Nonprofit Vision With Gregory Nielsen

What if the biggest barriers to nonprofit fundraising are the misconceptions board members believe? Greg Nielsen and Samantha Heffner debunk six common fundraising myths that keep nonprofit boards from reaching their full potential. They discuss why every board member has valuable connections to share, why fundraising is about relationships rather than wealth, how AI is reshaping nonprofit develop...

In this episode of  Nonprofit Vision , Gregory Nielsen sits down with The Wakeman Agency  CEO, Vanessa Wakeman, to explore why communications should be treated not as a “nice to have,” but as a core governance function within nonprofit organizations. Together, they unpack how communications intersects with legal, finance, and program strategy—and why elevating it to the governance level can fundam...

Gregory Nielsen sits down with leadership expert Dave Neumann to explore a powerful truth: mission success doesn’t just depend on strategy—it depends on culture. Together, they unpack how coaching-based leadership behaviors can transform organizational culture, strengthen teams, and ultimately amplify impact. Dave shares practical insights on what it really means to lead as a coach, how everyday l...

Are events still worth the effort? In this episode of Nonprofit Vision, Greg sits down with Justin Goodhew, CEO of Trellis, to explore how nonprofits can modernize event fundraising to unlock new revenue drivers, increase event ROI, and reduce operational strain. They discuss leveraging technology, rethinking auctions and sponsorships, and turning one-night events into long-term donor engagement s...

Strong boards don’t happen by accident—they are built with intention over time. In this episode of  Nonprofit Vision , Greg is joined by governance expert Mary Kay Delvo for a practical and timely conversation on The Seasonal Board Cycle. Together, they explore how board building is not a one-time task, but a continuous, strategic process that evolves alongside your organization. Whether your boar...

Dennis Miller and I dive into  What Every Nonprofit CEO Needs to Know: A Guide to Achieving Your Organization’s True Potential . Together, we explore the essential competencies, mindsets, and leadership practices that distinguish high-performing nonprofit CEOs. From strengthening board partnerships and building a mission-driven team to managing strategic priorities, navigating external challenges,...

Greg sits down with TD Smyers, CEO of BoardBuild, to explore the transformative potential of open source board recruiting. They dive into how nonprofits can leverage transparency, community networks, and data-driven strategies to build stronger, more diverse boards—ultimately driving greater impact for the organizations they serve.

🎙️ In this episode, Greg sits down with  Mitch Stein of Chariot  to unpack one of the fastest-growing forces in philanthropy:  donor advised funds (DAFs) . Together, they explore what’s driving the rapid growth of DAFs, key trends shaping how donors use them, and practical strategies nonprofits can adopt to better engage with DAF holders. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or board mem...

Greg sits down with Dacia Moore for an honest conversation about mental health in the nonprofit sector. Together, they explore the unique stressors nonprofit leaders face and share practical, compassionate strategies for preventing burnout, setting boundaries, and sustaining your impact over the long haul. Whether you're an executive director, program manager, or board member, this episode off...

In this episode, Greg sits down with Mark Gerson and Rabbi Eric Gerson, co-founders of African Mission Healthcare (AMH), to explore the urgent global health challenges facing underserved communities. Together, they discuss the critical role of private philanthropy in expanding access to quality healthcare, the unique mission of AMH, and the lessons learned from working at the intersection of faith...

Greg is joined by Catherine Wilson, CEO of United Way of Greater Newark, for a powerful conversation about the role of financial literacy in advancing equity and economic opportunity. Catherine shares the impact of the Newark Asset Building Coalition, a citywide effort to promote financial empowerment through free tax preparation, education, and access to critical resources. Tune in to learn how c...

How do you build community when leading a fully virtual organization? Katerina Manoff is the founder & CEO of ENGin, a global nonprofit that has paired over 50,000 English learners and volunteers for online conversation practice and cultural exchange. Katerina and Greg discuss building community and cohesiveness when leading virtual teams.

Bethany Snyder joins Greg to dive into successful advocacy strategies for nonprofits. Join us as we explore proven tactics, tools, and real-world examples that empower organizations to effectively champion their causes, build stronger connections with stakeholders, and drive meaningful change. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers valuable insig...

The intersection of cryptocurrency and nonprofits is creating new opportunities for innovative fundraising, enabling organizations to tap into digital assets while promoting transparency and global reach. Matthew Nash, Executive Director of The Blackbaud Giving Fund, joins Greg to explore how cryptocurrency is transforming charitable giving. We discuss the opportunities and challenges that nonprof...

Nonprofits are currently navigating challenges from federal funding freezes to uncertain outcomes for those served. Stephanie Beasley from The Chronicle of Philanthropy joins Greg to discuss the impact of recent Executive Orders on nonprofits as well as the response or lack thereof from philanthropy.

Tim Coetzee, CEO of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, brings a unique view on the intersection of science, policy and community care in tackling this widespread and complex disease. Tim joins Greg to discuss the vital role of partnerships in creating meaningful resources and services for the MS community, and how the Society is building these connections.

Dr. Karen Boyd is an economist and director of research for the San Diego Regional Policy and Innovation Center (PIC).  Dr. Boyd joins Greg for a discussion about the intersection of AI and philanthropy, fundraising, and nonprofits.

As an internationally recognized philanthropy expert, Lisa Dietlin knows a thing or two about making the world a better place. But she also knows that real transformational change starts from within - in organizations and individuals. Lisa joins Greg to discuss opportunities and challenges for the nonprofit sector.

Food is a basic human right, yet the latest data shows 1 in 6 households and 1 in 5 households with children are currently facing food insecurity in Massachusetts. Erin McAleer has seen how the collective effort of individuals, businesses and community partners helps to create long-term, systemic change. Erin joins Greg to discuss how nonprofit organizations can mobilize individuals with lived exp...

Leaders at all levels struggle with self doubt. Jenny Mitchell joins the podcast to discuss 3 tips for reframing your relationship with self-doubt in the pursuit of success.

Today's landscape includes nonprofits acting like for profits and for profits acting like nonprofits, all working to advance important missions. Scott Curran is a social impact and legal advisor to the biggest global social impact organizations and initiatives in the world including the Clinton Foundation, UN Foundation, Starbucks Foundation, and many more. Scott joins Greg to discuss this eve...

Jane Pfeiffer joins the podcast to share the results of a recent study of donor perceptions -- why people give, why people don't give, and how you can better communicate with supporters.

Whether you are a new nonprofit CEO or simply new to your organization, leaders face many questions and challenges when they join an organization. Brian Quail, author of The Ultimate Guide for New Nonprofit CEOs, joins the podcast to share how his 5 frameworks can set leaders up for success.

One of the most pivotal relationships in any nonprofit is between the CEO and Board Chair. TD Smyers joins the podcast for a lively and interactive conversation about the importance of this relationship, ways to foster a stronger partnership, and how to pivot when things go awry.

How do the leaders and team members of your nonprofit view the organization? Is it from a mindset of abundance or deficit? Peter Heller joins the podcast for an engaging conversation about nonprofit self esteem and the many ways in which it can impact our accomplishments and challenges.