Best ITONICS Podcasts (2025)

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Power Ecosystems: Grow Your Impact, Build Collective Power, and Attract Funders (with Ginger Lee, Dr. Tony Iton, and Elizabeth Silverstein) 44:11

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5d ago44:11

44:11

Private funders are increasingly shifting from funding short-term service delivery to long-term systems change, pushing nonprofits to rethink their role in their community. Many are now asking, how do we stay mission-focused while building the relationships needed to attract funders who want deeper change? In today's episode, we explore the idea of…

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Co-Creating Solutions: The Next Level of Community Listening (Narrative Strategy with Josh Gryniewicz and Dana Pearlman) 33:04

23d ago33:04

33:04

Community listening sessions are essential for effective nonprofit work, yet too often they become a box-checking exercise rather than a chance to uncover blind spots and foster true collaboration. In today's episode, Josh Gryniewicz interviews Dana Perlman to explore practical strategies for meaningful, co-creative listening. Tune in for a fresh p…

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Giving USA 2025: Insights from an Individual Giving Perspective (with Colton Strawser and Samantha Timlick) 50:12

1M ago50:12

50:12

According to the Giving USA 2025 report, individual giving rose from last year. But three-quarters of dollars raised came from just 3% of donors. When giving is this top-heavy, should you keep investing in your annual fund program? In today's episode, we explore why the annual fund remains essential for long-term donor relationships — with insights…

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From Micro-Stories to Meta-Narratives: How to Influence Perception and Drive Change (Narrative Strategy with Josh Gryniewicz) 33:48

2M ago33:48

33:48

The goal of narrative strategy is to influence a community's perception of an issue to enroll support and inspire real change. To do so, your nonprofit must first understand what makes up the "narrative ecosystem" in which all of your messaging lives. In today's episode, Josh Gryniewicz returns to explain the six "units of narrativity." Learn how t…

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Authentic, Ethical, and Effective Messaging — From Theory to Practice (Bridge Conference Q&A with Sadé Dozan and Josh Gryniewicz) 40:15

3M ago40:15

40:15

Donors today — especially younger generations — are demanding greater transparency and efficacy from the nonprofits they support. To meet these needs, your nonprofit's narrative strategy must evolve beyond traditional fundraising messaging. In today's episode, host Russ Phaneuf and guests Sadé Dozan and Josh Gryniewicz follow-up their recent Bridge…

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Rethinking How We Do Good: What We Can Learn from This Funding Crisis (with Melissa Cowley Wolf, Patton Hindle, and George Suttles) 41:38

4M ago41:38

41:38

What does it mean to be a nonprofit today, and how did we reach a point where so many organizations feel underfunded, under attack, and uncertain about their future? The challenges the nonprofit sector is facing didn't come out of nowhere; they're rooted in deeper systemic issues, and they raise fundamental questions about the role of nonprofits in…

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R&D like an Athlete - David Kaufman @resideo 49:06

4M ago49:06

49:06

Join Dr. Christian Mühlroth as he sits down with David Kaufman, a six-time USA Triathlon All-American and Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Resideo. Discover what it takes to complete over 100 triathlons while leading corporate innovation programs. David shares insights on managing risk, fostering a culture of innovation, and the parallel…

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Seeing the Person Behind the Donation (Donor Stewardship with Sami Zoss and Mikey Latner) 38:33

5M ago38:33

38:33

Good donor stewardship is rooted in human connection, where every donor is acknowledged regardless of the size of their contribution. In this episode, Sami Zoss sits down with Mikey Latner, founder of Project:Camp, to discuss how even the smallest nonprofit can create meaningful relationships with their supporters. Learn how Mikey makes his donors …

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Narrative Strategy: How to Find Authentic Voices That Inspire Action (with Josh Gryniewicz and Kurt Shaw) 47:57

6M ago47:57

47:57

Many nonprofits invest valuable time and money into messaging that never quite connects. In today's episode, Josh Gryniewicz interviews Kurt Shaw about innovative strategies for finding and amplifying the voices that inspire action and change. You'll learn practical techniques for building trust, co-creating stories with community members, and usin…

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The Future of Defense Innovation - Dave Brewer @ InnoTECH 47:04

6M ago47:04

47:04

In this conversation, we explore the intersection of military experience, technology, and leadership through the lens of Dave Brewer, a retired Air Force officer. He shares insights on burnout, the importance of enjoyment in work, and the evolving landscape of defense innovation, particularly in space strategy. The discussion delves into misunderst…

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Donor Stewardship: Helping Donors Find Meaning through Philanthropy (with Sami Zoss and Dzenan Berberovic) 41:18

7M ago41:18

41:18

Great donor stewardship goes beyond thank-you notes — it creates a sense of meaning for the donor. In this kickoff episode of our new series on stewardship, Sami Zoss sits down with Dzenan Berberovic, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Avera Health, to explore how thoughtful stewardship can deepen relationships, celebrate generosity, and offer donors wh…

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Inside Lean Startup: What Actually Works in Big Companies - Ben Hefele @Lean Startup Co. 44:23

7M ago44:23

44:23

In this conversation, Ben Haefle, CEO of Lean Startup Co., discusses the realities of corporate innovation, emphasizing the importance of core innovation over disruptive innovation. He explains the Lean Startup methodology, focusing on strategic alignment, milestones, team roles, governance, and culture. The discussion also touches on the concept o…

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Building Resilience in the Face of Funding Cuts (with Laura Rosi and Elizabeth Silverstein) 33:29

8M ago33:29

33:29

Radical shifts in federal funding priorities continue to create widespread uncertainty across the nonprofit sector. In today's episode, we explore strategies to build organizational resilience, collaborate with other nonprofits, and communicate effectively with donors and funders during difficult times. We also examine the unique value a consultant…

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How GRAMMY Winners Are Really Chosen - Panos A. Panay @The Recording Academy 41:01

8M ago41:01

41:01

The truth behind the Grammy Awards 🏆 What does it really take to win? How are nominees selected, and what role does AI play in music today? Panos A. Panay, President of the Recording Academy, reveals everything - from the intense behind-the-scenes orchestration of music’s biggest night to how technology and creativity intersect. Get insider access …

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Advocacy Matters: Defending Federal Funding for Nonprofits (with Pat Libby, Kendra Davenport, and Shannon McCracken) 41:48

8M ago41:48

41:48

When federal funding is at risk, diversification is a smart long-term strategy. But there's a more immediate response nonprofits can't afford to ignore — advocacy. In this episode, we break down what advocacy really means, how it works, and why it's essential for every nonprofit to get involved right now. Join us as we explore how to make your voic…

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Federal Funding Uncertainty: How to Assess the Risks and Respond Strategically (with Lauren Steiner, Anne Newland, and Beth Silverstein) 39:40

9M ago39:40

39:40

Recently, a series of rapid-fire decisions by the Trump administration sent shockwaves through the nonprofit sector, leaving many organizations uncertain about the future of their federal grants. In today's episode, our expert panel explores strategies nonprofits can implement to assess the challenges they face and survive potential funding cuts. W…

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10 Lessons Nonprofits Learned Last Year — and How to Thrive in 2025 42:49

11M ago42:49

42:49

Nonprofits worked hard last year and gained valuable insights along the way. In today's episode, we share the top lessons learned by 10 fundraising professionals, and ways to apply them to make an even greater impact in 2025. Listen for tips on donor engagement, the importance of managing your data, leveraging your annual fund for major gifts, the …

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Innovation at the Crossroads: Strategic Choices in Disruption - Scott Brinker @Hubspot 38:13

11M ago38:13

38:13

"Why are we trying to fight all of this?" The pace of technological advancement outstrips our ability to adapt, a phenomenon captured by MarTec's Law. In this episode, Dr. Chris Mühlroth and Scott Brinker, VP of Platform Ecosystem at HubSpot delve into the complexities of technological advancement and its implications for organizations. They discus…

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Special Invitation for Listeners: What's Your Most Valuable Lesson from 2024? 1:15

12M ago1:15

1:15

Hello NPFX listeners! As nonprofit professionals, you've worked really hard this year. You faced challenges, achieved goals, and undoubtedly, you've gained valuable insights along the way. For our first episode of the new year, we'd like to hear what you've learned. Here's the question we'd like you to answer: What's the most valuable lesson you're…

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The Future of Aging: Are We Ready for This? - Dr. Aubrey de Grey @LEV Foundation 54:45

1y ago54:45

54:45

Join renowned aging researcher Dr. Aubrey de Grey in an enlightening conversation about the science and societal impact of anti-aging technologies. Explore the concept of aging as a medical problem, the interplay of genetics and lifestyle, and groundbreaking research at the LEV Foundation aimed at reversing the effects of aging. Discover how biolog…

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Leading through Layers: Communication Strategies to Align Your Team (with Beth Napleton, Christina Lear, and Amy Tamura) 36:45

1y ago36:45

36:45

When communication within a nonprofit flows effectively — from leadership to management to staff, and vice versa — teams tend to work well together and the nonprofit thrives. However, when enough breakdowns in communication occur, a toxic work culture can quickly take root. In today's episode, we'll explore the unique challenges nonprofits face in …

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How to Engage Millennial and Gen Z Donors: Make Them Partners in Progress (with Derrick Feldmann) 37:30

1y ago37:30

37:30

As giving from Boomers and Gen X decreases, Millennials and Gen Z are becoming more and more important to the long-term health of nonprofits. Yet many fundraisers struggle to connect with these young donors. In today's episode, we explore what it takes to engage the younger generations, and how you can make your nonprofit's mission resonate with do…

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Will Machines Tell Better Stories than Humans? - Mike Todasco @SDSU 42:21

1y ago42:21

42:21

"AI is an amazing tool for brainstorming, giving ideas, and being a thought partner, but even when machines can do better than humans, we still like the story behind it. The human behind the machine is what really matters." In this episode, we exchange withMike Todasco, formerSenior Director of Innovation at PayPal and current AI Fellow at San Dieg…

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Has Corporate Foresight Become Obsolete? - Prof. Dr. René Rohrbeck @EDHEC 1:23:41

1y ago1:23:41

1:23:41

"Strategic foresight, as I define it, is really about the capability of organizations to, in a systematic way, create superior positions in markets of the future." In this episode, Dr. Christian Mühlroth engages in a discussion with Professor Dr. René Rohrbeck, a leading expert in strategy foresight and innovation, Professor of Strategy and EDHEC &…

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Leveraging AI as Your Nonprofit Thought Partner (with Shereese Floyd) 39:41

1y ago39:41

39:41

AI tools have rapidly evolved beyond their initial applications in content creation and data analysis. While some nonprofits are leveraging this growing technology, others raise valid concerns about privacy, bias, and data security. In today's episode, we'll examine the potential of AI as a strategic partner for nonprofit leaders and fundraisers. W…

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Flipping the Script: Using Narrative Strategy to Improve Messaging and Prevent Donor Attrition (with Josh Gryniewicz) 45:12

1+ y ago45:12

45:12

Engaging people as loyal donors and advocates for change is the heart of our job as fundraisers. However, the conventional messaging formula of problem -> solution -> ask is turning off some supporters, especially the younger generations. In this episode, we explore a fresh approach called Narrative Strategy that will help you deliver the right mes…

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How to Attract and Retain Fundraising Talent: Discussing AFP's 2024 Compensation & Benefits Survey Report (with Colton Strawser and Julie Trimarchi) 51:37

1+ y ago51:37

51:37

The percentage of individuals giving to nonprofits has reached its lowest point in 40 years. As a result, more and more nonprofits are depending on big gifts. That's why it's vital to attract and retain the fundraisers who can cultivate strong relationships with your most generous donors. In today's episode, we examine the latest findings from AFP'…

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Navigating Industry Challenges with Strategic War Gaming - Prof. Dr. Jan Oliver Schwarz @Bavarian Foresight-Institute 41:24

1+ y ago41:24

41:24

"The term ‘war gaming’ comes from military war gaming. I think often business leaders are experiencing competition as being something very brutal when they fight over market shares." In this episode, we welcomeProf. Dr. Jan Oliver Schwarz, a renowned expert in strategic foresight and trend analysis. As theHeadof theBavarian Foresight Instituteand a…

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Strategic Planning: Why Some Plans Succeed and Others Fail (with Barbara Wood, Laura Rosi, and Nate Rhoton) 48:45

1+ y ago48:45

48:45

Strategic planning done poorly can be time-consuming and yield little practical benefit. Strategic planning done well provides clear direction, aligns resources with mission-critical goals, and enhances organizational effectiveness. In today's episode, we'll explore why investing in a well-crafted strategic plan is worth your time and how it can pr…

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Embracing Radical Optimism for a Future-Ready Mind State - Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt - Author of "What’s Next Is Now” 1:02:31

1+ y ago1:02:31

1:02:31

“We live in very dynamic times. But ask yourself, ’What can you control?’. And the only thing you can control is your way of thinking. And if you feel a little bit more optimistic, a little bit more open, I guarantee you're going to have a chance to invent that future that you always wanted to see happen.” In this captivating episode, we welcome Dr…

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From Creators to Coaches: Chick-fil-A’s Innovation Transformation - Prof. Michael McCathren @Chick-fil-A 53:18

1+ y ago53:18

53:18

"How can you create this army of everyday innovators throughout your organization? Whether it's 100 people or 100,000 employees, democratizing innovation is key." In this episode of Innovation Rockstars, we feature Michael McCathren, Senior Principal for Enterprise Innovation at Chick-fil-A and former Adjunct Professor at the University of Georgia.…

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Engaging Audiences with Effective Messaging & Storytelling — What Works on Tough Issues (with Brian Malte and Josh Gryniewicz) 49:10

1+ y ago49:10

49:10

Ensuring the success of your nonprofit hinges on effectively capturing and maintaining donor attention and support. But when tackling tough issues that may take years or even decades to solve, how do you sustain donor engagement for the duration? In today's episode, we delve into strategies for keeping donors engaged on hard-to-solve issues through…

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How To Nail Your Startup Engagement Program - Paolo Lombardi @Taylor & Francis 1:07:53

1+ y ago1:07:53

1:07:53

“A [startup] program gives a very clear collaboration platform to engage with startups. It's a clear gateway that corporations can create to send a signal to the startup ecosystem, that they are ready to collaborate.” In this episode, we welcome Paolo Lombardi, author of the book ‘Startup Program Design’ and Director of Artificial Intelligence Inno…

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The Complete Guide To Measuring Innovation Performance - Dan Toma @OUTCOME 43:31

1+ y ago43:31

43:31

"Measuring innovation is not about finding one perfect metric; it's about understanding the broader impact on your organization." In this enlightening episode of the Innovation Rockstars podcast, we welcome Dan Toma, acclaimed author, innovation expert, and co-founder of OUTCOME to demystify the complexities of measuring innovation performance. Dan…

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Commercialization Eats Culture For Breakfast - Prof. Dr. Andy Wynn @TTIP Global 40:46

1+ y ago40:46

40:46

"No technology is ever going to make an impact today unless somebody is going to make money from it. And that's the cold hard reality." In this episode, we welcome Prof. Dr. Andy Wynn, CEO TTIP Global, Professor @ IE Business School in Madrid, and professional globetrotter. Facing Andy’s decades of international business and innovation expertise, w…

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The Challenges Facing Higher Ed Fundraisers (with Sami Zoss and Emily Berry) 48:41

1+ y ago48:41

48:41

Americans are losing confidence in higher education, alumni are carrying record level student debt loads, and charitable giving in general is shifting more towards social impact causes — all of which makes it harder for higher ed institutions to make their case for support. In today's podcast episode, we look at strategies for higher ed fundraising…

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Innovation, Authenticity, and Impact in Fundraising (with Jarrett Ransom, the Nonprofit Nerd) 31:41

1+ y ago31:41

31:41

Join host Rich Frazier and guest Jarrett Ransom for a candid conversation on what it takes to be successful — and stay sane — in nonprofit fundraising. Jarrett shares insights from her 15-year journey as a consultant in the nonprofit sector, including her latest inspiration from the documentary "Uncharitable" featuring Dan Pallotta. Other topics in…

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Building a Competitive Edge with AI - Andreas Welsch @Intelligence Briefing 48:31

1+ y ago48:31

48:31

"One of the ways that I see humans are creating a problem for AI is that these large models... rely at the end of the day on data that humans have created and even that humans have curated." In this engaging episode of the Innovation Rockstars podcast, we converse with Andreas Welsch, Chief AI Strategist at Intelligence Briefing and Adjunct Lecture…

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The Intersection of Organizational Wellness and Impact (with Shaun Leonardo and Melissa Cowley Wolf) 40:34

1+ y ago40:34

40:34

A workforce shortage in the nonprofit industry is forcing many organizations to do more with less, resulting in stress and burnout that only worsens staff turnover. How can we expect nonprofits to go out and make the world a better place if the organizations themselves are not well? In today's episode, we take a deep dive into the topic of organiza…

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Beyond the Boardroom: The Open Strategy Revolution - Prof. Dr. Christian Stadler @Warwick Business School 49:10

1+ y ago49:10

49:10

"Identify your most important problems as an organization, and then think whether you have a way to address them. That's the sweet spot where you should concentrate your strategy on." In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Prof. Dr. Christian Stadler, a strategic management expert and Professor of Strategy from the Warwick Business School. To…

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Boost Donor Engagement with Messaging That Matters 34:27

2y ago34:27

34:27

Messaging that engages your audience is the key to good fundraising, which in turn is what allows your organization to deliver the programs and services that impact your community. In today's episode, we examine the 5 essential elements of messaging, share real world examples of how to apply them, discuss pitfalls to watch out for, and more. Want t…

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Measuring More than Money: Why Donor Relationships Matter (with Michele Rebeor and Elizabeth Silverstein) 40:26

2y ago40:26

40:26

The percentage of individuals giving to nonprofits has reached its lowest point in 40 years. This "giving crisis" has led to an overreliance on major gifts that isn't sustainable for most nonprofits. In today's episode, we discuss why measuring donor relationships (not just revenue) must be a part of your fundraising plan, how to enroll your leader…

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Meaningful Donor Relationships: The Key to Financial Stability (with Lisa Greer and Sami Zoss) 56:07

2y ago56:07

56:07

Good donor relationships where supporters are engaged and satisfied with giving to your nonprofit can have a profound effect on the success of your organization. More than just ensuring financial support, meaningful relationships with donors foster trust, loyalty, and a sense of shared purpose. In today's episode, we will discuss common stewardship…

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Über den Nutzen von Foresight und Szenarien - Carolin Šalé & Steffen Kuhn @Detecon Consulting 43:32

2y ago43:32

43:32

„Foresight ist etwas, das man kontinuierlich betreiben sollte und nicht erst im Krisenmodus. Wenn ich mich kontinuierlich mit der Zukunft beschäftige, dann werde ich in der Regel auch nicht so oft überrascht und kann die eine oder andere Sache viel schneller umsetzen in der Organisation oder vielleicht eine Strategie anpassen.“ In dieser Folge habe…

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Donor Behavior Is Changing: Insights from Chronicle of Philanthropy's New Fundraiser Survey 37:42

2y ago37:42

37:42

The Chronicle of Philanthropy's 2023 survey of 1000 fundraisers reveals much about how donor behavior is changing and the impact that's having on nonprofit fundraising. In today's podcast episode, the IPM team digs deep into the data to help explain why donors are responding differently now and what nonprofits can do to meet their financial and mis…

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Navigating Tomorrow's World: Insights into Futures Studies - Daria Krivonos @Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies 47:12

2y ago47:12

47:12

"The future is always important but never urgent". In this episode, we step into the world of foresight and future studies by introducing you to Daria (Dasha) Krivonos, CEO of the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies. We kick things off with a glimpse into what the institute is all about, setting the stage for an exploration of how the field of…

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Crunching Numbers and Trends in the Snack Industry - Barbara Schandl @Mondelēz International 50:07

2y ago50:07

50:07

"Even more important than looking at the snacking industry is looking outside the box to see what is changing in consumer behavior, but also to see how certain trends complete the bigger picture." In this episode, we welcome Barbara Schandl from Mondelēz International. With more than 25 years of experience in consumer research and marketing at a gl…

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Tips for 2023 Year-End Fundraising (and How to Prepare for 2024) 32:23

2y ago32:23

32:23

Given that 30% of annual giving happens in December, it's crucial for nonprofits to have a winning year-end fundraising strategy. Calendar year-end fundraising leverages end-of-year tax benefits to motivate donors to give, while also aligning with the holiday spirit when people are more inclined to be charitable. In today's podcast episode, the IPM…

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Next-Level Venture Clientin - Ronja Stoffregen @DB Schenker 41:36

2y ago41:36

41:36

“Make sure you actually solve the problem and make sure you know your audience. By that I mean know who's your champion inside the organization.”In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Ronja Stoffregen, Head of Global Startup Management at DB Schenker, co-author, and lecturer at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. Together with Ronja…

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Inflation and Impact: How Nonprofits Are Navigating Economic Realities (with Ali Colbran and Nicole Williams) 37:19

2y ago37:19

37:19

With inflation rates peaking at 9.1% last summer (the highest since 1981), nonprofits are feeling the strain. Higher prices drive up the cost to provide programs and services while also increasing demand for those services; on the fundraising side, every dollar raised has less buying power. In today's episode, we'll look at how two nonprofits fight…