Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications

Follow Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Hosted by Joan Garry, the “Dear Abby” of the nonprofit world, Nonprofits Are Messy is a discussion of the most pressing issues faced by nonprofit leadership. Joan and her guests tackle topics like the overhead myth, the best way to run special events, how to make a big fundraising ask, board-staff r…

Joan Garry


    • May 24, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 43m AVG DURATION
    • 608 EPISODES

    4.6 from 294 ratings Listeners of Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications that love the show mention: joan, nonprofits, nonprofit professional, nonprofit leaders, garry, non profits, executive, sector, director, messy, essential listening, organization, board, made me feel, highly recommend listening, practical advice, invaluable, leadership, role, great advice.


    Ivy Insights

    The Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications podcast is an invaluable resource for anyone working in the nonprofit sector. Hosted by Joan Garry, this podcast provides practical tips, insightful interviews, and valuable resources for nonprofit leaders and executives. It covers a wide range of topics including board development, fundraising, communications, and leadership.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to provide actionable advice that can be immediately implemented in one's work. The guests on the show are experts in their respective fields and share their knowledge and experiences, offering valuable insights and strategies. The episodes are informative, engaging, and often inspiring, leaving listeners with new ideas and perspectives to apply to their own organizations.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is its accessibility. The episodes are relatively short, typically around 20 minutes, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule. Additionally, the content is presented in an engaging and conversational manner that is both entertaining and informative. Joan Garry's passion for the nonprofit sector shines through in each episode, creating a welcoming atmosphere for listeners.

    However, one potential downside of this podcast is that it may not cover certain niche topics or industries within the nonprofit sector. While it does provide a wealth of information on general leadership and management principles, there may be some specific areas or issues that are not addressed in depth.

    In conclusion, The Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications podcast is an exceptional resource for nonprofit professionals at all levels. Joan Garry's expertise combined with the diverse range of guests make for compelling conversations that offer valuable insights and practical advice. Whether you're a seasoned executive director or just starting out in the nonprofit world, this podcast has something to offer everyone striving to make a difference in their organization.



    Search for episodes from Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications

    Ep 229: Imposter Syndrome Is Real—6 Ways To Overcome It

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2025 27:01


    Many nonprofit leaders feel like they're just one mistake away from being “found out.” Even experienced executives, including myself, wrestle with that nagging voice of doubt, especially in moments of high visibility or pressure. But instead of letting imposter syndrome win, here are 6 tangible strategies.

    Ep. 228: Nonprofits Are Under Attack

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 43:15


    Nonprofits are under attack in 2025—from hostile federal policies, harmful public misconceptions, and risk-averse boards. Glennda Testone and I urge nonprofit leaders to push back, speak up, and lead with boldness and creativity. Despite the challenges, we spotlight moments of hope and courage from organizations stepping up to protect communities and sustain impact.

    Ep 227: What Challenging Times Make Possible with Michael Hyatt

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 46:27


    What if challenging times are invitations to redefine what matters most? Michael Hyatt shares what helped him redefine success, and find a fulfilling way to live and lead.

    Ep. 227: Nonprofits in the Chaos of 2025: What’s At Stake And How to Respond

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2025 50:18


    The nonprofit sector is under attack. But, there's hope. In this episode, Glennda Testone and I talk with Amol Sinha about the unique harms facing nonprofits and how we can all take action to protect our missions.

    Ep 225: The Secret to Sustainability: Taking Care of Yourself as You Lead

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2025 49:09


    Nonprofit leadership can be deeply meaningful—and deeply exhausting. In this powerful conversation, Glennda Testone and trauma specialist Mariam Habib explore what it takes to sustain yourself while serving others. From setting boundaries to building resilience, this episode is a roadmap for leading with purpose and preserving your well-being.

    Ep 224: Fighting Loneliness In Remote Work with Tracy Brower

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2025 47:37


    Work can be a source of joy and fulfillment—but only if we feel connected. In this episode, Dr. Tracy Brower unpacks why we're feeling more isolated than ever—and what leaders can do to build workplaces where people actually feel like they belong.

    Ep 223: Activating Change: Fighting Ableism and Building Accessible Nonprofits

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2025 44:57


    Disability is not a niche issue—it's a reality for 60 million Americans. Yet, systemic bias and stereotypes continue to exclude people with disabilities from conversations about inclusion. In this episode, Nancy Smith of Activating Change shares practical steps nonprofits can take to build truly accessible and equitable spaces.

    Ep 222: The Joys and Challenges of Leading A Small Nonprofit (with members of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2025 60:46


    Three fearless nonprofit leaders share what drives them, how they navigate burnout, and the vision that keeps them going. Tomik Dash, Laura Carmichael, and Adrienne McCue are breaking barriers and sharing their stories that prove that small but mighty nonprofits are changing lives every day.

    Ep 221: Building Organizational Capacity For Rapid Response (with Deepa Iyer)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2025 48:04


    From the Atlanta spa shootings to ongoing challenges, Deepa Iyer highlights the critical need for infrastructure, relationship-building, and centering the voices of affected communities in times of crisis.

    Ep 220: 5 Strategies for Leading Nonprofits in 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2025 27:25


    Whether you're grappling with turbulent times or striving for greater impact, these strategies will help you navigate 2025 with clarity and purpose. Join me for a conversation that will leave you inspired, equipped, and ready to take on the year ahead. Let's buckle up and face this journey together.

    Ep 219: Simplifying Success: How Project Management Can Transform Nonprofit Leadership (with Christie Machorek)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2025 45:04


    Nonprofit leaders often feel overwhelmed by endless tasks, but project management guru, Christie Machorek, shares insights about how to transform chaos into clarity. With simple strategies like celebrating wins and debriefing after projects, she shows how to create systems that free up time to focus on what truly matters.

    Ep. 218: 2024 In Review: A Heartfelt Reflection on Leadership and What Lies Ahead

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2024 39:47


    I sit down with Glennda Testone, CEO of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab, to unpack personal and professional lessons from 2024. Together, we discuss navigating change, embracing resilience, and how nonprofit leaders can strengthen their organizations for the challenges ahead.

    Ep 217: Why We Must Reframe The Narrative Around Gen Z

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2024 48:29


    Bianca Anderson and Lamisa Mustafa join me in a conversation about shifting the stereotypes and misconceptions about Gen Z. Whether you're grappling with workforce challenges or striving to lead inclusively, this episode will equip you with insights and tools to turn generational differences into an asset.

    Ep 216: Just Fund Me! (with Iara Peng)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2024 45:19


    Iara Peng guest appears on the podcast to discuss redefining philanthropy, what her company Just Fund is doing to equalize and simplify giving, and the one word that moves money.

    Ep 215: The Worst Headline Just Hit The New York Times. Now What? (with Seth Chalmer)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2024 48:20


    Seth Chalmer's insights on crisis management will help you navigate today's challenging social landscape as a nonprofit leader. This conversation gives tools to spark valuable conversations that can create clarity and confidence the next time your organization faces a hot-button topic and needs to respond.

    Ep 214: Productive Conversations in Polarizing Conflicts (with Parisa Parsa)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2024 48:32


    Nonprofit Leadership Lab CEO, Glennda Testone, and Parisa Parsa explore how nonprofit leaders can have productive conversations amidst polarization and division. Parisa shares practical strategies for addressing power dynamics and leading productive conversations across differences.

    Ep 213: Racial Dynamics in Nonprofit Fundraising (with Mikaela Levons + Jamila Hodge)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2024 57:02


    Jamila Hodge and Mikaela Levons from Equal Justice USA join the podcast to discuss the challenges and strengths of fundraisers of color. We explore how race, white supremacy power dynamics, and lived experiences shape their approach to fundraising and leadership.

    Ep 212: Street Cred, Trust Capital, and Impact-Focused Fundraising (with Michael Thatcher)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2024 53:35


    I sat down with Michael Thatcher, CEO of Charity Navigator, to explore how nonprofits can use data to build trust with donors and move beyond the outdated focus on overhead. Michael shared valuable insights on how nonprofits can better engage donors, make the right asks, and thrive in today's challenging giving environment.

    Ep 211: The Maverick Marketing Approach (with Seth Godin)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2024 45:13


    Seth Godin, the marketing GOAT, shares a fresh, transformative approach to nonprofit marketing. He reveals how understanding and aligning with your donors' emotions can significantly enhance your strategy.

    Ep 210: Scaling Social Impact: Strategies for the Small Nonprofit (with Scott Curran)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2024 51:00


    One-third of all nonprofits fail within 10 years, and 30% of the 1.5 million nonprofits in the U.S. have budgets under $100,000, putting them at significant risk of failure. To address this challenge, Scott Curran, CEO of Beyond Advisors, shares his expertise on how growth-stage social impact enterprises can strengthen their core, define their unique value, and strategically scale. This episode offers nonprofit leaders practical advice to ensure long-term sustainability and maximize their impact.

    Ep 209: Finding the Courage to Say No

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2024 50:24


    In this episode, Glennda Testone and I dive into real-life scenarios where we've had to make tough decisions and say no. Our intimate conversation offers practical tips on navigating common leadership challenges with confidence and diplomacy.

    Ep 209: Finding the Courage to Say No

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2024 50:24


    In this episode, Glennda Testone and I dive into real-life scenarios where we've had to make tough decisions and say no. Our intimate conversation offers practical tips on navigating common leadership challenges with confidence and diplomacy.

    Ep 208: Bring Back the Joy of Giving (with Allison Fine)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2024 43:03


    Allison Fine and I discuss the need to transform nonprofit fundraising from a transactional to a relational model, leverage technology to build meaningful donor relationships, and create a more sustainable and joyful fundraising environment.

    Ep 208: Bring Back the Joy of Giving (with Allison Fine)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2024 43:03


    Allison Fine and I discuss the need to transform nonprofit fundraising from a transactional to a relational model, leverage technology to build meaningful donor relationships, and create a more sustainable and joyful fundraising environment.

    Ep 207: From Walmart to Feeding America (with Claire Babineaux-Fontenot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2024 48:44


    Like me, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot moved from the corporate world to the nonprofit sector with zero previous experience in nonprofit work. In this episode, she shares her inspiring story of how and why she shifted her focus to step into her most impactful work yet.

    Ep 207: From Walmart to Feeding America (with Claire Babineaux-Fontenot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2024 48:44


    Like me, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot moved from the corporate world to the nonprofit sector with zero previous experience in nonprofit work. In this episode, she shares her inspiring story of how and why she shifted her focus to step into her most impactful work yet.

    Ep 206: The Nonprofit Sector's PR Problem – And How We Can Fix It

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2024 10:41


    The nonprofit sector has a serious PR problem that impacts its ability to garner adequate support. Nonprofit leaders have a powerful opportunity to be ambassadors and advocates for the sector as a whole. In this episode, I make a poignant call to action for nonprofit leaders everywhere to rally to the side of saving public perception of the important work they do.

    Ep 206: The Nonprofit Sector's PR Problem – And How We Can Fix It

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2024 10:41


    The nonprofit sector has a serious PR problem that impacts its ability to garner adequate support. Nonprofit leaders have a powerful opportunity to be ambassadors and advocates for the sector as a whole. In this episode, I make a poignant call to action for nonprofit leaders everywhere to rally to the side of saving public perception of the important work they do.

    Ep. 205: The Power and Influence of the Nonprofit Sector (with Dr. Akilah Watkins)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2024


    Let's discuss collective nonprofit power - what it is, what it isn't, and what the nonprofit sector could do to harness it. To do more good in the world, we need to stand in our collective power which includes, ironically, taking a seat at the table.

    Ep. 205: The Power and Influence of the Nonprofit Sector (with Dr. Akilah Watkins)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2024


    Let's discuss collective nonprofit power - what it is, what it isn't, and what the nonprofit sector could do to harness it. To do more good in the world, we need to stand in our collective power which includes, ironically, taking a seat at the table.

    Ep 204: Build Your Volunteer Dream Team (with Matt Miszewski)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2024


    Need to build capacity? Fix your fundraising? Graphics design or marketing? HR support? Then you need to know about Catchafire, an organization that is bridging paths to stronger communities by aligning nonprofits with expert volunteers.

    Ep 204: Build Your Volunteer Dream Team (with Mike Miszewski)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2024 51:45


    Need to build capacity? Fix your fundraising? Graphics design or marketing? HR support? Then you need to know about Catch A Fire, an organization that is bridging paths to stronger communities by aligning nonprofits with expert volunteers.

    Ep 203: Can You Answer These 10 Funder Questions?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 22:09


    Congrats! A funder is considering donating to your nonprofit and they have questions. For some, this request instills panic. Here is how to prepare!

    Ep 203: Can You Answer These 10 Funder Questions?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 22:09


    Congrats! A funder is considering donating to your nonprofit and they have questions. For some, this request instills panic. Here is how to prepare!

    Ep 202: The Master of Mobilizing Movements (with Jeremy Heimans)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2024 41:43


    Since he was 8 years old, Jeremy Heimans has been mobilizing movements that galvanize people for social change. He is the guru to ask about how to reach people and motivate them to take action. In this episode, he shares his insights.

    Ep 202: The Master of Mobilizing Movements (with Jeremy Heimans)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2024 41:43


    Since he was 8 years old, Jeremy Heimans has been mobilizing movements that galvanize people for social change. He is the guru to ask about how to reach people and motivate them to take action. In this episode, he shares his insights.

    Ep 201: Cultural Intelligence: A Major Key to a Thriving Nonprofit (with Dr. Pablo Otaola)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 52:07


    You've heard of IQ and EQ. But, CQ is the third intelligence that empowers a nonprofit leader to mightily drive the mission with the strong, rallying support of a unified team. Listen in to learn what CQ is, how it works, and why it matters in the nonprofit landscape like never before.

    Ep 201: Cultural Intelligence: A Major Key to a Thriving Nonprofit (with Dr. Pablo Otaola)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 52:07


    You've heard of IQ and EQ. But, CQ is the third intelligence that empowers a nonprofit leader to mightily drive the mission with the strong, rallying support of a unified team. Listen in to learn what CQ is, how it works, and why it matters in the nonprofit landscape like never before.

    Ep 200: The 200th Episode: Gratitude & Observations About This Amazing Journey

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2024 22:33


    Releasing episode 200 of the Nonprofits Are Messy podcast is a milestone. It has been a journey full of insights, observations, and a big fat “I told you so”. This is a look back at how far we've come together.

    Ep 200: The 200th Episode: Gratitude & Observations About This Amazing Journey

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2024 22:33


    Releasing episode 200 of the Nonprofits Are Messy podcast is a milestone. It has been a journey full of insights, observations, and a big fat “I told you so”. This is a look back at how far we've come together.

    Ep 199: The Fearless Election Year Fundraising Plan (with Tom Kissane)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2024 41:05


    Conservative and risk-averse boards tend to lower expectations and pull back on fundraising during an election year. In this episode with Tom Kissane, Vice Chairman of CCS Fundraising, he shares compelling reasons to go boldly forward with your organization's fundraising efforts in 2024.

    Ep 199: The Fearless Election Year Fundraising Plan (with Tom Kissane)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2024 41:05


    Conservative and risk-averse boards tend to lower expectations and pull back on fundraising during an election year. In this episode with Tom Kissane, Vice Chairman of CCS Fundraising, he shares compelling reasons to go boldly forward with your organization's fundraising efforts in 2024.

    Ep 198: Challenging the Status Quo in Long-Standing Organizations (with Cica Dadjo)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2024 51:19


    What is the secret to implementing DEI strategy in long-standing nonprofit organizations? Cica Dadjo, Chief GEDI at the IRC, shares universal lessons that can help nonprofit leaders disrupt the status quo of organizational culture.

    Ep 198: Challenging the Status Quo in Long-Standing Organizations (with Cica Dadjo)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2024 51:19


    What is the secret to implementing DEI strategy in long-standing nonprofit organizations? Cica Dadjo, Chief GEDI at the IRC, shares universal lessons that can help nonprofit leaders disrupt the status quo of organizational culture.

    Ep 197: Stop Calling It Microaggressions: A Call To Action To Intercept Subtle Acts Of Exclusion (with Dr. Tiffany Jana)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2024 44:18


    It is a misnomer. There is nothing ‘micro' about microaggression. What is the real meaning of microaggression, what should it truly be called, and how can a leader recognize and take action to tackle it? Dr. Tiffany Jana shares her insights, why she has stopped using the word ‘crazy', and what organizations can do to create a culture of awareness.

    Ep 197: Stop Calling It Microaggressions: A Call To Action To Intercept Subtle Acts Of Exclusion (with Dr. Tiffany Jana)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2024 44:18


    It is a misnomer. There is nothing ‘micro' about microaggression. What is the real meaning of microaggression, what should it truly be called, and how can a leader recognize and take action to tackle it? Dr. Tiffany Jana shares her insights, why she has stopped using the word ‘crazy', and what organizations can do to create a culture of awareness.

    Ep 196: How Risky Is AI For Nonprofits? (with Beth Kanter)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2024 45:57


    Organizations around the world are using artificial intelligence to improve processes, delegate tasks, and drive progress. What do nonprofit leaders need to know?

    Ep 196: How Risky Is AI For Nonprofits? (with Beth Kanter)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2024 45:57


    Organizations around the world are using artificial intelligence to improve processes, delegate tasks, and drive progress. What do nonprofit leaders need to know?

    Ep 195: Conflict Resolution and Finding the Third Ground (with Ken Cloke)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2024 52:07


    World-renowned conflict resolution expert, Kevin Cloke, shares his secrets for overcoming conflict using proven strategies from his mediation practice that have brought "impossible" conflicts to peace across the world for 4 decades.

    Ep 195: Conflict Resolution and Finding the Third Ground (with Ken Cloke)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2024 52:07


    World-renowned conflict resolution expert, Ken Cloke, shares his secrets for overcoming conflict using proven strategies from his mediation practice that have brought "impossible" conflicts to peace across the world for 4 decades.

    Ep 194: Leaders of Color in Nonprofits: Challenges and Opportunities (with April Frazier Camara)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2023 57:22


    In this episode, I chat with April Frazier Camara about how diversity is the secret sauce in nonprofit leadership. Her insights? Eye-opening. You'll see our sector in a whole new light.

    Claim Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel