Best CFRE Podcasts (2025)

1
E95: The Ethics of Nonprofit Storytelling: Honoring Dignity Without Sacrificing Impact with Diana Farias Heinrich 38:32

13h ago38:32

38:32

What does it really mean to tell stories with heart - and without harm? In this deeply moving and practical episode of the Lead with Heart Podcast, I’m joined by my brilliant friend Diana Farias Heinrich, CEO of Habrá Marketing and the visionary behind the EQUAstory Framework and the Ethical Nonprofit Summit. Together, we explore the complex terrai…

1
624. Hold Fast: How ImpactUp Hosts Are Fostering Community IRL - Crystal Clark, Lisa Gareau, Bart Lillie and Keicy Cabrera 43:29

1d ago43:29

43:29

We’re leaning into the theme Hold Fast—and exploring how community becomes our anchor in the midst of change. 💛 In this heart-filled episode, we’re joined by four of our Impact Up meetup hosts who are building something special in their corners of the world—from Denver to DC, Calgary to Caracas. Together, they’re proving that authentic connection a…

1
102: Generosity and Wisdom 4:50

2d ago4:50

4:50

"...Two different roads are presented to us, equally leading to the attainment of this so much desired object; the one, by the study of wisdom and the practice of virtue; the other, by the acquisition of wealth and greatness..." This week, I’m reflecting on a quote by Adam Smith from The Theory of Moral Sentiments, published in 1759. Reflection que…

1
Ep 165| Nonprofit Resilience: A Conversation (Summer Repeat) 16:34

5d ago16:34

16:34

Send us a text We’re on summer hiatus, but we're bringing back one of our most popular episodes, 'Nonprofit Resilience: A Conversation.' Originally released after the federal funding cuts were first announced in February, this episode digs into the challenges nonprofits are facing and offers strategies to navigate them. Listen in to explore the pot…

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623. The Art & Science of Convening: Designing Events That Spark Change - Heather Mason 43:43

7d ago43:43

43:43

Meet Heather, Founder and CEO of Caspian Agency and Impact Lounge. 🤝 She’s the creative mind behind some of the world’s most powerful gatherings. Since launching Caspian in 2005, she has brought a scientifically grounded, strategic approach to high-impact events for organizations like the Skoll World Forum, Rockefeller Foundation, and Dalio Foundat…

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E94: Scaling Impact with SOPs — How Nonprofits Can Document Processes to Prevent Burnout and Drive Growth with Stephanie Sloan 38:31

8d ago38:31

38:31

Welcome to another powerful episode of the Lead with Heart Podcast, your nonprofit leadership podcast focused on heart-led strategy and sustainable growth. This week, I sit down with Stephanie Sloan, founder of JLC Systems and an expert in streamlining nonprofit operations through effective SOPs. Stephanie shares her IMPACT Method — a practical fra…

1
101: Service, Courtesy, & Giving 5:31

8d ago5:31

5:31

"I shall pass through this world but once. Any good thing, therefore, that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” This week, I’m reflecting on the words of Henry Drummond from The Greatest Thing in the World, published in 1874. Reflecti…

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622. Hold Fast: Building Donor Trust in Uncertain Times - Mike Duerksen 33:07

9d ago33:07

33:07

Meet Mike, CEO of BuildGood 🤝. He’s here to share a thoughtful, grounded approach to fundraising in uncertain times. In this episode, we dig into why “Today’s growth comes from today’s donors” isn’t just a clever phrase—it’s a mindset shift. From the game-changing nine-word email to the fundraising flywheel and the power of donor celebration, Mike’…

1
Ep 164| From summer slump to donor retention win! 13:50

13d ago13:50

13:50

Send us a text Make summer your donor loyalty season, and set the stage for a better-funded fall. The summer slowdown doesn’t have to mean lost momentum. It’s the perfect time to deepen donor relationships and build long-term support. Join Jena as she lays out a practical, month-by-month plan to strengthen donor retention through the summer stretch…

1
Gather At The Well: The Human-Centered Audit—Where Are You Now? - Lindsey Fuller 33:11

14d ago33:11

33:11

What if policies could actually feel like care? 💛 In this episode of Gather at the Well, Lindsey Fuller invites us to rethink how we show up for our teams. Through the policies we write and live by. Drawing from her own experience, Lindsey unpacks the evolution of her organization’s “corrective progression” policy, showing how even the trickiest pr…

1
E93. How a 5-Minute Fundraising Call Can Boost Mid-Level Donor Engagement with Kel Haney 41:38

15d ago41:38

41:38

I am so excited to have Kel Haney back on the podcast. She is a fundraising expert who knows firsthand how a simple five minute conversation can transform donor relationships and significantly boost engagement. In this episode, we're exploring the power of picking up the phone to grow mid-level donors. Discover practical strategies to build meaning…

1
Episode 26: Donor Stewardship: New and Lower Tier Donors with Pete Reuss 17:15

15d ago17:15

17:15

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…

1
621. Hold Fast: Storytelling That Grounds, Heals + Connects - Obiekwe Okolo 54:38

16d ago54:38

54:38

Meet Obiekwe “Obi” Okolo, storyteller, creative director + culture alchemist. 🤝 In this episode of Hold Fast, we’re slowing down to explore the deep, healing power of story with Obi Okolo—visionary creative and founder of Bittersweet Creative. Born in Lagos, raised in Texas, and rooted in purpose, Obi invites us into a conversation about crafting s…

1
Stop Wrestling with Technology and Start Connecting with Donors 11:51

16d ago11:51

11:51

Send us a text Have you ever left a donor meeting, recorded quick thoughts on your phone, then spent hours translating those scattered notes into a proper contact report? There's a better way. At AFP Icon in Seattle last month, I watched a room full of fundraisers experience a collective "aha" moment. It wasn't sparked by fancy tech demos or pie-in…

1
100: Search for Meaning 4:51

16d ago4:51

4:51

"...Donor prospects are not objects; they are subjects, and like all of us, they want to contribute to something meaningful and life-giving and successful. Like us, they too search for meaning, have fears and hopes, desires and regrets, and beliefs that should be acknowledged and reverenced..." In honor of the 100th episode, this week, I am re-read…

1
Ep 163| The timing tightrope: Donor messaging in uncertain times 7:16

20d ago7:16

7:16

Send us a text Is starting ‘the funding uncertainty’ conversation early, “crying wolf,” or leading with honesty and foresight? Nonprofit leaders are walking a tightrope between transparency and alarm. In this episode, Jena unpacks how smart donor communications and strong donor relationships can build donor trust, even in the face of uncertain nonp…

1
620. 100% For Purpose Model: The Legacy and Future of Newman’s Own Foundation - Alex Amouyel 31:16

21d ago31:16

31:16

Meet Alex, President and CEO of Newman’s Own Foundation. 🤝 100% of profits from Newman’s Own products go toward helping children facing adversity. With over $600 million donated to date, the Foundation continues Paul Newman’s bold vision of business as a force for good. Alex is also the author of The Answer Is You, a guide to living with impact. In…

1
E92. Digital Marketing for Nonprofits: Google Grants, Email Marketing, and Tools You Need with Sean Littman 37:20

22d ago37:20

37:20

I'm thrilled to welcome Sean Littman to this episode of Lead with Heart. Sean is a true disruptor in the nonprofit digital space, bringing over a decade of expertise in digital marketing to help organizations grow and scale. He has transformed the way nonprofits leverage Google Grants and email marketing to build stronger communities and increase i…

1
619. Hold Fast: The Heart of Generosity: Trust, Belonging, and Community - Hali Lee 39:06

23d ago39:06

39:06

How do you fund what matters when everything feels urgent—and uncertain? In this episode of our Hold Fast series, we sit down with Hali Lee—philanthropy innovator, author of The Big We, and founding partner of Radiant Strategies—for a candid conversation on funding with heart, courage, and community at the center. Hali shares hard-earned wisdom fro…

1
99: Joy of Discovery 4:45

23d ago4:45

4:45

"...Humble ignorance can imagine that it might be wrong and hopes that its community will correct it early enough to avoid harm. It can marvel at what it sees that it cannot hope to understand or control...." This week, I’m reading a quote from Imposed Ignorance and Humble Ignorance - Two Worldviews by Paul Heltne, published in 2008. Reflection Que…

1
Episode 25: Donor Stewardship: Mid-Level Donors with Pete Reuss 17:50

26d ago17:50

17:50

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…

1
Ep 162| Unlocking the power of nonprofit phone engagement - Bart Lillie 24:18

27d ago24:18

24:18

Send us a text Are your nonprofit emails and social posts falling flat? It’s time to pick up the phone! Jena chats with Bart Lillie from Synergy Direct Marketing Solutions about how texting and strategic phone outreach can overcome donor fatigue. Learn why personalized text messaging can significantly enhance your nonprofit’s engagement, acquisitio…

1
Gather At The Well: How to Create Human-Centered Systems + Policies - Lindsey Fuller and Marisol Pineda Conde 36:13

28d ago36:13

36:13

Policies aren’t just paperwork—they’re culture in action. In this episode of Gather at the Well, Lindsey Fuller and Marisol Pineda Conde invite us to rethink how policies are created—and more importantly, who they’re really for. Together, they pull back the curtain on their own journey from outdated handbooks to building intentional, people-first p…

1
Episode 24: Donor Stewardship: Major Donors with Pete Reuss 17:18

28d ago17:18

17:18

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…

1
Episode 23: The Role of the Board in Fundraising with Mitzie Schafer 20:10

28d ago20:10

20:10

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…

1
E91. Mastering Mid-Level and Major Gifts Fundraising with Jeff Schreifels 47:13

29d ago47:13

47:13

I am excited and honored to welcome Jeff Schreifels to this episode of Lead with Heart. Jeff is the principal and owner of Veritus Group - a global consulting agency specializing in major gifts and mid-level fundraising strategy. He is a pioneer of relationship-centered fundraising, and under his leadership, Veritus has helped increase mid and majo…

1
618. Hold Fast: Finding Clarity + Measuring Impact in a Changing World - Ori Carmel 39:57

30d ago39:57

39:57

When strategy feels like a moving target, how do you hold fast to what really matters? In today’s episode, Ori Carmel shares how to hold fast to your true mission when everything feels uncertain, and how our quick decisions might be holding us back. 👀 Tune in to hear: 🤔 Understanding decision-making systems 📈 How to connect data to meaningful narra…

1
Behind the Ask: Navigating Your First Major Gifts Role 38:00

30d ago38:00

38:00

Send us a text The journey from behind-the-scenes prospect researcher to frontline major gift officer can feel like jumping into the deep end without a life vest. In this illuminating conversation, Matt Stokes, Leadership Giving Officer at Yale University, shares his experience making this challenging career transition and the lessons he's learned …

1
98: Active Charity 4:51

30d ago4:51

4:51

"...Let us, then, be up and doing, With a heart for any fate; Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait." This week, I'm reflecting on a poem, A Psalm of Life, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, published in 1838. Reflection questions: How does thinking of your donors as partners as well change your perspective? If you are in the midd…

1
Ep 161| Activate your board for fundraising success 29:10

1M ago29:10

29:10

Send us a text Activate Your Nonprofit Board for Fundraising Success If you've ever wanted your nonprofit board to take a more active role in fundraising, this episode is for you. Britt speaks with Sabrina Walker Hernandez, CEO of Building Better Boards, about how to unlock your board’s full fundraising potential. From dispelling common board fundr…

1
617. Centering Community and Justice: GreenLight Fund’s Model for Localized Impact - Ali Knight 33:13

1M ago33:13

33:13

Meet Ali, the CEO of GreenLight Fund and former leader of Fresh Lifelines for Youth. He joins us to share how his lived experience fuels his commitment to equity-driven leadership and community transformation. 🩵 In this conversation, Ali unpacks GreenLight Fund’s unique model for scaling evidence-based nonprofits into new cities—and what it means t…

1
E90. Transforming Nonprofit Leadership to Advance Disability Rights with Chanda Hinton 34:11

1M ago34:11

34:11

On this episode of Lead with Heart, I am thrilled to introduce the incredible work of Chanda Hinton and the Chanda Center for Health, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals living with long-term physical disabilities through innovative healthcare services. In bold advocacy efforts, the Chanda Center ensures that everyone, regardless of…

1
Quiet Power: The Introvert's Guide to Fundraising Success 46:34

1M ago46:34

46:34

Send us a text When you picture a successful fundraiser, do you imagine someone who commands the room, speaks eloquently without hesitation, and thrives in crowds of donors? That stereotype has dominated our field for decades—but what if the most powerful fundraising superpower isn't being heard, but truly hearing others? Carissa Konesky, CFRE and …

1
97: Fullness of Generosity 4:56

1M ago4:56

4:56

"...There is a difference between quantity and fullness. You can have a lot of money and still be empty. There is no fullness in your heart...." This week, Pope Francis passed away. In honor of his teaching on generosity, I am reflecting on his homily from November 8, 2015. Reflection question: Are you asking for leftover generosity? Or, are you as…

1
Hold Fast: Creating Space for Trust and Alignment in Funding - Iara Peng, JustFund 33:25

1M ago33:25

33:25

In this episode of our Hold Fast series, we’re leaning into what it really means to lead with purpose—especially when the weight of funding pressures feels unrelenting. Iara Peng joins us for a heart-opening conversation that invites nonprofit leaders to breathe a little deeper and reimagine funding as a partnership, not just a transaction. With co…

1
Ep 160| How Email Automation Drives Giving - Chris Barlow 23:39

1M ago23:39

23:39

Send us a text Is your email strategy helping you raise funds, or just filling inboxes? Jena sits down with Chris Barlow of Beeline Marketing to unpack how email automation can transform how nonprofits engage supporters. We’re talking: ✔ How to set up effective welcome sequences ✔ Using segmentation to send the right message at the right time ✔ Cle…

1
Gather At The Well: The Art of Multi-Leader Calibration - Lindsey Fuller and Marisol Pineda Conde 35:08

1M ago35:08

35:08

Sustainable leadership is not about being identical—it’s about being aligned. In this episode of Gather At The Well, co-leaders Lindsey and Marisol pull back the curtain on the real work of co-leadership—what it takes to align, recalibrate, and lead with intention. They share how they’ve built a leadership model rooted in alignment, trust, and prof…

1
E89. Faith-Driven Leadership in Philanthropy: Building Purpose-Led Cultures with Elaine Lankford 32:37

1M ago32:37

32:37

On this episode, I am thrilled to welcome Elaine Lankford, a passionate advocate for Christian female entrepreneurs and a true champion of empowering women to pursue their God-sized dreams. Elaine is the founder of She Steps Forward Coaching and She Steps Forward International. She has dedicated her life to equipping women to launch and grow succes…

1
96: Unexpected Gift 5:38

1M ago5:38

5:38

"... If donors are largely unaware of fluctuations in the grants received by charities, then reductions in fund-raising becomes a sensible explanation for crowding out..." This week, I came across a large scale research article from 2009 titled, “Is Crowding Out Due Entirely to Fundraising?” Reflection questions: If your organization suddenly lost …

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615. Hold Fast: How To Strengthen Your Operational Core - Scott Curran 54:13

1M ago54:13

54:13

In this special episode of our Hold Fast series, we’re bringing you a replay from our March members-only meetup featuring nonprofit legal and operational powerhouse, Scott Curran. As the former Chief General Counsel for the Clinton Foundation, Scott has navigated massive change and complexity — and he joined us to help you do the same. In this time…

1
Ep 159| Stable nonprofit funding: The smart approach in 2025 13:59

2M ago13:59

13:59

Send us a text 2025 has already thrown nonprofits a curveball. So what now? That’s why this week, we’re taking a moment to breathe and break down the tools, tactics, and mindset shifts that are actually helping nonprofits right now. Think recurring giving strategies that stick, smoother donor journeys, and collaboration that cuts costs and builds r…

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Let’s Say a Little Bit More About: Joy in Changemaking - Tulaine Montgomery 26:50

2M ago26:50

26:50

Today, instead of our regular episode, we wanted to share an episode from a podcast hosted by Tulaine Montgomery, the CEO of the venture philanthropy New Profit. She’s also a dear friend, a We Are For Good podcast alum, and brilliant thought leader we trust and follow to lead with conviction and heart. In Say More with Tulaine Montgomery, she talks…

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E88. Building Donor Trust with Principled Nonprofit Leadership - Fundraising Strategies with Andrew Olsen 45:07

2M ago45:07

45:07

Principled leadership is essential to nonprofit success—a belief strongly held by my guest, Andrew Olsen. Andrew helps nonprofit leaders increase impact through thriving organizational cultures that drive revenue growth. He's assisted over 500 nonprofits in raising half a billion dollars, authored bestselling books, and hosts the Rainmaker Fundrais…

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95: Network of Care 4:58

2M ago4:58

4:58

..."It is the most beautiful, the most noble side of neighbourly love, wherein the word has fully become deed..." This week, I’m sharing quotes from The Untapped Power of Jewish Fellowships and Forgotten Approaches to Care to connect the practice of hevrot to our work in fundraising. Reflection questions: How are you “thinking in relationship” to a…

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614. Hold Fast: Your Blueprint for Building a Resilient Organization - Brooke Richie-Babbage 36:35

2M ago36:35

36:35

The world is changing—fast. As a nonprofit leader, how do you hold fast to your mission when everything feels uncertain? In this episode of our new Hold Fast series, we’re joined by Brooke Richie Babbage, founder of Bending Arc Consulting and host of the Nonprofit Mastermind Podcast, to break down what real resilience looks like in practice. Brooke…

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NO 91: Stress and the Fundraiser 32:04

2M ago32:04

32:04

Navigating the professional pressure of raising funds for great causes is difficult. Yes, we feel a great sense of well being by working to advance a mission that helps our community. But with that comes great stress and pressure. There is help! Fundraisers are coming together and meeting to support each other. Building a community of support that …

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Ep 158| Boost your nonprofit's impact with smart time management - Kelly McLaughlin 26:07

2M ago26:07

26:07

Send us a text Ever finish your day feeling exhausted but unproductive? You're not alone! Join Jena and Kelly McLaughlin, founder of From Scratch Fundraising, as they get real about nonprofit productivity tactics that make a meaningful difference in combating overwhelm. Learn how to prioritize effectively, manage your energy instead of your time, a…

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Gather At The Well: Holding Fast + Staying Steady When You Need it the Most - Lindsey Fuller 30:42

2M ago30:42

30:42

How do we stay steady when we need it most? In this episode of Gather At The Well, Lindsey explores what it means to hold fast — to your values, your purpose, and your inner knowing. Through grounding somatic practices, personal reflections, and the rhythms that keep her team at The Teaching Well aligned, she offers a framework for leading with cla…

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E87. Leading with Emotional Intelligence, Radical Empathy, Trust & Vulnerability with Christy Pretzinger 43:52

2M ago43:52

43:52

I am thrilled to welcome Christy Pretzinger as my guest on this episode of Lead with Heart. Christy is the CEO and founder of WG Content - a company that has reshaped the healthcare content landscape through an inspiring approach centered on kindness and people-focused values. She's a sought-after speaker and expert on topics like emotional intelli…

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NO 90: SPECIAL EPISODE About Theresa Butler-Porter 23:50

2M ago23:50

23:50

Enthusiastic promoter of planned giving and all around friend to everyone, Theresa Butler-Porter feels like she has always been a planned giving professional - she just didn't know it. Now, an expert in the field and much sought after mentor and speaker, Theresa takes some time to talk about her journey working in the field, what she has learned ab…

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