Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

Hosted by Julia Campbell

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296

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Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Ready for some real talk about nonprofits? Julia Campbell sits down with industry experts and practitioners to get advice on the best ways to build a thriving movement and a vibrant, passionate community around a cause. Topics include fundraising, storytelling, and marketing of course - but it also dives into mental health issues, leadership strategy, digital wellness, and much more. Julia's guests share practical wisdom, entertaining stories, and real-world tips that will help you strategize, plan, and grow your nonprofit. You never know exactly what you’re going to learn when you tune into Nonprofit Nation, but you can be assured that it will be worth your valuable time and attention. Nonprofit Nation is hosted by Julia Campbell, digital marketing and fundraising expert, nonprofit consultant, and author of Storytelling in the Digital Age: A Guide for Nonprofits and How to Build and Mobilize a Social Media Community for Your Nonprofit in 90 Days. Julia helps nonprofits build movements, and in her work she teaches nonprofits how to build community, audience and raise influence on social media channels. Be sure to click the subscribe button on Apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

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June 10, 2026Episode 23535 min

Combatting the Disconnection Crisis with Jacob Adams

What happens when nonprofits stop centering funders and start centering relationships?In this week’s episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia sits down with Jacob Adams, founder of Inner Spark Learning Lab, to unpack what he calls the “Disconnection Crisis” — a pattern showing up across education, philanthropy, and social impact work. Drawing from years of experience working with more than 40,000 Black and Brown young people in South Central and East Los Angeles, Jacob shares why so many traditional reform models fail to create lasting change and what becomes possible when organizations build systems rooted in trust, listening, and authentic community partnership.Together, they explore: ✨ Why transactional fundraising weakens long-term impact ✨ How disconnection shapes philanthropy and funding decisions ✨ What authentic community partnership really looks like ✨ Why relationship-centered leadership matters more than ever ✨ How nonprofits can stay mission-aligned while navigating funding pressuresThis thoughtful and inspiring conversation challenges conventional nonprofit narratives and offers a refreshing framework for leaders who want to deepen trust, strengthen impact, and rethink how meaningful change actually happens.🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation.About the GuestJacob Adams is a former educator turned nonprofit leader focused on transforming schools from the inside out so they become places where Black and Brown youth want to be. He coined the term “Disconnection Crisis” to describe what happens when traditional systems pull young people away from their purpose, creativity, and community. In 2017, he founded STEM to the Future, now known as Inner Spark Learning Lab, to help schools become places kids and families genuinely want and need them to be. 🔗 Connect with Jacob Adams: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobadams706/ • Website: https://www.innersparklab.org/ Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

June 3, 2026Episode 23454 min

The Advice We Don't Put on Slides (Live Podcast Recording)

Live from GiveCon 2026, this special roundtable episode brings together some of the nonprofit sector's most candid voices for a conversation about the advice, lessons, and realities that rarely make it into conference presentations.Some of the most valuable advice in this industry never makes it onto a conference slide. In this live discussion, we get into the conversations leaders usually save for hallways, coffee breaks, and happy hours, the mistakes nonprofits repeat, the tradeoffs leaders know exist but rarely say out loud, and the places where even experienced professionals genuinely disagree.🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:• The mistakes nonprofit leaders see organizations make time and time again• The hidden challenges that come with growth and scaling impact• Tough decisions that don't have easy answers• Fundraising, leadership, and organizational tradeoffs• Lessons learned from years of experience in the nonprofit sector• Different perspectives on what success and sustainability really look like• Practical advice for navigating uncertainty and changeThis conversation is honest, insightful, and a little provocative. It's the kind of discussion that reminds you that you're not alone in wrestling with difficult decisions, competing priorities, and the constant pressure to do more with less.Whether you're a nonprofit executive, fundraiser, marketer, consultant, board member, or emerging leader, you'll walk away with fresh perspectives, practical takeaways, and perhaps a few assumptions challenged along the way.Come ready to listen, laugh, and maybe rethink something you were sure you had figured out.🌎 About GiveConGiveCon is Bloomerang's annual conference designed to bring together nonprofit professionals, fundraisers, marketers, and industry experts to share ideas, build connections, and learn practical strategies for creating greater impact.🔗 Learn More About GiveCon & Bloomerang https://bloomerang.comTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

June 3, 2026Episode 23339 min

Trust at Scale: Lessons from Project C.U.R.E. with Douglas Jackson

Healthcare access remains one of the greatest challenges facing communities around the world. But what does it take to build an organization capable of delivering life-saving medical supplies to hospitals and clinics in more than 135 countries while earning the trust of donors, volunteers, and partners along the way?In this episode, I sit down with Douglas Jackson, President and CEO of Project C.U.R.E., one of the world's largest distributors of donated medical supplies and equipment. Since 1987, Project C.U.R.E. has delivered critical healthcare resources across the globe, mobilizing thousands of volunteers and shipping hundreds of cargo containers annually to communities in need.We discuss what it takes to build donor confidence at scale, communicate complex global work in a way that inspires support, and lead an organization that balances heart, impact, and operational excellence. Douglas shares valuable insights on humanitarian logistics, volunteer engagement, measuring impact through technology, and the leadership lessons he's learned while guiding a globally recognized nonprofit.🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:• How Project C.U.R.E. grew into a global leader in humanitarian healthcare delivery• What it takes to build and maintain donor trust at scale• The logistical challenges of delivering medical supplies around the world• Strategies for communicating complex nonprofit work in a compelling way• The role volunteers play in powering large-scale impact• How technology and data help measure and demonstrate outcomes• Leadership lessons from managing a high-impact global organization• What nonprofit leaders can learn about scaling mission-driven work sustainablyThis episode is a must-listen for nonprofit executives, fundraisers, board members, and anyone interested in building organizations that create meaningful impact through trust, operational excellence, and mission-focused leadership.💼 About Douglas JacksonDouglas Jackson is the President and CEO of Project C.U.R.E., one of the world's largest distributors of donated medical supplies and equipment. Since joining the organization in 1997, he has helped expand its global reach, overseeing the delivery of life-saving healthcare resources to hospitals and clinics in more than 135 countries.Under Douglas's leadership, Project C.U.R.E. ships approximately 200 cargo containers of medical supplies annually and mobilizes tens of thousands of volunteers to support its mission of improving healthcare access worldwide. The organization has earned national recognition for its impact, transparency, and operational excellence, including being named one of America's top charities.🔗 Connect with Douglas Jackson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-douglas-jackson 🌎 Learn More About Project C.U.R.E. https://projectcure.org/ 📚 Resources & Links• How Doug Jackson Turns Audacity Into Impact: A Changemaker's Story• TEDx Talk: What Are You Willing to Trade Your Life For?Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

May 27, 2026Episode 23232 min

Scaling Impact Without Losing Your Roots with Angelique Albert

Nonprofits are often told to scale their impact, but what happens when growth risks pulling organizations away from the communities they serve?In this episode, I sit down with Angelique Albert, CEO of Native Forward Scholars Fund, to discuss what it means to grow with intention, stay rooted in community, and lead through trust. Raised on the Flathead Indian Reservation and now leading the largest provider of direct scholarships to Native students in the United States, Angelique brings a powerful perspective on leadership, equity, and philanthropy. Native Forward has awarded more than $350 million in scholarships to over 22,000 students across 500 Tribes, helping Native students pursue higher education while preserving culture, identity, and belonging.We explore how Angelique's upbringing shaped her leadership philosophy, why scholarships alone aren't enough to ensure student success, and what nonprofits truly need from funders to create lasting change. The conversation also dives into the impact of receiving a transformational $50 million unrestricted gift from MacKenzie Scott, and what trust-based philanthropy can unlock when organizations are given the flexibility to meet community needs.Angelique shares candid lessons on scaling impact without losing your roots, navigating a significant increase in demand, and ensuring that growth remains grounded in mission, culture, and community. This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders, funders, and anyone interested in building organizations that lead with trust, equity, and long-term impact.🎧 In this episode, we discuss:What unrestricted funding really makes possible for nonprofitsWhy trust-based philanthropy is essential—not optionalThe challenges and opportunities that come with rapid growthHow Native Forward is redefining student successBuilding organizations that remain community-centered while scalingWhat funders still misunderstand about nonprofit impactLessons in leadership, equity, and staying true to your roots as you grow💼 About Angelique AlbertAngelique Albert is the CEO of Native Forward Scholars Fund, the largest provider of direct scholarships to Native students in the United States. A proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, she is a passionate advocate for educational equity, community empowerment, and expanding opportunities for Native students nationwide.Since becoming CEO in 2017, Angelique has led Native Forward through a period of remarkable growth, helping the organization award more than $350 million in scholarships to over 20,000 students representing 500 Tribal Nations across all 50 states. Her leadership is rooted in the belief that education is a powerful tool for strengthening individuals, families, and communities.Recognized nationally for her impact in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, Angelique continues to champion trust-based giving, student success, and sustainable growth while ensuring Native voices and communities remain at the center of the work.🔗 Connect with Angelique: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelique-albert-a849a741/🌐 Learn more about Native Forward: https://www.nativeforward.org/Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

May 20, 2026Episode 23134 min

How to Be Strategic in the Age of Digital & AI with Brad Caldana

Nonprofits are producing more digital content than ever - emails, social posts, website updates, advocacy campaigns -yet many practitioners still feel like their work doesn’t add up to a cohesive strategy.In this episode, I speak with digital strategist Brad Caldana about how nonprofit organizations can move from executing scattered digital tactics to leading with a clear strategic plan.Brad shares insights from more than two decades of work at the intersection of technology, organizing, and social impact, including his role as Digital Training Director for the Obama 2012 Presidential Campaign. We explore how nonprofits can build digital strategies that align goals, audiences, infrastructure, and budget -especially as AI accelerates the pace of digital work.The conversation also explores practical ways nonprofits can integrate AI thoughtfully, avoid common pitfalls, and develop digital strategies that truly support their mission.💼 About Brad CaldanaBrad Caldana has spent over 20 years working at the intersection of technology, digital strategy, and social impact. As the Founder of the Center for Digital Strategy, his work focuses on helping nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and campaigns embrace innovation to build capacity, drive engagement, and deliver measurable results. Over the course of his career, Brad has played a pivotal role in several transformative moments within digital organizing.Brad is the author of The Digital Plan, a comprehensive guide written for practitioners and leaders looking to ground their digital work in scalable strategy.This same commitment to capacity-building drives his current initiatives through the Center for Digital Strategy, which delivers impact through industry summits, accelerators, and direct advising. Operating as a Fractional Digital Strategy Officer, Brad partners with organizations to safely integrate AI, test innovative approaches, and future-proof their digital ecosystems.At the core of his work, Brad is dedicated to helping people and organizations maximize the digital tools and opportunities available to them. Whether leading a training, building a community of practice, or advising an executive team, his ultimate goal is to help organizations meet the moment and amplify their impact.🔗 Connect with Brad on LinkedInTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

May 13, 2026Episode 23041 min

How to Lead When Everything Feels Uncertain with Marc Pitman

In a world defined by uncertainty-funding cuts, global instability, and constant change-what if doubt isn’t something to overcome, but something to lead with?In this episode, I sit down with Marc A. Pitman, founder of Concord Leadership Group and a leading voice in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and executive coaching.With more than two decades of experience coaching CEOs and training over 25,000 leaders across the globe, Marc brings a deeply practical and refreshingly human approach to leadership. He is also the author of Ask Without Fear! and his latest book, The Surprising Gift of Doubt.At a time when nonprofit leaders are facing unprecedented challenges such as shrinking funding streams, rising demand for services, team burnout, and global instability, Marc offers a powerful reframe: doubt is not a liability. It’s a leadership advantage.In this conversation, we explore how leaders can navigate ambiguity without losing clarity, make thoughtful decisions without perfect information, and foster trust even when the future feels uncertain. Marc shares practical frameworks, coaching insights, and real-world examples to help nonprofit professionals turn uncertainty into a source of strength rather than stress.Whether you're leading an organization, managing a team, or responsible for fundraising in a volatile environment, this episode will challenge how you think about confidence, control, and what it truly means to lead.💼 About Marc PitmanMarc is the founder of Concord Leadership Group and has served as its CEO for 20 years. In that time, he has presented trainings and keynotes to over 27,000 participants in North America, Europe, Mexico, and New Zealand; coached more than 130 CEOs, C-suite executives, directors, and owners — through the dot-com bust, the aftermath of 9/11, the 2008 recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic; and in the last few years has certified an additional 45 Quadrant 3 Leadership Coaches, who have gone on to coach and train more than 45,290 leaders in corporations, government, associations, and nonprofits. Marc holds his masters in organizational leadership from Regent University.He is a Certified Franklin Covey Coach, a Certified Speaking Professional of the National Speakers Association, and past-president of the South Carolina chapter of the International Coaching Federation. He has appeared in or been recognized by media outlets and publications including NBC, Fox News, Al Jazeera, Success magazine, Real Simple, and the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Marc is the author of Ask Without Fear!®, which has been translated into Dutch, Polish, Spanish, and Mandarin. His latest book is The Surprising Gift of Doubt: Use Uncertainty to Become the Exceptional Leader You Are Meant to Be. Marc speaks nationally and internationally on leadership, influence, storytelling, and fundraising and is the voice behind FRC, one of the longest-running blogs in the nonprofit sector (est. 2003). He is executive director of The Nonprofit Academy; an advisory board member of innovative fundraising platform Pennybridge in Orebro, Sweden; and a former advisory panel member of the Rogare Think Tank at Plymouth University, Plymouth, United Kingdom.He is married to his best friend and is the father of three amazing kids, who, if he’s belting ’80s tunes, will deny they know him.🔗 Resources and Linkshttps://concordleadershipgroup.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcapitman/ Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

May 6, 202615 min

Mastering Short-Form Video: A Guide for Nonprofits

This is an episode detailing some of the highlights from my recent session at the AFP international conference in San Diego - Josh Hirsch and I delivered a standing room only session on Mastering Short-Form Video, and it was so fun to be back at ICON and standing in front of nonprofits curious about video content and wanting to learn and connect. I’ll have more interviews and audio content from the conference in the coming weeks. Description: Short-form video is no longer a nice-to-have in nonprofit communications. It is, increasingly, a must-have.Instagram Reels. YouTube Shorts. TikTok videos. Facebook short clips. These rapidly consumable vertical videos have changed how people engage with content online, including our donors. Across platforms, audiences are watching video content more than ever, and they are responding to it. Short-form video has the potential to do what long emails and even static graphics cannot: build trust quickly, show impact visually, and inspire actions right where supporters are scrolling.But despite the opportunity, many fundraisers feel daunted.“We don’t have time for video.” “We don’t have a videographer.” “I’m not creative enough.”These are familiar refrains. But they miss the mark.Short-form video isn’t about production value. It’s about clarity of story, consistency of message, and authentic human connection. You don’t need Hollywood-level equipment. You need heart and you need a unique perspective (which you have, from your hands-on work in the trenches). Let’s start with understanding why short-form video works for fundraising.Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

April 22, 20261 hr 0 min

10 Ways to Drive More Donors to Your Online Giving Page

This is the recording of a webinar that I recently did, called From Scroll to Support: 10 Ways to Drive More Donors to Your Online Giving Page.Get the Nonprofit Social Media Content Planner: https://www.donorperfect.com/whitepapers/generic/the-nonprofit-social-media-content-planner/Many nonprofits spend time optimizing their donation forms but struggle with a bigger challenge: getting the right people to the form in the first place. In today’s crowded digital environment, supporters rarely arrive at a giving page by accident. Instead, they move through a series of online interactions: social media, email, ads, and other digital touchpoints. In this session, we’ll go through ten practical and effective ways nonprofits can guide supporters from online engagement to making a gift. Participants will learn how to create compelling content, strengthen calls to action, and strategically lead supporters to their online giving forms.Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

April 15, 2026Episode 22938 min

How AI Can Support Grassroots Democracy with Cristobal Duran and Derek Kitts

In this episode, Julia sits down with Cristóbal Durán and Derek Kitts, founders of WinFlip, to explore how AI-driven tools are reshaping the landscape of local political campaigns and what that means for nonprofits and grassroots organizers. While national campaigns often have access to sophisticated data and strategy teams, down-ballot candidates frequently operate without the same resources.They share how the platform is working to close this gap—helping candidates better understand their districts, calculate realistic paths to victory, and make smarter, data-informed decisions without the need for large consulting teams.The conversation also examines how nonprofits can apply these same principles to advocacy, fundraising, and community engagement—while maintaining ethical standards and trust.💡 Key Topics CoveredThe hidden technology gap in local and down-ballot campaignsHow AI can support (not replace) grassroots organizingUnderstanding and calculating a campaign’s “win number”Making campaign strategy accessible to first-time candidatesPractical applications of AI for nonprofit leadersEthical considerations in AI-driven civic engagement💼 Cristobal DuranCristobal is a public affairs and communications professional focused on strengthening grassroots democracy through technology. With a Master of Public Administration from Virginia Tech and experience supporting over 500 political campaigns, he has worked across communications, compliance, and campaign strategy.He is the founder of WinFlip, an AI-driven platform designed to help down-ballot candidates understand their districts, calculate realistic paths to victory, and make smarter strategic decisions. His work focuses on democratizing access to campaign strategy, lowering the barriers to running for office, and enabling more people to participate in the democratic process.Connect with Cristobal on LinkedIn💼 Derek KittsDerek Kitts is a retired Army veteran, entrepreneur, and elected Supervisor in Montgomery County, Virginia. With over 24 years of military service and a decade in campaign operations, he leads Tempus Leadership Solutions and co-founded Project Icarus AI, bringing innovative tools to political campaigns. His work centers on service, accountability, and helping others succeed.Connect with Derek on LinkedIn🔗 Resources and LinksWinFlip WebsiteTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

April 8, 2026Episode 22844 min

How to Communicate When Stakes Are High with Jacques Hebert

What should nonprofits do when their communities are grieving, fearful, and demanding accountability?In moments of crisis, nonprofit leaders are often called upon to do more than deliver services. They must communicate with empathy, support their teams, stand alongside their communities, and decide whether, and how, to speak publicly about events that are unfolding in real time.In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I’m joined by Jacques Hebert, communications director at the McKnight Foundation. We discuss how nonprofit organizations and foundations can respond when tragedy and tension impact the communities they serve.The conversation was inspired by a powerful public statement from McKnight Foundation president Tonya Allen following the tragic events in Minneapolis and the ongoing pain and fear felt by many residents across Minnesota. Her message called for dignity, accountability, and safety while acknowledging the deep grief and concern many community members are experiencing.Jacques shares insights into the role that communications leaders play during moments like this: when the stakes are high, emotions are raw, and communities are looking to trusted institutions for leadership.We explore how nonprofits can step up for their communities while also caring for their staff, navigating uncertainty, and communicating in ways that are responsible, values-driven, and grounded in empathy.Moments of crisis test our institutions, our leadership, and our values. This conversation explores how the nonprofit sector can respond with compassion, clarity, and courage.💼 About Jacques HerbertJacques serves on McKnight’s Executive Leadership Team and leads communications for the Foundation. Since joining McKnight in 2022, Jacques has directed the Foundation’s enterprise-wide communications strategies with vision, care, and impact. Under his leadership, the Communications Team has played a vital role in shaping how we share our story, connect with our partners, and amplify the work of those advancing justice, equity, and climate solutions in our communities.Jacques brings nearly two decades of experience in communications, public relations, public affairs, marketing, and advertising, across the corporate, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors. His career has spanned large technology companies, nonprofit media organizations, environmental NGOs, and philanthropic institutions. Prior to joining McKnight, Jacques led communications for Environmental Defense Fund’s (EDF) global coastal resilience initiative, directing comprehensive communications campaigns that advanced supportive policies at the local, state, and federal levels. He also led communications for Restore the Mississippi River Delta, a coalition of national and state-based organizations working to address ongoing disaster recovery and build long-term climate resilience for Louisiana’s coastal communities, creating a model in policy, engagement, and communications for many other climate-vulnerable communities to follow. He previously served as communications director for the National Audubon Society as part of the same coalition. Before that, Jacques held positions at Mother Jones magazine, Google, and YouTube, all focused on driving innovation and impact through communications, digital advertising, and storytelling.Jacques serves on the Board of Directors of Esperanza United and helped establish COMNET Minnesota as the state’s first local chapter of The Communications Network.Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts