I hope you are doing well this week,

The weather in Massachusetts has been chilly, dreary, and rainy - actually some of my favorite weather! Plus it's Halloween time and there are decorations everywhere - I love it! 🎃🎃🎃

Now, on to the good stuff.

If you have ever wondered about the state of giving in the US, and if you've ever wanted to engage with micro-influencers in your own community, then I have two perfect Nonprofit Nation episodes for you.

🎧 How to Build a Community Ambassador Program with Tasha Van Vlack

I was so excited to talk with Tasha Van Vlack, community builder, engagement strategist, and founder of The Nonprofit Hive, about how nonprofit organizations can create impactful community ambassador programs without burning out their teams or breaking the bank.

🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Why “micro-influencers” in your own community are more powerful than you think
• What a community ambassador program really looks like (and how to start small)
• How to create social media toolkits and storytelling prompts that ambassadors will actually use
• Best practices for recognition and motivation beyond “thank-you” emails

👉 Click here to listen!

🎧 Giving Is Back: Insights from the 2025 Giving USA Report with Wendy McGrady

The numbers don’t lie - 2024 was a record-breaking year for charitable giving. But are you actually feeling it this year? And what does it mean for 2026?

Wendy McGrady, President and COO of The Curtis Group, and Chair of Giving USA Foundation helps us understand what’s really behind the numbers, how donor behavior is evolving post-pandemic, and how nonprofit marketers can turn these insights into better messaging, stronger relationships, and more sustainable funding.

🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The economic tailwinds that fueled the recent giving surge
• Changing donor behavior and emerging giving patterns
• How to message hope and legacy in a divided, uncertain time
• Ways to adapt to federal funding cuts through stronger philanthropy
• Why now is the moment to deepen — not just diversify — donor engagement

👉 Click here to listen!

DON'T FORGET TO HIT SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss an episode. (And leave a review if you have time - I truly appreciate it!)

Thanks for being part of my world, Reader, I appreciate it.

Best,

Julia

p.s. I see you skipping to the bottom! 🚨 Don't miss How to Drive Donations on GivingTuesday Using Digital Tools + AI - A brand NEW 2-hour, $47 live workshop for nonprofit leaders and marketers who want to plan and launch a GivingTuesday campaign that actually converts, using your website, email, social media, and AI tools. Sign up here.