The Nonprofit Podcast

Jena Lynch, Brittan Stockert & Cara Augspurger
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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 204| The real reason boards struggle with fundraising - Adam Morgan

    1D AGO

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

    Send us Fan Mail Your 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 Clarity 05:25 Stop Chasing Big Ideas - Do These Simple Things Instead 10:05 The Simple Systems That Make Boards Actually Show Up 14:00 The 4 Roles That Turn Passive Boards into Fundraising Machines 18:45 One Simple Action That Drives Big Impact Guest 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 Covered board fundraising | nonprofit leadership | board engagement | fundraising strategy | small nonprofit growth | donor development | governance | fundraising systems If 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

    24 min
  2. Ep 203| The Uncomfortable Reality of Sustainable Fundraising Nobody Mentions

    APR 9

    Ep 203| The Uncomfortable Reality of Sustainable Fundraising Nobody Mentions

    Send us Fan Mail The 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 Alone 02:22 – The Impossible Expectations of Fundraisers Today 03:45 – Burnout Is Real (And Getting Worse) 04:44 – Alexithymia: Why You Don’t Know You’re Burned Out 06:20 – AI Can’t Replace Real Human Connection 07:45 – What Actually Works: Honest, Present Fundraising 09:25 – One Simple Reset You Can Try This Week If you are interested in working with Britt, or simply asking her for advice, you can reach her 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. Support the show

    11 min
  3. Ep 202| Slow Fundraising: How to Do Less and Raise More with Chad Barger

    APR 2

    Ep 202| Slow Fundraising: How to Do Less and Raise More with Chad Barger

    Send us Fan Mail Slow Fundraising: How to Do Less and Raise More with Chad Barger Fundraising feels busy. Packed calendars, constant campaigns, endless asks. But results are not keeping pace. Many teams are working harder than ever and still missing growth targets. Jena Lynch sits down with Chad Barger, founder of Productive Fundraising, to unpack his approach to slow fundraising. His work with nonprofits focuses on cutting through noise, using data to guide decisions, and building systems that actually deliver results. Slow fundraising is not about doing less for its own sake. It is about doing the right work, consistently. This conversation breaks down how to focus your time, strengthen donor relationships, and build a fundraising approach that supports long-term growth without burnout. What You’ll Learn Why many nonprofit teams are stuck doing too much and how slow fundraising helps identify the few activities that actually drive resultsHow to use simple data tracking to understand what is working, what is not, and where time is being lostWhat it takes to build a sustainable fundraising rhythm that avoids burnout and supports long-term growthWhy donor retention and stewardship matter more than constant acquisition, and how small improvements can increase revenueA practical approach to donor engagement that strengthens relationships without adding more to your workloadMore About Our Guest: Chad Barger is the founder of Productive Fundraising, where he helps nonprofits simplify their fundraising strategies and focus on what drives real results. He is a trainer, speaker, and coach known for his practical, data-informed approach to building sustainable fundraising programs, including his work around slow fundraising. Head over to Productive Fundraising's well-stocked library of fundraising resources here. Chapters 00:00 – The Fundraising Hamster Wheel 01:26 – What is Slow Fundraising? 03:00 – The 3 Principles That Change Everything 05:32 – Do Fewer Things (80/20 Rule for Fundraising) 07:38 – Fix Your Data First 09:06 – The Relief of Doing Less With a Plan 10:34 – Stop Burnout: Find a Sustainable Rhythm 11:54 – Time Blocking and Deep Work for Fundraisers 14:47 – Donor Retention and Stewardship 18:20 – Simple, High-Impact Donor Engagement Ideas 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. Support the show

    23 min
  4. Ep 201| Membership vs. Monthly Giving: Which Actually Builds Loyalty?

    MAR 26

    Ep 201| Membership vs. Monthly Giving: Which Actually Builds Loyalty?

    Send us Fan Mail You’ve done the hard part. People are giving. They care. They’re showing up. So what’s next? Most nonprofits get to this point… and stop. Supporters stay consistent. But the relationship doesn’t go any further. This episode is about that gap, and how membership programs are designed to close it. There’s a clear progression in fundraising. From first gift…to consistent support…to something deeper. But that last step doesn’t happen on its own. In this episode, Britt Stockert breaks down what nonprofit membership programs actually are, how they work in practice, and why they’re becoming a key part of long-term fundraising strategy. You’ll also hear where organizations get it wrong, how to assess if your organization is ready, and what it takes to build a program your team can realistically sustain. What you’ll learn in this episode: Where donor relationships typically stall after consistent givingWhat a membership program actually is (and what it isn’t)The signals that tell you your organization is readyHow supporters naturally progress toward deeper engagementWhy most membership programs fail before they startWhat makes a membership model actually work over timeThe core insight: Strong fundraising doesn’t stop at getting the donor or even keeping them; it grows by giving supporters a clear next step.Membership programs create that step, moving people from giving to belonging, and from support to participation in your mission.If this episode connects with where your organization is right now, share it with someone thinking about what comes next in their donor journey. Subscribe to The Nonprofit Podcast for practical, real-world strategies that support long-term fundraising growth. Chapters 00:00Transforming Donors into Supporters 03:07Understanding Membership Programs 06:00Building a Sustainable Membership Program 08:52Engaging Founding Members 12:04Creating Lasting Relationships Resources Mentioned: Donorbox.org - https://donorbox.org/memberships  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. Support the show

    14 min
  5. Ep 200| Who are the Most Overlooked Nonprofit Donors?

    MAR 19

    Ep 200| Who are the Most Overlooked Nonprofit Donors?

    Send us Fan Mail Are you missing one of the biggest growth opportunities in your donor base? Most nonprofit fundraising focuses on two things: bringing in new donors and managing major gifts. Both matter. But there’s a group in the middle that often gets missed. These are supporters who already give, already care, and keep coming back. They respond when you reach out. They stay connected to your work. And yet, they’re often treated the same as someone who gave once and moved on. This episode looks at the gap that exists in many fundraising programs, the space between broad campaigns and major gift strategies, and why that gap is becoming more important as donor behavior shifts. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why revenue is increasingly concentrating among repeat supportersWhat the latest data reveals about donor retention and giving patternsWhere most fundraising programs fall short when it comes to donor experienceWhy this overlooked segment represents one of the strongest paths to future growthHow small, practical changes can strengthen relationships and improve retentionThe core insight: Growth isn’t disappearing - it’s concentrating. And the donors most likely to drive that growth are often already in your system, waiting for a more intentional experience. Resources mentioned: Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP) Q3 2025 Quarterly Benchmark Report - search "FEP Q3 2025" to find it.  If this conversation resonates with your experience in the sector, share it with a colleague who cares deeply about the communities they serve. Subscribe to The Nonprofit Podcast for weekly conversations on fundraising, leadership, and the ideas shaping the future of the social sector. Chapters 00:00Understanding the Donor Landscape 02:47Identifying the Mid-Level Donor Gap 06:07The Importance of Mid-Level Donors 09:01Strategies for Engaging Mid-Level Donors 11:55Closing the Gap: Practical Steps 15:09The Path Forward 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. Support the show

    18 min
  6. Ep199| The Lifetime Value Mindset for Fundraisers

    MAR 12

    Ep199| The Lifetime Value Mindset for Fundraisers

    Send us Fan Mail Most nonprofits track gift size.  The best fundraisers track lifetime value. Join Cara as she unpacks the lifetime value mindset and why recurring donors often become some of the most valuable supporters a nonprofit has. While major gifts create big moments, monthly donors quietly build the steady support that sustains a mission over time. What you'll learn in this episode: Why your quietest donors may be your most valuableHow a lifetime value mindset changes how fundraisers evaluate donor impactEffective but simple ways to engage and retain recurring donorsHow simple prompts can turn one-time gifts into monthly supportWhy this matters: When fundraisers shift from tracking gift size to understanding lifetime value, monthly donors often emerge as some of the most important supporters in their community. About Cara: Cara Augspurger is the Executive Director of Grace Care Center Foundation and an on-the-ground correspondent for The Nonprofit Podcast, sharing practical insights from real nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience. Topics covered in this episode: monthly giving | recurring donors | donor retention | nonprofit fundraising strategy | lifetime value | donor relationships | nonprofit leadership | recurring donations 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. Support the show

    10 min
  7. Ep 198| Community Care Beyond the 9 to 5 - Lessons for Nonprofits

    MAR 5

    Ep 198| Community Care Beyond the 9 to 5 - Lessons for Nonprofits

    Send us Fan Mail Are we overlooking one of the most powerful forces behind nonprofit work? For many nonprofit professionals, care for community doesn’t switch off at the end of the workday. Long after the job is done, we’re still showing up, supporting causes, helping neighbors...living the values that drew us to this work to begin with. In this episode, Britt sits down with Esther Saehyun Lee, founder of Elevate Philanthropy Consulting and a leading voice in Community-Centric Fundraising, to explore the deeper motivations that shape nonprofit work - and the often unseen ways those values continue to strengthen communities beyond the 9-to-5. What you'll learn in this episode: Why the values that draw people into nonprofit work often show up far beyond the workplaceHow everyday acts of community care reflect the principles of community-centric philanthropyWhy this “invisible work” carries real value for the communities nonprofits serveHow recognizing these motivations can reshape the way organizations think about fundraising and leadershipWhat nonprofit leaders can learn from the care and commitment their teams bring into community lifeThe core insight: The work nonprofit professionals do outside formal roles often reflects the same values that power the sector itself - care, community, and commitment to something larger than the job. When we recognize that connection, we gain a clearer understanding of what truly drives nonprofit work. About Esther Saehyun Lee Esther Saehyun Lee is the founder of Elevate Philanthropy Consulting, where she works with nonprofit organizations to build fundraising practices rooted in equity, community trust, and the principles of Community-Centric Fundraising. Her work focuses on helping organizations align fundraising with the values of the communities they serve. Chapters 00:00 Work vs Community: The Two Ways We Show Up 02:28 The Invisible Care That Happens Outside the Job 07:21 Formal vs Informal Community Spaces 12:19 Relationships, Conflict, and Peer-Led Community Care 16:30 Fatigue, Burnout, and Why Community Matters 22:12 Supporting the People Who Do the Caring 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. Support the show

    24 min
  8. Ep 197| 3 Reasons Nonprofits are Missing out on Donations in 2026

    FEB 26

    Ep 197| 3 Reasons Nonprofits are Missing out on Donations in 2026

    Send us Fan Mail Is your nonprofit overlooking the quiet infrastructure gaps costing you donations? When fundraising feels tighter, it’s rarely because generosity disappeared. Donors are still giving. They’re just more careful. And that means small friction carries more weight than it used to. A slow checkout. Recurring giving that’s technically available but not clearly positioned. Event energy that fades before someone can act. None of it feels dramatic. But over time, it adds up. In this episode, Jena Lynch and Britt Stockert break down three quiet fundraising “leak points” and talk through how to protect revenue without launching another campaign or rewriting your strategy. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why friction at checkout costs more in cautious giving climatesHow clearly positioned recurring support stabilizes revenueWhy in-person inspiration needs instant ways to giveHow stronger systems lower stress for your teamA simple way to evaluate your current donation experienceThe core insight: When fundraising feels harder, the instinct is to get louder. But louder isn’t the fix. Stronger infrastructure is. Protect the moment someone says yes.Build steadiness over time.Capture live momentum while it’s still warm.Tools mentioned in this episode: OmniGive™ - A mobile-first donation form built for speed, flexibility, and 22+ payment methods Recurring Giving Features - Tools that make monthly support visible and intentional, including recurring upsells Donorbox Live™ Kiosk - A tap-to-pay device built for in-person events and live giving moments Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Current Fundraising Climate 00:28 Donors Are More Cautious, Not Less Generous 00:54 The Importance of a Frictionless Donation Experience 02:10 Testing Your Donation Page on Mobile 03:27 Modern Donation Forms and Their Impact 05:05 Recurring Giving: Stability and Growth 07:38 In-Person Giving and Instant Donations 10:23 Building Reliable Infrastructure for Long-Term Success 11:12 Focus on Fixing the Biggest Leaks First 12:10 Final Tips and Encouragement for Nonprofits If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone on your team. And if revenue feels tighter than it used to, this is a grounded place to start. 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 is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms. 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast 🖥️ Support the show

    14 min
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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
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    217
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Nonprofit Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Nonprofit Podcast