Purpose & Profit Club® – The Nonprofit Fundraising & Marketing Podcast

Purpose & Profit Club® – The Nonprofit Fundraising & Marketing Podcast

By Christina Tzavaras EdwardsBusinessNon-Profit
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Purpose & Profit Club® – The Nonprofit Fundraising & Marketing Podcast episodes

  • 129: Creating Influencer Partnerships on Zero Budget: The Secret to Fundraising Success

    Today, we’re talking about a game-changer: influencer partnerships and why they’re the fastest, most impactful way to raise funds, build awareness, and grow your nonprofit—without spending a dollar. If your nonprofit isn’t already tapping into the creator economy, you’re leaving money (and so much impact) on the table. I’m breaking down how free influencer partnerships work, and why they’re not just for big-name nonprofits. Whether you’re running a small shop or a million-dollar organization, I’m here to show you how to build authentic, no-budget collaborations with creators who want to use their platforms for good. Get ready for real talk, real examples, and actionable tips to attract influencers, activate your Social Street Team™, and crush your next campaign with style.


    Topics:

    • Debunking myths about influencers and how they can be part of your mission without a budget
    • Why influencer marketing isn’t a trend—it’s the future of fundraising
    • Christina’s proven method for activating influencers, creators, and local businesses to amplify your cause
    • Case studies that prove it works: learn how nonprofits have doubled their goals with influencer support
    • How to attract the right influencers: it’s about bold storytelling and showing them why your cause matters
    • Why NOW is the time to act and how to make 2025 the year of charge


    For a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.

    It's not too early to start developing a strategy for the end of 2026! Snag Bloomerang's 12 Year-End Fundraising Checklists here. 

    Got a fundraising question you want Christina to answer?

    Send the campaign problem, donor situation, email question, board issue, or fundraising advice you want a straight answer on. Christina is answering listener questions on upcoming episodes of The Purpose & Profit Club® Podcast.

    Submit yours at splendidatl.com/ask

    Resources:

    • Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System
    • Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   
    • The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers 
    • Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  
    • [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser’s Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more.

      May contain affiliate links
    39 min
  • 128: Old School Fundraising Won’t Get You New School Money: What to Do Instead

    Today we’re breaking down why traditional fundraising isn’t cutting it anymore. Donor habits have shifted, motivations have evolved, and clinging to outdated tactics like galas, auctions, and 5Ks is holding your organization back.
    Here’s the hard truth: what worked a decade ago now delivers diminishing returns. Donors today want connection, impact, and innovation—not the same tired playbook.

    In this episode, I’ll unpack why these methods are falling short, reveal what’s working right now, and arm you with the insights you need to take bold action. Share this with your board to show them exactly why it’s time to ditch the old-school approach and embrace strategies that actually resonate with today’s donors.

    If you’re ready to stop playing small and start driving real results, this episode is your roadmap.

    Topics:

    • Donor habits and expectations have evolved, and clinging to outdated fundraising habits is now your biggest bottleneck—fundraising isn’t timeless.
    • Old school fundraising’s core issue is that they are focusing on transactions rather than cultivating community engagement or meeting donors where they are
    • Fast-track your visibility by partnering with influencers and leveraging social media to leave the traditional donation timeline in the past to get more money in the door faster
    • Creating donor movements so irresistible that followers, donors, subscribers, and volunteers can't help but give 
    • How you can double your campaign, increase recurring giving, hit funding goals early, grow your donor base and more using a Social Street Team™


    For a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.

    It's not too early to start developing a strategy for the end of 2026! Snag Bloomerang's 12 Year-End Fundraising Checklists here. 

    Got a fundraising question you want Christina to answer?

    Send the campaign problem, donor situation, email question, board issue, or fundraising advice you want a straight answer on. Christina is answering listener questions on upcoming episodes of The Purpose & Profit Club® Podcast.

    Submit yours at splendidatl.com/ask

    Resources:

    • Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System
    • Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   
    • The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers 
    • Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  
    • [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser’s Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more.

      May contain affiliate links
    46 min
  • 127: Raising Major Funds Without a Social Media Audience

    In this episode, we’re talking about Fast-Track Fundraising—how to raise more money, even if your social media audience feels tiny (or non-existent!). I’m sharing the bold strategies that helped nonprofits crush their Giving Tuesday goals—like one small organization raising record-breaking dollars with less than 1,500 followers. We’ll also take a close look at the 2024 Giving Tuesday numbers—$3.6 billion raised in the U.S. alone—and uncover why some nonprofits thrived while others didn’t. Spoiler: It’s not about going viral. It’s about activating the networks you already have and leaning into strategies like building a Social Street Team™. If you’re ready to ditch outdated fundraising tactics and unlock real growth, this episode is for you!

    Topics:

    • Why follower count doesn’t equal fundraising success and how smaller nonprofits are raising big dollars
    • The problem with relying on traditional fundraising mindsets and risk aversion
    • Insights from the 2024 Giving Tuesday results and how $3.6 billion was raised
    • The power of activating a Social Street Team™: what it is, how to build one, and why it’s the future of fundraising
    • Real-life examples of nonprofits leveraging small but mighty teams to raise tens of thousands of dollars
    • How to cultivate younger donor bases and engage millennials, Gen Z, and Gen X
    • Why broadcasting alone won’t cut it—focus on mobilizing and activating supporters


    For a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.

    It's not too early to start developing a strategy for the end of 2026! Snag Bloomerang's 12 Year-End Fundraising Checklists here. 

    Got a fundraising question you want Christina to answer?

    Send the campaign problem, donor situation, email question, board issue, or fundraising advice you want a straight answer on. Christina is answering listener questions on upcoming episodes of The Purpose & Profit Club® Podcast.

    Submit yours at splendidatl.com/ask

    Resources:

    • Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System
    • Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   
    • The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers 
    • Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  
    • [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser’s Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more.

      May contain affiliate links
    26 min
  • 126: 10 Key Trends in Nonprofit Fundraising & Marketing for 2025

    There are 10 trends that are revolutionizing nonprofit fundraising in 2025 and beyond. If you're ready to build unstoppable donor movements and you're ready to break revenue plateaus, you're in the right place. If you follow these trends, you will see increased growth, increased donor engagement and retention, and of course, donations. So grab a pen, bookmark this and dive in with me!

    For a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.

    It's not too early to start developing a strategy for the end of 2026! Snag Bloomerang's 12 Year-End Fundraising Checklists here. 

    Got a fundraising question you want Christina to answer?

    Send the campaign problem, donor situation, email question, board issue, or fundraising advice you want a straight answer on. Christina is answering listener questions on upcoming episodes of The Purpose & Profit Club® Podcast.

    Submit yours at splendidatl.com/ask

    Resources:

    • Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System
    • Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   
    • The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers 
    • Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  
    • [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser’s Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more.

      May contain affiliate links
    29 min
  • 125: 5 Reasons Donation Plateaus Happen & How to Fix Them

    In this episode I want to talk about plateaus – every organization, every business ever has experienced some flavor of a plateau. For a lot of nonprofits, it sounds a little bit like this: Your campaign started strong, donations were rolling in, you are feeling excited because you can just feel the buzz. But then, like clockwork, it just flatlines. Plateaus don’t happen because donors stop caring, they happen because you stop giving them motivation to engage. So we're going to dig into the five reasons why plateaus happen today, and some of my favorite strategies to get you out of the messy middle, get you out of that plateau and close that campaign strong. 

    Topics:

    • Stop speaking at donors and start talking with them: If your messaging feels like a lecture, your donors wills top listening, plus refreshed ideas of how to engage instead 
    • Use your biggest donors to their full potential: Plan ahead, mobilize your Social Street Team™, and fundraise as as team 
    • Check your calls to action: Make sure your CTAs are specific while dialing up urgency and communicating the consequences of inaction
    • Taking stock of your own energy: You have to be the most bought in person on your campaign to bring everyone else along for the ride 
    • The impact of differentiation: Develop a personal, bold point of view and be unapologetic about your uniqueness in order to stand out from the crowd


    For a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.

    It's not too early to start developing a strategy for the end of 2026! Snag Bloomerang's 12 Year-End Fundraising Checklists here. 

    Got a fundraising question you want Christina to answer?

    Send the campaign problem, donor situation, email question, board issue, or fundraising advice you want a straight answer on. Christina is answering listener questions on upcoming episodes of The Purpose & Profit Club® Podcast.

    Submit yours at splendidatl.com/ask

    Resources:

    • Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System
    • Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   
    • The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers 
    • Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  
    • [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser’s Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more.

      May contain affiliate links
    26 min
  • 124: 3 Questions Every Donor Asks Before They Give

    Today I’m sharing the the three questions every donor asks—whether they say them out loud or not—before they decide to give. Understanding these questions is a game-changer for creating campaigns, writing appeals, and connecting with donors.

    If you’ve ever felt stuck crafting the “perfect” ask or struggling to connect with your audience, this episode will give you the tools to create messaging that resonates and inspires action. Tune in, and let’s answer those three questions together!

    Topics:

    • Why donors want to feel like partners, not heroes—and how this mindset shift changes everything
    • The importance of showing the long-term impact of donors' gift, not just the immediate results
    • How to build trust with donors by being authentic, relatable, and human
    • Why having a strong street team and endorsement from others is so powerful in building credibility
    • Tips for avoiding “emergency-only” fundraising and creating a sustainable message of change


    For a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.

    It's not too early to start developing a strategy for the end of 2026! Snag Bloomerang's 12 Year-End Fundraising Checklists here. 

    Got a fundraising question you want Christina to answer?

    Send the campaign problem, donor situation, email question, board issue, or fundraising advice you want a straight answer on. Christina is answering listener questions on upcoming episodes of The Purpose & Profit Club® Podcast.

    Submit yours at splendidatl.com/ask

    Resources:

    • Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System
    • Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   
    • The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers 
    • Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  
    • [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser’s Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more.

      May contain affiliate links
    25 min
  • 123: Grassroots Giving: Women & Collective Philanthropy with Catherine Curry-Williams & Dr. Theresa Ashby

    Y'all, we have a trio on the podcast today. I'm so excited to welcome Dr. Theresa Ashby and Catherine Curry-Williams to the podcast. Cat is a dynamic speaker and bestselling author known for her raw, authentic, and caring approach while Dr. Ashby challenges the status quo through her high-energy, cutting-edge, and humorous presentation leaves audiences re-imagining the future of business. Both are experts on collective giving and are reimagining philanthropy with their grassroots organization, The She Angels Foundation, where they are pooling their resources to make a big impact through $5,000 grants to underfunded organizations. What struck me most was their emphasis on making philanthropy accessible and fun – turning it into a "party" where members can see their dollars at work. They are challenging the notion that you need to be a major donor to make a difference, showing how small, consistent contributions can add up to create real change. After listening to this episode, you’ll feel energized about the potential for this model to transform the nonprofit and “community” landscape.

    Topics:

    • The power of collective giving and using strategic giving to make a huge impact with small donations while fostering community
    • How Theresa and Catherine are reimagining what it means to be in community via diversity, belonging, openness and freedom – especially for women 
    • Why Catherine believes people are inherently good, and how Dr. Ashby is helping people learn how to implement that good
    • Living out your values not even in your daily life, but through your philanthropic efforts too in order to emulate how others can do the same 
    • Recognizing that the younger generations are now in the position where they can teach us about giving, monetarily and beyond 


    For a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.

    It's not too early to start developing a strategy for the end of 2026! Snag Bloomerang's 12 Year-End Fundraising Checklists here. 

    Got a fundraising question you want Christina to answer?

    Send the campaign problem, donor situation, email question, board issue, or fundraising advice you want a straight answer on. Christina is answering listener questions on upcoming episodes of The Purpose & Profit Club® Podcast.

    Submit yours at splendidatl.com/ask

    Resources:

    • Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System
    • Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   
    • The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers 
    • Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  
    • [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser’s Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more.

      May contain affiliate links
    49 min
  • 122: Go All In: How Improv Transformed My Fundraising Mindset

    Today, I’m taking you behind the scenes of something new I’ve been doing—an improv class! I signed up on a whim, and it’s been such a game-changer for how I think about fundraising, storytelling, and even just showing up for donors. In this episode, I’m sharing what improv has taught me about committing fully—whether it’s to your energy, campaigns, or messaging—and why half-hearted effort (what I call “decaf energy”) doesn’t cut it. I’ll give you tips on how to shift into full commitment, bring contagious energy to your work, and how to adopt those unexpected plot twists we all experience as nonprofit professionals in your campaigns. It’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone, going all in, and creating magnetic moments that draw donors and supporters to your cause. Let’s dive in!

    Topics:

    • How committing to your energy can transform your fundraising efforts
    • Lessons from improv: letting go of self-doubt, embracing imperfection, and staying in the moment
    • Why low energy (“decaf energy”) can hold back your fundraising campaigns and how to shift into full commitment
    • Practical tips to boost energy: movement, music, visual triggers, and more
    • The power of specific, bold storytelling to engage and excite donors
    • How to handle plot twists in campaigns and stay focused on your end goal
    • Ways to motivate and energize your board, donors, and supporters to take action


    For a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.
    Connect with Christina on Instagram: @splendidconsulting

    >> Click here to get the free guide on me

    Think you’ve reached out to “everyone” in your network? Out of ideas to get noticed and get funded?  Generate leads for your nonprofit or social impact business: https://www.splendidcourses.com/prospect

    It's not too early to start developing a strategy for the end of 2026! Snag Bloomerang's 12 Year-End Fundraising Checklists here. 

    Got a fundraising question you want Christina to answer?

    Send the campaign problem, donor situation, email question, board issue, or fundraising advice you want a straight answer on. Christina is answering listener questions on upcoming episodes of The Purpose & Profit Club® Podcast.

    Submit yours at splendidatl.com/ask

    Resources:

    • Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System
    • Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   
    • The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers 
    • Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  
    • [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser’s Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more.

      May contain affiliate links
    26 min
  • 121: Win Giving Tuesday: 10 Ways to Create Record Breaking Campaigns

    We're digging into Giving Tuesday today. Last year, Giving Tuesday had a record breaking year. It broke all the years passed, raising $3.1 billion in the US alone. That was a 15% revenue increase over the previous year. Beyond that, research shows that 24% of Giving Tuesday donors are actually first time donors to the organization. So, today I'm going to share the 10 strategies that will help you have a record-breaking campaign, and this is something you can apply to any campaign so even if you’re listening to this when Giving Tuesday has already passed, don’t skip this episode! We’re covering everything from leveraging your current audience while also growing it to leaning into repetition and honing your follow up strategy and so much more. By implementing these strategies, you can achieve great success, whether it's for Giving Tuesday, year-end fundraising, or beyond. 

    For a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.
    Connect with Christina on Instagram: @splendidconsulting

    It's not too early to start developing a strategy for the end of 2026! Snag Bloomerang's 12 Year-End Fundraising Checklists here. 

    Got a fundraising question you want Christina to answer?

    Send the campaign problem, donor situation, email question, board issue, or fundraising advice you want a straight answer on. Christina is answering listener questions on upcoming episodes of The Purpose & Profit Club® Podcast.

    Submit yours at splendidatl.com/ask

    Resources:

    • Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System
    • Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   
    • The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers 
    • Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  
    • [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser’s Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more.

      May contain affiliate links
    29 min
  • 120: Building a Thriving Monthly Giving Program (and Donor Base) with Dana Snyder

    Today, I'm so excited to introduce Dana Snyder, the author of The Monthly Giving Mastermind! Dana is all about helping nonprofits create steady, reliable support through monthly giving. She has a gift for turning one-time donations into ongoing support that organizations can truly depend on. She shares practical tips for starting and growing a monthly giving program that builds real connections with donors, creates a strong community, and boosts your impact over time. Whether you're new to monthly giving or ready to level up, Dana’s advice will help you build a loyal group of supporters who believe in what you do. 

    Topics:

    • Why recurring donations are essential for creating loyal donor communities and stable funding streams
    • Building a “product” out of giving: How naming, branding, and purpose-driven communication can transform a donation into a meaningful donor identity
    • The importance of crafting a donor journey that keeps donors engaged through personalized touchpoints, unique events, and surprise milestones
    • How running compelling campaigns, leveraging automation, and using Facebook Ads can attract new donors and keep existing ones
    • The most common pitfalls Dana sees in monthly giving programs and communication, and how to overcome them
    • The future of nonprofit giving: Dana’s vision for democratizing philanthropy, allowing everyone to feel like a philanthropist, no matter the donation amount


    For a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.

    It's not too early to start developing a strategy for the end of 2026! Snag Bloomerang's 12 Year-End Fundraising Checklists here. 

    Got a fundraising question you want Christina to answer?

    Send the campaign problem, donor situation, email question, board issue, or fundraising advice you want a straight answer on. Christina is answering listener questions on upcoming episodes of The Purpose & Profit Club® Podcast.

    Submit yours at splendidatl.com/ask

    Resources:

    • Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System
    • Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   
    • The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers 
    • Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  
    • [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser’s Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more.

      May contain affiliate links
    38 min

About Purpose & Profit Club® – The Nonprofit Fundraising & Marketing Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Ready to stop fundraising the old way and start doubling results? Join nonprofit strategist Christina Tzavaras Edwards for bold, fast-action tactics that help you 2X your next fundraiser and…

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