Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed

Hosted by Jarrett Ransom

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Episodes

113

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The conversational-style podcast focuses on interviews and discussions with nonprofit thought leaders for all levels of nonprofit engagement and interests. Our shows are relevant for everyone from Board Members and CEOs to program and fundraising staff. Join us for candid, actionable conversations with nonprofit change makers who aren’t just surviving but thriving. We’ll explore real-world strategies for effective governance, leadership transitions, and long-term sustainability. If you’re a nonprofit leader looking for fresh ideas, honest discussions, and practical solutions, Nonprofit Nerd: Impact Unleashed is your go-to podcast. Let’s lead with resilience and impact—together. We hope you enjoy!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 6, 2026Episode 425 min

Dear Fundraiser, I've Been There with Meghan Macaluso

What does it really take to build a successful fundraising program? In this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, host Jarrett Ransom sits down with Meghan Macaluso, founder of M Ventures Consulting, to explore the often-overlooked challenges fundraisers face and why fundraising success requires an organization-wide commitment. Drawing on decades of experience, Megan shares why protecting time for donor relationships, investing in fundraising teams, and including development professionals in strategic decisions are essential to advancing a nonprofit’s mission. This candid conversation is a reminder that fundraisers carry more than most people realize and deserve the resources, recognition, and support to do their best work. --- Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed ? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show! Click here to learn more about Bloomerang . And of course, thanks for listening ! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time!

October 30, 2026Episode 323 min

The Real Estate Decisions Nonprofits Can’t Afford to Get Wrong with Kevin Cybularz

Real estate is one of the biggest financial commitments a nonprofit can make, but are organizations asking the right questions before signing a lease, purchasing a building, or launching a capital campaign? In this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, host Jarrett Ransom welcomes Kevin Cybularz, a commercial real estate and nonprofit leadership expert, to explore the risks, opportunities, and strategic considerations behind nonprofit real estate decisions. From zoning and building code requirements to lease negotiations, renovation costs, and fundraising readiness, discover why assembling the right team of experts and planning ahead are essential to protecting resources, mitigating risk, and supporting long-term organizational sustainability. Because when it comes to real estate, the right decisions can make all the difference in your mission's impact. --- Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed ? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show! Click here to learn more about Bloomerang . And of course, thanks for listening ! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time!

October 23, 2026Episode 229 min

The Power of Community in Nonprofit Fundraising with Fiona King

What helps nonprofit professionals thrive when resources are stretched thin and burnout is real? In this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, host Jarrett Ransom sits down with Fiona King, Executive Director of AFP San Diego, to explore the power of community, connection, and professional development in the nonprofit sector. Together, they discuss retaining talented fundraisers, investing in people, navigating the noise around emerging technology and AI, and building meaningful relationships that move missions forward. Fiona shares lessons from her own experience with burnout and reminds nonprofit leaders that sustainable impact starts with supporting one another. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Find your people, invest in relationships, and remember that even the smallest actions can create a lasting ripple of impact. If you'd like to connect with Fiona directly, you can reach her via email at office@afpsd.org. --- Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed ? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show! Click here to learn more about Bloomerang . And of course, thanks for listening ! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time!

October 16, 2026Episode 15 min

Real Talk, Fresh Ideas, and Nonprofit Impact

Season 12 of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed is here! Join host Jarrett Ransom as she kicks off a new season featuring inspiring conversations with nonprofit leaders from across the sector and around the globe. From leadership and fundraising to philanthropy, board engagement, workplace culture, and organizational sustainability, this season explores the real challenges, fresh ideas, and opportunities shaping the nonprofit sector. Get ready for honest conversations, actionable insights, and a reminder that while this work can be challenging, none of us has to do it alone. Let's get nerdy! --- Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed ? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show! Click here to learn more about Bloomerang . And of course, thanks for listening ! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time!

September 18, 2026Episode 106 min

110 Episodes, One Nonprofit Community

In this special wrap-up episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, Jarrett Ransom reflects on 110 episodes of honest conversations with nonprofit leaders, changemakers, and the people behind the missions. She shares gratitude for the guests and listeners who make this community so meaningful, highlights the lessons and themes that emerged throughout the season, and looks ahead to Season 12. Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that nonprofit leaders don’t have to navigate the work alone. Our community, our stories, and our shared wisdom make us stronger. --- Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed ? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show! Click here to learn more about Bloomerang . And of course, thanks for listening ! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time!

September 11, 2026Episode 921 min

From Competition to Collaboration with Katie Campbell

In this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, Jarrett Ransom sits down with Katie Campbell, President and CEO of RedRover, to explore what it takes to build stronger, more sustainable nonprofit partnerships. Katie shares lessons from her 20-year nonprofit career on leading with humility, listening to communities, and resisting the urge to assume we already have the answers. Together, they unpack how nonprofits can move beyond competition, strengthen local capacity, and collaborate across sectors to create lasting community impact. --- Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed ? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show! Click here to learn more about Bloomerang . And of course, thanks for listening ! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time!

September 4, 2026Episode 826 min

Burnout, Donor Retention & the Power of Relationships with Ann Fellman

Nonprofit burnout isn’t simply about caring too much—it’s often the result of structural pressures, from staffing shortages and turnover to funding changes and growing demands on organizations. In this episode, Jarrett Ransom talks with Ann Fellman, Chief Marketing Officer at Bloomerang about how burnout is affecting fundraising teams, donor relationships, and retention. They explore why organizations should look beyond acquiring new donors, how technology can help fundraisers work smarter, and why small, consistent acts of stewardship can make a big difference. Plus, Ann shares one practical step every fundraising leader can take this week to strengthen donor relationships and reignite the joy behind the work. --- Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed ? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show! Click here to learn more about Bloomerang . And of course, thanks for listening ! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time!

August 28, 2026Episode 720 min

Donor-Advised Funds and Why Nonprofits Need to Lean In Now with Sarah Angello, co-founder of Daffodil

Donor-advised funds are reshaping philanthropy and nonprofit leaders need to be ready. In this episode, Jarrett Ransom talks with Sarah Angello, co-founder of Daffodil, about the rapid growth of DAFs, what motivates donors to use them, and how nonprofits can better cultivate and steward these supporters. Sarah shares practical steps organizations can take to become more DAF-ready, along with insights into multigenerational giving, the future of family philanthropy, and the growing demand for transparency and visible impact. --- Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed ? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show! Click here to learn more about Bloomerang . And of course, thanks for listening ! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time!

August 21, 2026Episode 627 min

When It’s Time for a Leadership Change with Melissa Steimer

What happens when you realize it’s time for your next leadership chapter? In this episode, Jarrett Ransom sits down with Melissa Steimer, CEO of Desert Foothills Library, to talk candidly about making a difficult career transition, stepping into a new CEO role, and navigating the critical first 90 days. Melissa shares lessons on trusting your gut, knowing when you’re no longer the right leader for an organization’s next chapter, building trust through listening, and why succession planning should start long before a transition is on the horizon. Whether you’re considering a career change or preparing for leadership succession, this honest conversation offers practical insight for nonprofit leaders at every stage. --- Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed ? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show! Click here to learn more about Bloomerang . And of course, thanks for listening ! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time!

August 14, 2026Episode 536 min

Navigating a Nonprofit Rebrand with Matt Sandoval

What does it really take to rebrand a nonprofit? In this episode, Matt Sandoval, CEO of Art Heals Arizona, shares the candid story behind the organization’s transition from Free Arts Arizona to Art Heals Arizona. He discusses why the change was necessary, how leaders built stakeholder trust, what surprised them along the way, and the fears that nearly slowed the process down. Matt also offers practical advice for nonprofit leaders considering a rebrand and a powerful reminder not to let fear take the driver’s seat. --- Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed ? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show! Click here to learn more about Bloomerang . And of course, thanks for listening ! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time!