Best CFRE Podcasts (2025)

1
E106: Lessons from a Nonprofit Incubator for Founders Who Want to Create Real Impact with Ben Williamson 44:46

2h ago44:46

44:46

I'm excited to welcome Ben Williamson to the Lead With Heart Podcast. Ben is the Director of Recruitment at Ambitious Impact, a dynamic organization, reshaping how we identify and support the next generation of nonprofit leaders. He works with their Charity Entrepreneurship program, an incubator for nonprofits, where he helps people move from good…

1
637. Building Movements, Not Campaigns: Agency, Belief + Community for Nonprofits - Eric Brown, Whiteboard 33:35

1d ago33:35

33:35

Meet Eric 🤝, Co-Founder of Whiteboard and a creative visionary helping purpose-driven brands change the world. From growing up in a log house in Georgia to partnering with changemakers worldwide, Eric’s story is rooted in belief, values, and community. His work spans digital branding, platform development, activation campaigns, and team training fo…

1
Instant Donor Insights: One ChatGPT Prompt Replaces 17 Research Tabs 26:13

22h ago26:13

26:13

Send us a text Your browser groans under the weight of countless tabs while your prospect's name stares at you from the CRM dashboard. The research rabbit hole keeps getting deeper, consuming hours of your day with diminishing returns. Sound familiar? Prospect research doesn't have to be this way. The real power in donor profiles isn't found in dat…

1
113: The Joy Cycle 5:11

1d ago5:11

5:11

"We experience joy in forming the intention to be generous; we experience joy in the actual act of giving something; and we experience joy in remembering the fact that we have given." This week, I’m reading 3 quotes from the Buddha. Reflection questions: When you approach potential donors this week, are you apologizing for an interruption or celebr…

1
Ep 171| The Big Beautiful Bill: Key Tax Changes for Nonprofits 12:54

5d ago12:54

12:54

Send us a text 🚨 New tax rules are reshaping charitable giving - here’s what your nonprofit needs to know. The “One Big Beautiful Bill” is now law, changing the tax implications for donors giving to your cause. In this episode, Britt Stockert and Lindsey Bower break down the key changes and what nonprofits need to know. We cover the new standard an…

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E105: Trust-Based Philanthropy and Sustainable Giving Strategies for Greater Impact with Sara Garske 33:02

7d ago33:02

33:02

In this episode of the Lead with Heart Podcast, I’m honored to welcome someone I've known my whole career, Sara Garske, the principal and founder of Elwood Advisors. With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she works with nonprofits, foundations, and individual philanthropists to create sustainable and impactful giving and fundrais…

1
Don’t Drown Your Board in Data—Do This Instead 20:27

8d ago20:27

20:27

Send us a text Every nonprofit leader knows the struggle: that moment when your calendar reminder pops up – "Board packet due tonight." You export columns of numbers from your CRM, spend hours wrestling with spreadsheets, triple-checking figures, and aligning columns. All this effort, only to watch board members' eyes glaze over two pages into your…

1
636. Making a Movement: Empowering Action - Jon and Becky 30:24

8d ago30:24

30:24

We’ve reached the final chapter of our Making a Movement series, and we’re leaning all in on what it truly means to empower action. This episode is a celebration of the heartbeat behind every movement: community. You’ll hear the inspiring story of Hannah Lowe, a fearless mom on a mission who rallied her village to raise $2 million for her son’s lif…

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112: Teaching the Spirit of Generosity 5:11

8d ago5:11

5:11

"...It is only the spirit of giving that counts, and the very poor give without any self-consciousness..." This week, I’m reading from Random Reminiscences of Men and Events by John D. Rockefeller, published in 1909. Reflection question: Do you celebrate and promote the generosity of Board members, especially those at the lowest income levels? Refl…

1
Trailer - Reflections on Generosity 0:56

11d ago0:56

0:56

Fundraising work can feel isolating, with endless tasks pulling you in every direction. But what if you stepped back from the techniques and trends to discover something deeper? Welcome to Reflections on Generosity — a weekly five-minute pause to explore the beautiful space where generosity occurs. Drawing from ancient wisdom to modern insights acr…

1
Ep 170| When Giving Slows: 4 Leadership Strategies for Nonprofits 8:51

12d ago8:51

8:51

Send us a text What do you do when the numbers don't look good? In this episode, Cara Augspurger shares her experience leading through fundraising slowdowns. She opens up about how to handle those tough moments when donations dip and the pressure rises. Cara offers strategies to recognize the early signs of a slowdown, stay calm, and focus on what …

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Your GPT is Lying to you - Two words to make it better. 7:57

14d ago7:57

7:57

Inside your brain is a chip designed to believe when someone says nice things to you. GPT knows this, and tells you what you want to hear. It's not helpful. Don't believe me? Here are two words you can tell your GPT, and it will tell you some stuff that you need to hear instead of stuff that you want to hear.…

1
E104: Transforming Youth Mentorship Through Culinary Arts with Catherine De Orio 36:20

14d ago36:20

36:20

In this episode of the Lead with Heart Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Catherine De Orio, executive director of the Foundation for Culinary Arts, Emmy Award-winning TV host, and culinary changemaker, who is transforming the way youth find their voice and future through food. From courtroom to kitchen, Catherine’s journey is one of purpose, pi…

1
Inbox Freedom: AI‑Powered Donor Replies 27:27

15d ago27:27

27:27

Send us a text Drowning in donor emails while struggling to craft thoughtful, personalized responses? You're not alone. Fundraisers everywhere face this daily challenge—balancing the need for authentic communication with the reality of limited time and mounting inbox pressure. The secret most successful fundraisers discover is that timely responsiv…

1
635. Making a Movement: Voice + Vision - Jon and Becky 30:07

15d ago30:07

30:07

Every movement starts with a message—but how do you make yours truly stick? In this reflective episode of Making a Movement: Voice + Vision, Jon and Becky revisit some of the most powerful voices from past conversations to explore the heart of messaging that moves people. It’s not just about what you say—it’s how you say it, who hears it, and wheth…

1
111: Reconnect with the Joy of Generosity 4:31

16d ago4:31

4:31

"...O let us live in joy, although having nothing! In joy let us live like spirits of light!.." This week, I’m reading a quote from the Dhammapada, written down in the 1st century BC. Reflection questions: First, when was the last time you stepped back to view the greater horizon of your mission? Maybe it's time to do that again—to reconnect with t…

1
Ep 169| Practical strategies for one-person nonprofit leadership 23:02

19d ago23:02

23:02

Send us a text Leading a nonprofit alone can feel impossible, but with the right mindset, systems, and support, you can move the needle on your mission. In this episode of The Nonprofit Podcast, Jena Lynch talks with returning host Cara Augspurger about what it really takes to thrive as a solo Executive Director while wearing all the hats. Cara sha…

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E103: Transforming Personal Adversity into Powerful Fundraising with Ron Katz 34:52

21d ago34:52

34:52

In this episode of the Lead with Heart Podcast, I’m honored to welcome Ron Katz - a seasoned fundraising leader with over three decades of impact in healthcare, education, and social services. Ron has raised over $100 million for mission-driven organizations, and today, he shares how his personal journey with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has …

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110: A Great Present 4:31

22d ago4:31

4:31

"...We must not consider how great presents are, but in what spirit they are given..." This week, I am reading a story and quote from On Benefits by Seneca the Younger, published in 59 AD. Reflection questions: Consider the volunteers you interact with, how are you going beyond thanking them for their time and instead honoring the gift of their own…

1
Why Accuracy Is the Hidden Superpower of Stewardship 19:58

22d ago19:58

19:58

Send us a text Every fundraiser faces the same dilemma: we need efficiency, but we can't sacrifice accuracy. When that major donor asks for one critical data point before finalizing their six-figure gift, the pressure to respond quickly meets our professional obligation to be absolutely correct. ChatGPT makes this balancing act even trickier. Its c…

1
634. Making a Movement: Organize + Optimize - Jon and Becky 30:58

22d ago30:58

30:58

Movements don’t just happen—they’re built with intention, structure, and a whole lot of heart. In this episode of Making a Movement, Becky Endicott and Jon McCoy dive deep into what it really takes to turn mission into momentum. From designing systems that fuel impact to creating space for people to show up and thrive, this conversation is all abou…

1
Ep 168| 3 Questions every nonprofit leader must ask 12:14

26d ago12:14

12:14

Send us a text Busy doesn't always mean progress - here's how to tell the difference. In this episode of The Nonprofit Podcast, we explore the tension between busy work and true progress. Jena Lynch walks you through 3 key questions to help your nonprofit break free from busywork and align more powerfully with your mission. You’ll discover: What mi…

1
E102: Rethinking Women's Giving: Insights on Philanthropy, Data & Donor Engagement with Jacqueline Ackerman 42:26

28d ago42:26

42:26

I am thrilled to welcome Jacqueline Ackerman, interim director of the Women's Philanthropy Institute (WPI), to the podcast. In this episode, we’re unpacking how women give and why understanding those patterns can completely reshape how we approach nonprofit fundraising strategies. Jacqueline brings a rich perspective, combining data, empathy, and d…

1
109: Conditional Generosity 5:09

29d ago5:09

5:09

"...We frequently make our gifts conditional on the giving of others, not because we wish to force people to do their duty, but because we wish in this way to root the institution in the affections of as many people as possible who, as contributors, become personally concerned, and thereafter may be counted on to give to the institution their watch…

1
Why Momentum Beats Perfection in Fundraising Writing 26:12

29d ago26:12

26:12

Send us a text Ever found yourself paralyzed by a blinking cursor, struggling to craft the perfect donor message? You're not alone. Fundraising writing can be deeply intimidating—it needs to reflect understanding, empathy, clarity, and warmth all at once while connecting emotionally with donors. The secret to breaking through this paralysis lies in…

1
633. Making a Movement: Mobilize with Purpose - Jon and Becky 28:59

29d ago28:59

28:59

What turns a good idea into a movement? In this episode, Jon and Becky explore how purpose—when it’s clear, actionable, and rooted in emotion—becomes the driving force behind real change. You’ll hear how Scott Harrison rebuilt trust in giving through Charity: Water, how Sara Cunningham sparked a nationwide movement with Free Mom Hugs, and how Aidan…

1
Ep 167| 3 No-ask donor tactics to fuel Fall fundraising 12:20

1M ago12:20

12:20

Send us a text Unlock ‘no-ask’ fall fundraising ideas that get your donors excited long before the leaves change. In this episode of The Nonprofit Podcast, fundraising coach Britt Stockert shows you why July is your secret window for building “quiet momentum” and shares three no-ask tactics to deepen relationships, spark engagement, and position yo…

1
E101: Turning Personal Tragedy into Teen Mental Health Advocacy with Elliot Kallen 38:00

1M ago38:00

38:00

I’m honored to welcome Elliot Kallen to the Lead with Heart Podcast. Elliot is the president and co-founder of A Brighter Day, a nonprofit organization that has turned the devastating loss of his teenage son into a powerful mission to prevent teen suicide and offer hope to thousands of families. In this deeply moving and empowering conversation, El…

1
How to Use ChatGPT Without Compromising Donor Privacy 25:59

1M ago25:59

25:59

Send us a text Every fundraiser knows that donor trust is the foundation of successful philanthropic relationships. But in our rush to embrace powerful AI tools like ChatGPT, we risk compromising that trust through accidental exposure of sensitive information. What begins as an innocent copy-paste into an AI prompt can instantly transform into a se…

1
632. Making a Movement: How Movements Begin - Spark, Belief + Generosity - Seth Godin 38:44

1M ago38:44

38:44

Meet Seth. 🤝 Bestselling author and movement maker Seth Godin joins us to share what it really takes to create meaningful change. From Purple Cow to The Song of Significance, Seth’s work has inspired generations to lead with heart, strategy, + courage. In this powerful conversation, he unpacks how to build movements through empathy, creativity, + b…

1
108: Celebrate Abundance 6:00

1M ago6:00

6:00

"...When we have decided to accept, let us accept with cheerfulness, showing pleasure, and letting the giver see it, so that he or she may at once receive some return for their goodness..." This week, I am reading a quote from On Benefits by Seneca the Younger, published in 59 AD. Seneca uses the word “benefit” to denote an act of charity. Reflecti…

1
Ep 166| 4 Power Moves to Safeguard Your Nonprofit’s Funding 18:36

1M ago18:36

18:36

Send us a text 4 Power Moves to Navigate Funding Cuts & Build Nonprofit Resilience Feeling the squeeze of budget cuts and extra funding scrutiny? We've got you! In today's episode, Jena Lynch and Britton Stockert unlock four underused power moves to help you: Reframe your story for maximum impact Unlock fresh revenue streams Advocate strategically …

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631. Change Leadership, Critical Hope + Building Cultures We Don’t Have to Heal From - Lindsey Fuller, Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott 44:20

1M ago44:20

44:20

We’re closing out this series with a powerful conversation that redefines what leadership can look like. Lindsay Fuller of The Teaching Well joins us to explore how leading with courage starts right where you are—not with a title, but with intention. We unpack big ideas: hope as a daily practice, resilience as a rhythm, and policies that reflect li…

1
E100: Leading with Heart Intelligence to Build a Culture of Belonging with Susan Inouye 43:41

1M ago43:41

43:41

I can’t think of a more powerful way to celebrate 100 episodes than with Susan Inouye, a transformational executive coach and bestselling author whose work bridges neuroscience, somatics, and leadership. In this milestone conversation, we explore how nonprofit leaders can shift from head-centric to heart-centered leadership. Susan shares five key l…

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630. From One Wish to a Movement: Disney & Make-A-Wish’s 45-Year Journey - Jamie Sandys + Tajiana Ancora-Brown 38:26

1M ago38:26

38:26

Meet Jamie & Tajiana. 🤝 What happens when Disney and Make-A-Wish team up? Pure magic. For 45 years, this powerhouse partnership has granted over 150,000 wishes—bringing joy, healing, and unforgettable moments to kids and families when they need it most. Enter Tajiana Ancora-Brown from Disney and Jamie Sandys from Make-A-Wish: two hearts leading wit…

1
More Donor Time, Less Desk Time: The Case for AI in Your Fundraising Week 32:43

1M ago32:43

32:43

Send us a text Trapped in an endless cycle of drafting donor emails while meaningful connections take a backseat? The silent crisis of administrative drag is depleting fundraisers' energy and passion nationwide. What if reclaiming hours every week could be as simple as embracing the right technological tools? This transformative exploration reveals…

1
107: A Source of Blessing 4:26

1M ago4:26

4:26

"...And joy is the appropriate attitude with which to help others because acts of generosity are a source of blessing to the giver as well as the receiver..." This week, I’m reading a quote from John Chrysostom from the 400 A.D.s. Reflection questions: If you are writing a fundraising appeal for an urgent need, step back and ask yourself these two …

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Ep 165| Why AI Visibility Matters for Nonprofits - with Raj Hegde 19:25

2M ago19:25

19:25

Send us a text AI isn’t coming - it’s already deciding who gets funded. This episode is your wake-up call. Donors are turning to ChatGPT, Gemini, and other AI tools to find and evaluate nonprofits they can trust with their support. If your organization isn’t showing up, or showing up accurately, you may already be missing out. In our Season 6 premi…

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Gather At The Well: Leaving Well - Rest, Sabbaticals + Human-Centered Transitions - Lindsey Fuller and Naomi Hattaway 49:40

2M ago49:40

49:40

In this soul-nourishing conversation, Lindsey Fuller is joined by strategist, storyteller, and founder of the Leaving Well framework, Naomi Hattaway. Together, they unpack what it means to lead with intention, especially when it comes to rest, sabbaticals, and workplace transitions that truly center people. From micro-sabbaticals to full-scale cult…

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E99: Why Passion Isn’t Enough: Building Strong Nonprofit Boards and Brands with David Rhode 42:02

2M ago42:02

42:02

I’m thrilled to welcome David Rhode. David is a seasoned leader, nonprofit coach, strategic consultant, and author of Passion Isn’t Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders. His career spans marketing, founding and running a nonprofit, and teaching at the University of Pennsylvania. He offers deep insight into leading sustainable organizatio…

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629. A Call to Kinship: Reimagining Generosity and Connection (Birgit Smith Burton, Mide Akerewusi and Nneka Allen) 55:41

2M ago55:41

55:41

This is a conversation our hearts have been waiting for. It’s a powerful gathering of voices answering a call that feels more timely—and more necessary—than ever: a call to kinship. In this episode, we sit down with three extraordinary leaders: Birgit Smith Burton, Mide Akerewusi, and Nneka Allen. They bring deep wisdom, lived experience, and a glo…

1
106: Generosity Happens Right 4:05

2M ago4:05

4:05

"...All that happens, happens right: you will find it so if you observe narrowly..." This week, I am reading a quote from Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, written around 171 AD. Reflection questions: When you have failed in your work recently, how are you observing narrowly for the right things that came out of it? Are you seeking perfection or good…

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Grow Your Grant Potential with Gauri Manglik (Summer Repeat) 17:05

2M ago17:05

17:05

Send us a text Nonprofit grant applications can be time-consuming, complex, and discouraging, but they don’t have to be. That’s exactly what inspired Gauri Manglik to co-found Instrumentl, an all-in-one platform that simplifies grant discovery, tracking, and strategy. In this Season 2 encore episode of The Nonprofit Podcast, Cara sits down with Gau…

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628. Multiplication Mindset: How Responsive Fundraisers Build Movements - Jon and Becky 50:12

2M ago50:12

50:12

Fundraising doesn’t have to feel transactional—and it shouldn’t. This episode comes straight from the virtual stage of the Responsive Nonprofit Summit (RNS)—and it's packed with the kind of mindset shift we all need right now. Jon and Becky explore how moving from an "addition" mindset to a multiplication mindset can unlock transformational change …

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E98: Smart Growth Without the Grind: Redefining Leadership and Culture in Nonprofits with Luis Báez 36:04

2M ago36:04

36:04

What if we told you that hustle isn’t the only way to grow your nonprofit’s impact? In this episode, I’m joined by Luis Báez, a revenue enablement strategist and sales coach whose mission is to prove that you don’t have to grind to grow. Luis spent the last decade translating high-growth tech strategies into sustainable success for executive sales…

1
627. Healing Through Conversation: Building Trust in Polarizing Times - Katie Hyten, Essential Partners 36:56

2M ago36:56

36:56

Meet Katie 🤝, the Co-Executive Director of Essential Partners. She’s helping communities navigate tough conversations and build trust across divides. With a background in international negotiation and conflict resolution from Tufts University’s Fletcher School, Katie brings deep expertise in dialogue, identity, and civic action. In this episode, we…

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105: Deserve to be a Giver 5:27

2M ago5:27

5:27

..."See first that you yourself deserve to be a giver, and an instrument of giving. For in truth it is life that gives unto life—while you, who deem yourself a giver, are but a witness...." This week, I’m reading on this poem On Giving by Khalil Gibran from The Prophet‍, published in 1923. Reflection question: Are you an instrument of giving? Refle…

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Stable nonprofit funding: The smart approach in 2025 (Summer Repeat) 14:01

2M ago14:01

14:01

Send us a text In this summer throwback, we’re revisiting one of your favorites: Stabilizing Your Fundraising. Ready to reset and recharge your fundraising strategy for the rest of 2025? Take just 15 minutes to gain fresh clarity and confidence, press play, and let’s hit the ground running! 2025 has already thrown nonprofits a curveball. So what no…

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Episode 27: Fundamentals of Coaching for Leaders with Nathan Swenson-Reinhold 49:40

2M ago49:40

49:40

www.centerforgenerosity.com www.gsbfundraising.com Strengthening charitable causes to change the world through generosity. For nearly 50 years, GSB has provided effective counsel to a wide array of non-profit entities, including congregations, camps, healthcare systems, colleges, and other agencies. We have established a formidable reputation for e…

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Gather At The Well: Human-Centered Offboarding - Lindsey Fuller 38:26

2M ago38:26

38:26

How do we navigate the hardest moments in leadership, without losing sight of our values? This week on Gather at the Well, Lindsey Fuller returns to explore a topic that doesn’t often get the care it deserves: offboarding. Whether it’s layoffs, transitions, or role closures, Lindsey reminds us that how we say goodbye matters just as much as how we …

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