The Nonprofit MBA Podcast with Stephen Halasnik

Stephen Halasnik, Managing Partner of Financing Solutions ( https://financingsolutionsnow.com/ ), a leading provider of lines of credit to nonprofits, sat down with Jon Nevett, President and CEO of Public Interest Registry (PIR), to discuss how nonprofit culture is critical to your success on the Nonprofit MBA Podcast.

Stephen Halasnik sits down with Greg Warner, founder of MarketSmart, to dissect the essential role of fundraising performance metrics in nonprofit growth. Their conversation sheds light on the significance of donor behavior data, measuring engagement, and building meaningful relationships with supporters.

In a world where monthly subscriptions have become second nature—from streaming music to meal kits—there's a quiet revolution unfolding in the nonprofit world. It's called sustainable giving, and it's not just a trend—it's a necessary evolution. On a recent episode of the Nonprofit MBA Podcast , Stephen Halasnik sat down with Dave Raley, founder of Imago Consulting and author of The Rise of Sustai...

In this episode of the Nonprofit MBA Podcast , host Stephen Halasnik spoke with Bryan Partee, an experienced nonprofit executive and founder of Nonprofit Marketplace. Drawing from more than two decades of frontline leadership and consulting experience, Bryan Partee shared in-depth insights on how nonprofits can strategically build and refine a high-performing grant system.

There's no doubt, many nonprofits are under intense stress and pressure following current Trump policies. Federal support is shifting. The donation boom of the COVID era is far behind us. And economic headwinds are picking up speed. Now, the big question is, how are nonprofits responding to the economic uncertainty? In today's podcast, Stephen Halasnik from Financing Solutions (https://financingso...

Just like in every aspect of life, the role of mentorship in nonprofit leadership and its impact can not be overstated. When nonprofit leaders truly understand what mentorship is, where to find the right mentors, and the unique power of peer-to-peer (lateral) mentorship, they lay a strong foundation for long-term success. In today's podcast, Deborah Heiser from The Mentor Project and Stephen Halas...

Financial management might not be the most glamorous part of running a nonprofit, hence, many nonprofit leaders tend to overlook it. But it's one of the most critical. A lot of nonprofits struggle with sustainability, not because they lack purpose or passion, but because they do not pay attention to their financial health. Prioritizing nonprofit financial health means treating financial management...

Breaking out of the restricted funding cycle isn't about chasing bigger checks or fancy strategies. It's about building an organization that funders believe in and communities rally around. When you start planning with partnership in mind, tell stories backed by solid data, treat your donor data like the treasure it is, and invite funders into honest, ongoing relationships, you set your nonprofit...

Marketing strategies for nonprofits don't have to be complicated or expensive. The key thing is to focus on clarity, consistency, and connection. Make sure your message is strong, use the right tools to amplify your voice, build relationships with media and supporters, and measure what matters. Most importantly, don't get caught up in trying to do everything at once. Choose one or two marketing st...

Passion draws people to nonprofit work, but strategy keeps them going. The best leaders combine heart with smart decision-making, ensuring their organizations not only survive but thrive. So, if you're leading a nonprofit (or thinking about starting one), remember that your passion is a powerful tool but only when paired with the right skills and mindset. With the right balance, you can turn good...

Burnout in the nonprofit world is real. It can lead to disillusionment, frustration, and even losing sight of why you started this work in the first place. But it doesn't have to be inevitable. Organizations can create environments where staff and volunteers stay motivated and engaged by building a culture of support, prioritizing well-being, and acknowledging the challenges of nonprofit work. In...

If you're searching for practical steps on how to grow a small nonprofit, start with mission clarity, strategic planning, understanding your donor profile, and financial sustainability. By refining your approach, strengthening partnerships, and leveraging digital tools, your organization can expand its reach and make a greater impact. With persistence and the right strategies, even the smallest no...

Major donors give for a mix of personal and external reasons. Thus, some donate because they're deeply passionate about a cause, want to make a real difference, or feel a moral responsibility to give back. While recognition, tax benefits, or social connections influence others. Therefore, understanding these major donor motivations helps nonprofits build stronger, more meaningful relationships wit...

Trustraising is not just an add-on to fundraising—it's the foundation of it. And you can create a sustainable support network that fuels your mission by focusing on transparency, authenticity, and strong donor relationships. Start building trust today, and watch your fundraising efforts thrive. In today's podcast, Josh Bloomfield from Give Cloud and Stephen Halasnik from Financing Solutions (https...

AI offers incredible opportunities for nonprofits to work smarter, reach more people, and achieve greater impact—but it's not about replacing the human touch. Instead, AI should complement human efforts, making it easier for nonprofits to focus on what they do best: building connections, advocating for change, and improving lives. The key to success lies in starting small, experimenting with tools...

Telling your nonprofit's story doesn't have to be daunting, even with budget and time constraints. By setting specific goals, understanding your audience, creating compelling content, leveraging free tools, collaborating with partners, measuring progress, maintaining consistent branding, and focusing on one tactic at a time, you can share your mission in a powerful and meaningful way. Remember, th...

Building a high-performance culture in fundraising teams requires a comprehensive approach that includes setting clear goals, encouraging communication, investing in development, creating consistency, and promoting a collaborative and supportive environment. Thus, implementing these strategies helps nonprofit organizations enhance the effectiveness of their fundraising teams, leading to greater su...

An effective donor engagement and communications strategy is more than a means to an end. It's a reflection of your organisation's mission, values, and commitment to making a difference. By focusing on understanding your donors, communicating impact, building quality relationships, utilizing technology, and optimising your efforts, you can create a strategy that excites your supporters and also pr...

Learning to have inexpensive fundraising events for your nonprofit is about being resourceful, creative, and focused on your mission. You don't need a big budget to make a meaningful impact. By keeping it simple, sticking to what works,  leveraging volunteers with a skill set, engaging donors, and thinking strategically about costs, you can host events that raise funds and build lasting relationsh...

Developing leaders and building a deep bench of potential successors in non-profits may seem like a tall order, but it's worth every ounce of effort. By addressing control freakery, cultivating a culture of learning, creating clear pathways for growth, developing various leadership skills, planning for succession, leveraging external partnerships, and prioritising diversity, you can build a leader...

Undoubtedly, difficult conversations will always be a part of the workplace, but they don't have to be a source of dread. With thoughtful preparation, practising empathy, and focusing on solutions, you can turn these uncomfortable moments into opportunities for growth and better communication. It's like learning any skill—the more you practice, the better you get. And as awkward as these conversat...

Women in leadership roles within the nonprofit sector bring a unique set of skills that drive organizational success. From emotional intelligence and collaboration to resilience and advocacy, these skills enable women to handle the complexities of nonprofit work swiftly. However, while women have made significant strides in nonprofit leadership, challenges such as gender biases and the need for eq...

Keeping a nonprofit brand relevant is an ongoing process that requires a strategic and proactive approach. By staying true to the mission, adapting to societal changes, engaging effectively with the audience, leveraging technology, innovating programs and services, building trust and transparency, and investing in brand identity, nonprofits can ensure their brand remains vital and impactful. In su...

Breaking the misconceptions surrounding generosity can lead to more sustainable and impactful support for nonprofits. By encouraging year-round giving and proactive generosity, we can ensure that nonprofits have the resources they need to thrive and make a difference. Let's move beyond the limitations of seasonal giving and direct requests, embracing a broader, more inclusive approach to generosit...

Building relationships for prosperity in the nonprofit sector requires a combination of self-awareness, and learning about your audience through asking insightful questions and developing the skill of attentive listening. Consequently, these practices strengthen connections with stakeholders and also help your organization fulfill its mission. By prioritizing relationship building, your nonprofit...