Health Nonprofit Digital Marketing

Nonprofit marcomm teams are often seen as the group that just "makes things look nice," but that perception seriously undervalues their strategic contributions. In this episode, Spencer Brooks is joined by marketing consultant Teri Wade to explore how marcomm leaders can educate and collaborate more effectively with non-marcomm colleagues. We talk about clarifying the marcomm process, advocating for early involvement, and positioning communications as both a strategic and service function. If you're a nonprofit communicator looking to build better cross-functional partnerships and increase the strategic value of your team, this episode is for you. About the guest Teri Wade’s New York-based consulting practice, Mission & Message, specializes in providing communications strategies and services that help nonprofits and social sector organizations raise their visibility and advance their organizational goals. They provide strategic communications planning and implementation, marketing and branding services, and editorial services and content development, including video production.  Teri has more than 25 years of experience working for and with small- to medium-sized nonprofit and social sector organizations in a range of fields, including education, philanthropy, social research, both as a consultant and leading in-house teams. For the last 15 years she has primarily worked with health and human services organizations. She also provides interim communications leadership and support to organizations while they are conducting searches for permanent communications executive and staff positions. Resources Public Relations Society of America: https://www.prsa.org/American Marketing Association: https://www.ama.org/The Communications Network: https://www.comnetwork.org/ Contact Teri Website: https://www.missionandmessageny.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teriwade/

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) officially took effect on June 28, 2025. While it’s EU legislation, it may have serious implications for health-focused nonprofits here in the U.S. and Canada. If your organization offers digital services or content online, especially if it’s accessible to EU users, this law might apply to you. In this episode, Spencer breaks down what the EAA is, how to tell if your nonprofit is affected, and what to do if you're on the hook. You'll hear real-world examples, a plain-language checklist, and practical steps to reduce risk while improving digital inclusion. Resources The European Accessibility Act: What North American Health Nonprofits Need to Know Contact Spencer Email: spencer@brooks.digital

Many health-focused nonprofits start with a passionate founder but struggle to scale beyond a one-person operation. In this episode, host Spencer Brooks speaks with Dr. Kirk Adams, consultant and former CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind, about a proven model for turning founder-led organizations into sustainable, multi-staffed nonprofits. Communications leaders, nonprofit executives, and funders will benefit from this conversation about crowdfunding, strategic staffing, and digital maturity, especially those working in disability inclusion and healthcare. About the guest Dr. Kirk Adams is a Professional Speaker and the founder of Innovative Impact LLC., focusing on groundbreaking, high-impact projects that accelerate the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce and supercharges a company’s bottom line. Dr.  Adams earned his PhD in leadership and change. He is known as a master connector of key decision-makers in government, corporate America, the nonprofit sector, and disability advocates guiding them to create collaborative solutions that have a real impact in increasing the employment of people with disabilities. Resources Institute for Sustainable Diversity & Inclusion: https://i4sdi.org/Antioch University newsletter: https://www.antioch.edu/category/newsletter/Seattle University newsletter: https://www.seattleu.edu/newsroom/Aleria newsletter: https://www.aleria.tech/newsletterAssociation of Fundraising Professionals: https://afpglobal.org/BoardSource: https://boardsource.org/ Contact Bill Website: https://drkirkadams.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkadamsphd

If your nonprofit’s website feels out of sync or like it’s constantly lagging behind your mission, this episode is for you. In this solo episode, Spencer unpacks the real reason most nonprofit websites fall into disrepair (hint: it’s not your website backend or design), and paints a picture of what strong internal ownership actually looks like. You’ll hear a practical, story-driven example of how a well-managed website functions day-to-day and how your organization can start building toward that vision. Plus, Spencer introduces the five dimensions of digital maturity that shape long-term success online, and offers a few questions to help you assess where you are today. You’ll learn: Why most websites drift out of alignment and how to fix itWhat internal ownership really means (and doesn’t)How to spot gaps in your digital maturityWhat steps you can take today to turn your site into a strategic asset Resources Escaping the Redesign Trap: A Smarter Way to Align Your Website With Your MissionWhat Progress Looks Like When You Stop Waiting for the Next RedesignYour Website Isn’t Broken. You’re Just Not Using It.What Internal Website Ownership Actually Looks Like Contact Spencer spencer@brooks.digital

Nonprofits often know they need to “listen to their community,” but putting that into practice (especially at scale) can be challenging. In this episode, we talk with Bill Villafranco, Executive Director and former Board Chair at myFace, about his path from finance to nonprofit leadership and how community feedback is shaping programs like interdisciplinary hospital care and inclusive media projects. It’s a conversation for anyone thinking about how to grow a mission-driven organization without losing sight of the people it serves. About the guest Bill Villafranco is a storyteller and philanthropic leader whose personal journey through grief, addiction, and mental health informs his work in healing communities. He serves as Executive Director of MyFace.org and trustee of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, where he champions trauma-informed, emotionally intelligent funding strategies. With a focus on long-term impact, Bill brings a deeply human approach to both mental wellness advocacy and nonprofit leadership. Resources myFace Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfaceorg/Austin Halls: DISABLED music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ze-J9RTKq6I Contact Bill Website: https://www.myface.org/ Email: bill.villafranco@gmail.com

What happens when you try to dismantle one of the most common and damaging forces in diabetes care with comedy? Diabetes stigma affects nearly 4 in 5 adults with diabetes. It impacts their mental, physical, and social well-being. Spoonful of Laughter is a national campaign that tackles this stigma head-on—not with lectures, but with laughter. In this episode, guests Brian Fitzgerald of Dancing Fox and Beth Strachan, who collaborated with The diaTribe Foundation to create the campaign, take us behind the scenes of how this unexpected creative approach came to life. We explore why comedy is such a powerful "Trojan horse" for social change, how the campaign broke through entrenched stereotypes, and what nonprofit communicators can learn about designing bold, emotionally resonant campaigns. About the guests Beth: For over three decades, Beth Strachan has been a professional do-gooder working at the crossroads of social justice, environmental protection, and health. Her narrative change work has helped catalyze the nationwide move toward clean energy; integrate arts, culture, and creative expression into our daily lives; and illuminate structural racism as a root cause of inequity. She has helped lead courageous breast cancer survivors on awe-inspiring ascents of Mount Shasta and Mt. Rainier, uniting communities in a powerful movement to prevent the disease. She helped launch the premier traveling film festival spotlighting women's voices in cinema, raising $8 million for nonprofits across North America. With a family motto of "Non Timeo Sed Caveo" (I fear not, but am cautious), she approaches every endeavor with boldness tempered by wisdom, ensuring that progress is both impactful and sustainable. Brian:  Brian Fitzgerald has been a mischief-maker for social change for most of his life. He spent 35 years with Greenpeace doing everything from door-to-door canvassing to going to sea to save whales, stopping a nuclear weapons test in Nevada for four days, and pioneering the organization’s adoption of digital activism back when the web was young. Together with Tommy Crawford, he’s the founder of Dancing Fox, a creative agency based in Amsterdam and dedicated to beautiful disruption, where he advocates for a more invitational, hope-based form of activism.  Resources: Demystifying Nonprofit Budgets: What Every Leader, Fundraiser, and Marketer Needs to Know: https://brooks.digital/health-nonprofit-digital-marketing/demystifying-nonprofit-budgets/ Contact Brian and Beth Brian: https://www.dancing-fox.comBeth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethstrachan/Brian: @brianfit.bsky.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfit/Insta: @brianfithttps://substack.com/@brianfitBeth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethstrachan/https://www.dstigmatize.org/spoonful-of-laughter/The Center for Media & Social Impact’s report, How Comedy Works [to Change the World]

Many nonprofit websites quietly fall out of step with the missions they were built to support. The result? A frustrating cycle of expensive redesigns that never quite fix the real problem. In this solo episode, Spencer breaks down why most nonprofits are caught in the “redesign trap,” how to reframe your website as a living program (not a one-time project), and why consistent stewardship, not another overhaul, is the key to long-term digital alignment. Whether you're a nonprofit leader or comms professional tired of watching your site fall behind, this episode offers a new mindset and a smarter path forward. Resources Article: Escaping the Redesign Trap: A Smarter Way to Align Your Website With Your Mission Contact Spencer Email: spencer@brooks.digitalContact form on Brooks Digital Website: https://brooks.digital/contact/

Nonprofit marketing teams are often strapped for time and resources, yet they’re expected to produce engaging content across multiple platforms. In this episode, Kevin Kleifgen from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand shares his expertise in media production and digital strategy to help small teams get the most out of their content. You’ll learn how to repurpose a single piece of content into a full-fledged campaign, create compelling videos without a big budget, and use AI to streamline your workflow—without sacrificing quality. If you're a nonprofit communicator looking to work smarter, not harder, this episode is for you. About the guest Kevin Kleifgen is a Digital Swiss Army Knife specializing in digital strategy, content creation, and multimedia production in the nonprofit health care space. As Digital Project and Content Manager for the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), Kevin streamlines content production, enhances user experiences, and leads photography and videography efforts while leveraging limited in-house resources for maximum impact. Kevin is passionate about helping nonprofit marketers work smarter, not harder by repurposing content effectively, leveraging AI, and implementing scalable content strategies. Resources Matt Navarra: https://www.mattnavarra.com/Axios Newsletter: https://www.axios.com/healthWebsite for American Society for Surgery of the Hand: https://www.assh.org/s/ Contact Kevin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinkleifgenTwitter: https://www.x.com/kevin_kleifgenInstagram: https://instagram.com/kevin_kleifgen

Nonprofit marketers wear too many hats and juggle endless priorities, often struggling to turn strategic plans into real-world execution. In this episode, Spencer Brooks sits down with Graeme Watt, Principal of Anthem Creative, to discuss a game-changing approach: Strategic Inevitability—a one-day sprint designed to help organizations ruthlessly prioritize their marketing efforts and walk away with a clear 12-month roadmap.  If you’re tired of feeling stuck and want a framework to align your marketing with your nonprofit’s real capacity, this episode is for you. About the guest With over 15 years of experience leading nonprofits, launching social enterprises, and working with global NGOs, Graeme Watt has seen firsthand that whoever tells the best story wins. As one of the owners and principals of Anthem, he helps nonprofits amplify their impact by crafting compelling brand narratives that drive engagement and action in an ever-evolving digital world. Resources Almanack of Naval Ravikant: https://www.navalmanack.com/Building a Second Brain: A Proven Method to Organize Your Digital Life and Unlock Your Creative Potential by Tiago Forte: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59616977-building-a-second-brain Contact Graeme Anthem Creative: https://anthemcreative.ca/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wattgraeme/Email: graeme@anthemcreative.ca

Budgeting is one of the most misunderstood and frustrating parts of nonprofit work, whether you're leading an organization, raising funds, or managing marketing and communications.  In this episode, Spencer Brooks sits down with Jim Carroll, CEO of The diaTribe Foundation, to break down key budgeting misconceptions, explain how different revenue models shape financial decisions, and share strategies for securing more funding.  Whether you’re an Executive Director balancing competing priorities, a fundraiser navigating restricted and unrestricted dollars, or a marketing professional making the case for more resources, this episode will give you the insights you need to approach budgeting with confidence. About the guest Jim Carroll is the CEO of The diaTribe Foundation after seven years as the Vice President of Finance and Administration at Common Sense Media and 6 years as the Managing Director of Equality California where he led the team to successfully pass over 70 pieces of legislation to achieve legal equality for LGBT Californians. He also worked at an environmental health organization called The Breast Cancer Fund and at the National office of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Jim graduated from the University of Florida and lives with his husband, Scott, and his yellow Labrador retriever, Atlas, in San Francisco.  Resources New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/Axios: https://www.axios.com/The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ Contact Jim Website: https://diatribe.org/foundationLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-carroll-b4004b6/

Nonprofits have incredible stories to tell, but many struggle with how to capture them effectively on video. In this episode, Spencer Brooks sits down with Pat Taggart, founder of SkyBlue Creative, to discuss why unscripted storytelling is the key to creating compelling nonprofit videos, how to overcome fears of being on camera, and how to produce high-quality content with just a smartphone. If you’re a nonprofit marketer looking to elevate your video strategy and make a real impact, this episode is for you. About the guest Pat Taggart is the Founder and Chief Creative at SkyBlue Creative, a documentary filmmaker who revolutionizes traditional corporate videos by making them authentic and impactful. At 22, he noticed how smart, charismatic professionals became stiff and nervous on camera, leading him to ditch scripts and replace them with natural, unscripted conversations that bring out genuine stories. His approach has transformed corporate video content across industries. Beyond filmmaking, Pat is a sought-after speaker for organizations like YPO and EO, teaching leaders how to use video to engage employees and customers—even without a professional. Based in Philadelphia with his wife and two kids, he plays a ton of ice hockey and prefers chocolate milk over coffee. Contact Pat Website: https://www.blueskyecreative.com/Email: pat@skybluecreative.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-taggart-1a25a595/

With AI-generated content flooding the internet, nonprofits are struggling to break through the noise and truly connect with their audiences. In this episode, Spencer Brooks sits down with Doug Darling, CEO of Tripwire Media, to explore how nonprofits can balance data and storytelling, leverage AI without losing authenticity, and craft messages that inspire action. If you're looking for practical strategies to enhance your nonprofit’s digital marketing and create compelling stories that resonate, this episode is for you. Contact Doug Website: https://www.tripwiremedia.com/LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dougdarling

Building public trust is critical for nonprofits, especially in health and science communication. In this episode, Matt Lam from The American Association of Immunologists shares how his organization is embracing new communications strategies—like leveraging partnerships and taking calculated risks—to expand their impact and combat misinformation around immunology topics. Whether you're navigating trust-building with your audience or pitching new ideas internally, this episode offers actionable insights for nonprofit communicators. About the guest Matt has worked in communications since 2013 after transitioning away from the lab bench following completion of his Ph.D. in the field of cancer cell biology. Since then, he has worked primarily in the non-profit sector in the UK helping organizations tell inspiring stories and research and the impact it has on society. Matt has also spent time working for a government regulator in Scotland to deliver public and government facing communications. In 2024, Matt moved to the US with his partner, and currently works at the American Association of Immunologists as their Communications Director. At AAI, Matt leads a team of two to deliver communications for AAI’s membership, the public and the wider community connected to the organization.  Resources Asana: https://asana.com/Muck Rack: https://muckrack.com/ Contact Matt Website: https://www.aai.org/Email: mlam@aai.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-lam-phd-52998b70/

Building programs that truly help underrepresented communities can feel overwhelming, but listening to people with real-life experience makes it much easier. In this episode, Spencer Brooks sits down with Deena Pierott, the award-winning founder of iUrban Teen, to explore how her groundbreaking programs empower Black and Brown youth through STEM education, health research, and self-advocacy. Tune in to learn actionable strategies from Deena’s decades of experience that will help nonprofit leaders foster equity, inclusion, and meaningful change in the communities they serve. About the guest Deena Pierott, founder and Executive Director of iUrban Teen, is a trailblazer in advancing education and mentorship for at-risk youth, with a particular focus on African American males and other underserved groups. With over 20 years of experience in environmental science, workforce development, and DEI consulting, Deena has become a nationally recognized leader committed to bridging opportunity gaps through innovative STEM+Arts programming. Resources The Business Journals: https://www.bizjournals.com/Dallas Innovates: https://dallasinnovates.com/Philanthropy Today: https://www.philanthropy.com/newsletter/philanthropy-todayGoogle Alerts: https://www.google.ca/alerts Contact Deena Email: Deena@iurbanteen.orgiUrbanteen: https://iurbanteen.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinclusionist/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dpierott/iUrbanteen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iurbanteen/

As nonprofits look to the future, staying ahead of trends can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Health Nonprofit Digital Marketing, Spencer Brooks shares lessons from the past year and explores three pivotal trends shaping the sector in 2025: the transformative role of AI in fostering audience connections, the critical importance of digital accessibility in advancing DEI efforts, and strategies to support team mental health while balancing workloads. Tune in to discover practical tools and forward-thinking strategies to navigate the evolving landscape in 2025. Contact Spencer Email: spencer@brooks.digitalContact form on Brooks Digital Website: https://brooks.digital/contact/