
Dynamic Nonprofits
Dan Sonners
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Top 10 Dynamic Nonprofits Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Dynamic Nonprofits episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Dynamic Nonprofits for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Dynamic Nonprofits episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

DNP Groundbreakers: Molly Connors, Development Manager @ C-SPAN
Dynamic Nonprofits
06/19/24 • 62 min
Since 1979, C-SPAN has been providing unfiltered access into the inner workings of American democracy. Until recently though, the network was funded entirely by the cable industry and had never attempted to fundraise from private donors.
However, the disruption produced by cord cutting necessitated innovation and late last year C-SPAN launched a development program to generate support from the channel's loyal audience which values their unfiltered, unbiased approach politics.
C-SPAN's first ever Development Director, Molly Connors, joins Dan to share her story and go behind the scenes to discuss what it's been like to launch a fundraising program for legacy brand.
Topics covered in this fascinating chat include:
Molly's origin story in fundraising, how her new position at C-SPAN brought her career full circle, and how helping to launch a digital program for PBS prepared her for the position
C-SPAN's three critical donor cohorts and how Molly and her team identified them
What is the value proposition that drives those cohorts to give and the importance of unique value propositions for different groups of donors
TONS OF TACTICAL INSIGHTS, including C-SPAN's channel and engagement strategy and clever hacks for increasing DAF and digital giving (Hint: You'll want to add your postal address to all of your donation pages after listening to this interview)
The value of donor stories and helpful tips on how to solicit them
C-SPAN's surprising success on TikTok and reaching younger donors
Plus, so much more...
This interview is a great listen for fundraisers and non-profit leaders who enjoy founding stories as well any fundraising professional who is interested in tactical hacks for audience development, donor engagement, content strategy, and so much more.
Fundraisers who have been able to successfully start a program from the ground up have a rare and invaluable perspective which is why we are so grateful to Molly for sharing her time and wisdom.
We really enjoyed this conversation and, got a ton of value out of it, and believe you will too.
Thanks as always for listening to the Dynamic Non-Profits Podcast and enjoy the show!
Show Notes:
Molly Connors
Development Manager
C-SPAN
LEARN MORE ABOUT C-SPAN OR SUPPORT THEIR MISSION TO PROVIDE UNFILTED ACCESS TO OUR DEMOCRACY
CONNECT WITH MOLLY ON LINKED IN!

DNP Groundbreakers: Dave Raley, Founder @ Imago Consulting
Dynamic Nonprofits
05/23/24 • 48 min
Fundraising thought leader Dave Raley drops by the show for a casual chat about innovation...more specifically what's holding innovation back in the nonprofit sector.
Much deeper than a philosophical discussion, Dave and Dan dig into innovation tactics and shifts which can benefit nonprofits of all sizes (some of which require little to no overhead to implement).
Dave also touches on the role of leadership and why understanding your "working genius" type holds the key to driving a culture of innovation.
Dan also asks Dave how his background in direct mail influences his approach to innovation and they have a brief side car discussion about strategies and techniques which overlap between direct mail, email, and other channels.
This is a fun and valuable listen for fundraisers and nonprofit leaders who are passionate about driving innovation or who are interested in taking stock about the state of innovation inside their own organization.
Please rate and review Dynamic Nonprofits if you get value out of Dan's interview with Dave Raley. It's the very best way to support the DNP mission to advocate for an unsiloed approach to fundraising.
Thanks as always for listening, and enjoy the show!
Show Notes:
CONNECT WITH DAVE ON LINKED IN!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/draley/
LEARN MORE ABOUT DAVE RALEY AND IMAGO CONSULTING
FIND OUT WHAT TYPE OF WORKING GENIUS YOU ARE
https://www.imago.consulting/workinggenius
WEEKLY INNOVATION IN YOUR INBOX: SUBSCRIBE TO DAVE'S "WAVE REPORT" NEWSLETTER
https://www.imago.consulting/wavereport
LISTEN TO THE PURPOSE AND PROFIT PODCAST, COVERING THE INTERSECTION OF PHILANTHROPY AND BUSINESS

DNP Groundbreakers: Kevin Gentry, Vice President w/ Stand Together
Dynamic Nonprofits
02/23/23 • 51 min
"If you constantly have a mindset about helping to improve the lives of others, your life will be improved in the process"
Kevin Gentry has been a staple in the fundraising community for nearly four decades and his Fundraising Tips newsletter is a weekly must read for many in the sector. Kevin joined the show to discuss getting back to basics and how classic direct marketing techniques hold the keys to helping non-profits thrive during a time of great uncertainty.
However, our off-the-cuff conversation covered much more ground than that...
The Conversion Covers:
Kevin's origin story as a fundraiser and how we can help more talented individuals discover the non-profit sector as a career choice
The value of mentorship programs, both for the mentor AND the mentee
Why attending in-person events is so critical for professional development at all career levels
The origin story of Kevin's "Fundraising Tips" newsletter which has been running strong for 15 years and how he's improved it by actively listening to readers' feedback
The advantages of publishing original content and advice for fundraisers who aspire to be thought leaders
The mutual benefits of providing value to others
Tactical Advice Includes:
Why your non-profit should strive to "Go Big" in 2023 and how basic direct marketing techniques can help make that happen
Applying the "Human Action Model" and the three steps necessary to get someone to take a desired action
Richard Viguerie's "Four Horsemen of Marketing" (positioning, differentiation, benefits, brand,)
The risk in deferring to tightening up mail plans and writing off donors who haven't given recently
Why direct mail continues to be effective in a digital era
The value of getting feedback from donors and understanding how they perceive your brand
This is a classic conversation about the fundraising industry that is also packed full of tactical advice for fundraisers and non-profit leaders. Regardless of what causes you work with or where you are in your career, you're sure to benefit from this discussion with Kevin Gentry.
If you get value out of the interview, please take a few minutes to rate and review the Dynamic Non-Profits Podcast. It's the best way to support the show and help connect us with more legendary fundraisers just like Kevin.
Thanks for listening and enjoy!
Show Notes:
Email Kevin to connect, if you'd like to subscribe to his "Fundraising Tips" newsletter, or in order to receive a free copy of Richard Viguerie's "Four Horsemen of Marketing" booklet
Kevin can be reached at: his "Fundraising Tips" newsletter, or receive a free copy of Richard Viguerie's "Four Horsemen of Marketing.
Send an email to Kevin if you'd like to connect, subscribe to his "Fundraising Tips" newsletter, or receive a free copy of Richard Viguerie's "Four Horsemen of Marketing. He can be reached at: [email protected]
Learn more about the work of Stand Together at: https://standtogether.org/

DNP Deep Dive: Caging and Lockbox Services w/ Dennis Hoffman
Dynamic Nonprofits
07/22/22 • 37 min
When it comes to caging donor data, time and accuracy are money and delays and poor data hygiene can cost non-profits a lot in revenue and delayed decision making.
The importance of lockbox and caging services have come to the forefront for many organizations since the start of the pandemic, but the mechanics of these vital services remain a blind spot for many seasoned fundraisers.
Since 2005, Engage USA has been striving to provide clients with "obsessively accurate data" through the use of innovative technology, transparency, personalization, and a never ending mission to change expectations about data quality in the non-profit space.
Their founder, Dennis Hoffman, joins the show to give DNP listeners an education in Caging-101 and talk about the role cagers can play in breaking down data and strategy silos.
Topics Discussed Include:
- How Dennis' experience as a direct mail fundraiser inspired his pursuit to perfect non-profit data hygiene
A 101 overview of how caging and lockbox services work (including, "Why do they call it caging anyway?")
The role technology has played in creating faster, more accurate caging
Data which cagers can help capture (in addition to donation) that can help streamline and integrate fundraising (For example: Did you know cagers can help retain and catalog survey responses and comment mail?)
How cagers can help nonprofits take advantage of emerging payment methods such as e-wallets
The answer to the TRIVIA QUESTION: What percentage of donations are still made via check? (Listen through the entire interview for an answer which may surprise you)
Plus, much more
If fundraising is a V8 engine, caging is the oil which keeps it going. Enjoy my conversation with Dennis Hoffman as we shine a light on a part of the industry which is sometime unsung but is always absolutely vital to the success and optimization of nonprofit fundraising.
Show Notes:
Dennis Hoffman
Founder & CEO
Engage USA

10/06/24 • 56 min
Reading the mail is one of the best ways to get an idea what techniques are working and gain inspiration for your next campaign test.
Who's Mailing What! has been helping commercial and nonprofit mailers keep track of what's in the mail since 1984.
Direct Mail Evangelist and content creator Paul Bobnak joins the show for a deep dive into the Who's Mailing What! database and to share some trends that nonprofits should be aware of.
Paul's perspective will be invaluable, insightful, and inspiring for any fundraiser who is focused on trying to raise money in the mail.
Topics Covered Include:
The history of Who's Mailing What!
What information Who's Mailing What! keeps track of
WMW's recent acquisition by Direct Mail 2.0
The many testable elements of direct mail
The importance of standing out in the mail and how to do it
Personalization techniques
Changes in the mail due to postage and paper increases
Multi-Channel trends and opportunities to enhance direct mail
Informed Delivery
Cross-Channel attribution and how to drive more online conversions from the mail
And, so much more!
Paul's perspective will be invaluable, insightful, and inspiring for any fundraiser who is focused on trying to raise money in the mail.
If you get value from Dan's conversation with Paul, please rate and review Dynamic Non-Profits. It's the very best way to support our mission to advocate for an unsiloed approach to fundraising and help more fundraisers discover the show.
Subscribe to the Dynamic Non-Profits Podcast to hear fresh releases first, thanks for listening!
Show Notes:
CONNECT WITH PAUL ON LINKEDIN!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbobnak/
CHECK OUT PAUL'S VIDEO PODCAST "MEET THE MAILERS"
https://www.whosmailingwhat.com/videos
LEARN MORE ABOUT WHO'S MAILING WHAT!

Special Interview: Paper Shortage and Supply Chain Issues w/ Dean Hart, President @ MWI Direct
Dynamic Nonprofits
12/28/21 • 47 min

DNP Groundbreakers: Justin McCord, VP SMarketing @ RKD Group & Host of Groupthinkers Podcast
Dynamic Nonprofits
05/26/20 • 60 min
Did you know that over half of Americans have listened to a podcast? No longer a niche activity, podcast listening has grown by 50% over the last 3 years. The medium’s explosive growth has created a tremendous opportunity for non-profits to deliver value to their donors through the spoken word. As host of the Groupthinkers Podcast, Justin McCord has helped build RKD Group’s podcast into one of the most influential and forward thinking shows in the nonprofit sector. In this wide ranging conversation he talks to Dan about what it takes to build a successful podcast and how the format can help nonprofits provide information hungry donors with valuable engagement that can deepen relationships, improve retention, and fortify community with your organization’s most passionate fans. Topics include: The importance of a value-first approach, establishing your organization as an authoritative voice for your mission, content ideas, expectations about monetization, and why your content’s quality is much more important than your production values. Justin also shares his thoughts on the impact of “at home” content on the industry and how COVID-19 may permanently change fundraising best practices. Justin’s insights are a must-hear for any organization looking to get started or just curious about the power of podcasting.
Show Notes:

Direct Mail Review: Heifer International
Dynamic Nonprofits
12/15/21 • 48 min

05/20/21 • 57 min
Every year, Norwescap provides aid and assistance to 30,000 Northwest New Jersey families with a wide range of services customized to the unique needs of each beneficiary. Their areas of service include education, employment, financial capacity building, health & nutrition, house & energy services, and volunteerism & civic engagement.
Today, Dan welcomes Norwescap’s Chief Development Officer Heather Thompson to the show to discuss how Norwescap has helped empower families and individuals to thrive since 1965 as well as their remarkable and nimble pivot during the pandemic.
Topics discussed include:
How Norwescap promotes an investment mindset with their donors
Quantifying impact with societal ROI
Including beneficiaries operationally within the organization and fundraising efforts
Challenges of raising money from individuals when your organization receives government support
Norwescap's digital and programmatic transformation during the pandemic and lessons learned
And much more, including Heather's inspiring origin story in non-profit sector and how the theatre prepared her for life as a fundraiser
Show Notes:
https://norwescap.org/
https://norwescap.org/contact-us/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-thompson-she-her-70b5235/

DNP Deep Dive: Creative Deviations w/ John Lepp
Dynamic Nonprofits
07/07/22 • 60 min
John Lepp, Founder of Agents of Good, returns to the program to talk about his exciting new book "Creative Deviations" and the 12 deviations which hold the keys to unleashing the non-profit sector's full potential.
Topics Discussed Include:
The inspiration behind "Creative Deviations" and what John hopes the industry takes away from the book
Why non-profit "branding" is a myth
Why outer envelopes are so critical for success in fundraising and how to fully optimize their impact
Tips for expressing gratitude to donors
Is storytelling "dead"?
Why the best direct mail design may be the one your boss hates
And, so, so, much more
My discussion with John is guaranteed to change the way you think about direct mail fundraising and you'll definitely want to listen with a legal pad next to you in order to capture all of the great test ideas.
It's a chat that is definitely worth an hour of your time and one you'll probably want to listen to again to make sure you don't miss anything.
John's passion for fundraising is contagious and his drive to help other fundraisers learn is inspiring. We appreciate him taking the time to stop by the show to talk about "Creative Deviations"
If you're inspired by our conversation, please help inspire others by subscribing to the Dynamic Non-Profits Podcast, sharing our content, and by rating and reviewing the show. DNP content has been downloaded by nearly 5,000 fundraisers and we couldn't have gotten there without the support and enthusiasm of our loyal listeners. Enjoy the show and thanks as always for listening.
Show Notes:
Help support publishers which support the non-profit sector by buying directly from John's publisher:
https://agentsofgood.org/creative
Creative Deviations is also available through Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Deviations-storytelling-fundraising-creativity/dp/1927375819
Get in touch with John at:
https://twitter.com/johnlepp?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlepp/?originalSubdomain=ca
Listen to John's first appearance on Dynamic Non-Profits:
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FAQ
How many episodes does Dynamic Nonprofits have?
Dynamic Nonprofits currently has 99 episodes available.
What topics does Dynamic Nonprofits cover?
The podcast is about Non-Profit, Podcasts and Business.
What is the most popular episode on Dynamic Nonprofits?
The episode title 'DNP Groundbreakers: Dave Raley, Founder @ Imago Consulting' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Dynamic Nonprofits?
The average episode length on Dynamic Nonprofits is 39 minutes.
How often are episodes of Dynamic Nonprofits released?
Episodes of Dynamic Nonprofits are typically released every 13 days, 23 hours.
When was the first episode of Dynamic Nonprofits?
The first episode of Dynamic Nonprofits was released on Mar 25, 2019.
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