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.

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

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

Nonprofits know that digital engagement is essential, but too often, their marketing efforts feel disconnected—social media posts, emails, fundraising campaigns, and website updates can feel like separate pieces rather than a cohesive strategy.

Enter Neal Schaffer, a leading authority on digital transformation in sales and marketing, and author of the new book Digital Threads. Neal joins us to share how nonprofits can use this innovative marketing approach to create stronger relationships, better engagement, and more sustainable growth in the digital space.

In this episode, we discuss:
✅ What the Digital Threads concept is and why it matters
✅ How nonprofits can move beyond one-off marketing campaigns and create lasting engagement
✅ Why traditional digital marketing strategies no longer work as they once did
✅ Actionable steps to start weaving Digital Threads into your nonprofit’s outreach

Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or marketer, this episode will give you a new way to think about digital engagement and how to make it more effective.

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

Resources Mentioned:

• Neal Schaffer’s Digital Threads – Free Preview
• Neal’s Podcast: Maximize Your Social Influence
• PDCA Social

🪷🪷 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

Community foundations have long been the quiet force behind local philanthropy, but how can they step into the spotlight and inspire action on a national scale? In this episode I sit down with Peter Panepento, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Turn Two Communications and Elyse Hammett, Vice President, Marketing and Communications at Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta to discuss the groundbreaking Make More Possible campaign—an effort to create a true national brand for community foundations.

Peter shares insights on how social good organizations can align their messaging with their mission and values to better connect with audiences. He also dives into the power of strategic storytelling and why today’s donors need a fresh, engaging approach to philanthropy. If you're looking for ways to amplify your nonprofit’s message and make a greater impact, this conversation is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

• The role of community foundations in strengthening local and national philanthropy.
• How the Make More Possible campaign is changing the narrative around community foundations.
• Why storytelling is crucial in engaging modern donors and inspiring action.
• Strategies for aligning your organization’s messaging with mission and values.
• How nonprofits can elevate their visibility and influence through effective communication.

Resources and Links:

• For more information on Turn Two Communications the agency behind the campaign: https://www.turn-two.co/
• For more details on the Community Foundation Awareness Initiative and the “Make More Possible” campaign, visit MakeMorePossible.org.
• For more information on the Greater Atlanta Community Foundation: https://cfgreateratlanta.org/

🪷🪷 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

What if the key to innovation isn’t following best practices—but seeing what others miss? I sit down with Rohit Bhargava, bestselling author, futurist, and expert in non-obvious thinking, to explore how nonprofit leaders can break free from conventional wisdom and discover fresh ideas.

Rohit’s latest book, Non-Obvious Thinking: How to See What Others Miss, introduces a four-step framework (SIFT) to help leaders generate better ideas, uncover hidden insights, and rethink the way they work. We’ll discuss how nonprofits can apply these principles to fundraising, storytelling, innovation, and diversity & belonging—even with limited resources.

If you’re looking to think bigger, disrupt the status quo, and make your nonprofit stand out, this conversation is for you!

In This Episode, We Discuss:

✅ What “Non-Obvious Thinking” really means—and why it’s a game-changer for nonprofits
✅ The SIFT framework (Space, Insight, Focus, Twist) and how nonprofit leaders can use it to generate new ideas and innovative strategies
✅ How to stand out in fundraising, storytelling, and donor engagement with a fresh approach
✅ The power of observation—and how leaders can spot opportunities that others overlook
✅ Why diversity and belonging drive creativity—and how nonprofits can foster inclusion in non-obvious ways
✅ Actionable strategies for breaking out of conventional thinking—even with tight budgets and limited time

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

Resources and Links:

• 📖 Get Rohit’s new book → Non-Obvious Thinking: How to See What Others Miss
• 🌎 Follow Rohit & The Non-Obvious Company → www.nonobvious.com
• 📢 Connect with Rohit on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/rohitbhargava

🪷🪷 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

Donor retention is more than just a fundraising metric—it’s the key to nonprofit sustainability. Yet, retention rates remain stubbornly low. In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Mercurio, Market Researcher at Bloomerang, to discuss the findings from their latest report, Mission Retainable: Research-Backed Strategies to Inspire Donor Loyalty.

We explore:

• Why donors give but don’t always stay
• The biggest challenges in donor retention
• Strategies high-retention nonprofits use to build loyalty
• How technology, personalization, and transparency can improve donor engagement
• Actionable steps nonprofits can take to bridge the gap between donor expectations and nonprofit actions

Watch the LinkedIn Live recording here.

Resources & Links

• 📄 Mission Retainable: Research-Backed Strategies to Inspire Donor Loyalty – Download the Report
• 📢 Learn more about Bloomerang
• 📩 Connect with Wendy Mercurio on LinkedIn

🪷🪷 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

How do you get real people—especially those deeply embedded in their communities—to amplify your cause in a meaningful way? Traditional influencer marketing often focuses on celebrities, but micro influencers—everyday people with strong, trusted networks—are proving to be far more effective for building lasting engagement.

This week, we’re joined by Ryan Davis, Co-founder & COO of People First, a company that identifies, recruits, and manages content from diverse communities by blending technology with human organizing. Ryan shares how nonprofits, advocacy groups, and mission-driven brands can tap into micro influencer marketing at scale to reach the right audiences with the right message.

We’ll discuss:

✅ The difference between traditional influencer marketing and precision micro influencer marketing
✅ Why smaller, community-based influencers have more impact than celebrity endorsements
✅ How People First combines technology and human organizers to build large-scale grassroots campaigns
✅ Best practices for nonprofits looking to leverage influencer marketing effectively

If your organization wants to reach more people with authentic, community-driven messaging, this episode is for you!

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

Links and Resources

• People First Website
• The Month In Digital

🪷🪷 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