Nonprofit Radio Show

Evaluation is a journey of discovery. It invites us to be curious, a chance to learn, grow, and make our work even stronger. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about how evaluation can help our nonprofits ask the right questions, invite our communities into discovering the answers, and uncover meaningful insights—without getting buried in data. They share simple, doable ways to move beyond surv...

Giving doesn’t always come in the form of a check. Sometimes it comes in a bushel of wheat! In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore the many ways people support the missions they care about—from volunteering and recurring gifts to donor-advised funds, stock donations, and more. Understanding how people give helps you get ready to receive that generosity with confidence and care. Join us as we sha...

Succession planning isn’t just about replacing a leader—it’s about sustaining an organization’s mission through change. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about why every nonprofit should have a plan for the transition of staff and board leaders, including both expected or unexpected changes. From practical steps to mindset shifts, we explore how to approach succession planning in a way that st...

We have entered turbulent times for nonprofits. A strong board can be the steady hand that keeps a nonprofit on course. It can offer clarity and connection when things feel uncertain. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah dive into how boards can stay mission-focused, support their organizations, and strengthen community ties during these challenging times. While uncertainty is challenging, it can also...

Nonprofits are continuing to face existential challenges. How do we continue to achieve our mission through changes in administrations and shifts in funding? Stress testing helps nonprofits respond to risk and stay resilient by asking “What if?” questions that identify potential challenges before they become crises.  Stress testing is not about predicting the future. It's about inviting your...

Being an ambassador for your nonprofit is like sparking a campfire—it takes a little effort, but the impact can spread far and wide. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share fun, practical ways to help your board feel confident sharing your mission. With activities like speed dating, conversation challenges, and outreach, your board can become a team of passionate ambassadors, inspiring others to jo...

As this year comes to a close, you might be reflecting on the year... on your successes and lessons learned. In this episode of the Nonprofit Radio Show, Nancy and Sarah share with you the lessons they've been reflecting on.  Join us as we reflect on how these lessons will carry us into 2025, with intentional steps that help us stay focused, resilient, and hopeful! Question to reflect on befo...

Have you ever wanted to make difference without all of the work involved in starting a nonprofit? Fiscal sponsorship might just be your solution. In this episode of the Nonprofit Radio Show, Nancy and Sarah unpack the concept of fiscal sponsorship—a powerful tool for advancing a mission without starting a nonprofit. They explore how fiscal sponsorship can help grassroots projects access funding an...

“When you start to think about your mission as a movement....” You may have heard this phrase many times in past episodes. In this episode of the Nonprofit Radio Show, Nancy and Sarah explain what they mean by it. They dive into why this re-frame is so valuable and how you will know if you have achieved it.  What could you achieve if you saw your mission as part of a broader movement? How might it...

Culture is like the foundation of a house. Just as a strong foundation keeps a house stable through storms and changing weather, a healthy board culture supports a nonprofit through challenges and growth. If the foundation is weak or neglected, cracks will eventually show, leading to miscommunication, disengagement, and even conflict . In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about why board culture...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Radio Show, Nancy and Sarah dig into why every nonprofit should have a clear volunteer strategy. People are seeking meaningful ways to engage-- why not make our nonprofit the go-to place for community members to get involved in a cause they care about. Join us as we explore how building a thoughtful, goal-centered volunteer plan can deepen connections to your missi...

We all have so much on our to-do list. The only way to get it all done is by sharing the load. That's why nonprofit leaders must learn to delegate effectively, whether we are talking about Executive Directors delegating to their boards and staff or volunteer managers entrusting responsibilities to their volunteers. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah dive into the art of delegation, why it'...

New graduates are scouring the internet looking for a job. Many want to turn their passion into a career. Starting a career in the nonprofit sector can be both exciting and daunting, especially for new graduates looking to make a meaningful impact.  Are you looking to create a long-lasting and impactful career in the nonprofit world? In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share seven tips to help you bu...

We need to motivate people all around us. Nonprofit Executive Directors need to motivate their boards and staff members. Volunteer managers need to motivate volunteers. Folks raising money need to motivate donors to give. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about the two elements needed to create the conditions for someone to feel motivated to take action.  Are you wondering how to motivate the...

We keep hearing from organizations that they can't find board members. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah discuss some key components for ensuring your mission attracts great board members. They discuss different recruitment strategies, from the "open call" to "by invitation only." By the end of the episode, you'll have ideas on new ways to recruit members of your commu...

The word "risk" can sound so.... well, risky! Risk often carries a negative connotation, evoking thoughts of danger and uncertainty. However, understanding and managing risk is crucial for the long-term success of any organization. In this episode, we invite you to think about risk and what that means for your nonprofit. We are joined by Ted Bilich, CEO of Risk Alternatives and author of...

Nonprofits are supported by people at all stages of life. When we invite more conversations about legacy, we help the people who care about their mission consider how they can support the causes they care about when they aren't here anymore. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah reflect on some lessons Nancy learned with her mother's passing. They discuss: Why it is helpful to have a fundrais...

Every spring and fall we receive invitations to attend a conference. It may be a nonprofit conference or a conference related to the mission of our organization. It can feel hard to take the time, and yet there is so much benefit. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about conferences and how it is important to make time to learn, connect, and be inspired. They discuss: Breaking Routine : How ste...

Many nonprofit board members feel that being a good steward of money means that they shouldn't invest in themselves as a board or organization. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah challenge board members to let go that that scarcity mindset and recognize the value of investing in their organization. They talk about how people are our most important asset, and people need to feel competent and co...

We've been hearing from nonprofit colleagues that they feel like their donors have gone into hibernation. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share six steps on how to bring spring into your fundraising program and reconnect with past donors. They talk about how reconnecting with your donors can be a great way to learn about the motivations of your donors and what excites them about your mission...

It can be easy to forget among all of the good work that nonprofits do that we also need to follow the law! In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about the rules related to the people delivering our missions. There are work standards, safety and health laws, and workers' compensation rules that nonprofits need to follow. The good news is that there are helpful tools to help you make sense of...

Time for our regular break to discuss how to make nonprofit work joyful and fun! We are hearing a lot about nonprofit leaders needing a break after a long winter. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share a few ideas for how to find moments of fun and joy in the very serious work of our nonprofits. Imagine that office bell ringing when something good happens-- how might that invite people to celebrat...

Nonprofit finance can feel overwhelming to many nonprofit board and staff members. One way to break it down is by considering the five roles needed to ensure your organization’s money is well managed. When everyone knows what they need to be doing, you’ll get more people involved in conversations, decision-making, and oversight, and that is a great place to be. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah sha...

The change of a year invites reflection on lessons learned and what we might do differently going forward. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share a few change of year thoughts that they are reflecting on. Join us as we talk about the role of boards, conflict, recognition of hard work, curiosity, stories, and gratitude. What are you reflecting as you start the new year?  Enjoyed this episode? Share...

It's easy to feel that our small nonprofits don't have a lot in the way of power. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah challenge that idea and share some of the comparative advantages that we have as small nonprofit organizations. They go one step further and describe ways to use those advantages to help further your mission. By the end of the episode, you will feel more confident naming the...