Podcasts about nonprofits

BLM Brandon on cross-burner Sen. John Kennedy on trusting Iran Vance on The View Why Dan Proft is Single President of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Clifford May, says President Trump should preserve maximum leverage by keeping the blockade and military options on the table. Keep updated with Cliff on X @CliffordDMay Noted economist Stephen Moore: The economy is on the cusp of an explosion! Get more Steve @StephenMoore RealClearPolitics’ national political correspondent & regular contributor for the California Post, Susan Crabtree: The Newsoms, the Nonprofits, and the Federal Questions Susan is also co-author of Fool’s Gold: The Radicals, Con Artists, and Traitors Who Killed the California Dream and Now Threaten Us All. Co-Founder & President of West Suburban Foundation for Disabled Veterans (WSFDV), Michelle Senatore, previews this year' s Rockin' for Our Vets concert with the Lt Dan Band Rockin’ for Our Vets - July 11 - Cantigny Park, Wheaton WSFDV.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With AI adoption exploding, what does that actually mean for how you grow your team, your donors, and your impact?Naria Santa Lucia brought SO much energy and joy to her MC role at the Microsoft Global Nonprofit Leaders Summit, that I had to sit down with her to hear how nonprofit leaders can build practical pathways for using AI in their day-to-day work and cut through the hype.Naria also brings a perspective every nonprofit needs to hear: take the big swing, stay true to your mission, and don't pivot just to chase funding. When you focus on real impact (and communicate it clearly!) you'll draw the right supporters in.Resources & LinksConnect with Naria Santa Lucia on LinkedIn and learn more about Microsoft Elevate here.Not sure where to start in building your program? Start with this $5 audit to know where your gap is. Takes 5-10 minutes max, and you'll know where to start --> Monthly Giving Interactive Audit  Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. See how one team surpassed a $1M match and raised $2.25M for their mission with Penny, Bloomerang's AI-powered fundraising strategist. Learn more at bloomerang.com.The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. Let's Connect!Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show!My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

Rebecca, Liz, and Alison speak with Rachel Levinson-Waldman from the Brennan Center for Justice about the Trump administration and current Congress weaponizing the government to attack nonprofits and punish speech and viewpoints they don't like. They explore how executive orders and anti-terrorism statutes are being abused to investigate, defund, and intimidate civil society, and how this strategy is essential to the broader project to transform America from a democracy to an autocracy.   Show Notes Rachel Levinson-Waldman's Bio Brennan Center for Justice  Trump Administration Documents Presidential Memo - "Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence" Bondi Memo - "Implementing National Security Presidential Memorandum-7: Countering Domestic Terrorism" "2026 Counterterrorism Strategy" 2027 FBI Budget Request to Congress Executive Order Designating Antifa as a Domestic Terrorist Organization Department of Justice - "The Biden Administration's Weaponization of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act" Executive Order - "Guaranteeing Fair Banking for All Americans"   Articles and Reactions NPR - "'We're not afraid': George Soros' foundation on being Trump's next target" (Open Society Foundation) Lawfare - "The Politically Motivated Indictment of Southern Poverty Law Center"  Civil Society Rights & Resiliency Resources - Charity & Security Network  "What NIJ Research Tells Us About Domestic Terrorism" Cato at Liberty Blog - "Politically Motivated Violence Is Rare in the United States" (right-wing extremists account for 11% of politically motivated killings, while left-wing extremists account for 2%) Brennan Center for Justice - "Trump's Orders Targeting Anti-Fascism Aim to Criminalize Opposition"  ACLU - "How NSPM-7 Seeks to Use "Domestic Terrorism" to Target Nonprofits and Activists" Just Security - "How Designating Antifa as a Foreign Terrorist Organization Could Threaten Civil Liberties" Lawfare - "The Bondi Memo's Quiet Rewriting of Domestic Terrorism Rules" Lawfare - "You Can't Designate 'Antifa.' Banks and Platforms Will Act Like You Did Anyway"   Check us out on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and X. Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.

What if the reason most nonprofit strategic plans fail isn't the strategy itself, but the process behind it?In this week's episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia sits down with nonprofit consultant, educator, and author Renee Rubin Ross to explore what it truly means to create an inclusive strategic planning process. Drawing from her new book, Inclusive Strategic Planning for Nonprofits, Renee shares why traditional top-down planning often falls short and how organizations can create plans that people actually believe in, support, and implement.Together, they discuss: ✨ Why inclusive planning leads to stronger alignment and better outcomes ✨ The dangers of performative inclusion in nonprofit leadership ✨ How to authentically engage staff, boards, and stakeholders ✨ The difference between strategy that sits on a shelf vs. strategy that drives action ✨ Practical ways small nonprofits can embrace inclusive planning approachesWhether your organization is preparing for a new strategic plan or struggling to implement an existing one, this episode offers thoughtful guidance for building a process that energizes teams instead of exhausting them.

Sean Kelly is one of the sharpest marketing minds Eric has ever met — and he's spent his career doing something all arts organizations dearly want to do: truly understand what their audiences want, align it with their own artistic vision, and set ticket prices accordingly. Sean is the founder of Vatic, a dynamic pricing company for performing arts organizations. His genius is his ability to look at a mountain of data and pull out the story it's trying to tell — then use that story to fill auditoriums and strengthen arts organizations. If you work in or fund the arts, clear your calendar. But any nonprofit communicator can learn a ton from Sean. His ability to truly understand what his audience wants – and needs – is a great lesson for us all. Follow Let's Hear It, leave a rating, and help more people find the show.

June 16, 2026- Kathleen Brady-Stepien, president and CEO of the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies, discusses state funding for human services providers and explore the future of foster care providers, which are grappling with high insurance costs and serving a broader swath of family members.

Show Summary On today's episode, we're having a conversation with Army Veteran Ramon Salazar, Senior Manager of Learning and Experience Design for PsychArmor, as well as Executive Director for Warriors At Ease, an organization dedicated to empowering the military and veteran community with the tools and knowledge to harness the transformative power of yoga and meditation.Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestRamón Salazar is a US Army Veteran with a diverse background in education and wellness. Holding a Master's degree in Education and experience in instructional design, he currently serves as an instructor at the University of Arizona. As an E-RYT 500 (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher that has completed at leased 500 hours of advanced yoga teacher training and logged a minimum of 2,00 hours of teaching experience), Ramón brings a deep understanding of yoga practice, skillfully tailoring his approach to the specific needs of the military community. He incorporates trauma-informed techniques and mindful movement to foster healing and resilience. Ramón also holds various certifications in other wellness areas. His commitment to education and holistic well-being reflects his belief in yoga's power to positively impact individuals and communities.Links Mentioned in this Episode Ramon on PsychArmorWarriors At Ease websitePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's resource of the week is PsychArmor's online course library, including many courses designed and led by Ramon. PsychArmor offers trusted, expert-led training for anyone who wants to better understand and support service members, Veterans, and their families. Whether you're a health care provider, educator, employer, caregiver, or simply someone who wants to make a difference — these courses are designed for you.You can find the resource here:https://learn.psycharmor.org/collections Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on TwitterPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Equity work in nonprofits requires more than diversifying leadership pipelines—it calls for organizations to examine how workplace culture, decision-making structures, hiring practices, and everyday interactions continue to reflect broader systems of inequity. Despite our current environment of backlash, these are issues that nonprofits need to continue to grapple with. This episode of the podcast Nonprofit Mission: Impact revisits conversations about equity, inclusion, and power in the nonprofit sector, exploring how broader societal systems show up inside nonprofit organizations. Through reflections from a variety of guests, Carol Hamilton and her guests: ·      Examine the emotional toll of assimilation and code-switching, ·      Explore the ways organizational culture often undermines equity efforts even when intentions are good. ·      Highlight practical pathways forward. These practical pathways include: ·      deep listening to communities, ·      rethinking hiring and leadership pipelines, ·      embedding equity into organizational strategy rather than treating it as separate work, and ·      cultivating cultures where people can show up more authentically. Throughout the episode, Carol Hamilton and her guests emphasize that change requires both systemic attention and everyday interpersonal choices that help people feel seen, heard, and valued. Episode Highlights Time-Stamped Highlights 00:00 — Why Equity Work Still Matters 02:17— Nonprofits Reflect the Larger Culture 05:00— Understanding the Systems We Inherit 07:30— Representation, Power, and Listening to Communities 13:00— The Emotional Toll of Assimilation and Code Switching 17:00— Why Diversity Without Cultural Change Fails 21:18— The Hidden Cost of Equity Work 24:00— Reimagining Executive Search and Leadership Pipelines 26:24— Embedding Equity Into Strategy and Leadership 30:29— Building Communities of Support 31:46— Creating the Future Through Everyday Actions About your podcast host: Carol Hamilton, principal of Grace Social Sector Consulting, helps nonprofits become more strategic and effective through inclusive strategic planning, evaluation design, and organizational assessment. With over 30 years of experience, she brings a practical, human-centered approach that helps organizations align around clear priorities and take meaningful action toward their mission. When she is not working with nonprofits to improve their strategy and alignment, you can find her reading a good book, making diary comics, having a dance party in the kitchen, swimming, biking or kayaking on the Anacostia River.   Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them

Adam Bratton, Executive Director of the Nonprofit Partnership joins us to discuss the Celebrate Nonprofits Weeks, such as the Excellence Awards the June 25th Career, Volunteer & Board Service Fair

"Crisis creates clarity, and philanthropic funding is the best risk capital we have." That's how Hala Hanna reads the moment we're in, and as Executive Director of MIT Solve, she has the data to back it up.MIT Solve has spent a decade brokering the relationship between companies, funders, and the early-stage innovators closing equity gaps in health, learning, climate, and economic opportunity. Their 460 solvers are reaching 430 million lives, have mobilized $87 million in direct funding, and have collectively raised $1.4 billion. And Hala has a front-row seat to the fundamental shift happening in how money moves toward mission.In this episode, you'll hear:Why the most forward-thinking funders are moving from rewarding proximity to power to rewarding proximity to the problem, and what that means for your missionWhat corporate partners actually need from nonprofit partnerships right now, and how to position your org to meet them thereWhy pairing measurable outcomes with storytelling is the real fundraising unlock, and the one question every nonprofit leader needs to answer before walking into a funder conversationYou'll walk away with a sharper read on where philanthropy is heading and a concrete playbook for becoming the partner funders are actually looking for.

Most nonprofits are walking into 2026 making the same three fundraising mistakes that quietly sank them in 2025. None of the three look like mistakes from the inside. They look like prudence. They look like stewardship. They look like the responsible thing to do when reserves feel thin and the board is anxious. They are actually the most expensive habits in the sector. In this solo episode, Sarah breaks down the three patterns that drain nonprofit fundraising power, why scarcity mindset masquerades as good financial management, the difference between spending money and investing it, and the three leadership moves that shift a whole organization into a culture of abundance. She uses the dam metaphor a client gave her, walks through what return on investment really means at the line-item level, and lands on what it takes from a leader to hold the line while the board and staff catch up. In This Episode, You'll Learn What the scarcity mindset actually is, where it comes from, and why it is more common in nonprofits than anywhere else Why hoarded money loses value the longer it sits, and why flow matters more than balance The difference between spending money and investing it, and the one question to ask before every expense Why do stability mode and growth mode call for different financial postures The three specific moves that build a culture of abundance in your organization What to do when your board pulls everyone back toward scarcity, and how long the shift actually takes Who This Episode Is For • Executive directors sitting on reserves and wondering why the organization feels stuck • Nonprofit leaders heading into 2026 budget planning who want a different financial posture this year • Founders and CEOs trying to shift their team out of a culture of saving and into a culture of growing • Boards that are unintentionally reinforcing scarcity through their financial decisions Practical takeaways: • Before saying no to an expense, ask what the return on this investment would be, not what it costs • Audit one place this week where your organization is hoarding instead of investing • Lead with abundance language in your own spending first, then bring it into your leadership conversations • Hold the line when others slip back into scarcity, and expect to repeat yourself a lot before it sticks • Decide whether your organization is in stability mode or growth mode, and let that decision drive how you treat reserves About Your Host, Sarah Olivieri Bold, strategic, and refreshingly human…   Sarah Olivieri is the go-to expert for conversations on aligned leadership, outcome delegation, and sustainable growth.She brings wit, warmth, and real-world wisdom to mission-driven founders, visionary CEOs, and change-makers who want more clarity, more joy, and more results. Most leaders hit a wall when success depends on them holding it all together. Sarah helps them change that by redefining leadership around outcomes instead of activity, empowering teams to own results that scale and freeing leaders to focus on the vision that drives them. A former director of three nonprofits and founder of five businesses, she has a rare ability to spot opportunity where others see chaos, shift stuck patterns, and build organizations that support both legacy and life. Sarah leads with the same mindset that made her an award-winning sailor: iterate on what works, stay focused in the storm, and never forget the joy of the journey. Links Website: saraholivieri.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-olivieri Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode, I sit down with Chason Forehand, founder of HR Consultations and HR4U Inc., whose life story is a remarkable testament to resilience, faith, and the power of paying it forward. After enduring childhood abuse, addiction, homelessness, and countless personal struggles, Chason found healing through the kindness of someone who believed in him when he could not believe in himself. Today, he has dedicated his life to creating opportunities for others through his groundbreaking work with Transformation Kitchen.    In this episode, we discuss: Chason's journey from childhood trauma, addiction, and homelessness to becoming a purpose-driven leader The life-changing impact of one person choosing to believe in and invest in another Why sharing your story can become a catalyst for transformation and connection How Transformation Kitchen helps individuals break cycles of poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity The importance of living wages, workforce dignity, and long-term support systems Why collaboration is essential for creating sustainable community impact Chason's vision of bringing Transformation Kitchens to every state and every country around the world   This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter where you've been, your story can become the very thing that helps someone else find hope, healing, and possibility.    About Chason: Chason Forehand is the visionary Founder behind two mission-driven organizations: HR Consultations, a boutique HR firm dedicated exclusively to empowering Social Good Entities, and HR-4U INC., a trailblazing Nonprofit committed to economic justice. Through bold advocacy and their groundbreaking Transformation Kitchen™️ program, HR-4U INC. champions living wages and workforce dignity for marginalized communities turning opportunity into lasting impact. "They don't just flip eggs, they flip lives." https://linktr.ee/chasonforehand ----- Connect with Candice Snyder! Website: https://www.podpage.com/passion-purpose-and-possibilities-1/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candicebsnyder?_rdr Passion, Purpose, and Possibilities Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passionpurposeandpossibilitiescommunity/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpurposepossibilities/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicesnyder/ Shop For A Cause With Gifts That Give Back to Nonprofits: https://thekindnesscause.com/ Go to FusionaryFormulas.com and use code PASSION at checkout for 15% off your first order.  Fall In Love With Artists And Experience Joy And Calm: https://www.youtube.com/@movenartrelaxation

You invested time and resources into staff training and development, but your team still isn't applying what they learned. Why? Many nonprofit leaders focus heavily on what employees need to learn and how they should learn it. While those elements are essential, they're only part of the equation.In this episode of Learning for Good, I'm exploring why even well-designed training programs often fail to create lasting behavior change. True success happens when training translates into consistent action on the job. I'm sharing five overlooked factors that determine whether learning becomes performance improvement or simply another forgotten workshop.▶️ Why Your Nonprofit Training Isn't Working: 5 Factors Preventing Workplace Behavior Change▶️ Key Points:00:00:00 Why Great Training Doesn't Always Lead to Action00:05:07 5 Factors Preventing Behavior Change00:14:12 Designing Training That Drives Lasting Behavior ChangeResources from this episode:Join the Learning for Good Summit in July: https://collective.skillmastersmarket.com/invitation?code=9A6625 Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveConnect with HeatherLinkedIn: Heather BurrightWebsite: skillmastersmarket.comBook an interest call with Heather here.⭐Was this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

I want to have an honest conversation with nonprofit leaders today. Many people spend months planning their programs, defining their mission, and filing their paperwork. But they never stop to ask one critical question: Where is the money going to come from? If your entire funding strategy is "we'll figure it out later," you're creating problems that will eventually show up as stress, burnout, and financial instability.

Boulez Conducts Mahler, Bartók, & Stravinsky by CSO Association

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes Soren Kaplan, PhD, nationally regarded educator, consultant, and author, for a practical and energizing conversation about nonprofit collaboration. Drawing from Soren's 2025 article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, the episode asks a big question: why should fundraisers and nonprofit leaders collaborate when they already have plenty to do inside their own organizations? Soren's answer is wonderfully direct: impact. Big, tangled community challenges like food insecurity, health equity, and environmental protection are rarely solved by one organization paddling alone. Bill and Soren explore what collaboration looks like in real nonprofit life, including examples from Points of Light and White Pony Express. Points of Light, founded by George H. W. Bush, served more than 3 million volunteers last year by building a network of nonprofits and corporate partners around shared goals. White Pony Express, meanwhile, worked with other food-security organizations in Contra Costa County to pool data, standardize information, and create a heat map showing where services were strong and where gaps remained. That shared picture helped open up new possibilities for collective action, which is nonprofit-speak for “Aha, now we can see the whole elephant instead of arguing over who is holding the trunk.” The conversation also digs into the mechanics of making collaboration work without turning it into a bureaucratic octopus wearing reading glasses. Soren emphasizes the value of a common goal, shared data, a clearly identified community need, and an external facilitator who can help organizations move past competition and toward synergy. He also introduces the idea of “light governance,” where each nonprofit remains autonomous but agrees to align major strategies and initiatives with the broader collaborative mission. In other words, nobody has to surrender their board, mission, or identity at the door. They just agree not to wander off into the weeds while everyone else is building the road. Bill and Soren close by connecting collaboration directly to fundraising. Donors and funders increasingly want to see innovation, scale, efficiency, and measurable impact, and a strong collaborative can often make a more compelling case than several individual organizations submitting separate appeals. Soren notes that when nonprofits pool capabilities and pursue funding together, they can sometimes access resources that would be out of reach alone, including the Measure X half-cent sales tax funding that supported underserved communities in Contra Costa County. The takeaway is clear: collaboration is not just a feel-good handshake in a conference room. Done well, it can expand impact, strengthen fundraising, build culture, and give nonprofits a better story to tell. Because when one plus one can equal five, fundraisers should probably sharpen their pencils and start doing that math.

This Week:  Your Successful Giving Day  Our coverage of the 2026 Nonprofit Technology Conference continues as Jackelyne Briseño helps you leverage giving day opportunities through segmentation; gamefying strategies; multi-channel methods; collaborating internally; using social influencers; preparing your CRM database; and, … Continue reading →

Here we go again: do we have a "deal" with Iran or not? In today's show, we fill you in with the very latest information. As of Friday morning, we have a deal expected to be accepted and signed in Europe over the weekend by V.P. Vance. And then... we have nothing!Some really good news showed up today: gas prices at the pump have been falling over the last few weeks! (Details ahead)Republican leaders are set to push our Treasury Department to cancel the "Nonprofit" status of the Southern Policy Law Center. Their reason is that it is illegal for any nonprofit to contribute funds or support of any kind to any person or entity for any political purpose. SPLC collected tens of millions and then actually used portions of those tax-exempt payments to pay people to perpetuate political actions, acting like they are NOT affiliated with SPLC; at the same time, these "henchmen" are faking massive attacks on people of color!Sadly, Carmello Anthony's parents have gone public with cries of fraudulent racist action in the trial that sent their teenage son to jail for 35 years for first-degree murder. The details they bring to the public are sad, and their actions are sick.

What happens when a mentor says, “I was wrong”? In this honest and faith-filled conversation, Zach and Derrick unpack how humility, repentance, and authentic apologies can transform mentoring relationships, rebuild trust, and model the heart of Jesus to kids from hard places. If you've ever wondered whether admitting mistakes makes you weaker as a mentor, this episode will challenge you to see vulnerability as one of your greatest strengths. Make sure to follow Derrick @derrick.sier!If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.Want to go deeper?• Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community• Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop• Come to our annual You Can Mentor GatheringYou can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

Reflections from host Sarah Olivieri ... Strategic Planning as a Rhythm Most nonprofits I talk to are not avoiding strategic planning because they don't believe in it. They're avoiding it because the process is heavy, the resulting document is long and hard to act on, and six months later it feels out of date. So they wait. They wait until something forces the conversation. A new executive director. A board crisis. A funder asking for it. By the time planning starts, the stakes feel enormous, the calendar feels short, and the team feels exhausted before the first meeting. They waited so long, planning is an extra activity that requires planning to plan. The plan that comes out of that environment is almost always too rigid, too future-locked, and too disconnected from the work people are actually doing. This is the structural pattern. Strategic planning for nonprofits gets framed as an event. A rare event. Rare things carry pressure. Pressure makes the process worse, which confirms everyone's belief that planning is painful, which makes the next planning cycle even longer to start. The whole loop is fixable. The fix is not a better planning process but a better planning rhythm. A recent podcast interview with Sophia Shaw left me thinking not just about how to do strategic planning well, but what actually creates staying power in a strategic plan.  A Plan as a Compass, Not a Roadmap The mental model most nonprofits inherited for strategic planning is the roadmap. You start here. You end there. You draw the route. You follow it. A roadmap is built for a destination that is completely knowable and a route that is predictable. But most nonprofits are can't follow a predictable route to well known destination. Most nonprofits are pioneering, forging a path to an imagined, but not fully knowable destination.  When pioneering, a compass is much more useful. A compass is different. A compass tells you the direction. It does not tell you the exact route. When the terrain changes, you keep the direction and find or create a new path. The plan still works, because the plan was never about the path. It was about where you're trying to go. In short: A roadmap locks in the route. A compass locks in the direction. Nonprofit terrain changes constantly. Your plan has to be built for that. The work of planning is choosing the direction clearly enough that you can re-route without losing it. When the plan is a compass, leaders stop being afraid of being "wrong." They stop avoiding planning out of fear that they'll commit to something they regret. The plan becomes a tool, not a verdict. Cadence Determines Whether the Plan Is Real Here's the part most planning processes get wrong. They treat the plan as the product. The truth is, the cadence of revisiting the plan is the product. A beautiful 40-page plan that gets opened once a year does less work than a one-page plan that gets revisited every two months. In my own work with organizations, I built a system where staff lead strategic planning every two months. Once a team has done it three or four times, "planning to plan" stops being a thing. The stakes are low. The plan is alive. Course corrections happen in real time, not in a year-end crisis.   Planning becomes a rhythm of re-orienting and re-confirming or refining the path and the destination.  This is what separates a plan that aligns the organization from a plan that sits on a shelf. The plan isn't the product. The cadence is. Short, frequent planning cycles lower the stakes and raise the quality. When planning is a habit, course correction is a small move, not a crisis. The organizations that get value from strategic planning are not the ones with the best document. They're the ones with the shortest distance between "something changed" and "we updated the plan." Short-Term Plans Are Healing for Teams in Crisis There's a specific moment when a six-month or one-year plan does more work than a three-year one. That moment is when an organization is operating without sufficient resources. When people are working in an underresourced environment, asking them to make a long term plan just adds load to an already-overloaded nervous system. A short-term plan does the opposite. It says: here is what we are doing in the next six months, here is what we are not doing, here is how we'll know we did it. That clarity stabilizes the team. The longer-horizon planning can come later, after the stabilization holds. I think of it like getting off a tiki raft. If you're on a small raft in the open ocean, the first goal is not the destination. The first goal is getting on a bigger boat. Everything about reaching a destination feels different once you're on the bigger boat. A short-term plan focused on capacity building, is the plan to get on a bigger boat. This is not a compromise. It is the right tool for the moment. The Plan Is Also the Fundraising Story A lot of nonprofits separate the planning conversation from the fundraising conversation. The planning team meets. The development team meets. The two outputs get stitched together later. This is backwards. The plan is the fundraising story. Donors are not funding programs in the abstract. They're funding a direction. They're funding the answer to "where is this organization going and how will I know if you got there?" If the board chair on one end of the table and the executive director on the other end whisper different answers to that question, no amount of donor stewardship will close the gap. I have watched organizations get major unrestricted gifts almost casually, after the leader simply got clear on the direction and started saying it out loud. One conversation about the vision, one week later, a letter for $100,000 a year for three years. That was not a fundraising win. That was an alignment win, with a check attached. Donors fund direction, not activity. Misalignment between the board and the executive director is a fundraising leak. Clarity at the plan level shows up as ease at the donor level. When the plan is clear and the team is aligned, fundraising stops feeling like persuasion. It feels like an invitation. Gathering the Data Should Not Be A Part of the Planning Process One thing that makes frequent planning hard to imagine for many folks is that they have been told that in order to generate a great plan, they need to gather data from stakeholders: the community, the team, the board, etc. This makes the process of planning very laborious, but there's something even more important going on here, and this should have your alarms going off like crazy. The fact that this data collection needs to happen for strategic planning means that data collection is not happening as a regular part of identifying whether or not programs are running as well as they can. It means that conversations and other forms of data collection to understand what the community needs and what donors want to support and what makes them feel invested are not a routine part of operating. This is a problem in how many non-profits operate: collecting data about the impacts of your programs collecting data about the needs of the people you serve collecting data about how your donors are responding and how to communicate with them better These should be part of daily operations, just like bookkeeping. Yes, strategic planning is a time to review data and analyze trends to inform decision making, but if you don't already have this data being collected as a regular part of operating, then your plan should include increasing your capacity so that you begin doing that. What Shifts When You Treat Planning as a Rhythm When leaders stop seeing planning as an event and start running it as a rhythm, several things change at once. What shifts: Planning stops being scary, because no single planning session is high-stakes. The plan stops being a document and starts being a tool the team actually uses. The board moves up to governance and out of operations. Fundraising gets easier, because the story is already clear. The executive director stops being the single point of strategic memory. None of this requires a heavier process. It requires a lighter, more frequent one. About the Guest Sophia Shaw is my guest for this episode. Sophia is the co-founder of PlanPerfect, an expert-powered, AI-assisted software tool helping small- and mid-sized nonprofits create, review, implement, track, and report on strategic plans. With decades of experience as a successful nonprofit CEO, trustee, board president, donor, volunteer, consultant, and professor of social impact. Sophia has a deep understanding of how to maximize the power of a nonprofit. Connect with Sophia: Website - https://www.planperfect.co LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/planperfect/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/PlanPerfect/61571149295408/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/planperfect_strategy/ Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Episode 372: The Culture Work No One Warns You About in a Nonprofit Merger (Marcia Beckner)Episode SummaryToo many nonprofit leaders treat a merger as a last resort, proof that something failed, when it can be the boldest strategic move they make. In this episode, Marcia Beckner, Founder and CEO of Culture CARES® Global, reframes merger as a path to greater impact, drawing on her own experience founding MyLifeLine Cancer Foundation and merging it into the Cancer Support Community. She covers how to know when a merger is right, why ego is so often the real obstacle, and why culture, not finances or strategy, is where mergers quietly succeed or fail. Marcia shares her CARES® framework (Commitment, Appreciation, Respect, Engagement, Safety) as both a diagnostic and a roadmap for integrating two teams into one healthy, psychologically safe organization. Listeners will walk away seeing partnership not as surrender, but as a way to better fulfill their mission alongside others.About MarciaMarcia Beckner is the Founder and CEO of Culture CARES® Global, where she coaches nonprofit CEOs and executive directors to build healthy, inclusive workplaces and reduce sector burnout. She is the architect of the Culture CARES® Framework, a proven process for measuring and co-creating organizational culture. In 2007 she founded MyLifeLine Cancer Foundation, a digital community born from her own stage 3 ovarian cancer diagnosis in her twenties, which she led for nearly a decade before merging it into the global Cancer Support Community in 2018, where she went on to serve as VP of Digital Strategy and Chief Culture Officer. She holds a degree in Organizational Psychology, is a certified Dream Manager® and Talent Insights Analyst, and is the author of You Are Meant for Great Things. Based in Denver with her husband and four nearly-launched kids, she's an avid reader and traveler.ResourcesMarcia Beckner on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marciabecknerCulture CARES® Global: CultureCares.comThe Culture CARES® Framework & Assessment: a culture diagnostic and roadmap built on five pillars (Commitment, Appreciation, Respect, Engagement, Safety), with psychological safety as the foundationDISC + Driving Forces (Talent Insights): assessments Marcia uses to surface leadership styles and inner motivators in team-buildingBook: You Are Meant for Great Things by Marcia (Donziger) Beckner, her memoir of turning setbacks into stepping stones (culturecares.com/book)Book: The Nonprofit Mergers Workbook by David La Piana, a step-by-step guide through the merger process

In this episode, Candice sits down with Jennifer McLeland, certified integrative wellness and life coach, to explore her remarkable journey from personal hardship to helping women reconnect with themselves. Jennifer shares how a devastating financial crisis, the loss of her family home, and a season of deep hopelessness ultimately led her toward healing, self-discovery, and a renewed sense of purpose.    In this episode, they discuss: Jennifer's personal story of losing everything and rebuilding her life from a place of hope How coaching became a turning point during one of the darkest seasons of her life Why women often lose sight of themselves while caring for everyone else The connection between self-love, self-care, and healthy boundaries How the "disco ball" became a powerful metaphor for embracing every part of who we are The role mindset plays in overall mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness Practical ways to reconnect with joy, authenticity, and your own unique passions   No matter where you are on your journey, this episode is a reminder that every piece of your story matters, and when you embrace your whole self, your unique light has the power to shine brighter than ever.    About Jennifer: Jennifer McLeland is a certified integrative wellness and life coach who helps women in midlife reconnect with themselves and reclaim agency over their own lives after years of putting everyone else first. Through a whole-self approach that supports mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being, she guides clients to prioritize themselves without guilt and design their next chapter with intention. Known for her warm style and a touch of disco ball energy, Jennifer creates spaces where women feel seen and supported as they rediscover their own disco ball magic. FREE Mindset Tool: https://mailchi.mp/holisticheadtotoe/gw5k596vkh Website: https://holisticheadtotoe.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/holisticheadtotoe/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.mcleland/ ----- Connect with Candice Snyder! Website: https://www.podpage.com/passion-purpose-and-possibilities-1/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candicebsnyder?_rdr Passion, Purpose, and Possibilities Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passionpurposeandpossibilitiescommunity/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpurposepossibilities/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicesnyder/ Shop For A Cause With Gifts That Give Back to Nonprofits: https://thekindnesscause.com/ Go to FusionaryFormulas.com and use code PASSION at checkout for 15% off your first order.  Fall In Love With Artists And Experience Joy And Calm: https://www.youtube.com/@movenartrelaxation

Send us Fan MailThe fundraising capacity gap is the distance between what a nonprofit needs to raise money sustainably and what it's actually resourced to do. And, right now?... That gap is widening.In this episode, Britt Stockert, Fundraiser Coach at Donorbox, unpacks what it is, where it shows up in daily development work, and why it keeps getting misdiagnosed as a performance problem when it's actually a structural one.The numbers are stark. The Nonprofit Finance Fund found that 85% of nonprofits expect service demand to keep rising, while 36% ended last year at a deficit, the highest in a decade. First-year donor retention sits around 20%. Sector technology budgets allocate 54% to hardware and 1% to training. And nearly a quarter of nonprofit workers can't afford basic living expenses.Britt makes the case that donor attrition, burnout, and fundraiser turnover are not separate problems. They share the same root cause, and it belongs in the budget conversation, not the performance review.What You'll LearnWhat the nonprofit fundraising capacity gap actually isWhere it shows up in real development work, and what it costsWhy burnout and donor loss are structural problems, not individual onesWhat the nonprofit starvation cycle is and why it mattersWhat fundraisers, EDs, and board members can each do differently to break the cycleThe Core InsightThe gap is almost always invisible, which is exactly what makes it so hard to fix. When a major gifts portfolio goes cold, it gets labeled a performance issue. When a fundraiser burns out and leaves, leadership calls it a pipeline problem. The structural cause stays hidden, and hidden problems don't get fixed.The first move is naming it honestly, in budget conversations, in board meetings, before you pick up a new framework or invest in a new tool. What is it actually costing you to leave it the way it is?Chapters00:00 The Fundraising Capacity Gap01:34 Why Retention Is Slipping03:06 Capacity Problems Disguised as Performance Problems06:03 The Nonprofit Starvation Cycle09:34 How to Break the CycleResources and LinksBook a free one-hour strategy session with Britt hereNonprofit Finance Fund Survey DataFundraising Effectiveness ProjectBridgespan Group ResearchUrban Institute Nonprofit ResearchStanford Social Innovation Review: The Nonprofit Starvation CycleAbout the HostBritt Stockert is a Fundraiser Coach at Donorbox with more than 20 years in the public sector. She helps nonprofits build fundraising strategies that match real capacity, working with teams to strengthen donor relationships, refine systems, and simplify operations. Britt also serves on the board of an immigrant- and refugee-led nonprofit and stays closely connected to on-the-ground realities.About DonorboxDonorbox is a globally trusted online and on-location fundraising platform that helps nonprofits raise more. With easy-to-use donation forms, powerful donor management tools, and features designed to grow recurring giving, we have helped 100,000-plus organizations process over 3 billion dollars in donations worldwide.Enjoying the show? Subscribe for more practical fundraising strategies, leadership insights, and tools to help your nonprofit grow sustainably.The information provided in this series is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor for specific guidance.Support the show

I want to talk about something that is quietly affecting a lot of nonprofit leaders: Misinformation. I've seen many organizations struggle, not because the mission wasn't important, but because the leaders were operating from incomplete, outdated, or incorrect information. They were told: "Just start a nonprofit and grants will come." "Passion is enough." "Programs are the priority." "Filing paperwork means you're ready." And over time, those ideas create confusion, frustration, and instability.

WDAY First News anchors Scott Engen and Lydia Blume break down your regional news and weather for Thursday, June 11. InForum Minute is produced by Forum Communications and brought to you by reporters from The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead and WDAY TV. Visit https://www.inforum.com/subscribe to subscribe.

In this episode of the RKD Group: Chat podcast, we sit down with Stephanie Chanpimol, annual fund and advancement services manager for The Salvation Army's Northern New England Division. With two decades of experience at the organization, Stephanie shares how a willingness to learn, strong communication skills and a commitment to building meaningful relationships have shaped her nonprofit career.

Most volunteer leaders learn on the job, through trial and error, and sometimes burnout. But what if you could start with the skills that really matter?In this episode, Tobi Johnson draws on 25+ years of experience to share the essential skills she wishes she had from day one. You'll learn why self‑regulation and emotional resilience are critical for preventing burnout and leading with clarity. She also breaks down strategic planning that connects program design, metrics, and budgets, including how to advocate for volunteer‑related expenses.Tobi also tackles change management and influence, especially when you don't have formal authority. Her participatory leadership approach helps you engage stakeholders, manage resistance, and build trusted teams. Plus, she offers a free worksheet to help you develop your personal leadership philosophy.If you're ready to lead with confidence and create lasting impact, this episode is your toolkit.Skills I Wish I Had – Episode Highlights [00:00] Introduction to Volunteer Management Skills[04:08] Top Nonprofit Volunteer Management Skills[08:46] Emotional Self-Regulation in Leadership[12:54] Strategic Planning for Nonprofits[17:08] Budgeting for Volunteer Programs[24:10] Change Management and Influence[31:12] Participatory Leadership and CollaborationHelpful Links Volunteer Management Fundamentals Live! Volunteer Nation Episode #185: To Burnout & Back – My Secret Struggle with Long COVIDVolunteer Nation Episode #022: My Fave 6 Nonprofit Leadership and Management Wins Volunteer Nation Episode #205: My Top Time Management Tips for Overwhelmed Volunteer ManagersVolunteer Nation Episode #186: Strategy vs Tactics – How to Include Both in Your Volunteer Planning Independent Sector Value of Volunteer TimeVolunteer Strategy Scorecard™ Volunteer Management Fundamentals Live!Summer Cohort: June 18 – July 24, 2026Learn the Essential Frameworks for Attracting and Engaging, Enthusiastic, Committed Volunteers with Less Stress and Greater Confidence. Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.  For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

Your nonprofit hosted its first ever strategic planning retreat… and it was a complete disaster. So, what do you do now?? I'm joined by R. Perry Monastero, owner of RPM Consulting Group, to dig into a listener question that had us both saying "oof" out loud. A brand new board member sat through a nightmare retreat full of college-style exercises and definition debates. They want to help the board get back on track, but they don't want to step on toes as the newest person in the room. Real Listener Question: "We had our first ever strategic planning retreat, and it was a NIGHTMARE. We came up with words like 'diversity' and 'integrity' and sat around debating definitions for the entire retreat. Afterwards, the ED and president drafted a new mission statement and emailed it to the board with a litany of questions. I want to help us get back on track. What do I do?" Perry and I break down what strategic planning actually is, why this retreat probably wasn't really strategic planning at all, and how a new board member can navigate the situation gracefully. What You'll Learn: What real nonprofit strategic planning looks like versus what a lot of orgs end up doing Why a retreat without a facilitator is often a setup for disengagement Why "this could have been an email" is the millennial response to bad governance How to ask great questions as a new board member without ruffling feathers Why you don't have to do a deep-dive strategic plan every single time When to bring in outside expertise and where to find reliable nonprofit resources Bottom line: You wouldn't have your best friend clean your teeth instead of a dentist. So why would you skip professional support for one of the most important conversations your nonprofit will have? Resources from this Episode R. Perry Monastero / RPM Consulting Group: https://rpmcg.com BoardSource: https://boardsource.org National Council of Nonprofits: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org Standards for Excellence Institute: https://standardsforexcellence.org Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CT166_Transcript.pdf Connect with Us Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/ R. Perry Monastero: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrymonastero/ Listen & Engage Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review" Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-story   Stay Connected Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/   Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

 Meet Angela Standridge, Director of the Texas Technology Access Program (TTAP) at the University of Texas. The program helps people with disabilities get access to assistive technology so they can live more independently.What is Assistive Technology (AT)? is any device, equipment, software program, or product that helps a person with a disability improve or maintain their ability to function.TTAP makes these tools easy to find and use. They not only have a library of available devices but also provide product demonstrations, 35-day loaner devices, recycled equipment, and information about national loan programs. Angela explains that the tool itself is not the full solution—the real solution is how the person uses it in their own environment to meet their specific needs. Listen in and find out how this amazing program allows those of us with disabilities to live a more independent life.Guest Social Media info - Website: https://ttap.disabilitystudies.utexas.edu/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UTTTAP @UTTTAPInsta: https://www.instagram.com/txtechaccess/?hl=en @txtechaccessYouTube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZXFb_pP3efgjRrTT4nMoeQ @texastechnologyaccessprogramBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/txtechnologyaccess.bsky.social @txtechnologyaccess.bsky.socialSend us Fan MailSupport the showYou can find this episode's transcript here.New episodes drop every other Thursday everywhere you listen to podcasts. 

Send us Fan MailMindset as an operational skill for nonprofit leaders is becoming one of the most important conversations in nonprofit management. As burnout, decision fatigue, and constant change impact organizations across the sector, leaders are discovering that resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness are not optional—they are essential business competencies.The Nonprofit Show sits down with Karli-Rose McIntyre, Training Content Manager at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), to explore why mindset should be viewed as organizational infrastructure rather than personal development.Karli-Rose shares what leaders are really asking for. While technical topics like accounting, compliance, grants, and technology remain important, many nonprofit executives are searching for guidance around decision-making, connection, resilience, and navigating uncertainty.The discussion examines how artificial intelligence is accelerating the shift from transactional work to relationship-driven leadership. As automation handles more routine tasks, nonprofit leaders must strengthen the uniquely human skills that technology cannot replace.As Karli-Rose shares. .  "I think when we start treating mindset as not just a nice-to-have item, but instead as infrastructure, then that's when those human skills, like creativity, like resilience, like connection, start to come out and play."The conversation also addresses nonprofit CEO burnout, organizational communication challenges between finance and development teams, emotional intelligence, and how leaders can create space for better decision-making amid constant demands.Karli-Rose closes with a powerful leadership reminder: "Replace the fear of the unknown with curiosity."For nonprofit executives, finance leaders, fundraisers, board members, and emerging professionals, this episode offers a fresh perspective on building stronger organizations from the inside out. Key Takeaways: • Approximately half of nonprofit CEOs report concern about burnout levels, making leadership sustainability a strategic issue. • Leaders increasingly seek support with decision-making, connection, and resilience—not just technical training. • AI is increasing the value of human-centered skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building. • Mindset influences every leadership action, from budgeting and policy creation to team management and organizational culture. • Strong collaboration between finance, fundraising, and operations requires empathy, storytelling, and shared understanding. • Creativity and resilience can be developed intentionally and may help counter burnout and decision fatigue.00:00:00 Welcome & Why Mindset Matters00:02:09 Karli-Rose's Unique Path from CPA to Leadership Development00:03:35 What 1,500 Monthly Webinar Registrants Are Asking For00:05:30 The Hidden Challenges Nonprofit Leaders Face00:08:10 AI, Leadership, and the Shift to Human Skills00:11:20 Why Mindset Is an Operational Issue00:14:11 Mindset as the Foundation of Decision-Making00:15:35 Bridging the Gap Between Finance and Fundraising00:20:01 Treating Mindset as Organizational Infrastructure00:22:14 Burnout, Creativity, and Leadership Resilience00:24:45 Practical Habits for Better Leadership Decisions00:29:17 Replacing Fear with Curiosity #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitMindset #NonprofitManagementFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailNonprofit donor behavior trends in 2026 are revealing something unexpected: generosity is alive and well! The challenge isn't donor willingness to give—it's whether nonprofits are making it easy, clear, and compelling for supporters to take action.We welcome Mary Crogan, Vice President of Brand Marketing at Bloomerang, to discuss findings from the newly released Giving Signals Report. Based on research conducted with more than 1,000 donors and 405 fundraisers, the report challenges many assumptions about today's fundraising environment.The data shows that donors remain highly motivated to support causes they care about. In fact, 97% give because they care about their communities, 96% want to make a difference, and 92% say giving is part of who they are.As Mary explains, "The fact is, donors are actually ready. They want to give. The question is whether the organizations are positioned to engage and receive that generosity."The conversation explores how nonprofits can bridge the gap between caring and giving through greater clarity, stronger impact communication, and a smoother donor experience.One of the most striking findings? Seventy percent of donors say a tipping prompt could cause them to reconsider giving altogether, while 79% say unexpected fees create hesitation. These are preventable barriers that may be costing organizations revenue every day.The discussion also highlights the growing influence of millennial donors. Seventy-five percent plan to increase their giving this year, while 80% intend to support at least one new nonprofit.Mary offers a simple but powerful challenge for nonprofit leaders:“Can someone who comes to your site answer these questions in less than 30 seconds: What does this organization do? Who do they serve? Where does the money go? And is it working?"If your organization wants to strengthen donor trust, improve fundraising results, and better understand how donor expectations are evolving, this conversation delivers important research and valuable perspective.Key Takeaways• 97% of donors care deeply about their communities and remain motivated to give.• 94% are more likely to donate when organizations clearly explain where funds go.• 70% of donors may reconsider giving when presented with tipping prompts.• 79% say unexpected fees negatively impact their willingness to complete a gift.• 75% of millennials plan to increase their giving this year and 80% will support a new nonprofit.• Transparent reporting, visible impact, and frictionless giving experiences are becoming major competitive advantages. 00:00:00 Introduction to the Giving Signals Report 00:02:00 What 1,000 Donors Revealed About Giving 00:04:00 Generosity Is Shifting, Not Declining 00:06:00 The Clarity Gap Between Caring and Giving 00:08:00 The 30-Second Website Audit Every Nonprofit Needs 00:11:40 How Fees and Tipping Prompts Hurt Donations 00:15:00 Creating a Frictionless Donor Experience 00:16:25 Why Millennial Donors Matter Right Now 00:20:30 Closing the Donor Trust and Clarity Gap 00:24:20 What's Next for Giving Signals Research #TheNonprofitShow #FundraisingStrategy #DonorEngagementFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

This week's Nonprofit News Feed highlights the potential impact of upcoming IPOs in the AI sector on donor-advised funds (DAFs). Major players like SpaceX, Anthropic, and OpenAI are expected to go public, potentially generating $12 to $32 billion in new DAF contributions. This influx could significantly enhance grant-making capacities across the nonprofit sector. The democratization of philanthropy is a key theme, as newly liquid employees—not just billionaires—could make substantial charitable contributions. Nonprofits are advised to prepare by developing relationships with potential donors early and ensuring they can efficiently handle stock gifts and DAF grants. Key insights include the expectation of a massive year for DAFs, similar to the IPO boom of 2021. However, nonprofits should note that liquidity does not equate to immediate increased budgets. The episode emphasizes the importance of strategic communications and understanding the philanthropic mindset of tech sector employees, particularly concerning AI's societal impacts.

Most AI conversations are loaded with productivity hacks, but it's also accelerating scientific discovery in ways most people aren't even thinking about.In this live conversation from the Microsoft Global Nonprofit Leaders Summit, I'm talking to Clare Durrett from Answer ALS and Terri Thompson from OnPoint Scientific about how they're helping cut ALS research timelines by 65%! With a shared platform called Neuromine, researchers now have access to clinical data, genetics, bio samples, and more, all in one place. Even if you're not in the research space, this episode is a super powerful example of what becomes possible when you break down silos and build the right partnerships.Resources & LinksConnect with Clare on LinkedIn and learn more about Answer ALS on their website.Connect with Terri on LinkedIn and learn more about OnPoint Scientific on their website.Learn more about Team Gleason, a nonprofit that improves daily life for people living with ALS.The Science of Scaling by Dr. Benjamin Hardy Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. See how one team surpassed a $1M match and raised $2.25M for their mission with Penny, Bloomerang's AI-powered fundraising strategist. Learn more at bloomerang.com.The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. Let's Connect!Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show!My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

How can nonprofits get their board to fundraise without relying on rigid or stressful demands? In this episode, Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with Amber Hamilton, founder of Fig Leaf Development, to unpack practical strategies for turning anxious or novice board members into confident fundraisers. They explore how to shift from transactional requests to strengths-based engagement and five entry points for board participation—investor, cultivator, connector, fundraiser, and advisor—giving every board member a valuable role to play. Amber also shares how to celebrate small wins, foster deeper board connections, and thoughtfully navigate the complex power and racial dynamics that can arise in philanthropy.

In this very quick bonus episode of Creative Guts, co-hosts Laura Harper Lake and Joe Acone chat about NH Gives 2026 and why you should invest in Creative Guts during this special fundraiser! Creative Guts needs your support to awaken creativity, community, collaboration, and opportunities for gutsy creatives of all ages. Our podcast, programs, and zines stuff can't happen without the support from people like you who care about the art and culture of our state. You know what that means: Donate now! Make a gift to Creative Guts at https://www.nhgives.org/organization/Creative-Guts and support work that uplifts creatives in our state. NH Gives 2026 is happening June 9th - 10th from 5 pm to 5 pm.  If you happen to catch this bonus episode after that window of time, then you can make a donation to Creative Guts through our website! Our budget is tiny, so donations of any size make a big difference. Learn more about us and make a tax-deductible donation at www.CreativeGutsPodcast.com.  Thanks for your support!   

This week’s Nonprofit News Feed highlights the potential impact of upcoming IPOs in the AI sector on donor-advised funds (DAFs). Major players like SpaceX, Anthropic, and OpenAI are expected to go public, potentially generating $12 to $32 billion in new DAF contributions. This influx could significantly enhance grant-making capacities across the nonprofit sector. The democratization of philanthropy is a key theme, as newly liquid employees—not just billionaires—could make substantial charitable contributions. Nonprofits are advised to prepare by developing relationships with potential donors early and ensuring they can efficiently handle stock gifts and DAF grants. Key insights include the expectation of a massive year for DAFs, similar to the IPO boom of 2021. However, nonprofits should note that liquidity does not equate to immediate increased budgets. The episode emphasizes the importance of strategic communications and understanding the philanthropic mindset of tech sector employees, particularly concerning AI’s societal impacts. -------- NonprofitNewsfeed.com Summary of hundreds of news sources.The post The $32B Charitable Wave Is Coming. Your “Donate” Button Isn't Ready. (news) first appeared on Nonprofit News Feed.

On She Built It®, Becky Fawcett, founder and CEO of Helpusadopt.org, shares the deeply personal and fiercely honest story behind building a national multi-million dollar adoption grant program from her New York City apartment. After three miscarriages and a failed IVF journey, Becky found her way to adoption, and then turned her experience into a mission that has helped over 1,100 families and distributed more than $11 million in grants over 19 years.Becky talks about what adoption actually costs, why she built Helpusadopt.org like a business from day one, the fundraising philosophy that has nothing to do with asking for money, and the conversations around infertility, adoption, and family building that she refuses to stop having, no matter who squirms. If you want to donate, volunteer, or learn more, visit helpusadopt.org. Every dollar counts, and Becky means that.Connect with us:HelpUsAdopt.org WebsiteHelpUsAdopt.org InstagramHelpUsAdopt.org LinkedInThe Fawcett Report PodcastThe Fawcett Report InstagramBecky Fawcett InstagramBecky Fawcett LinkedInWork with She Built It® Media She Built It® Instagram She Built It® CEO, Melanie Barr InstagramMelanie Barr LinkedInShe Built It® LinkedIn

Nonprofits may be using AI, but how can they go beyond the surface level of basic prompts to leverage the tools necessary to make an impact on their missions and achieve their goals? In this episode of the “Go Beyond Fundraising” podcast, CEO Trent Ricker and Raney John, VP of AI Strategy and Success, dig into what it means to move beyond AI experimentation and begin using it as a practical, mission-driven tool. From donor stewardship and grant research and writing to volunteer training, reporting, and website strategy, Trent and Ren break down real-world ways nonprofits are already using AI to create efficiency, increase capacity, and strengthen human connection – without replacing it. The discussion also explores leadership, organizational culture, governance, and the importance of staying curious as AI tools evolve at a rapid pace. Wherever your organization is with AI, this conversation offers practical insights, examples, and leadership advice to help nonprofits navigate one of the biggest technology shifts in decades.

Know Your Nonprofit with Jeanna Davis E4: Building a Strong Nonprofit Starts with a Clear Program Host: Jeanna Davis - Nonprofit Consultant | Grant Writer | Owner at JMD Enterprises & Associates | Speaker | Commissioner | Community Leader | SBE/MBE Certified Produced by Elite Conversations Podcast Media https://eliteconversations.com/

Show Summary On today's episode, we're having a conversation with Licensed Clinical Social Worker Amanda Noyes, the founder of Finding Freedom Therapy and member of the DFW First Responders Support Network. We talk about Trauma therapy and mental health networks for service members, veterans and first responders Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestAmanda Noyes is the founder of Finding Freedom Therapy. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker–Supervisor with over 25 years of experience, she has had the opportunity to work in numerous crisis situations where she witnessed firsthand the gravity of trauma and grief. It was in these situations that she realized there were not enough opportunities to heal from trauma and loss after the initial crisis. With this knowledge, she formed Finding Freedom Therapy, PLLC, in 2014 with the vision of providing specialized treatment to those who have endured (or are continuing to endure) horrific traumas and unspeakable losses.After earning her degree in psychology and international studies from Texas A&M University, Amanda pursued her Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. Throughout her career, she has had the unique opportunity to gain notable hands-on experience, much of which was working in conjunction with the military, first responders, and frontline workers. She has worked alongside probation and parole officers in the field, with police officers on-scene, supported doctors and nurses in the ED and ICU departments of level-one trauma centers, counseled families of the recently deceased at the moment of loss, and worked next to the U.S. National Guard when assisting during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Ike, and Harvey.Amanda's experience with veterans and military service members began early in her career with her graduate internship at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Hospital, and later continued with her work as lead trauma therapist for an inpatient military program, Freedom Care, where she worked with active-duty combat military and veterans suffering from PTSD. She is trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Written Exposure Therapy (WET). Each and every step of her career has shaped and strengthened her ability to better assist clients through the most difficult times in their lives.Links Mentioned in this Episode Finding Freedom Therapy WebsiteDFW First Responders Support NetworkPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's resource of the week is the PsychArmor course Trauma Informed Interactions with Veterans. This course defines trauma and how it presents itself and is specifically designed to help volunteers interact with Veterans dealing with trauma that affects their health and/or ability to function.You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/trauma-informed-interactions-with-veterans Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on TwitterPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

"I didn't realize running a nonprofit was this much work." Honestly, many people don't realize it because they were never shown what actually goes into operating an organization beyond the mission and the programs. I've seen passionate leaders enter this work with good intentions, only to become overwhelmed by everything happening behind the scenes. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or surprised by the weight of leadership, this conversation will help you understand why, and what needs to change moving forward.

Most nonprofit leaders know what burnout feels like. But not everyone burns out the same way.In this episode, Tosha Anderson sits down with Britt Stockert, Certified Fundraising Executive and coach at Donorbox, to talk about something that rarely comes up in the nonprofit leadership conversation: neurodivergence and the invisible workload it creates.Britt and Tosha both share their own experiences realizing, in their 40s, that what they thought was anxiety, over-ambition, or just being "a lot" was actually something more specific. And they explore why the nonprofit sector may be uniquely positioned to both attract and burn out neurodivergent leaders at an alarming rate.In this conversation, you'll hear about:What "superhero mode" looks like in practice, and why it eventually collapsesThe secondary operating system neurodivergent leaders carry that neurotypical colleagues don'tWhy neurodivergent burnout often goes undetected in teams until it's a crisisWhat alexithymia is and why it matters for nonprofit leadersSmall, practical changes that leaders and organizations can make right nowWhy a formal diagnosis is not required to start advocating for yourselfThis is one of those episodes that will make a lot of people feel a lot less alone.Read more on our blog: https://thecharitycfo.com/neurodivergent-burnout-nonprofit-leaders/Connect With Brittan Stockert

In this episode, Michael sits down with Brian Hersh, CEO of the Arts and Culture Alliance of Sarasota County, for a conversation about nonprofit leadership, board engagement, and the role arts and culture play in building a stronger community. Brian shares how his background as a drummer shapes the way he leads, listens, and helps others succeed. He also discusses the Alliance's work as a connector and advocate for Sarasota's arts ecosystem, the evolution of its board, the importance of building trust through consistency, and why arts issues are deeply connected to community issues like affordable housing, economic impact, tourism, and quality of life.   Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Brian Hersh, Chief Executive Officer, Arts & Culture Alliance of Sarasota County (04:30) What does the job entail? (06:50) Interacting with the board in a member driven organization (08:45) Helping the board keep the interest of the Arts Alliance first (11:15) How did the board evolve? (14:00) Bell work for the board (15:20) Lead, follow, or get out of the way (16:00) Building trust with the board and members (21:30) How often do you meet with the board, board chair, and committees? (28:10) What is coming up next for the Arts & Culture Alliance of Sarasota County? (31:15) Recapping with Read Join us every other week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization. Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

The era of reliable federal and state funding for social service organizations is ending. Not pausing. Ending. The Nonprofit Finance Fund's 2025 survey found that 36 percent of nonprofits ended 2024 with an operating deficit, the highest figure in a decade. More than half have three months or less of cash on hand. At the same time, the number of individual donors has declined for four consecutive years. We are in a sector where costs are rising, demand is up, federal appropriations are shrinking, and the donor base is getting smaller. That is not a temporary storm. It is a structural shift. Today, we are going to talk about how to address it and avoid it. Kim offers three strategies for going from vulnerability to sustainability.

Most nonprofits treat email like a megaphone. They show up loud when they need donations and go completely quiet in between. Katelyn Baughan has worked with UNHCR, Amnesty International, the Trevor Project, and the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and she has seen this pattern cost nonprofits thousands in unrealized donations.Her fix: stop thinking about campaigns and start building infrastructure.In less than 20 minutes, Katelyn walks you through the automated email system that works in the background to build donor relationships, nurture loyalty, and raise more money, even when you're not hitting send.

Managing a team that spans five generations isn't a Gen Z problem. It's a leadership challenge. In this episode, I sit down with Jason Burlingame to talk about the workplace tensions that seem to resurface with every generation and what it takes to lead through them.

In this episode, Candice sits down with author and end-of-life advocate Erica Baccus to share the extraordinary love story she and her husband, John, built over 41 years together. After John was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, the couple faced one of life's most difficult realities and ultimately made a decision rooted in love, dignity, and honoring his wishes. Erica recounts their journey, the challenges they faced, and the promise she made to support him through the path he chose.    In this episode, they discuss: Erica and John's 41-year love story and the life they built together The early signs of Alzheimer's and the path to John's diagnosis Why conversations about quality of life and end-of-life wishes matter The challenges families face when navigating dementia and caregiving The legal and ethical complexities surrounding assisted dying and dementia How writing A Promise Kept helped Erica process grief and honor John's legacy Finding purpose, gratitude, and healing after profound loss   This episode is a powerful testament to love, courage, and the promises we keep for the people who matter most. Even in life's hardest moments, compassion and connection can guide us toward meaning, purpose, and hope.    About Erica: Erica Baccus started her professional career in the suburbs of Chicago as an 8th-grade English teacher and went on to San Francisco to become a high-tech marketing, advertising, and research executive. She and her beloved husband John were married for 41 years. Together they lived an active and adventurous life—skiing, golfing, hiking, and traveling around the world. Now she helps advocate and educate people about end-of-life decisions, exploring the moral and ethical perils so many face, having been there herself as a caregiver, widow, and having had the lived-experience regarding end-of-life autonomy for dementia. Book A PROMISE KEPT: Honoring His Wishes, Embracing Our Lovehttps://a.co/d/0dXOGdLT http://ericabaccus.com/https://www.instagram.com/ericabaccus/https://www.facebook.com/erica.baccus/https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-baccus-82a60/ ----- Connect with Candice Snyder! Website: https://www.podpage.com/passion-purpose-and-possibilities-1/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candicebsnyder?_rdr Passion, Purpose, and Possibilities Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passionpurposeandpossibilitiescommunity/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpurposepossibilities/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicesnyder/ Shop For A Cause With Gifts That Give Back to Nonprofits: https://thekindnesscause.com/ Go to FusionaryFormulas.com and use code PASSION at checkout for 15% off your first order.  Fall In Love With Artists And Experience Joy And Calm: https://www.youtube.com/@movenartrelaxation

This Week:  Apps, Tools & Tactics Jason Shim returns with his annual rundown of the digital resources and tips that'll make your online, phone and app lives easier, more productive and safer. He's with the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital … Continue reading →

What does it really take to grow as a learning leader? In this episode of Learning for Good, I sit down with instructional design expert Dr. Luke Hobson to explore how learning professionals can build confidence, strengthen influence, and develop a clear leadership voice. We reflect on our own career journeys into learning and development and discuss how intentional growth, networking, and relationship-building shape effective leaders.From instructional design for nonprofits to relationship-building and professional growth, this conversation is packed with practical insights for nonprofit learning and development professionals who want to create meaningful organizational impact. Whether you're leading training initiatives, managing change, or trying to grow your confidence as a leader, this episode offers actionable ideas you can immediately apply.▶️ Learning and Growth for Learning Leaders with Dr. Luke Hobson▶️ Key Points:00:00:00 Dr. Luke Hobson's Journey into Instructional Design00:05:39 Heather's Path into Learning and Development00:08:38 Moving Beyond Content Creation into Organizational Influence00:14:47 The Value of Partnering with Your Stakeholders00:19:35 How Learning Leaders Invest in Their Own Growth00:27:35 Building Confidence and Finding Your Leadership Voice00:34:49 Advice for Nonprofit Learning Professionals Who Want to Grow Their InfluenceResources from this episode:Join the Learning for Good Summit in July: https://collective.skillmastersmarket.com/invitation?code=9A6625 Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveConnect with LukeLinkedIn: Luke Hobson, EdDWebsite: drlukehobson.com Connect with HeatherLinkedIn: Heather BurrightWebsite: skillmastersmarket.comBook an interest call with Heather here.⭐Was this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

Episode Description Most nonprofit leaders are running a calendar built out of obligations they accepted on autopilot. The board asks. The donor meeting. The standing call that has been on the schedule for so long nobody can remember why. The week fills up, and the week after that, and the work that actually energizes the leader gets squeezed into whatever is left. Which is usually nothing. Sarah goes solo in this episode to walk through how to design a schedule around energy and alignment, drawing on the way she has run her own organization on roughly sixteen hours a week for a decade. In This Episode, You'll Learn Why every yes on the calendar is also a no to something else, even when nobody names it out loud The exercise of designing your week, starting from what energizes you, not from what is already on the calendar Why blocking the time you actually want is step one, and figuring out how to make it work is only step two What happens to output when leaders move into the work that fits, and why energy is a multiplier on time The line between obligation and alignment, and how to tell which one is driving a given commitment Who This Episode Is For This episode is especially helpful for: Executive directors whose calendars are full but whose mission is not advancing at the pace they want Nonprofit leaders heading into a new quarter or year and ready to set the rhythm differently Leaders running on willpower instead of structure, who suspect the schedule itself is the problem Anyone who has ever said yes to a recurring commitment and then resented it every time it landed on the calendar About Your Host, Sarah Olivieri Bold, strategic, and refreshingly human… Sarah Olivieri is the go-to expert for conversations on aligned leadership, outcome delegation, and sustainable growth.She brings wit, warmth, and real-world wisdom to mission-driven founders, visionary CEOs, and change-makers who want more clarity, more joy, and more results. Most leaders hit a wall when success depends on them holding it all together. Sarah helps them change that by redefining leadership around outcomes instead of activity, empowering teams to own results that scale and freeing leaders to focus on the vision that drives them. A former director of three nonprofits and founder of five businesses, she has a rare ability to spot opportunity where others see chaos, shift stuck patterns, and build organizations that support both legacy and life.   Sarah leads with the same mindset that made her an award-winning sailor: iterate on what works, stay focused in the storm, and never forget the joy of the journey. Links Website: saraholivieri.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-olivieri Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.