How to Prevent Nonprofit Staff Burnout and Create a Culture of Wellness (with Dr. Evisha Ford)
NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
Release Date: 06/05/2023
Donor Stewardship: Helping Donors Find Meaning through Philanthropy (with Sami Zoss and Dzenan Berberovic)
NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
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 what they truly seek: a lasting sense of purpose and impact. Learn why stewardship isn’t just a follow-up tactic — it’s central to transformative fundraising. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: Want to suggest a topic,...
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Building Resilience in the Face of Funding Cuts (with Laura Rosi and Elizabeth Silverstein)
NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
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 brings, and share key criteria for choosing the right advisor to help your nonprofit thrive. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an...
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Advocacy Matters: Defending Federal Funding for Nonprofits (with Pat Libby, Kendra Davenport, and Shannon McCracken)
NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
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 voice heard and protect the funding that fuels your mission. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX...
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Federal Funding Uncertainty: How to Assess the Risks and Respond Strategically (with Lauren Steiner, Anne Newland, and Beth Silverstein)
NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
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. With insights on collaboration, donor communication, impact assessments, and advocacy, this episode offers a lifeline to nonprofits facing unprecedented challenges. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: Want to suggest a topic,...
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10 Lessons Nonprofits Learned Last Year — and How to Thrive in 2025
NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
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 value of unrestricted funds for capacity building, and more — plus a message of inspiration that every nonprofit should hear. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for...
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Special Invitation for Listeners: What's Your Most Valuable Lesson from 2024?
NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
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 taking away from your nonprofit experience in 2024? Send your answer by email to [email protected] with the subject line "2024 lesson." If you'd like us to mention you on the episode, be sure to include your name, your title, and the...
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Leading through Layers: Communication Strategies to Align Your Team (with Beth Napleton, Christina Lear, and Amy Tamura)
NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
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 fostering clear communication, and strategies for creating more engaged teams, safer environments for feedback, and ultimately, greater impact in your mission. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: Want to suggest a...
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How to Engage Millennial and Gen Z Donors: Make Them Partners in Progress (with Derrick Feldmann)
NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
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 donors of all ages. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to . Additional Resources ...
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Leveraging AI as Your Nonprofit Thought Partner (with Shereese Floyd)
NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
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. We’ll also explore how AI can be implemented safely and responsibly to free up time for higher-impact work and offer fresh solutions to longstanding challenges. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: Want to suggest a...
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Flipping the Script: Using Narrative Strategy to Improve Messaging and Prevent Donor Attrition (with Josh Gryniewicz)
NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
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 message to the right audience, inspiring greater commitment to your mission. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the...
info_outlineStaff turnover has become a challenge for many nonprofits. Increasing numbers of nonprofit employees report feeling stressed and burned out. In today’s podcast episode, we sit down with Dr. Evisha Ford to discuss what causes nonprofit burnout and how both the individual and the organization can create a culture of wellness and support.
Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners:
http://www.ipmadvancement.com/free
Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to [email protected].
Additional Resources
IPM's free Nonprofit Resource Library:
https://www.ipmadvancement.com/resources
Benches in the Bathroom: Leading a Physically, Emotionally, and Socially Safe School Culture by Evisha Ford
https://www.amazon.com/Benches-Bathroom-Physically-Emotionally-attrition/dp/1954631553/
[NPFX] Self-Care for Nonprofit Fundraisers: How to Avoid Burnout
https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/self-care-for-nonprofit-fundraisers-how-to-avoid-burnout
Nonprofit Staff Retention, Part 1: Are Higher Salaries Really the Answer?
https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/nonprofit-staff-retention-are-higher-salaries-really-the-answer
Nonprofit Staff Retention, Part 2: How to Attract and Keep the Best Employees
https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/nonprofit-staff-retention-how-to-attract-and-keep-the-best-employees
5 Ways to Improve Your Fundraising Team’s Morale
https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/5-ways-to-improve-your-fundraising-team-s-morale
Best Wellness Practices for Nonprofit Fundraisers (#4 Might Surprise You)
https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/best-wellness-practices-for-nonprofit-fundraisers-4-might-surprise-you
Dr. Evisha Ford is the Founding Executive Director of iCan Dream Center, a therapeutic school in Illinois, that serves the needs of neurodiverse learners and their families. She began her career serving inner-city homeless youth in Chicago and worked with various community agencies to build their capacity to support the needs of vulnerable youth. She specializes in trauma-compassionate leadership, program design, cultural and racial equity, developing continuums of service for diverse learners. She is author of Benches in the Bathroom: Leading a Physically, Emotionally, and Socially Safe School Culture. Additionally, Dr. Ford serve as President of the Board for the United Way Blue Island Robbins Neighborhood Network. She has received numerous awards, including “Woman of the Year” by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, the Paige Award for her impact within the special needs community, and the “Dream Maker Award” from the Bronzeville Children’s Museum of Chicago. In July 2018, she was honored as one of the influential “100 Black Women in Chicago” for her educational contributions. In July 2022, Dr. Ford received her most generous recognition as “best mom ever” granted by her two sons. To lean more about Dr. Ford’s work, visit her website www.drevisha.com.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drevisha/
https://icandreamcenter.com/
Russ Phaneuf, a co-founder of IPM Advancement, has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics.
Rich Frazier has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years. In his role as senior consultant with IPM Advancement, Rich offers extensive understanding and knowledge in major gifts program management, fund development, strategic planning, and board of directors development.