The Intersection of Organizational Wellness and Impact (with Shaun Leonardo and Melissa Cowley Wolf)
NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
Release Date: 03/21/2024
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_outlineA 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 organizational wellness to help nonprofits improve their internal health and increase their impact.
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
[NPFX] How to Prevent Nonprofit Staff Burnout and Create a Culture of Wellness
https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/how-to-prevent-nonprofit-staff-burnout-and-create-a-culture-of-wellness
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
[NPFX] Self-Care for Nonprofit Fundraisers: How to Avoid Burnout
https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/self-care-for-nonprofit-fundraisers-how-to-avoid-burnout
5 Ways to Improve Your Fundraising Team’s Morale
https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/5-ways-to-improve-your-fundraising-team-s-morale
Shaun Leonardo, a Brooklyn-based artist and Co-Director of the arts nonprofit Recess, specializes in multidisciplinary work that negotiates societal expectations of manhood, namely definitions surrounding black and brown masculinities, along with its notions of achievement, collective identity, and experience of failure. His performance practice, anchored by his work in Assembly — a diversion program for system-impacted youth at Recess — is participatory and invested in a process of embodiment. Shaun received his MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute and is a recipient of support from Creative Capital, Guggenheim Social Practice, Art for Justice and A Blade of Grass. His work has been featured at The Guggenheim Museum, the High Line, and New Museum, and profiled in the New York Times and CNN. His solo exhibition, The Breath of Empty Space, was presented at MICA, MASS MoCA and The Bronx Museum. And his first major public art commission, Between Four Freedoms, premiered at Four Freedoms Park Conservancy, in the fall of 2021.
https://shaunleonardo.com/
Melissa Cowley Wolf has 20 years of experience in philanthropy, strategic planning, and programming for art museums and higher education institutions across the United States. A philanthropy consultant for nonprofit organizations, an advisor to next generation philanthropists, and arts advocate working across industries, she was named to the Artnet 2020 Innovators List as one of 51 global innovators transforming the art industry. Melissa founded advising firm MCW Projects LLC in 2017 to expand the next generation of cultural philanthropists, advocates, and audiences. She is also the founding director of the Arts Funders Forum (AFF) an advocacy, media, convening, and research platform designed to develop new models of impact-driven financial support for the cultural sector.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-cowley-wolf-6440a79/
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.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/
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.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richfrazier/