Nonprofit SnapCast

Erin Straza explains the difference between basic fundraising tactics and a true donor-engagement strategy, emphasizing that nonprofits often exhaust themselves with endless low-ROI tasks—especially social media—without first defining their “why” or mapping donor journeys. She stresses that strategic messaging, clarity of purpose, and relationship-building yield far stronger returns than disconnected tactical scrambles. Key takeaways include: Shift staff time away from low-impact busywork, build a donor-journey framework that can be used year after year Focus on personalized communication especially for high-capacity and high-passion donors Use strategy to reduce burnout and turnover by creating clarity and coherence in development work. e welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

In this conversation, fractional CFO Stephen Newland joins to break down what financial leadership actually looks like inside a nonprofit—and why it doesn’t need to be complicated. Stephen explains that his core role is acting as a financial translator: turning dense, intimidating financial reports into meaningful insights that help leaders make informed decisions. He emphasizes the critical role of forecasting, calling it one of the most underused yet most powerful tools available to nonprofits. While budgets are static snapshots, forecasts are “living, breathing documents” that give leaders visibility into the next 6–12 months. Without a forecast, executive directors are making decisions “in the dark,” relying on gut feelings instead of useful financial data. The conversation also tackles the cultural components of financial leadership—modeling curiosity, encouraging teams and boards to engage with the numbers, and demystifying the jargon-heavy language of finance. When leaders show interest in numbers, the rest of the organization follows. e welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Gustavo Zilberberg, CEO of Vitalcy, visits the SnapCast to introduce the company as a web-based platform that helps nonprofits build long-term financial stability by re-engaging and maintaining relationships with their community of supporters, including former members, staff, volunteers, and donors. Key takeaways: Nonprofits Are Leaving Support on the Table Vitalcy’s mission is to help organizations reconnect with the huge pool of former staff, volunteers, donors, and program participants who often fall out of touch simply because teams don’t have the bandwidth to engage them consistently. Bandwidth, Not Intent, Is the Problem Gustavo stresses that nonprofits want to steward these relationships, but day-to-day pressures keep them focused on immediate needs. Vitalcy automates the re-engagement process so this important work doesn’t get deprioritized. The Sector Has Become Too Transactional Fundraising often centers on asking for money rather than building lasting relationships. Vitalcy flips that model by cultivating community, mission alignment, and long-term loyalty—ultimately driving more predictable, recurring revenue. AI-Powered Content Keeps Supporters Connected The platform scrapes publicly available material, digitizes historical content, and uses AI (with nonprofit approval) to generate ongoing stories and updates that make supporters feel seen, remembered, and part of the mission. Subscription Pricing with Strong ROI Vitalcy charges a monthly subscription fee scaled to organizational size. One client—a summer camp—tripled its annual donations after using Vitalcy to re-engage its broader alumni community. Built for Long-Term Stability, Not Quick Wins Gustavo frames Vitalcy as infrastructure: a way for nonprofits to build durable financial health through consistent stewardship and relationship-building. He invites organizations to reach out and explore what the platform can do for them. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Daniel Gordani, founder of Global Health Shift, joins Mickey to discuss his nonprofit’s mission to close healthcare gaps by bringing permanent, free primary-care clinics to communities—especially U.S. “healthcare deserts” where 75 million people lack basic access. Unlike temporary relief models, his organization aims to build lasting clinics near universities, staffed by medical and nursing students supervised by licensed physicians. These sites would provide early detection, preventive care, and referrals through partnerships with hospitals and specialists, reducing both community health burdens and hospital system strain. Still in early stages and run entirely by volunteers, Global Health Shift faces major challenges: fundraising for multimillion-dollar clinic builds, navigating state-by-state regulations, and working within (or around) entrenched insurance systems. Gordani outlines an ambitious funding model centered on corporate philanthropy and PR visibility, and he invites collaborators to join the effort at globalhealthshift.org. e welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Mickey gets to visit with Amanda ReCupido to talk strategic plans, board and staff buy-in, and impact. Key topics discussed:- The importance of operationalizing a strategic plan, not just creating a document Strategies for getting board and staff buy-in and engagement with the strategic plan How a strategic planning process can expose issues and identify solutions across an organization (fundraising, communications, programs, etc.) Amanda's work with a local library foundation, helping them expand their advocacy role and identity beyond just supporting the library Tips for nonprofits, especially volunteer-run organizations, to maximize their impact and resources e welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Mickey reconnects with Gung Wong, CEO and co-founder of Civic Champs, for a look at the state of volunteerism as nonprofits head into 2026. Gung reflects on how volunteer engagement has shifted since Civic Champs launched in 2019 (through pre-pandemic growth, the collapse of in-person volunteering during COVID, and the slow climb back). Some key takeaways: Volunteerism has rebounded since COVID, with individual volunteers returning in 2023 and corporate engagement resurging in 2024 Adoption of volunteer management tech has increased from ~25% in 2019 to ~50% in 2025 Experienced volunteers boost new volunteer retention by 10%, but COVID caused an exodus of experienced talent Civic Champs learned to stay focused on core product development, avoiding distractions from tangential opportunities The conversation also covers the rise of volunteer management technology, with adoption of platforms and digital tools rising from about 25% in 2019 to roughly 50% today. Gung speaks candidly about Civic Champs’ own lessons, especially the importance of staying focused amid waves of “shiny object” opportunities during COVID. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Mickey learns about the Four Freedoms Fund, a national funder collaborative supporting immigrant justice, with its director Rini Chakraborty. Key Takeaways Four Freedoms Fund is a national funder collaborative that pools resources to support immigrant-led organizations across 48 states Collaborative funds offer more nimble, flexible funding and break funders out of silos for greater collective impact FFF focuses on equity, justice, and trust-based philanthropy, with a team of BIPOC immigrants with field expertise The fund has mobilized over $300 million in 20+ years to support grassroots immigrant-led organizations Overview of Four Freedoms Fund and Collaborative Funds National funder collaborative committed to building power/capacity of immigrant justice movement Pools resources from foundations, individual donors, donor-advised funds around shared vision Allows for more nimble, flexible, timely grantmaking than traditional philanthropy Acts as bridge between funders and community groups, finding/funding orgs often off national funders' radar Focuses on equity, justice, diverse teams closer to communities We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Mickey talks with Kate Viana about her new venture, Viana Communications, and its four brands supporting nonprofits. Key Takeaways Viana Communications launches with four integrated brands: Non-Toxic Nonprofits, Viana Social, Opscale, and Nonprofit Text The venture addresses timely nonprofit needs: culture, marketing, infrastructure, and AI-powered communications Kate's approach involves comprehensive observation and big-picture analysis to offer tailored, sustainable solutions Launch timeline: websites and online infrastructure expected mid-July 2025; subcontractor hiring planned for early 2026 We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Mickey gets to interview Jocelyn Chamra-Barrera, new ED of the Christie Center, discussing her transition to leadership and today's nonprofit challenges. Key Takeaways Jocelyn transitioned from clinical work to the executive role role, bringing valuable perspective as a person of color and Spanish speaker. Christie Center faces funding challenges but maintains strong community support and programs. Nonprofit sector experiencing instability, with some orgs closing/merging due to funding issues. Jocelyn emphasizes importance of self-care, team support, and strategic planning for sustainability.

Morgan Teel of Dance Waterloo visits the Snapcast to discuss social media strategies for small nonprofits, focusing on Dance Waterloo's approach. Key Takeaways Dance Waterloo prioritizes meaningful engagement over frequent social media posting, focusing on word-of-mouth marketing (89% trust from friends/family recommendations). Email list growth and strategic, purpose-driven social media use have been successful for the organization. Audience engagement through innovative performance formats (e.g., Spelling Bee) has led to increased attendance and community involvement. Disengaging from constant social media doesn't mean ignoring it; strategic, intentional use is key for small. The difference between audience growth vs. audience depth. Alternative ways to engage: Email lists, word of mouth, hotel/apartment collabs, SMS, and print. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

In this episode of The Nonprofit SnapCast, host Mickey Desai visits with Fish Stark, Executive Director of the American Humanist Association (AHA). Fish shares his journey into humanism, his vision for the movement, and the role nonprofits play in safeguarding democracy, empathy, and human dignity in a rapidly shifting cultural and political landscape. They discuss what humanism means today, the threats posed by rising authoritarianism, the importance of protecting religious freedom, and how nonprofits can step into advocacy without overstepping legal boundaries. Fish also emphasizes the vital role of empathy in civic life and why fostering meaning, purpose, and community is essential for both individuals and the nonprofit sector. Key Takeaways What Humanism Is: Humanism centers on inherent human worth, potential, and responsibility—valuing progress over tradition and people over dogma. Shifts in the Political Landscape: Stark reflects on entering his role before the 2024 election, expecting one trajectory, and now leading the AHA in defending pluralism and constitutional freedoms in a far more hostile climate. Nonprofits Under Pressure: From skepticism about NGOs to open attacks on institutions like Sesame Street, Fish explains why nonprofits must resist narratives designed to erode trust in community-based institutions. The “War on Empathy”: Efforts to discredit empathy as weakness are not supported by research. In fact, empathy strengthens resilience, emotional regulation, and pro-social behavior—qualities vital for healthy societies. Advocacy Within the Law: Nonprofits can (and should) speak out against harmful policies. While 501(c)(3) organizations cannot endorse candidates, they have the right to criticize government actions and advocate for their missions. Seeds of Change: Cultural shifts don’t happen overnight. Planting seeds—through storytelling, conversations, and creating community—builds the long-term foundation for transformation. Meaning & Leadership in Nonprofits: Stark urges nonprofit leaders to focus on helping people connect their work, giving, and participation to a deeper sense of purpose, especially in a world where loneliness and disconnection fuel extremism. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Adam Olenn, founder of Rustle and Spark branding agency, meets with Mickey to discuss effective storytelling techniques for nonprofits. Key Takeaways Storytelling is crucial for nonprofits to build trust, create emotional connections, and double donations Never lead with data; start with an emotional story about a single protagonist, then provide supporting statistics Train all staff and board members to tell authentic stories about the organization's impact Avoid naming emotions in stories; instead, use vivid sensory details to evoke feelings Among The Things We Discuss: The Power of Storytelling for Nonprofits Storytelling Structure and Techniques Internal Benefits of Storytelling Storytelling Resources and Training We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Kathy Bremer of Boardwalk Consulting and Dave Paule of Our Fundraising Search visit the SnapCast to discuss career reinventions and job search strategies. We focus on Kathy's new book "Headhunter Confidential" Key Takeaways Job seekers should focus on targeted, strategic networking rather than mass applying online Successful candidates demonstrate cultural fit and provide specific examples of past achievements Career transitions require understanding your strengths/motivations and translating skills to new contexts Nonprofits offer meaningful work but may pay less; candidates should align values and demonstrate transferable skills We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Jeff Schreifels of Veritus Group discusses trends and strategies for mid-level and major gift fundraising. Key Takeaways: Mid-level giving (typically $1,000-$9,999) is a growing focus, bridging small donors to major gifts Nonprofits should diversify revenue streams, especially those reliant on government/corporate funding AI can boost efficiency in fundraising, freeing up time for relationship-building Restructuring development teams for better alignment with donor needs is crucial We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

This episode of the Snap Cast podcast features an interview with freelance journalist Adrianne Murchison. Murchison discusses her transition to freelance work after being laid off from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and the challenges and opportunities of working as a freelance writer covering local and community issues. The conversation explores how national political themes and policy changes under the Trump administration have impacted local nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve. Murchison shares insights on the need for greater public and political engagement to address these issues, and the importance of cultivating hope, compassion, and authentic connections during challenging times. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Host Mickey Desai speaks with Beverly Means, founder of Transitions Pet Care, and Jennifer McCormick, a dedicated volunteer with the organization. About Transitions Pet Care: A 100% volunteer-run nonprofit organization that helps pet owners facing health challenges keep their beloved animals Services include free dog walking, litter box maintenance, veterinary care cost coverage, and temporary foster care for pets while owners are hospitalized Founded in 2020 by Beverly Means after she contemplated who would care for her own pets during a health crisis Key Insights: The organization focuses on addressing a critical need: preventing pet surrenders due to temporary human health challenges Beverly balances running the nonprofit with her full-time job as an auto underwriter by intentionally keeping the organization small and manageable Jennifer joined as a volunteer after seeing firsthand through her shelter work how many animals are surrendered due to owners' health issues Volunteer Management Highlights: The organization maintains clear boundaries for volunteers while providing support when needed Beverly's background as a social worker in healthcare helps her guide volunteers through challenging situations Zero tolerance for no-shows, as reliability is essential to the organization's mission Connect with Transitions Pet Care: Email: TransitionsPetCare@gmail.com Website: www.transitionspetcare.org Instagram: @TransitionsPetCare Support the Nonprofit SnapCast by finding us on Patreon. Every contribution helps produce more programming that serves the nonprofit sector.

Pat Libby returns to the SnapCast, bringing with her Travis Kemnitz, Executive Director of the San Diego Bird Alliance. Together, we talk about the work they did together, presenting a case study of their methods and results. Among the topics we discuss: Strategic Planning - What did the process look like? - What did you learn along the way? - How did the board respond to what you were learning? Were they resistant to change? - What’s happened since the plan was inked?        2. Everyone Needs A Jewish Mother - Lessons Learned as a New Executive Director How did you two meet? And how did you reconnect?  What are some key lessons you have learned since becoming an ED? Tips for a new ED or setting a new path for an organization. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Maria Perez is the Cause Marketing Consultant. She specializes in helping organizations grow their sponsor-partner initiatives. Among the questions we tackle: Why cause sponsorship is such an important revenue generation element for NPO's to pursue. Why do NPO's confuse patronage, corporate partnering and sponsorship?  What are the nuances and why are they important? Why do brands and companies sponsor? We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Pat Taggart is the Founder and Chief Creative of SkyBlue Creative, helping many nonprofits effectively use video as part of their communications portfolio. He visits the SnapCast to talk about the right way to create and use video. Among the things we cover: The biggest hurdle to promoting a non-profit on video is often the reluctance of leadership to put themselves on camera Tell vs. Compel    What can you film yourself vs. getting help from a pro  How/where to share  Video FAQs for non-profits We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Colleen Cook of High Tide returns to the SnapCast to talk about AI. Our conversation covers a wide breadth of knowledge regarding AI, its use and utility to the Nonprofit Sector. Among the things we discuss: Why nonprofits may be fearful of AI How my team is using AI  Considerations to make when selecting and using AI Potential of AI for nonprofit capacity building Generative AI Predictive AI Natural Language Query Use cases of AI in an organization How we're thinking about deep AI integration for the nonprofit sector in HighTide We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.