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

If you’ve ever felt like your board is holding you back—or worse, like you’re stuck asking for permission to lead the organization you’re working so hard to grow, you’re not alone. In this episode, I'm joined by Sabrina Walker Hernandez, founder of Building Better Boards, to dig into why so many nonprofit CEOs get stuck parenting their boards — and how to break free from the cycle.

Sabrina’s lived it from all sides: she’s run a thriving nonprofit, serves on five boards, and is not afraid to name what’s happening behind closed doors. We talk about board bullies (yep, they exist), permission culture, burnt-out executive directors, and what happens when you stop begging and start leading with confidence. If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of over-explaining, over-prepping, or just over-it, this one will remind you: you’re more powerful than you think.

Topics:

• Why recruiting "warm bodies" will keep you stuck
• The unspoken truth about board bullies (and how to reset the power dynamic)
• How to onboard, train, and lead your board with authority
• What to do when your board isn't producing (and how to fix it)
• Why asking for board approval on everything is slowing you down
• Why professional development isn’t a luxury—it’s essential
• Why your board is actually waiting for you to take the lead

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

Ever feel like your nonprofit is saying all the “right” things but still not growing the way you want? In this episode of The Purpose & Profit Club®, we’re flipping the script on what you think is the problem. It’s not visibility or the economy—you’re blending in. You’ll leave this episode with the motivation—and permission—to say what only you can say. To show up with boldness. To be impossible to ignore. If you’ve ever said, “We’re doing incredible work, but people don’t get it,” this one’s for you.

Topics:

• What your differentiator is—and why you need one (hint: “we make a difference” doesn’t count)
• Why vague, vanilla language keeps people scrolling
• Real stories from orgs who dropped the “nonprofit-speak” and raised more
• How to stop hiding behind committee-approved messaging that’s sucking the soul out of your

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

Are you waiting for motivation to strike before you write that email, make that donor call, or launch that campaign?

In this episode of the Purpose & Profit Club® Podcast, I break down the sneaky trap nonprofit leaders fall into when we rely too much on either motivation (which feels good but disappears fast) or commitment (which can quickly turn into burnout if we’re not careful). I share real-life examples—from my improv class to client wins—and show you how to build momentum even when you don’t feel ready. This one’s packed with mindset shifts, real talk about dread, and actionable ways to get unstuck, take brave action, and actually feel better doing it.

Topics:

• The real difference between motivation and commitment (and why we need both)
• Why relying only on motivation leads to inconsistency and waiting
• How over-relying on commitment leads to burnout and resentment
• Real stories from nonprofit leaders who took action—even when it wasn’t perfect
• How to create motivation by celebrating small wins
• What dread really is and how to move through it with kindness
• Why messy action beats over-prep (every time)
• Tips for getting unstuck with personal examples you can try today

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

This episode is one of those had-to-record-it-right-away moments. I’m sharing a mindset shift that will completely change how you approach donor outreach, fundraising campaigns, partnerships, and even your emails. It’s called the 100% YES Method—and once you understand it, you’ll never pitch or plan the same way again. Inspired by a little league coaching moment with my son (stay with me, sports fans and non-fans alike), I’m breaking down why assuming the answer is "YES" until it clearly isn’t creates unstoppable energy, faster results, and wildly magnetic campaigns. We’re talking less hesitation, more conviction—and yes, way more funding. If you've ever caught yourself holding back your ask, hedging on your goals, or burying your CTA at the bottom of your email, this episode is for you. It’s time to get out of the “no zone” and move into confident action that actually gets results.

Topics:

• What is the “100% YES Method”—and why it works in fundraising, partnerships, marketing, and beyond
• How a little league batting tip inspired a mindset shift that can transform your campaigns
• Why most fundraisers hesitate—and how to ditch doubt and show up with confidence
• The ripple effect of showing up like your audience already wants to say YES
• Real examples of how this method applies to donor meetings, social media outreach, email campaigns, sponsorships, and board engagement
• The signs you’re stuck in the “NO zone” (like burying your CTA or playing small with asks)
• How to build confidence, momentum, and scale your impact faster without burning out

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. 

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

What happens when you mix a powerhouse ALS advocate, a faith-driven advancement leader, and a whole lot of heart? You get this conversation.

Recorded live at GiveCon, presented by Bloomerang and QGiv, I sat down with Wendy Faust, Executive Director of Live Like Lou Foundation, and Jen Waning from the Sisters of St. Francis, and let me tell you—it was one of the most real, heartfelt, and surprisingly joyful chats I’ve had in a long time. We talk about the uncertainty so many nonprofits are navigating right now—and how to meet it with clarity, community, and courage. Wendy shares how Live Like Lou is turning personal loss into legacy and how even a simple lemonade stand can spark powerful donor connections. Jen reflects on what it means to honor the wisdom of 124 sisters who’ve spent their lives in service—and what legacy looks like when you’re truly thinking long-term. Together, we celebrated how nonprofits hustle for joy, even in the hardest moments. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your mission magnetic—or how to show up more boldly in your community—this is the episode for you.

Topics:

• The fundraising challenges and opportunities facing nonprofits in 2025
• How Live Like Lou is funding early-career ALS researchers and supporting 700+ families annually
• The power of community events, like Lou Gehrig Day and Lou’s Crew peer fundraising
• Strategies for getting new, younger supporters involved in niche causes
• Legacy work with aging communities—how the Sisters of St. Francis are preserving stories and values
• What it means to be transparent with donors during uncertain times
• The emotional and deeply human side of nonprofit work—grief, joy, and everything in between
• Using storytelling, branding, and real-life moments to deepen donor connection
• The importance of “repping” your mission—and how a hat or sticker can start a movement

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

What makes a retirement community more than just a place to live? How do you build a culture so strong that residents, their families, and even local businesses want to give back? 

This week, we’re live at GiveCon, presented by Bloomerang and QGiv, with the Bridgewater Retirement Community team—and trust me, their fundraising approach is something special. They raised $5 million in just 18 months, but the real magic is in how they connect, the stories they tell, and the generosity they inspire every single day. This story is about fundraising and, more importantly, belonging, community, and impact. Whether you're in nonprofit development or just love hearing about organizations doing things right, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss. Hit play and get inspired! 

Topics:

• How Bridgewater Retirement Community built a culture where giving is second nature
• The Live Well campaign success story – How BRC shifted from funding buildings to funding people—and raised $5M in record time
• How BRC captures and shares the real-life impact of their programs
• Why the very people they serve are some of their most passionate givers
• How frontline staff turned ideas into reality, funding trips, wellness programs, and even a senior prom
• The magic of relationship-driven fundraising – Why major gifts often come from deep trust, not just a strong pitch
• How every team member at BRC sees themselves as a fundraiser

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

Feeling like you're doing all the fundraising yourself? That stops here.

In this bonus episode, I’m sharing a sneak peek inside a live training from my program, The SPRINT Method™—where we talked about how to activate your board, volunteers, and community members as peer fundraisers (even if they’ve never done it before).

You’ll learn:

• Why most peer fundraising strategies fall flat
• The better way to mobilize supporters with low-lift, high-impact asks
• What happens when you stop fundraising alone—and start building real momentum

If you’re a solo shop founder, part-time executive director, or a small-but-mighty team running everything yourself and still grinding to reach $100K in individual donations annually? This is for you.

🟡 Early access to The SPRINT Method™ is open now through Wednesday, April 3rd.
Inside, you'll get the full system to raise 5-figures in every campaign—without a big list, team, or 40 hours of prep.

Join us here → splendidcourses.com/sprint

Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.

Resources:

• Purpose & Profit Club® Coaching Program [Get on the waitlist for bonuses]
• The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers [details here]
• Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter
• [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser’s Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more.
  
  May contain affiliate links

The nonprofit world is shifting fast, and if you want to stay ahead in 2025, you can’t rely on last year’s strategies. After attending and speaking at GiveCon, I took a step back to really absorb what’s working—and what’s not. From AI-powered donor outreach to bold fundraising asks that work, I’m breaking down the 10 biggest nonprofit marketing and fundraising trends that will shape how you raise money and grow your mission this year. The organizations that win are the ones willing to be brave, adapt fast, and put relationships first—and that’s exactly what I’m covering in this episode. Whether you’re looking to scale up recurring giving, get better at bold fundraising asks, or tap into the power of storytelling (the right way), this episode will give you the edge you need. 

Topics:

• Why bold fundraisers always raise more money and how to stop playing small
• The real reason you’re hesitant to ask and how it’s costing you funding
• How to market “hard-to-talk-about” missions and connect with the right audience
• How to create a sense of community that keeps donors coming back
• A simple (but wildly effective) donor engagement trick you can steal today
• Why uncertainty shouldn’t scare you—it should push you to innovate
• The two fundraising strategies that every nonprofit leader should be prioritizing
• Smart ways to use AI in your nonprofit without losing the human connection
• Why waiting for the perfect campaign is holding you back (and what to do instead)
• How to ethically gather and use impact stories (and why consent should never be forever)

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

Nonprofit fundraising doesn’t have to be a guessing game or a long, drawn-out, exhausting process. Yet, so many nonprofit leaders struggle to hit that $10k+ mark every time they run a fundraiser. If you’ve ever felt like fundraising is an uphill battle, you’re not alone—but it doesn’t have to be this way. In this episode, I’m breaking down the two essential skills that will help you raise five figures consistently—without dragging out campaigns for months or shouldering all the work alone. Whether your nonprofit is brand new, stuck at 100k, or even more established but still struggling with fundraising momentum, this episode will give you clear, actionable strategies to make every campaign successful. Plus, I introduce my brand new program—The SPRINT Method™! This is my step-by-step system designed to help you raise 10k+ on repeat without stress, long waits, or doing it all alone.

Topics:

• Why most nonprofits make fundraising harder than it needs to be
• The two major traps that keep organizations stuck in fundraising stress mode
• Skill #1: Confident, proactive donor outreach (and how to get comfortable making bold asks)
• Skill #2: Fast, action-oriented campaigns (why short, high-impact fundraising sprints are key)
• How to stop solo fundraising and activate your network for peer-led campaigns
• The biggest mistakes nonprofits make that kill fundraising momentum
• How to ditch long cultivation cycles and start raising money faster

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

Nonprofit Founders & Solo Execs: If you’re constantly scrambling for donations, feeling like fundraising is an unpredictable, never-ending hustle, this episode is for you. Today, I’m breaking down the one shift that will change everything for your nonprofit: Fundraising Sprints.

Most small nonprofits rely on scattered, reactive fundraising—hustling for grants, hoping for surprise donations, and over-relying on their existing networks. But that approach keeps you stuck in survival mode. In this episode, I’ll walk you through:

• Why fundraising often feels so unpredictable (and what to do instead)
• The biggest mistake keeping nonprofits under $100K in annual revenue
• How to use Fundraising Sprints to raise five figures or more—on repeat
• What a sprint actually looks like and how to plan your first one

If you’re a nonprofit founder, solo-shop fundraiser, or small team ready to stop spinning your wheels and start bringing in real funding, this episode will give you the clarity you need to make fundraising simpler, faster, and more predictable.

Ready to start fundraising smarter?
Join The SPRINT Method, my proven system for nonprofit leaders who want to raise five figures every time they fundraise.

Learn more and join today: splendidcourses.com/sprint

Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.

Resources:

• Purpose & Profit Club® Coaching Program [Get on the waitlist for bonuses]
• The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers [details here]
• Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter
• [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser’s Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more.
  
  May contain affiliate links