Beyond The Donation

Hosted by DonorDock.com

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Mar 2026

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About the show

Beyond The Donation is the podcast for nonprofit leaders who know fundraising success goes beyond just the ask. Hosted by Matt Bitzegaio, CEO of DonorDock, and Noah Barnett, CGO of DonorDock and Former CMO of Virtuous. Each episode cuts through the fluff and dives into the real work behind revenue: leading teams, optimizing operations, and creating systems that scale impact. This isn’t another podcast about donor appeals. It’s about designing a smarter fundraising machine and leading it well. If you’re ready to lead with clarity, build with intention, and grow beyond the gift… you’re in the right place.

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56 recent

March 11, 2026Episode 740 min

Using AI to Amplify Human Connection

Matt Bitzegaio and Noah Barnett discuss how nonprofit leaders should think about AI implementation in their organizations. They explore the difference between AI as an adjacent tool versus AI embedded within existing workflows, using DonorDock's "Otto" feature as an example. The hosts provide practical advice for nonprofit leaders, including taking inventory of current AI usage, establishing organizational policies, and identifying processes where AI can drive efficiency, effectiveness, and expansion. They emphasize that AI should augment human expertise rather than replace it, particularly in areas like donor relationships and storytelling. The conversation covers both the opportunities and anxieties surrounding AI adoption, offering a framework for leaders to gradually integrate AI tools while maintaining focus on authentic human connections with supporters.

March 4, 2026Episode 621 min

Systems, Not Software Part 2: Finding the Right Tech Partner for Your Organization

This is part two of a podcast episode from Beyond the Donation where hosts Noah and Matt discuss how nonprofits should approach selecting technology partners. They share insights from a customer interview about a small organization that thoughtfully evaluated their current and future needs before choosing a platform. The conversation covers key questions to ask during the vendor selection process, including understanding who's behind the company, their funding model, support philosophy, and company culture. They emphasize that software should serve strategy rather than dictate it, and stress the importance of systems thinking that combines people, processes, and platforms. The hosts provide practical advice for organizations going through their first technology buying decision, recommending they start with awareness of current problems, talk to existing donors to understand what's working, and avoid expecting software to be a silver bullet that fixes all organizational issues.

February 25, 2026Episode 519 min

Systems, Not Software Part 1: Rethinking How Technology Serves Your Mission

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, hosts Matt Bitzegaio and Noah Barnett explore a crucial question every nonprofit faces: Is technology really the solution—or is it the system behind it that matters most? They unpack why many organizations struggle with too many disconnected tools, how to think strategically about your people, processes, and platforms, and what it means to choose technology that actually supports your mission. This is Part 1 of our “Systems, Not Software” conversation—a must-listen for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and anyone making tech decisions for their team. What You’ll Learn: Why nonprofits often get stuck with too many disconnected tools How to align people, process, and platform for success The difference between a tech tool and a true platform partner When “all-in-one” vs. “best-in-breed” solutions make sense How to evaluate if your tech supports your actual strategy

February 18, 2026Episode 422 min

Focus, Clarity, and the Power of an Omissions List

What you choose not to do can be just as powerful as what you decide to pursue. In this episode of Beyond the Donation, Matt and Noah explore the value of creating an omissions list for nonprofit leaders. They discuss why saying no is an essential leadership skill, how prioritization prevents overwhelm, and the role clarity and collaboration play in effective decision making. You’ll also learn practical steps you can apply right away to sharpen your focus and lead with confidence.

February 11, 2026Episode 333 min

Beyond Vanity Metrics: How Nonprofits Measure What Really Matters

Unlock metrics that actually move your mission forward. In this episode of Beyond the Donation, Matt and Noah cut through nonprofit metrics confusion and explain how to separate vanity metrics from numbers that inform real decisions. Learn the difference between leading indicators and trailing indicators, how to create accountability on small teams, and practical ways to improve donor retention through consistent, personal touch points. You will leave with a simple framework for choosing a few key metrics, aligning weekly actions to organizational goals, and building a culture of curiosity around data. Listen now to streamline reporting, focus on impact measurement, and strengthen your fundraising strategy.

February 4, 2026Episode 233 min

Maximizing Efficiency in Small Teams

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, hosts Matt and Noah explore how small nonprofit teams can boost efficiency through high leverage strategies. They discuss identifying time wasters, prioritizing what matters most, optimizing processes, and leveraging technology to improve donor engagement.

January 30, 2026Episode 135 min

Prioritizing What Matters in Nonprofits

In this episode, the podcast takes a new direction with Noah Barnett as the co-host, focusing on insights from nonprofit leaders. The hosts challenge the idea that nonprofit leaders must constantly do more, encouraging listeners to prioritize what truly matters. They introduce the concept of zero-based prioritization, urging nonprofits to reassess their tasks and focus on core elements that drive impact. The importance of celebrating small accomplishments is highlighted, as it fosters motivation and team morale. Future episodes will delve into technology's role in nonprofit work and continue the conversation on prioritizing essential tasks.

March 19, 2024Episode 2822 min

Getting Grant-Ready, an interview with Jennifer Yarbrough

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, host Matt Bitzegaio chats with Jennifer Yarbrough, a veteran in the nonprofit sector with more than 30 years of experience. Jennifer shares key strategies on getting grant-ready from her three decades of experience in grant writing, fundraising, coaching, and mentoring. She discusses the significance of aligning the nonprofit's mission with the grant funder's objectives, the importance of impact measurement and evaluation, as well as the struggles nonprofits face locating and applying for relevant grants. Jennifer also highlights the value of persistence, networking, clear communication of mission, and relationship building in the funding realm. Lastly, she provides resources for finding grants and measuring impact. 00:04 Introduction 00:26 Getting to Know Jennifer Yarbrough 02:19 Understanding the Basics of Grant Funding 03:21 The Importance of Being Grant Ready 04:24 Starting a Nonprofit and Seeking Grants 06:14 Challenges and Strategies in Securing Grants 07:44 Writing a Compelling Grant Application 10:58 The Role of Relationship Building in Grant Funding 12:50 Finding Relevant Grant Opportunities 15:34 Measuring and Reporting Impact 17:58 Final Advice and Connecting with Jennifer Yarbrough 21:39 Conclusion Resources: https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/ https://grants.gov/ https://grantstation.com/ To Connect with Jennifer Yarbrough: Website TikTok LinkedIn To Connect with Beyond the Donation Podcast: BTD Podcast DonorDock LinkedIn Matt LinkedIn

August 1, 2023Episode 1332 min

Navigating Negative Circumstances with Positive Results, an interview with Steve Johns, CEO of OneCause

Our Guest: Steve Johns, CEO of OneCause & Author of Fearless: Leadership Lessons at the Crossroads About Steve: In 2014, Steve moved to Indianapolis from Chicago, taking his 30+ years of financial management experience with him to join OneCause as their CEO. He enjoys his work and his family, especially as a new grandfather! (2:40) The book Fearless: Leadership Lessons at the Crossroads based on the experience of leading OneCause through the Covid19 pandemic (6:27) Leadership transparency & vulnerability “It’s almost like a paradox because people consider vulnerabilities sometimes to be a weakness, and I think that it really starts from a position of strength. You have to be strong enough to admit you don’t have all the answers.” - Steve Johns (9:50) Functioning in pandemic-pivots (13:40) Confidence amid chaos (15:15) OneCause, Nonprofits, and Donors overcoming together [16:38] Fundraising changes, evolution, and results from the pandemic [21:00] OneCause & DonorDock Integration The benefits & importance of data [25:00] Innovation emphasized Steve’s Golden Nugget: We have to tackle the donor retention issue, utilizing the golden rule. Be timely. Be responsive. Build relationship. More About Steve: LinkedIn Website Leadership Book Raise Conference To Connect with Beyond the Donation Podcast: BTD Podcast DonorDock LinkedIn Matt LinkedIn

May 2, 2023Episode 730 min

The Most Powerful and Underused NPO Tool: An Interview with Patrick Kirby of Do Good Better Consulting

Our Guest: Patrick Kirby, Founder of Do Good Better Consulting About Do Good Better Consulting: Patrick started Do Good Better as “a firm that helps nonprofits suck less at fundraising”, and he means that “with the most adoration”. The basics-of-the-basics is what Patrick loves helping NPOs master. Consulting, podcast, events, and Do Good YOUniversity are all plates Patrick is keeping spinning currently. (4:00) Five Day Fundraising Framework (7:25) "The last thing people remember is that handwritten thank you note.” - Patrick Kirby (9:30) “I have never, in the 20 years that I have been doing fundraising, never been punched in the face for calling to say ‘hi’ or ‘thank you’, and I’ve also never been punched in the face for asking for money.” - Patrick Kirby (10:10) How to stay top-of-mind with your donors (11:00) A great question for donors (13:25) Do Good YOUniversity (18:40) Do Good Better on the road (22:15) Consulting Patrick’s Pro Tip: “Pick up the damn phone.” Golden BTD Nugget: The power of picking up the phone and to convey your enthusiasm and gratitude with your voice is hard to throw off. Patrick’s Bonus Tip : Don’t wait until the end of the year to call people to say thank you. More About Do Good Better Consulting: Website Facebook LinkedIn More About Patrick Kirby: LinkedIn To Connect with Beyond the Donation Podcast: BTD Podcast DonorDock LinkedIn Matt LinkedIn