Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

How to Deal with Next Round of Federal Funding Cuts with Kendall Webb

What happens when a nonprofit loses critical federal funding overnight? And how can we prepare for even greater funding shifts ahead?In this episode, we explore the changing landscape of charitable funding—what’s happening now, what’s coming with the 2026 federal budget, and how nonprofits can build resilience in the face of uncertainty.My guest is Kendall Webb, a pioneer in digital philanthropy and the Founder & Executive Director of Charity Bridge Fund—a new, nonpartisan platform that connects donors with nonprofits that have lost federal funding. With over 25 years of experience at the intersection of giving, technology, and impact, Kendall brings both a big-picture perspective and practical advice for today’s nonprofit leaders.💡 We discuss:What’s at stake for nonprofits as the 2026 federal budget loomsHow to proactively prepare for funding gaps before they hitWhy transparency and data-driven giving are essential in this next era of philanthropyHow platforms like Charity Bridge Fund can connect donors and nonprofits in smarter, more sustainable waysBroader trends in digital giving and what they mean for fundraising in 2025 and beyondKendall also shares powerful insights from her own journey—from co-founding WorldTeach as a Harvard undergrad, to launching JustGive, one of the first online donation platforms, to volunteering as an EMT and clinic support worker in her local community. Her career is a testament to what’s possible when innovation, service, and generosity come together.💼 About Kendall WebbKendall Webb is a pioneer in online philanthropy, with over 25 years of experience shaping the way individuals, nonprofits, and companies engage in charitable giving. As the Founder & Executive Director of Charity Bridge Fund, she has been a trusted advisor on digital giving strategy, helping organizations and corporations integrate meaningful giving programs into their platforms.Kendall’s passion for impact began early. As a Harvard undergraduate, she helped launch WorldTeach, a global education nonprofit. After early roles at Goldman Sachs and the World Bank, she volunteered in Uganda, deepening her commitment to service and international development.Upon returning to the U.S., Kendall joined the founding team at More.com, one of the earliest e-commerce platforms. It was there that she recognized the Internet’s power to transform philanthropy—a realization that led her to launch one of the first nonprofit donation platforms on the web in 2000.Since then, Kendall has remained at the forefront of digital giving—building strategic partnerships, advising on donation infrastructure, and working to ensure that generosity remains accessible, transparent, and impactful in the digital age.🧰 Resources & Links: https://www.charitybridgefund.org/Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

The Nonprofit Sector in 2026: Challenges, Hope, and the Road Ahead with Rob Harter

Feeling stretched too thin? Wondering how your nonprofit will survive the next wave of challenges? You’re not alone.As we head into 2026, nonprofit leaders are asking tough questions: Where is funding going? Why is donor behavior shifting? How can we keep our teams motivated in the face of burnout and uncertainty?This week, I’m joined by Rob Harter — veteran nonprofit executive, leadership coach, and host of the long-running Nonprofit Leadership Podcast — to explore what’s really happening across the sector, and where the hope lies. Drawing from his decades of experience, his writing on organizational health and leadership, and the hundreds of interviews he’s conducted on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob offers a hopeful — but honest — roadmap for social impact organizations navigating change.🔍 About Rob HarterRob is a nonprofit executive professional with over 30 years of experience in leading and building social impact organizations. Rob is known as an inspirational leader with contagious energy and entrepreneurial spirit. He is a frequent speaker and seminar facilitator, and he founded and hosts the “Nonprofit Leadership Podcast”, which has had over 541,000 downloads, is heard in 179 countries and is in the top 1.5% of all podcasts globally according to Listen Notes.Rob has been a member of and contributor for the Forbes Nonprofit Council. Rob was invited to be part of Harvard Business School’s “Young American Leaders Program”. He also serves on the Utah Advisory Committee for the US Global Leadership Coalition. Rob has chaired the MLK Jr. Commission for Human Rights for the State of Utah and served as the Chair of the Utah Nonprofit Association’s Board as well as serving on the Park City Chamber of Commerce. Rob was voted as the professional “Citizen of the Year” for Park City by the local Rotary club, received the Park City “Chief’s Award for Community Service” and was also recognized as a “Hometown Hero” by Salt Lake Magazine. Most recently, Rob has launched his own Coaching business Rob Harter Coaching and Consulting as a way to invest in and strengthen leaders and individuals to grow both personally and professionally. He is a certified Professional Coach and Certified Enneagram Instructor along with being a Neurofeedback trained technician.Rob has received a Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees. He loves deep powder skiing, hiking, cycling, reading great books, and traveling to new places. Most of all, Rob loves spending quality time with his amazing wife and family. 🧰 Resources & Links:Nonprofit Leadership Podcast: https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/Rob’s website: https://robharter.com/ Connect with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rob-harter-25457313/ Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

AI for Nonprofits: Tips, Tools, and Tactics with Darian Rodriguez Heyman & Cheryl Contee

If you’ve ever wondered whether AI is actually useful for your nonprofit - and how to implement without tech-savvy or overwhelm - this episode is for you.Joining me are Darian Rodriguez Heyman, social entrepreneur, nonprofit strategist, Heyman also founded AI4NP.org, a national hub for AI education in the social sector, and Cheryl Contee, a pioneering technology entrepreneur and digital transformation expert and Chief Innovation Officer at BrightWorksAI.com and co-author of the new book AI for Nonprofits: Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work for Your Cause,Darian and Cheryl bring a wealth of insight into how nonprofits can harness AI to work smarter, not harder. AI for Nonprofits is a practical, resource-rich guide based on interviews with 57 nonprofit leaders (including me!) who are successfully leveraging AI to enhance fundraising, streamline operations, and engage supporters more effectively — all while staying grounded in mission, values, and ethics.Together, we explore the most accessible tools, the smartest use cases, and the common pitfalls to avoid when adopting AI in your organization. Whether you're AI-curious or already experimenting, you'll come away with actionable next steps to help you move forward confidently.🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:Actionable ways to use AI for donor communications, content creation, and outreachThe fundamentals of data privacy and compliance every nonprofit must understandTop AI tools recommended by experts across the nonprofit sectorHow to avoid the most common mistakes nonprofits make when adopting AIHow equity and inclusion must factor into AI implementation strategies🧰 Resources & Links:Get the book: AI for Nonprofits💼 Guest BioCheryl Contee is the Chief Innovation Officer at BrightWorksAI.com. She is a pioneering technology entrepreneur and digital transformation expert. Cheryl is renowned as a trailblazing startup founder and a trusted advisor on innovation & impact. She inspires audiences globally as a leading voice on inclusive entrepreneurship and social enterprise. She has co-authored a bestselling new book called "AI for Nonprofits: Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work for Your Cause" with Darian Rodriguez Heyman sharing insights from over 50 AI experts intended to help nonprofit leaders embrace new tech. She is also a senior advisor for PosterChild.AI and co-founder of Change Agent AI, mission-driven & gamechanging AI powered startups.Darian Rodriguez Heyman is a seasoned nonprofit leader, fundraiser, and social entrepreneur best known for making complex ideas accessible and actionable. He began his impact journey as Executive Director of Craigslist Foundation, where he launched the Nonprofit Boot Camp — which quickly became the largest nonprofit gathering in the Bay Area. He’s the author of Nonprofit Fundraising 101, editor of the best-selling Nonprofit Management 101, and most recently, co-author of AI for Nonprofits: Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work for Your Cause, a tactical guide featuring insights from 57 nonprofit leaders on how to responsibly and effectively integrate AI into fundraising, marketing, program delivery, and operations.Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Stop Sharing Info, Start Meaning-Making with Kristen Grimm

"We’re not just telling stories anymore—we’re helping people make sense of the world."That’s the powerful message behind this week’s episode of Nonprofit Nation featuring Kristen Grimm, founder and strategist of Spitfire Strategies, a leading communications firm that helps nonprofits, foundations, and social changemakers sharpen their voice and deepen their impact.In this conversation, Kristen introduces the concept of “meaning-making” — the process of helping people interpret what’s happening around them, understand what it means, and decide how to act. With the world experiencing unprecedented levels of uncertainty, polarization, and complexity, Kristen argues that communicators now face a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help people cut through the noise and find clarity, purpose, and direction.Drawing on her recently published meaning-making blog series, Kristen shares a timely roadmap for nonprofit leaders looking to rise above the chaos and communicate with resonance. You’ll hear about the different phases of meaning-making, how to spot a "meaning-making window" when it opens, and why now is the time to shift from persuasion to perspective-shaping.🔍 In This Episode, We Discuss:What “meaning-making” really is — and why it's vital right nowWhy traditional messaging may fall flat in today’s environmentThe phases of meaning-making: from recognition to resonanceTools to assess your organization's readiness to lead with meaningReal-world examples of meaning-making strategies in actionHow small or resource-constrained nonprofits can start this work today💼 About Kristen GrimmKristen is the founder of Spitfire Strategies, a public interest firm focused on advancing racial, economic and social justice, protecting the environment and promoting opportunity for all. She has extensive experience running smart communication and campaign efforts that create lasting social change. A hopeful strategist, she believes progress is always possible, setbacks are sources of inspiration and building beyond the choir is where the real work is. She is the mastermind behind Spitfire’s Smart Chart, Planning to Win, Mindful Messaging and Replenishing Trust, thinks fast in a crisis, is deft at drawing phenomenal visionary speeches out of leaders and is someone you want in your corner when you’re ready to go big. When it comes to storytelling, all you need to know is that her last name is Grimm.🧰 Resources & Links:🔗 Kristen Grimm’s Meaning-Making Series – Spitfire Strategies🔗 Meaning-Making: An Idea Whose Time Has Come and How to Make It Come to Fruition🔗 Meaning-Making: Approaches to Consider🔗 Meaning-Making: Live Examples We Can Watch Play OutTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

From Burnout to Buy-In: Advice for Social Media Managers in 2026 with Kate Meyers Emery

Social media success isn’t just about posting content and hoping for the best. It's about strategy, audience insight, and internal advocacy.This was originally a live conversation on LinkedIn. Listen in to my conversation with Kate Meyers Emery, Ph.D., Senior Digital Comms Manager at Candid and one of the most insightful voices speaking up about what social media professionals really need to succeed. Kate shares why social media needs to be seen as an organization-wide responsibility, how SMMs can elevate their role beyond “just posting,” and what nonprofits must do to ensure these roles are sustainable and strategic going into 2026.In this episode, we cover: Why social media is a team sport, even if you're the only one on the fieldHow to advocate for your work and educate others about its valueStrategies to build a culture of content collaboration across departmentsWhat systems and tools need to evolve for long-term sustainabilityWhat’s ahead in 2026: predictions and priorities for social media teamsAbout Kate: With over 14 years of experience, Kate Meyers Emery, Ph.D., has proven track record of using experimentation, data, and creativity to transform complex stories into simple yet compelling content on social media, web, email, and other digital platforms. She is a data nerd who uses her depth of industry knowledge, natural curiosity, and background in anthropology to create innovative, inclusive, and human-centered stories in digital spaces.  Kate has worked with nonprofits, museums, and universities to engage and educate. She is currently the senior digital communications manager at Candid, where she leads the strategy, content production, and analysis of organic social media. Connect with Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meyersemery/ Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts