We’re often told to “be more curious,” but how do you actually develop curiosity as a skill? And how can curiosity be used as a powerful tool in nonprofit and philanthropy communicators?

In this episode, I talk with Leo Chan, founder and Chief Innovation Igniter of Abound Innovation Inc., to explore how curiosity fuels creativity, improves storytelling, and leads to fresh, innovative solutions in nonprofit communications. Leo, a former Innovation Catalyst at Chick-fil-A, a LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® facilitator, and a LinkedIn Learning instructor, shares hands-on techniques to cultivate curiosity and apply it to your work.

We dive into:

✅ The foundations of curiosity and why it matters in nonprofit communications
✅ How curiosity fuels innovation and creativity—even on a limited budget
✅ Practical tools and exercises to become more curious every day
✅ What LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is—and how it unlocks new ways of thinking
✅ How to foster a culture of curiosity within nonprofit teams

Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, communicator, or fundraiser, this episode will help you harness curiosity to improve messaging, engage supporters, and drive greater impact.

Resources and links:

• https://aboundinnovation.ca/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/everyonecaninnovate/

🎙️ Subscribe & Leave a Review! Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more nonprofit professionals discover the power of curiosity in communications!

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars. Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!
Ready to join them? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact.

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Growing your nonprofit’s email list is one thing—but turning subscribers into engaged donors is another. In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I talk with nonprofit digital marketing expert Chris Barlow, founder of Beeline Marketing, to discuss how nonprofits can consistently grow their audience and cultivate relationships that lead to first-time donations.

Chris shares expert insights on ethical email list-building strategies, crafting engaging content that nurtures trust, and using storytelling to inspire action. Whether you're struggling to grow your list or wondering why your emails aren’t converting, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you optimize your email marketing strategy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why email remains one of the most powerful donor acquisition tools
✅ The most effective (and ethical) ways to grow your email list
✅ How to create a compelling welcome email sequence that nurtures trust
✅ Strategies to engage subscribers without overwhelming them with fundraising appeals
✅ Proven techniques for converting email subscribers into first-time donors
✅ Key email marketing metrics nonprofits should track for long-term success

About Chris Barlow:
Chris Barlow is the founder and Managing Director of Beeline Marketing, a firm dedicated to helping nonprofits attract and engage donors through digital marketing. With years of experience working exclusively with mission-driven organizations, Chris specializes in donor-centered strategies that build relationships and drive sustainable growth.

Learn more at yourbeeline.com.

Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Childbirth is a universally significant experience, but for too many mothers around the world, it is also a life-threatening one. In this episode, we explore the urgent maternal health crisis in sub-Saharan Africa and the power of storytelling to drive change.

Joining us are Charlie Kunzer, Executive Director of ALIMA USA, and Neda Azarfar, Managing Director of Nazar Works. They take us behind the scenes of ALIMA’s “Ode to Strangers” campaign, a powerful digital storytelling initiative that sheds light on the life-saving impact of compassionate strangers.

Through real-life stories, immersive animations, and emotional narration, the campaign illustrates how individuals—even those thousands of miles away—can make a difference for mothers and newborns in crisis.

Tune in to learn:

• Why maternal mortality remains a global crisis and how ALIMA is addressing it.
• How digital storytelling is being used to engage audiences and inspire action.
• What nonprofits can learn from the campaign’s innovative approach to advocacy.
• How you can become a “stranger who cares” and support maternal health worldwide.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about global health, nonprofit storytelling, and making a real impact in the world.

Resources & Links:

📌 Learn more about ALIMA’s “Ode to Strangers” campaign: https://odetostrangers.alima.ngo/
📌 Support ALIMA’s life-saving work: https://alima.ngo/en/
📌 Follow ALIMA on social media for updates and stories.

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to Nonprofit Nation and leave us a review!

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars. Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!
Ready to join them? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact.

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts