Next in Nonprofits

Steven Shattuck is the Director of Engagement and Technology at Capital Campaign Pro, a consultancy that specializes in supporting nonprofits in capital campaigns. Steven has been part of a new report, 2026 State of Capital Campaigns. Steven joins host Steve Boland to talk about the finds in this report, including the role of a volunteer campaign chairs perhaps being less important, the fact that most campaigns are successful and don't harm annual fund giving, that capital funds can be raised for physical assets or program growth or stability and so much more. Steven shares about the staffing the work of the campaign and the role of lead staff in raising dollars, the importance of lead gifts and where those gifts may come from, and additional findings. Click the link above to get the full report and read still more! Get more details on how to subscribe on our podcast page. Please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or your platform of choice. Thanks!

Andy Goldman-Gray is a Founder of Nonprofit Strategy Group, "a partnership of experienced, successful nonprofit executives with a full range of expertise and roles, including Executive Director, Chief Advancement Officer, Chief Marketing Officer and Operations." Andy joins the podcast to talk about creative collaborations, including things that may include a merger or acquisition, but also may be sunsetting (closures) or other changes. Host Steve Boland talks with Andy about mission over legal structure and imperative of boards to commit to the success of the missions even if some changes happen in business structures. Nonprofits in a healthy, sound space at the moment could be taking this time to assess their immediate partners and consider impacts of not all of them are as healthy or if they may have different challenges. Formal and informal collaborations strongly relies on trust-building, so Andy recommends boards and staff think about early conversations to build trust with potential partners. Foundations and other funders and considering funding for the work of collaboration, so consider checking to see if some additional dollars may help prioritize these conversations. There is much more in the full conversation, so give a listen!

Jon Bergdoll is the Interim Director of Data and Research Partnerships, at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at the Indiana University Indianapolis. Jon joins host Steve Boland to talk about The Next Generation of Philanthropy, a 2025 study from the Lilly Family School to understand Generation Z (Gen Z) philanthropic giving. Jon was part of the study team, and helps provide context for the study, which includes comparative data to other generational cohorts. Jon shares insights on key findings such as the depth of giving for Gen Zers who do give to religious institutions, using authentic video to reach new audiences, slowly building trust with the concept of institutional nonprofits v. informal giving, and much more! Get more details on our podcast page.

Hannah Hegeman is the Vice President of Event Strategy and Development for Do Good Events "a woman-owned, award-winning Event Planning company headquartered in Minneapolis. We love being a part of bringing a lot of good into the world through events; after all, that was the inspiration for our name!" Hannah joins host Steve Boland to talk about events to support nonprofit missions and fundraising in 2025 and beyond. She discusses important considerations such as beginning with one clear goal - such as fundraising, awareness, or stewardship; to focus on quality over quantity - the right people in the room matter more than packed attendance; the place for breakfast/lunch events in 2025 and beyond that are often underutilized, less expensive, and have less competition. Hannah urges organizations to consider a 3-5 years minimum commitment to starting a new fundraising event - it takes time to build momentum. So much more in the episode! Do Good Events is hosting an opportunity for nonprofits called RAISE+ARRANGE on January 15, 2026. Listeners can use the code Next15 for $15 off the registration.

Chris Melody Fields Figueredo is the executive director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, "a nationwide movement-building infrastructure organization that leverages ballot measures across the United States to strengthen democracy; center people of color, queer, low-income, immigrant, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities; advance racial equity; build and transform power; and galvanize a new progressive base." Chris joins host Steve Boland to talk about how nonprofits may consider using ballot initiatives to move their missions forward. Chris discusses tools at both state and local levels, how organizing campaigns can think about longer time-frames, and how "anything beautiful is created in coalition." Chris talks about the extended benefits of campaigns outside the ballot deadline, talking to funders about supporting the work, and more. Additional information and tools are available at the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center website.

Greg Harrell-Edge is the founder of Proimpact Project, which is "Supporting nonprofit leaders with content and a community to scale impact." Greg talks to host Steve Boland about the need for early response, and more frequent responses, when nonprofits and social good missions are attacked. Keeping the tone authentic about your work and the real impact of your work, helps shift the conversation away from demonizing the whole sector. Greg mentions his influence in emphasis on impact from Dan Pallotta's TED talk. Greg further suggests tying fundraising support messages when appropriate, with speedy reactions helping to close funding gaps which may be caused, in part, but these attacks. Greg also cites the variable calls to action and results in campaigns such as Kony 2012.