Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell
Ready for some real talk about nonprofits? Julia Campbell sits down with industry experts and practitioners to get advice on the best ways to build a thriving movement and a vibrant, passionate community around a cause.
Topics include fundraising, storytelling, and marketing of course - but it also dives into mental health issues, leadership strategy, digital wellness, and much more. Julia's guests share practical wisdom, entertaining stories, and real-world tips that will help you strategize, plan, and grow your nonprofit.
You never know exactly what you’re going to learn when you tune into Nonprofit Nation, but you can be assured that it will be worth your valuable time and attention.
Nonprofit Nation is hosted by Julia Campbell, digital marketing and fundraising expert, nonprofit consultant, and author of Storytelling in the Digital Age: A Guide for Nonprofits and How to Build and Mobilize a Social Media Community for Your Nonprofit in 90 Days.
Julia helps nonprofits build movements, and in her work she teaches nonprofits how to build community, audience and raise influence on social media channels.
Be sure to click the subscribe button on Apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell
Stop Confusing Your Donors with Ian Stewart
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Nonprofits are doing incredible work, but if your messaging isn't clear, your impact can easily get lost.
In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia sits down with Ian Stewart, Founder and CEO of Whole Brand Agency and a StoryBrand Certified Guide, to discuss why clear messaging is one of the most powerful fundraising tools nonprofits can have.
Ian explains how confusing language can unintentionally create barriers for donors and supporters, making it harder for them to understand your mission and take action. Drawing from the StoryBrand framework, he shares practical strategies to simplify your messaging, position your donors as the heroes of your story, and create communications that inspire generosity without oversimplifying your mission.
Whether you're planning your next fundraising campaign, refreshing your website, or simply trying to communicate your impact more effectively, this episode offers actionable advice to help your nonprofit connect with the right audience and increase donor engagement.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why confusing messaging hurts donor engagement and fundraising.
- The fundamentals of the StoryBrand framework for nonprofits.
- How to simplify complex missions without losing authenticity.
- Tips for creating fundraising campaigns with clear, compelling messaging.
- How storytelling strengthens donor relationships.
- Practical exercises to help clarify your nonprofit's message today.
- Why positioning your donor as the hero leads to stronger engagement.
- How to evaluate whether your current messaging is actually working.
About Ian Stewart
Ian Stewart is the Founder and CEO of Whole Brand Agency, a StoryBrand Certified Guide, and host of the Whole Brand Podcast. He helps organizations clarify their messaging, build trust, and create marketing that keeps their brands top of mind.
Throughout his career, Ian has worked with organizations including the PGA Tour, the University of Colorado, and nonprofits such as America's Kids Belong, Colorado Youth Outdoors, and the Denver Institute of Work and Faith. His passion lies in helping mission-driven organizations communicate with clarity, build meaningful relationships, and grow with intention.
Connect with Ian Stewart
Website: https://wholebrand.agency/
StoryBrand for Nonprofits: https://wholebrand.agency/sbnonprofit/
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ianstewart12
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