NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange

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Aug 2026

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Join the experts at IPM Advancement for discussion and insights into nonprofit fundraising, membership, advocacy and more. Each show covers a different aspect of advancement, with topics ranging from annual giving to capital campaigns and everything in between.

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August 11, 2026Episode 1034 min

The Acquisition Channel That Lifts All Others — And Most Nonprofits Ignore It (with Kris Johns)

Nonprofits are facing unprecedented funding volatility, shrinking donor files, and increased pressure to prove impact, forcing them to rethink how they build trust with new and current donors. In today's episode, Kris Johns discusses how nonprofits can tap into television as a surprisingly accessible, highly trusted channel for donor acquisition and long-term relationship building — often at a cost lower than social media advertising. Tune in to learn how television amplifies every other channel in your mix, why evergreen efforts matter all year long, how small budgets can still succeed on the big screen, and how to measure results across an integrated fundraising campaign. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to contact@ipmadvancement.com . Additional Resources AdGood's Ad Manager tool https://adgood.streamr.ai/ [NPFX] Authentic, Ethical, and Effective Messaging — From Theory to Practice https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/authentic-ethical-and-effective-messaging-from-theory-to-practice Guest Kris Johns is the CEO and Founder of The AdGood Foundation , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to transforming unused advertising inventory into a powerful tool for social change. By leveraging global partnerships and advanced technology, AdGood empowers nonprofits with affordable and effective Connected TV (CTV) advertising solutions. With over 15 years of experience in media technology, Kris specializes in Streaming (FAST & AVOD), Monetization, and AdTech. His career has been driven by a commitment to innovation, growth, and impact, consistently achieving revenue growth and enhanced profitability through strong client relationships and strategic leadership. Founding AdGood was a natural evolution for Kris, uniting his passion for social impact with a deep understanding of streaming and AdTech. Under his leadership, AdGood continues to innovate and lead in the digital advertising industry, delivering effective solutions that meet the evolving needs of clients and consumers alike. https://www.linkedin.com/in/krisjohns/ https://adgood.org/ Host Russ Phaneuf , a co-founder of IPM Advancement , has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/ https://www.ipmadvancement.com/ Connect with NPFX LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/npfx/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/npfxpodcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/npfx_podcast/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ipmadvancement

July 22, 2026Episode 936 min

Why Change Feels Impossible — And Why Your Funding Depends on It (Grounded Leadership with Melissa Cowley Wolf and Brian Loevner)

What if the biggest threat to your funding isn't the economy or your donor file, but your organization's resistance to change? Nonprofits are navigating shrinking capacity, shifting donor behavior, and a massive generational wealth transfer, yet many are still clinging to outdated structures and strategies that make it nearly impossible to adapt. In today's episode, Melissa Cowley Wolf interviews Brian Loevner to discuss why change is so hard for some nonprofits, and how to maximize impact instead of minimizing pain. Tune in to learn practical ways to rethink board and governance power, embed transformation into your nonprofit's DNA, and prioritize serving your community over preserving your organization. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to contact@ipmadvancement.com . Additional Resources Sustained Collaboration Network [models for sustained transformation] https://sustainedcollab.org/collaboration-stories/ [NPFX] Why Consistency Is Your Strategic Advantage https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/grounded-leadership-why-consistency-is-your-strategic-advantage [NPFX] Rethinking How We Do Good: What We Can Learn from This Funding Crisis https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/rethinking-how-we-do-good-what-we-can-learn-from-this-funding-crisis [NPFX] The Intersection of Organizational Wellness and Impact https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/the-intersection-of-organizational-wellness-and-impact [NPFX] The Future of Museums: A Crisis of Relevance https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/the-future-of-museums-a-crisis-of-relevance Guest Brian Loevner is an executive leader, consultant, and producer with thirty years of experience. In 2018, he founded BLVE Consults and has since worked with numerous arts non-profits both in the US and Canada to reimagine their operations and expand their impact. As a fundraiser, Brian has raised over $7 million for organizations and productions in the last 10 years. His work as a consultant has been in assisting nonprofits, such as One Aim Illinois, Calgary Arts Development, Media Burn Archive, Calpulli Mexican Dance, and many others in building strong teams of professionals, creating systems for success, and planning for the future. Brian has also produced over 150 theatrical productions. His most current producing project is the podcast, My Brother David, an iHeart Original podcast, which was recently named an Official Selection of the Tribeca Festival. https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianloevner/ https://www.blveconsults.com/ Host Melissa Cowley Wolf is a strategic advisor, executive coach, author, and speaker working at the intersection of leadership, organizational impact, and philanthropic strategy. She is the founder of MCW Projects LLC , an advisory firm focused on next-era executive development and mission-driven strategy for leaders seeking meaningful impact. With more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy, leadership coaching, and campaign strategy — including work on campaigns up to $4 billion — Melissa has partnered with leading cultural, corporate, and academic institutions, philanthropists, and changemakers. Her coaching approach integrates wellness and somatic practices to help executives build clarity, groundedness, and strategic insight in a volatile environment. Named a Global Innovator Transforming the Art Industry, Melissa also directs the Arts Funders Forum, a platform advancing private support and new financial models for the cultural sector. https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-cowley-wolf-6440a79/ https://www.mcw-projects.com/ Connect with NPFX LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/npfx/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/npfxpodcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/npfx_podcast/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ipmadvancement

July 1, 2026Episode 829 min

Greater Visibility Equals More Funding (with Jenn DeBarge Goonan)

For nonprofits that want to grow their impact, being invisible is not an option. In a crowded, distracted landscape where donors and funders are overwhelmed with messages, nonprofits that fail to show up clearly and consistently are being passed over for those that communicate with intention. In today's episode, Russ interviews Jenn DeBarge Goonan to discuss how a clear, strategic communications approach can keep your organization top-of-mind with the people who matter most. Tune in to find out exactly how much a lack of visibility might be costing your nonprofit in lost funding, credibility, and momentum. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to contact@ipmadvancement.com . Additional Resources [NPFX] When You Don't Message Enough: How Humility Can Kill Your Fundraising https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/when-you-dont-message-enough-how-humility-can-kill-your-fundraising-narrative-strategy [NPFX] Leading through Layers: Communication Strategies to Align Your Team https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/leading-through-layers-communication-strategies-to-align-your-team "Greatest Good" Substack https://jenndebargegoonan2.substack.com/ Jenn's Visibility Checklist: 1. Online presence — Your website is easy to find and built for how people actually search. That means SEO and AEO (optimized for AI search tools like ChatGPT). 2. Ongoing media attention — Industry trade, local press, national coverage. Third-party coverage is your street cred. It signals you're legit and worth funding. 3. Thought leadership — Your CEO or executive director needs to be out there. Podcasts, conferences, speaking engagements, LinkedIn. Push the person forward, not just the org. 4. Consistent social media — You can't go dark for 3-5 months. Out of sight, out of mind, especially with donors and partners. 5. Ecosystem partnerships — What associations, coalitions, or organizations are you connected to? Who you run with signals whether you should be taken seriously at the table. Guest Jenn DeBarge Goonan , founder of JAG Communications , has launched and elevated dozens of brands and nonprofits, from introducing Lululemon to the U.S. market to leading social justice campaigns and iconic product launches for Ben & Jerry's, and driving strategy for organizations like the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF), Bosch Community Fund, Dunkin' Foundation, Women Enabled Enterprises, ShopConsciously, and many others to help generate millions in revenue and move hearts to action. Jenn is also the author of Greatest Good on Substack that spotlights stories of changemakers, nonprofits, and purpose-driven businesses making an impact that offers clear ways for anyone to support, engage, and help move the positive work forward. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-debarge-goonan-4423a34/ https://www.jag-communications.com/ Host Russ Phaneuf , a co-founder of IPM Advancement , has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/ https://www.ipmadvancement.com/ Connect with NPFX LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/npfx/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/npfxpodcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/npfx_podcast/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ipmadvancement

May 29, 2026Episode 736 min

How Humility Can Kill Your Fundraising (Narrative Strategy with Josh Gryniewicz and Justin Reid)

What if sporadic communications are doing more damage to your fundraising than donor fatigue or a tight economy? In a sector where small, underfunded comms teams and pressure to "stay humble" are the norm, too many nonprofits are under-communicating their impact and missing out on vital support and deeper donor connections. In today's episode, Josh Gryniewicz interviews Justin Reid to discuss the value of consistent, human-centered communication. Tune in to learn how to build basic narrative infrastructure even with a small team, use AI as scaffolding instead of generating more "slop," and create content that helps your donors and beneficiaries actually see themselves in your work. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to contact@ipmadvancement.com . Additional Resources [NPFX] How a $10M Mindset Can Break the "Who You Know" Funding Barrier https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/how-a-10m-mindset-can-break-the-who-you-know-funding-barrier [NPFX] Co-Creating Solutions: The Next Level of Community Listening https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/co-creating-solutions-the-next-level-of-community-listening-narrative-strategy [NPFX] How to Measure the Impact of Your Narrative Change Strategy https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/how-to-measure-the-impact-of-your-narrative-change-strategy [NPFX] Authentic, Ethical, and Effective Messaging — From Theory to Practice https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/authentic-ethical-and-effective-messaging-from-theory-to-practice Guest Justin "Jay" Reid is the founder of Renaissance Digital , a Durham, NC-based production company and consultancy built on narrative-led, culture-centered storytelling and creative infrastructure for organizations. Jay spent a decade developing content and communications strategy at Cities United, a national organization dedicated to supporting cities in reducing homicides and shootings through comprehensive public safety plans. That work shaped his approach to storytelling as advocacy, and his belief that narrative infrastructure is the key to producing consistent, quality content at scale. Through Renaissance Digital, Jay supports organizations and events with creative production and strategic consulting, developed an AI-powered content and storytelling tool, Creative Studio , and partners with organizations to develop the creative systems they need to show up consistently. At the center of Jay's work is culture as infrastructure: the thing that shapes how people connect, trust, and make meaning. https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinireid/ https://www.renaissance.digital/ https://studio.renaissance.digital/ Host Josh Gryniewicz is the founder and Chief Narrative Strategist at Odd Duck , a storytelling-for-social-change creative consultancy focused on impact-driven organizations. Josh is the co-author of the award-winning national bestseller, Interrupting Violence . For over a decade, he has worked in nonprofit communication. In 2018, he founded Odd Duck to combine his passions for storytelling and social change. The agency's Navigating Misinformation for Community Health framework has been shared with over a thousand community health organizations. Odd Duck has worked with nearly a hundred change-making organizations and advised hundreds more, including the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the Harvard School of Public Health, and the White House. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgryniewicz/ https://oddduck.io/ https://www.interruptingviolence.com/ Connect with NPFX LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/npfx/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/npfxpodcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/npfx_podcast/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ipmadvancement

May 13, 2026Episode 631 min

Fundraising from Proximity: The Power (and Burden) of Lived Experience (with Sadé Dozan)

Recent data suggests that more than half of nonprofit professionals are considering leaving their jobs — and those numbers climb even higher for frontline fundraisers. In today's episode, Sadé Dozan from Borealis Philanthropy joins Russ Phaneuf to discuss the "invisible labor" that might be burning you out faster than your actual workload. Tune in to learn how your lived experience can be a powerful asset instead of "baggage," ways to set internal boundaries to protect your emotional capacity when the work feels deeply personal, and why leadership needs to support a fundraiser's whole identity to finally break the cycle of employee turnover. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to contact@ipmadvancement.com . Additional Resources [NPFX] Authentic, Ethical, and Effective Messaging — From Theory to Practice (Bridge Conference Q&A) https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/authentic-ethical-and-effective-messaging-from-theory-to-practice [NPFX] Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Getting Started the Smart Way https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/peer-to-peer-fundraising-getting-started-the-smart-way [NPFX] Improve Donor Retention and Engagement with P2P Fundraising https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/improve-donor-retention-and-engagement-with-p2p-fundraising Guest Sadé Dozan is a philanthropic advisor and culturist, whose work sits at the intersection of wealth, care, culture, and power. She serves as Vice President of Advancement at Borealis Philanthropy , leading organization-wide fundraising and communications strategy during a period of profound sector transition. She is also the Founder of Melanate. , a movement infrastructure initiative cultivating leadership, narrative power, and resource fluency among Black women and gender-expansive people working in wealth and philanthropy. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sade-dozan-cap%C2%AE-cfre-9a496665/ https://borealisphilanthropy.org/ https://www.melanate.org/ Host Russ Phaneuf , a co-founder of IPM Advancement , has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/ https://www.ipmadvancement.com/ Connect with NPFX LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/npfx/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/npfxpodcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/npfx_podcast/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ipmadvancement

April 14, 2026Episode 531 min

Ethical AI for Fundraisers: Best Practices That Safeguard Donor Trust (with Josh Gryniewicz)

When resource‑strapped nonprofits lean too heavily on AI to generate appeals and donor communications, they risk trading away long‑term donor trust for short‑term efficiency. In today's episode, Russ Phaneuf and narrative strategist Josh Gryniewicz explore best practices for using AI in fundraising while avoiding ethical pitfalls. Tune in to learn how to set practical guardrails around AI use, update storytelling practices to respect your constituents, avoid "AI sameness" that weakens your messaging, and operationalize "the human touch" so your fundraising remains both effective and trustworthy. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to contact@ipmadvancement.com . Additional Resources [NPFX] How a $10M Mindset Can Break the "Who You Know" Funding Barrier https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/how-a-10m-mindset-can-break-the-who-you-know-funding-barrier [NPFX] Leveraging AI as Your Nonprofit Thought Partner https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/leveraging-ai-as-your-nonprofit-thought-partner [NPFX] AI Tools for Grant Writing, Prospecting, and More https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/ai-tools-for-grant-writing-prospecting-and-more Guest Josh Gryniewicz is the founder and Chief Narrative Strategist at Odd Duck , a storytelling-for-social-change creative consultancy focused on impact-driven organizations. Josh is the co-author of the award-winning national bestseller, Interrupting Violence . For over a decade, he has worked in nonprofit communication. In 2018, he founded Odd Duck to combine his passions for storytelling and social change. The agency's Navigating Misinformation for Community Health framework has been shared with over a thousand community health organizations. Odd Duck has worked with nearly a hundred change-making organizations and advised hundreds more, including the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the Harvard School of Public Health, and the White House. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgryniewicz/ https://oddduck.io/ https://www.interruptingviolence.com/ Host Russ Phaneuf , a co-founder of IPM Advancement , has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/ https://www.ipmadvancement.com/ Connect with NPFX LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/npfx/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/npfxpodcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/npfx_podcast/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ipmadvancement

March 24, 2026Episode 430 min

Grounded Leadership: Why Consistency Is Your Strategic Advantage (with Melissa Cowley Wolf and Daniela Bryan)

Many nonprofit leaders today feel lost in the weeds. They're stuck reacting, caught between expectations from donors and demands from the board to do more with less. When everything feels urgent, leaders lose focus, putting organizational stability and donor trust at risk. In today's episode, Melissa Cowley Wolf interviews Daniela Bryan about grounded leadership — why it matters now more than ever, why leadership development is no longer optional, and how consistency can be a leader's greatest advantage. If you're an overwhelmed nonprofit leader (or team member who supports one), tune in for practical insights on building a leadership culture that strengthens your fundraising and better prepares your organization for the future. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to contact@ipmadvancement.com . Additional Resources [NPFX] Rethinking How We Do Good: What We Can Learn from This Funding Crisis https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/rethinking-how-we-do-good-what-we-can-learn-from-this-funding-crisis [NPFX] The Intersection of Organizational Wellness and Impact https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/the-intersection-of-organizational-wellness-and-impact [NPFX] The Future of Museums: A Crisis of Relevance https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/the-future-of-museums-a-crisis-of-relevance Monterey County Gives https://www.montereycountygives.com/ Guest Daniela Bryan , Chief Vision Officer at Lonely At the Top , is an executive coach and leadership strategist who works with senior leaders in nonprofits, credit unions, and purpose-driven organizations. She helps executive teams strengthen trust, break down silos, and lead with clarity in complex environments. With decades of experience advising CEOs and boards, Daniela designs year-long leadership development journeys that blend 1:1 coaching, 360 assessments, team facilitation, and immersive offsites. Her work focuses as much on what leaders must stop doing as what they should start — an approach that sharpens judgment and strengthens culture. In addition to her advisory work, Daniela is exploring storytelling and visual art as powerful tools for leadership reflection and reinvention. Her coaching results in conscious, enlightened leaders who care about what difference they make in the world while positively impacting the bottom line. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dbcoach/ https://lonelyatthetop.com/ Host Melissa Cowley Wolf is a strategic advisor, executive coach, author, and speaker working at the intersection of leadership, organizational impact, and philanthropic strategy. She is the founder of MCW Projects LLC , an advisory firm focused on next-era executive development and mission-driven strategy for leaders seeking meaningful impact. With more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy, leadership coaching, and campaign strategy — including work on campaigns up to $4 billion — Melissa has partnered with leading cultural, corporate, and academic institutions, philanthropists, and changemakers. Her coaching approach integrates wellness and somatic practices to help executives build clarity, groundedness, and strategic insight in a volatile environment. Named a Global Innovator Transforming the Art Industry, Melissa also directs the Arts Funders Forum, a platform advancing private support and new financial models for the cultural sector. https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-cowley-wolf-6440a79/ https://www.mcw-projects.com/ Connect with NPFX LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/npfx/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/npfxpodcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/npfx_podcast/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ipmadvancement

March 10, 2026Episode 328 min

The Human Connection: Using Relationship-First Fundraising to Turn Donors into Partners (with Jack Padovano)

In an environment where many donors are overwhelmed by urgent appeals and global crises, it's easy for even the most generous supporters to disengage. However, successful organizations realize they don't need to "scream louder" to get attention; they simply need to be clearer, more human, and more intentional about their asks. In today's episode, Russ Phaneuf sits down with Jack Padovano, Board Chair of PC Project, to discuss how prioritizing relationship-first fundraising helped this small nonprofit achieve their most successful campaign ever. You'll learn how to leverage peer-to-peer outreach to turn supporters into brave advocates, why a "strategy-first" mindset simplifies fundraising, and how to enroll donors as true partners in your mission. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to contact@ipmadvancement.com . Additional Resources [NPFX] Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Getting Started the Smart Way https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/peer-to-peer-fundraising-getting-started-the-smart-way [NPFX] Improve Donor Retention and Engagement with P2P Fundraising https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/improve-donor-retention-and-engagement-with-p2p-fundraising Guest Jack Padovano , board chair for PC Project , is an advancement and marketing strategist with over four decades of experience helping nonprofit organizations and mission-driven institutions strengthen fundraising programs and deepen donor engagement. He specializes in translating complex missions into compelling, results-driven campaigns that build lasting relationships with supporters and advance organizational priorities. Earlier in his career, Jack held senior marketing leadership roles in the direct-to-consumer sector, including positions with Sara Lee and Wolferman's, where he developed expertise in multichannel marketing, membership growth, and strategic communications. Jack also serves as a trusted advisor in nonprofit governance and strategic planning, guiding organizations on messaging, mission expansion, and long-term sustainability. Known for combining data-informed strategies with persuasive storytelling, he helps advancement teams create programs that engage donors, inspire action, and generate measurable impact. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-padovano-48bb4862/ https://www.pachyonychia.org/ Host Russ Phaneuf , a co-founder of IPM Advancement , has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/ https://www.ipmadvancement.com/ Connect with NPFX LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/npfx/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/npfxpodcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/npfx_podcast/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ipmadvancement

February 25, 2026Episode 233 min

How a $10M Mindset Can Break the "Who You Know" Funding Barrier (with Josh Gryniewicz and Marc Moorghen)

Finding the right funding for new ideas is challenging, especially when traditional philanthropy often favors established connections. However, open-call grant models are leveling the playing field, encouraging organizations to propose big, bold solutions that might otherwise stay under a funder's radar. In today's episode, host Josh Gryniewicz interviews Marc Moorghen from Lever for Change about the ways open calls are reshaping access to philanthropic funding. You'll learn the value of approaching major grant applications as learning opportunities, how to use expert and peer feedback to strengthen your case for support, and ways to leverage strategic storytelling to move funders to action. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to contact@ipmadvancement.com . Additional Resources Lever for Change Bold Solutions Network https://leverforchange.org/bold-solutions-network Larsen Lam ICONIQ Impact Award https://leverforchange.org/open-calls/larsen-lam-iconiq-impact-award Resourcing Refugee Leadership Initiative https://www.refugeeslead.org "Something 'Amazing' Happened" (NEST360 story) https://leverforchange.org/article/impact-story/something-amazing-happened [NPFX] Authentic, Ethical, and Effective Messaging — From Theory to Practice https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/authentic-ethical-and-effective-messaging-from-theory-to-practice [NPFX] How to Measure the Impact of Your Narrative Change Strategy https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/how-to-measure-the-impact-of-your-narrative-change-strategy Guest Marc Moorghen serves as Vice President, Marketing Communications at Lever for Change , a nonprofit affiliate of the MacArthur Foundation. He leads strategic communications that help promote large-scale philanthropic investments to address global challenges. Since its founding, Lever for Change has influenced over $2.5 billion in grants and provided support to more than 500 organizations. In his role, Marc works closely with staff and donor partners to develop and implement mission-driven strategies that elevate issues, expand engagement, and support a growing global network of outstanding nonprofits. He also provides counsel to funders, helping shape messaging that amplifies their investments and drive long-term impact. Before joining Lever for Change, Marc founded and led On Message Communications, a consulting firm focused on strategic marketing and communications for cutting-edge nonprofits and philanthropists. Marc holds a bachelor's degree from Southampton University in the United Kingdom and master's degrees from the University of Leuven in Belgium and the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. https://www.linkedin.com/in/moorghen/ https://leverforchange.org/ Interview Host Josh Gryniewicz is the founder and Chief Narrative Strategist at Odd Duck , a storytelling-for-social-change creative consultancy focused on impact-driven organizations. Josh is the co-author of the award-winning national bestseller, Interrupting Violence . For over a decade, he has worked in nonprofit communication. In 2018, he founded Odd Duck to combine his passions for storytelling and social change. The agency's Navigating Misinformation for Community Health framework has been shared with over a thousand community health organizations. Odd Duck has worked with nearly a hundred change-making organizations and advised hundreds more, including the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the Harvard School of Public Health, and the White House. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgryniewicz/ https://oddduck.io/ https://www.interruptingviolence.com/ Connect with NPFX LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/npfx/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/npfxpodcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/npfx_podcast/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ipmadvancement

February 11, 2026Episode 137 min

Beyond Your Rating: How Trust and Transparency Win Donor Attention (with Kyle Gardner from Charity Navigator)

As donor demographics shift and concerns regarding data-sharing practices grow, nonprofits are facing a significant challenge in maintaining the trust of an increasingly skeptical audience. Many leaders are now asking: How do we prove our impact with true transparency to earn long-term, continued support? In today's episode, host Russ Phaneuf welcomes Kyle Gardner, SVP of Development with Charity Navigator, to dig into the hard truths behind donor skepticism and discover where the greatest opportunities for rebuilding trust currently lie. Tune in to learn practical steps for auditing donor privacy policies, the benefits of "opt-down" email features, and strategies to create durable, repeatable stewardship. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to contact@ipmadvancement.com . Additional Resources Charity Navigator Nonprofit Portal https://www.charitynavigator.org/portal M+R Benchmarks https://mrbenchmarks.com/ Guest Kyle Gardner , Senior Vice President of Development with Charity Navigator , leads his team in raising the resources needed to expand the breadth and depth of the organization's charity ratings and other giving resources. Before joining Charity Navigator in 2017, Kyle was in electoral politics, fundraising for candidates and political committees. Kyle has proudly held his CFRE accreditation since 2021. Kyle earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Kansas. In his free time, Kyle enjoys spending quality time with his wife, three kids, two dogs, two cats, and five chickens, as well as rooting for his Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleconnergardner/ https://www.charitynavigator.org/ Host Russ Phaneuf , a co-founder of IPM Advancement , has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/ https://www.ipmadvancement.com/ Connect with NPFX LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/npfx/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/npfxpodcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/npfx_podcast/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ipmadvancement