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November 24, 2025 26 mins

 Nonprofits often view training as a cost. I've heard it, and I'm sure you've heard it as well. However, it's actually an investment in the very thing that moves your mission forward: your people.

That's why, in this episode, I'm sitting down with Nancy Bacon to debunk the idea that training is a cost and highlight all the value it brings when done right. She is a teacher, instructional designer, and learning strategist who has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 25 years.

This episode is a game-changer for nonprofit leaders who are struggling with the decision to invest in training, and for nonprofit L&D pros who are struggling to frame up the value of what they do to secure the partners and funding they need.


▶️ Training Isn't a Cost: Here's How Nonprofits Actually Save Money Through Learning and Development with Nancy Bacon 


▶️ Key Points:

0:00:00 How Nancy became a nonprofit learning strategist 

0:06:05 Cost vs. investment: the ROI of training

0:11:02 Hidden costs of  not investing in L&D

0:16:48 Effectively communicate the real value of training

21:31 The need to shift our mindset from scarcity to abundance


Resources from this episode:

Check out Mark Nilles and Nancy Bacon's ebook  Conferences That Make a Difference.

Catch up with Episode 156 of Learning For Good, where I talk about the cost of training.

Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective

If you're a nonprofit leader who's ready to invest in your people, complete our consulting application form.

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Connect with Nancy

LinkedIn: Nancy Bacon

Website: nancybacon.com and nonprofitlearning.center

Podcast: Nonprofit Radio Show


Connect with Heather

LinkedIn: Heather Burright

Website: skillmastersmarket.com

Book an interest call with Heather here.

Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.

Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.

Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!

Produced by Ideablossoms

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