How do you win the hearts—and hands—of Gen Z donors? According to Emily Tisdale, West Coast Manager for Team for Cures at the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (TheMMRF.org), you stop seeing them as “the future” and start engaging them right now.

In this lively session, Julia C. Patrick explores Gen Z’s philanthropic behavior with Emily, who’s on the frontlines of volunteer and donor engagement across three major markets. Emily doesn’t mince words: “This generation is not transactional. They want to be part of the change.” That means showing up, speaking out, and yes—expecting organizations to be transparent and impact-driven.

Emily explains how COVID-era isolation shaped Gen Z’s digital-first instincts, but also fueled a hunger for purpose. Whether it’s advocacy via Instagram, fundraising through peer networks, or attending real-life charity walks, Gen Zers are ready to get involved—when the mission speaks to them. “They don’t want to just cut a check and sit back,” she adds. “They want action.”

Julia challenges common assumptions about younger donors being flaky or too young to matter. Emily pushes back with stories of college students becoming long-term supporters, and volunteers maturing into major funders. “We need to meet them where they are today,” she says. “Because where they’re going is powerful.”

The conversation covers everything from social media strategies to cross-generational mentorship. One standout idea? Pair Gen Z volunteers with seasoned ones to create a mutual growth loop. “Our high-impact volunteers can become our highest-impact donors,” Emily points out.

Whether you’re building out a peer-to-peer campaign or rethinking how you cultivate loyalty, this episode offers a smart, real-world roadmap for tapping into Gen Z’s energy and values.

00:00:00 Welcome and introduction to Emily Tisdale
00:01:36 What MMRF does and why it matters
00:03:55 Who is Gen Z? Understanding this generation
00:05:52 Gen Z is already here—don’t wait to engage
00:07:28 Advocacy and action: Gen Z’s passion points
00:09:40 IRL vs. digital: How Gen Z shows up
00:12:02 Gen Z in peer-to-peer fundraising events
00:14:25 Strategies to keep Gen Z engaged
00:17:02 Content planning that actually works
00:19:01 Mentorship and cross-generational collaboration
00:22:28 What the future looks like for Gen Z donors
00:27:16 Real-life examples of Gen Z’s donor journey

#GenZPhilanthropy #DonorEngagement #TheNonprofitShow

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Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
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In a whirlwind of nonprofit questions from viewers, Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall splash into the world of fundraising mysteries. "We need to diversify our funding streams," Tony begins, setting the tone for a conversation that's part strategy session, part confessional. From the complex dance of fundraising committees to the cutting-edge world of cryptocurrency donations, these nonprofit mavens dissect the industry's most pressing questions with surgical precision and infectious enthusiasm.

How do fundraising committees work with board members? Committees can serve as talent pipelines and engagement platforms, with board members actively recruiting committee members.

Should nonprofits accept cryptocurrency donations? Yes, but carefully evaluate organizational readiness, donor demographics, and infrastructure.

What's the typical fundraising performance ratio? Generally 1:5 to 1:10 for development officers, varying by specific role and organization.

Are printed annual reports still relevant? Offer both print and digital versions, tailoring to donor preferences and organizational resources.

How should fundraisers demonstrate their value? Beyond monetary metrics, highlight pipeline development, donor retention, and mission impact.

00:00:00 Show Introduction and Sponsors

00:02:08 Fundraising Committees Deep Dive

00:07:51 Cryptocurrency and Donor Advised Funds

00:14:29 Annual Report Strategies

00:19:07 Fundraiser Performance Metrics

00:28:25 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

#TheNonprofitShow #FundraisingInnovation #NonprofitStrategy

Find us Live daily on YouTube!

Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!

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

Thinking of opening a nonprofit thrift store? Before you dust off those donation bins, take a lesson from Kate Thoene, CEO of New Life Center., as she gives us a masterclass in turning a pile of secondhand shoes into sustainable impact. Spoiler: It’s not as easy as slapping a price tag on old lamps and hoping for the best.

At Hope’s Closet, the social enterprise Kate oversees, “we don’t take anything that makes you ask, ‘Should I donate this or toss it?’” That tough-love clarity is part of what keeps their thrift shop not just afloat—but thriving. From curated donation bins and strategic store layouts to voucher programs for survivors of domestic violence, Kate walks us through how her organization uses retail to empower recovery, generate unrestricted revenue, and build community loyalty.

She breaks down staff structure (a mix of full-time employees and 1,000+ volunteers), donation flow (“you need new items hitting the floor daily”), and even how color-coded tags help them cycle out stale inventory. Plus, we learn about their fruitful partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters—where unsellable items are bought by the pound, keeping the store clutter-free and the landfill grateful.

Don’t miss how this 5,000-square-foot shop became a community engine, churning out real, trackable impact. Kate shares insights on metrics, bonus incentives, messaging at point-of-sale, and even the exciting possibility of store #2. And yes, there's a half-off sale where even the “rules” go on discount.

If you’ve ever wondered whether charity shops are worth the effort, Kate answers that with a resounding yes—as long as you’re ready to think like a retailer, hustle like a startup, and lead with mission.

"The more we sell, the more we help survivors of domestic violence." — Kate Thoene

00:00:00 Today’s topic: Are thrift stores worth it?
00:01:55 What New Life Center does—and how Hope’s Closet began
00:03:42 The donation overflow that started a social enterprise
00:05:26 How vouchers empower survivors with dignity
00:06:59 Tips for getting quality donations consistently
00:10:03 Seasonal sales trends and revenue diversification
00:11:45 Selling both on the floor and by the pound
00:13:56 Staff, volunteers, and running a smooth thrift operation
00:15:41 Production flow and the secret to a fresh sales floor
00:17:14 Hiring, retail knowledge, and connecting sales to mission
00:19:09 Leveraging POS tech and staff bonuses
00:21:12 Sales strategy, color tags, and breaking the rules
00:24:00 Exploring a second location and future growth

#ThriftWithPurpose #thriftstores #TheNonprofitShow

Find us Live daily on YouTube!

Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!

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