210 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
    • 4.4 • 25 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 207: From Walmart to Feeding America (with Claire Babineaux-Fontenot)

    Ep 207: From Walmart to Feeding America (with Claire Babineaux-Fontenot)

    Like me, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot moved from the corporate world to the nonprofit sector with zero previous experience in nonprofit work. In this episode, she shares her inspiring story of how and why she shifted her focus to step into her most impactful work yet.

    • 48 min
    Ep 206: The Nonprofit Sector’s PR Problem – And How We Can Fix It

    Ep 206: The Nonprofit Sector’s PR Problem – And How We Can Fix It

    The nonprofit sector has a serious PR problem that impacts its ability to garner adequate support. Nonprofit leaders have a powerful opportunity to be ambassadors and advocates for the sector as a whole. In this episode, I make a poignant call to action for nonprofit leaders everywhere to rally to the side of saving public perception of the important work they do.

    • 10 min
    Ep. 205 The Power and Influence of the Nonprofit Sector (with Dr. Akilah Watkins)

    Ep. 205 The Power and Influence of the Nonprofit Sector (with Dr. Akilah Watkins)

    Let’s discuss collective nonprofit power - what it is, what it isn’t, and what the nonprofit sector could do to harness it. To do more good in the world, we need to stand in our collective power which includes, ironically, taking a seat at the table.

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

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

    Need to build capacity? Fix your fundraising? Graphics design or marketing? HR support? Then you need to know about Catchafire, 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

Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5
25 Ratings

25 Ratings

full fun ,

Great tool for new Executive Directors

I’m about to take on my first Executive Director position and I’m so happy to have discovered this podcast. Taking notes!

Baobab_123 ,

Useful information for newbies

As both a staff member at an NGO, and a new board member at other non-profits, I find the range of topics useful and interesting. But I would prefer shorter podcasts — maximum 30 minutes. There’s too much repetition in each show, and even the same basic ideas coming up in multiple shows.

Lucky Jen ,

So helpful

Really enjoying this podcast - so helpful for those in the nonprofit leadership world.

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