Nonprofit Radio Show
The Nonprofit Radio Show podcast offers bite-size, practical information to help small nonprofits thrive.
The Challenges (and Strengths) of Rural Nonprofits
Running a nonprofit is hard anywhere. Rural nonprofits face some distinct challenges—but they also have distinct strengths. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore three challenges that show up differently in rural communities and the strengths nonprofits can put to work in response. They share practical ideas for finding people, building partnerships, stretching resources, and making the most of strong community connections.Â
Question to consider before listening:
What’s one challenge your nonprofit is facing—and what strengths could you draw on to address it?Â
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The "Working Board" Myth
Many nonprofit boards call themselves “working boards.” There’s nothing wrong with board members rolling up their sleeves. But that label can quietly shape what a board believes its job is—and how it spends its time.
In this episode, Nancy and Sarah unpack the “working board” myth and why every nonprofit board is a governing board, no matter how hands-on its members are. They explore how focusing on roles instead of labels can help boards make room for the big-picture conversations that only they can have.
Want a refresher on governance? Listen to our earlier epis...
What to Know About Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)
$326 billion. That's how much money is currently sitting in Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) waiting to be directed to great causes like yours. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah break down the basics of DAFs, explain why they matter to nonprofits of all sizes, and share practical ways organizations can position themselves to receive more DAF support. Whether you're new to DAFs or looking to strengthen your fundraising strategy, this conversation will help you better understand this growing source of charitable giving.Â
Question to consider before listening:
How does your organization currently accept gifts fr...
Why Leadership Transitions Deserve a Strategy
Every nonprofit faces leadership changes. Change is inevitable. With the right approach, a leadership change can become a chance to pause, reflect, and prepare for what's ahead. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore how organizations can navigate a leadership change with confidence. They discuss the role of interim leadership and how boards can transform an in-between period into a time of stability, reflection, and growth. Â
In this episode, Nancy mentions a report she authored on behalf of Third Sector Company: Interim Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector - 2025 Report.
Question to consider before li...
Monthly Donor Programs: Building sustainable support with Garrett Freibott-Kalt
A monthly donor program often feels like a big lift, but it does not have to be. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah sit down with monthly giving specialist Garrett Freibott-Kalt to unpack what it takes to build a sustainable base of supporters. You will walk away with a clearer picture of where to start, what keeps donors coming back, and why recurring giving can create more stability and connection for your nonprofit over time.
Question to consider before listening:
 Are recurring donors already part of your fundraising approach? Why or why not?Â
...The Fundraising Power Small Nonprofits Already Have
Small nonprofits have more going for them than they often give themselves credit for. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore an encouraging report from Bridgespan on the strengths that help small and midsize organizations build resilient funding strategies — and how to put those strengths to work with more intention. If you've been focusing on what's missing lately, this conversation offers a reason to look at what's already there.Â
Question to consider before listening:
Which of your strengths are you building on?
Article by Bridgespan: "The Strengths Small and Midsize US Nonprofits Bui...
Why Small Donations Matter
Grassroots donations may feel small, but their impact is anything but. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah reflect on a recent article about the decline in everyday giving and why small nonprofits should pay attention. From monthly giving to radical transparency, they explore practical ways organizations can rebuild trust, strengthen community connection, and create fundraising strategies that invite more people into the mission. If fundraising has started to feel like it’s only for major donors, this conversation offers a different path forward.Â
Question to consider before listening:
What would change for your org...
Low Engagement? Fix What’s Getting in the Way
Are you struggling with board engagement? If so, you’re not alone—it’s one of the most common challenges nonprofits face. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore why smart, committed people sometimes hold back—and what actually helps them step in, speak up, and follow through. You’ll leave with practical ideas to make it easier for your board to participate.Â
Question to consider before listening:
How engaged are your board members?
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Onboarding New Board Members
Every new board member arrives with fresh energy and new perspectives. Channeling that energy into helpful engagement takes intention and care. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah walk through what it takes to set new board members up for success — from building deep organizational knowledge to helping them discover how they can make the greatest difference. Whether you're welcoming one new member or several, you'll walk away with practical, actionable ideas you can put to work right away.
Question to consider before listening:
 What's one thing you could do to make your next new...
Leadership Transition
A leadership transition is one of the most pivotal moments a nonprofit will ever face. It involves far more than simply finding the next executive director. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk through how organizations can navigate this change in a way that actually makes them stronger. Good transitions take time, intention, and thoughtful attention to the people involved. You will come away feeling genuinely hopeful about what is possible.Â
Mentioned: Interim Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector report authored by Nancy Bacon, commissioned by Third Sector Company
Question to consider before listening:
Setting a Fundraising Goal
Setting a fundraising goal is one of the most important steps in building a healthy fundraising program—and it doesn't have to feel overwhelming.  In this episode, Nancy and Sarah break down how to set a fundraising goal your whole team can believe in. They make the process feel manageable—whether you're working from years of history or just getting started. You'll come away with the confidence and clarity to set a goal that's both realistic and inspiring.Â
Question to consider before listening:
How can your organization set a fundraising goal that energizes your w...
How to Have an Effective Board Meeting
What if your board meetings were the most energizing hour of your month?
Too often, board meetings become routine report-outs instead of spaces for real governance, strategy, and alignment. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah break down how to design meetings that are inclusive, purposeful, and focused on the conversations only the board can have.
They share practical guidance on naming the purpose of each meeting, building trust and participation, using consent agendas, and strengthening the partnership between the board chair and Executive Director. What if your board adopted Sarah's 30 minutes at 30,000 feet? What would...
Advocacy Habits for a New Year
This episode was recorded on January 4. As we share it, we’re thinking about the people of Minnesota. At its core, advocacy is about building relationships and standing together around what our communities most need, as Minnesotans have demonstrated these past weeks. We are grateful for their commitment and the work nonprofits do everyday to lift up their own stories.Â
Advocacy starts with what you already see every day. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah show how small, everyday habits can build your nonprofit's influence without extra time or policy expertise. They explore how to turn frontline ins...
The Secrets of a Great Thank You Letter
A good thank you letter helps strengthen relationships and keeps donors connected to your work. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share practical ideas for writing thank you notes that feel genuine and manageable. They talk about how to open a letter in an engaging way, describe impact clearly, and approach thank you writing as a simple, sustainable practice. Whether you’re catching up on letters or looking to improve what you already send, this conversation offers useful guidance for making thank yous more meaningful and effective.Â
Question to consider before listening:
How do...
Rethinking the Board-Executive Director Relationship
The board-ED relationship is one of the most powerful partnerships in nonprofit work—when it clicks, everything flows.
 In this episode, Nancy and Sarah dig into what makes the board–ED relationship work—and why there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. They explore how the partnership shifts depending on an organization’s stage and an executive director’s needs, share real stories from when things get tricky, and offer practical ways to clarify roles and strengthen communication. If you’ve ever wondered whether your board–ED partnership could use a tune-up, this episode is for you.Â
Question to cons...
End of Year Reflections
As 2025 wraps up, we're reflecting on what inspired us—and what's ahead. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share five themes shaping nonprofit work right now.
Community coalitions are sparking change. Advocacy is finding its voice. Board governance is having a moment. And new leaders are rewriting the story of what nonprofits really are: the backbone of our communities.
This is about momentum and hope. Whether you're planning your next move or just want to feel connected to something bigger, this conversation will remind you why the work matters—and that you're not doing it alon...
How to Assess Your Organization
Every so often, it’s important to pause and ask: How are we really doing? In this episode of the Nonprofit Radio Show, Nancy and Sarah explore practical ways nonprofit boards and staff can take stock of their organization’s health and direction.
From classic tools like SWOT to strengths-based approaches like SOAR, and from balanced scorecards to simple dashboards and lifecycle models, you’ll hear how these frameworks help teams move beyond gut feelings to evidence-based decisions.
Assessment isn’t about judgment—it’s about clarit...
Budgeting for a New Year
Your budget is more than a spreadsheet. It's a map that guides your organization toward its goals and a mirror that reflects what you truly value. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore how to build a budget that aligns with your mission and sets you up for success in the coming year. They discuss why starting with values makes tough decisions easier, compare two approaches to budget building (blank sheet or prior year), and explain why budgeting works best as a team sport with staff and board working together. Whether you're creating your first budget or...
8 Ways to Engage Your Board in Year-End Fundraising
Your board has so much heart for your mission. With a little inspiration, they can play a big role in your year-end fundraising success. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share eight ways to help your board members get involved in year-end fundraising.
From writing thank-you notes to sharing stories online, you’ll hear how small, personal touches can make a big difference. And the best part? None of it involves asking for money directly—just connecting, sharing, and celebrating your mission.
Listen in for fresh ideas to spark your board’s enth...
Imposter Syndrome
Stepping into leadership takes courage—and you’re right where you belong.
In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about imposter syndrome—the voice that makes even the most capable leaders question themselves. They share why it shows up so often in nonprofit work and offer simple ways to quiet the doubt and lead with confidence.
Question to consider:Â
How has imposter syndrome affected you? How would naming and reframing imposter syndrome help you to do your job better?Â
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The Lonely Executive Director
Leading a nonprofit can feel isolating at times—but it doesn’t have to stay that way.Â
In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore how Executive Directors can find connection, encouragement, and community in their work. From peer groups to healthy boundaries, you’ll discover practical ways to feel supported and re-energized in your role. Tune in for a reminder that leadership can be both meaningful and connected.
Question to consider before listening:
Where do you find energy and connection in your leadership right now?
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How to Engage Your Board
Engaged boards don’t just happen—they’re built with intention. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore why some board members drift while others lean in, and what you can do to shift the balance. They unpack the four cornerstones of engagement—people, lens, structure, and conversations—and show how aligning them can spark real momentum.
Listen in as they share practical steps to move your board from simply attending meetings to truly investing in your mission. Discover the small changes that can make a big difference in how your board shows up.
Question t...
Everyday Advocacy: Finding Your Voice to Influence Policy with Bethany Snyder
Advocacy isn’t just for experts—it’s for anyone who cares about their community and wants to make a difference. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk with advocacy expert Bethany Snyder about how every nonprofit—no matter its size—can build power and make change. You don't need to be in Washington, DC or hire a lobbyist to influence decisions. Advocacy starts with your story, your mission, and your people. You'll discover practical ways to use your voice to influence policy on behalf of your community.Â
Question to consider before listening:
What policies im...
Manipulation or Influence?
Manipulation or influence? It’s a question that stops many nonprofit leaders from using some of the tools of marketing and persuasion. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah unpack why the fear of being manipulative holds us back, and how we can reframe influence as an ethical, mission-driven tool. They explore how strategies like storytelling, priming, and social proof aren’t tricks—they’re proven ways to help people care, give, and take action.Â
Listen in as they unpack the difference between persuasion and manipulation, and share how using influence thoughtfully can help you lead with confidence, integrity...
How Professional Associations Can Help Your Mission
Professional associations can be a real lifeline for nonprofits. They connect us with others doing similar work, help us stay on top of what matters, and give our missions a stronger voice. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah chat about what makes a professional association truly helpful—and how to tell if the one you’re part of is working for you. They share simple ways associations can offer support, inspiration, and practical tools, especially when things feel uncertain. Listen in as they explore how the right association can help you feel more connected, supported, and ready to keep movi...
The Most Important Financial Report for Your Organization Right Now
Nonprofit finances feeling uncertain? You’re not alone. In this episode, we shine a light on one financial report that every small nonprofit should be using right now: the cash flow statement.
Join Nancy and Sarah as they unpack why understanding your organization’s cash flow matters more than ever, especially in today’s turbulent funding environment. They’ll walk you through a simple, no-fuss way to build your own cash flow chart, how to use it to spot trouble before it hits, and how it can spark more informed conversations with your board.
Whether or not y...
What it Really Costs to Run a Program
Ever see the video “Everyone deserves a slice?” It asks the question: What is pizza shops were funded like human services nonprofits? It makes the case that we would never expect a pizza shop to operate at partial cost or with the kinds of restrictions we deal with regularly.Â
In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about how to cover the full cost of doing the work we do so we can better achieve our mission without the panic of never having enough money. They explore how full-cost budgeting can lead to healthier organizations and greater sustainability. You’l...
Evaluation as a Learning Journey
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 surveys as the only way to collect information. Tune in to hear how evaluation can be a tool for better decision-making, not just a task to check off for a grant proposal.
Understanding All the Ways People Can Give to Your Mission
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 share insights and practical tips to help your organization welcome all kinds of support.Â
Question to consider before you listen:Â
How ready is your organization to wel...
Planning for Succession
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 strengthens your organization. Join us as we share insights, and actionable tips to help you prepare for the inevitable—without the panic.Â
Question to consider before you listen:
What steps...
How Boards Can Be a Source of Strength in Uncertain Times
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 be a powerful opportunity to center what matters. Join us for practical insights on how a board can help navigate change.Â
Question to consider before listening: How is your board currently engaged in t...
How to Stress Test Your Nonprofit
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.Â
Stress testing is not about predicting the future. It's about inviting your staff, board, and volunteers into conversations that strengthen trust, spark creative solutions, and ensure that your nonprofit is ready for anything.Â
Question to reflect on before you listen:
What is one unexpected challenge that c...
Practical Ideas for Inspiring Board Members to be Mission Ambassadors
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 join your cause. Tune in to learn how!
Question to reflect on before you listen
How confident do you think your board members are talking about the cause th...
Reflections for a New Year
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.Â
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 before you listen
What lessons have you learned from 2024? What can you do to grow from these lessons?Â
Enjoyed th...
Fiscal sponsorship as an option to achieve your mission
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 and build capacity, especially when forming a nonprofit feels overwhelming. They share how even small nonprofits can tap into the power of fiscal sponsorship to access larger pots of money that they alone couldn't ma...
Your mission as a movement
“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.Â
What could you achieve if you saw your mission as part of a broader movement? How might it help you to focus on collective action, shared vision, and systemic impact?
Join us to learn how this idea will...
Changing Board Culture
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 matters and how to intentionally shape it. They explore four key areas—change, inclusion, learning, and conflict—and share practical tips on how to spark meaningful conversations. Tune in to learn how cultivating a strong, adaptable board cult...
Why you need a volunteer strategy right now
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 mission, attract future leaders, and even boost donations. Tune in to learn practical steps to recruit, engage, and sustain volunteers who are as passionate about your cause as you are!
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The Art of Delegation
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's essential, and how you can master this skill to build stronger, more collaborative teams.
Curious about how to delegate with confidence? Tune in to find out!
Question to...
Planning a Career in Nonprofits
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 build a sustainable and meaningful career in nonprofits.Â
Tune in to discover how you can thrive for the long haul.
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