Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed

In this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, Jarrett Ransom sits down with Katie Campbell, President and CEO of RedRover, to explore what it takes to build stronger, more sustainable nonprofit partnerships. Katie shares lessons from her 20-year nonprofit career on leading with humility, listening to communities, and resisting the urge to assume we already have the answers. Together, they unpack how nonprofits can move beyond competition, strengthen local capacity, and collaborate across sectors to create lasting community impact.---Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show!Click here to learn more about Bloomerang.And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time! 

Nonprofit burnout isn’t simply about caring too much—it’s often the result of structural pressures, from staffing shortages and turnover to funding changes and growing demands on organizations. In this episode, Jarrett Ransom talks with Ann Fellman, Chief Marketing Officer at Bloomerang about how burnout is affecting fundraising teams, donor relationships, and retention. They explore why organizations should look beyond acquiring new donors, how technology can help fundraisers work smarter, and why small, consistent acts of stewardship can make a big difference. Plus, Ann shares one practical step every fundraising leader can take this week to strengthen donor relationships and reignite the joy behind the work.---Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show!Click here to learn more about Bloomerang.And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time! 

Donor-advised funds are reshaping philanthropy and nonprofit leaders need to be ready. In this episode, Jarrett Ransom talks with Sarah Angello, co-founder of Daffodil, about the rapid growth of DAFs, what motivates donors to use them, and how nonprofits can better cultivate and steward these supporters. Sarah shares practical steps organizations can take to become more DAF-ready, along with insights into multigenerational giving, the future of family philanthropy, and the growing demand for transparency and visible impact.---Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show!Click here to learn more about Bloomerang.And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time! 

 What happens when you realize it’s time for your next leadership chapter? In this episode, Jarrett Ransom sits down with Melissa Steimer, CEO of Desert Foothills Library, to talk candidly about making a difficult career transition, stepping into a new CEO role, and navigating the critical first 90 days. Melissa shares lessons on trusting your gut, knowing when you’re no longer the right leader for an organization’s next chapter, building trust through listening, and why succession planning should start long before a transition is on the horizon. Whether you’re considering a career change or preparing for leadership succession, this honest conversation offers practical insight for nonprofit leaders at every stage. ---Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show!Click here to learn more about Bloomerang.And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time! 

What does it really take to rebrand a nonprofit? In this episode, Matt Sandoval, CEO of Art Heals Arizona, shares the candid story behind the organization’s transition from Free Arts Arizona to Art Heals Arizona. He discusses why the change was necessary, how leaders built stakeholder trust, what surprised them along the way, and the fears that nearly slowed the process down. Matt also offers practical advice for nonprofit leaders considering a rebrand and a powerful reminder not to let fear take the driver’s seat.---Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show!Click here to learn more about Bloomerang.And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time! 

The nonprofit sector is standing at the edge of one of the greatest opportunities in history—the largest intergenerational transfer of wealth ever recorded. In this episode, Jarrett Ransom is joined by Megan Bell, Director of Engagement at Daylight Advisors, for a thoughtful conversation about how philanthropic advising is evolving beyond tax strategies to focus on purpose, legacy, and meaningful relationships.Together, they explore why confidence, competence, and cultural dexterity are essential for today's nonprofit professionals, how fundraisers can become trusted partners to wealth advisors and philanthropic planners, and what organizations can do now to prepare for the next generation of donors. From collaborative giving to engaging women philanthropists and navigating modern assets like cryptocurrency, this episode offers practical insights to help nonprofit leaders strengthen donor relationships and maximize mission impact.Whether you're a fundraiser, executive leader, or anyone passionate about the future of philanthropy, this conversation will leave you inspired to show up, build trust, and embrace the opportunities ahead.---Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show!Click here to learn more about Bloomerang.And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time! 

Nonprofit leaders should be thinking about collaboration as an ongoing strategic practice, not just during times of crisis. In this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, Kate Harris joins Jarrett Ransom to explore why partnerships, shared services, mergers, and other collaborative models should be part of every nonprofit leader's toolkit. Together, they discuss common misconceptions about collaboration, how to know when it's time to explore new organizational structures, and why keeping your mission at the center of every decision leads to stronger, more sustainable impact. Kate also introduces her Collaboration Compass framework and shares practical guidance for leaders who are "collaboration curious." This conversation challenges nonprofit leaders to replace fear with curiosity and view collaboration as an opportunity to better serve their communities.---Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show!Click here to learn more about Bloomerang.And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time! 

Strong organizations are built on more than great missions, they're built on healthy leadership. In this episode, Jarrett Ransom sits down with Malika Hodge, founder and CEO of Human-Centered Leadership Collaborative, to explore how leadership mindset shapes workplace culture, psychological safety, and organizational success. Together, they discuss why people—not just processes—are an organization's greatest asset, how leaders can foster trust and clarity, and practical steps nonprofit executives can take to build healthier, more resilient teams that thrive.---Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show!Click here to learn more about Bloomerang.And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time! 

In this special Season 11 kickoff, Jarrett Ransom, host of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed reflects on the conversations, lessons, and inspiring nonprofit leaders who have shaped the podcast over the years. She shares her gratitude for the community of changemakers, partners, and listeners who continue to strengthen the nonprofit sector through shared learning and authentic connection. Plus, get a preview of what's ahead this season as eight remarkable guests join the conversation to explore leadership, innovation, resilience, and lasting impact. Here's to continuing to learn, grow, and change the world together.---Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show!Click here to learn more about Bloomerang.And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time! 

As we close out Season 10 of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, we're also celebrating a major milestone — our 100th episode. 🥳 In this special season finale, I reflect on the incredible guests, meaningful conversations, and powerful lessons shared throughout the season. From leadership and fundraising to governance, innovation, and sustainability, this season highlighted the passion and resilience that drive the nonprofit sector forward. Thank you to our guests, our sponsor Bloomerang, and our listeners for being part of this journey. Until next season, stay curious, stay connected, and keep unleashing your impact, one conversation at a time.---Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show!Click here to learn more about Bloomerang.And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time! 

In this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, Jarrett Ransom sits down with Melaina Chromy, Senior Brand Marketing Manager at Bloomerang, to unpack key findings from Bloomerang’s latest Giving Signals Report. Together, they explore what today’s donors are telling nonprofits about trust, transparency, and generosity, including why millennials are emerging as one of the most engaged giving generations. The conversation also dives into donor experience, online giving friction, and practical ways nonprofits can strengthen donor relationships by clearly communicating impact and building confidence in every gift.---Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show!Click here to learn more about Bloomerang.And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time! 

In this thought-provoking episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, Jarrett Ransom sits down with Scott Stanley, director of the North American Association of Visionary Churches (NAAVC) and Arizona Assembly, to explore the intersection of nonprofit leadership, advocacy, religious freedom, and emerging psychedelic policy. Scott shares insights from a six-year legal battle with the DEA, the challenges of building legitimacy in highly regulated spaces, and the importance of coalition building, governance, and mission-driven leadership. Together, they unpack how organizations can navigate complexity, inspire meaningful action, and create informed oversight through honest dialogue and strategic collaboration.---Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show!Click here to learn more about Bloomerang.And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time! 

In this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, Jarrett Ransom sits down with fundraising expert and Executive Director of The Funding Studio, Melissa Erickson, CFRE, to unpack the growing role of fiscal sponsorship in the nonprofit sector. Melissa shares how artists, filmmakers, innovators, and emerging mission-driven organizations can access philanthropic funding without immediately launching a standalone nonprofit. Together, they explore sustainable fundraising strategies, the realities of nonprofit startup costs, and why fiscal sponsorship may be one of the sector’s most effective (and misunderstood) tools for collaboration and impact.---Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show!Click here to learn more about Bloomerang.And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time! 

In this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, Jarrett Ransom sits down with business coach and podcast host Natalie Eckdahl to talk about the realities of nonprofit consulting, burnout, and business growth. Natalie shares why consultants should specialize instead of staying generalists, the biggest mistakes consultants make when scaling, and how nonprofit leaders can build sustainable, profitable businesses without recreating the burnout culture many are trying to escape. Whether you’re thinking about launching a consulting practice or growing beyond a solo operation, this conversation is packed with practical insights and honest advice.---Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show!Click here to learn more about Bloomerang.And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time! 

In this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, Jarrett Ransom sits down with fundraising leader and CFRE educator Jack Alotto for a candid conversation about professional growth, fundraising excellence, and the evolving nonprofit sector. Together, they explore the value of CFRE certification, overcoming imposter syndrome, effective study strategies, and why investing in fundraiser development strengthens the entire nonprofit community. Whether you’re considering your CFRE or looking to elevate your fundraising career, this episode is packed with practical insights, encouragement, and inspiration.---Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show!Click here to learn more about Bloomerang.And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time! 

In this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, host Jarrett Ransom sits down with AI expert Nathan Chappell to unpack what’s really happening with AI adoption in the nonprofit sector. From governance and ethical considerations to the shift from “responsible” to “beneficial” AI, Nathan challenges leaders to think more intentionally about how technology aligns with their mission and values. The conversation explores practical strategies, common pitfalls, and why curiosity (not just efficiency) is the key to unlocking AI’s true potential for impact.---Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show!Click here to learn more about Bloomerang.And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time! 

In this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, host Jarrett Ransom sits down with communications expert Keith Yaskin of The Flip Side Communications to explore how nonprofits can harness the power of storytelling to drive engagement and action.Keith shares practical strategies for uncovering meaningful stories within your organization, building a consistent message across platforms, and preparing real client voices that resonate with media and donors alike. The conversation also dives into the importance of cultivating a culture of curiosity, adapting content for different audiences, and why bold, creative risks outperform playing it safe.Plus, they tackle a critical but often overlooked topic: crisis communications. Learn why transparency, preparation, and authenticity are essential when challenges arise—and how having a plan in place can protect trust and credibility.Whether you're refining your messaging or rethinking your communications strategy, this episode offers actionable insights to help you tell better stories and amplify your impact.---Enjoyed this episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates. A huge thank you to our sponsor for supporting the show!Click here to learn more about Bloomerang.And of course, thanks for listening! We appreciate you being part of our community, and we’ll see you next time!