Successful Nonprofits Podcast

Today's guest, Germeen Guillaume, has over 10 years of accounting experience. She joins us to share common nonprofit accounting mistakes and tips you can take today to make sure your nonprofit never becomes the next site of CSI: Accounting.

It's such a waste of energy to spend a lot of time writing a board report for just one use. Over the years, I've found ways to repurpose my board report so that I can increase the report's overall impact. So pull your last board report out of the archive, remove any confidential information, and see if you can repurpose it in one of these 5 meaningful ways.

Wouldn't it have been nice if your nonprofit had started a planned giving program 5, or even 20, years ago? Imagine where your organization could have been today! In this episode, we are joined by planned giving evangelist and fellow podcast host, Tony Martignetti. We discuss how nonprofits of all sizes can quickly and easily get their planned giving programs jump-started. So listen in now --- you...

How do you know if your programs actually result in the impact you want? Alan Mackie has over 25 years' experience evaluating impact. He joins us today with a simple message: you don't have to be a statistician; you just have to know what's important to you and your clients. Listen in and get motivated to go get your data!

2021 is the year to stop spending hours writing boring board reports no one reads! Listen in for tips about ideal length, format, topics to include, and topics to exclude.  You'll also get advice on how to craft a board report that keeps your board focused on governance and out of your day-to-day operational details.

There are roughly 45 million people drowning in nearly $1.6 trillion in student loan debt. That's an average debt of more than $35,000 per person! If you are one of those 45 million people, your student loan payment is probably more than a car payment. And it might be as much (or more) than a mortgage. Since student loan debt is a burden for many nonprofit professionals, I invited Meagan Landress...

There are more than 1.5 million nonprofits registered in the US. But when we ask board members if they know the 3 fundamental duties of all board members, few know the answer. That's a lot of boards and board members who put themselves, and their organizations, at risk every year! But have no fear! This conversation with seasoned nonprofit attorney, Bruce Hopkins, outlines the 3 fundamental respon...

The nonprofit world is undoubtedly competitive. We compete for donors, grants, volunteers, clients, and even office space. But what do you do when you suddenly realize that you can't succeed alone? That you need your competitors' help? Paedia Mixon and Jim Neal come from two different organizations that serve Georgia's refugee community. Yet they, along with 19 other organizations, work together o...

Over the last four years, our nation has witnessed a case study in toxic leadership. Whether you manage one person or lead a team of 100 people, here are ten toxic Trump traits you should avoid.

Life is complicated. And running a nonprofit sometimes feels like putting together a 1,000-piece puzzle. So why give yourself even more stress with elaborate solutions? Innovative thought leader, Rob Bisceglie, is the Executive Director of Action for Healthy Kids. Rob's leadership has proven that big problems do not need big solutions. Listen in today for the two simple steps he and Action for Hea...

Sometimes we all need a boost. Maybe to overcome an impending challenge. Or maybe to finally act on a personal dream. Regardless, maybe it's time to consider hiring a coach. Deb Stallings left a long and successful career as a fundraiser to coach emerging leaders.  She joins us to discuss why coaching is important, how to find the perfect coach, and what you can expect from coaching sessions. Join...

Did you know more nonprofits closed in 2009 than in 2008? The second year of recession always hits nonprofits harder. But you can help your nonprofit survive and thrive in the second year of this recession by designing and implementing a recession plan now! In this special Bonus Break episode, Dolph shares 4 steps to help you design the best recession plan for your nonprofit. Listen in and start g...

2020 has been an incredibly tough year. But from great challenge comes great growth. So, in recognition of the New Year, we asked our guests to share what 2020 has taught them. Join us to hear the lessons this incredible group of leaders has learned from 2020.

Many of us identify as allies of people who are transgender and gender nonbinary. If you're an ally and looking for ways to translate your values into policies and practices – then this episode is for you!   We speak with Andy Marra, the chief executive of the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF). Andy is not just the CEO at TLDEF, she has also long been a leader in the fight for t...

Our programs often make us feel good - but are we actually helping our clients? Amanda Woomer joins us today to discuss the much (but needlessly) feared monitoring and evaluation. Join us as we explore how M&E can help you advance your mission, impress donors, and ultimately make sure that you are actually doing the good you're setting out to do.

Everyone wants their organization's story told but very few know how to cultivate reporters and pitch stories like a pro. When done well, reporters will actually start coming to you for quotes and stories! Kristen Elworthy uses her career in journalism to help nonprofits craft their message and successfully pitch relevant stories to the media.  She joins us today to help you become a media expert....

If you are experiencing burnout or symptoms of burnout, you are not alone. And you will make it through your burnout and come out stronger on the other side. We know this because we've experienced burnout, too. On this episode, Bethany Planton and Trish Bachman join us to share their own stories. Listen in for a glimpse at life after burnout and inspiring ideas to help you avoid having your own bu...

Today's conversation will have English teachers everywhere throwing their hands up in dismay. But that's ok. Because today's episode is not about how to write the perfect essay. It's about how to grab your audience with amazing copy. Because incredible copywriting is essential whether you're trying to reach prospective clients, donors, volunteers, or employees. So toss out your copy of Elements of...

Running a nonprofit is stressful. There's managing staff, courting donors, keeping up with reports, and, of course, providing actual services. We often forget to invest the time and money necessary to support the organization's infrastructure. Sean Hale excels at building and strengthening a nonprofit's back office. Sean knows that a strong back office helps the whole organization work smarter and...

Today we revisit one of our most popular episodes with Brad Wolff, author of the bestseller, "People Problems? How to Create People Solutions for a Competitive Edge." Brad shares the "aha!" moment that informs his work as a consultant with his firm, PeopleMax, and explains his belief that all professional success is derived from personal development.

People who feel satisfied with their jobs are also healthier and tend to live longer. So how do you find that job satisfaction? Well, you're off to a great start! Nonprofit professionals often experience higher job satisfaction thanks to their organizations' socially-oriented missions. But sometimes the mission just isn't enough. Bea Boccalandro, job satisfaction expert, joins us to discuss 8 step...

COVID, like all crises, has affected the nonprofit real estate market. Some organizations are worried about making rent or mortgage payments. While others are looking to take advantage of new real estate opportunities. Master of nonprofit real estate, Paul Wolf, joins us today to share his experience and wisdom. Regardless of your organization's current real estate situation, Paul has recommendati...

Wouldn't it be nice to never lose another file? Or have time for lunch between meetings? Or get home on time? If you feel that way, it's time to get organized! Organizing expert, Susie Hayman, joins us with some tips to get organized, as well as what you can expect if you hire a professional organizer. Listen in to get organized, reduce your stress and increase your efficiency!

Who would think that for-profits and nonprofits could go together like peanut butter and jelly? Today's guest, Angela Hughey, did! Join us as we explore the hybrid organizational model through the case study of ONE Community and see if the hybrid model might work for you!

The Restaurant Worker's Community Foundation is only two years old and already has an annual revenue of $7 million from more than 15,000 donors. That's 250,000% growth! A lot of their success is the result of a great communications strategy. We invited communications thought leader and RWCF board member, Michael Hamill Remaley, to the podcast to discuss the topic. You will definitely pick up tips...