Nonprofit Radio Show

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 alrea...

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 t...

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 pl...

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...

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...

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 direc...

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: 

How has imposter syndrome affected you? How would naming and reframing imposter syndro...

Leading a nonprofit can feel isolating at times—but it doesn’t have to stay that way. 

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 be...

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 tru...

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...

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 ta...

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...

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, ...

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. 

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...

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 info...

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 h...

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 u...

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 cente...

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. 

Stress testing is not about predicting the future. It's about inviting your staff, board, and volunteers into co...