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An effective urgent nonprofit fundraising appeal strategy can drive immediate impact—but only when it’s clear, credible, and authentic.

In this Global Edition of The Nonprofit Show, Matthew Murray (CEO, Expand Consultancy, UK) shares practical insights on how nonprofits can respond to crises with urgency while maintaining donor trust and long-term credibility. From small, time-sensitive needs to global emergencies, this conversation focuses on what actually motivates donors to act—and what causes them to disengage.

One of the biggest takeaways: specificity wins. As Matthew explains, “We need this for this. Can you help?” is far more effective than vague appeals. Donors want to know exactly what their contribution accomplishes—whether it’s funding supplies, feeding families, or solving a defined problem in real time.

The episode also explores the role of data in crisis fundraising. While emotional storytelling still matters, credibility comes from backing it up with real numbers. “Backing up with numbers gives you real credibility,” Matthew notes, emphasizing the importance of using verified, trustworthy data sources.

But urgency comes with risk. Misusing a crisis—or attaching your organization to an issue you’re not directly addressing—can damage trust. Authenticity is non-negotiable. As Matthew puts it, “The most attractive quality in a nonprofit spokesperson…is authenticity.”

Finally, the conversation closes the loop on impact. Donors don’t just want to give—they want to see results. Sharing one clear story or measurable outcome can reinforce trust and deepen engagement.

If your organization is navigating urgent appeals, crisis fundraising, or global donor communication, this episode delivers wisdom you can implement immediately!

00:00:00 Global Edition Introduction
00:04:13 What Defines an Urgent Appeal?
00:05:26 Why Crisis Moments Drive Nonprofit Momentum
00:06:32 Real Example: Small Urgency, Big Impact
00:08:45 Why Specificity Converts Donors
00:10:25 Structuring Donation Levels for Maximum Response
00:13:21 Data vs Emotion in Fundraising Appeals
00:17:52 When Urgent Appeals Break Donor Trust
00:20:05 Authenticity as a Fundraising Advantage
00:22:34 Closing the Loop: Showing Impact to Donors
00:24:28 Using Media and Storytelling During Crisis
00:26:01 Simple, Authentic Communication That Works

#TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFundraising #GlobalPhilanthropy

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Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
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Exploring whether nonprofits should pay taxes on business income, examining how revenue sources, competition, and policy gaps are reshaping the sector’s financial landscape.

Nonprofit tax exemption business income is becoming one of the most important—and controversial—issues facing the sector today. As nonprofits generate more revenue through business-like activities, the question is no longer theoretical: should some of that income be taxed?

In this eye-opening conversation, Scott Hodge of Arnold Ventures joins The Nonprofit Show to examine how nonprofit revenue models have evolved—and where the current tax framework may no longer align with reality.

The nonprofit sector now represents $3.6 trillion in total revenue, with approximately $2.8 trillion coming from business-related activities. Yet much of this income remains untaxed. As Scott explains, “We have this enormous… gap in the tax code so that these businesses that are now nonprofits are not paying any tax on their business income.”

This raises real operational and strategic questions for nonprofit leaders. When organizations generate revenue through sponsorships, services, or large-scale operations, where is the line between mission-driven funding and commercial activity?

The discussion also revisits the intent behind the Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) and why it may no longer capture the realities of today’s nonprofit economy. “UBIT has been made so full of holes that it doesn’t capture very much income at all,” Scott notes.

At the same time, the conversation carefully distinguishes between truly charitable organizations—those driven primarily by donations—and large-scale entities operating with minimal philanthropic income. This distinction matters, especially as nonprofits compete not only with for-profit businesses but also with each other for limited donor dollars.

For nonprofit executives, finance leaders, and board members, this episode offers a critical lens on:

Revenue strategy and risk exposure

Policy shifts that could impact operations

The long-term sustainability of tax-exempt status

This isn’t about weakening the sector—it’s about understanding how definitions, funding models, and accountability may evolve in the years ahead.

00:00:00 Introduction: Should Nonprofits Pay Taxes?
00:01:20 The Scale of the Nonprofit Economy
00:04:30 What Counts as “Business Income”?
00:06:45 Real Examples: NCAA, AARP, Hospitals
00:09:20 Understanding UBIT and Its Limitations
00:12:00 Nonprofit Survival vs Business Activity
00:14:10 Defining True Charity vs Commercial Operations
00:16:00 Where Large Nonprofits Blur the Lines
00:20:00 Sector Pressure and Public Perception
00:22:30 Why Policy Change Has Stalled
00:24:00 What Could Trigger Reform?
00:26:00 Final Thoughts: Protecting True Charitable Work

#TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitTaxation #NonprofitFinance

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Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
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Nonprofit hiring challenges in 2026 are shifting in unexpected ways—and it’s not about a lack of talent. It’s about behavior. In this episode, we explore how “job hugging” is reshaping the nonprofit workforce and slowing hiring across the sector.

Dana Scurlock, Managing Director at Staffing Boutique, breaks down a growing trend where nonprofit professionals are choosing stability over opportunity. Rather than pursuing new roles or promotions, many are holding tightly to their current positions due to uncertainty in funding, policy changes, and broader economic pressures.

As Dana explains, “It’s not for lack of candidates—it’s for lack of candidate interest in moving jobs.” This shift has major implications for nonprofit leaders trying to fill roles, build teams, and drive innovation.

The result? Hiring pipelines are shrinking, searches are taking longer, and organizations are competing harder for fewer willing candidates. Even when strong candidates exist, they must be “courted” out of stable roles—raising the stakes for hiring processes and organizational reputation.

But the impact goes deeper. Job hugging isn’t just slowing hiring—it’s also affecting internal culture. Reduced mobility, fewer promotions, and fear-driven decision-making can limit innovation and stall organizational progress.

Dana also highlights a critical shift in candidate priorities: “More than anything, candidates want to be somewhere stable where they can grow and be set up for success.” For nonprofit leaders, this means rethinking how roles are positioned, how hiring is conducted, and how stability is communicated.

If your organization is struggling to fill roles, retain talent, or maintain momentum, this conversation offers practical insight into what’s really happening—and what you can do about it.

00:00:00 Introduction to Job Hugging
00:01:10 What Is Job Hugging?
00:03:30 Why the Nonprofit Job Market Is Shifting
00:06:40 How Uncertainty Impacts Career Decisions
00:09:10 Why Hiring Pipelines Are Slowing Down
00:12:00 Internal Job Hugging and Career Stagnation
00:14:50 Impact on Innovation and Organizational Growth
00:17:10 What Nonprofits Should Watch For
00:19:00 What Candidates Want Now: Stability Over Salary
00:21:30 Risk Aversion and Workforce Behavior
00:24:00 How Long Will This Trend Last?
00:25:40 What Leaders Can Do Right Now

#TheNonprofitShow #Nonprofitmanagement #NonprofitHiring

Find us Live daily on YouTube!

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Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_Show

Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PT

Send us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.com
Visit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show