Nonprofit Radio Show

Who decides what? It sounds like a simple question, but the answer changes as nonprofits grow and roles evolve. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore how boards and staff can get clearer about decision-making—when the board should lead, when staff should lead, and when the best answer is both.

Question to consider before listening:
Where does decision-making get murky in your organization?

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

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We often talk about what a new executive director should accomplish in their first 100 days. But what should the organization be doing? In this episode, Nancy and Sarah turn the usual first-100-days conversation around and explore how boards and staff can help a new leader learn the organization, build relationships, understand the money and mission, and listen before jumping into action.

Question to consider before listening:
What does a new ED need to learn before they can lead well?

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

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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.

Question to consider before listening:
What’s one challenge your nonprofit is facing—and what strengths could you draw on to address it?

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

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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 episode, Board Governance Made Simple.

Question to consider before listening:
Is your board making time for the big-picture questions—or mostly focusing on this week’s to-do list?

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

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$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.

Question to consider before listening:

How does your organization currently accept gifts from Donor Advised Funds?

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

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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.

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 listening:

How would your organization approach a leadership transition today?

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

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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?

You can find Garrett at People First Communications.

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

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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.

Question to consider before listening:
Which of your strengths are you building on?

Article by Bridgespan: "The Strengths Small and Midsize US Nonprofits Build on to Create Resilience Funding Strategies"

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

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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.

Question to consider before listening:

What would change for your organization if more people felt like they belonged in your mission — even through a small gift?

Article by Stanford Social Innovation Review: "Beyond the Mega-Gift"

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

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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.

Question to consider before listening:

How engaged are your board members?

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

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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 board member feel set up for success?

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

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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.

Mentioned: Interim Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector report authored by Nancy Bacon, commissioned by Third Sector Company

Question to consider before listening:

How can your team approach leadership change in a way that brings people together?

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow
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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.

Question to consider before listening:

How can your organization set a fundraising goal that energizes your whole team?

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

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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 you talk about?

Whether your meetings feel flat or you’re simply ready to raise the bar, this episode will help you rethink what a board meeting can be.

Question to consider before listening:

How would you like board members to leave your board meetings?

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

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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.

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 insights into action, spread advocacy across your team, and find a rhythm that fits your capacity. You're already advocating for your mission—this episode will help you do it with even more confidence and clarity.

Question to consider before listening:

How could your everyday insights move your mission forward?

Want to dive deeper into everyday advocacy strategies? Our Advocacy for Small Nonprofits page has everything you need to get started.

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

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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.

Question to consider before listening:

How do you feel when you receive a thank you note?

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

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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.

Question to consider before listening:

What could your organization accomplish if your board and ED were in sync?

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow
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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 alone.

Question to consider before listening:

What's one strength your organization discovered in 2025 that you're excited to grow in the year ahead?

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

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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 clarity. It’s a chance to gather insight, involve more voices, and make sure your organization is focused on what matters most. Whether you’re gearing up for strategic planning, setting next year’s budget, or just need a reset, this episode will help you choose the right tool and use it to guide your next steps.

Question to consider before listening:

What might you learn if your board or staff took a clear-eyed look at how your organization is doing right now?

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

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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 refining your process, this episode will help you see budgeting as one of your most powerful storytelling tools.

Question to consider before listening:

What does your current budget say about what your organization values?

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

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