency. With an MBA in Finance and Marketing, Sami brings a wealth of expertise in donor engagement, technology integration, and strategic planning to her clients. Before founding Zoss Collaborations, Sami served as the COO and later as Acting CEO of the Dakota State University Foundation, where she led record-breaking fundraising campaigns and implemented innovative donor engagement strategies that significantly expanded DSU’s donor base. In addition to her work with educational institutions, she has been a dedicated volunteer with organizations like Camp Gilbert Inc., supporting children with Type 1 diabetes. https://www.linkedin.com/in/samizoss/ https://samizoss.com/

Mikey Latner is the executive director of Project:Camp. A former camp director with two decades of camp experience under his belt, Mikey founded Project:Camp with the idea that camp and childcare professionals have critical skills to offer in times of emergency. In developing their pop-up camp model, Mikey sought to use the structure of camp as a vehicle to bring joy, safety, and peace of mind to children and parents impacted by natural disasters. He hopes this work leads to a seismic shift in the disaster response ecosystem, creating a more holistic, trauma-informed and community-driven model that prioritizes the needs of families during emergencies. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikey-latner-19b268171/ https://projectcamp.co/

Russ Phaneuf, a co-founder of IPM Advancement, has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/

Rich Frazier has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 35 years. In his roles as senior consultant with IPM Advancement and founder of VisionConnect LLC, Rich offers extensive understanding and knowledge in capital campaigns, fund development, strategic planning, and board of directors development. https://www.linkedin.com/in/richfrazier/ https://www.visionconnectllc.com/

Many nonprofits invest valuable time and money into messaging that never quite connects. In today's episode, Josh Gryniewicz interviews Kurt Shaw about innovative strategies for finding and amplifying the voices that inspire action and change. You'll learn practical techniques for building trust, co-creating stories with community members, and using both fictional and non-fictional narratives to reveal deeper truths that challenge the status quo and create more genuine, transformative communication.

Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: http://www.ipmadvancement.com/free

Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to [email protected].

Additional Resources

IPM's free Nonprofit Resource Library: https://www.ipmadvancement.com/resources

[NPFX] Flipping the Script: Using Narrative Strategy to Improve Messaging and Prevent Donor Attrition https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/flipping-the-script-using-narrative-strategy-to-improve-messaging-and-prevent-donor-attrition

[NPFX] Breaking Down Barriers to Social Change https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/breaking-down-barriers-to-change

[NPFX] How Nonprofits Can Stop the Spread of Fake News & Misinformation with Storytelling https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/how-nonprofits-can-stop-the-spread-of-fake-news-misinformation-with-storytelling

[NPFX] When Your Nonprofit's Case for Support Just Isn't Working https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/when-your-nonprofit-s-case-for-support-just-isn-t-working

[NPFX] Engaging Audiences with Effective Messaging & Storytelling — What Works on Tough Issues https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/engaging-audiences-with-effective-messaging-storytelling-what-works-on-tough-issues

Josh Gryniewicz, founder of Odd Duck, a storytelling for social change consultancy, has spent his career in nonprofit. He served as the communication director for Cure Violence, an internationally renowned violence prevention program featured in the award-winning film The Interrupters. Josh helmed the rebrand of Integrate Health, a global health initiative in West Africa, helping increase their budget by nearly $1 million. Most recently, Josh led communication efforts for Data Across Sectors for Health (DASH), a program focused on national multi-sector data sharing to address social determinants of health. He is the co-author of the national bestseller, Interrupting Violence, a moving story of redemption and social change. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgryniewicz/ https://oddduck.io/

Kurt Shaw studied philosophy at Williams and classics at Harvard, but his most formative education came from two years in Central American refugee camps and Colombian slums, where he found the thinking of poor and marginalized people more compelling than that of many philosophers. Kurt built the world’s largest network of grassroots organizations serving street children, helping reduce the number of kids living on Latin American streets. With co-director Rita da Silva at Usina da Imaginação, he pioneered collaborative filmmaking with youth — directing the first feature made entirely by ex-child soldiers, producing an indigenous telenovela in Bolivia, and creating the first fictional film in the Amazonian Tukano language. Their film The Princess in the Alleyway was named Best Film of 2017 by the Subversive Cinema Society, and their 2019 documentary The Other Side of the Other aired for two years on Brazilian public TV. In addition to publishing academic articles, novels, and books on topics from political philosophy to Amazonian epidemiology, he’s also produced hip-hop and pop albums, and earned a Fulbright, Harvard’s First Decade Award, the Freedom to Create Prize, and the UN Intercultural Innovation Award. In 2022, he was named an Academic Visitor at Oxford University. https://usinadaimaginacao.org/ https://br.linkedin.com/company/usina-da-imagina%C3%A7%C3%A3o/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7QgkCOElSc https://shinealight.org

Russ Phaneuf, a co-founder of IPM Advancement, has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/

Rich Frazier has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 35 years. In his roles as senior consultant with IPM Advancement and founder of VisionConnect LLC, Rich offers extensive understanding and knowledge in capital campaigns, fund development, strategic planning, and board of directors development. https://www.linkedin.com/in/richfrazier/ https://www.visionconnectllc.com/

Great donor stewardship goes beyond thank-you notes — it creates a sense of meaning for the donor. In this kickoff episode of our new series on stewardship, Sami Zoss sits down with Dzenan Berberovic, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Avera Health, to explore how thoughtful stewardship can deepen relationships, celebrate generosity, and offer donors what they truly seek: a lasting sense of purpose and impact. Learn why stewardship isn’t just a follow-up tactic — it’s central to transformative fundraising.

Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: http://www.ipmadvancement.com/free

Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to [email protected].

Additional Resources

IPM's free Nonprofit Resource Library: https://www.ipmadvancement.com/resources

[NPFX] Meaningful Donor Relationships: The Key to Financial Stability https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/meaningful-donor-relationships-the-key-to-financial-stability

[NPFX] The Challenges Facing Higher Ed Fundraisers https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/the-challenges-facing-higher-ed-fundraisers

[NPFX] Measuring More than Money: Why Donor Relationships Matter https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/measuring-more-than-money-why-donor-relationships-matter

[Blog] The Secret to Keeping Your Donors Giving: Make Them Feel Special https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/the-secret-to-keeping-your-donors-giving-make-them-feel-special

[Blog] Writing a Great Thank You Letter: The First Step in Successful Donor Stewardship https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/writing-a-great-thank-you-letter-the-first-step-in-successful-donor-stewardship

Sami Zoss is the founder of Zoss Collaborations, a business solutions consulting firm specializing in nonprofit growth and operational efficiency. With an MBA in Finance and Marketing, Sami brings a wealth of expertise in donor engagement, technology integration, and strategic planning to her clients. Before founding Zoss Collaborations, Sami served as the COO and later as Acting CEO of the Dakota State University Foundation, where she led record-breaking fundraising campaigns and implemented innovative donor engagement strategies that significantly expanded DSU’s donor base. In addition to her work with educational institutions, she has been a dedicated volunteer with organizations like Camp Gilbert Inc., supporting children with Type 1 diabetes. https://www.linkedin.com/in/samizoss/ https://samizoss.com/

Dzenan Berberovic was born in Bosnia, one of the poorest countries in the world. He spent six years as a refugee in Germany before immigrating to the United States when he was nine. Inspired by the generosity of strangers, Dzenan discovered his life’s calling: philanthropy. Today, he serves Avera Health as Chief Philanthropy Officer. As the steward of Avera’s 20,000+ annual benefactors, Dzenan has served and led teams to raise more than $600 million. Dzenan was named the Outstanding Young Professional by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Global. Before transitioning to healthcare, he received the Rising Star Award from the Council for Advancement in Support of Education (CASE). The Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) honored him as a 40 Under 40 recipient. Dzenan received a graduate degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in Philanthropy and Development. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dzenanb/ https://www.avera.org/

Russ Phaneuf, a co-founder of IPM Advancement, has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/

Rich Frazier has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years. In his role as senior consultant with IPM Advancement, Rich offers extensive understanding and knowledge in major gifts program management, fund development, strategic planning, and board of directors development. https://www.linkedin.com/in/richfrazier/

Radical shifts in federal funding priorities continue to create widespread uncertainty across the nonprofit sector. In today’s episode, we explore strategies to build organizational resilience, collaborate with other nonprofits, and communicate effectively with donors and funders during difficult times. We also examine the unique value a consultant brings, and share key criteria for choosing the right advisor to help your nonprofit thrive.

Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: http://www.ipmadvancement.com/free

Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to [email protected].

Additional Resources

IPM's free Nonprofit Resource Library: https://www.ipmadvancement.com/resources

[NPFX] Federal Funding Uncertainty: How to Assess the Risks and Respond Strategically https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/federal-funding-uncertainty-how-to-assess-the-risks-and-respond-strategically

[NPFX] Advocacy Matters: Defending Federal Funding for Nonprofits https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/advocacy-matters-defending-federal-funding-for-nonprofits

Laura Rosi, Esq. is the Chief Executive Officer at Housing Families. She is known for collaborating with government and community stakeholders to foster solutions to complex problems. Laura has worked on affordable housing and homelessness issues for more than fifteen years at Housing Families. Using this expertise, she has successfully expanded the reach of housing and mental health services for unhoused individuals and families in Malden, Medford, Everett, Chelsea, Revere, and beyond. Her passions include creating community connections, and building bridges amongst medical and healthcare providers through events like Housing Families’ Annual Legislative Breakfast. Laura is a graduate of American University of Rome and received her law degree from Suffolk University Law School. https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurarosiesq/ https://housingfamilies.org/

Elizabeth Silverstein has served the not-for-profit sector for more than 40 years, specializing in transformational giving, vision casting, inspiring boards, and building passionate, effective teams. Beth has been instrumental in cultivating major gifts for capital campaigns in healthcare, two presidential libraries, higher education, K-12 independent schools, and social service organizations. With an ardent passion for protecting and propelling the nonprofit sector, Beth has joined the team at VisionConnect, a consultancy specializing in strategic planning, coalition building, governance excellence, and nonprofit capacity building. A BoardSource-certified Governance Consultant, she is passionate about coaching boards toward purpose-driven leadership and crafting bold strategic plans that drive maximum mission impact. https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-reynolds-silverstein-b211b7a/ https://www.visionconnectllc.com/

Russ Phaneuf, a co-founder of IPM Advancement, has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/

Rich Frazier has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years. In his role as senior consultant with IPM Advancement, Rich offers extensive understanding and knowledge in major gifts program management, fund development, strategic planning, and board of directors development. https://www.linkedin.com/in/richfrazier/

When federal funding is at risk, diversification is a smart long-term strategy. But there's a more immediate response nonprofits can’t afford to ignore — advocacy. In this episode, we break down what advocacy really means, how it works, and why it’s essential for every nonprofit to get involved right now. Join us as we explore how to make your voice heard and protect the funding that fuels your mission.

Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: http://www.ipmadvancement.com/free

Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to [email protected].

Additional Resources

IPM's free Nonprofit Resource Library: https://www.ipmadvancement.com/resources

Advocacy & Lobbying Resources for Nonprofits https://patlibby.com

The Nonprofit Alliance's Action Alerts about Federal Funding https://tnpa.org/federalfunding/

Alliance for Justice Resource Library https://afj.org/resource-library/

[NPFX] Can Nonprofits Lobby? How LGBTQ and Other Organizations Can Influence Lawmakers https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/can-nonprofits-lobby-how-lgbtq-and-other-organizations-can-influence-lawmakers

The Secret to Nonprofit Advocacy Success: Keeping Grassroots Supporters Engaged https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/the-secret-to-nonprofit-advocacy-success-keeping-grassroots-supporters-engaged

Pat Libby is one of the nation’s leading experts on citizen lobbying campaigns. A long-time nonprofit leader, consultant, and recovering academic, Pat has made it her mission to teach nonprofit leaders and everyday people how to create change through the legislative process.  She is the author of The Empowered Citizens Guide and The Lobbying Strategy Handbook — funny, relatable books written for anyone who sees a glaring injustice or community-wide problem and wants to scream, “There ought to be law!” but doesn’t know how to make it happen. Pat makes conducting a successful grassroots lobbying campaign seem relatively painless by sharing her easy-to-follow formula and pulling the curtain back on things we think we should know but don’t. The books are illustrated by real-life examples of people who used her 10-step strategy to pass laws, and contain detailed information on the rules governing nonprofit lobbying. Pat created her strategy while leading a nonprofit organization; since then, it has been used by novice citizen activists throughout the country to pass new laws, including many in California where she resides. You can find many free resources on her website. https://www.linkedin.com/in/patlibbynonprofitconsulting/ https://patlibby.com

Kendra E. Davenport, MPL, CFRE, is President and CEO of Easterseals, a leading organization that makes a lasting difference in the lives of 1.5 million people each year by providing essential services to children and adults with disabilities, older adults, veterans, and their families. Kendra oversees the National Office and a federated network of 70 Affiliates whose markets cover 48 states and Washington, D.C. For more than three decades, Kendra has been a leader and innovator in the nonprofit sector, with a consistent focus to facilitating critical services and interventions with organizations specializing in health and human services and disability rights, ensuring everyone can lead full lives. Kendra has extensive management experience, having managed over 1,000 international staff across eighteen sub-Saharan countries while working for one of the largest African American-founded and led nonprofits at the time. She is highly regarded not only for her extensive work in the nonprofit sector and for her leadership amid change, but for her commitment to transparency, accountability, and strong focus on collaboration. Kendra is a graduate of Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, and serves on boards for organizations that span health, education, civil rights and social action, and economic empowerment. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendradavenport/ https://www.easterseals.com/

Shannon McCracken is the founding CEO of The Nonprofit Alliance and has been named to The NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50 for the last three years. She spent two years as Charity Navigator’s Chief Development Officer, facilitating communication with nonprofit organizations and increasing resources to ensure the successful implementation of a new strategic plan, and subsequently served on Charity Navigator’s board of directors. Shannon spent 17 years with Special Olympics International, most recently as Vice President of Donor Development. While at Special Olympics, she served as the DMA Nonprofit Federation Advisory Council Chair and Chair of the Ethics Committee. Shannon is a Certified Association Executive with a master’s in Nonprofit and Association Management. She serves on the Fundraising.AI Advisory Council and the Fundraising Effectiveness Project Steering Committee as Government Relations Chair. https://www.linkedin.com/in/smccracken/ https://tnpa.org/

Russ Phaneuf, a co-founder of IPM Advancement, has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/

Rich Frazier has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years. In his role as senior consultant with IPM Advancement, Rich offers extensive understanding and knowledge in major gifts program management, fund development, strategic planning, and board of directors development. https://www.linkedin.com/in/richfrazier/

Recently, a series of rapid-fire decisions by the Trump administration sent shockwaves through the nonprofit sector, leaving many organizations uncertain about the future of their federal grants. In today's episode, our expert panel explores strategies nonprofits can implement to assess the challenges they face and survive potential funding cuts. With insights on collaboration, donor communication, impact assessments, and advocacy, this episode offers a lifeline to nonprofits facing unprecedented challenges.

Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: http://www.ipmadvancement.com/free

Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to [email protected].

Additional Resources

IPM's free Nonprofit Resource Library: https://www.ipmadvancement.com/resources

[NPFX] Nonprofit Collaboration: The Power of Partnership https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/nonprofit-collaboration-the-power-of-partnership

4 Ideas for Finding Collaborations That Expand Your Nonprofit’s Reach and Impact https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/4-ideas-for-finding-collaborations-that-expand-your-nonprofits-reach-and-impact

[NPFX] The Intersection of Organizational Wellness and Impact https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/the-intersection-of-organizational-wellness-and-impact

[NPFX] How to Prevent Nonprofit Staff Burnout and Create a Culture of Wellness https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/how-to-prevent-nonprofit-staff-burnout-and-create-a-culture-of-wellness

Elizabeth Silverstein has served the not-for-profit sector for more than 40 years, specializing in transformational giving, vision casting, inspiring boards, and building passionate, effective teams. Beth has been instrumental in cultivating major gifts for capital campaigns in healthcare, two presidential libraries, higher education, K-12 independent schools, and social service organizations. With an ardent passion for protecting and propelling the nonprofit sector, Beth has joined the team at VisionConnect, a consultancy specializing in strategic planning, coalition building, governance excellence, and nonprofit capacity building. A BoardSource-certified Governance Consultant, she is passionate about coaching boards toward purpose-driven leadership and crafting bold strategic plans that drive maximum mission impact. https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-reynolds-silverstein-b211b7a/ https://www.visionconnectllc.com/

Lauren Steiner is the Founder and CEO of Grants Plus, the nation’s leading grant consulting firm, specializing in securing grant funding for healthcare organizations. With over 20 years of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit development, Lauren has led her team in winning hundreds of millions in funding for clients. Lauren has contributed to key philanthropic initiatives, including The Giving Institute and the Generosity Commission and formerly co-chaired the editorial board of Giving USA. She has been an avid presenter on grant-seeking topics, both in person and virtually, for AFP, Grants Professionals Association (GPA), The Giving Institute/Giving USA, the Chronicle of Philanthropy, as well as a frequent guest on podcasts including GrantStation, Blackbaud's Engage Podcast, Successful Nonprofits, and more. Lauren is known for her practical, real-world approach to grant-seeking, ensuring attendees walk away with actionable takeaways. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-steiner/ https://grantsplus.com/

Anne Newland, MD, MPH has spent her career as a physician and executive in the primary care safety net. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for North Country HealthCare, a federally-qualified community health center with clinics in 11 communities in northern Arizona. She trained in Internal Medicine-Pediatrics at the University of Tennessee-Memphis, served as Chief Resident for Internal Medicine at UT, and later completed a Master in Public Health degree at Harvard School of Public Health as a Commonwealth Fund Fellow in Minority Health Policy. Dr. Newland launched a community-based Family Medicine residency program in 2020 and is planning a Psychiatry residency program to train psychiatrists in rural northern Arizona. Dr. Newland has served on many community boards and, and she has worked with elected officials and other stakeholders to create new pathways to fund graduate medical education. https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-newland-392914a/ https://northcountryhealthcare.org/

Russ Phaneuf, a co-founder of IPM Advancement, has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/

Rich Frazier has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years. In his role as senior consultant with IPM Advancement, Rich offers extensive understanding and knowledge in major gifts program management, fund development, strategic planning, and board of directors development. https://www.linkedin.com/in/richfrazier/

Nonprofits worked hard last year and gained valuable insights along the way. In today's episode, we share the top lessons learned by 10 fundraising professionals, and ways to apply them to make an even greater impact in 2025. Listen for tips on donor engagement, the importance of managing your data, leveraging your annual fund for major gifts, the value of unrestricted funds for capacity building, and more — plus a message of inspiration that every nonprofit should hear.

Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: http://www.ipmadvancement.com/free

Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to [email protected].

Additional Resources

IPM's free Nonprofit Resource Library: https://www.ipmadvancement.com/resources

Why Donor Retention Should Be Your Top Fundraising Priority https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/why-donor-retention-should-be-your-top-fundraising-priority

Writing a Great Thank You Letter: The First Step in Successful Donor Stewardship https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/writing-a-great-thank-you-letter-the-first-step-in-successful-donor-stewardship

[NPFX] Measuring More than Money: Why Donor Relationships Matter https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/measuring-more-than-money-why-donor-relationships-matter

[NPFX] Meaningful Donor Relationships: The Key to Financial Stability https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/meaningful-donor-relationships-the-key-to-financial-stability

The Secret to Keeping Your Donors Giving: Make Them Feel Special https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/the-secret-to-keeping-your-donors-giving-make-them-feel-special

Shereese Floyd is CEO of Witness My Life and founder of AI Consultants for Nonprofits. With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit marketing, Shereese has helped organizations increase their influence and revenue, generating over $2 million in direct campaigns. She is dedicated to social change, with a focus on development, branding, women's leadership, and artificial intelligence. Through AI Consultants for Nonprofits, Shereese offers AI literacy and training programs tailored to nonprofits, schools, and government entities. Her approach empowers organizations to certify internal team members as AI experts, fostering a culture where technology handles routine tasks, allowing people to focus on meaningful work. Shereese's mission is to make AI accessible and beneficial for organizations focused on social good. https://www.linkedin.com/in/shereesefloyd/ https://aiconsultantsfornonprofits.com/

Sami Zoss, is the founder of Zoss Collaborations, a business solutions consulting firm specializing in nonprofit growth and operational efficiency. With an MBA in Finance and Marketing, Sami brings a wealth of expertise in donor engagement, technology integration, and strategic planning to her clients. Before founding Zoss Collaborations, Sami served as the COO and later as Acting CEO of the Dakota State University Foundation, where she led record-breaking fundraising campaigns and implemented innovative donor engagement strategies that significantly expanded DSU’s donor base. In addition to her work with educational institutions, she has been a dedicated volunteer with organizations like Camp Gilbert Inc., supporting children with Type 1 diabetes. https://www.linkedin.com/in/samizoss/ https://samizoss.com/

Samantha Timlick, partner & CEO of IPM Advancement, has been with IPM since launch. She's worked with nonprofit clients on donor renewal, appeal, stewardship, and acquisition programs encompassing more than 250 million total recipients across all fundraising channels — including highly segmented direct mail microtargeting, personalized inbound and outbound telemarketing, and integrated e-campaigns. https://www.linkedin.com/in/stimlick/ https://www.ipmadvancement.com/

Emily Berry leads the Annual Giving effort at Miami University, generating more than $6 million each year. With more than two decades of fundraising and advancement experience, Emily brings a wealth of experience and knowledge as a session presenter. She has previously served on the District V conference committee, and her team has been recognized with CASE Circle of Excellence Awards for their annual day of giving, #MoveInMiami. https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-berry-3b23867/ https://moveinmiami.org/

Nicolette Dumais is the Constituent Communications Manager at USS Hornet Sea, Air and Space Museum. She excels at crafting and executing strategic fundraising plans, building lasting stakeholder relationships, and identifying funding opportunities to drive organizational growth. Nicolette has successfully led development teams, fostering collaboration and professional growth. Holding a Bachelor’s in Communications and a Master’s in Nonprofit Management, she combines deep expertise with a passion for making an impact, helping organizations achieve sustainable success. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolette-dumais/ https://uss-hornet.org/

Josh Gryniewicz, founder of Odd Duck, a storytelling for social change consultancy, has spent his career in nonprofit. He served as the communication director for Cure Violence, an internationally renowned violence prevention program featured in the award-winning film The Interrupters. Josh helmed the rebrand of Integrate Health, a global health initiative in West Africa, helping increase their budget by nearly $1 million. Most recently, Josh led communication efforts for Data Across Sectors for Health (DASH), a program focused on national multi-sector data sharing to address social determinants of health. He is the co-author of the national bestseller, Interrupting Violence, a moving story of redemption and social change. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgryniewicz/ https://oddduck.io/

Ally Barron is Chief Development & Communications Officer at the Hope and Heal Fund. With over 15 years of experience, her expertise spans corporate social responsibility, fundraising strategy, donor relations, event management, and strategic communications. In her current role, Ally has transformed fundraising strategies, securing over $2.5 million annually and cultivating a $5 million grant from Governor Gavin Newsom’s Office of Emergency Services. Her leadership extends to managing a statewide public awareness campaign focused on mental health, violence prevention, and equity. Ally holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Arizona State University. https://www.linkedin.com/in/allybarron8/ https://hopeandhealfund.org/

Elizabeth Silverstein has served the not-for-profit sector for more than 40 years, specializing in transformational giving, vision casting, inspiring boards, and building passionate, effective teams. Beth has been instrumental in cultivating major gifts for capital campaigns in healthcare, two presidential libraries, higher education, K-12 independent schools, and social service organizations. https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-reynolds-silverstein-b211b7a/

Russ Phaneuf, co-founder, managing partner & chief strategist for IPM Advancement, has spent more than 25 years in nonprofit fundraising, with key roles in higher education development. Russ has been a finalist for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) “Rising Star” award, and he has earned an AMA Spectrum Award recognizing outstanding collateral. He has also presented on strategic communications and constituent engagement for CASE, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the National League of Cities. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/

Rich Frazier has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years. In his role as senior consultant with IPM Advancement, Rich offers extensive understanding and knowledge in major gifts program management, fund development, strategic planning, and board of directors development. https://www.linkedin.com/in/richfrazier/

Hello NPFX listeners!

As nonprofit professionals, you've worked really hard this year. You faced challenges, achieved goals, and undoubtedly, you've gained valuable insights along the way.

For our first episode of the new year, we'd like to hear what you've learned. Here's the question we'd like you to answer:

What's the most valuable lesson you're taking away from your nonprofit experience in 2024?

Send your answer by email to [email protected] with the subject line "2024 lesson." If you'd like us to mention you on the episode, be sure to include your name, your title, and the nonprofit you represent. If you want to remain anonymous, just let us know.

Thank you for listening, and thanks for helping us grow our NPFX community. We look forward to hearing from you. Happy holidays!

When communication within a nonprofit flows effectively — from leadership to management to staff, and vice versa — teams tend to work well together and the nonprofit thrives. However, when enough breakdowns in communication occur, a toxic work culture can quickly take root. In today's episode, we’ll explore the unique challenges nonprofits face in fostering clear communication, and strategies for creating more engaged teams, safer environments for feedback, and ultimately, greater impact in your mission.

Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: http://www.ipmadvancement.com/free

Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to [email protected].

Additional Resources

IPM's free Nonprofit Resource Library: https://www.ipmadvancement.com/resources

[NPFX] How to Prevent Nonprofit Staff Burnout and Create a Culture of Wellness https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/how-to-prevent-nonprofit-staff-burnout-and-create-a-culture-of-wellness

[NPFX] How to Build Your Nonprofit to Succeed https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/how-to-build-your-nonprofit-to-succeed

Nonprofit Staff Retention, Part 1: Are Higher Salaries Really the Answer? https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/nonprofit-staff-retention-are-higher-salaries-really-the-answer/

5 Ways to Improve Your Fundraising Team’s Morale https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/5-ways-to-improve-your-fundraising-team-s-morale

Beth Napleton is the CEO of LevelEDUP Leadership, bringing over 25 years of experience in education leadership. Previously, she founded and led a charter school network on Chicago’s far South Side, where every graduate — most of them first-generation college students — was accepted to at least two four-year colleges. Beth coaches senior leaders in education and mission-driven organizations to "lead through layers" with greater efficiency and impact. A certified Gallup Strengths coach and alumna of Columbia University, Teach For America, and Building Excellent Schools, she has also completed the National Principal Supervisors Academy at Relay Graduate School of Education. She is a winner of the prestigious national Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award, and has been featured on over 20 podcasts. https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethnapleton/ https://www.bethnapleton.com/

Christina Lear is a former high school principal who now advises school leaders on educational transformation and collective impact in her role at SkyBound Education. As a principal, Christina led her school through several significant changes, including redesigning the school model, reorganizing the delivery of school throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and improving the school’s rating from an F to a B. Christina has also worked on policy advising, community organizing, and campaigns for many education organizations. She is passionate about empowering communities with barriers to opportunity and using both systemic change and leadership development to tackle equity gaps. https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinalear/ https://www.skyboundeducation.com/

Amy Tamura most recently served as Board President of Cupertino Co-Op Nursery School, a cherished institution with over 70 years of history in nurturing young children aged 2–5 and their families. Her commitment to education and child development extended to co-leading Project Cornerstone at Braly Elementary, teaching school-aged children at Bible Study Fellowship, and volunteering with various organizations. Now focusing on raising her own children, Amy proudly describes herself as "out of the game," while continuing to bring the same energy and care to her family that she has shown to her community. https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-tamura-53b7014/ https://cupertinocoop.org/

Russ Phaneuf, a co-founder of IPM Advancement, has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/

Rich Frazier has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years. In his role as senior consultant with IPM Advancement, Rich offers extensive understanding and knowledge in major gifts program management, fund development, strategic planning, and board of directors development. https://www.linkedin.com/in/richfrazier/