Nonprofit strategist Tim Sarrantonio talks Giving Tuesdays, CRMs and Building the Future of Philantropy

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How Your Nonprofit Can Thrive During a Crisis

“The reality is, every nonprofit right now, is an essential service, every single one. It’s all under attack by this virus and so what we need to do is stand up.” Share on X

Turning Kindness into Action

In challenging times, generosity rises. The COVID-19 pandemic has proven that people are ready to give—even when resources are tight. Recognizing this, GivingTuesdayNow launched a special global day of giving and unity on May 5, 2020, in addition to the usual post-Thanksgiving Giving Tuesday.

To help your organization prepare, Tim Sarrantonio, a passionate nonprofit strategist, joins Lindsay to share actionable strategies for resilience, engagement, and fundraising success—even in the midst of crisis.

Meet the Guest: Tim Sarrantonio of Neon One

Tim leads ecosystem development at Neon One, a leading nonprofit technology company. His work ensures that nonprofits have access to over 27 integrated products and 90+ expert consultants through tools like NeonCRM, Rallybound, CiviCore, and Arts People.

Tim brings a unique perspective on how nonprofits can leverage tech, storytelling, and community to keep moving forward.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Whether your nonprofit is struggling to stay afloat or looking to grow impact during uncertainty, this episode is packed with useful takeaways:

  • ✅ How to pivot your messaging and stay relevant

  • ✅ Best practices for CRM systems and donor tracking

  • ✅ Why storytelling matters more than ever

  • ✅ How to prepare for GivingTuesdayNow and leverage global momentum

  • ✅ How kindness, unity, and data-driven strategy can help your nonprofit thrive—not just survive

Take Action Today

In a time when every nonprofit is essential, standing still is not an option. Listen now to learn how to adapt your fundraising efforts, deepen donor relationships, and position your organization for long-term success.

Even during a quarantine, your nonprofit can grow, connect, and lead with purpose.

Key Takeaways: 

  • (01:13) – Back to the basics of  Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) and why curating modern donor engagements is impossible with archaic software.
  • (04:58) – The value of an integrated CRM capturing peer to peer, event-based and major gifts donor engagement and how Neon One compares to BlackBaud (Raiser’s Edge) and Salesforce for large and small organizations.
  • (10:16) – Everything you need to know about this new Giving Tuesday and the action steps to make the most out of it.
  • (13:16) – Tim’s ideas and resources to prepare quick and effective campaigns if you’re jumping on the Giving Tuesday wagon a little late.
  • (14:50) – How to increase engagement by telling a story and putting donors in the middle of it.
  • (16:50) – All eyes on the future: The message nonprofits should be delivering to donors during COVID-19.
  • (19:17) – His perspective and prediction on the usage of technology in favor of the philanthropy ecosystem.
  • (24:02) – The most critical information even the leanest nonprofit should be collecting in CRM!
  • (29:31) – The fruitful effects of being real and treating your donors like humans and not numbers.
  • (33:56) – How generosity is baked into our DNA and nonprofits are meant to guide donors to impact society in a positive way.

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TED Talk: Rewiring How We Make Good Happen with Tim Sarrantonio

TED Talk: Changing the world, one party at a time with Tim Sarrantonio

For stronger fundraising, invest in data stewardship by Tim Sarrantonio

Fundraising Effectiveness Project

 

Episode Resources

Giving Tuesday

Neon One

Capital Roots 

The Bail Project 

Building a Storybrand by Donald Miller

Mark Phillips from Bluefrog Fundraising

Julia Campbell from Neon One 

The Gift by Marcel Mauss