207 episodes

Hosted by Joan Garry, the “Dear Abby” of the nonprofit world, Nonprofits Are Messy is a discussion of the most pressing issues faced by nonprofit leadership. Joan and her guests tackle topics like the overhead myth, the best way to run special events, how to make a big fundraising ask, board-staff relations, and so much more. At times hilarious, uplifting, and frustrating, the stories told in this podcast should feel very familiar to anybody working in a nonprofit today.



Topics include fundraising, leadership development, building a great board, Executive Director / Board relations, communications and messaging, staff management, nonprofit career advice, crisis management, digital marketing, social media, and so much more.



Listen to real stories of nonprofit leaders like you and how they handled the mess. Because the truth is, nonprofits ARE messy. There’s not enough money, too many cooks, and an abundance of passion. Leading nonprofits isn’t easy. This podcast will help.

Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications Joan Garry

    • Business
    • 4.6 • 297 Ratings

Hosted by Joan Garry, the “Dear Abby” of the nonprofit world, Nonprofits Are Messy is a discussion of the most pressing issues faced by nonprofit leadership. Joan and her guests tackle topics like the overhead myth, the best way to run special events, how to make a big fundraising ask, board-staff relations, and so much more. At times hilarious, uplifting, and frustrating, the stories told in this podcast should feel very familiar to anybody working in a nonprofit today.



Topics include fundraising, leadership development, building a great board, Executive Director / Board relations, communications and messaging, staff management, nonprofit career advice, crisis management, digital marketing, social media, and so much more.



Listen to real stories of nonprofit leaders like you and how they handled the mess. Because the truth is, nonprofits ARE messy. There’s not enough money, too many cooks, and an abundance of passion. Leading nonprofits isn’t easy. This podcast will help.

    Ep 204: Build Your Volunteer Dream Team (with Mike Miszewski)

    Ep 204: Build Your Volunteer Dream Team (with Mike Miszewski)

    Need to build capacity? Fix your fundraising? Graphics design or marketing? HR support? Then you need to know about Catch A Fire, an organization that is bridging paths to stronger communities by aligning nonprofits with expert volunteers.

    • 51 min
    Ep 203: Can You Answer These 10 Funder Questions?

    Ep 203: Can You Answer These 10 Funder Questions?

    Congrats! A funder is considering donating to your nonprofit and they have questions. For some, this request instills panic. Here is how to prepare!

    • 22 min
    Ep 202: The Master of Mobilizing Movements (with Jeremy Heimans)

    Ep 202: The Master of Mobilizing Movements (with Jeremy Heimans)

    Since he was 8 years old, Jeremy Heimans has been mobilizing movements that galvanize people for social change. He is the guru to ask about how to reach people and motivate them to take action. In this episode, he shares his insights.

    • 41 min
    Ep 201: Cultural Intelligence: A Major Key to a Thriving Nonprofit (with Dr. Pablo Otaola)

    Ep 201: Cultural Intelligence: A Major Key to a Thriving Nonprofit (with Dr. Pablo Otaola)

    You’ve heard of IQ and EQ. But, CQ is the third intelligence that empowers a nonprofit leader to mightily drive the mission with the strong, rallying support of a unified team. Listen in to learn what CQ is, how it works, and why it matters in the nonprofit landscape like never before.

    • 52 min
    Ep 200: The 200th Episode: Gratitude & Observations About This Amazing Journey

    Ep 200: The 200th Episode: Gratitude & Observations About This Amazing Journey

    Releasing episode 200 of the Nonprofits Are Messy podcast is a milestone. It has been a journey full of insights, observations, and a big fat “I told you so”. This is a look back at how far we’ve come together.

    • 22 min
    Ep 199: The Fearless Election Year Fundraising Plan (with Tom Kissane)

    Ep 199: The Fearless Election Year Fundraising Plan (with Tom Kissane)

    Conservative and risk-averse boards tend to lower expectations and pull back on fundraising during an election year. In this episode with Tom Kissane, Vice Chairman of CCS Fundraising, he shares compelling reasons to go boldly forward with your organization’s fundraising efforts in 2024.

    • 41 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
297 Ratings

297 Ratings

libbyv55 ,

Brilliant!

Joan is a deep thinker and takes a novel and strategic approach to solving problems. Joan's advice and thinking about all things nonprofit is some of the best!

thetraveldoc ,

Incredible resource! Thank you Joan!

This podcast provides such a wealth of knowledge. I love the insight Joan provides and her guests are top notch. I’ve just joined her Nonprofit Leadership Lab and after only a week, I’m seeing dividends. Thank you for your incredible work and dedication to teaching us how to make our nonprofits just a little less messy.

Schoenwx ,

Practice patience and wait your turn

I became a subscriber to this podcast as I have a heart to listen and do better in my executive role. Joan has given me many things to consider and ways to improve. Lately I’m noticing Joan interrupting and speaking over guests with regularity. I love that she is passionate and has insight, but when a guest is speaking to broaden the conversation and offer value, be polite, allow them opportunity, listen to their wisdom, and let them speak so that we as an audience can hear *them.* Our enthusiasm must not become the permission slip to interrupt and overtake the conversation. When you have invited others to be a guest, give them the consideration they deserve to finish the point they know will help us as leaders and listeners.

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