How to Engage Millennial and Gen Z Donors: Make Them Partners in Progress (with Derrick Feldmann)
NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
Release Date: 10/23/2024
NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
For nonprofits, stories matter. But the underlying narratives that shape how people make sense of the world matter even more. As narrative change takes on a larger role in strategic planning, leaders, boards, and funders are asking a critical question: How do we know if it’s actually working? In today's episode, Josh Gryniewicz and Brett Davidson discuss ways nonprofits of all sizes can measure the impact of narrative change work and why that measurement matters. Tune in to learn practical frameworks for assessing narrative impact, including how to think collaboratively, how to spot...
info_outlineNPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
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 power ecosystems — what they are, how they work, and why they're reshaping the nonprofit-funder relationship. Tune in to learn how to identify your power ecosystem, build collective power, and engage private funders more effectively. Want to...
info_outlineNPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
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 perspective on systems change, community listening, and narrative strategy. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to . Additional Resources ...
info_outlineNPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
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 on donor retention, stewardship through storytelling, and direct mail strategies to re-engage lapsed donors and strengthen your donor pipeline. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with...
info_outlineNPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
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 to shape storytelling at every level so your nonprofit’s communications and fundraising efforts connect more deeply and deliver greater impact. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the...
info_outlineNPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
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 Conference presentation with a special Q&A designed to help you apply narrative strategy to real world challenges. Tune in as they workshop specific examples for nonprofits, big and small. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit...
info_outlineNPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
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 society. In today's episode, we discuss how we got here, what's changing, and where the sector can and should go next. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX...
info_outlineNPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
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 feel seen and appreciated, and how his passionate, human-centered stewardship transforms supporters into mission advocates. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX...
info_outlineNPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
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 using both fictional and non-fictional narratives to reveal deeper truths that challenge the status quo and create more genuine, transformative communication. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an...
info_outlineNPFX: 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. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode?...
info_outlineAs 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.
Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to contact@ipmadvancement.com.
Additional Resources
Derrick Feldmann's Movement Notes
https://www.movementnotes.com/
[NPFX] Giving USA 2023: Key Insights behind the Numbers
https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/giving-usa-2023-key-insights-behind-the-numbers
[NPFX] Next Gen Donors and the Arts (with Jaimie Mayer)
https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/next-gen-donors-and-the-arts
Derrick Feldmann is recognized internationally as a leading researcher and advisor on social issues, movements, and consumer public action. Producing and leading nearly two dozen research studies a year, Feldmann has built an impressive body of research and insights into how and why the public takes action for change. He is the author of three books: The Corporate Social Mind — How Companies Lead Social Change From the Inside Out; Social Movements for Good — How Companies and Causes Create Viral Change; and Cause for Change — The Why and How of Nonprofit Millennial Engagement. Feldmann currently splits his time between social issue research and advisory firm ISG Research Advisors and the Ad Council Research Institute, where he oversees public research studies on pressing issues affecting Americans. Before ISG, Feldmann led the research team for the Millennial Impact Project with The Case Foundation, producing the comprehensive Millennial Impact Reports on how and why millennials choose to engage in cause movements.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrickfeldmann/
https://www.derrickfeldmann.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.
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/