--- title: Nonprofit leaders discuss challenges of COVID-19 description: In a special season of our Groupthinkers podcast, we sit down with various leaders from the nonprofit industry to discuss the impact of COVID-19. image: https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hubfs/210111-RKD-Nonprofit-leaders-discuss-challenges-of-COVID-19-Doodle-v2.jpg --- [![](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/210111-RKD-Groupthinkers-Rebranded-Logo-Blog-png.png?width=157&name=210111-RKD-Groupthinkers-Rebranded-Logo-Blog-png.png)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com) - [Solutions](https://rkdgroup.com/services/) - [Mid-Level Giving](https://rkdgroup.com/services/mid-level-giving/) - [Monthly Giving](https://rkdgroup.com/services/monthly-giving/) - [Lapsed Giving](https://rkdgroup.com/services/lapsed-giving/) - [Personalization](https://rkdgroup.com/services/personalization/) - [Connectors](https://rkdgroup.com/services/connectors/) - [Machine Learning](https://rkdgroup.com/services/machine-learning/) - [Marketing + Fundraising](https://rkdgroup.com/services/marketing-fundraising/) - [Audience Development](https://rkdgroup.com/services/audience-development/) - [Creative Services](https://rkdgroup.com/services/creative-services/) - [Data Management](https://rkdgroup.com/services/data-management/) - [Strategic Planning](https://rkdgroup.com/services/strategic-planning/) - [Analytics](https://rkdgroup.com/services/analytics/) - [Causes](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/) - [Animal Care](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/animal-care/) - [Food Banks](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/food-banks/) - [Health + Hospitals](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/health-hospitals/) - [Humanitarian](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/humanitarian/) - [Missions](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/missions/) - [Salvation Army](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/the-salvation-army/) - [Results](https://rkdgroup.com/results/) - [Acquisition](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=acquisition) - [Digital](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=digital) - [Mid-Major Programs](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=mid-major-programs) - [Advanced Analytics](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=advanced-analytics) - [Direct Mail](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=direct-mail) - [Multichannel Strategy](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=multichannel-strategy) - [Data Management](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=data-management) - [Media](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=media) - [Website Development](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=website-development) - [Resources](https://rkdgroup.com/insights/) - [Blog](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/) - [Benchmarks](https://info.rkdgroup.com/benchmarks) - [Webinars](https://info.rkdgroup.com/webinars) - [Ebooks + Research](https://info.rkdgroup.com/ebooks-research) - [Podcast](https://info.rkdgroup.com/group-thinkers-nonprofit-marketing-podcast) - [Field Guides](https://info.rkdgroup.com/field-guides) - [About Us](https://rkdgroup.com/about/) - [Leadership](https://rkdgroup.com/about/leadership/) - [Careers](https://rkdgroup.com/about/careers/) - [Let's Chat](https://rkdgroup.com/lets-chat/) #### Subscribe to our blog ### Subscribe to Email Updates ## Featured Post   [RKD Group](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/author/rkd-group) ## [RKD Group Acquires Whiteboard](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/rkd-group-acquires-whiteboard) Premier Marketing Agency Bolsters Conceptual Creative Capabilities by Acquiring Award-Winning Agency PLANO, Texas, July 27, 2026 — Today, RKD Group, Nor\[...\] [Digital Fundraising](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/digital-fundraising) [Direct Mail Fundraising](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/direct-mail-fundraising) [Multichannel](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/multichannel) [Fundraising](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/fundraising) [Nonprofit Industry](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/nonprofit-industry) [RKD](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/rkd) [Brand](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/brand) [Read More](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/rkd-group-acquires-whiteboard)   [Shane Thornal](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/author/shane-thornal) ## [Why nonprofits must unite SEO, social and paid media in one strategy](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/why-nonprofits-must-unite-seo-social-and-paid-media-in-one-strategy) Someone at your organization “owns” paid media. Someone else—often younger and under resourced—runs the social accounts. A third person (or maybe no one\[...\] [Digital Fundraising](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/digital-fundraising) [SEO](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/seo) [Digital Media](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/digital-media) [Social Media](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/social-media) [Data & Analytics](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/data-analytics) [Read More](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/why-nonprofits-must-unite-seo-social-and-paid-media-in-one-strategy) ## Recent Posts [Podcast](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/podcast) [COVID-19](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/covid-19) # Nonprofit leaders discuss challenges of COVID-19 By [RKD Group](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/author/rkd-group) Between [event cancellations](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/coronavirus-event-cancellations-mean-nonprofits-must-adapt/), [disaster fundraising appeals](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/how-should-nonprofits-handle-fundraising-during-coronavirus-pandemic/) and loss of volunteers, COVID-19 has taken the nonprofit industry by storm. In this special season of our Groupthinkers podcast, host Justin McCord sits down with various leaders from the nonprofit industry who are coming up with innovative and inspirational responses in the face of uncertainty. Check out the podcasts from Season 4 of Groupthinkers below: ### KARLA BALDELLI THINKS ABOUT WELLNESS CALLS As VP of Donor Engagement at RKD Group, Karla Baldelli is an expert on mid-major donors. In this episode, Justin chats with Karla about COVID-19 and how nonprofits can [connect with their top donors](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/wellness-calls-check-on-your-nonprofits-supporters/) during times of social distancing.   ### TONIE HOWARD & GLENN MCKINNEY THINK ABOUT BEING PRESENT AND PROACTIVE Senior Vice Presidents Tonie Howard and Glenn McKinney have decades of experience working with local and regional nonprofits like food banks and rescue missions. [As the national need for food and shelter increases](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/organizations-adapt-to-provide-food-to-those-in-need-during-covid-19/), Tonie and Glenn offer their perspective on how being proactive and present can provide authenticity for donors looking to help their communities.   ### AMY SAMPLE WARD THINKS ABOUT COMMUNITY CONNECTION As CEO of NTEN, Amy Sample Ward is one of many nonprofit leaders who had to make the difficult decision [to cancel an upcoming conference](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/add-these-nonprofit-conferences-to-your-calendar/). In this episode, Amy discusses the impact canceling The Nonprofit Technology Conference had on their organization. Justin and Amy also look at decision-making during crises and the importance of open and clear communication.   ### SHANNON MCCRACKEN THINKS ABOUT NONPROFIT RESPONSE On this episode of Groupthinkers, Justin sits down with the CEO of The Nonprofit Alliance, Shannon McCracken. Shannon discusses the recent town hall hosted by TNPA and shares the results from their poll of nonprofit marketers on steps they are taking to combat the impact felt by COVID-19.   ### STEPHEN ROCKWELL THINKS ABOUT NONPROFIT EFFECTIVENESS RATING Stephen Rockwell is the Chief Ratings Technology Officer for Charity Navigator. In this episode, Stephen shares how Charity Navigator is working to launch initiatives that optimize how organizations are rated amid the COVID-19 pandemic. ### ASHA CURRAN THINKS ABOUT #GIVINGTUESDAYNOW On this episode of Groupthinkers, Justin sits down with Giving Tuesday CEO Asha Curran. Asha shares how the organization came to the decision to launch their newest initiative, #GivingTuesdayNow. She also discusses the power of generosity and how organizations can come together in the fight against COVID-19.   ### WANT MORE? Groupthinkers is the [podcast for nonprofit marketers](https://rkdgroup.com/podcast/) by RKD Group. This is a must-listen experience of thought-provoking content that inspires insight on the industry and strategic decisions. Groupthinkers brings together innovators and curators in nonprofit marketing, branding and direct response to tackle the major issues facing nonprofits today.   Subscribe today on [iTunes](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/groupthinkers/id1446525113?mt=2), [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/rkd-group/groupthinkers?refid=stpr), [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/6oNMqDg8hrD1QkxqkJrDpL) or [Soundcloud](https://soundcloud.com/groupthinkers). ### [RKD Group](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/author/rkd-group) RKD Group is North America's leading fundraising and marketing services provider to hundreds of nonprofit organizations, including hospitals, social service, disease research, animal welfare, rescue missions, and faith-based charities. RKD Group’s omnichannel approach leverages technology, advanced data science and award-winning strategic and creative leadership to accelerate net revenue growth, build long-term donor relationships and drive online and offline engagements and donations. With a growing team of professionals, RKD Group creates breakthroughs never thought possible. [Follow me on Twitter](https://twitter.com/RKDGroup) #### Leave a comment: Previous ##### [How to handle emergency appeals during the coronavirus pandemic](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/how-to-handle-emergency-appeals-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic) Next Post ##### [Economic stimulus package provides help for nonprofits](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/economic-stimulus-package-provides-help-for-nonprofits) ### Search GroupThinkers ![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/459002/Assets%20Apr/magnifying-glass.png) [![GP FG - Blog Rail 340x340](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GP%20FG%20-%20Blog%20Rail%20%20340x340.png?width=340&name=GP%20FG%20-%20Blog%20Rail%20%20340x340.png "GP FG - Blog Rail 340x340")](https://info.rkdgroup.com/givingpulse-field-guide-q1-2024-access) [![MidYear Benchmarks-Sidebar_SolidGold](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MidYear%20Benchmarks-Sidebar_SolidGold.png?width=340&name=MidYear%20Benchmarks-Sidebar_SolidGold.png "MidYear Benchmarks-Sidebar_SolidGold")](https://info.rkdgroup.com/donor-trust-access) - Latest Posts - Popular Posts [RKD Group Acquires Whiteboard](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/rkd-group-acquires-whiteboard) [ Digital Fundraising](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/digital-fundraising) [ Direct Mail Fundraising](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/direct-mail-fundraising) [ Multichannel](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/multichannel) [ Fundraising](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/fundraising) [ Nonprofit Industry](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/nonprofit-industry) [ RKD](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/rkd) [ Brand](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/brand) [The nonprofit savior complex: How good intentions can erode trust | Gina Lattuca, SPCA Serving Erie County](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/the-nonprofit-savior-complex-how-good-intentions-can-erode-trust-gina-lattuca-spca-serving-erie-county) [ Podcast](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/podcast) [ Animal Care](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/animal-care) [Why nonprofits must unite SEO, social and paid media in one strategy](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/why-nonprofits-must-unite-seo-social-and-paid-media-in-one-strategy) [ Digital Fundraising](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/digital-fundraising) [ SEO](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/seo) [ Digital Media](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/digital-media) [ Social Media](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/social-media) [ Data & Analytics](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/data-analytics) ### Categories - [Digital Fundraising (180)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/digital-fundraising) - [Podcast (135)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/podcast) - [Nonprofit Industry (125)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/nonprofit-industry) - [Data & Analytics (91)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/data-analytics) - [Digital Media (69)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/digital-media) - [Fundraising (55)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/fundraising) - [Trends (47)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/trends) - [COVID-19 (42)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/covid-19) - [Multichannel (41)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/multichannel) - [Food Banks (39)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/food-banks) - [Animal Care (37)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/animal-care) - [Donor Retention (36)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/donor-retention) - [Mid-Major Donors (35)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/mid-major-donors) - [Strategy (35)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/strategy) - [Direct Mail Fundraising (34)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/direct-mail-fundraising) - [Missions (31)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/missions) - [Stewardship (31)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/stewardship) - [Creative (29)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/creative) - [Leadership (24)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/leadership) - [Sustainer Donors (20)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/sustainer-donors) - [Year-End Giving (19)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/year-end-giving) - [Acquisition (18)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/acquisition) - [Social Media (18)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/social-media) - [Cultivation (17)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/cultivation) - [Email (16)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/email) - [Google Grant (15)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/google-grant) - [Optimization (15)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/optimization) - [SEO (15)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/seo) - [Data Privacy (14)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/data-privacy) - [Technology (14)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/technology) - [Giving Tuesday (13)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/giving-tuesday) - [Humanitarian Action (13)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/humanitarian-action) - [Events (12)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/events) - [Donation Pages (11)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/donation-pages) - [Health & Hospitals (11)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/health-hospitals) - [Conversion (10)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/conversion) - [Brand (9)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/brand) - [Donor Lifecycle (9)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/donor-lifecycle) - [Donor-Advised Funds (9)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/donor-advised-funds) - [Management (8)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/management) - [RKD (8)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/rkd) - [Audience-First (6)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/audience-first) - [Facebook (6)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/facebook) - [The Salvation Army (6)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/the-salvation-army) - [GDPR (4)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/gdpr) - [User Experience (4)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/user-experience) - [Conferences (3)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/conferences) - [Election (3)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/election) - [Postal Service (3)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/postal-service) - [Attribution (2)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/attribution) - [Capital Campaigns (2)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/capital-campaigns) - [Gift Catalog (2)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/gift-catalog) - [Ministries (2)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/ministries) - [Mobile (2)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/mobile) - [CRM (1)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/crm) - [Corporate giving (1)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/corporate-giving) - [DRTV (1)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/drtv) - [Planned Giving (1)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/tag/planned-giving) see all [![Gen X eBook download](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gen%20X%20eBook%20download.jpg?width=360&name=Gen%20X%20eBook%20download.jpg "Gen X eBook download")](https://info.rkdgroup.com/en/the-nonprofit-marketers-guide-to-generation-x) ### Read More of What You Like ## [The nonprofit savior complex: How good intentions can erode trust | Gina Lattuca, SPCA Serving Erie County](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/the-nonprofit-savior-complex-how-good-intentions-can-erode-trust-gina-lattuca-spca-serving-erie-county) ## [The power of relationships, curiosity and boundaries in nonprofit leadership | RKD Group: Chat](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/the-power-of-relationships-curiosity-and-boundaries-in-nonprofit-leadership-rkd-group-chat) ## [‘Superfans’ and storytelling: What nonprofits can learn from Brittany Hodak | RKD Group: Thinkers](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/superfans-storytelling-nonprofits-brittany-hodak-rkd-group-thinkers-podcast) ![Rkdgroup](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hubfs/Rkdgroup%20Sep%202017/Images/footer_logo.png "Rkdgroup") - [Solutions](https://rkdgroup.com/services/) - [Work](https://rkdgroup.com/work/) - [About Us](https://rkdgroup.com/about-us/) - [Blog](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/) - [Contact](https://rkdgroup.com/contact/) [Contact](https://rkdgroup.com/contact) - - - RKD Group is a leading fundraising and marketing provider to hundreds of nonprofit organizations. We have a team of experts with deep skill sets in direct response marketing. [connect@rkdgroup.com](mailto:connect@rkdgroup.com) [1 800 222 6070](tel:1-800-222-6070) [Privacy policy](https://rkdgroup.com/privacy-policy) - - - ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "RKD Group", "url" : "https://blog.rkdgroup.com/author/rkd-group" }, "dateModified" : "2021-12-30T19:15:54.528Z", "datePublished" : "2020-03-27T16:15:35.000Z", "headline" : "Nonprofit leaders discuss challenges of COVID-19", "image" : [ "https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hubfs/210111-RKD-Nonprofit-leaders-discuss-challenges-of-COVID-19-Doodle-v2.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.rkdgroup.com/podcast-nonprofit-leaders-discuss-challenges-of-covid-19", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hubfs/RKD-logo-red-tm%20(1).png" }, "name" : "RKD Group" } } ```