NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange

• Building Resilience in the Face of Funding Cuts (with Laura Rosi and Elizabeth Silverstein)

  Radical shifts in federal funding priorities continue to create widespread uncertainty across the nonprofit sector. In today’s episode, we explore strategies to build organizational resilience, collaborate with other nonprofits, and communicate effectively with donors and funders during difficult times. We also examine the unique value a consultant brings, and share key criteria for choosing the right advisor to help your nonprofit thrive. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: http://www.ipmadvancement.com/free Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to [email protected]. Additional Resources IPM's free Nonprofit Resource Library: https://www.ipmadvancement.com/resources [NPFX] Federal Funding Uncertainty: How to Assess the Risks and Respond Strategically https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/federal-funding-uncertainty-how-to-assess-the-risks-and-respond-strategically [NPFX] Advocacy Matters: Defending Federal Funding for Nonprofits https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/advocacy-matters-defending-federal-funding-for-nonprofits Laura Rosi, Esq. is the Chief Executive Officer at Housing Families. She is known for collaborating with government and community stakeholders to foster solutions to complex problems. Laura has worked on affordable housing and homelessness issues for more than fifteen years at Housing Families. Using this expertise, she has successfully expanded the reach of housing and mental health services for unhoused individuals and families in Malden, Medford, Everett, Chelsea, Revere, and beyond. Her passions include creating community connections, and building bridges amongst medical and healthcare providers through events like Housing Families’ Annual Legislative Breakfast. Laura is a graduate of American University of Rome and received her law degree from Suffolk University Law School. https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurarosiesq/ https://housingfamilies.org/ Elizabeth Silverstein has served the not-for-profit sector for more than 40 years, specializing in transformational giving, vision casting, inspiring boards, and building passionate, effective teams. Beth has been instrumental in cultivating major gifts for capital campaigns in healthcare, two presidential libraries, higher education, K-12 independent schools, and social service organizations. With an ardent passion for protecting and propelling the nonprofit sector, Beth has joined the team at VisionConnect, a consultancy specializing in strategic planning, coalition building, governance excellence, and nonprofit capacity building. A BoardSource-certified Governance Consultant, she is passionate about coaching boards toward purpose-driven leadership and crafting bold strategic plans that drive maximum mission impact. https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-reynolds-silverstein-b211b7a/ https://www.visionconnectllc.com/ Russ Phaneuf, a co-founder of IPM Advancement, has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/ Rich Frazier has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years. In his role as senior consultant with IPM Advancement, Rich offers extensive understanding and knowledge in major gifts program management, fund development, strategic planning, and board of directors development. https://www.linkedin.com/in/richfrazier/

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• Advocacy Matters: Defending Federal Funding for Nonprofits (with Pat Libby, Kendra Davenport, and Shannon McCracken)

  When federal funding is at risk, diversification is a smart long-term strategy. But there's a more immediate response nonprofits can’t afford to ignore — advocacy. In this episode, we break down what advocacy really means, how it works, and why it’s essential for every nonprofit to get involved right now. Join us as we explore how to make your voice heard and protect the funding that fuels your mission. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: http://www.ipmadvancement.com/free Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to [email protected]. Additional Resources IPM's free Nonprofit Resource Library: https://www.ipmadvancement.com/resources Advocacy & Lobbying Resources for Nonprofits https://patlibby.com The Nonprofit Alliance's Action Alerts about Federal Funding https://tnpa.org/federalfunding/ Alliance for Justice Resource Library https://afj.org/resource-library/ [NPFX] Can Nonprofits Lobby? How LGBTQ and Other Organizations Can Influence Lawmakers https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/can-nonprofits-lobby-how-lgbtq-and-other-organizations-can-influence-lawmakers The Secret to Nonprofit Advocacy Success: Keeping Grassroots Supporters Engaged https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/the-secret-to-nonprofit-advocacy-success-keeping-grassroots-supporters-engaged Pat Libby is one of the nation’s leading experts on citizen lobbying campaigns. A long-time nonprofit leader, consultant, and recovering academic, Pat has made it her mission to teach nonprofit leaders and everyday people how to create change through the legislative process.  She is the author of The Empowered Citizens Guide and The Lobbying Strategy Handbook — funny, relatable books written for anyone who sees a glaring injustice or community-wide problem and wants to scream, “There ought to be law!” but doesn’t know how to make it happen. Pat makes conducting a successful grassroots lobbying campaign seem relatively painless by sharing her easy-to-follow formula and pulling the curtain back on things we think we should know but don’t. The books are illustrated by real-life examples of people who used her 10-step strategy to pass laws, and contain detailed information on the rules governing nonprofit lobbying. Pat created her strategy while leading a nonprofit organization; since then, it has been used by novice citizen activists throughout the country to pass new laws, including many in California where she resides. You can find many free resources on her website. https://www.linkedin.com/in/patlibbynonprofitconsulting/ https://patlibby.com Kendra E. Davenport, MPL, CFRE, is President and CEO of Easterseals, a leading organization that makes a lasting difference in the lives of 1.5 million people each year by providing essential services to children and adults with disabilities, older adults, veterans, and their families. Kendra oversees the National Office and a federated network of 70 Affiliates whose markets cover 48 states and Washington, D.C. For more than three decades, Kendra has been a leader and innovator in the nonprofit sector, with a consistent focus to facilitating critical services and interventions with organizations specializing in health and human services and disability rights, ensuring everyone can lead full lives. Kendra has extensive management experience, having managed over 1,000 international staff across eighteen sub-Saharan countries while working for one of the largest African American-founded and led nonprofits at the time. She is highly regarded not only for her extensive work in the nonprofit sector and for her leadership amid change, but for her commitment to transparency, accountability, and strong focus on collaboration. Kendra is a graduate of Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, and serves on boards for organizations that span health, education, civil rights and social action, and economic empowerment. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendradavenport/ https://www.easterseals.com/ Shannon McCracken is the founding CEO of The Nonprofit Alliance and has been named to The NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50 for the last three years. She spent two years as Charity Navigator’s Chief Development Officer, facilitating communication with nonprofit organizations and increasing resources to ensure the successful implementation of a new strategic plan, and subsequently served on Charity Navigator’s board of directors. Shannon spent 17 years with Special Olympics International, most recently as Vice President of Donor Development. While at Special Olympics, she served as the DMA Nonprofit Federation Advisory Council Chair and Chair of the Ethics Committee. Shannon is a Certified Association Executive with a master’s in Nonprofit and Association Management. She serves on the Fundraising.AI Advisory Council and the Fundraising Effectiveness Project Steering Committee as Government Relations Chair. https://www.linkedin.com/in/smccracken/ https://tnpa.org/ Russ Phaneuf, a co-founder of IPM Advancement, has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/ Rich Frazier has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years. In his role as senior consultant with IPM Advancement, Rich offers extensive understanding and knowledge in major gifts program management, fund development, strategic planning, and board of directors development. https://www.linkedin.com/in/richfrazier/

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• Federal Funding Uncertainty: How to Assess the Risks and Respond Strategically (with Lauren Steiner, Anne Newland, and Beth Silverstein)

  Recently, a series of rapid-fire decisions by the Trump administration sent shockwaves through the nonprofit sector, leaving many organizations uncertain about the future of their federal grants. In today's episode, our expert panel explores strategies nonprofits can implement to assess the challenges they face and survive potential funding cuts. With insights on collaboration, donor communication, impact assessments, and advocacy, this episode offers a lifeline to nonprofits facing unprecedented challenges. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: http://www.ipmadvancement.com/free Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to [email protected]. Additional Resources IPM's free Nonprofit Resource Library: https://www.ipmadvancement.com/resources [NPFX] Nonprofit Collaboration: The Power of Partnership https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/nonprofit-collaboration-the-power-of-partnership 4 Ideas for Finding Collaborations That Expand Your Nonprofit’s Reach and Impact https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/4-ideas-for-finding-collaborations-that-expand-your-nonprofits-reach-and-impact [NPFX] The Intersection of Organizational Wellness and Impact https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/the-intersection-of-organizational-wellness-and-impact [NPFX] How to Prevent Nonprofit Staff Burnout and Create a Culture of Wellness https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/how-to-prevent-nonprofit-staff-burnout-and-create-a-culture-of-wellness Elizabeth Silverstein has served the not-for-profit sector for more than 40 years, specializing in transformational giving, vision casting, inspiring boards, and building passionate, effective teams. Beth has been instrumental in cultivating major gifts for capital campaigns in healthcare, two presidential libraries, higher education, K-12 independent schools, and social service organizations. With an ardent passion for protecting and propelling the nonprofit sector, Beth has joined the team at VisionConnect, a consultancy specializing in strategic planning, coalition building, governance excellence, and nonprofit capacity building. A BoardSource-certified Governance Consultant, she is passionate about coaching boards toward purpose-driven leadership and crafting bold strategic plans that drive maximum mission impact. https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-reynolds-silverstein-b211b7a/ https://www.visionconnectllc.com/ Lauren Steiner is the Founder and CEO of Grants Plus, the nation’s leading grant consulting firm, specializing in securing grant funding for healthcare organizations. With over 20 years of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit development, Lauren has led her team in winning hundreds of millions in funding for clients. Lauren has contributed to key philanthropic initiatives, including The Giving Institute and the Generosity Commission and formerly co-chaired the editorial board of Giving USA. She has been an avid presenter on grant-seeking topics, both in person and virtually, for AFP, Grants Professionals Association (GPA), The Giving Institute/Giving USA, the Chronicle of Philanthropy, as well as a frequent guest on podcasts including GrantStation, Blackbaud's Engage Podcast, Successful Nonprofits, and more. Lauren is known for her practical, real-world approach to grant-seeking, ensuring attendees walk away with actionable takeaways. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-steiner/ https://grantsplus.com/ Anne Newland, MD, MPH has spent her career as a physician and executive in the primary care safety net. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for North Country HealthCare, a federally-qualified community health center with clinics in 11 communities in northern Arizona. She trained in Internal Medicine-Pediatrics at the University of Tennessee-Memphis, served as Chief Resident for Internal Medicine at UT, and later completed a Master in Public Health degree at Harvard School of Public Health as a Commonwealth Fund Fellow in Minority Health Policy. Dr. Newland launched a community-based Family Medicine residency program in 2020 and is planning a Psychiatry residency program to train psychiatrists in rural northern Arizona. Dr. Newland has served on many community boards and, and she has worked with elected officials and other stakeholders to create new pathways to fund graduate medical education. https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-newland-392914a/ https://northcountryhealthcare.org/ Russ Phaneuf, a co-founder of IPM Advancement, has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/ Rich Frazier has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years. In his role as senior consultant with IPM Advancement, Rich offers extensive understanding and knowledge in major gifts program management, fund development, strategic planning, and board of directors development. https://www.linkedin.com/in/richfrazier/

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• 10 Lessons Nonprofits Learned Last Year — and How to Thrive in 2025

  Nonprofits worked hard last year and gained valuable insights along the way. In today's episode, we share the top lessons learned by 10 fundraising professionals, and ways to apply them to make an even greater impact in 2025. Listen for tips on donor engagement, the importance of managing your data, leveraging your annual fund for major gifts, the value of unrestricted funds for capacity building, and more — plus a message of inspiration that every nonprofit should hear. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: http://www.ipmadvancement.com/free Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to [email protected]. Additional Resources IPM's free Nonprofit Resource Library: https://www.ipmadvancement.com/resources Why Donor Retention Should Be Your Top Fundraising Priority https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/why-donor-retention-should-be-your-top-fundraising-priority Writing a Great Thank You Letter: The First Step in Successful Donor Stewardship https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/writing-a-great-thank-you-letter-the-first-step-in-successful-donor-stewardship [NPFX] Measuring More than Money: Why Donor Relationships Matter https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/measuring-more-than-money-why-donor-relationships-matter [NPFX] Meaningful Donor Relationships: The Key to Financial Stability https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/meaningful-donor-relationships-the-key-to-financial-stability The Secret to Keeping Your Donors Giving: Make Them Feel Special https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/the-secret-to-keeping-your-donors-giving-make-them-feel-special Shereese Floyd is CEO of Witness My Life and founder of AI Consultants for Nonprofits. With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit marketing, Shereese has helped organizations increase their influence and revenue, generating over $2 million in direct campaigns. She is dedicated to social change, with a focus on development, branding, women's leadership, and artificial intelligence. Through AI Consultants for Nonprofits, Shereese offers AI literacy and training programs tailored to nonprofits, schools, and government entities. Her approach empowers organizations to certify internal team members as AI experts, fostering a culture where technology handles routine tasks, allowing people to focus on meaningful work. Shereese's mission is to make AI accessible and beneficial for organizations focused on social good. https://www.linkedin.com/in/shereesefloyd/ https://aiconsultantsfornonprofits.com/ Sami Zoss, is the founder of Zoss Collaborations, a business solutions consulting firm specializing in nonprofit growth and operational efficiency. With an MBA in Finance and Marketing, Sami brings a wealth of expertise in donor engagement, technology integration, and strategic planning to her clients. Before founding Zoss Collaborations, Sami served as the COO and later as Acting CEO of the Dakota State University Foundation, where she led record-breaking fundraising campaigns and implemented innovative donor engagement strategies that significantly expanded DSU’s donor base. In addition to her work with educational institutions, she has been a dedicated volunteer with organizations like Camp Gilbert Inc., supporting children with Type 1 diabetes. https://www.linkedin.com/in/samizoss/ https://samizoss.com/ Samantha Timlick, partner & CEO of IPM Advancement, has been with IPM since launch. She's worked with nonprofit clients on donor renewal, appeal, stewardship, and acquisition programs encompassing more than 250 million total recipients across all fundraising channels — including highly segmented direct mail microtargeting, personalized inbound and outbound telemarketing, and integrated e-campaigns. https://www.linkedin.com/in/stimlick/ https://www.ipmadvancement.com/ Emily Berry leads the Annual Giving effort at Miami University, generating more than $6 million each year. With more than two decades of fundraising and advancement experience, Emily brings a wealth of experience and knowledge as a session presenter. She has previously served on the District V conference committee, and her team has been recognized with CASE Circle of Excellence Awards for their annual day of giving, #MoveInMiami. https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-berry-3b23867/ https://moveinmiami.org/ Nicolette Dumais is the Constituent Communications Manager at USS Hornet Sea, Air and Space Museum. She excels at crafting and executing strategic fundraising plans, building lasting stakeholder relationships, and identifying funding opportunities to drive organizational growth. Nicolette has successfully led development teams, fostering collaboration and professional growth. Holding a Bachelor’s in Communications and a Master’s in Nonprofit Management, she combines deep expertise with a passion for making an impact, helping organizations achieve sustainable success. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolette-dumais/ https://uss-hornet.org/ Josh Gryniewicz, founder of Odd Duck, a storytelling for social change consultancy, has spent his career in nonprofit. He served as the communication director for Cure Violence, an internationally renowned violence prevention program featured in the award-winning film The Interrupters. Josh helmed the rebrand of Integrate Health, a global health initiative in West Africa, helping increase their budget by nearly $1 million. Most recently, Josh led communication efforts for Data Across Sectors for Health (DASH), a program focused on national multi-sector data sharing to address social determinants of health. He is the co-author of the national bestseller, Interrupting Violence, a moving story of redemption and social change. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgryniewicz/ https://oddduck.io/ Ally Barron is Chief Development & Communications Officer at the Hope and Heal Fund. With over 15 years of experience, her expertise spans corporate social responsibility, fundraising strategy, donor relations, event management, and strategic communications. In her current role, Ally has transformed fundraising strategies, securing over $2.5 million annually and cultivating a $5 million grant from Governor Gavin Newsom’s Office of Emergency Services. Her leadership extends to managing a statewide public awareness campaign focused on mental health, violence prevention, and equity. Ally holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Arizona State University. https://www.linkedin.com/in/allybarron8/ https://hopeandhealfund.org/ Elizabeth Silverstein has served the not-for-profit sector for more than 40 years, specializing in transformational giving, vision casting, inspiring boards, and building passionate, effective teams. Beth has been instrumental in cultivating major gifts for capital campaigns in healthcare, two presidential libraries, higher education, K-12 independent schools, and social service organizations. https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-reynolds-silverstein-b211b7a/ Russ Phaneuf, co-founder, managing partner & chief strategist for IPM Advancement, has spent more than 25 years in nonprofit fundraising, with key roles in higher education development. Russ has been a finalist for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) “Rising Star” award, and he has earned an AMA Spectrum Award recognizing outstanding collateral. He has also presented on strategic communications and constituent engagement for CASE, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the National League of Cities. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/ Rich Frazier has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years. In his role as senior consultant with IPM Advancement, Rich offers extensive understanding and knowledge in major gifts program management, fund development, strategic planning, and board of directors development. https://www.linkedin.com/in/richfrazier/

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  42:49
• Special Invitation for Listeners: What's Your Most Valuable Lesson from 2024?

  Hello NPFX listeners! As nonprofit professionals, you've worked really hard this year. You faced challenges, achieved goals, and undoubtedly, you've gained valuable insights along the way. For our first episode of the new year, we'd like to hear what you've learned. Here's the question we'd like you to answer: What's the most valuable lesson you're taking away from your nonprofit experience in 2024? Send your answer by email to [email protected] with the subject line "2024 lesson." If you'd like us to mention you on the episode, be sure to include your name, your title, and the nonprofit you represent. If you want to remain anonymous, just let us know. Thank you for listening, and thanks for helping us grow our NPFX community. We look forward to hearing from you. Happy holidays!

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