Nonprofit Expert

In this episode, we sit down with Martie Bernicker, Director of Speak Up, a youth well-being nonprofit that helps teenagers talk openly about the challenges they face—and helps the adults in their lives listen to, guide, and support them. Martie shares the origin story behind Speak Up, how the program works in schools and communities, and what they have learned from serving tens of thousands of youths and their families over the last few decades.We also discuss how to grow fundraising with a small to mid-sized team: systematizing donor data to improve staff confidence,segmenting supporters by interests and affiliations, andcreating more meaningful touchpoints that deepen relationships.Plus, Martie discusses how the organization is using its 25th anniversary to strengthen engagement and carry momentum into the next chapter.Connect with DonorPerfect LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

Whether you’re strengthening donor relationships or simply trying to stay on top of your notes, this episode offers actionable strategies you can apply right away. We’re joined by Ceciry Rodriguez-Pimentel, the Director of Development & Community Engagement at the HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy, to explore how fundraisers can better understand their donors, stay organized, and make more intentional asks. She shares practical insights from managing a full donor portfolio as a one-person development team—including how donor histories, giving patterns, and everyday conversations shape her engagement approach. You will learn how to use donor data to personalize outreach and connect supporters with program needs in a meaningful way.

In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Mintzer, CEO and Founder of Youth Mentoring Partnership, a youth development organization that has experienced remarkable programmatic and fundraising growth by combining mission-driven passion with data-informed decision-making.Mintzer shares how mentorship changes lives, why understanding community needs shapes effective messaging, and how a business-minded approach to strategic planning has strengthened their fundraising operations. In this episode, you will learn practical steps for building sustainable giving programs, improving donor stewardship, and using tools like donor data, updated forms, and monthly giving strategies to support long-term organizational growth.

In this episode of Nonprofit Expert, we dive into how nonprofits can transform digital interactions into lasting donor relationships. Join Constant Contact’s Matthew Montoya and DonorPerfect’s Darryl Moser as they share essential nonprofit fundraising tips on leveraging clicks, opens, and engagement data to truly understand and engage your audience. You'll discover why click rates matter more than open rates, how to use segmentation to send targeted messages, and how thoughtful digital connection drives more meaningful and frequent giving. Whether you're new to nonprofit fundraising or looking to sharpen your marketing for nonprofits, this episode offers practical strategies for turning digital touchpoints into valuable donor connections.Connect with DonorPerfect LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

Mallory Erickson, fundraising coach and author focused on relational fundraising, shares a framework for tracking relationship-building KPIs for 2026. She covers measuring relational depth, donor trust, engagement consistency, and impact awareness. Practical tips include short surveys and simple CRM tracking to prioritize long-term connections over transactional asks.

Mallory Erickson, a fundraising coach and author who helps nonprofit professionals reduce stress, leads short guided affirmation practices. She guides breathing and recentering. She affirms trust, progress, resilience, compassion, and the value of small steps. She closes by encouraging action, support, and revisiting the practice as needed.

Stop sending one-size-fits-all messages to your donors. In this episode of Nonprofit Expert, Mallory Erickson shows you how to use donor segmentation to tailor your appeals, strengthen connections, and make every donor feel seen. Learn which segments to start with and how to track engagement in your CRM.

Mallory Erickson, fundraising and nonprofit communications expert, leads a mini series on writing subject lines that grab attention. She explains why subject lines are your best shot, how the curiosity gap drives opens, and offers concrete examples and simple tests to try. Quick, practical takeaways to boost email engagement without rewriting your whole campaign.

Learn how to overcome hesitation and confidently reach out to lapsed or quiet donors. In this episode, nonprofit expert Mallory Erickson shares practical strategies for leading with courage, authenticity, and transparency, so you can build stronger donor relationships without waiting to “feel ready.”

Join us for a mini series hosted by fundraising coach Mallory Erickson! We’ll begin with a roadmap for integrating courage, curiosity, segmentation, and relationship-focused KPIs into your 2026 fundraising plan, showing you how to turn these insights into daily habits that deepen donor trust and sustain results.