The Practice of Nonprofit Leadership

Send a text Every nonprofit leader knows the scenario: Board meetings that consist of reviewing reports, nodding politely, and adjourning without meaningful engagement. But what if there's a better way? What if your board members are craving something beyond those financial statements and program updates? The truth is, your board represents your organization's most valuable leadership as...

Send a text In the dynamic world of nonprofit leadership, maintaining focus on your organization's vision is more crucial than ever, especially in times of uncertainty and challenges. This episode explores the phenomenon of "vision leakage," a subtle yet significant issue where organizations lose sight of their core mission amid everyday operational demands. Throughout the conversat...

Send a text In this episode, Nathan discusses the vital role of donor relationship management systems in enhancing nonprofit fundraising efforts. Providing some practical insights and tips, Nathan explores key features such as donor management, fundraising tools, and data analytics, we emphasize the importance of selecting the right database tailored to an organization's needs. Support the sh...

Send a text Establishing regular one-on-one meetings is essential for fostering strong connections within nonprofit teams. These check-ins enhance accountability, ensure transparent communication, prevent conflicts from escalating, and provide support for professional development. Here are some of the points discussed on today's episode: • Creating a culture of consistency and accountability...

Send a text Effective email communication is crucial for nonprofit leaders aiming to engage stakeholders. This episode explores five key strategies to craft subject lines that enhance email open rates and promote responsiveness.  • Be clear and specific in subject lines  • Create a sense of urgency without overdoing it  • Personalize when possible to foster connection  • Keep it short and sweet to...

Send a text Ever found yourself nodding along in a meeting, even when you disagree, just to keep the peace? You're not alone. Join Nathan Ruby on a journey through the intricate world of groupthink within nonprofit organizations. Drawing from personal highs and lows, we'll uncover how the quest for consensus sometimes leads us astray from our missions. Together, we'll dissect how th...

Send a text Struggling with staff who dump problems on your desk?  Join Tim and Nathan as they share a game-changing leadership strategy: asking the right questions.  Learn how clarifying open-ended, reflective, exploratory, and empowering questions can train your nonprofit team to solve their own challenges.   Boost critical thinking, build trust, and free up your time to focus on what matters mo...

Send a text This episode dives into the transformative practice of choosing three guiding words for the new year, offering nonprofit leaders a unique alternative to traditional resolutions. Through shared insights and personal experiences, Tim and Nathan share their 3 Words for 2025 and highlight the power of intention, accountability, and community in nonprofit leadership. Support the show The Ho...

Send a text With the start of a new year, here is an encore presentation of an interview we did with Dr. Jack Groppel back in 2023 on Leadership. Dr Jack Groppel , co-founder of the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute and current professor at Judson University, Elgin, IL joins Tim and Nathan on today's episode.  His experience in working with world class athletes and sports team...

Send a text In the first episode of 2025, Tim and Nathan dive into the crucial lessons learned from the "12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising," emphasizing the importance of consistency, connection, and passion in nonprofit leadership. They discuss how strategic planning and interpersonal relationships can significantly enhance fundraising efforts and ultimately drive organizational success...

Send a text Join Tim and Nathan as they unpack the themes of rest, connection, and planning during the holiday season. The conversation touches on the rejuvenating power of spending quality time with loved ones, celebrating successes and setting positive intentions for the year to come. Through practical tips like establishing guiding words, reflective practices, and planning  ahead, this episode...

Send a text This is Day 12 of the 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising.  On today's episode, Nathan wraps up the series with three final thoughts and then presents an offer to the listeners. If you are interested in signing up for Nathan's Video Newsletter, go to www.nonprofitleader.online and sign up for the email list or leave your info in the contact form. Support the show The Hosts of T...

Send a text What if board members could transform the daunting task of fundraising into an exciting and rewarding experience? On day 11 of the 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising, Nathan provides insights and a practical system of engaging Board members in major gift fundraising.  If you are interested in signing up for Nathan's Video Newsletter, go to www.nonprofitleader.online and sign up for...

Send a text Day 10 of the 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising is all about creating and maintaining a culture of philanthropy in your organization.  You will discover how engaging everyone from leadership to volunteers in the fundraising process can transform donor relationships and elevate your organization’s mission. By treating donors as integral partners and not just sources of funding, you can...

Send a text On Day 9 of the 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising, Nathan unravels the mysteries of how our subconscious mind shapes our thoughts, emotions, and actions, often without us even realizing it. Discover how deeply rooted beliefs formed in our early years can influence our approach to fundraising and learn practical strategies to overcome these invisible barriers. If the thought of fundrais...

Send a text On day 8 of our "12 Days of Major Gifts" series, Nathan focuses on Stewardship and emphasizes that expressing gratitude is not just a courteous act but a strategic one that can elevate your major gift program to new heights. He also shares insights on how a well-crafted thank you process can reinforce your donors' decision to support your mission, reassuring them that th...

Send a text Today is Day 7 of the 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising.  The topic is Making the Ask and Nathan answers these important questions: What Should I Take To the Meeting? Where Should We Meet? What Should I Ask For? What Do I Do After I Ask? If you are interested in signing up for Nathan's Video Newsletter, go to www.nonprofitleader.online and sign up for the email list or leave your...

Send a text On Day 6 of the 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising, Nathan is focused on the concept of Cultivation, taking the steps needed to prepare the prospect for "the ask". If you are interested in signing up for Nathan's Video Newsletter, go to www.nonprofitleader.online and sign up for the email list or leave your info in the contact form. Support the show The Hosts of The Pract...

Send a text It's day 5 of the 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising.  Today Nathan explores the art and science behind qualifying major gift prospects, with a focus on building a structured and efficient program that ensures you're targeting the right individuals. If you are interested in signing up for Nathan's Video Newsletter, go to www.nonprofitleader.online and sign up for the emai...

Send a text Unlock the secrets to successfully identifying major gift donors and elevate your nonprofit’s fundraising game. Our latest episode promises to transform how you approach potential donors by aligning with your organization's core principles. Discover practical guidelines like the "10 times the average annual gift" rule and Nathan's "holy smokes" moment that...

Send a text Nathan continues our 12 Day Journey in Major Gift Fundraising, with a focus on the impact of organizational values and pillars.  This episode promises to equip nonprofit leaders with the insights needed to foster a strong cultural foundation, establish behavioral guidelines, and build unwavering stakeholder trust...all important in drawing major donors to your organization. If you are...

Send a text Can a well-crafted mission statement be the missing link in your major gift fundraising success? In this episode, Day 2 of our 12-day journey into the world of major gift fundraising, we break down the mission into three essential pieces. Discover how clarity of purpose eliminates confusion, allowing donors to instantly understand and connect with your cause. Learn how emotional resona...

Send a text Unlock the secrets to becoming a major gift fundraising powerhouse with The Practice of Nonprofit Leadership as we embark on a transformative 12-day series. This episode sets the stage by laying down the essential groundwork for creating a successful major gifts program, ensuring that leadership and fundraising is a learned skill anyone can master.  Day 1 starts with vision, helping pe...

Send a text On today's episode, James Misner, Founder of the Kipos Group, joins Tim for an insightful interview. This episode unpacks the narrative behind the Kipos Group's mission to cultivate sustainable growth in small and mid-sized nonprofits, likening their development to the art of gardening. James sheds light on the pressing leadership crisis within the nonprofit sector, revealing...

Send a text Unlock the secrets to major gift fundraising with our 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising series, tailored specifically for executive directors of small to medium-sized nonprofits.  Wondering why high-capacity donors are slipping through your fingers? We explore the essential prerequisites for successful major gift acquisition and delve into the psychology of major donors, shedding light...