Show Notes
Javan Van Gronigen is the Co-Founder of Donately, a leading fundraising platform that has processed over $180M in donations for 1,400+ nonprofits. With 15+ years in digital marketing and social impact, he helped create accessible, transparent fundraising technology after his work on the global Kony 2012 campaign. Key Takeaways: Nonprofits thrive when they align marketing, storytelling, and data into a unified approach that strengthens both mission and message, especially when working with small teams and limited resources. Tools like Donately, Google Analytics, and AI empower nonprofits to personalize donor experiences, track engagement, and make informed decisions that drive sustainable growth. Establishing a steady rhythm—such as quarterly roadmaps—helps organizations stay consistent while leaving room to explore new ideas, platforms, and emerging technologies. Nonprofits that take risks, communicate openly, and lead with authenticity build stronger trust, greater visibility, and lasting donor relationships.
“Act like for-profit businesses, take those risks. You will be rewarded for that if you're more bold and you go after being unique in that space.” “With AI...you just have the ability to audit and look through mounds of information far better than you used to. Understanding who your audience is, what's working, what's not, that's really critical.” “If you don't know where your donors are coming from, you don't know where to put your money.” - Javan Van Gronigen
Reach out to Javan Van Gronigen at: Website: http://www.donately.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/javanvangronigen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearedonately Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donately_org/ X: https://x.com/donately
Let’s Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence
1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders
Want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward.
2. Team Coaching + Training
I work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you’re growing fast or feeling stuck, we’ll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together.
3. Board Retreats + Trainings
Your board has big potential. I’ll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results.
Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com
Connect with Maryanne about her coaching programs: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect
Book Maryanne to speak at your conference: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker
More from The Influential Nonprofit
When a donor goes quiet, should you follow up—or let go? This episode explores how to tell the difference between trust, control, and avoidance, and how to act without trying to control someone else’s choice.
Burnout isn’t a badge of effective leadership—and rest doesn’t have to mean stepping away for weeks. This conversation explores practical ways to delegate, challenge assumptions, and help teams navigate change with greater care.
Why do people say yes or pull away even when the choice seems logical? Explore how trust, safety, autonomy, and the freedom to say no shape meaningful decisions.
Running a nonprofit can be lonely, and your board of directors may never think about your growth as a leader. In this episode, Allison Wyatt explains how to build a personal "circle of champions," so you always have someone to call when things get hard.
At 60, Maryanne discovered her hair had been naturally wavy all along — she'd just never created the conditions for it to show. In this solo episode, she turns that surprise into a fundraising lesson: your next donor, partner, and big idea are probably already in your orbit, waiting to be activated.