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Giving Tuesday Is Days Away - Here’s Your Game Plan

Giving Tuesday is almost here…and yes, you still have time to show up with clarity, confidence, and zero panic.

In this episode, Cara Augspurger walks you through the final steps that make the biggest difference – the practical moves, the strategic choices, and the calm mindset that help your nonprofit show up and shine in one of the biggest giving moments of the year.

You’ll discover:

• Why Giving Tuesday is absolutely worth showing up for
• What to focus on when time is short
• How to show up authentically without getting lost in the noise
• Smart steps from the Donorbox year-end checklist
• How to use Giving Tuesday to set up December success
• The monthly giving move most orgs forget
• The three things you must do on the day itself

Plus: Cara’s favorite low-lift ideas for creating real momentum – without a big team, big budget, or big stress.

Create your comprehensive last-minute checklist with this great blog: Your 2025 Giving Tuesday Checklist to Raise More 

You’ve got this – and we’re here to help every step of the way.

Sponsor thanks: This episode is sponsored by AppealMaker - an easy, simple, and stress-free way to send direct mail campaigns that feel personal and powerful. Set up your free account (no credit card needed!) at AppealMaker.com today.

What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?

Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.

Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!

The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode:
🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube

The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms.
🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast
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Writer’s block for Christmas? You’re not alone. 
Try these Giving Season AI writing prompts that actually work

In this short, informative easy listen, Britt Stockert shares how AI can be the creative writing partner you didn’t know you needed this Giving Season.
She walks through how to use AI prompts to beat the blank page, keep your tone real, and save time on those endless donor messages.

What’s inside:

• Why, and how, AI can be your creative sidekick for campaign writing
• 3 prompts to get unblocked fast
• How to keep your messages sounding real, not robotic
• The ethical line you should never cross

This episode’s a little lighter and perfect for when your Giving Season coffee has gone cold and your cursor’s been blinking too long.

And, to take your full fundraising strategy to the next level, check out JayAI here, or head to our blog for a breakdown of AI for Nonprofits: How to Use Artificial Intelligence for Good to round out your AI knowledge base.

Listen now and make writing the easiest part of your Giving Season.

What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?

Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.

Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!

The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode:
🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube

The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms.
🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast
🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast 

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November is Giving Season Go Time

It’s here - now is the time to transition your year-end campaigns from planning to performance. Your message is live, donors are active, and every touchpoint counts.

In this episode, Jena and Cara break down how to confidently lead your campaign, stay engaged, and keep supporters connected through every moment of Giving Season.

What you’ll learn

• A simple 3-step rhythm to lead your campaign with clarity
• The mistake that quietly stalls year-end fundraising
• How often to check campaign performance (and what to look for)
• Smart mid-month touchpoints that keep donors engaged

Perfect for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, campaign managers, and anyone running year-end appeals.

Don’t forget your free featured resource from our sponsor, AppealMaker, The 2025 State of Direct Mail Survey, packed with fresh insights into donor behavior and communication trends.

Download it here, and take a moment to explore how AppealMaker can strengthen your direct mail outreach.

What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?

Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.

Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!

The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode:
🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube

The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms.
🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast
🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast 

Support the show

Send us a text

Recent events reminded nonprofits everywhere: if you don’t shape your online presence, someone else might.

In this episode, Jena Lynch digs into how transparency, nonprofit visibility, and AI discoverability shape donor trust and organizational credibility. She walks through practical steps to review your digital footprint, ensure accurate results across search and AI tools, to keep your story consistent before year-end.

Your story deserves to be told - accurately, clearly, and by you.

• Download the free AI Visibility Checklist for Nonprofits:
• Watch next: Episode 165 – Why AI Visibility Matters for Nonprofits with Raj Hegde

Because accuracy builds trust - in SEO search, in AI, and with your donors.

What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?

Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.

Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!

The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode:
🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube

The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms.
🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast
🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast 

Support the show

Send us a text

Freezing Before Donor Meetings? Let’s Fix That.

Why do donor meetings feel so stressful - especially at year-end?  Brittan breaks down the real reason so many fundraisers dread sitting down with donors, and why it's not about your fundraising skills.

You’ll learn how cultural money stories shape your confidence, how to reframe the fear, and how to lead donor meetings that are grounded in curiosity, connection, and trust - not pressure or perfection.

Takeaways include:

• Why fundraising isn’t about “the ask”
• How to prepare for meetings with confidence
• A simple 5-step framework for better donor conversations
• What to do when the fear still creeps in

📬 This episode is proudly sponsored by AppealMaker - an easy, simple, and stress-free way to send direct mail campaigns that feel personal and powerful. 

Set up your free account (no credit card needed!) at AppealMaker.com today.

📅 Want coaching support for your year-end strategy? Book a 30-minute discovery call with Brittan here.  

What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?
Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.

Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!

The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode:
🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube

The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms.
🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast
🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast 

Support the show

Send us a text

Some tools evolve. Others endure. Direct mail does both.

Cara Augspurger sits down with Joe Leach, CEO of AppealMaker, to unpack how technology is reshaping one of fundraising’s most trusted tools - direct mail.

They dig deep into how automation, follow-up strategies, and smart timing can turn traditional mail into a high-performing element of your year-end fundraising strategy. 

Plus, Joe shares how smaller nonprofits can use agility to their advantage, and why the simplest changes often deliver the biggest results.

Discover:

• How automation streamlines direct mail fundraising
• Why follow-up letters can double response rates
• How small teams can move faster…and smarter
• Where direct mail fits in your multi-channel strategy

Resources Mentioned:

• AppealMaker - Your all-in-one, 24/7 direct mail platform made for nonprofits. Get started today, no credit card needed.
• 2025 State of Direct Mail Report

This episode is proudly sponsored by AppealMaker - smarter direct mail for stronger donor connections.

What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?
Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.

Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!

The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode:
🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube

The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms.
🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast
🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast 

Support the show

Send us a text

Year-end appeals are your nonprofit’s biggest fundraising moment - and you only get one shot.

Fundraising coach Britt Stockert shares 4 smart ways to help your appeal break through the noise and connect where it counts.

Discover:

• A better way to segment your donors
• The story shift that grabs attention fast
• What donors actually want to hear
• How to make your ask land with confidence

Listen in - build an appeal that works and write your strongest year-end message yet.

🗓 Want Britt to review your appeal? Book your free session here.  

What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?
Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.

Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!

The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode:
🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube

The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and download, and never miss an episode.
🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast
🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast 

Support the show

Send us a text

Skip the scramble. These 3 October fundraising don’ts turn stress into strategy.

October is where the pressure builds, and where many nonprofits either set themselves up for success or stumble into a December scramble.

In this episode of The Nonprofit Podcast, host Jena Lynch and co-host Cara Augspurger walk through practical planning tips to stop you from tripping over the 3 Don’ts of October Fundraising:

• Don’t keep it all in your head
• Don’t surprise your donors
• Don’t assume it’s obvious

Simple shifts, big impact. This is your October roadmap to a calmer, more confident Giving Season.

Your future self and your donors will thank you.

If this episode helps you, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review - it helps us reach even more changemakers like you.  And, to make sure you’ve got your Giving Season ducks in a row, head back to our year-end roadmap guides to get your planning up to speed:

Ep 172| The 4 Month Roadmap to Year-End Fundraising

Ep 174| September Reset: Simplify Giving Season

What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?
Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.

Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!

The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode:
🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube

The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and download, and never miss an episode.
🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast
🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast 

Support the show

Send us a text

Ready to go from year-end gifts to year-round growth?

Year-end giving may steal the spotlight, but what happens after December is what determines lasting success. The nonprofits that thrive aren’t just chasing one-time gifts - they’re building relationships that carry impact well into the new year.

Today, Jena revisits a standout 2024 conversation with Chris Barlow of Beeline Marketing, layered with fresh insights for Giving Season 2025. Together, they explore how nonprofits can transform seasonal generosity into sustainable recurring giving programs rooted in trust, timing, and clear messaging.

Here’s what you’ll take away:

• Why year-end giving should be the start of your retention strategy.
• How recurring revenue secures long-term donor value.
• Strategic shifts that strengthen year-round fundraising.

Listen in, take notes, and step into 2026 with a plan built for more than just December.

• Find the full conversation with Chris Barlow here 
• Discover how the Donorbox Recurring Upsell feature can help you here

And, to round out your strategy: 

• Jump into a variety of Year-End Fundraising Guides on the Donorbox Blog 

What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?
Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.
The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel.
The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and download, and never miss an episode.
🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast
🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast 

Support the show

Send us a text

What if your nonprofit event did more than raise money for a night?
What if it sparked long-term donor loyalty?

This week, Jena Lynch sits down with master fundraising strategist Chad Barger to rethink how we measure event success.

Forget vanity metrics. We're talking about the event ROI that actually counts, and how your fall events should be the start of something bigger than a single gift.

Ready to flip the script on your next Year-end event?  Tune in to learn:

• What you're not measuring (but should be)
• How donor journeys really start at events
• And the critical follow-up moves most nonprofits skip

Prefer to watch? Catch Jena and Chad in action on The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube - and don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share so more nonprofits can find us. 

Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!  This Giving Season, power up your nonprofit event with Donorbox’s Dynamic Duo:

• Donorbox Events: Sell tickets, collect donations, and boost turnout with ease
• Donorbox Live™ Kiosk: Let guests give on the spot, right at check-in, the bar, or your auction

What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?
Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.

The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. 

The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and download, and never miss an episode.
🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast
🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast 

Support the show