Are nonprofits really scams—or is culture getting the math wrong? In this episode of The Nonprofit Syndicate, the guys react to viral podcast clips claiming charities waste donor money and expose the biggest lie in fundraising: the “overhead myth.” From startup economics to Dan Pallotta’s famous $1→$4 fundraising paradox, we break down why investing in staff and marketing actually creates more impact—not less. If you work in the nonprofit world (or plan to give someday), this episode will change how you think about generosity, trust, and what actually moves the mission forward.

00:00 – Hook: “Nonprofits are basically scams…” (our reaction)

00:45 – Why this messaging is spreading across major podcasts

02:00 – David’s rant: the people doing the work are underpaid and overworked

03:50 – The 80/20 “overhead myth” explained (and why it’s nonsense)

04:50 – Startup math vs nonprofit math (double standard exposed)

06:20 – Why broad-brush criticism hurts the good charities most

07:25 – The real risk: shaping the next generation of donors

10:05 – Dan Pallotta’s TED Talk + the $1 → $4 fundraising paradox

12:00 – Trust in institutions is collapsing (not just nonprofits)

18:55 – So what should nonprofits actually do moving forward?

Welcome to Episode 003 of The Nonprofit Syndicate Podcast. 
This week: We take turns talking about how we'd spend $100k in digital acquisition budget, what nonprofits get wrong on acquisition, and how to scale your programs with infrastructure first.

00:00 – Episode kickoff + year-end nonprofit chaos
Quick intro and real talk on burnout, calendar-year pressure, and year-end fundraising stress.

01:05 – Giving Tuesday performance is… weird
Why Giving Tuesday volume felt flat this year and what’s actually happening behind the numbers.

03:22 – “What digital channels are actually printing money?”
The core question every nonprofit asks—and the uncomfortable silence that follows.

04:09 – Hot take: No channel is printing money anymore
Why strategy beats channels and why the old “just pick a platform” mindset is broken.

06:11 – Why channel testing fails (and clients get frustrated)
A real agency example of Meta ads, short timelines, and unrealistic expectations.

09:38 – The patience problem in digital fundraising
Why most orgs quit campaigns right before they would’ve worked.

10:44 – Cheap leads ≠ donor intent
Why $1 email leads don’t mean anything if there’s no giving motivation.

12:55 – Thumbs up or down on Meta, Google, YouTube, OTT
A candid vibe-check on today’s major digital channels (spoiler: effort is way up).

13:25 – Why Bing & AI search might be a hidden opportunity
How ChatGPT, OpenAI, and Bing are quietly reshaping donor discovery.

17:02 – Is Giving Tuesday losing its power?
A spicy debate: cultural momentum vs donor fatigue—and why opinions differ.

26:12 – “You have $100k for donor acquisition. What do you do?”
Portfolio thinking, infrastructure first, and how pros would actually spend the money.

34:43 – Influencers, PR, and borrowing trust at scale
Why micro-influencers and partnerships may outperform traditional ads.

37:15 – The leaky bucket problem (and why acquisition alone fails)
Why retention, experience, and infrastructure matter more than media spend.

43:40 – Shocking data: $0 correlation between ad spend and revenue growth
Five years of data that flips common nonprofit assumptions upside down.

Welcome to Episode 002 of The Nonprofit Syndicate Podcast. 
This week: We all bash organic social media for nonprofits, we talk about what is actually appropriate in storytelling for nonprofits, and we breakdown some sacred cow marketing myths.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Things got spicy… and they still can’t stop arguing about GoFundMe

01:05 – What “organic growth” actually means for nonprofits (and why it’s misunderstood)

01:28 – Why organic search doesn’t really work in nonprofit fundraising

03:43 – Donors aren’t buying impact—they’re buying membership in a story

05:21 – The overlooked organic growth lever: donor customer experience

06:41 – “If you’re a commodity nonprofit, organic growth is brutal”

10:58 – Transparency vs dignity: how much storytelling is too much?

13:13 – 🔥 Rant: “If your mission is to save people… tell stories of people being saved”

21:13 – “If I give $100, don’t send me a report—send me vibes”

25:39 – 🔮 Hot take: social will be the most important growth channel in the next 5 years

Hosts: Matt Lombardi (Share), David Schwab (DickersonBakker), Jonathan Beck (WeGive), Ryan (JetBlack Solutions)

👉 SUBSCRIBE for semi-regular episodes where we debate, disagree, and tell you what's actually working in nonprofit fundraising.

Drop your hot takes in the comments. We read everything.

Welcome to Episode 001 of The Nonprofit Syndicate Podcast

This week: the AI hype vs. reality, the GoFundMe scandal, and why most "revolutionary" tech is failing nonprofits.

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Intro: Who we are and why this podcast exists

3:41 - AI in nonprofit fundraising: Revolution or overhype?

4:26 - The "great equalizer" debate: Does AI help or hurt top performers?

6:21 - The genius four-year-old metaphor (this is gold)

9:20 - Why 95% of enterprise AI pilots are failing

14:16 - Has AI actually revolutionized software development?

18:22 - How we actually use AI: The draft bot system

19:25 - AI fundraising features: Real value or buzzwords?

25:11 - The bandwidth problem: Data insights vs. actual capacity

34:40 - THE GOFUNDME RANT (you'll want to hear this)

40:07 - The ethics debate: Was GoFundMe's move actually okay?

45:09 - Google Ad Grants: The biggest scam in digital media?

50:51 - Bottom line: What should nonprofits actually invest in?

Hosts: Matt Lombardi (Share), David Schwab (DickersonBakker), Jonathan Beck (WeGive), Ryan (JetBlack Solutions)

👉 SUBSCRIBE for bi-weekly episodes where we debate, disagree, and tell you what's actually working in nonprofit fundraising.

Drop your hot takes in the comments. We read everything.

In this episode of the Holy Donuts podcast, host Matt Lombardi dives into the integration of AI in nonprofit communications with Simeon Lorman from Novo. The conversation starts with a lighthearted intro about Novo's mission, then segues into an entertaining donut review (yes, you read that right!). As Matt delves into Simeon's career journey, they discuss the balance between AI efficiency and human empathy in nonprofit operations. Simeon shares insights on Novo's experimentation with AI in podcast production, social media marketing, and content evaluation, emphasizing the need for a formalized AI usage policy. The episode also touches on practical AI use cases and resource recommendations for nonprofit professionals. If you're keen on learning how to harness AI while maintaining authentic human connections in nonprofit communications, this episode is a must-listen. Matt's engaging approach and Simeon's valuable insights make this podcast a worthwhile exploration of the evolving landscape of AI integration in the nonprofit sector. So grab a donut, settle in, and get ready to dive into this engaging and informative conversation!,In this episode of the Holy Donuts podcast, host Matt Lombardi engages in a compelling discussion about integrating AI in nonprofit communications with Simeon Lorman from Novo. The episode kicks off with an insightful exploration of Novo's mission and vision, followed by an entertaining donut review segment. As Matt delves into Simeon's career trajectory, they delve into the importance of balancing AI efficiency with maintaining human empathy in nonprofit operations. Simeon shares practical examples of Novo's AI experimentation in podcast production, social media marketing, and content evaluation, underscoring the need for a formalized AI usage policy. The episode also features valuable resource recommendations for nonprofit professionals. This podcast provides an engaging and informative exploration of AI integration in the nonprofit sector, offering relevant insights for those interested in leveraging AI while preserving genuine human connections in nonprofit communications.

Are you ready for a surprising twist in the world of nonprofit communications? Dive into this laid-back, casual conversation about integrating AI in nonprofit operations. But hold on, because there's an unexpected revelation that will change the way you think about leveraging AI for improved efficiency and human empathy in nonprofit communications. Get ready to uncover the unexpected and stay tuned for the big reveal!

Key Moments

• Maximize nonprofit impact with AI-powered communications strategies.
• Elevate donor engagement through innovative AI integration in nonprofit communications.
• Streamline operations and enhance efficiency with AI in nonprofit digital marketing.
• Cultivate deeper donor relationships using AI-driven communication techniques.
• Uncover the power of AI to revolutionize missionary fundraising in nonprofits.

Recommended Resources

• Spirituality of Fundraising by Henry Nouwen - A book recommended for personal support fundraising and organizational perspective, focusing on the spiritual formation aspect of fundraising.
• Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton - A book that offers practical insights and leadership lessons using the story of Moses, particularly beneficial during challenging leadership seasons.
• The Performance Factor: Unlocking the Secrets of Teamwork by Pat McMillan - A book providing insights into effective teamwork and the impact of adding new teammates to a team, offering practical guidance for team development.
• Beyond Podcast by Novo - A podcast platform sharing stories of people saying yes to Jesus, taking risks in their faith journey, and how God shows up, featuring missionaries, everyday disciple makers, and donors.

Hey there, nonprofit pros! Ever feel like you're doing everything to engage planned giving donors, but still coming up short? You've probably been told to bombard them with complex plan giving information, leaving you feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the lack of results. It's like trying to bake the perfect donut and ending up with an empty jelly center. Sound familiar? Let's flip the script and find a better way to connect with planned giving donors for real impact and donor retention.

My special guest is Christopher McGown

Christopher McGown, the founder and principal at peak 98 60, is a seasoned expert in plan giving, boasting a background in education and a serendipitous segue into fundraising. With a knack for simplifying the intricacies of planned giving and a genuine passion for donor engagement, Christopher offers a refreshing and accessible approach to navigating the world of nonprofit fundraising. His emphasis on integrity in organizational policies and his ability to debunk the myths surrounding planned giving make him an invaluable asset for nonprofits seeking to establish meaningful connections with their planned giving donors. Christopher's wealth of experience and commitment to demystifying plan giving strategies bring a wealth of knowledge and insight to the Holy Donuts audience, providing a unique perspective on donor engagement and retention in the nonprofit sector.

Key Moments

Discover effective planned giving strategies to maximize donor impact and support your nonprofit's mission.
Uncover the significant impact of donor advised funds on charities and how they can benefit your organization.
Learn proven techniques to maximize donor retention through strategic planned gifts and foster long-term support.
Explore how to seamlessly integrate planned giving into your nonprofit's marketing efforts for greater donor engagement and impact.
Master the art of effectively communicating with planned giving donors to build lasting relationships and secure vital support for your nonprofit.

Recommended Resources

Check out wegive.com for the world's best donor experience, donor portals, checkouts, and engagement features. This is the sponsor of the Holy Donuts podcast, and they offer a comprehensive software tool for nonprofits to enhance their donor experience.
For those interested in learning more about plan giving, I recommend the book The Spirituality of Fundraising by Henry Nguyen. It's a valuable resource for understanding the spiritual aspect of fundraising.
Consider reading Ask Without Fear by Mark Pitman, a book that provides valuable insights for those in the major giving sector or communicating with major donors.
Explore The Millionaire Next Door, a book that delves into the psychology of potential donors and provides valuable insights into understanding donor behavior.
Connect with Christopher McGown on LinkedIn to learn more about plan giving and to get excited about its value. You can also visit the website peak9860.com to explore their services and resources for plan giving.

Want to level up your nonprofit's donor engagement game and create impactful fundraising strategies? I've got just the solution to help you achieve that result. Let's dive into some game-changing insights to enhance your donor relationships and take your fundraising to the next level.

My special guest is Dane Barnett

Dane Barnett, the engagement manager at Medical Teams International, is a dynamic professional with a passion for nurturing donor relationships. With a background in nonprofit donor engagement and a keen interest in adapting marketing strategies to engage younger donors effectively, Dane's insights promise to offer invaluable perspectives for nonprofit leaders and fundraisers. His experience in overseeing donor events, relations, and diverse partnership opportunities, coupled with Medical Teams International's impactful work, sets the stage for an engaging discussion on adapting nonprofit marketing to resonate with younger donors.

Key Moments

• Mastering Nonprofit Donor Engagement: Unlocking the Secrets to Building Lasting Relationships.
• The Essential Role of Engagement Managers: Maximizing Impact and Connection in Nonprofits.
• Navigating the New Normal: Understanding the Impact of Remote Work on Nonprofit Operations.
• Faith-Based Ministry Fundraising Trends: Staying Ahead of the Game in a Changing Landscape.
• Engaging Younger Donors: Unveiling the Keys to Adapting Nonprofit Marketing for Success.

Quotes From This Episode

Our donors, our employees come from really diverse backgrounds and come from, because as long as we understand the work of Jesus and what he was trying to do, you're welcome on our team, and you're welcome in our donor base. - Dane Barnett

Our role as fundraisers is to hopefully not have a job by the time we die. That's not going to happen. Of course not. Right. But that should be the goal of that. By the time we're done with this thing, there's no need for us anymore. - Dane Barnett

Disruption in any industry is good, and that's even true in ours. In all fairness, one charity, water exists. Right. Coming into existence changed the way nonprofits think about how you treat monthly recurring, giving more than 10,000 hours of paid consulting to everyone. - Dane Barnett

Recommended Resources

• Power of Moments by Chip Heath - This book is recommended for anyone in the donor relations and events space. It focuses on creating memorable experiences without requiring a lot of money. It's a great resource for those looking to enhance donor engagement and event planning.
• Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guadara - This book emphasizes the remarkable power of giving people more than they expect. It provides practical insights on going above and beyond in engaging donors and creating meaningful experiences without necessarily spending more money. It's a valuable resource for those looking to enhance donor engagement and hospitality strategies.

Have you heard these myths about nonprofit collaboration for greater impact? Myth 1: Collaboration means sacrificing autonomy. Myth 2: Collaboration is too time-consuming and complex. Myth 3: Collaboration leads to diluted impact. I'll reveal the truth behind these myths, but get ready for a game-changing strategy that will revolutionize your approach to collaboration and leadership development.

My special guest is

Kaitlynn Watkins holds the position of VP of Development at Unto, a humanitarian aid ministry of Crew, with a significant track record of over seven years in collaboration with the organization. Her professional journey encompasses roles with the American Cancer Society and a children's hospital, reflecting her substantial experience in the nonprofit sector. Kaitlynn's proficiency in sustainable donor engagement and her achievements in targeting the next generation of donors through podcast ads underscore her expertise in the realm of nonprofit collaboration for greater impact.

In this episode of the Holy Donuts podcast, Kaitlynn Watkins, the VP of Development at Unto, a humanitarian aid ministry, shares valuable insights on engaging younger donors, testing new marketing channels, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of technology in the nonprofit sector. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration for addressing global issues and highlights the significance of effective leadership in driving successful fund development. Kaitlynn's experience and perspectives offer thought-provoking ideas for nonprofit leaders seeking to enhance impact and successful fund development through effective collaboration and leadership. By listening to this episode, you'll gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the nonprofit space, with a particular focus on the role of technology, collaboration, and leadership. The conversation provides practical advice for adapting to change, engaging younger donors, and exploring innovative strategies for greater impact in Christian nonprofits and fundraising.,In this episode of the Holy Donuts podcast, Kaitlynn Watkins, the VP of Development at Unto, a humanitarian aid ministry, shares valuable insights on engaging younger donors, testing new marketing channels, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of technology in the nonprofit sector. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration for addressing global issues and highlights the significance of effective leadership in driving successful fund development. Kaitlynn's experience and perspectives offer thought-provoking ideas for nonprofit leaders seeking to enhance impact and successful fund development through effective collaboration and leadership. By listening to this episode, listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the nonprofit space, with a particular focus on the role of technology, collaboration, and leadership. 

Key Moments

• Unlock the Power of Nonprofit Collaboration for Greater Impact.
• Discover the Key to Engaging Younger Donors in Nonprofits.
• Master the Art of Effective Fundraising through Podcast Ads.

Recommended Resources

• Herding Tigers by Todd Henry - a leadership book focused on leading creative teams and encouraging innovation. Available for purchase on major online bookstores like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
• Unto - Learn more about the humanitarian aid ministry of Crew and their work in over 40 countries by visiting unto.com. Follow their impactful stories on Instagram at unto people.
• We Give - A software tool for nonprofits to enhance donor experiences, manage events, pledges, surveys, and more. Check out wegive.com for more information and to improve your donor relationships.

From Zero to $2.5k: Your Step-by-Step Meta Ads Blueprint

Discover the surprising $2,500 digital marketing secret that Christian nonprofits are overlooking. Uncover the advanced meta ad tactics that build new donor audiences and drive real results. But wait, there's more! Learn the simple steps to ensure proper tracking from your Facebook campaign and unlock the full potential of your ad spend. Dive into this eye-opening conversation with a nonprofit marketing expert and revolutionize your organization's digital strategy. Ready to elevate your nonprofit's impact? Keep listening for the game-changing insights that will take your fundraising to the next level.

Eddie Laing stumbled into the world of nonprofit donor acquisition while in college and found his passion for efficiently fundraising for organizations. With experience ranging from small nonprofits to aiding over 600 churches using the Google Ad grant, Eddie's expertise has led him to focus on performance-based marketing, direct fundraising, and conversion rate optimization. As a senior media buyer, he has helped nonprofits achieve remarkable results, with some clients hitting million-dollar months. His insights on digital fundraising and donor acquisition strategies make him a valuable resource for nonprofit organizations looking to enhance their digital marketing efforts. 

Key Moments

• Uncover the power of meta advertising for nonprofits and its impact on your digital marketing success.
• Unlock the secrets to running effective Facebook ad campaigns for charity that captivate and engage potential donors.
• Explore the best practices in nonprofit digital marketing to elevate your organization's online presence and impact.
• Learn how to create lookalike audiences for donor targeting and maximize your outreach efforts with precision.

Quotes From This Episode

So if you're just getting started, you're not sure where to start. Start with a budget of $2,500. Give it five to seven days to see where it's going to baseline, and then you'll have an idea whether or not where performance will be. - Eddie Laing

If you understand why people give, use their language in their ads, that's going to go really far, no matter where you put it. - Eddie Laing

Recommended Resources

• Personify - A partner network tool that identifies anonymous users who didn't convert, providing audience information for email marketing and Facebook targeting. This tool allows you to build your CRM list and create lookalike audiences based on your current website traffic.
• WeGive - A software tool that enhances the donor experience by providing an incredible donor portal, events, pledges, surveys, segmentation, and more. It offers innovative engagement tools to create a world-class experience for donors. Visit wegive.com to learn more.
• Google Tag Manager - A platform that allows you to install the Facebook Pixel through a template, making it easy to manage various marketing tags, including Facebook, Google Analytics, LinkedIn, and more. It helps in tracking and managing different marketing tags on your website.
• DonorBox, WeGive, Fundraise Up - Different donation software options that can be used to set up e-commerce tracking for tracking donations and the values of donations. These tools are essential for tracking revenue and feeding back to the Facebook Pixel to measure the ROI on ad spend.
• Tagmanager.google.com - The official website to access Google Tag Manager, where you can install the Facebook Pixel and manage various marketing tags for tracking and analyzing website data.

Are you ready for a surprising twist? Brace yourself, because you're about to discover the unexpected strategy that's revolutionizing nonprofit fundraising. Get ready to uncover the game-changing approach that's turning heads and leaving traditional methods in the dust. But that's not all – there's a powerful secret waiting to be revealed. Stay tuned to uncover the unconventional tactic that's taking the nonprofit world by storm. You won't want to miss this! My special guest is Bryce Hillhouse.

Bryce Hillhouse, the Director of Development for Favor International, is a seasoned professional with a passion for nonprofit work and donor engagement. With a diverse background in serving underprivileged youth and spreading the gospel, Bryce brings a unique perspective to fundraising strategies. His experience in curating impactful stories and connecting with donors on a personal level has led to significant success in driving support for various ministries. Bryce's commitment to holistic development and empowering communities showcases his dedication to making a lasting impact. With a keen understanding of the evolving nonprofit landscape, Bryce's insights are invaluable for organizations seeking to enhance their fundraising efforts and strengthen donor relationships.

Key Moments

Master nonprofit fundraising with innovative strategies and expert tips.
Discover how AI can revolutionize nonprofit marketing for greater impact.
Elevate donor experiences with proven techniques for meaningful engagement.
Unleash the power of storytelling to drive successful nonprofit campaigns.
Learn personalized communication methods to deepen donor connections.