NonProfit Nuggets with Jennifer Yarbrough

Today I want to talk about something nonprofit leaders are rarely taught: how funders calculate risk before they fund your organization. Funding decisions are not emotional. They are calculated. If you've ever wondered why you keep getting polite rejections or no response at all, this conversation will help you understand what's happening behind closed doors. Funders don't avoid good missions. They avoid unmanaged risk. And once you understand how risk is calculated, you can start positioning your nonprofit to feel safe, stable, and investable.

I hear nonprofit leaders say this all the time: "We just need to become more fundable." But when I ask what that actually means, most people can't clearly explain it. So today, I want to talk about what fundable really means — not from the nonprofit's perspective, but from the funder's. If you've been doing the work but still not seeing consistent funding, this conversation will help you identify the real gap. Fundable is not a label. It's a position you build into your organization. And once you understand that, everything shifts.

I hear this question constantly: "Where is the money?" Because from your side, it can feel like funding has dried up, donors have disappeared, and grants are harder than ever to secure. But I can tell you this clearly that the money didn't disappear. Funding doesn't move randomly. It moves toward clarity, structure, and reduced risk. If you've been working hard but still wondering why the money isn't reaching your organization, this conversation will help you see what funders see — and what needs to shift. The money is there. The question is whether you're positioned for it.

Today I want to talk about something that might challenge you a little bit. Funders do care about your story. They care about the people you serve. They care about impact. But they invest in systems.  After nearly 40 years in the nonprofit space, I've watched organizations tell powerful, emotional stories — and still walk away without funding. Not because the story wasn't strong. But because the structure behind it wasn't. If you've been leading with story but struggling with sustainability, this conversation will help you understand what funders are actually evaluating. Stories open hearts. Systems open checkbooks. And if you want funding to be consistent, you have to build what makes you safe to invest in.

I'm often asked, "What should we be doing before we get our first grant?" And the truth is, what happens before that first grant matters more than the grant itself. If you're waiting on your first grant and wondering why it hasn't happened yet, this conversation will help you understand what needs to come first — and how to build it the right way. Grants don't build organizations. Prepared organizations earn grants.

If you're paying for your nonprofit out of your own pocket, I want you to know something first: you're not alone. I see this all the time. Passionate leaders quietly covering costs, filling gaps, and telling themselves it's just "for now." But the truth is, most nonprofit founders were never taught why this happens or how to stop it. If you're tired of carrying the organization on your back and want to build something that can actually sustain itself, this conversation will help you understand what's missing and what to do next. Your mission deserves support. So do you.

If you've ever applied for funding and received a rejection email… or a generic "we went in another direction"… or no response at all, then this conversation is for you. In this video, I talk directly to nonprofit leaders who have done the work, submitted the applications, waited patiently, and still heard no. I share what those rejections usually mean, what funders are really saying (even when they don't explain it), and why rejection is often about positioning and readiness, not worth or effort.

Let's talk about next steps. If you've been learning, listening, and realizing that something needs to change in how your organization is set up, this video is about moving from awareness to action. In this conversation, I walk you through how I think about positioning an organization to be fully funded within the next 90 days, not through wishful thinking, but through clarity, structure, and alignment.

I see this mistake over and over again: smart, passionate leaders working hard and still not getting the results they want. And the problem usually isn't effort. It's understanding. If you've felt like you're doing everything you're "supposed" to do but nothing is clicking, this conversation will help you identify where the misunderstanding started and how to realign. You don't need to work harder. You need to understand better.

There are two hats you wear. You wear a program hat, and you wear an administrative entity hat. If you've ever felt like you're doing everything and still falling behind, this conversation will help you understand what's really happening and how to lead more effectively. You don't need to do more. You need to lead differently.

I want to say this plainly, because I've seen the cost of it for decades: passion is not a plan. If you care deeply about your mission but feel like you're working nonstop with little progress, this isn't a motivation problem. It's a planning problem, and that's fixable. Passion starts the work. A plan is what makes it sustainable.

I hear nonprofit leaders say it all the time: "Once we're fully funded, everything will be fine." But after nearly 40 years in the nonprofit space, I can tell you this: most people don't actually know what fully funded means. In this episode, I break down what being fully funded really looks like from an operational and funder perspective, not just a hopeful one. If you're bringing in some money but still feel stretched, overwhelmed, or uncertain, this conversation will help you understand what's missing, and what to build next. Fully funded isn't a feeling. It's a system.

I've seen this over and over again in the nonprofit world: incredible missions, passionate leaders and organizations that still struggle. Here's the truth I've learned after nearly 40 years in this space: Nonprofit success starts with operations.  In this episode, I explain why operations are what determine whether a nonprofit survives and grows. If you've started your nonprofit but still feel overwhelmed, inconsistent, or unsure why funding hasn't followed, this conversation will help you understand what funders see and what you can fix. Operations aren't the boring part. They're the foundation.

One of the biggest mistakes new nonprofit founders make is confusing the nonprofit, the program, and the paperwork, and that confusion can quietly block funding. Your paperwork makes you legal. Your program delivers services. Your nonprofit is the system that makes both sustainable. If you've done "everything right" on paper but still feel stuck, this conversation will help you reframe how you're building and why structure matters more than forms.

One of the biggest myths in nonprofit fundraising is this: "Fundraising is hard because donors don't want to give." That's simply not true. Donors aren't withholding money. They're avoiding uncertainty and risk. If fundraising feels exhausting, awkward, or impossible, this conversation will help you see fundraising through the donor's eyes — and change how you approach it.

When nonprofit leaders hear the word risk, they often think about money. Funders think about something very different. Funders don't avoid impact. They avoid uncertainty. If your nonprofit keeps hearing "not right now" or "not a fit," this conversation will help you understand what funders are seeing and how to position your organization differently.

Passion is often what starts the work, but leadership is what sustains it. Turning your passion into leadership doesn't mean losing heart. It means building something that can last beyond you. If you've felt the tension between loving the mission and carrying the weight of responsibility, this conversation will help you step into the next level of your work.

When funders talk about capacity, many nonprofit leaders hear one thing: money. But that's not what capacity actually means, and misunderstanding it is one of the biggest reasons nonprofits stay unfunded. Capacity is about ability, not balance. It's about whether your nonprofit can deliver what it promises. If you've been told you "lack capacity" and assumed it meant you needed more money, this video will change how you see funding and how you prepare for it.

Nonprofit burnout doesn't happen because leaders don't care enough. It happens because most founders are building, fundraising, and serving without the structure that makes funding possible. If you've been doing everything (running programs, posting online, applying for grants) and still feel stuck, this isn't a motivation issue. It's a fundability issue. Burnout is a warning sign, not a personal failure.

Many founders still believe that getting nonprofit status leads to grants. Not only is that wrong, but it's making the journey harder than ever. Funding doesn't come from starting a nonprofit. Funding comes from being fundable. In this episode of Nonprofit Nuggets, I'm discussing why today's nonprofit landscape makes the "start a nonprofit and get a grant" mindset more damaging than ever.

Starting a nonprofit often begins with passion — but passion alone won't protect you from burnout, chaos, or costly mistakes. In this episode, I share what I wish nonprofit leaders understood before starting their organizations. We'll talk about the realities of leadership, the importance of structure and systems, and why chasing funding without a foundation can hold you back instead of moving you forward. This isn't meant to discourage you — it's meant to help you start smarter, stronger, and more sustainably.

Most nonprofit founders don't fail because they lack heart — they fail because they don't understand what it actually takes to survive long-term. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or unsure why things aren't clicking yet, this episode will give you the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.

If your nonprofit feels stuck, chaotic, or constantly scrambling, there's a good chance it's missing one critical thing: an engine that makes it run. In this episode, I break down why passion, good intentions, and even funding aren't enough to sustain a nonprofit — and what "the engine" actually is. You'll learn how systems, structure, and strategy work together to keep your organization moving forward instead of stalling out.  This episode is for nonprofit founders who are doing the work but aren't seeing momentum, growth, or stability. If you want your nonprofit to run with clarity instead of chaos, this is where you start.

Most nonprofits don't fail because of a lack of passion — they fail because they lack structure. In this episode, I break down what "structure" actually means and why it's the system your nonprofit runs on. You'll learn how clear roles, processes, and decision-making frameworks create stability, prevent burnout, and make your organization more credible to donors, funders, and partners. If you want a nonprofit that doesn't rely on chaos, hustle, or constant emergencies to survive, this episode will help you start building the system that supports real, sustainable impact.

If you think money is your nonprofit's biggest problem, this conversation may change everything. In this episode of Nonprofit Nuggets, you'll learn why funding does NOT fix a broken nonprofit — and why getting money too soon can actually make things worse. If your nonprofit feels confusing, inconsistent, or invisible to funders, this is not a motivation problem; it's a structure and clarity problem.

If you've started a nonprofit and already feel stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated — this conversation is for you. Most nonprofit founders rush straight to funding… grants, donations, events, partnerships, and then wonder why nothing is working. In this episode of Nonprofit Nuggets, I'm telling you exactly what to do in the first 30 days of your nonprofit before you ask for money so you don't lose momentum, confidence, or credibility.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or discouraged as a nonprofit founder? You're not failing — you're building your nonprofit out of order. In this episode of Nonprofit Nuggets, I'm explaining why so many nonprofits struggle to attract donors, funders, and supporters, and why money isn't actually the problem. If you've started your nonprofit with passion but now feel exhausted, confused, or unsure how to move forward, this video will give you the roadmap you've been missing.

Starting a nonprofit can feel overwhelming — especially when it comes to finding your first donor. In this episode, I break down actionable steps that new nonprofit founders can take to secure that first supporter, build credibility, and set your organization up for long-term fundraising success. Learn what really matters to donors, how to present your mission effectively, and how to start building meaningful relationships that translate into funding.

You finally filed the paperwork. The nonprofit is official. So why does everything still feel messy, overwhelming, and unsustainable? In this episode, I break down what really happens after registration, and why this is where most nonprofits quietly start to struggle. We'll talk about the hidden gaps that drain your time, money, and energy, and the early warning signs that your organization is bleeding capacity. More importantly, I'll walk you through how to stabilize your nonprofit, shift from survival mode to strategy, and build the structure most founders skip if they want to last.

Too many new founders think that once the paperwork is filed, the nonprofit is officially "started." It's not. In this episode, I break down the dangerous gap between being legally registered and being operationally ready. We'll talk about why paperwork creates permission and what you actually need in place before donors, partners, and communities take you seriously. If you've checked all the legal boxes but still feel stuck, this episode will help you understand what comes next and how to build a real nonprofit, not just an entity on paper.

For decades, nonprofit leaders were told one thing: Start a nonprofit, and the funding will come. But that mindset no longer works. If you've been doing good work but still struggling to sustain your nonprofit, this episode will help you understand why, and what needs to change moving forward.

In this episode, I'm breaking down the exact step-by-step process to start your nonprofit the right way — with the structure, strategy, and sustainability you need to grow with confidence. Whether you're just getting started or fixing what's already been set up, this guide will help you avoid costly mistakes, stay motivated, and launch your organization on a solid foundation. If you want your nonprofit to succeed long-term, this is where you start.

When you're passionate about your mission, it's tempting to hit the ground running — launching programs, chasing funding, and saying yes to every opportunity. But here's the truth: starting fast can actually slow you down. In this episode, we're talking about why moving too quickly leads to exhaustion, confusion, and burnout — and how to build your nonprofit with clarity, structure, and sustainability from day one. Because as I always say, you don't need speed — you need strategy. You'll learn how to: Recognize the early signs of burnout in your nonprofit journey Pace your growth with purpose and planning Build systems that sustain both your mission and your energy If you're ready to build your nonprofit without losing your passion (or your peace), this episode is for you.

Every successful nonprofit starts with a clear vision and ends with measurable impact. In this episode, we'll walk through the essential framework for transforming your mission into a fundable program—one that funders understand, believe in, and want to support. Here's the truth: funders don't fund passion; they fund impact. If your program isn't built on a clearly defined problem, backed by real community needs, and designed with measurable outcomes, it won't get funded. In this episode, we'll break down what makes a program fundable and how to design one that funders can't ignore.

Too many nonprofit founders jump straight into building programs without clearly defining the problem they're solving. In this episode, we'll unpack why starting with the problem is the key to building a mission that attracts funders, partners, and long-term impact. 

Running a nonprofit isn't easy, and too many leaders are unknowingly holding themselves back from the funding they need. In this episode, we're digging into the uncomfortable (but necessary) truth about why your nonprofit may be stuck in a cycle of financial struggle. We'll break down the hidden mistakes, mindset traps, and structural gaps that keep organizations from thriving—and most importantly, how to shift toward sustainable growth and funding. If you're ready to move past “broke” and start building the thriving nonprofit your mission deserves, this conversation is for you.

You've got the heart, the drive, and a powerful mission. But why does fundraising still feel impossible? In this episode, we break down one of the most common myths in the nonprofit world: that passion is enough to sustain your organization. We'll explore why relying solely on inspiration can lead to burnout, missed opportunities, and stalled growth. More importantly, we'll walk you through what actually fuels a thriving nonprofit: strategy, systems, and a clear funding plan. Whether you're just getting started or feeling stuck, this conversation is your wake-up call (and game plan) to build something that lasts.

Keeping donors engaged is just as important as attracting them. In this episode, we dive into proven donor retention strategies that help nonprofits build lasting relationships, boost recurring giving, and create loyal communities of support. Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or just getting started, these tips will help you turn one-time donors into lifelong champions.

In this episode, we dive into essential strategies for making your nonprofit financially resilient. Discover how to navigate economic challenges, strengthen your funding base, and lead with confidence, no matter what the market brings.

Starting a nonprofit can feel like a daunting and mysterious journey, but many misconceptions cloud the path to success. In this podcast, we dive into the most common myths about launching a nonprofit organization — from securing funding to understanding legal requirements and beyond. This episode uncovers the truths behind these myths, and offer practical advice, expert insights, and real-world examples to help you navigate the complexities of building a nonprofit. 

In this episode, we guide you through the 11 essential steps you need to take before filing your 1023 Form to start a nonprofit. Whether you're just getting started or looking for clarity on the process, we break down the crucial tasks—like defining your mission, forming a board, and securing funding—to set you up for success. Tune in for actionable advice to ensure you're ready to take your nonprofit from concept to reality!

In Part 3 of our series, we continue exploring the critical factors that new nonprofit leaders often overlook when starting their organization. From planning for long-term growth to understanding the importance of donor relations, we dive deeper into the practical elements that ensure long-term sustainability. If you're looking to build a nonprofit that lasts, this episode will provide the tools and strategies you need to avoid common missteps and set your organization on the right path.    

In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked aspects of starting a nonprofit. New nonprofit leaders often face unexpected challenges, from legal and financial considerations to building a sustainable foundation. We break down key elements that are easy to miss but critical for long-term success, offering insights and tips to help avoid common pitfalls and set your organization up for growth. 

When most nonprofit leaders start an organization, they prioritize their passion and programs. But they don't have a plan on how to run, grow, and sustain it. That's what I'm going to talk about today in this episode.

When it comes to fundraising, building a relationship with your donors is very important! We're not chasing wallets here. Fundraising is a give-and-take relationship between the organization and the funders.

One of the things we talk about often is making sure that your organization is planning for what's in front of you and what is to come. In this episode, I'll walk you through the basics of fundraising planning.

It isn't easy to start and sustain a not-for-profit business when you hardly understand the concepts of this industry. That's why before running head-first into this business, it's important to invest in the right knowledge to ensure you know how to run, fund, and lead a nonprofit organization.

Does 'nonprofit' mean that you're not earning revenue? Many nonprofit leaders start a nonprofit organization without a clear understanding about the nonprofit business model. In this episode, I'm setting the record straight and explaining the nonprofit business model and the financials involved in running it. 

As a nonprofit leader, one of your primary tasks is to communicate effectively if you want your nonprofit to succeed. But who are you supposed to communicate with? How do you do it? Where do you start? Listen to this episode to find out! 

A fundraising plan is an essential part of a nonprofit organization. Here are my tips on how you can create one.