The Nonprofit Show

American Nonprofit Academy

The Nonprofit Show is the nation’s daily broadcast for the business side of nonprofits — bringing you practical insights, expert interviews, and real-world strategies to help your organization run smarter, lead stronger, and fund better. Each weekday, our co-hosts and guests break down the most current topics in fundraising, board governance, leadership, staffing, technology, communications, and financial strategy — giving nonprofit professionals the tools they need to build sustainable, high-performing organizations. With more than 1,400 episodes and growing, our on-demand library is a trusted resource for executive directors, team members, fundraisers, board members, and sector leaders who are ready to move beyond inspiration and into implementation. 🎥 Watch the daily show on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3A0Dqlw

  1. How One Nonprofit Built a 128-Country Economic Network

    1 DAY AGO

    How One Nonprofit Built a 128-Country Economic Network

    Send us Fan Mail Nonprofit artisan economic development models are reshaping how organizations approach global impact—and this conversation shows exactly how. Rebecca Van Bergen, Founder and Executive Director of Nest, shares how her nonprofit built a scalable system supporting artisans across 128 countries by combining business training, ethical sourcing, and strategic partnerships. This isn’t about charity—it’s about building sustainable microenterprises that connect directly to global markets. At the core is a powerful shift: treating craft not as “supplemental income,” but as a legitimate economic sector. As Rebecca explains, “Nobody saw it as an investable sector… not that it was a massive economic opportunity.” That perception has changed—and nonprofits that recognize this shift can unlock entirely new pathways for impact. This episode breaks down how Nest operationalizes its model: A global artisan guild providing free training and business resources Strategic partnerships with organizations like Environmental Defense Fund and CARE Ethical supply chain certification that connects artisans to major retailers A growing focus on resilience, including climate adaptation and recovery tools But the bigger takeaway is strategic. Nonprofits can no longer operate in silos. Rebecca makes it clear: “No organization can do all of that… how can we work in partnership with others to support people as holistically as we can?” For nonprofit leaders, this is a blueprint for: Expanding mission through partnerships Building scalable program models Aligning impact with market systems Responding to global disruptions like climate and supply chain shifts The future of nonprofit work isn’t just service delivery—it’s ecosystem building. And this conversation shows how to do it.  00:00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview  00:02:30 What Nest Does: Building Artisan Economies  00:06:00 From Social Work to Scalable Nonprofit Model  00:09:00 Overcoming Skepticism: Craft as an Economic Sector  00:13:00 Leadership Evolution and Organizational Growth  00:15:05 Climate Change and Nonprofit Program Adaptation  00:17:00 Rebuilding Community in a Remote Workforce  00:20:00 Scaling Impact Through Global Partnerships  00:22:00 Collaboration vs Competition in Nonprofits  00:25:30 Ethical Supply Chains and Certification Model  00:27:00 Future Vision: Preserving Culture Through Commerce    #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitStrategy #GlobalImpact Find us Live daily on YouTube! Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn! Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_Show Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PT Send us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.com Visit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

    29 min
  2. From “So What?” to Real Impact: Nonprofit PR Strategy

    3 DAYS AGO

    From “So What?” to Real Impact: Nonprofit PR Strategy

    Send us Fan Mail Nonprofit public relations (PR) strategy and messaging clarity are no longer optional—they’re essential to building trust, earning attention, and driving donor action in today’s crowded landscape. Samantha Flynn, Founder of JuniPR Public Relations, breaks down how nonprofits can move beyond reactive PR and build a proactive communications strategy that actually delivers results. With over 1.8 million nonprofits competing for attention, clarity is what separates organizations that grow from those that get ignored. “Clarity is a currency,” Flynn explains, emphasizing that donors today are more intentional with their giving. They want to know exactly how their contributions make an impact—and organizations that communicate this clearly are the ones that win. The conversation goes deeper into one of the most important strategic questions in nonprofit communications: “So what?” Flynn challenges organizations to rethink their announcements, press releases, and updates by focusing on what truly matters to the audience—not just internal milestones. This episode also tackles a major operational challenge: measuring PR effectiveness. While PR may not offer the same direct metrics as paid advertising, Flynn outlines how nonprofits can track success through audience growth, engagement signals, and downstream marketing impact. As she puts it, PR is “the art in a sea of marketing sciences”—and when done well, it fuels the entire marketing funnel. You’ll also learn: Why consistency in communication builds long-term donor trust How to simplify complex messaging without losing meaning Why focusing on one primary channel can outperform spreading resources too thin How PR strengthens your organization before a crisis—not just during one If your organization struggles to stand out, connect messaging to impact, or justify PR investment, this episode delivers insights to strengthen your communications strategy.  00:00:00 Introduction to Nonprofit PR Strategy  00:02:30 How PR Has Changed for Nonprofits  00:05:20 Why “Clarity Is a Currency” for Donors  00:08:00 Connecting Donations to Specific Impact  00:10:15 The Power of Asking “So What?”  00:13:00 Turning Internal News into Public Value  00:15:00 Messaging That Survives Being Skimmed  00:17:30 Adapting Messaging Across Channels  00:19:00 Focus Strategy: One Channel vs Many  00:20:00 Measuring PR Effectiveness in Nonprofits  00:23:30 Why PR Is First Cut—and Why That’s a Mistake  00:25:00 Building Trust Before a Crisis Happens  #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitPR #NonprofitMarketing Find us Live daily on YouTube! Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn! Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_Show Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PT Send us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.com Visit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

    30 min
  3. The Right Way to Launch an Urgent Nonprofit Appeal

    16 APR

    The Right Way to Launch an Urgent Nonprofit Appeal

    Send us Fan Mail An effective urgent nonprofit fundraising appeal strategy can drive immediate impact—but only when it’s clear, credible, and authentic. In this Global Edition of The Nonprofit Show, Matthew Murray (CEO, Expand Consultancy, UK) shares practical insights on how nonprofits can respond to crises with urgency while maintaining donor trust and long-term credibility. From small, time-sensitive needs to global emergencies, this conversation focuses on what actually motivates donors to act—and what causes them to disengage. One of the biggest takeaways: specificity wins. As Matthew explains, “We need this for this. Can you help?” is far more effective than vague appeals. Donors want to know exactly what their contribution accomplishes—whether it’s funding supplies, feeding families, or solving a defined problem in real time. The episode also explores the role of data in crisis fundraising. While emotional storytelling still matters, credibility comes from backing it up with real numbers. “Backing up with numbers gives you real credibility,” Matthew notes, emphasizing the importance of using verified, trustworthy data sources. But urgency comes with risk. Misusing a crisis—or attaching your organization to an issue you’re not directly addressing—can damage trust. Authenticity is non-negotiable. As Matthew puts it, “The most attractive quality in a nonprofit spokesperson…is authenticity.” Finally, the conversation closes the loop on impact. Donors don’t just want to give—they want to see results. Sharing one clear story or measurable outcome can reinforce trust and deepen engagement. If your organization is navigating urgent appeals, crisis fundraising, or global donor communication, this episode delivers wisdom you can implement immediately!  00:00:00 Global Edition Introduction  00:04:13 What Defines an Urgent Appeal?  00:05:26 Why Crisis Moments Drive Nonprofit Momentum  00:06:32 Real Example: Small Urgency, Big Impact  00:08:45 Why Specificity Converts Donors  00:10:25 Structuring Donation Levels for Maximum Response  00:13:21 Data vs Emotion in Fundraising Appeals  00:17:52 When Urgent Appeals Break Donor Trust  00:20:05 Authenticity as a Fundraising Advantage  00:22:34 Closing the Loop: Showing Impact to Donors  00:24:28 Using Media and Storytelling During Crisis  00:26:01 Simple, Authentic Communication That Works    #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFundraising #GlobalPhilanthropy Find us Live daily on YouTube! Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn! Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_Show Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PT Send us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.com Visit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

    29 min
  4. Should Nonprofits Pay Taxes on Business Revenue? A Real Debate

    15 APR

    Should Nonprofits Pay Taxes on Business Revenue? A Real Debate

    Send us Fan Mail Exploring whether nonprofits should pay taxes on business income, examining how revenue sources, competition, and policy gaps are reshaping the sector’s financial landscape. Nonprofit tax exemption business income is becoming one of the most important—and controversial—issues facing the sector today. As nonprofits generate more revenue through business-like activities, the question is no longer theoretical: should some of that income be taxed? In this eye-opening conversation, Scott Hodge of Arnold Ventures joins The Nonprofit Show to examine how nonprofit revenue models have evolved—and where the current tax framework may no longer align with reality. The nonprofit sector now represents $3.6 trillion in total revenue, with approximately $2.8 trillion coming from business-related activities. Yet much of this income remains untaxed. As Scott explains, “We have this enormous… gap in the tax code so that these businesses that are now nonprofits are not paying any tax on their business income.” This raises real operational and strategic questions for nonprofit leaders. When organizations generate revenue through sponsorships, services, or large-scale operations, where is the line between mission-driven funding and commercial activity? The discussion also revisits the intent behind the Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) and why it may no longer capture the realities of today’s nonprofit economy. “UBIT has been made so full of holes that it doesn’t capture very much income at all,” Scott notes. At the same time, the conversation carefully distinguishes between truly charitable organizations—those driven primarily by donations—and large-scale entities operating with minimal philanthropic income. This distinction matters, especially as nonprofits compete not only with for-profit businesses but also with each other for limited donor dollars. For nonprofit executives, finance leaders, and board members, this episode offers a critical lens on: Revenue strategy and risk exposure Policy shifts that could impact operations The long-term sustainability of tax-exempt status This isn’t about weakening the sector—it’s about understanding how definitions, funding models, and accountability may evolve in the years ahead.   00:00:00 Introduction: Should Nonprofits Pay Taxes?  00:01:20 The Scale of the Nonprofit Economy  00:04:30 What Counts as “Business Income”?  00:06:45 Real Examples: NCAA, AARP, Hospitals  00:09:20 Understanding UBIT and Its Limitations  00:12:00 Nonprofit Survival vs Business Activity  00:14:10 Defining True Charity vs Commercial Operations  00:16:00 Where Large Nonprofits Blur the Lines  00:20:00 Sector Pressure and Public Perception  00:22:30 Why Policy Change Has Stalled  00:24:00 What Could Trigger Reform?  00:26:00 Final Thoughts: Protecting True Charitable Work  #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitTaxation #NonprofitFinance Find us Live daily on YouTube! Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn! Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_Show Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PT Send us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.com Visit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

    31 min
  5. The Rise of Job Hugging: Nonprofit Hiring Challenge

    14 APR

    The Rise of Job Hugging: Nonprofit Hiring Challenge

    Send us Fan Mail Nonprofit hiring challenges in 2026 are shifting in unexpected ways—and it’s not about a lack of talent. It’s about behavior. In this episode, we explore how “job hugging” is reshaping the nonprofit workforce and slowing hiring across the sector. Dana Scurlock, Managing Director at Staffing Boutique, breaks down a growing trend where nonprofit professionals are choosing stability over opportunity. Rather than pursuing new roles or promotions, many are holding tightly to their current positions due to uncertainty in funding, policy changes, and broader economic pressures. As Dana explains, “It’s not for lack of candidates—it’s for lack of candidate interest in moving jobs.” This shift has major implications for nonprofit leaders trying to fill roles, build teams, and drive innovation. The result? Hiring pipelines are shrinking, searches are taking longer, and organizations are competing harder for fewer willing candidates. Even when strong candidates exist, they must be “courted” out of stable roles—raising the stakes for hiring processes and organizational reputation. But the impact goes deeper. Job hugging isn’t just slowing hiring—it’s also affecting internal culture. Reduced mobility, fewer promotions, and fear-driven decision-making can limit innovation and stall organizational progress. Dana also highlights a critical shift in candidate priorities: “More than anything, candidates want to be somewhere stable where they can grow and be set up for success.” For nonprofit leaders, this means rethinking how roles are positioned, how hiring is conducted, and how stability is communicated. If your organization is struggling to fill roles, retain talent, or maintain momentum, this conversation offers practical insight into what’s really happening—and what you can do about it.  00:00:00 Introduction to Job Hugging  00:01:10 What Is Job Hugging?  00:03:30 Why the Nonprofit Job Market Is Shifting  00:06:40 How Uncertainty Impacts Career Decisions  00:09:10 Why Hiring Pipelines Are Slowing Down  00:12:00 Internal Job Hugging and Career Stagnation  00:14:50 Impact on Innovation and Organizational Growth  00:17:10 What Nonprofits Should Watch For  00:19:00 What Candidates Want Now: Stability Over Salary  00:21:30 Risk Aversion and Workforce Behavior  00:24:00 How Long Will This Trend Last?  00:25:40 What Leaders Can Do Right Now  #TheNonprofitShow #Nonprofitmanagement #NonprofitHiring Find us Live daily on YouTube! Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn! Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_Show Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PT Send us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.com Visit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

    31 min
  6. Everybody Leaves! Why Most Nonprofits Are Unprepared

    13 APR

    Everybody Leaves! Why Most Nonprofits Are Unprepared

    Send us Fan Mail Nonprofit succession planning strategy isn’t just a governance exercise—it’s a core risk management function that directly impacts mission delivery.  Joan Brown (Third Sector Company) and Erick Seelbach break down how nonprofits can proactively prepare for leadership transitions without creating fear or disruption. Too often, succession planning is treated as a reactive process—something triggered by a resignation or crisis. But as Joan explains, “A succession plan is a set of shared understandings and activities…that ensures we have the right people in the right places to deliver on our mission.” When embedded into organizational culture, succession planning becomes a stabilizing force—not a threatening one. This important convo draws a clear distinction between succession planning and transition planning—two concepts frequently confused but critically different. Succession planning focuses on long-term leadership continuity across the organization, while transition planning addresses the tactical steps when a specific role changes hands. The reality is sobering: fewer than 35% of nonprofits have a formal succession plan, and only 13% have plans for board leadership. At the same time, 86% of executive directors report they would leave for better professional development opportunities. That combination creates significant organizational vulnerability. Erick emphasizes the importance of shifting mindset: “We make better decisions when we’re not in the emotional response to a crisis.” By integrating succession planning into performance reviews, strategic planning, and talent development, nonprofits can reduce risk while strengthening retention. Key takeaways include: Why succession planning should be position-based, not person-based How to build an emergency leadership plan immediately The role of professional development in retaining top talent How to align succession planning with strategic goals This is not about replacing people—it’s about protecting your mission!  00:00:00 Introduction to Succession Planning  00:02:00 What Is a Nonprofit Succession Plan?  00:03:15 Should Succession Planning Be Transparent?  00:04:40 Position-Based vs Person-Based Planning  00:06:00 Overcoming Fear in Leadership Planning  00:07:00 Succession Planning as Risk Management  00:09:10 Succession vs Transition Planning Explained  00:10:30 Building Transition Plans for Every Role  00:12:00 Connecting Talent Development to Succession  00:14:00 Why Leaders Leave: The Professional Development Gap  00:16:00 What Goes Inside a Succession Plan  00:20:00 How to Start Without Overwhelming Your Team  00:24:00 Emergency Planning and Interim Leadership  Find us Live daily on YouTube! Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn! Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_Show Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PT Send us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.com Visit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

    30 min
  7. Nonprofit Accounting System Redesign Explained: From Clunky to Clear!

    9 APR

    Nonprofit Accounting System Redesign Explained: From Clunky to Clear!

    Send us Fan Mail Nonprofit accounting system redesign is the key to unlocking faster reporting, clearer insights, and stronger decision-making across your organization. If your team is struggling to pull reports, track grants, or explain financial impact, this conversation will challenge how you think about your systems. In this episode, Christine Chacko from Your Part-Time Controller explains why many nonprofit accounting systems fail—not because of the software, but because of how they are structured. When data is difficult to access or requires manual work outside the system, it signals a deeper design issue that limits your organization’s ability to operate effectively. As Christine shares, “If it is difficult to get the data and the reports that you need out of your accounting system, it’s time for a redesign.” That redesign is not just a finance exercise—it’s a strategic, organization-wide initiative that impacts programs, fundraising, and leadership decisions. This discussion highlights how poor system design prevents nonprofits from telling their financial story and demonstrating impact. When reporting is fragmented, teams rely on assumptions instead of data. But when systems are designed correctly, organizations can achieve near “one-click reporting,” giving leaders immediate visibility into program performance, funding streams, and financial health. Equally important, this episode emphasizes that technology alone is not the solution. “Slapping an app” onto a broken process will not fix communication gaps or unclear goals. Instead, nonprofits must start with clear objectives—reducing manual work, improving reporting, and building systems that scale with growth. This is a practical, business-focused conversation about aligning finance, programs, and development teams around shared data and shared outcomes. When done right, your accounting system becomes a strategic asset—not a daily frustration!  00:00:00 Introduction to System Design in Nonprofits  00:03:00 Tech-Forward but Human-Centered Finance  00:04:00 What Is an Accounting System Redesign?  00:05:30 Why Poor Systems Kill Reporting and Insight  00:07:30 Data Challenges and Decision-Making Gaps  00:10:00 Setting Goals Before Changing Systems  00:12:00 Reducing Manual Work and Improving Reporting  00:14:00 Breaking Down Silos Across Teams  00:16:00 Why Technology Alone Doesn’t Fix Processes  00:18:00 Good vs Poor Accounting System Design  00:21:00 When and How to Implement a Redesign  00:23:00 Planning, Buy-In, and Organizational Readiness  #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFinance  Find us Live daily on YouTube! Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn! Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_Show Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PT Send us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.com Visit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

    31 min
  8. Turning Volunteers Into Donors: Stop Filling Shifts, Start Building Supporters!

    8 APR

    Turning Volunteers Into Donors: Stop Filling Shifts, Start Building Supporters!

    Send us Fan Mail Nonprofit volunteer management strategy is no longer about filling shifts—it’s about building long-term supporters who fuel your mission.  Let’s see how nonprofits can turn volunteer engagement into a long-term donor pipeline through smarter systems, timing, and strategy. In this episode, Chloe Boonstra of Bloomerang breaks down how nonprofits can rethink volunteer engagement as a strategic growth engine rather than a transactional activity. Instead of focusing on short-term staffing needs, organizations must design systems that turn initial interest into sustained commitment. As Chloe explains, “We want to get away from the mindset of just filling a shift… and instead set the tone for a long-term partnership.” That shift in thinking unlocks new opportunities—not only for retention, but for deeper engagement across your entire organization. A major barrier? Friction. Complicated onboarding processes, excessive paperwork, and disconnected systems all reduce participation. This episode highlights how tools like volunteer portals can streamline engagement, reduce administrative burden, and improve the experience for both staff and volunteers. But the real opportunity lies in connecting volunteer and donor data. Too often, these systems operate in silos. Chloe challenges that thinking with a powerful insight: “A donor and a volunteer is the same person—they’re just speaking a different language of generosity.” You’ll learn: How to design a volunteer onboarding process that increases retention Why simplicity drives participation and repeat engagement When and how to introduce giving opportunities to volunteers How to identify “peak moments” for deeper engagement Why integrating CRM and volunteer systems is critical for growth This conversation reframes volunteerism as a core business strategy—one that drives loyalty, engagement, and long-term sustainability.  00:00:00 Volunteer Strategy vs Filling Shifts  00:05:00 Why Mindset Drives Volunteer Retention  00:07:00 How Portals Improve Volunteer Experience  00:09:00 Eliminating Friction in Onboarding  00:11:30 Turning One-Time Volunteers Into Repeat Supporters  00:14:30 What Data Should You Collect From Volunteers  00:16:00 Volunteer-to-Donor Conversion Strategy  00:18:00 Breaking Down Organizational Silos  00:20:30 Creating a Full Engagement Lifecycle  00:23:00 Using Data to Identify Engagement Timing  Find us Live daily on YouTube! Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn! Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_Show Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PT Send us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.com Visit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

    31 min

About

The Nonprofit Show is the nation’s daily broadcast for the business side of nonprofits — bringing you practical insights, expert interviews, and real-world strategies to help your organization run smarter, lead stronger, and fund better. Each weekday, our co-hosts and guests break down the most current topics in fundraising, board governance, leadership, staffing, technology, communications, and financial strategy — giving nonprofit professionals the tools they need to build sustainable, high-performing organizations. With more than 1,400 episodes and growing, our on-demand library is a trusted resource for executive directors, team members, fundraisers, board members, and sector leaders who are ready to move beyond inspiration and into implementation. 🎥 Watch the daily show on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3A0Dqlw

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