The Nonprofit Podcast

Jena Lynch, Brittan Stockert & Cara Augspurger
  • 4.7 (29)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. Ep 195| How to Build Donor Retention Between Campaigns

    3D AGO

    Ep 195| How to Build Donor Retention Between Campaigns

    Send a text Email is where most supporters experience your organization over time – not just during campaigns, but in the quieter moments in between. Jena Lynch sits down with our on-the-ground fundraising expert, Cara Augspurger, CFRE, to talk about what’s really happening in those in-between spaces. Because the emails you send every day? They’re shaping donor relationships long before the next ask ever lands. They dig into what happens when email becomes something you send just to tick the box, how reactive communication slowly becomes the relationship, and why clarity matters more than volume in overflowing inboxes. This isn’t about crafting perfect emails or sending more messages. It’s about creating a rhythm supporters can follow, and putting a few simple structures in place so consistency feels doable, even when capacity is stretched. When email drifts, you don’t always see it right away. But you feel it later, in trust, in engagement, and in how people respond when you do reach out. Discover: Why email is often the relationship, whether you intend it to be or notHow clarity and repetition work together (without becoming noise)What changes when communication is supported by systems, not willpowerDon’t forget to download our useful blog to keep you 'systems' focused:  Email Marketing Tips for Nonprofits What 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. The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms. 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast 🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube Support the show

    24 min
  2. Ep 194| Why Donor Retention Starts After - Not During - the Ask

    FEB 5

    Ep 194| Why Donor Retention Starts After - Not During - the Ask

    Send us a text Where do donor relationships go after the gift? Donor retention is shaped by what carries the relationship forward over time. When that continuity isn’t intentionally supported, donors don’t disengage all at once...they slowly lose their sense of connection. In this episode, Jena Lynch unpacks how simple, repeatable structures, not more asks, help relationships hold between campaigns, especially for small teams. Join Jena to discover: What fills the space between gifts and campaignsWhy donor relationships drift without clear structureHow consistency supports retention without adding more workWhere intentional engagement replaces reactive communicationAnd don't forget to download our handy, free resource here: Sample Stewardship Plan: Plan Out Your Stewardship Activities for Maximum Donor Engagement 📑  https://library.donorbox.org/sample-stewardship-plan/ A practical starting point for mapping follow-up and stewardship so supporter relationships don’t fade over time. What 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: The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms. 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast 🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube Support the show

    13 min
  3. Ep 193| The Hidden Cost of Silence: Psychological Safety in Nonprofits

    JAN 29

    Ep 193| The Hidden Cost of Silence: Psychological Safety in Nonprofits

    Send us a text Most teams learn pretty quickly what happens when they give feedback and adjust accordingly.   When people feel safer being honest anywhere except work, trust isn’t the issue...safety is. Britt Stockert chats with Tasha Van Vlack, founder of The Nonprofit Hive, about psychological safety in nonprofit teams...and why silence often shows up long before burnout or turnover. Together, they unpack what psychological safety really looks like in day-to-day nonprofit work: the ability to speak up, ask for help, name concerns, and make mistakes without fear of backlash. We explore: Why nonprofit staff often feel safer processing challenges outside their own organizationsHow well-intended leadership behaviors can unintentionally shut people downThe difference between performative care and real psychological safetyWhat silence is actually signaling inside teamsWhat helps rebuild trust after it’s been brokenRather than offering quick fixes, this episode invites nonprofit leaders and teams to look honestly at how trust is built - or eroded - through everyday actions, follow-through, and response. Where do honest conversations actually happen on your team, and what has speaking up led to in your organization?  Share your experience with us, and join the broader conversation: Connect with Tasha Van Vlack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tasha-van-vlack/Learn more about The Nonprofit Hive: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nonprofit-hive/Contact Tasha:tasha@thenonprofithive.com What 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: The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms. 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast 🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube Support the show

    19 min
  4. Ep 192| Donor-Advised Funds: What Fundraisers Need to Know Now

    JAN 22

    Ep 192| Donor-Advised Funds: What Fundraisers Need to Know Now

    Send us a text DAFs don’t delay generosity - they reveal giving friction. Donor-advised funds are shaping how people give, but many nonprofits aren’t quite ready for it. In this episode, Cara Augspurger shares what she’s seeing firsthand as a frontline fundraiser, including why DAF donors are often some of the most prepared, responsive, and relationship-driven supporters - when nonprofits make it easy to say yes. You’ll hear: What fundraisers often misunderstand about DAF donorsWhy DAF giving doesn’t slow generosity - friction doesSimple ways to be clearer, more visible, and more DAF-readyIf donor-advised funds feel confusing or intimidating, this episode brings clarity without the noise. Listen now and share with someone navigating donor shifts or planning for more sustainable fundraising. Helpful DAF Resources: We have an in-depth blog to bring you up to speed:  Donor-Advised Funds: What Do They Mean for Nonprofits and Donors?And, quick links to providers mentioned in the episode: Fidelity Charitable – Official Site (DAF info)Schwab Charitable / DAFgiving360 Donor-Advised Fund PageVanguard Charitable – Donor-Advised FundsDaffy – The Donor‑Advised Fund for You™ (Official)What 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: The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms. 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast 🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Donor-Advised Funds Are Everywhere 01:20 - What Are Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)? 02:15 - Real Example: Fund Holder Reaches Out 03:50 - DAF Growth: A Million in 2 Years 04:39 - How DAFs Impact Nonprofits 06:27 - 3 Common Myths About DAFs 08:42 - Why Visibility + Clarity Matter for DAF Giving 11:09 - 3 Things to Do This Week (Practical Tips) 13:09 - Bonus Tip: Open Your Own DAF 15:28 - Final Thoughts: Removing Friction for Donors Support the show

    17 min
  5. Ep 191| The One Question That Keeps Fundraising Strategic in 2026

    JAN 15

    Ep 191| The One Question That Keeps Fundraising Strategic in 2026

    Send us a text January is framed as a reset in many fields. Nonprofits know it isn’t.  Budgets are set, programs are already moving, and fundraising goals don’t wait for the calendar. Strategy doesn’t usually break in the planning – it frays later, in the small decisions that stretch capacity and make sustainability harder. In this energy-sustaining focused episode, fundraiser coach Britt Stockert shares one grounding question fundraisers can use as a gut-check for strategy, capacity, and energy – especially when everything feels urgent. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why a grounding question works better than a resolutionHow it supports more sustainable fundraising decisionsWhere leaders quietly leak capacity during the yearPlus, three practical moments to use the question to stay on track, especially when you’re tempted to add just “one more thing”!If you’ve ever wondered what actually deserves your “yes” in fundraising, or how to keep your strategy sustainable when the year gets messy, this one’s for you. What 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: The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms. 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast  🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube Support the show

    9 min
  6. Ep 190| 2026 Fundraising Trends: What Leaders Are Quietly Changing to Build Stability

    JAN 8

    Ep 190| 2026 Fundraising Trends: What Leaders Are Quietly Changing to Build Stability

    Send us a text Happy New Year! We’re kicking off 2026 with a conversation many nonprofit leaders are already having behind the scenes: What’s actually changing in fundraising…and what’s just noise? Every year, nonprofits get told to prepare for the next big trend. But the shifts shaping 2026 aren’t about shiny tools or louder campaigns. They’re quieter…and far more structural. Leaders are rethinking how fundraising holds up over time, not just how it performs in the next campaign. Join us as Jena Lynch and Britt Stockert walk through five fundraising trends they’re seeing take hold across organizations…not as predictions, but as patterns emerging from real decision-making. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why predictable revenue is becoming the anchor, not a side goalHow first-year donor retention is moving from “processing” to intentional onboardingWhy reducing friction often outperforms better messagingHow transparency is shifting from polished reports to ongoing communicationWhy technology is increasingly chosen to protect capacity, not chase innovationA question for you: What’s one part of your fundraising system that feels fragile right now - and what would it look like to strengthen it instead of pushing harder somewhere else? Listen in, reflect, and start the year with a steadier foundation for the work ahead. What 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: The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms. 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast  🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube Support the show

    24 min
  7. Ep 189| How Evidence-Based Giving Changed Thousands of Lives - with Jessica LaMesa

    12/18/2025

    Ep 189| How Evidence-Based Giving Changed Thousands of Lives - with Jessica LaMesa

    Send us a text Final Episode of 2025!  Jena sits down with Jessica LaMesa, Co-CEO of The Life You Can Save, for a powerful, action-oriented conversation on how strategic, evidence-based giving translates into life-saving impact. In this episode, you’ll discover: The Power of Rapid Response: How The Life You Can Save mobilized over $13 million in just six months, funding critical healthcare and nutrition across Sub-Saharan Africa and saving over 4,000 lives, amid U.S. foreign aid cuts.Behind-the-Scenes Strategy: Get an exclusive look at the partnerships, data, and trust that enabled lightning-fast action without sacrificing rigor.Lessons for Leaders: Essential takeaways for nonprofit leaders on navigating uncertainty, maximizing impact with lean teams, and building a foundation of donor trust.Before you go! The Nonprofit Podcast returns on Thursday, January 8, 2026, with new episodes and a deep dive into 2026 trend insights you won't want to miss! The full video episode is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel.   Resource Links: Free Download: The Better Giving Guide 2025 — Get the free, practical, evidence-informed resource to support smarter, higher-impact giving from The Life You Can Save. Download hereLearn More: Explore the work of The Life You Can Save here.What 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: 🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms. 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast  Support the show

    29 min
  8. Ep 188| Boost December Donations After Giving Tuesday (5 Smart Tips)

    12/11/2025

    Ep 188| Boost December Donations After Giving Tuesday (5 Smart Tips)

    Send us a text Giving Tuesday felt quieter than you hoped? Take a breath. Your December is still wide open. In this episode, Jena and Britt break down what a slow Giving Tuesday really means, and what to do next without panic, pressure, or a full campaign rewrite. You’ll learn how to: Read the data signals behind a “quiet” Giving TuesdayReconnect donors without selling harderMake small, smart shifts that unlock stronger December givingTurn this moment into momentum – fast!If your confidence took a hit after Giving Tuesday, this conversation is your reset button. Calm, clear, and built for real-world fundraising. Listen now and get your December back on track. Helpful Resource Links: If you are a Donorbox client, try Recurring Upsell for free: This Giving Season, we're gifting you free access to a feature designed to grow your recurring donor base.From November 6, 2025, to January 15, 2026, your organization can receive free access to our Recurring Upsell feature, normally available only to Premium users or as a paid add-on.Our Donorbox Recurring Upsell feature seamlessly converts one-time donors into monthly supporters with a gentle ask. Donors who upgrade to a monthly gift stick around, with 96% of upgraded donors surpassing their original one-time gift amount.Explore Donorbox's monthly giving tools and what they can do for your organization here. Don’t forget your free featured resource from our sponsor, AppealMaker, The 2025 State of Direct Mail Survey, packed with fresh insights into donor behavior and communication trends. Download it here, and take a moment to explore how AppealMaker can strengthen your direct mail outreach. Chapters: 00:00  Understanding Giving Tuesday's Impact 02:58   Reframing Expectations and Emotions 05:40  Strategies for Effective Engagement 08:43  Making Meaningful Adjustments 11:24    Emotional Resilience in Fundraising What 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 every Thursday on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode: 🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️ Spotify: The Nonpr Support the show

    15 min
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4.7
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Jena Lynch, Brittan Stockert & Cara Augspurger
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    208
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Nonprofit Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Nonprofit Podcast

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