Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

Julia Campbell
  • 4.9 (67)
  • Non-Profit
  • Updated Weekly

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. 

  1. 4d ago

    How to Post Less On Social Media and 10X Engagement with Reuben Harney

    What if your nonprofit doesn't need to post more, it just needs to post better? Nonprofits are constantly told they need to be more active on social media. Post consistently. Create more Reels. Follow the trends. Keep feeding the algorithm. But what if doing more isn't actually the answer? In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia sits down with Reuben Harney, founder of Motus Reach, to challenge the idea that nonprofits need to constantly create content to succeed on social media. Reuben shares his philosophy of “posting less, but better” and explains why focusing on real people, real stories, and meaningful outcomes can create stronger engagement without adding more work to already-busy nonprofit teams. Drawing from his work with Family First, a Jersey-based charity, Reuben shares how a more focused and sustainable social media strategy helped increase engagement while reducing the organization's content workload. We talk about how nonprofits can uncover compelling stories within the work they're already doing, collect testimonials without overwhelming staff, and turn those stories into content that inspires supporters to actually take action. We also dig into the difference between engagement that simply looks good and engagement that genuinely advances the mission—and why nonprofits should stop posting simply because they feel like they have to. In this episode, you'll learn: Why posting more doesn't necessarily lead to better social media resultsThe difference between being active on social media and having an actual social media strategyWhy real names and real stories can be more powerful than generic impact statisticsHow to find compelling nonprofit stories without creating more work for staffHow to gather testimonials while respecting the people your organization servesWhy a sustainable content strategy can outperform an aggressive posting scheduleHow to connect storytelling with fundraising and supporter actionWhich social media metrics nonprofits should actually pay attention toHow to distinguish engagement that looks impressive from engagement that actually moves your mission forwardWhat small nonprofits can realistically accomplish with limited time and resourcesWhat nonprofits should stop doing on social mediaHow to build a content strategy around impact instead of algorithms A Few Key Takeaways You don't have to be everywhere. Being constantly active on social media isn't the same thing as having a strategy. For nonprofits with limited time and resources, a smaller number of thoughtful, strategic posts can be more effective than trying to keep up with an endless content schedule. People connect with people. Numbers can communicate scale, but individual stories can help supporters understand the human impact behind those numbers. Reuben's approach centers on real people and real stories to help organizations communicate their impact more meaningfully. The best content doesn't have to create more work. Nonprofits already have stories happening every day. The challenge is creating simple systems that allow program staff to capture those moments naturally instead of making communications teams constantly chase down content. Engagement isn't the end goal. Likes and comments can feel good, but nonprofits ultimately need supporters to take meaningful action. The goal is to connect storytelling to what you want people to do—whether that's donate, volunteer, share, subscribe, or simply pay attention. About Reuben Harney Reuben Harney runs Motus Reach, a social media management agency that works exclusively with charities. His approach focuses on real names, real stories, and posting less but better. Through his work with Family First, a Jersey-based charity, Reuben grew their engagement by 272% in under five months while developing a streamlined content strategy designed to increase engagement and support without creating an unsustainable workload for the nonprofit team. He works with a small number of charities at a time, helping organizations communicate their impact, build trust, and make it easier for supporters to understand and act on their mission. Learn more: MotusReach.com 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? If this conversation gave you a new perspective on nonprofit social media, subscribe to Nonprofit Nation, leave a review, and share this episode with a nonprofit leader or fundraiser who could benefit from it. Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

  2. Sep 9

    Nonprofit Communications That Work with Christine Koh

    What if your nonprofit doesn’t actually have a communications problem? When a nonprofit’s messaging isn’t landing, the instinct is often to rewrite the website, create a new communications plan, post more content, or bring in a communications expert. But sometimes, the real issue goes much deeper. In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell talks with Christine Koh, a strategic communications advisor who works with mission-driven leadership teams to repair narrative breakdowns, strengthen leadership communication, and build the infrastructure organizations need to communicate effectively. Christine shares why communications problems are often symptoms of deeper leadership or organizational challenges, and what happens when everyone inside an organization has a different understanding of its story. They dig into what “narrative breakdown” actually looks like, how internal misalignment eventually shows up in external communications, and why communications teams can end up being asked to solve problems they don't actually have the authority to fix. Julia and Christine also explore how nonprofit leaders can create clearer ownership around messaging, avoid “communications by committee,” and build systems that don't depend on one person carrying the entire organizational story in their head. And, as always, they get practical, talking about what nonprofit leaders should diagnose before investing in another website, brand refresh, communications strategy, or endless stream of content. If you've ever felt like your nonprofit is communicating a lot but somehow the message still isn't quite landing, this conversation is for you. 🎧 In this episode, we discuss:  Why some nonprofit communications problems are actually leadership problems What narrative breakdown looks like inside an organization  How internal misalignment affects external communications  Why communications teams can become the catch-all for organizational dysfunction  The role of executive leadership in shaping and protecting an organization's narrative  How to create clear ownership around messaging and communications decisions  How to avoid communications by committee while still making space for input  What healthy communications infrastructure actually looks like  Why more content isn't necessarily the answer to a communications problem  How nonprofits can build communication systems that remain effective through staff and leadership changes  What leaders should diagnose before hiring someone to redo their website or create another communications strategy  Practical questions nonprofit leaders can ask to assess the health of their communications infrastructure About Christine Koh Christine Koh, PhD, is a strategic communications advisor who works with mission-driven leaders and executive teams to stabilize leadership communication, repair narrative breakdown, and build sustainable communications infrastructure. Her work draws from years of experience across media brand building, creative direction, and strategic advising for nonprofits. She also brings experience as a podcast host through Edit Your Life, where she explores ideas and translates them into practical insights.  Connect with Christine Koh Want to learn more from Christine or follow her work?  🌐 Website: christinekoh.com 💼 LinkedIn: Christine Koh on LinkedIn 🎙️ Edit Your Life Podcast: Listen to Edit Your LifeChristine is also the host of Edit Your Life, an award-winning podcast focused on practical advice for simplifying and decluttering different areas of life.  Don’t forget: If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Nonprofit Nation, leave a review, and share this episode with a nonprofit leader or fundraiser who could benefit from the conversation.  Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

  3. Sep 3

    Planned Giving Without the Stress with Tony Martignetti

    What if planned giving isn’t just for large nonprofits with massive development teams, sophisticated systems, and years of experience? In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell talks with Tony Martignetti, the evangelist for Planned Giving and author of the forthcoming book Planned Giving Accelerated, about why small and mid-size nonprofits should be thinking about legacy giving, and why it doesn’t have to be complicated. Tony shares a practical, approachable perspective on how nonprofits can recognize potential planned giving donors, start meaningful conversations about legacy giving, and build a program without expensive infrastructure or unnecessary complexity. Together, Julia and Tony unpack some of the biggest misconceptions around planned giving, including the idea that only wealthy donors or large institutions should pursue it. They also explore why donor loyalty can matter more than the size of an individual gift, how to make conversations about estate plans feel natural, and what nonprofit leaders and boards need to understand about building a culture around legacy giving.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why planned giving isn’t just for universities, hospitals, and large institutions  The biggest misconceptions that keep small nonprofits from getting started  What a simple and affordable planned giving program can look like  How to identify donors who may be strong planned giving prospects  Why donor loyalty can be more important than wealth when identifying potential legacy donors  How to introduce planned giving without making the conversation uncomfortable or transactional  What fundraisers need to know before talking with donors about legacy gifts  When to involve a donor’s attorney or financial advisor  The basic infrastructure a nonprofit actually needs to get started  How to communicate about planned giving without overwhelming donors with technical information  How nonprofit leaders and boards can support a culture of legacy giving  Why the current generational transfer of wealth creates an important opportunity for nonprofits  One thing fundraisers can do this week to start moving planned giving forward About Tony Martignetti Tony Martignetti is the evangelist for Planned Giving and the author of Planned Giving Accelerated, a book designed to help small and mid-size nonprofits launch planned giving programs by making the process easy, accessible, and affordable. Tony began his career as a front-line planned giving fundraiser in 1997 and launched his consulting practice in 2003. He is also a lawyer with a background in stand-up comedy and improv—an unusual combination that helps him make planned giving approachable rather than intimidating.  Resources & Links 🔗 Tony Martignetti on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymartignetti/ 📖 Planned Giving Accelerated: PlannedGivingAccelerated.com Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

  4. Aug 26

    Capturing the Next Generation of Donors with Logan Vaughan

    What if the next generation of donors wants to give, but they want giving to feel tangible, convenient, and digital at the same time? As donor expectations continue to evolve, nonprofits have an opportunity to rethink how they engage younger supporters. While online fundraising has made monetary giving easier than ever, physical-item donations and in-kind giving can still be surprisingly difficult to organize, manage, and scale. On this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell sits down with Logan Vaughan, co-founder and CEO of GiftDrive.org, to talk about the changing landscape of donor engagement and what nonprofits need to understand about the way Gen Z and younger millennials want to give. Logan shares the story behind GiftDrive, a platform designed specifically to help nonprofits create online wishlists and donation drives for physical goods. Since launching, GiftDrive has supported more than 55 nonprofit organizations and facilitated more than 5,500 item donations valued at over $60,000.  Together, Julia and Logan explore why physical giving resonates with younger donors, where traditional tools like online wishlists fall short, and how technology can make in-kind giving more accessible and effective. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why younger donors are increasingly drawn to giving physical items instead of cash How Gen Z and millennials are changing expectations around philanthropy and nonprofit engagement  Why tangible giving can feel more accessible and meaningful to younger supporters  What younger donors expect when it comes to convenience, transparency, and technology The challenges nonprofits face when managing physical-item donation drives  Why consumer tools like Amazon Wish Lists aren't always the best solution for nonprofit organizations  How purpose-built technology can make in-kind giving easier to manage and scale  The importance of CRM integrations, automated tax receipts, reporting, analytics, and customization  What Logan has learned by building GiftDrive alongside the nonprofits it serves How nonprofit leaders can prepare for the next generation of donors About Logan Vaughan Logan Vaughan is a senior at the University of Vermont and the co-founder and CEO of GiftDrive.org, a platform that helps nonprofits create wishlists and donation drives to collect physical items from their communities. Since launching, GiftDrive has supported more than 55 nonprofit organizations across the country, facilitating more than 5,500 item donations valued at over $60,000. Logan is passionate about building the nonprofit technology and infrastructure of the future and believes organizations need tools designed around the ways modern donors want to give.  Resources Mentioned 🎁 GiftDrive: https://giftdrive.org/ Don't forget! If you enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nation, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a nonprofit leader who could benefit from this conversation! 🎧 Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

  5. Aug 19

    The New Expectations of Philanthropy with Hala Hanna

    What should we expect from philanthropy in a time of growing conversations about wealth inequality, tax justice, and economic fairness? In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell sits down with Hala Hanna, Executive Director of MIT Solve, to explore how the expectations surrounding philanthropy are changing, and what this means for donors, foundations, corporations, nonprofits, and social innovators. Today, philanthropy is increasingly being evaluated on more than how much money is given. Donors and institutions are facing greater expectations around impact, accountability, trust, and meaningful community outcomes. Julia and Hala unpack the growing public conversation around concentrated wealth and tax justice and how it is influencing the way philanthropy is viewed. They also explore the difference between philanthropy that generates visibility and philanthropy that creates lasting social infrastructure. Hala shares insights from her work supporting social innovators around the world and discusses why local credibility, community partnership, and collaboration across sectors are essential for creating sustainable change. In this episode, you'll learn: Why tax justice is becoming a central part of the conversation around philanthropyHow expectations of donors, foundations, and corporations are evolvingThe difference between visibility-driven and impact-driven philanthropyWhy trust, accountability, and measurable outcomes matter more than everHow companies are rethinking their philanthropic strategies amid growing scrutinyWhy local credibility and meaningful community partnerships are critical to lasting impactHow cross-sector collaboration can help address complex social challengesWhat the future of philanthropy could look like in an era of increasing public accountabilityAbout Hala Hanna Hala Hanna is the Executive Director of MIT Solve, where she works with social innovators and leaders around the world. Her work offers a unique perspective on how collaboration, innovation, and community-driven approaches can help create sustainable solutions to complex social challenges. In this conversation, Hala shares thoughtful insights on the changing expectations of philanthropy and why creating meaningful impact requires more than simply giving. She explores what it looks like to build trust, demonstrate accountability, and work alongside communities to create lasting change. Don't forget! If you enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nation, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this conversation with a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or board member who is committed to building a stronger and more sustainable organization. Let's keep the conversation going! Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

  6. Aug 12

    How to Grow Your Nonprofit Without Burning Out Your Team with Sarah Andrews

    What does it really take to grow a nonprofit without exhausting your team, overwhelming your board, or burning yourself out along the way? On this week’s episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell sits down with nonprofit consultant, fundraising strategist, and leadership expert Sarah Andrews for a conversation about sustainable growth, strong leadership, and building the capacity nonprofits need to thrive. With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and fundraising, Sarah has helped organizations navigate strategic growth, fundraising campaigns, organizational capacity building, major gifts, grants, sponsorships, and donor engagement. Together, Julia and Sarah explore what separates nonprofits that continue to grow from those that feel stuck, and why building the right foundation before pursuing bigger fundraising goals is so important.  They also dig into some of the fundraising and leadership misconceptions that can hold organizations back, how to know when an organization is truly ready for a major campaign, and practical ways to help nonprofit boards become more confident ambassadors and fundraisers.  And in a conversation that goes beyond traditional nonprofit strategy, Sarah shares how her work as a yoga instructor has shaped her approach to leadership, resilience, mindfulness, and balance, lessons that can be especially valuable for nonprofit professionals navigating today's pressures.  About Sarah Andrews Sarah Andrews is a nonprofit consultant, fundraising strategist, and leadership expert with more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and fundraising. As the Founder & Lead Consultant, she works with organizations on strategic growth planning, organizational capacity building, annual and capital campaigns, engagement and stewardship programs, sponsorships and promotions, grant writing, and major giving programs.  Sarah is passionate about those “aha moments” when things click and turn into action. A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, she enjoys strong coffee, 90s throwbacks, and spending time outdoors with her family and friends. She is a proud mom of two daughters and is married to her husband, Justin. Sarah is also a yoga instructor at Humble Warrior Power Yoga.  Learn more about Sarah and her work at sarahjandrews.com.  In this episode, we discuss: ✔ What sustainable nonprofit growth really looks like  ✔ Common leadership mistakes that can limit organizational impact  ✔ How to build organizational capacity before pursuing major growth or fundraising initiatives  ✔ Fundraising misconceptions that may be holding nonprofits back  ✔ How to determine whether your organization is ready for a capital campaign  ✔ Warning signs that it may be time to pause before launching a major campaign  ✔ Strategies for engaging boards in fundraising and philanthropy  ✔ How nonprofits can balance annual giving, major gifts, grants, events, and corporate partnerships  ✔ Emerging fundraising trends and where nonprofit leaders should focus their attention  ✔ What nonprofit leaders can learn from yoga about resilience, mindfulness, and balance  ✔ Practical ways to pursue ambitious goals without burning out your team—or yourself  Don't forget! If you enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nation, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this conversation with a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or board member who could use a little inspiration around sustainable growth and leadership. Because growing your nonprofit shouldn't mean burning out the people who make the mission possible. Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

  7. Aug 5

    Social Impact Storytelling That Inspires Action with Nicholas Bruneau

    Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways nonprofits can connect with supporters, but too often, organizations struggle to tell stories that truly resonate. In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell sits down with Nicholas Bruneau, communications consultant and author of Engage With Impact: Five Steps to Transform Your Digital Communications for Social Impact. Drawing from his experience working with organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, the European Union, and nonprofits around the world, Nicholas shares practical strategies for creating authentic, ethical, and impactful stories that move people to care—and take action.  Together, Julia and Nicholas explore why storytelling should be a year-round practice rather than a last-minute campaign tactic, how nonprofits can uncover compelling stories hiding in plain sight, and why focusing on people, progress, and purpose creates stronger connections than simply sharing information. Whether you're a communications professional, fundraiser, executive director, or marketer, this episode is packed with actionable ideas you can start implementing immediately to strengthen your organization's storytelling strategy.  In this episode, you'll learn:  Why storytelling is essential for building trust and inspiring action.  Common storytelling mistakes nonprofits make—and how to avoid them.  Where to find meaningful stories within your organization and community.  How to create a simple storytelling system instead of scrambling before every campaign.  Best practices for ethical storytelling that preserves dignity and centers the people behind the story.  The Challenge → Solution → Impact framework for crafting memorable narratives.  How to transform awareness into engagement, advocacy, and donations.  Storytelling formats that are performing well today, including short-form video and behind-the-scenes content.  Practical habits every nonprofit communicator can adopt to become a stronger storyteller. Resources Mentioned Engage With Impact: Five Steps to Transform Your Digital Communications for Social Impact Storytelling Course: engagewithimpact.com/storytelling About Nicholas Bruneau Nicholas Bruneau is a communications consultant, trainer, and author of Engage With Impact: Five Steps to Transform Your Digital Communications for Social Impact. He helps nonprofits and mission-driven organizations strengthen their digital communications through ethical, audience-centered storytelling that inspires action. Throughout his career, Nicholas has partnered with organizations including the United Nations, the World Bank, the European Union, and numerous nonprofits and advocacy organizations around the world. His work focuses on helping organizations communicate their mission more effectively, build stronger relationships with supporters, and create lasting impact through strategic storytelling.  Connect with Nicholas Bruneau If you enjoyed this conversation and want to learn more about Nicholas's work, you can connect with him and explore his storytelling resources below: 🌐 Website: engagewithimpact.com  📖 Learn more about: Engage With Impact: Five Steps to Transform Your Digital Communications for Social Impact 🎓 Storytelling Course Waitlist: engagewithimpact.com/storytelling Follow Nicholas for more insights on ethical storytelling, digital communications, and practical strategies to help your nonprofit tell stories that inspire action and create meaningful, lasting impact. Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

  8. Jul 29

    Rethinking Generosity Through Play, Practice, and Community with Tim Sarrantonio

    What if the future of fundraising isn't about finding the perfect answer—but about creating space to ask better questions? In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell sits down with longtime nonprofit leader and innovator Tim Sarrantonio, founder of the Generosity Spectrum, to explore a new approach to professional development, generosity, and community learning. Together, they discuss why nonprofits need more opportunities to practice difficult decisions, build trust, and learn collaboratively rather than simply consuming more information.  Tim shares the inspiration behind the Generosity Spectrum and its flagship experience, the Generosity Roundtable an interactive, scenario-based learning environment where nonprofit professionals navigate real-world challenges through storytelling, role-play, and peer discussion. Instead of focusing on finding a single "right" answer, participants develop the judgment, empathy, and confidence needed to lead in an increasingly complex nonprofit landscape.  Julia and Tim also explore how AI, social media, and rapid technological change are reshaping the nonprofit sector, why trust is becoming one of the organization's most valuable assets, and what joyful, community-centered learning can look like for today's nonprofit leaders.  Whether you're a fundraiser, nonprofit marketer, executive director, or simply passionate about building stronger communities, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on practicing generosity in uncertain times.  In this episode, you'll learn:  Why Tim founded the Generosity Spectrum and the challenges it aims to solve.  How the Generosity Roundtable uses storytelling, role-play, and collaborative learning to strengthen nonprofit leadership.  Why traditional professional development often falls short—and what can work better.  The connection between generosity, trust, and thriving communities.  Lessons nonprofits can borrow from industries like medicine and aviation, where professionals practice difficult decisions before facing them in real life.  How AI, social media, and emerging technology are changing the way nonprofits engage supporters.  Why creating safe spaces to experiment, reflect, and learn together is critical for the future of the sector.  What attendees can expect from the Generosity Roundtable at this year's Nonprofit Social Media Summit.About Tim Sarrantonio Tim Sarrantonio is the founder of Generosity Spectrum, an initiative dedicated to helping nonprofit professionals learn, connect, and grow through collaborative experiences. A longtime leader in the fundraising and nonprofit technology space, Tim has spent his career exploring the intersection of generosity, storytelling, and innovation. Through projects like the Generosity Roundtable, he is creating new ways for nonprofit practitioners to build judgment, empathy, and stronger relationships by practicing real-world scenarios in a collaborative environment. His work encourages nonprofit leaders to embrace curiosity, strengthen trust, and navigate an ever-evolving sector with confidence and community.  Connect with Tim Learn more about the Generosity Spectrum and explore the upcoming Generosity Roundtable experience: https://www.generosityspectrum.org/password Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

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About

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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