Nonprofit411 Podcast

Fostering Donor-Centric Fundraising: Insights with Lynne Wester | Nonprofit411

In this engaging episode of Nonprofit411, host Sarah Barton sits down with Lynne Wester, founder of the Donor Relations Group and co-host of the podcast Fundraising is Funny. Lynne shares her unique approach to creating donor-focused fundraising strategies, inspired by her experience at Disney, to ensure donors feel valued and appreciated. Together, they discuss the importance of gratitude, intentionality, and finding joy in nonprofit work to build lasting donor relationships and sustainable fundraising practices.
Lynne highlights practical strategies, including being intentional about donor engagement, prioritizing gratitude to drive retention, and celebrating donors’ behavior beyond just the amount they give. Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or new to the field, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to transform your approach to donor relations.
 
Resources:
Donor Relations Guru Group: www.donorrelations.com
Fundraising is Funny Podcast: www.fundraisingisfunny.com
Book Recommendation – Give and Take by Adam Grant: Insights into the power of generosity and its impact on relationships.
Grant Writing Proposal Guide: Nonprofit411 Grant Guide

Empowering Communities: Building Sustainable Change with A-Nya Badger | Nonprofit411 Podcast

Sarah Barton hosts A-Nya Badger, Community Democracy Coordinator at Fairshake Environmental Legal Services, to explore the power of community-driven nonprofit initiatives. A-Nya shares her experiences in fostering equitable change, emphasizing the importance of centering community voices, building genuine relationships, and creating sustainable projects. She provides practical insights for nonprofits on how to align their goals with the needs of the communities they serve while ensuring long-term impact and resilience.
Key Takeaways
Community-centered approaches are crucial for sustainable change. Listening to and following the lead of community members ensures projects address their true priorities.
Building trust and fostering genuine relationships with communities is essential to avoid being perceived as an outsider imposing solutions.
Sustainability requires planning for long-term impact, such as skill-building and creating enduring funding sources, rather than relying on short-term grants.
Reciprocity strengthens partnerships—nonprofits should find ways to give back to the community partners and stakeholders supporting their initiatives.
Strong administrative foundations are vital to ensure nonprofits stay organized and compliant, enabling them to focus on impactful work.
Resources
Fairshake Environmental Legal Services: fairshake-els.org
A-Nya Badger: abadger@fairshake-els.org
Grant Writing Proposal Guide: nonprofit411.info/grantproposal
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with other nonprofit professionals. Visit www.nonprofit411.org for more resources to help your organization build a sustainable fundraising strategy.

From Passion to Full-Time Impact in Nonprofit Work with Laura Bonnell | Nonprofit 411 Podcast

In this episode of Nonprofit411, Sarah Barton sits down with Laura Bonnell, CEO of The Bonnell Foundation, to discuss her journey from journalist to full-time nonprofit founder. The Bonnell Foundation, dedicated to supporting families affected by cystic fibrosis, has grown from a volunteer-driven effort to an organization that now employs seven people and continues to expand its impact both locally and globally. Laura shares insights on building authentic relationships, the importance of financial transparency, and the power of perseverance and generosity in nonprofit work. For Laura, saying "yes" has led to profound connections, support, and opportunities, shaping the foundation’s mission in ways she never expected.
 
Key Takeaways:
Building strong relationships and connections within the community is foundational to nonprofit growth.
Perseverance in funding efforts can yield significant returns, even if they take time.
Strategic financial planning and transparency are essential to sustainable growth and effective resource management.
Saying “yes” opens doors to unforeseen opportunities that can drive your organization forward in ways you may not anticipate.
 
Resources:
The Bonnell Foundation – https://www.thebonnellfoundation.org
Email The Bonnell Foundation – thebonnellfoundation@gmail.com
Nonprofit411 - http://www.nonprofit411.org
Grant Writing Proposal Guide – https://nonprofit411.info/grantproposal
 
#nonprofit411 #cysticfibrosis #fundraising #communityimpact #perseverance

Embracing Classic Fundraising Techniques with Tim Johnson | Nonprofit 411 Podcast

In this episode of Nonprofit411, host Sarah Barton sits down with Tim Johnson, Director of Development at World Venture and Senior Principal at Park Bench Fundraising Strategist, to explore how nonprofits can return to the basics of fundraising with genuine relationship-building. Tim, a seasoned fundraiser and member of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas, shares valuable insights from his decades-long career, emphasizing the power of sincere gratitude, understanding donors’ values, and creating authentic connections. His advice provides a refreshing look at how nonprofit professionals can engage supporters in ways that foster long-term commitment and trust.
Key Takeaways:
Donors give because of who they are, not who the organization is; building relationships rooted in genuine connection is key to sustainable funding.
A foundation of gratitude, through personalized gestures like handwritten notes, strengthens the bond between nonprofits and their supporters.
Nonprofits should revisit “old-school” basics to balance modern fundraising tools, creating a holistic approach that integrates both heart and strategy.
Resources:
Park Bench Fundraising Strategist: https://www.parkbenchfundraising.com
WorldVenture: https://www.worldventure.com
Nonprofit411: www.nonprofit411.org
Grant Writing Proposal Guide: https://nonprofit411.info/grantproposal
 
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow nonprofit professionals. Visit Nonprofit411 for more resources to help your organization build a sustainable fundraising and grant writing strategy.
#nonprofit411 #fundraising #donorrelations #sustainablegiving #nonprofitstrategy #communityimpact

A Conversation of Growth, Updates, and ChatGPT Mastery with Diana Lee from Waggle Ai | Nonprofit411

Join host Sarah Barton from Nonprofit 411 for the first-ever live podcast as she sits down with Diana Lee, the founder of Waggle AI. This dynamic episode delves into the journeys of entrepreneurship, personal growth, and mastering ChatGPT for business and personal development.
Diana shares her inspiring story of rebranding, embracing challenges, and leveraging AI tools to streamline processes, enhance creativity, and empower others. The discussion touches on:
Practical tips for using ChatGPT in personal and professional settings
The emotional journey of entrepreneurship and rebranding
The power of frameworks in organizing business and nonprofit strategies
Insights into leveraging AI for personal development and self-discovery
Whether you're an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or simply curious about how AI can elevate your daily life, this conversation is packed with inspiration and actionable advice.
Don't miss the opportunity to learn, grow, and be inspired! 

From Burnout to Balance: Leading Nonprofits with Care featuring Kishshana Palmer | Nonprofit 411 Podcast

In this episode of Nonprofit411, host Sarah Barton sits down with Kishshana Palmer, CEO of ManageMint, for an inspiring conversation about effective leadership in the nonprofit sector. Kishshana, a seasoned change management consultant, shares her insights on fostering healthy, human-centered workplace cultures and prioritizing self-care as a leader. Her approach is rooted in the philosophy that “if you don’t live well, you can’t lead well.”
 
Key Takeaways:
Wellness-Centric Leadership: Embrace self-care as foundational to effective leadership. Leaders who prioritize well-being can manage stress and make clearer, stronger decisions.
Ritualizing the Workday: Creating simple, intentional routines—like a capsule wardrobe or a dedicated morning ritual—can help reduce stress and decision fatigue during high-pressure times.
Collaboration Over Competition: Kishshana encourages nonprofits to work together and see each other as allies.
The Power of Saying “Yes”: Stay open to new opportunities that align with your mission. Meaningful partnerships often arise from embracing possibilities.
 
This Week's Resources:
ManageMint - https://www.managemint.co
Kishshana's Book, Busy is a Four-Letter Word - is available for pre-order at Amazon.com
Nonprofit411 - www.nonprofit411.org
Nonprofit411 Grant Writing Proposal Guide - https://nonprofit411.info/grantproposal
 
#nonprofit411 #leadership #wellbeing #nonprofitmanagement #workplacewellness #socialimpact

Ethical Storytelling in Nonprofits: Insights with Chris Miano | Nonprofit 411 Podcast

In this episode of Nonprofit411, host Sarah Barton speaks with Chris Miano, founder of Memory Fox, about the transformative power of storytelling in nonprofit fundraising and community engagement. Chris shares his journey from military service to Memory Fox, a platform dedicated to helping nonprofits ethically capture and manage impactful stories. They discuss the essentials of ethical storytelling, including obtaining consent, managing sensitive content, and using stories to truly honor the experiences of those served. This episode highlights how storytelling, when done thoughtfully, becomes a sacred gift that builds lasting relationships and supports the mission of nonprofits everywhere.
 
Key Takeaways:
Collecting and sharing diverse “Springsteen stories” allows organizations to create inclusive narratives that resonate widely across different audiences.
Ethical storytelling hinges on a robust consent process; ensuring that consent is never assumed indefinitely and is carefully managed for ongoing respect and safety.
Stories, when ethically managed and thoughtfully shared, serve as powerful and sacred assets that deepen trust and community engagement.
 
Resources:
Memory Fox: https://memoryfox.io
Chris Miano’s LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismiano/
Grant Writing Proposal Guide: https://nonprofit411.info/grantproposal
 
#nonprofits #storytelling #ethicalstorytelling #fundraising #communityengagement #sacredstories #nonprofit411

The Art and Science of Nonprofit Success with Tim Sarrantonio | Nonprofit 411 Podcast

In this episode of Nonprofit411, host Sarah Barton speaks with Tim Sarrantonio, Director of Corporate Brand at Neon One and Chair of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project. Tim brings his expertise in nonprofit data and donor retention to discuss how data can help nonprofits build deeper relationships and sustainable funding. From starting small with meaningful donor notes to leveraging community-driven stories, Tim shares how nonprofits of any size can use data thoughtfully to foster donor engagement, reduce burnout, and strengthen community bonds.
 
Key Takeaways:
Data-driven storytelling and recurring giving help create a sense of community that fosters lasting donor loyalty.
Technology should support nonprofit missions with an emphasis on personalization rather than financial metrics alone.
Mapping “ripple effects” of donor impact helps organizations recognize and celebrate broader community connections.
 
Resources:
Tim Sarrantonio’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsarrantonio/
Neon One Data Resources: https://neonone.com
Fundraising Effectiveness Project Reports (via GivingTuesday): https://www.givingtuesday.org/data-commons/
Grant Writing Proposal Guide: https://nonprofit411.info/grantproposal
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with other nonprofit professionals. For more resources, visit Nonprofit411 (www.nonprofit411.org) and join us in building a sustainable fundraising strategy together.
 
#nonprofits #fundraising #datadriven #donorengagement #fundraisingeffectiveness #sustainablegrowth #nonprofit411

Diversifying Nonprofit Strategies through Social Media with Julia Campbell | Nonprofit 411 Podcast

In this episode, Sarah Barton hosts Julia Campbell, nonprofit marketing expert and host of the Nonprofit Nation podcast, to explore effective digital fundraising strategies for nonprofits. Julia explains how organizations can build confidence and success in digital fundraising by focusing on community, ownership of data, and aligning digital strategies with long-term mission goals. She shares actionable steps on using email, CRMs, and social media to reach supporters authentically while reducing reliance on changing algorithms and platforms.
 
Key Takeaways:
Building a community of like-minded supporters is crucial; focusing on those already aligned with your mission strengthens engagement.
Diversifying communication channels and emphasizing email and CRM tools help nonprofits maintain control over donor relationships.
Being intentional with digital tools supports long-term goals and avoids burnout from overextending on multiple platforms.
 
Resources:
Julia Campbell’s Digital Fundraising Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliacampbell/
Nonprofit Nation Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nonprofit-nation-with-julia-campbell/id1580962609 
Nonprofit411 Grant Writing Proposal Guide: https://nonprofit411.info/grantproposal
For more resources, visit nonprofit411.org
#nonprofits #digitalfundraising #digitalmarketing #communitybuilding #emailstrategy #CRMfornonprofits #donorengagement #nonprofitgrowth

A Conversation with Mallory Erickson on Aligning Purpose and Practice | Nonprofit411 Podcast

Mallory Erickson of What The Fundraising joins Nonprofit 411 to explore the mental and emotional tools that make fundraising feel authentic and sustainable. By focusing on alignment and addressing stress, Mallory offers nonprofit professionals practical ways to overcome resistance and embrace fundraising as a meaningful part of their mission. This episode is a must-listen for fundraisers looking to boost their confidence and impact.
Key Takeaways:
Awareness of personal resistance and fear in fundraising is the first step toward transformation.
Embracing alignment in partnerships leads to fulfilling and effective fundraising experiences.
Fundraising is about inviting people to be part of something meaningful, which can feel rewarding for both sides.
Resources:
What The Fundraising - https://www.whatthefundraising.com
Fundraising Habit Guide - https://malloryerickson.com/habitguide/
Grant Writing Proposal Guide - https://nonprofit411.info/grantproposal
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others in the nonprofit world. For more resources and insights on sustainable fundraising, visit Nonprofit 411. Interested in improving your grant writing skills? Download our free Grant Writing Proposal Guide to start building a holistic fundraising strategy today.