Nonprofit Vision With Gregory Nielsen

Arts organizations possess a unique ability to bring communities together.  Trey Coley joins Greg to discuss the role of the arts in building community and how nonprofits can support one another.

Supporting the CEO is a critical responsibility of nonprofit Boards.  Cindi Phallen joins Greg for a discussion of the 4 things nonprofit CEOs need most from their Boards, particularly right now.   

Nonprofit leaders face countless challenges that place strains on mental health.  Ian Adair joins Greg to discuss the intersection of nonprofit leadership and mental health, and his new book Stronger Than Stigma.

Effective meetings require effective facilitation.  From Board meetings to staff meetings, retreats to strategic planning, effective facilitation is a key to achieving the results you desire.  Carol Hamilton joins Greg for a discussion of effective facilitation strategies that includes the importance of establishing team rules, opening a meeting strong, and promoting debate and discussio...

The subject we all need to address, but never seem to talk about - recruitment.  Identifying, hiring and retaining key leaders is critical for nonprofits.  Gary Romano and Amy Fink join Greg to discuss how to recruit more effectively and efficiently, saving you time and money while getting better talent.

Leveraging the array of digital technology options from web site to email platforms to enhance the impact of your nonprofit can seem daunting at times.  However, there are tips, tools, and even templates that can save time while adding impact.  Andrea Shirey joins Greg to discuss strategies for harnessing digital technology to grow your impact.  

Leaders are often defined by their ability to meet the demands of pivotal moments.  For many nonprofit leaders, the current crises have required a delicate balancing of mission, programs, and safety.  Carrie Gerard joins Greg to discuss how she has thoughtfully approached her leadership challenges during these uncertain times.  

How effective are you at making the critical ask?  A creative thinker and accomplished fundraiser, Ed Leibman's entrepreneurial approach to fundraising often breaks the mold of convention.  Ed joins Greg to discuss a highly effective, experiential, and creative way to develop the skills of fundraisers.  An added bonus, tune in to learn Ed's view on what professional background tends...

Recently, 124 nonprofit leaders from across the U.S. shared their revenue stories and visions ahead in light of the pandemic and other upheavals.  Authors of the study Karen Eber Davis and Gail Bower join Greg to discuss their findings and other key insights from the study.  You can access the full report at: https://www.kedconsult.com/surveyreport https://youtu.be/B_Idi28gwK4

Is your nonprofit regarded as a thought leader on topics related to your mission?  Allison Ehrich Bernstein has handled communications and written speeches, opinion pieces, and digital content for local and global leaders, including at the U.S. State Department.  Allison joins Greg to share actionable tips and strategies to advance your mission through thought leadership.   

Covid19 has dramatically altered the landscape of nonprofit leadership and fundraising.  Emily Weisgrau joins Greg to discuss 4 fundraising essentials in a Covid world that can help your nonprofit persevere and succeed through challenging times.  

How have you developed your leadership mindset?  Leading others is a privilege that comes with great responsibility.  Developing skills and competencies to grow as a leader can come from a wide variety of sources, from classes to conferences, coaching to peer conversation.  Katherine Spinney, an accomplished coach and trainer, joins Greg to discuss the importance of professional dev...

As a nonprofit leader, what do you do when you are expected to do it all?  Some days it can feel as though there are so many things to get done and areas to address that we don't know where to start.  Kishshana Palmer joins Greg to discuss strategies for managing overwhelm in times of crisis.    

In a recent survey, 23% of nonprofits reported that they would at least be considering more formal sustained collaborations, including merger, post-Covid-19.  Monisha de Quadros, Founder of Sparkbox, joins Greg to discuss ways in which nonprofits can thoughtfully and effectively approach sustained collaborations, including a discussion of examining organizational culture, leadership, governan...

Speaking with your Board about their performance can be a challenging -- and pivotal -- moment for any nonprofit leader.  In this episode, Greg discusses habits of a healthy Board, why conversations about performance can be challenging, and and tips for managing critical conversations.   

Ever wondered what is going through the thoughts of your Board members?  Vipe Desai is an experienced Board member who has has led both nonprofit and corporate Boards.  Vipe joins Greg for a lively and entertaining conversation reflecting on experiences as a Board member, the pivotal role of the Board Chair, and inspiring a Board team.  

Who speaks for your nonprofit in times of crisis?  How clear and consistent is the message?  Nonprofit futurist and communications expert Vanessa Wakeman joins Greg to discuss developing a crisis communications plan for your nonprofit that is clear and consistent, with the buy-in of Board and staff.  

Event revenue represents a significant source of income for many nonprofits.  When you are unable to host your event in person, how can you adapt and successfully take it virtual?  Jess Campbell of Out in the Boons joins Greg to discuss tips for creating an experience with your virtual fundraiser that generates support and builds relationships and memories.  

With the announcement from the Small Business Administration (SBA) that appropriated funds for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)  have been exhausted, Gary Romano joins Greg to reflect on lessons learned so far from the PPP that might help nonprofits if and when the program reopens. 

During times of crisis, leaders rely more than ever on existing networks to deliver vital resources to communities in need.  Amy Lindner, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, joins Greg to discuss the impact of the United Way network of partners on their ability to lead during crisis and provide resources to those in need.  

What is the role of philanthropy during times of crisis, such as we are living through with Covid-19?  How can philanthropy be an effective partner for nonprofits and how can nonprofits communicate their needs to funders?  Susan Hairston, Consultant and experienced foundation leader who previously served at the Ford Foundation and JPB Foundation, joins Greg to share her thoughts on the a...

As nonprofit professionals work to serve as many as possible while protecting and caring for employees, the mindset for many has shifted from sustainability to survivability.  Steve Zimmerman, nationally recognized consultant, author, and speaker, joins Greg to discuss a framework for action -- 5 steps for nonprofit leaders and organizations to take to survive the current COVID-19 crisis. &nb...

Board leadership is vital in challenging times, and there are tangible actions Boards can and should take.  On this episode Greg discusses these steps in depth, including risk management, financial assessment, business continuity and communication planning, and tips for fostering Board involvement.

With the outbreak of the coronavirus, many nonprofits are promoting remote work to minimize person-to-person contact while maintaining mission operations.  HR Consultant Skye Mercer joins Greg to discuss proven steps to quickly and effectively set up a work-from-home program.  Listen to the end of the podcast for a special free offer for nonprofit leaders from Skye and Greg.   

A thriving nonprofit requires sustainable sources of revenue and an energized and empowered fundraising team.  Mazarine Treyz, best selling author of “The Wild Woman’s Guide to Fundraising,” joins Greg to discuss the role of innovation in developing sustainable fundraising and tips to empower yourself and others as a leader and fundraiser.