The Smart Communications Podcast

How can nonprofits get their board to fundraise without relying on rigid or stressful demands? In this episode, Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with Amber Hamilton, founder of Fig Leaf Development, to unpack practical strategies for turning anxious or novice board members into confident fundraisers. They explore how to shift from transactional requests to strengths-based engagement and five entry points for board participation—investor, cultivator, connector, fundraiser, and advisor—giving every board member a valuable role to play. Amber also shares how to celebrate small wins, foster deeper board connections, and thoughtfully navigate the complex power and racial dynamics that can arise in philanthropy.

What if conflict could strengthen your relationships and drive meaningful change? Farra Trompeter, co-director, interviews Altagracia Montilla, founder of A.M. Consulting and creator of the Conflict BraveryTM masterclass. They discuss why avoiding conflict often holds us back. Altagracia shares how healing our relationship to conflict can build stronger teams and save us time. Get practical tips for becoming braver by reframing conflict as a positive force at work.

Why are nonprofit communicators so often brought in at the end of a project and treated more like an order-taker than a strategic partner? Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with Ally Dommu, director of service development, about why communications staff deserve a seat at the table and what changes when they get it. They explore the organizational habits and assumptions that keep communications stuck in a tactical role, and share practical steps communicators can take to shift the culture, build stronger cross-team relationships, and demonstrate their strategic value.

What does your brand have to do with hiring? More than you think. Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with Olivia Freire, director of operations, to explore how a clear, authentic brand helps nonprofits attract the right candidates, set expectations, and build stronger teams. Together, they share practical ways to align what you post in job ads with what it’s actually like to work at your organization.

How can nonprofits connect more meaningfully with the people they serve during times of deep division and declining trust? Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with Doug Hattaway, president of Hattaway Communications, and Erica Pelletreau, founder and CEO of The Pelletreau Group, about the science and strategy behind building trust, bridging divides, and fostering real community engagement. Drawing on the Trust Playbook developed for The Communications Network, they share practical insights on addressing misconceptions, using plain language, and designing communications that prioritize listening, relationships, and shared goals.