Seven Podcasts for Nonprofits that Educate and Inspire
The power of podcasts reveals itself in the numbers. The number of podcast listeners has risen steadily each year since 2013. The increasing adoption of mobile technology, internet accessibility and even in-car connectivity, suggests that this trend is likely to continue.
Source: Edison Research. “State of the News Media 2016” PEW RESEARCH CENTER
While no precise estimate exists as to the quantity of podcasts produced, an upward trend in shows hosted and episode downloads requested continues. 2015 saw 3.3 billion download requests.
So why should people working in nonprofit care about tuning into podcasts?
The reasons are really not that different from why any for-profit entrepreneur or professional should listen to podcasts:
- Use your commute time, gym time and “downtime” to get information, entertainment and inspiration
- Keep current on nonprofit trends
- Gain insight from industry leaders
- Get tips and strategies to use in your own efforts
7 Podcasts for Nonprofits We Like
There are countless podcasts out there with value to offer anyone concerned with marketing, design, social media and engagement. Most are focused on the for-profit world, since that is what the largest percentage of listeners are concerned with.
We rounded up seven podcasts that either focus on nonprofit or have direct connections to the work that you do.
The Business of Giving
Who runs it: Denver Frederick
What it is: Denver Frederick hosts nonprofit CEOs, corporate leaders, social entrepreneurs and celebrity ambassadors to discuss the issues of social good on this weekly podcast.
Why listen: The Business of Giving host brings 40 years of experience in philanthropy and social good to conversations with those leading transformative change worldwide. This means a whole lot of inspiration for you. Plus, the podcast claims to be one-of-a-kind in its focus on solutions to social problems. Check it out to see if you agree.
Where to listen: SoundCloud
(Note: iTunes and Stitcher episodes seem to have stopped in September 2016)
Average Podcast Length: 30–60 minutes
Driving Participation
Who runs it: Iris Creative
What is it: Interviewer Beth Brodovsky dialogues with leaders in marketing, fundraising and consulting arenas as to what causes people to “show up, stick around, and give back.”
Why listen: Driving Participation brings the latest on what other organizations are doing to grow. These conversations bring inspiration from others in branding strategies, marketing programs and fundraising.
Where to listen: Stitcher and iTunes
Average Podcast Length: 30-45 minutes
Nonprofit Ally
Who runs it: Nonprofit Ally
What it is: Steve Vick, Nonprofit Ally interviewer, gets experts talking on social media strategies, building capacity, developing a board of directors, fundraising and budgeting to get you started building and maintaining a thriving nonprofit.
Why listen: Full of tips on a variety of topics such as social media, newsletters, storytelling and blogging, website development and crowd funding, Nonprofit Ally becomes what the name suggests, your ally. Steve’s experience as a founder of one nonprofit and director of another adds expertise to help no matter your need.
Where to listen: Stitcher and iTunes
Average Podcast Length: Just under one hour
Rally & Engage
Who runs it: CauseVox
What it is: A podcast interviewing nonprofit marketers and fundraisers to extract insights and ideas around online fundraising.
Why listen: Aimed at nonprofit fundraisers and marketers, Rally & Engage shares up-to-date, real life experience and tips to encourage your nonprofit efforts.
Where to listen: iTunes and SoundCloud
Average Podcast Length: 12–20 minutes
TEDTalks (Audio)
Who runs it: TED Conferences
What it is: Audio-only versions of the popular TED Talks. Topics run the gamut on this podcast which hosts leading thinkers and doers sharing insights in their respective fields. Technology, Entertainment and Design complete the TED acronym. But, science, business, the arts and more come with the package.
Why listen: Inspiration and a bit of imagination stirring comes with listening to TedTalks Audio. Engaging, quick-listen podcasts bring shots of food for thought to you from around the world, by a variety of accomplished people. And, thinking beyond the confines of your industry spurs creativity.
Where to listen: iTunes and TuneIn
Average Podcast Length: 12–20 minutes
Tiny Spark
Who runs it: Tiny Spark, Amy Costello
What it is: In-depth interviews and self-described “shoe leather reporting” combine to inform you on philanthropy, international aid, social issues and development. These podcasts reveal investigations of both nonprofits and for-profit social good initiatives.
Why listen: Tiny Spark brings you deep and constructive reports on the truth of social initiatives across the globe. Plus, with leaders in philanthropy and aid weighing in, the conversation is sure to spark your interest.
Where to listen: iTunes and SoundCloud
Average Podcast Length: 12–20 minutes
Using the Whole Whale
Who runs it: Whole Whale
What it is: This digital agency focuses on leveraging data and technology through inspiring interviews and stories to impact your nonprofit.
Why listen: From one of the leaders in nonprofit analytics and optimization, this podcast focuses on topics such as analytics, communications, digital advertising, website optimization, impact and technology. The podcast has hosted a wide range of social impact leaders from Greenpeace, Change.org, Kiva, HopeLab, Malaria No More, Crisis Text Line, DonorsChoose.org, DoSomething.org, and Teach For America among others.
Where to listen: Stitcher, iTunes and SoundCloud
Average Podcast Length: 30–60 minutes
Getting Started
Listening to Podcasts for Nonprofits
If you aren’t one of the roughly one-third of Americans who already listen to podcasts, getting started is simple.
- Take a listen to a suggested podcast today or check iTunes nonprofit podcasts.
- Choose a podcast listening app.
- Most smartphones already have an app installed, such as the Podcasts app on iOS.
- If you don’t have the one that came with your iOS, Android or Windows device, you can try free and premium apps like:
- Stitcher
- TuneIn
- SoundCloud for Android or SoundCloud for iOS
- PocketCasts for Android or PocketCasts for iOS – our favorite premium app with variable playback speeds, cross-device syncing, and great design.
Most apps will let you subscribe, and then either stream or download episodes ahead of time. You can even stream them via your Alexa or Sonos devices in your home.
UPDATE: The 2017 statistics are out and the numbers keep growing. We broke them down and shared a new article discussing why nonprofits should consider starting their own podcast (and how).
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