Libsyn Directory

Holistic communications for nonprofits with Meghan Speer

Release Date: 03/04/2025

Strategic podcasting for nonprofits with Andrea Klunder

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

How can nonprofits use podcasting strategically to strengthen community engagement, support learning and evaluation, and build long-term relationships? In episode 146 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, host Carol Hamilton and Andrea Klunder, founder of Creative Imposter Studios discuss: how nonprofits can use podcasting intentionally—not as a shiny communications add-on that fizzles after the original project champion leaves the organization, but as a tool that solves real organizational problems. How podcasting is a flexible medium that can support learning, evaluation, community...

Podcasthon 2026: Nonprofit Sector Under Pressure: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

The nonprofit sector is under growing pressure, and this episode explores what’s at stake while making the case for its essential role in filling gaps, strengthening democracy, building community, and driving social change—grounded in a personal story of impact through The Arc of Montgomery County. In this special Podcasthon episode, Nonprofit Mission: Impact host Carol Hamilton situates the nonprofit sector within a broader moment of political and social pressure, naming both the challenges facing the sector and the essential role nonprofits play in society. She: - reflects on the...

Conferences & Convenings that Engage for Nonprofits & Associations with Lee Gimpel

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

Too many nonprofit and association conferences and convenings are built around logistics and tradition rather than purpose and participation. In episode 144 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Lee Gimpel challenge nonprofit and association leaders to rethink how convenings, conferences, and member events are designed. They discuss: why too many gatherings feel like a heavy lift that fails to deliver connection, energy, or real value. why traditional conference formats fall short—and what leaders can do differently. How effective events start with purpose,...

People Centered HR for Nonprofits with MR Rolfe

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

People-centered HR isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. Learn how nonprofit leaders can build equitable, transparent, and humane people practices that strengthen their organizations, even amid uncertainty and limited resources. In episode 143 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton speaks with Megan Rolfe about: what it really means to practice people-centered HR in nonprofit and social-change organizations—especially small teams navigating limited resources, rising uncertainty, and growing demands for equity. reframing HR not as a compliance or risk-management function, but...

When Strategy Meets Organization Design for Nonprofits with Jeanne Bell

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

Nonprofit organization design is about how an organization works: how decisions get made, how power flows, how people collaborate across boundaries, and how strategy actually gets translated into day-to-day action. In episode 142, of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Jeanne Bell dig deeply into why organization design—often overlooked or reduced to org charts—is actually a missing discipline nonprofits need to truly operationalize their strategy and values. They discuss: How nonprofits are too often stuck in false dichotomies (flat vs. hierarchical), Why too many...

Practicing Presence in Polarized Times for nonprofits and associations with Danielle Marshall

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

Polarization isn’t just a political issue—it’s a leadership challenge, and this episode examines how nonprofit leaders can respond with presence rather than reactivity. In this “Learning Out Loud" episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, host Carol Hamilton and guest Danielle Marshall explore how nonprofit leaders can navigate today’s polarized environment with greater awareness, empathy, and intention. Together they: Explore the tension between “winning” difficult conversations and staying grounded, clarifying purpose, and choosing ‘right relationship’ over being right. ...

Scenario Planning for Nonprofits in Uncertain Times with Carol Hamilton

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

As nonprofit leaders move into 2026, uncertainty no longer feels episodic—it feels constant. Scenario planning offers nonprofit leaders a practical way to navigate uncertainty by shifting from reactive decision-making to clearer priorities, stronger alignment, and more confident, values-aligned choices—even when the future is unpredictable. In this episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, host Carol Hamilton names the fatigue, overwhelm, and decision paralysis many leaders are carrying after this past year of heightened disruption. She introduces scenario planning as a practical, grounding...

[Re-release] Grounded presence for nonprofit leaders in chaotic times with Danielle Marshall

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

Explore how nonprofit leaders can cultivate grounded presence, clarify their sphere of control, and stay anchored in mission and values while leading through ongoing uncertainty and disruption. As nonprofit leaders continue navigating unprecedented levels of uncertainty, this “learning out loud” episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, host Carol Hamilton and guest Danielle Marshall offers a grounded, human-centered exploration of how leaders can steady themselves—and their organizations—amid chaos. Drawing on lived experience, strategic frameworks, and resilience practices, the...

Strategic questions for strategic thinking for nonprofit leaders with Carol Hamilton

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

Strategy for nonprofits is not a plan to perfect but a human practice—built through care, curiosity, and intentional choices in the face of uncertainty. As the year draws to a close, episode 138 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact brings together reflections from a wide range of nonprofit leaders and thinkers, all responding to one central question: What should nonprofit leaders ask themselves to be more strategic? Across topics as varied as crisis management, equity, careers, evaluation, organizational design, culture, and innovation, a clear throughline emerges—strategy is deeply human...

Navigating Through the In-Between with Interim Nonprofit Leadership with Erin Stratford Owens

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

How can nonprofit organizations navigate leadership transitions with steadiness and clarity? In episode 137 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with Erin Stratford Owens, a seasoned interim executive director to answer this question. Carol and Erin talk about: what makes interim leadership distinct from simply “holding down the fort” — it’s a time for honest reflection, system assessment, and preparing the path for what’s next. how boards and staff can make the most of an interim period, the common mistakes to avoid, and why slowing down to plan for...

More Episodes

In episode 118 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with Meghan Speer about the concept of holistic communication within nonprofit organizations. They discuss:

the importance of ensuring consistency and clarity across all communication channels to enhance donor engagement and confidence.
insights into breaking down silos, fostering collaboration among internal teams, and
how to map out donor touchpoints to deliver a seamless and human-centered experience.

The conversation highlights the need for nonprofits to align their messaging with donor expectations, adopt a long-term view, and prioritize appreciation to build lasting relationships.

Episode highlights:

[00:07:00] Defining Holistic Communication

[00:08:51] Real-World Impact of Communication Silos

[00:12:30] Mapping Communication Touchpoints

[00:18:30] Overcoming Campaign Fatigue

[00:23:00] Understanding Donor Behavior

[00:27:30] The Role of Gratitude in Donor Relationships

Key Takeaways for Nonprofit Leaders

Foster collaboration by breaking down silos and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Think beyond immediate campaign results and adopt a long-term view of donor engagement.
Invest in consistent, clear, and human-centered messaging across all communication channels.
Show appreciation and follow up with donors to maintain trust and connection.
Engage with everyday donors to gain valuable insights into their motivations and perceptions.

Guest Bio:

Meghan Speer serves as the Executive Director of Nonprofit Hub, a nonprofit educational site dedicated to providing excellent content and resources for those leading nonprofits. She is the host of the Nonprofit Hub radio podcast and has spoken at countless conferences and conventions helping leaders to craft holistic communication and donor strategies. For over 10 years, Meghan was with Marketing Support Network, serving in key executive roles focused on communications strategies that help organizations of all sizes grow and scale. Meghan lives in Pittsburgh, PA where she is active with many organizations serving her inner city neighborhood.

Important Links and Resources:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-speer55/

https://www.marketingsupportnetwork.com/

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