NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange

Join the experts at IPM Advancement for discussion and insights into nonprofit fundraising, membership, advocacy and more. Each show covers a different aspect of advancement, with topics ranging from annual giving to capital campaigns and everything in between.

NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange is a business podcast hosted by IPM Advancement, with 93 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 82.

IPM Advancement hosts NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange, a business show with 93 episodes published.

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  Episode #12

  Your Next Major Donor Will Come from Your Recurring Giving Program (with Dave Raley)

  Sep 23, 202635 minS7

  What do you do when total charitable giving hits an all-time high but your donor file keeps shrinking ? The answer might be a strategy you've assumed isn't for your organization — recurring giving. In this episode, Russ Phaneuf interviews Dave Raley, founder and CEO of the Center for Sustainable Giving. Learn why your next major donor (and legacy donor) might already be giving you $10 a month , why recurring giving is more accessible to more nonprofits now than at any other point in history, how investing in a sustainer program pays off this year and not "someday," and ways to get started today without tote bags or fancy membership tiers. 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 [NPFX] Why Monthly Giving Matters for Every Nonprofit Organization https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/why-monthly-giving-matters-for-every-nonprofit-organization The Sustainable Giving Growth Blueprint https://www.sustainablegiving.org/blueprint Your Next Major Donor Is Already Giving Monthly by Dave Raley https://www.sustainablegiving.org/articles/your-next-major-donor-is-already-giving-monthly Why Sustainable Giving Requires Rethinking Nonprofit Finance by Dave Raley https://www.sustainablegiving.org/articles/why-sustainable-giving-requires-rethinking-nonprofit-finance Guest Dave Raley is an author, advisor, and the Founder & CEO of The Center for Sustainable Giving . He's the author of The Rise of Sustainable Giving and writes a weekly column called The Wave Report. As an advisor and speaker, he has worked with thousands of nonprofit leaders to grow both personally and organizationally. Dave also hosts the Sustainable Giving Podcast , a show that shines a light on what's working in sustainable giving. https://www.linkedin.com/in/draley/ https://www.sustainablegiving.org/ https://www.imago.consulting/book https://www.sustainablegiving.org/podcast Host 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/ https://www.ipmadvancement.com/ Connect with NPFX LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/npfx/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/npfxpodcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/npfx_podcast/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ipmadvancement

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  Episode #11

  The Conversation That Will Change How You Talk to Funders (Grounded Leadership with Melissa Cowley Wolf and Jaimie Mayer)

  Aug 31, 202630 minS7

  Too many nonprofits still act as if funders hold all the power. In reality, many of today's most generous foundations and donors are actively looking for bold, aspirational partners who can help them create meaningful change. In this episode, Melissa Cowley Wolf talks with Jaimie Mayer, founder of Middle Child Philanthropy and former chair of the Nathan Cummings Foundation, about what it looks like when nonprofits stop behaving like "grantees" and start showing up as strategic partners. You'll learn why the old funder/fundee dynamic no longer works, what today's funders are really looking for in nonprofit leaders, and how to tap a funder's totality of assets — from grants and impact investments to communications and connections. 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 [NPFX] Greater Visibility Equals More Funding https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/greater-visibility-equals-more-funding [NPFX] Next Gen Donors and the Arts (with Jaimie Mayer) https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/next-gen-donors-and-the-arts [NPFX] Why Change Feels Impossible — And Why Your Funding Depends on It https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/why-change-feels-impossible-and-why-your-funding-depends-on-it-grounded-leadership [NPFX] Why Consistency Is Your Strategic Advantage https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/grounded-leadership-why-consistency-is-your-strategic-advantage Guest Jaimie Mayer is the Founder of Middle Child Philanthropy , partnering with families and philanthropic leaders to transform how values, power, and wealth move across generations. She recently completed a seven-year tenure as Chair of the Nathan Cummings Foundation. Under her leadership, the Board unanimously voted to shift 100% of the foundation's assets into mission-aligned investments, partnering with a values-aligned OCIO and deepening its commitment to racial, economic, and environmental justice. Jaimie holds an Executive MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and an MFA in Theatre Management and Producing from Columbia University's School of the Arts. She serves as Vice President of The Mayer-Rothschild Foundation and sits on the boards of the Nathan Cummings Foundation, the National Center for Family Philanthropy, Caramoor, and The Vineyard Theatre, as well as Morgan Stanley's Diversity Portfolios Advisory Council. She is a frequent speaker on multigenerational philanthropy, next generation leadership, impact investing, and values alignment in giving. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimiemayer/ https://www.middlechildphilanthropy.com/ Host Melissa Cowley Wolf is a strategic advisor, executive coach, author, and speaker working at the intersection of leadership, organizational impact, and philanthropic strategy. She is the founder of MCW Projects LLC , an advisory firm focused on next-era executive development and mission-driven strategy for leaders seeking meaningful impact. With more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy, leadership coaching, and campaign strategy — including work on campaigns up to $4 billion — Melissa has partnered with leading cultural, corporate, and academic institutions, philanthropists, and changemakers. Her coaching approach integrates wellness and somatic practices to help executives build clarity, groundedness, and strategic insight in a volatile environment. Named a Global Innovator Transforming the Art Industry, Melissa also directs the Arts Funders Forum, a platform advancing private support and new financial models for the cultural sector. https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-cowley-wolf-6440a79/ https://www.mcw-projects.com/ Connect with NPFX LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/npfx/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/npfxpodcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/npfx_podcast/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ipmadvancement

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  Episode #8

  Greater Visibility Equals More Funding (with Jenn DeBarge Goonan)

  Jul 1, 202629 minS7

  For nonprofits that want to grow their impact, being invisible is not an option. In a crowded, distracted landscape where donors and funders are overwhelmed with messages, nonprofits that fail to show up clearly and consistently are being passed over for those that communicate with intention. In today's episode, Russ interviews Jenn DeBarge Goonan to discuss how a clear, strategic communications approach can keep your organization top-of-mind with the people who matter most. Tune in to find out exactly how much a lack of visibility might be costing your nonprofit in lost funding, credibility, and momentum. 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 [NPFX] When You Don't Message Enough: How Humility Can Kill Your Fundraising https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/when-you-dont-message-enough-how-humility-can-kill-your-fundraising-narrative-strategy [NPFX] Leading through Layers: Communication Strategies to Align Your Team https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/leading-through-layers-communication-strategies-to-align-your-team "Greatest Good" Substack https://jenndebargegoonan2.substack.com/ Jenn's Visibility Checklist: 1. Online presence — Your website is easy to find and built for how people actually search. That means SEO and AEO (optimized for AI search tools like ChatGPT). 2. Ongoing media attention — Industry trade, local press, national coverage. Third-party coverage is your street cred. It signals you're legit and worth funding. 3. Thought leadership — Your CEO or executive director needs to be out there. Podcasts, conferences, speaking engagements, LinkedIn. Push the person forward, not just the org. 4. Consistent social media — You can't go dark for 3-5 months. Out of sight, out of mind, especially with donors and partners. 5. Ecosystem partnerships — What associations, coalitions, or organizations are you connected to? Who you run with signals whether you should be taken seriously at the table. Guest Jenn DeBarge Goonan , founder of JAG Communications , has launched and elevated dozens of brands and nonprofits, from introducing Lululemon to the U.S. market to leading social justice campaigns and iconic product launches for Ben & Jerry's, and driving strategy for organizations like the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF), Bosch Community Fund, Dunkin' Foundation, Women Enabled Enterprises, ShopConsciously, and many others to help generate millions in revenue and move hearts to action. Jenn is also the author of Greatest Good on Substack that spotlights stories of changemakers, nonprofits, and purpose-driven businesses making an impact that offers clear ways for anyone to support, engage, and help move the positive work forward. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-debarge-goonan-4423a34/ https://www.jag-communications.com/ Host 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/ https://www.ipmadvancement.com/ Connect with NPFX LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/npfx/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/npfxpodcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/npfx_podcast/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ipmadvancement

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  Episode #7

  How Humility Can Kill Your Fundraising (Narrative Strategy with Josh Gryniewicz and Justin Reid)

  May 29, 202637 minS7

  What if sporadic communications are doing more damage to your fundraising than donor fatigue or a tight economy? In a sector where small, underfunded comms teams and pressure to "stay humble" are the norm, too many nonprofits are under-communicating their impact and missing out on vital support and deeper donor connections. In today's episode, Josh Gryniewicz interviews Justin Reid to discuss the value of consistent, human-centered communication. Tune in to learn how to build basic narrative infrastructure even with a small team, use AI as scaffolding instead of generating more "slop," and create content that helps your donors and beneficiaries actually see themselves in your work. 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 [NPFX] How a $10M Mindset Can Break the "Who You Know" Funding Barrier https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/how-a-10m-mindset-can-break-the-who-you-know-funding-barrier [NPFX] Co-Creating Solutions: The Next Level of Community Listening https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/co-creating-solutions-the-next-level-of-community-listening-narrative-strategy [NPFX] How to Measure the Impact of Your Narrative Change Strategy https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/how-to-measure-the-impact-of-your-narrative-change-strategy [NPFX] Authentic, Ethical, and Effective Messaging — From Theory to Practice https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/authentic-ethical-and-effective-messaging-from-theory-to-practice Guest Justin "Jay" Reid is the founder of Renaissance Digital , a Durham, NC-based production company and consultancy built on narrative-led, culture-centered storytelling and creative infrastructure for organizations. Jay spent a decade developing content and communications strategy at Cities United, a national organization dedicated to supporting cities in reducing homicides and shootings through comprehensive public safety plans. That work shaped his approach to storytelling as advocacy, and his belief that narrative infrastructure is the key to producing consistent, quality content at scale. Through Renaissance Digital, Jay supports organizations and events with creative production and strategic consulting, developed an AI-powered content and storytelling tool, Creative Studio , and partners with organizations to develop the creative systems they need to show up consistently. At the center of Jay's work is culture as infrastructure: the thing that shapes how people connect, trust, and make meaning. https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinireid/ https://www.renaissance.digital/ https://studio.renaissance.digital/ Host Josh Gryniewicz is the founder and Chief Narrative Strategist at Odd Duck , a storytelling-for-social-change creative consultancy focused on impact-driven organizations. Josh is the co-author of the award-winning national bestseller, Interrupting Violence . For over a decade, he has worked in nonprofit communication. In 2018, he founded Odd Duck to combine his passions for storytelling and social change. The agency's Navigating Misinformation for Community Health framework has been shared with over a thousand community health organizations. Odd Duck has worked with nearly a hundred change-making organizations and advised hundreds more, including the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the Harvard School of Public Health, and the White House. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgryniewicz/ https://oddduck.io/ https://www.interruptingviolence.com/ Connect with NPFX LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/npfx/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/npfxpodcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/npfx_podcast/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ipmadvancement

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  Episode #6

  Fundraising from Proximity: The Power (and Burden) of Lived Experience (with Sadé Dozan)

  May 13, 202631 minS7

  Recent data suggests that more than half of nonprofit professionals are considering leaving their jobs — and those numbers climb even higher for frontline fundraisers. In today's episode, Sadé Dozan from Borealis Philanthropy joins Russ Phaneuf to discuss the "invisible labor" that might be burning you out faster than your actual workload. Tune in to learn how your lived experience can be a powerful asset instead of "baggage," ways to set internal boundaries to protect your emotional capacity when the work feels deeply personal, and why leadership needs to support a fundraiser's whole identity to finally break the cycle of employee turnover. 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 [NPFX] Authentic, Ethical, and Effective Messaging — From Theory to Practice (Bridge Conference Q&A) https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/authentic-ethical-and-effective-messaging-from-theory-to-practice [NPFX] Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Getting Started the Smart Way https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/peer-to-peer-fundraising-getting-started-the-smart-way [NPFX] Improve Donor Retention and Engagement with P2P Fundraising https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/improve-donor-retention-and-engagement-with-p2p-fundraising Guest Sadé Dozan is a philanthropic advisor and culturist, whose work sits at the intersection of wealth, care, culture, and power. She serves as Vice President of Advancement at Borealis Philanthropy , leading organization-wide fundraising and communications strategy during a period of profound sector transition. She is also the Founder of Melanate. , a movement infrastructure initiative cultivating leadership, narrative power, and resource fluency among Black women and gender-expansive people working in wealth and philanthropy. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sade-dozan-cap%C2%AE-cfre-9a496665/ https://borealisphilanthropy.org/ https://www.melanate.org/ Host 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/ https://www.ipmadvancement.com/ Connect with NPFX LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/npfx/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/npfxpodcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/npfx_podcast/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ipmadvancement

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