The Nonprofit Podcast

Hosted by Jena Lynch, Brittan Stockert & Cara Augspurger

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225

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The Nonprofit Podcast is your weekly dose of real-talk fundraising, designed for the doers, dreamers, and difference-makers powering today’s nonprofit world. Hosted by Jena Lynch, Donorbox’s Education & Community Engagement Manager, and fundraising strategist Britt Stockert, CFRE, each episode delivers clear, practical insights you can act on right away, no fluff, no filler. You’ll also hear from Cara Augspurger, Ed.M., CFRE, ED of Grace Care Center Foundation, sharing field updates and frontline perspectives. Whether you’re building something new or leveling up your impact, we bring you bold ideas, honest conversations, and tools to help you fundraise smarter and lead with confidence. Information. Inspiration. Implementation. Impact. That’s the energy we bring…every week. Let’s get to work.

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June 11, 2026Episode 21212 min

Ep 212| The Nonprofit Starvation Cycle: Why Good Fundraisers Burn Out

Send us Fan MailThe fundraising capacity gap is the distance between what a nonprofit needs to raise money sustainably and what it's actually resourced to do. And, right now?... That gap is widening.In this episode, Britt Stockert, Fundraiser Coach at Donorbox, unpacks what it is, where it shows up in daily development work, and why it keeps getting misdiagnosed as a performance problem when it's actually a structural one.The numbers are stark. The Nonprofit Finance Fund found that 85% of nonprofits expect service demand to keep rising, while 36% ended last year at a deficit, the highest in a decade. First-year donor retention sits around 20%. Sector technology budgets allocate 54% to hardware and 1% to training. And nearly a quarter of nonprofit workers can't afford basic living expenses.Britt makes the case that donor attrition, burnout, and fundraiser turnover are not separate problems. They share the same root cause, and it belongs in the budget conversation, not the performance review.What You'll LearnWhat the nonprofit fundraising capacity gap actually isWhere it shows up in real development work, and what it costsWhy burnout and donor loss are structural problems, not individual onesWhat the nonprofit starvation cycle is and why it mattersWhat fundraisers, EDs, and board members can each do differently to break the cycleThe Core InsightThe gap is almost always invisible, which is exactly what makes it so hard to fix. When a major gifts portfolio goes cold, it gets labeled a performance issue. When a fundraiser burns out and leaves, leadership calls it a pipeline problem. The structural cause stays hidden, and hidden problems don't get fixed.The first move is naming it honestly, in budget conversations, in board meetings, before you pick up a new framework or invest in a new tool. What is it actually costing you to leave it the way it is?Chapters00:00 The Fundraising Capacity Gap01:34 Why Retention Is Slipping03:06 Capacity Problems Disguised as Performance Problems06:03 The Nonprofit Starvation Cycle09:34 How to Break the CycleResources and LinksBook a free one-hour strategy session with Britt hereNonprofit Finance Fund Survey DataFundraising Effectiveness ProjectBridgespan Group ResearchUrban Institute Nonprofit ResearchStanford Social Innovation Review: The Nonprofit Starvation CycleAbout the HostBritt Stockert is a Fundraiser Coach at Donorbox with more than 20 years in the public sector. She helps nonprofits build fundraising strategies that match real capacity, working with teams to strengthen donor relationships, refine systems, and simplify operations. Britt also serves on the board of an immigrant- and refugee-led nonprofit and stays closely connected to on-the-ground realities.About DonorboxDonorbox is a globally trusted online and on-location fundraising platform that helps nonprofits raise more. With easy-to-use donation forms, powerful donor management tools, and features designed to grow recurring giving, we have helped 100,000-plus organizations process over 3 billion dollars in donations worldwide.Enjoying the show? Subscribe for more practical fundraising strategies, leadership insights, and tools to help your nonprofit grow sustainably.The information provided in this series is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor for specific guidance.Support the show

June 4, 2026Episode 21128 min

Ep 211| The Nonprofit Visibility Gap - and the Funding It's Costing You!

Send us Fan Mail“Doubt kills donations.”Before a donor ever gives, they’ve already formed an opinion of your organization. It takes a minute. Sometimes less. And most nonprofits have no idea what’s coming up about their mission.What they find in those moments either builds confidence or raises doubt.In this episode, Jena Lynch sits down with Tori Burrello, Marketing Manager at Candid, to talk about what nonprofit transparency really looks like in practice - and what it costs when it’s missing.Tori shares what’s changed in how donors and funders evaluate organizations, how Candid profiles and Seals of Transparency work as real credibility signals, and why small teams can take meaningful action without a big time commitment.If you’re navigating fundraising, donor relationships, or communications, this one’s worth your time.What You’ll LearnWhere donors and funders are really forming first impressions, and how fast it happensWhy incomplete or inconsistent nonprofit data quietly costs organizations donations and fundingWhat Candid profiles and Seals of Transparency signal to funders, and why it mattersHow organizations with a Platinum Seal have seen measurable funding growthWhy a completed Candid profile plugs your organization into a much wider funding ecosystemPractical first steps small teams can take this week without being overwhelmedMore About Our GuestTori Burrello is the Marketing Manager at Candid, the sector’s leading nonprofit information resource. She works on the Seals of Transparency program and helps nonprofits understand how their public data shapes donor and funder trust. Candid holds data on 1.9 million US nonprofits and feeds into a wide ecosystem of fundraising and giving platforms.Resources and LinksTori: linkedin.com/in/victoria-burrelloCandid/GuideStar Profiles: app.candid.orgCandid Seals of Transparency: candid.orgDonorbox Guide to Nonprofit Transparency: donorbox.org/nonprofit-blog/nonprofit-transparencyAbout DonorboxDonorbox is a trusted online and on-location fundraising platform that helps nonprofits raise more. With easy-to-use donation forms, powerful donor management tools, and features designed to grow recurring giving, we have helped 100,000-plus organizations process over 3 billion dollars in donations worldwide.Enjoying the show? Subscribe for more practical fundraising strategies, leadership insights, and tools to help your nonprofit grow sustainably.The information provided in this series is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor for specific guidance.Support the show

May 28, 2026Episode 21021 min

Ep 210| The Board Blind Spot: Assessment Is the Key to Better Governance - with David Rhode

Send us Fan MailNonprofit boards are doing more with less. And when governance isn't working, it's the executive director who absorbs it quietly, consistently, at real cost to the organization.Britt Stockert sits down with David Rhode, nonprofit executive coach and author of Passion Isn't Enough, to talk about the board self-assessment - what it is, why so many boards skip it, and what a well-run board evaluation process actually looks like in practice.A practical, grounded conversation for nonprofit leaders who want their board working with them, not around them.What You'll LearnWhat a board self-assessment covers and how to structure oneWhy skipping board evaluations costs more than most leaders realizeHow to introduce the process without it feeling like a crisisHow to act on what you learn without overwhelming your teamMore About Our GuestDavid Rhode coaches nonprofit executives, consults on board development and fundraising strategy, and teaches at the University of Pennsylvania. His book, Passion Isn't Enough, is a practical guide for nonprofit leaders who want to build organizations that last.Learn more at dotdotorg.com or connect on LinkedIn.Resources and LinksPassion Isn't Enough David Rhode & Dot Dot Org donorbox.orgAbout DonorboxDonorbox is a trusted online and on-location fundraising platform that helps nonprofits raise more. With easy-to-use donation forms, powerful donor management tools, and features designed to grow recurring giving, we have helped 100,000-plus organizations process over 3 billion dollars in donations worldwide.Enjoying the show? Subscribe, like, and follow for more practical fundraising strategies, leadership insights, and tools to help your nonprofit grow sustainably.The information provided in this series is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor for specific guidance.Support the show

May 21, 2026Episode 20930 min

Ep 209| The Real Reason Donors Stop Giving - With Rob Harter

Send us Fan MailFundraising is getting harder. But generosity hasn't disappeared.So what's actually changing?Jena Lynch sits down with nonprofit coach, consultant, and host of The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter, to interrogate the real pressures nonprofit leaders are facing right now, donor retention, staffing burnout, supporter engagement, and fundraising performance.They dig into why relationship-based fundraising matters more than ever, why donor trust drives long-term giving, and why simply doing more outreach may no longer be enough.In this episode:Why donor participation is declining even as giving dollars growHow staffing turnover quietly erodes donor trustWhy retention beats urgency every timeHow small teams can strengthen relationships with limited capacityPractical ways AI can help reclaim time and reduce burnoutWhy some traditional fundraising events may need a rethinkHow trust directly influences long-term generosityChapters:00:00 – Why Nonprofit Fundraising Feels Harder01:31 – Nonprofit Leadership & Donor Trust05:09 – Why Donor Relationships Matter More09:51 – Donor Retention vs Constant Outreach14:16 – AI Tools for Nonprofit Fundraising23:13 – Rethinking Nonprofit Fundraising EventsAbout Rob HarterRob Harter is a nonprofit coach, consultant, and leadership strategist with more than 30 years of experience in the social impact sector. He works with nonprofit leaders on fundraising, organizational growth, leadership, and navigating change, and is the host of The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast.Learn more at RobHarter.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.Resources mentioned:Rob Harter Coaching & ConsultingThe Nonprofit Leadership PodcastAbout DonorboxDonorbox is a trusted online and on-location fundraising platform that helps nonprofits raise more. With easy-to-use donation forms, powerful donor management tools, and features designed to grow recurring giving, we have helped 100,000-plus organizations process over 3 billion dollars in donations worldwide.Enjoying the show? Subscribe for more practical fundraising strategies, leadership insights, and tools to help your nonprofit grow sustainably.The information provided in this series is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor for specific guidance.Support the show

May 14, 2026Episode 20824 min

Ep 208| Why Your Nonprofit's Next Leader Needs More Than Potential - With Chris Wong

Send us Fan MailPromoting from within is one of the best things a nonprofit can do.Until it isn't.Not because the person wasn't ready. But because nobody built the bridge between outstanding performer and effective leader, and that gap quietly costs nonprofits some of their best people.Britt Stockert sits down with Chris Wong, founder of Leadership Potential, licensed therapist, and someone who has spent his career building leadership development programs inside nonprofits from the ground up.They talk about accidental leadership. What it actually is. Why it happens in even the most mission-driven organisations. And what nonprofit leaders can do right now to close the gap before it becomes a crisis.Because spotting potential is easy. Developing it is not.What You'll LearnWhat accidental leadership actually is and why it happens in even the best-run nonprofitsWhy the skills that earn a promotion are rarely the skills needed to lead a teamWhat happens to the team when a new manager is left to figure it out aloneHow one avoided conversation can quietly cost you your best peopleWhat leaders can do right now to close the gap before it becomes a crisisKey TakeawaySpotting potential is easy. Developing it is not. The good news? It's never too late to build the bridge.Resources & Easy LinksGet Chris's free Difficult Conversations Playbook for Leaders here Learn more about Chris and Leadership Potential here Connect with Chris on LinkedIn here Find out what Donorbox can do for you!Chapters00:00 Introduction - When Promotions Quietly Go Wrong03:33 What Accidental Leadership Looks Like in Nonprofits05:28 Why New Leaders Feel Unprepared and Overwhelmed07:30 Tackling Assertiveness, Mindset, and Difficult Conversations10:44 The Promotion Gap and Why Teams Disengage14:11 How Leadership Struggles Affect Team Culture and Retention16:28 Simple Leadership Changes That Reduce Burnout and Improve TeamsAbout Our GuestChris Wong is the founder of Leadership Potential and a licensed therapist who has spent his career building leadership development programs inside nonprofits from the ground up. He works with small human services organisations to develop managers from the inside out, reducing turnover, freeing up Executive Directors to lead, and building teams that actually function. He also co-hosts The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations podcast.About DonorboxDonorbox is a trusted online and on-location fundraising platform that helps nonprofits raise more. With easy-to-use donation forms, powerful donor management tools, and features designed to grow recurring giving, we have helped 100,000-plus organizations process over 3 billion dollars in donations worldwide.The information provided in this series is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor for specific guidance.Support the show

May 7, 2026Episode 20714 min

Ep 207| 5 Steps to building a nonprofit strategy that actually works

Send us Fan MailThe plan is just paper. The value is in using it.When your nonprofit is growing but still feels directionless, that's not a passion problem…it's a planning problem. Strategic planning isn't about doing more, it's about finally knowing what matters. When you're clear on who you serve, honest about what it costs, and aware of how it's funded, everything else - including your fundraising - gets easier from there. Cara Augspurger, CFRE, spent six months working through exactly that, and in this episode, she shares five practical steps to move your stratgic plan from constant reaction to clear, sustainable direction.What you'll learn:Why growth and busyness can mask a real lack of direction, and how to tell the differenceThe single clarity question every nonprofit needs to answer before anything elseWhy "what are we not going to do this year?" might be the most strategic question you askHow to do an honest funding reality check, and what to do when the numbers don't line upWhat a "good year" actually looks like in concrete, actionable numbers, not just a gut feelWhy stability - not scale - is often the most important milestone for early-stage nonprofitsAbout Cara AugspurgerCara Augspurger, CFRE, is the Executive Director of Grace Care Center Foundation and co-host of The Nonprofit Podcast. With deep experience in nonprofit leadership and fundraising, Cara brings a practical, grounded perspective to the challenges facing small and growing organizations, from strategic planning and resource development to building sustainable, community-centered missions.Chapters:00:00 - Why Nonprofits Need Strategic Planning02:14 - Step 1 - Get Clear on Your Mission04:33 - Step 2 - Define Vision and Messaging05:44 - Step 3 - Do Less With Purpose07:39 - Step 4 - Funding Reality Check09:18 - Step 5 - Set Clear Goals and Targets11:37 - Build Stability and Long-Term GrowthIf this episode helped you think more clearly about where your organization is headed, share it with a colleague who's feeling the pull in too many directions.About Donorbox:Donorbox is a trusted online and on-location fundraising platform that helps nonprofits raise more. With easy-to-use donation forms, powerful donor management tools, and features designed to grow recurring giving, we have helped 100,000-plus organizations process more than $ 3 billion in donations worldwide.Find out what Donorbox can do for you!Disclaimer:The information provided in this series is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor for specific guidance.Subscribe to The Nonprofit Podcast for weekly conversations on fundraising, leadership, and strategy for people doing meaningful workSupport the show

April 30, 2026Episode 20624 min

Ep 206| The Hidden Bottleneck Draining Nonprofit Momentum

Send us Fan MailMost nonprofit teams don't have a workload problem. They have a systems problem. And spring is the perfect time to fix it.Your tools aren't broken. They're just not talking to each other. Donor data lives in one place, your emails in another, and somewhere in between, things fall through the cracks. The simple stuff starts to drag. Your team picks up the slack. And nobody has time to stop and fix it.That's exactly what this episode is about.What You'll LearnWhat it actually means when your tools don't talk to each otherWhere your data breaks down between your fundraising platform, email, and CRMWhat “empathetic systems” look like in practiceA simple way to spot where your systems are falling short in under an hourWhat to fix first, without adding more toolsKey Takeaway You don't need more tools. You need the ones you have to work together effectively.If this sounds familiar, this episode is your starting point. Subscribe for weekly fundraising strategies to help you simplify and grow.About Our Guest Darrin Cook is the founder of My Mogul Media. Since 2009, he's helped nonprofits across the US build cleaner, more connected digital systems, so teams can stop grinding and start growing.About the Host Jena Lynch is Head of Community Engagement at Donorbox and host of The Nonprofit Podcast, bringing practical strategies every week for nonprofits that want to raise more and do more.Chapters:00:00 – The Hidden Problem with Nonprofit Systems01:42 – What “Messy Systems” Actually Look Like05:35 – The 4-Step System Reset Framework10:23 – Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make12:35 – How Poor Systems Affect Donors16:12 – Quick 1-Hour Fix to Improve Your SystemsResources & Links Learn more about My Mogul Media here and get to know Darrin better hereFind out what Donorbox can do for you!About Donorbox:Donorbox is a trusted online and on-location fundraising platform that helps nonprofits raise more. With easy-to-use donation forms, powerful donor management tools, and features designed to grow recurring giving, we have helped 100,000-plus organizations process over 3 billion dollars in donations worldwide.Disclaimer:The information provided in this series is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor for specific guidance.Support the show

April 23, 2026Episode 20522 min

Ep 205| Ethical Persuasion in Fundraising: Inspire Without Pressure

Send us Fan MailMost fundraising copy is built on urgency and guilt. It gets the gift. But does it keep the donor?Jena and Maria Bryan make the case that ethical persuasion isn't a softer ask - it's a sharper one. And they get specific about what that looks like in practice.From donation page mistakes that quietly erode trust, to the language of agency, to Maria's Four Cs framework for trauma-informed fundraising copy, this is all about practical, no-fluff conversation for anyone who touches donor communications.Plus: a 10-minute audit you can run on your next campaign today.What you'll learn in this episode:Why guilt-based messaging can win the gift and lose the donorWhat "agency" really means in the context of a donation askHow your donation page could be quietly undoing the trust you builtThe Four Cs framework for trauma-informed fundraising copyA 10-minute audit you can do today to improve your next campaignThe core insight:Ethical persuasion isn't about a ‘soft’ ask, it's about asking in a way that leaves donors feeling confident, connected, and glad they gave.When donors feel a sense of agency in the process, they don't just give once. They come back.If this episode resonated, share it with someone in your organisation who touches donor communications, from email to donation forms, it applies everywhere.Subscribe to The Nonprofit Podcast for honest, practical conversations to help you raise more and reach further.Chapters 00:00 Fundraising That Feels Good02:00 What Is Ethical Persuasion04:50 Ethical vs Effective Fundraising05:10 Why Ethical Fundraising Matters Long Term06:40 Examples of Guilt-Based Messaging07:15 Better Language for Donor Communication09:35 Creating Donor Agency and Choice10:00 Donation Page Experience Explained12:20 Common Donation Form Mistakes13:30 Balancing Conversion and Trust15:10 The Four Cs Framework Overview18:50 Rethinking Urgency in Fundraising19:45 Quick Audit Tip for Fundraisers21:10 Ethical and Effective Can CoexistResources Mentioned: Learn more about Maria Bryan's work at When Bearing Witness: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariabryancrtv/ Explore DonorBox's recurring giving tools: https://donorbox.org About Donorbox:Donorbox is a trusted online and on-location fundraising platform that helps nonprofits raise more. With easy-to-use donation forms, powerful donor management tools, and features designed to grow recurring giving, we have helped 100,000 plus organizations process over 3 billion dollars in donations worldwide.Find out what Donorbox can do for you!Disclaimer:The information provided in this series is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor for specific guidance.Support the show

April 16, 2026Episode 20423 min

Ep 204| The real reason boards struggle with fundraising - Adam Morgan

Send us Fan MailYour board wants to help with fundraising. But nothing’s moving.Without clear roles and next steps, board fundraising stalls…and the work falls back on you.Cara sits down with Adam Morgan, founder of MVP Advisors, to unpack why boards struggle with fundraising and what nonprofits can do to fix it fast.Cutting through assumptions and getting practical, they dig into how to align board members to the right roles, set clear expectations, and build simple systems that actually get participation without adding more work to your team.In this episode, you'll learn:Why board fundraising underperformance is rarely a motivation problem, and what's actually driving itA practical framework for matching every board member to a fundraising role that suits their strengthsConcrete systems your team can implement without additional staff or budgetHow to set realistic, structured expectations for newer board members from day oneWhere boards are commonly misdeployed in fundraising, and how to course-correctThe highest-leverage action any board member can take, regardless of their network or experience levelWhether you lead a tiny team or a growing organization, this conversation will give you a framework to bring to your next board meeting.Chapters:00:00 Your Board Wants to Help… So Why Isn’t It Working?02:16 The Real Problem - It’s Not Motivation, It’s Clarity05:25 Stop Chasing Big Ideas - Do These Simple Things Instead10:05 The Simple Systems That Make Boards Actually Show Up14:00 The 4 Roles That Turn Passive Boards into Fundraising Machines18:45 One Simple Action That Drives Big ImpactGuest Spotlight:Adam Morgan is the founder of MVP Advisors, where he helps nonprofits strengthen board engagement and build practical, sustainable fundraising strategies. He works with organizations to align leadership, clarify expectations, and unlock the full potential of board-driven fundraising.Topics Coveredboard fundraising | nonprofit leadership | board engagement | fundraising strategy | small nonprofit growth | donor development | governance | fundraising systemsIf this sounds familiar, share it with your board chair or leadership team. This is one conversation that can change how your board shows up.Subscribe to The Nonprofit Podcast for weekly conversations on fundraising, strategy, and the ideas shaping the future of the social sector.About Donorbox:Donorbox is a trusted online and on-location fundraising platform that helps nonprofits raise more. With easy-to-use donation forms, powerful donor management tools, and features designed to grow recurring giving, we have helped 100,000 plus organizations process over 3 billion dollars in donations worldwide.Find out what Donorbox can do for you!Disclaimer:The information provided in this series is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor for specific guidance.Support the show

April 9, 2026Episode 20311 min

Ep 203| The Uncomfortable Reality of Sustainable Fundraising Nobody Mentions

Send us Fan MailThe reality of sustainable fundraising nobody tells you? It starts with you.Not your strategy. Not your donor pipeline. Not your appeal calendar. You.Most fundraising conversations right now are about doing more with less. This one is different. Because the best fundraisers know the work starts with knowing themselves, what they bring, and how to protect it.In this episode, Britt Stockert gets honest about what this work actually costs - and what it takes to stay effective, stay present, and stay in fundraising for the long haul.What you'll learn in this episode:Why the pressure feels different right now (and why that's not in your head!)What happens when you're depleted and don't know it yetHow running on empty shows up in your donor relationshipsWhy presence is your most powerful fundraising assetWhat staying in this work for the long game actually looks likeThe core insight:Sustainable fundraising doesn't start with better systems or smarter tools; it starts with a fundraiser who knows themselves well enough to last.When you're grounded and present, you don't need a pitch. Donors feel the difference.If this episode connects with where you are right now, share it with someone in the sector who needs to hear it.Chapters 00:00 – When Was the Last Time Someone Saw You?01:05 – Leading Through Crisis and Feeling Alone02:22 – The Impossible Expectations of Fundraisers Today03:45 – Burnout Is Real (And Getting Worse)04:44 – Alexithymia: Why You Don’t Know You’re Burned Out06:20 – AI Can’t Replace Real Human Connection07:45 – What Actually Works: Honest, Present Fundraising09:25 – One Simple Reset You Can Try This WeekIf you are interested in working with Britt, or simply asking her for advice, you can reach her hereWhat makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode.Support the show