Nonprofit Mastermind Podcast

You know the feeling—you're working nonstop, checking off every task, yet still completely underwater. In this episode, I share why many nonprofit leaders aren't experiencing organizational messiness and chaos because of disorganization or poor time management. It's because they're solving the wrong problem - like mopping up a kitchen floor while the pipe under the sink is still leaking. I break down four types of organizational chaos I see all the time—tactical, strategic, structural, and leadership—and how each one points to a deeper design deficit. If you're feeling stuck, this episode will help you diagnose what's really going on and what to do instead.In this episode, you'll learn:Why time management isn't always the answer to feeling overwhelmedThe four different types of nonprofit overwhelm—and how to recognize themHow your organization's design might be causing unnecessary pressure3 Key TakeawaysMost overwhelm is a symptom of misaligned organizational design—not a lack of productivity.Naming the right problem is the first step to leading with more ease and clarity.You don't need to work harder—you need to evolve your org's structure to match your scale.Step-by-Step Breakdown: 4 Types of ChaosTactical – “ We need better systems”You're buried in inefficiency. Nothing is repeatable. This points to a systems design issue.Strategic – “We don't know where we're going”You're second-guessing everything. This is a clarity design issue—you need a guiding vision.Structural – “The org structures haven't kept pace with our growth”You're scaling programs without scaling infrastructure. This is a capacity design issue.Leadership Overwhelm – “Everything flows through me”You're holding what should be shared. This is a leadership architecture issue—you need shared ownership.Reflection Questions to Take With You This WeekWhere am I applying effort without addressing the root cause?What kind of overwhelm am I really experiencing—tactical, strategic, structural, or leadership?What might shift if I stopped mopping and fixed the leak instead?Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

As planning season kicks into gear, I'm sharing one powerful question that every nonprofit leader should ask before setting next year's goals. It's a short episode, but it goes deep — because how you approach planning is just as important as what ends up in your plan. If you've been feeling stuck in survival mode, quietly absorbing the pressure of growth, or running on grit instead of clarity, this episode is for you.I walk through the subtle but critical difference between bracing and leading — and how that distinction can reshape your strategy, systems, and capacity going into the new year.In this episode, you'll learn:The difference between “bracing” through growth and leading through itHow to spot signs of burnout-inducing systems (or lack thereof)Key mindset shifts for designing a sustainable organizationKey Takeaways:Bracing means absorbing pressure and defaulting to overwork; leading means designing systems to carry the weight.If you're bracing, your team is too — your operating style sets the tone.You can't grow beyond the strength of your organizational design.Reflection Prompts (Step-by-Step Planning Prep):Ask yourself these questions as you design your goals and work plan:What am I tolerating or carrying that a system could solve? → Identify where your energy is patching holes that systems should fix.Where am I overworking to compensate for a weak container? → Look for signs you're doing more because your structure does less.What did I ‘white-knuckle' this year? → Pinpoint where urgency, not strategy, drove your decision-making.What part of the organization feels fragile or heavy? → That's your signal for a design upgrade.If I stepped into the role of architect instead of operator, what would change? → Envision what would shift if you led through structure, not scramble.Now is the time to invest in smart, strategic redesign of what's blocking your org's growth. Set yourself up for a poweful 2026 - apply to join the Next Level Nonprofit. brookerichiebabbage.com/nextlevelnonprofitWant to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

You raised the money. You hired the team. You hit your goals. So why does it suddenly feel harder than before? In this episode, I talk about the under-discussed but absolutely critical phase of organizational growth: the flat part—that stretch after a big win where things feel slow, messy, or unclear. I explain why this isn't a setback—it's a build phase, a time to stabilize, recalibrate, and reinforce your organization so it can actually hold what you've achieved. You'll hear a story from one of my clients, Maya, who went from breakthrough success to burnout—and how the flat stretch became her most strategic season of leadership. If you're in that quiet, uncomfortable space right now, this episode will help you reframe it—and lead through it with confidence.In this episode, you'll learn:Why growth plateaus are a normal and essential part of nonprofit leadershipHow to identify when you're in a flat (but strategic) seasonWhat to do during that phase to build a stronger, more resilient organization3 Key TakeawaysGrowth is a step function, not a straight line—every leap forward is followed by a flat period where you stabilize and build.The flat part isn't a problem—it's a leadership moment to reflect, redesign, and prepare for sustained impact.If you skip the build phase, growth will expose cracks—not fix them.The Strategic Build Phase: What It Actually Looks LikeThis flat part isn't downtime—it's the moment to:Reflect on what worked and what broke in your last growth cycleRedesign roles, systems, and strategies that no longer fitBuild infrastructure like workflows, communication plans, and financial modelsRecalibrate culture to align with a larger team or new operating rhythmThese steps are not glamorous, but they are essential for long-term, sustainable growth.Reflection Questions for the WeekWhere in your org are you still relying on hustle when you need a redesign?What would shift if you saw this season as strategic instead of stalled?Resources MentionedNext Level Nonprofit -- My coaching program to help leaders redesign their orgs for sustainable growth—especially during the flat, messy middle.Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

If most of your week lives in competence—or worse, in weakness—everything slows down.

If you start in November, you're already late.

Stress doesn't create cracks—it reveals them. Your job is to see them before they break.

If a problem feels urgent today, it started months ago.

If shiny opportunities keep diluting your plan, your vision needs a lock.

If your most important work keeps getting bumped to “tomorrow,” you're in an urgency loop.

If every win creates more strain, you're likely underfunding infrastructure.

If your appeal is accurate but donors don't move, the story is missing.

If great people are still missing deadlines, you might have a seat problem—not a people problem.

If every week starts from scratch, you don't need more hours—you need rhythm.

If you're busy all week but nothing meaningful moves, you don't have a time issue—you have a priority issue.

If drafts keep boomeranging back to your desk, you're not delegating—you're rescuing.

If every decision turns into a debate, you don't have a people problem—you're missing a filter.

If every day ends at 0%—no time, no energy, no cash—you're not leading strategically; you're firefighting.

Let's talk about the part of leadership no one sees—but everyone feels: your headspace.

Measuring everything? You're moving nothing.

If every major decision still runs through you, your board isn't governing. They're spectating.

Hiring won't fix overwhelm if your systems can't support growth.

Let's talk about burnout—but not the emotional kind.

If your board feels disengaged or misaligned, the issue may not be effort—it's clarity.

If your fundraising feels harder than it should—slow responses, low returns—it might not be donor fatigue. It's likely a system problem.

This is Letter E of the Design Your Strongest Year End Ever podcast series, and it's about trimming the noise.Teams that seem disorganized usually have a different problem.They're drowning in a sea of “priorities” that all seem equally important.

This is Letter D of the Design Your Strongest Year End Ever Podcast Series! This one is for anyone dragging bricks uphill.In this episode, I talk about what your overwhelm is really telling you:Yous current structure can't carry the weight of your mission.

This is Letter C of the Design Your Strongest Year-End Ever Podcast Series - today, we're diving into the dangerous illusion of busyness.Busy doesn't mean productive.When goals are fuzzy, your team spends time and money on the wrong things.And all the hard work doesn't lead to impact.

Welcome to Letter B of the Design Your Strongest Year End Ever Podcast Series — The A-Z of how to design and organization that's built to grow (without you carrying all the weight!)If every big decision runs through you, your org can't grow past you.That's not leadership. That's a bottleneck.

Welcome to Letter A of the Design Your Strongest Year-End Ever Podcast Series — The A-Z of what it really takes to nail your goals by the end of the year (without burning out!)If your team meetings end with nods, but no movement (or the wrong movement!), you don't have a team problem.You have a structure leak.

In this episode, I dive into a real, timely conversation with Scott Brighton, CEO of Bonterra — a social good software company helping nonprofits raise and give more through data-driven innovation. We talk candidly about what AI and data can actually do for nonprofit leaders looking to grow their impact, especially when resources are tight.If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of “using data” or confused about what AI can realistically do for your small-but-mighty team, this one's for you.We talk about the why and the how — and Scott shares some real-world tools, examples, and strategies that can help organizations like yours scale smarter (not harder). This is about doing more of what works, with less burnout.

As the end of the year creeps closer, nonprofit teams often find themselves overwhelmed, scrambling to meet bold goals with dwindling energy. In this candid episode, I walk you through a powerful mid-year capacity check process that helps you avoid Q4 burnout—and hit your year-end targets with clarity and intention.I dive into why year-end chaos really begins in the summer and how capacity blindness can sabotage even the best-laid plans. I also share a step-by-step process you can use right now to recalibrate your goals, protect your team's bandwidth, and stay aligned with your mission.In this episode, you'll learn:Why “capacity blindness” derails execution—even when your goals are realisticHow to run a simple yet powerful capacity check with your teamWhat mid-year planning can reveal that annual planning often missesKey takeaways:Capacity blindness is not about setting bad goals—it's about underestimating the labor, time, and money needed to meet them.Cognitive simplification protects us in the short term but leads to chaos later without a structured override.A mid-year capacity check brings visibility to hidden resource gaps and lets you recalibrate before burnout sets in.The Mid-Year Capacity Check: Step-by-StepBreak Down Goals into Tasks List every activity required to achieve each goal—no matter how small. Think copywriting, email design, board prep, stewardship steps, etc.Estimate Time, Money, Ownership For each task, estimate how many hours it will take, who will do it, and what it will cost.Assess Current Capacity Ask: Does the person responsible actually have the bandwidth? Is the funding secure? How maxed out are people already?Expand the Definition of Capacity Can you use templates, bring in board members, or lean on partners to lighten the load?Make Strategic Adjustments If capacity doesn't match your goals, now's the time to pivot—not in October when it's too late.Resources Mentioned:

This week, I'm doing something a little different.It's summer—and let's be honest—we don't need more noise or a bunch of new content right now.Instead, I've pulled together six hand-picked episodes to help you make the most of these summer months.Think: focus, reset, and space to prepare for the rest of the year.You can grab the playlist at brookerichiebabbage.com/summerresetplaylist or text SUMMER to 66866!Whether you're slowing down, catching up, or gearing up, these quick listens are here to help you lead with more clarity and less overwhelm.So grab what you need, leave the rest, and enjoy your Summer Reset.Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

Mid-year always feels like it should be a breather... but somehow, it's not. If you're feeling foggy, stretched thin, or stuck in reactive mode right now—you are not alone. This episode is all about decision fatigue, that sneaky mental exhaustion that piles up without us noticing. I'm breaking down why this happens (especially mid-year) and sharing three simple, practical strategies nonprofit leaders can use to lighten the load. These are tools I use with my coaching clients—and myself—to protect clarity, energy, and focus for the second half of the year.

Are your board members nodding along… but not really moving in sync with your priorities? In this episode, I break down why that misalignment happens even after you've clarified goals—and what you can do to fix it. Whether you're launching a new initiative, setting annual goals, or trying to get real traction on fundraising, I share three powerful moves that shift board engagement from passive to activated.We'll talk about what truly motivates people (hint: it's not a list of KPIs), how to use pushback as a strategic tool, and how to build real ownership—before your plans stall out. If you've ever felt like you're dragging your board along for the ride, this one's for you.

As your nonprofit grows, it's easy to overlook the behind-the-scenes systems that keep everything running. In this episode, I unpack why scaling isn't just about doing more—it's about building smarter systems that can support your growth without burning you out. I walk through the three stages of infrastructure evolution (Organic → Intentional → Systematized), and offer real talk on why the first transition is often the hardest. If you're still relying on memory, manual workarounds, or Slack check-ins to keep your programs running, this one's for you.In this episode, you'll learn:The 3 distinct phases of infrastructure evolution—and what they look like in practiceWhy most growing teams hit a wall with systemsHow to begin systematizing without losing the heart of your missionKey takeaways:You can't scale what only lives in your head.Systematizing is a leadership act, not a corporate one.One broken workflow fixed each month can transform your org in a year.Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

As your nonprofit grows, your leadership style has to evolve — fast. In this episode, I share the mindset shifts and systems you need to lead effectively at scale without burning out or micromanaging. I break down the three key levers that help you trade control for clarity and oversight. You'll learn how to set up a "leadership cockpit" so you can stay focused on the big picture, trust your team, and stay aligned with your mission as complexity increases. This is one of the most common — and emotionally tricky — transitions nonprofit leaders face. I'll walk you through what it really looks like to lead when you're no longer touching every part of the work.What You'll Learn:How to replace control with high-level oversight as your team growsWhat to include in your leadership dashboard to stay focusedWhy aligning on operational values is key to scaling without chaosKey Takeaways:Leadership at scale is about narrowing your focus, not expanding it.Operational values must guide decisions across the team—even when you're not in the room.Dashboards, OKRs, and clear priorities help you lead strategically instead of reactively.The 3 Core Levers for Leading at a Higher Altitude:Decision-Making AlignmentEmbed clear operational values across every level of the orgDefine what “good” looks like in real behaviorDon't ask for post-decision updates — build alignment that leads to the right decisionsProgrammatic Oversight via OutcomesSet clear, narrow priorities everyone can articulateEstablish measurable team-wide and individual goalsUse OKRs to track progress without monitoring tasksInformation Flow That Serves the CEO RoleEliminate noise: don't attend every meeting or get every updateDesign meeting cadences and reports that elevate key signalsSurface risks, check for alignment, and trust your team to manage the detailsResource Mentioned:  Delegation Ladder  Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

In this final episode of my Design Shift mini-series, I'm diving into one of the most overlooked—but most essential—parts of organizational growth: making your changes stick. Because if a shift only lives in your energy or your head, it's not structural—it's temporary. And when growth brings pressure, anything temporary falls apart.So today, we're talking about how to lock in the meaningful shifts you've made, so your nonprofit can grow without unraveling.You'll learn a simple, three-part process to keep your shifts from fading, and turn new ways of working into the way you work. Let's make sure your progress doesn't slide back into the status quo.In this episode, you'll learn:Why meaningful shifts need structure—not just motivation—to lastA 3-step method to embed change into your nonprofit's operationsHow to turn clarity into habits your whole team can followKey takeaways:Shifts fade unless they're built into your infrastructure.Systems, documentation, and rhythms are the glue for sustained growth.Real change becomes muscle memory through repetition and visibility.Resources Mentioned:

If you've ever looked at your nonprofit and thought, “Where do I even start?”—this episode is for you. When we notice how much weight we're personally carrying—systems that rely on our memory, gaps in structure—it can be overwhelming. But you don't have to fix everything overnight. In this episode, I share a clear, low-stress method to start redesigning your organization from the inside out. Using my STRONG Framework, I'll help you focus on one pillar, ask one smart question, and take one powerful next step. Because small structural shifts—done right—build long-term stability. You'll walk away with clarity, not another to-do list.In this episode, you'll learn:How to use the STRONG Framework to spot and fix design gaps in your nonprofit.Why focusing on one structural shift at a time creates lasting change.Specific, low-lift actions you can take this week to reduce overwhelm and increase clarity.Key Takeaways:You don't need to overhaul your organization—just shift one pillar at a time.Systems should carry the weight, not your memory or energy.Alignment, not acceleration, is the goal.Step-by-Step: How to Use the STRONG FrameworkS — Strategy: Ask “Is it clear what matters most right now?” → Set 1–3 visible strategic priorities.T — Tools: Ask “Where are we relying on memory/manual work?” → Document one repeatable task.R — Resources: Ask “Do we have a plan to fund our plan?” → Align one priority with funding.O — Team: Ask “Who is holding what—and is it sustainable?” → Clarify one team member's core responsibilities.N — Network: Ask “Are we carrying this alone?” → Activate one advisor, partner, or board member.G — Governance: Ask “Who decides what?” → Clarify decision-making for one key area.Pick just one to start. That's how resilient organizations are built—one smart move at a time.Resources Mentioned:STRONG Quiz – Take the free quiz to identify your nonprofit's biggest structural gap and get tailored steps to fix it. https://brookerichiebabbage.com/strongWant to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

You're juggling a million things and trying to keep your organization running smoothly — but what if the real issues you're facing aren't random? In this episode, I introduce you to the STRONG Framework — the six foundational pillars of a resilient nonprofit — and show you how to identify where your organization might be structurally out of sync.If you've ever asked, “What's really going wrong here?” this is the clarity you've been looking for.In this episode, you'll learn:A high-level breakdown of the STRONG Framework I use with all my nonprofit clientsHow to spot which part of your organization is absorbing pressure it wasn't built to carryWhy resilience starts with diagnosis — not doing more3 Key Takeaways:Structural issues cause chronic organizational pain — and they're fixable.Not everything needs to be fixed at once. One shift at a time is powerful.Diagnosing problems gives you clarity and control — not overwhelm.Step-by-Step: The STRONG Framework ExplainedS — Strategic Clarity Are you aligned around a clear North Star? Misalignment here shows up as team overwhelm, scattered priorities, and disengaged stakeholders.T — Team & Ownership Are roles, responsibilities, and decision-making authority clearly defined? A deficit here leads to bottlenecks, dropped balls, and over-reliance on you.R — Resources Is your funding sustainable and aligned with your growth? Constant feast-or-famine fundraising points to a Revenue Deficit.O — Operations Do your systems support efficiency and scale? If your team is stuck reinventing the wheel or bogged down in manual tasks, this pillar needs work.N — Networked Capacity Are you leveraging advisors, partners, and your broader ecosystem — or carrying the mission alone?G — Governance Is your board engaged at the right level? Both micromanagement and disengagement signal a Governance Deficit.

You've been told to push through. Work harder. Stretch farther. But what if the burnout you're feeling isn't about motivation, time, or funding? In this episode, I explore a deeper issue: most nonprofit organizations are built on outdated structures that can't sustain their mission's scale. I share how to identify these structural mismatches — what I call “design deficits” — and how to begin redesigning your organization for sustainable growth and real resilience.If you're feeling the weight of leadership, this one's for you.In this episode, you'll learn:Why grit isn't a sustainable strategy — and what to build insteadHow to spot the signs that your organization is structurally misalignedA practical framework for redesigning your systems so your org can carry the weight3 Key Takeaways:Resilience isn't about endurance — it's about design.Structural problems show up as personal burnout — but they're fixable.Design is doable — and it starts with one intentional shift at a time.Step-by-Step Framework for Redesign:Diagnose the Design Deficit: Identify what's no longer working — outdated systems, roles, or workflows.Redesign Intentionally: Make targeted adjustments that align with your current scale. Don't try to change everything at once.Embed New Systems: Sustain change by building rhythms, roles, and reporting lines that support your team and mission.Resources Mentioned:Next Level Nonprofit – A 6-month program where I'll help you fix what's broken and build the systems your organization needs to thrive.

If a genie handed you $2 million or five new team members today, would it really solve your organization's biggest challenges—or reveal them? In this episode, I unpack a myth that keeps many nonprofit leaders stuck: that more money or people will automatically fix what's hard. Spoiler alert—it doesn't. Instead, growth amplifies what's already fragile. I share real-world examples from organizations that scaled quickly and struggled, and help you ask the right questions to prepare for sustainable impact. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of growth, this conversation will help you see where your systems need to evolve so your organization doesn't break under the pressure of its own potential.In this episode, you'll learn:Why more money and people often create new problems, not solve old onesHow to recognize the pressure points that growth exposes in your organizationThree questions to uncover whether your org is ready to scale sustainablyKey takeaways:Growth magnifies weaknesses—it doesn't fix themBudgeting, funder relationships, and decision-making are often the first things to crackIf everything still depends on you, scaling will eventually burn you outStep-by-step reflection process: Set aside 20 minutes and use these three questions to assess your organization's growth readiness:What decisions would become slower or more political if we doubled in size?Where would things start slipping through the cracks, even with more money or staff?What still depends on me to hold together, and what would happen if I stepped away for 6 weeks?Resources mentioned:[STRONG Assessment (Text STRONG to 66866)] A free self-assessment to diagnose where your organization's design is weakest. You'll get instant feedback and recommendations to help you start fixing structural gaps right away.Excited to go deeper? Join me next week as I kick off a 4-part mini-series on redesigning your organization for sustainable growth, starting with how to identify your “design deficits.”Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

Funder meetings don't have to be scary or disempowering.  Instead of walking into funder meetings feeling like you have to prove your work is worthy of support, what if you flipped the script? What if you went from powerless grantee to empowered strategic partner? In this episode of the Nonprofit Mastermind Podcast, I unpack how to show up to these conversations with confidence and strategy — rooted in your role as a thought partner and changemaker. After nearly 30 years in the field and countless funder meetings myself, I've learned that real partnership starts with how you lead the conversation. I walk through three practical mindset shifts that can transform your next funder meeting and deepen the kind of long-term support your organization really needs.In this episode, you'll learn:How to shift from a “pitch” mindset to one of collaborative problem-solvingSpecific questions to ask funders that reposition you as a peer, not a petitionerWhy sharing what you are seeing on the ground builds trust and credibilityWant to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

If you're stuck in the weeds, overwhelmed by your to-do list, or wondering why growth still feels unstable, this episode is for you. I'm sharing the two mindset shifts that have changed everything for me and the nonprofit leaders I coach—moving us from burnout and stagnation to thriving teams, sustainable funding, and scaled impact. These aren't feel-good platitudes. They're strategic approaches that rewire how you lead, grow, and build.Let's talk about what it really looks like to lead differently—so your organization can grow and sustain impact at the same time.

If your team is running on empty and your organization feels like it's constantly behind, you're not alone—and it's not a sign that you need to work harder. In this episode, I unpack what's really driving burnout and internal chaos: a Design Deficit. I'll show you how to shift from operating in survival mode to building an organization that can sustainably carry your bold mission.You'll walk away with a clear, simple framework to strengthen your organization from the inside out—so your growth leads to more impact, not more overwhelm.

If you've ever been frustrated by a team member who should be operating at a high level but just… isn't, you're not alone. In this episode, I break down a simple but powerful framework called the Leadership Performance Matrix™—a tool I use to help nonprofit leaders pinpoint exactly why someone is underperforming and what to do about it.Instead of jumping to conclusions about someone's motivation or competency, I walk you through how to diagnose the real root of the problem—whether it's about clarity, motivation, or ability. This structured approach can help you stop spinning your wheels and start leading with confidence.Whether you're an Executive Director or managing a small but mighty team, this framework will change the way you think about performance.

I'm bringing this one back because my love of ChatGPT, and my appreciation for everything it can do to help nonprofit leaders, has only grown deeper in the 2 years since I first released this!    Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

This is simple—but most nonprofits don't do it. When you want to persuade donors, board members, funders, or partners to take action, use this four-part framework:1️⃣ Add good stuff they get for saying yes2️⃣ Remove bad stuff that goes away when they say yes3️⃣ Add bad stuff if they do nothing4️⃣ Take away good stuff if they do nothingWant to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

Every nonprofit wants to retain more donors. But too many lose support because they let donor questions and concerns sit unanswered.Donors who receive a response to their inquiry within 5 minutes are significantly more likely to stay engaged. And yet, many nonprofits take days—or weeks—to reply to simple donor requests.No bueno.But easily fixable. Here's how to fix it.Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

Many nonprofit leaders think that making their mission sound detailed and sophisticated will make it more compelling. But the opposite is true! Overcomplicated messaging actually pushes donors away. In this episode, I'll walk you through why clarity is key and how to craft a mission statement that inspires action.When your mission is clear, everything becomes easier—your team knows what needs to be done, hiring and delegation improve, and fundraising becomes more effective. Donors don't give when they're confused, and jargon kills the emotional connection that motivates people to support your cause. I'll share a simple formula to make your messaging resonate and help you raise more money.What You'll Learn:Why unclear mission statements drive donors awayThe power of simple, emotionally compelling messagingA proven formula to explain your mission in a way that sticksKey Takeaways:Confused People Don't Give – If donors don't immediately understand what you do, they'll move on.Jargon Kills Emotion – People give because they feel something, not because of complex explanations.If a 10-Year-Old Can't Understand It, Neither Will Your Donors – The best messaging is simple and memorable.Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

If your board members aren't showing up, aren't leveraging their networks, or seem unsure about their role, you're not alone. Many nonprofit leaders struggle with board engagement, especially in times of uncertainty. In this episode, I break down the most common reasons board disengagement happens and share practical steps to turn things around. Whether it's a lack of clarity, uninspiring meetings, or misalignment in expectations, there are actionable ways to get your board members leaning in and fully participating.What You'll Learn:The most common signs of board disengagement and what they meanThe three biggest reasons board members check outPractical strategies to improve board engagement immediately and long-termKey Takeaways:Clarity is Key – Board members need to understand your nonprofit's long-term vision and strategic priorities to feel invested.Make Meetings Matter – Transform your meetings from passive reporting sessions into engaging, strategic discussions.Define Their Role – Give each board member a specific strategic function that aligns with their strengths and interests.Action Steps:Clarify and Communicate Your Vision - Ensure every board member can articulate the mission and strategic priorities in their own words.Shift Board Meetings from Reporting to Strategy - Dedicate at least 50% of each meeting to meaningful discussions and problem-solving.Assign Strategic Roles to Each Board Member - Provide specific, actionable ways for them to support the organization.Create a Culture of Engagement Beyond Meetings - Regularly highlight board members' contributions and impact and encourage board committees or small working groups to take on key projects.Resources Mentioned:Board Engagement Toolkit >> brookerichiebabbage.com/boardengagementtoolkitWant to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

Deficit budgets often get a bad rap in the nonprofit world. We've been taught that running a deficit signals poor financial management, a lack of planning, or a looming crisis. But what if I told you that a deficit budget, when used strategically, could actually be a powerful tool?In this episode, I break down the difference between an accidental deficit and a strategic one. I'll explain why a well-planned deficit can help your organization navigate uncertainty, maintain mission-critical work, and set the stage for future growth. The key is intention—knowing when, why, and how to use a deficit budget as part of your larger strategy.In This Episode, You'll Learn:The difference between an accidental deficit and a strategic deficitWhen and why a nonprofit might choose to run a deficit budgetKey questions to ask before deciding on a deficit strategyKey Takeaways:Not all deficits are bad. Accidental deficits can create instability, but strategic deficits can be a valuable tool for growth and sustainability.Intentionality is key. A strategic deficit should be time-bound, have clear objectives, and include an exit plan.Risk-taking can be smart. In an unpredictable funding landscape, a strategic deficit can give you the runway to adapt and emerge stronger.Steps to Consider Before Using a Strategic Deficit:Assess your external environment. Are funding shifts or sector changes on the horizon?Evaluate your internal capacity. Do you have reserves that can be strategically deployed?Get board buy-in. Ensure your leadership understands and supports the rationale for a strategic deficit.Define your exit plan. How and when will you return to a balanced budget?Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube