Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits

Matt Stockman
  • 5.0 (1)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Launch and grow your nonprofit with confidence! The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits is your weekly resource for nonprofit startup advice, nonprofit growth strategies, and practical tips for nonprofit leadership. Whether you're dreaming of starting a nonprofit organization, navigating the challenges of a new role, or looking to scale your impact, this podcast provides actionable insights. Learn nonprofit best practices based around the 6 critical elements that any nonprofit needs to grow foundationally strong: Leadership, Development, Marketing, Programs and Services, Operations, and Finances. Learn effective fundraising strategies, and essential nonprofit management techniques. Get nonprofit coaching and access free nonprofit resources to build your nonprofit capacity and achieve nonprofit success. Join Matt Stockman, a seasoned nonprofit growth coach, as we explore nonprofit development and provide the guidance you need to make a lasting difference. Tune in for weekly episodes filled with nonprofit tips, inspiring stories, and expert advice to help you grow a nonprofit that thrives. If you are looking for nonprofit training or ways to improve your nonprofit strategy, this podcast is for you.

  1. 1D AGO

    Nonprofit Leadership: Building a Strong Executive Director and Board Partnership (Ep 45)

    If your nonprofit feels stuck, the issue may not be your strategy or your effort. It may be the relationship at the core of your organization. In this episode, we revisit a foundational conversation with Bob Lonac on one of the most critical dynamics in any nonprofit: the relationship between the CEO or Executive Director and the board. When this relationship is healthy, aligned, and clearly defined, it becomes the backbone of a strong, growing organization. When it’s not, it creates confusion, friction, and ultimately limits your impact. Matt and Bob unpack what a healthy CEO and board partnership actually looks like, where things tend to break down, and how nonprofit leaders can build clarity, trust, and alignment moving forward. What You’ll Learn The distinct roles of the CEO and the board and why confusion here causes problemsWhat a healthy, functional CEO and board relationship actually looks like in practiceCommon breakdowns that lead to tension, misalignment, or stalled growthHow to create clarity around expectations, authority, and accountabilityPractical ways to strengthen trust and communication between leadership and board membersWhy this relationship is foundational to long-term sustainability and impactWhy This Matters Every nonprofit rises or falls on its leadership structure. You can have a compelling mission, strong programs, and passionate people. But if the CEO and board are not aligned, the organization will always feel like it’s working harder than it should. Getting this relationship right creates: Clear decision-makingStronger leadership confidenceHealthier governanceGreater long-term impactListen If You Are: A nonprofit founder or Executive Director navigating board dynamicsA board member who wants to better support leadershipA leader feeling friction or lack of clarity in governanceBuilding or rebuilding the foundation of your organizationIntro Context (Replay Note) This episode is a replay from earlier in the podcast, re-released due to its continued relevance for nonprofit leaders. Resources:Connect with Bob Lonac: www.boblonac.comRegister for the upcoming Launchpad Workshop: Launchpad Workshop for Nonprofits | Nonprofit Launch PlanContact Matt: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-plan/Matt's LinkedIn: (1) Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

    27 min

  2. MAR 19

    Google Ad Grants Explained: Free Advertising Dollars Your Nonprofit Isn't Using

    What if your nonprofit could reach people who are already searching for the exact problem you solve… without spending a dollar on ads? In this episode, Matt Stockman sits down with digital marketing strategist Matt Mundt to break down one of the most underutilized tools available to nonprofits today: the Google Ad Grant. Eligible nonprofits can access up to $10,000 per month in free Google search advertising. Yet most organizations either don’t know about it, don’t understand it, or never fully leverage it. This conversation provides a practical, strategic starting point to help you change that. What You’ll Learn What the Google Ad Grant is and how it worksWho benefits most from using itWhy most nonprofits fail to maximize the opportunityHow to use content to attract the right audienceCommon mistakes that can limit your results or get your account penalizedSimple first steps to get started (even if you feel overwhelmed)Key Takeaways The Google Ad Grant works best when you: Meet people at the point of needProvide helpful, relevant contentBuild trust before asking for support2. Content is the engine that makes this work Nonprofits with more website content perform significantly better. Strong examples include: Blog posts answering real questionsDevotionals or educational resourcesEmbedded podcast or video contentThe goal is simple:  Serve the visitor well enough that they stay, engage, and explore. 3. Relevance determines performance Google is constantly evaluating: What people searchWhether your content matches that intentHow long users stay on your siteIf your content doesn’t match the search, your ads will be shown less frequently. 4. Start simple, then optimize You don’t need to master everything upfront. A strong starting point: Create a brand campaign (your nonprofit name)Add a few mission-related keywordsLink to helpful, relevant contentThen improve over time as you learn what works. 5. Avoid these common mistakes Driving ads directly to a donation pagePromoting short-term eventsUsing irrelevant or misleading keywordsIgnoring account rules and compliance requirementsThese limit effectiveness and can even get your account suspended. 6. Think like your audience, not your organization The most effective campaigns start with one question: What is someone typing into Google right before they need what we do? When you answer that well, you move from: Awareness → Engagement → Relationship → Support7. This is a long-term growth strategy Google Ads are not a quick win. They require: A learning periodOngoing refinementConsistent content developmentBut when done well, they create a steady stream of highly relevant traffic. Action Steps If you’re just getting started: Apply for or activate your Google Ad GrantSet up a basic brand campaignIdentify 3–5 questions your audience is already askingCreate simple content that answers those questionsBegin testing and refiningResources Learn more about Matt Mundt: mattmundt.comRegister for the Launchpad Workshop: nonprofitlaunchplan.com

    33 min

  3. MAR 12

    Nonprofit Events Done Right: Purpose, People, and Planning (Ep 43)

    For many nonprofit leaders, hosting a large event feels like a natural step in growing awareness and raising funds. But before you jump into planning venues, catering, invitations, and programming, there is a more important question to ask: Is your nonprofit actually ready to host an event? In this episode, Matt Stockman breaks down how nonprofit leaders can pressure test whether an event is the right next step for their organization, and the two foundational questions that should guide every successful nonprofit event. Done well, an event can introduce new people to your mission, deepen relationships with supporters, and generate meaningful funding. Done poorly, it can drain time, money, and energy while delivering disappointing results. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Many organizations assume an event is the logical next step for growth. But in many cases, nonprofits attempt large events before their team, donor base, or systems are ready. Before planning an event, ask yourself: Could your nonprofit absorb the financial loss if the event had to be canceled? Events often require significant upfront investment. If the financial risk of cancellation or underperformance would damage your organization, it may not be the right time. Event planning requires far more manpower than most leaders initially expect. Your team and volunteers must have the bandwidth to handle the operational demands. The biggest reason nonprofit events struggle is not poor execution. It is poor strategic focus. The Two Questions That Make or Break a Nonprofit Event 1. What is the purpose of the event? Define a specific purpose statement using this simple formula: The purpose of this event is to raise or accomplish X, which will result in Y impact. Example: Raise $50,000Which will provide 20 new computer workstations at a community centerWhen the purpose is clear: Planning decisions become easierMessaging becomes strongerDonors better understand the impact of their giving2. Who is the target attendee? Another common mistake is trying to design an event “for everyone.” Instead, define your ideal attendee. Ask questions like: What age group are they in?What interests or hobbies do they have?What community networks are they connected to?What motivates them to support causes?When you understand who you are designing the event for, everything becomes clearer: Marketing messagesProgram designAtmosphere and experienceA Smarter Strategy: Start Small One final recommendation for nonprofit leaders planning their first event: Start smaller than you think you should. A smaller first event allows you to: Test your conceptIdentify what worksLearn from mistakesBuild momentum for future yearsA manageable proof-of-concept event is far better than launching something so large that it overwhelms your team. Key Takeaways Before planning a nonprofit event, pause and ask: Can our nonprofit handle the financial risk?Do we have the team capacity to execute it well?What is the clear purpose of the event?Who is the exact type of person we want to attend?When you answer these questions first, your event planning becomes more focused, strategic, and successful. Workshop Mention If you're in the early stages of building your nonprofit, Matt invites you to join the upcoming: Launchpad Workshop: Essentials for Moving from Nonprofit Idea to Impact During this live virtual workshop you will: Clarify your mission and visionDefine the right board structureBuild early fundraising strategiesDevelop your minimum viable programDates: April 28–30 Cost: $49 Learn more and register at: nonprofitlaunchplan.com Contact:Email: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-plan/Matt's LinkedIn: Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

    19 min

  4. MAR 6

    Nonprofit Leadership: What To Do When Someone On Your Team Isn’t Delivering (E. 42)

    Sooner or later, every nonprofit leader faces a difficult leadership moment. You bring someone onto your team because you believe in them. They care about the mission and want to help move the organization forward. But over time something starts to feel off. Deadlines slip. Details are missed. Results are not what they should be. Now you are left wondering what the real issue is. Is it a coaching problem?A communication breakdown?Or did you make the wrong hiring decision?In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits, nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman walks through a practical leadership framework that helps nonprofit leaders diagnose performance issues on their team and respond in a way that actually helps people improve. Instead of reacting emotionally or avoiding the conversation, effective leaders step back and diagnose the real cause of the problem. Matt explains the Three Scenario Framework, a simple diagnostic tool he regularly uses when coaching nonprofit leaders through team performance challenges. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • Why ignoring performance issues creates long term culture problems inside a nonprofit • The leadership mindset required to address team challenges early and constructively • Why many underperformance problems are actually symptoms of deeper issues • How to have productive conversations with team members who are struggling The Three Scenarios Behind Team Performance Problems Matt explains that when a team member is struggling, one of three things is usually happening. 1. Execution Problems (A Skills Issue) The team member understands the role and expectations but struggles to execute consistently. This often means they need additional development such as: • Training • Coaching • Systems and processes • Skill development Great leaders treat this the same way a coach treats an athlete who needs more practice. 2. Understanding Problems (A Clarity Issue) In this situation the team member believes they are doing their job correctly, but the leader sees a gap in performance. This usually means expectations were not clearly communicated. The solution is leadership clarity: • Clearly define success in the role • Document expectations • Walk through examples • Maintain regular check ins Many nonprofit leaders assume clarity exists when it actually does not. 3. Strategic Alignment Problems (A Direction Issue) Here the team member understands the job and has the skills to do it, but they believe their approach is better than the organization’s strategy. When this happens leaders must explain the reasoning behind the strategy and how the work connects to the mission. Alignment improves dramatically when people understand why decisions are being made. Why This Matters for Nonprofit Leaders Avoiding performance conversations can create serious organizational consequences. When leaders ignore problems: • The issue continues • The employee never has a chance to grow • Lack of attention to the situation is a breeding ground for toxicity in your nonprofit. Your team is one of the most important assets your nonprofit has. Great leaders address problems with clarity, coaching, and purpose rather than avoidance. Workshop Invitation If you are in the dreaming or early phases of launching a nonprofit, Matt invites you to join the upcoming virtual Launchpad Workshop: Essentials for Moving from Nonprofit IDEA to IMPACT. In this live workshop you will: • Clarify your mission and vision • Identify the right board members • Develop your initial fundraising approach • Build your minimum viable nonprofit program Workshop Details April 28–30 1 hour each day (virtual) Cost: $49 Register atnonprofitlaunchplan.com → Click “Workshop” Email: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-planMatt's Personal LinkedIn: Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

    19 min

  5. FEB 25

    Stop Wasting Time in Meetings: A Better Way to Brainstorm (Ep. 41)

    Brainstorming meetings are supposed to spark creativity, solve problems, and move your nonprofit forward. But for many leaders, they end up feeling like a waste of time, energy, and attention. In this episode, nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman explains why most brainstorming sessions fail and shares a simple 7-step framework nonprofit leaders can use to design meetings that produce clear ideas, better decisions, and real progress. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why most brainstorming sessions don’t actually produce useful outcomesThe common leadership mistakes that derail meetings before they even beginHow choosing the right participants matters more than inviting more peopleWhy briefing your team ahead of time dramatically improves idea qualityHow time limits and structure actually improve creativityThe leadership skill of guiding discussion without shutting it downWhy the “yes, and” mindset keeps momentum alive in group problem solvingHow documenting ideas and following up ensures meetings lead to actionThe critical final step that builds trust and improves future participationThe 7 Steps to Better Brainstorming Matt walks through a practical framework leaders can use immediately: Put the right people in the roomBrief participants in advanceSet a clear agenda and time limitGuide the conversation without over-controlling itRecord every ideaSend a recap and allow for follow-up ideasClose the loop by sharing the final decision and outcomeWho This Episode Is For? This episode is especially helpful if you: Lead a startup or growing nonprofitFeel like meetings drain energy instead of creating progressWant better team input without losing directionNeed practical leadership tools you can implement right awayMentioned in This Episode Matt invites early-stage nonprofit leaders to join the Launchpad Workshop: Essentials for Moving from Nonprofit Idea to Impact, happening April 28–30. Learn more at: nonprofitlaunchplan.com → Workshop Share This Episode If this episode helped you think differently about meetings or leadership, share it with another nonprofit leader who could benefit from it.

    14 min

  6. FEB 18

    Your Nonprofit's Flight Path: The 5 Growth Phases Every Nonprofit Goes Through (Part 2)

    Each nonprofit grows through 5 distinct phases in its early years, and in this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, Matt Stockman explains how nonprofit leaders move from early traction into long-term sustainability by understanding where their organization sits in the development cycle. If you’re trying to grow your donor base, stabilize funding, scale programs, or strengthen your leadership structure, this conversation will help you focus on the right priorities at the right time. This episode continues the Nonprofit Flight Path framework by walking through Phases 3–5, the stages where nonprofits move from initial traction into stability and long-term impact. Matt breaks down what leaders are thinking, feeling, and struggling with in each stage, along with the strategic moves that help organizations grow in a healthy, sustainable way instead of rushing growth too early or scaling without a foundation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by competing priorities, unsure whether to expand programs, or trying to stabilize fundraising while growing your team, this episode will help you identify your current phase and clarify what actually matters most right now. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Phase 3: The First Steps Phase (Liftoff Stage) Why many nonprofits struggle after launching programs too earlyThe importance of building fundraising systems before scaling impactHow to move from zero donors and zero dollars toward early momentumKey focus areas: database growth, monthly giving, board building, donor communicationPhase 4: The 1–3 Year Growth Phase The tension between excitement and financial fear in early program yearsHow to expand your support base without overspending on marketingWhy impact storytelling becomes crucial in this stageWhen to add staff and how to delegate strategicallyThe shift toward larger gifts, partnerships, and broader visibilityPhase 5: The Sustainability or “Orbit” Phase What a thriving nonprofit actually looks like across leadership, fundraising, marketing, programs, operations, and financesWhy leadership clarity and team alignment matter more than everThe systems that support stable revenue and long-term growthThe new challenges leaders face even after successKey Takeaway Progress in nonprofit leadership doesn’t come from doing everything at once. It comes from identifying your current phase, focusing on the few priorities that matter most in this season, and building a strong foundation before scaling. Resources Mentioned Launchpad Workshop: Essentials for Moving from Nonprofit Idea to ImpactLearn more at nonprofitlaunchplan.com/workshopListen Next If you haven’t yet heard the previous episode covering Phases 1 and 2 of the Nonprofit Flight Path, go back and listen to that first for the full framework. Email: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-planMatt's Personal LinkedIn: Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

    21 min

  7. FEB 11

    Your Nonprofit's Flight Path: the 5 Growth Phases Every Nonprofit Goes Through (Pt 1)

    Every nonprofit begins the same way: with a problem that refuses to leave your mind. In this episode, Matt introduces the Nonprofit Flight Path, a five-phase framework that maps the predictable journey every nonprofit takes from early dreaming to long-term sustainability. Today’s focus is on the first two phases: Phase One: The Dreaming PhasePhase Two: The Building Consensus PhaseIf you are in the early stages of launching your nonprofit, this episode will help you: Name what you are thinking and feelingUnderstand why uncertainty is normalIdentify the risks that cause leaders to stallClarify the next right step forward✈️ Phase One: The Dreaming Phase Every nonprofit starts with you seeing a problem up close. You feel a personal responsibility to do something about it. The idea grows quietly in your mind. Common thoughts in this phase: Where do I even start?Am I qualified to do this?Could I actually make this work?Is there a future where this replaces what I am doing now?What you’re feeling: Excitement and energyFear and risk awarenessAnxiety due to lack of clarityThe biggest danger: Staying in the dreaming phase too long. Inspiration without movement becomes regret. What helps you move forward: Speak the idea out loudShare it with trusted truth tellersResearch whether the problem is real and widespreadGive the idea the “24 hour test”Dreaming is necessary. But clarity requires externalization. 🚀 Phase Two: The Building Consensus Phase This is where your idea leaves your head and enters the real world. You begin talking with family, mentors, and potential supporters. Affirmation builds. So does complexity. Common thoughts in this phase: What am I missing?How do I legally start this?How much will it cost?Who actually knows how to do this?What you’re feeling: ValidationOverwhelmPractical fearSelf doubtThis is often where: Endless research beginsLeaders stall outOr vision grows unrealistically large too fastThe temptation is to build the fully formed organization in your imagination. Facilities. Staff. Multiple programs. But healthy nonprofits begin with an MVP: a Minimum Viable Program. Matt shares the story of a thriving multimillion dollar nonprofit that began with one college student, a camping stove, and grilled cheese sandwiches for the homeless. Big impact rarely starts big. What moves you forward from Phase Two: Identifying potential board membersBuilding early structureClarifying fundraising messagingSecuring supportDesigning your first viable version of impactBuilding consensus is not about convincing people to believe in you. It is about confirming the vision is real, viable, and worth stewarding. Why This Matters Uncertainty in these early phases is not a red flag. It is predictable pressure. The leaders who move forward are not the ones who feel the most confident. They are the ones who understand what the pressure is revealing and what it is asking of them next. When you can name the phase you are in, you can name your next step. Coming Next In the next episode, Matt walks through Phases 3 - 5 And what it takes to move from intention to momentum without burning out. 🎯 Resource Mentioned Launchpad Workshop: Essentials for Moving from Nonprofit Idea to Impact If you are in the dreaming or early phases, this virtual workshop is designed specifically for you. April 28 to 30One hour per dayMission and vision clarityBoard developmentEarly fundraisingDesigning your MVP$49 investmentVisit: nonprofitlaunchplan.com and click Workshop.

    20 min

  8. FEB 5

    Nonprofit Fundraising: Growing Your Early Fundraising The Right Way (E38)

    There is a critical moment in the early life of almost every nonprofit when leaders feel pressure to go bigger. More marketing. More emails. More social posts. A bigger event. A broader appeal. And when those efforts fall flat, it is easy to assume something is wrong with the mission. In this episode, I explain why the problem usually is not your mission at all. It is timing. This is part three of a three-part series on securing your first nonprofit dollars. In this final installment, we focus on why early fundraising does not grow through reach, but through depth and relationships. In This Episode, You Will Learn: Why broad fundraising campaigns almost always fail in the early stagesThe difference between transactions and trust transfersWho your true early believers actually are and how to find themWhy one-to-one conversations outperform mass communication early onHow to handle introductions from board members and supporters with professionalism and respectWhat success really looks like in early fundraising and what it does notKey Takeaways: Early supporters are not strangers who click a donation link.They are people who already care deeply about the problem you are trying to solve. Your nonprofit does not create that concern.It becomes the vehicle through which they can act on it. That is why early believers are found through conversations, not campaigns. Introductions from board members, donors, and friends are not transactions. They are trust transfers. How quickly and thoughtfully you respond matters more than you think. At this stage, your goal is not to walk away with a check. Your goal is to build understanding, trust, and long-term relationships that can grow into partnership. Practical Strategies Covered: How to follow up on introductions within 24 hoursHow to approach meetings without leading with an askSimple networking ideas that lay strong foundations for future funding Series Recap: Part 1: Start with people who already believe in you. Your inner circle is where momentum begins.Part 2: Board giving and board networks validate the mission and build credibility.Part 3: Early believers beyond your immediate circle are found through trust, conversations, and shared concern for the problem you are solving.Together, these three groups form the foundation of healthy early nonprofit funding. Free Resource Mentioned: If fundraising still feels intimidating or unclear, download the Fearless Fundraising Mini Course. It includes a PDF workbook and five short videos covering the five core steps of the Fearless Fundraising Framework: You can access it for free at NonprofitLaunchPlan.com by clicking the pink banner at the top of the homepage. Email: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.comSchedule a FREE call with Matt: Contact | Nonprofit Launch PlanMatt's LinkedIn: Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

    17 min
See All (45)

Trailer

About

Launch and grow your nonprofit with confidence! The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits is your weekly resource for nonprofit startup advice, nonprofit growth strategies, and practical tips for nonprofit leadership. Whether you're dreaming of starting a nonprofit organization, navigating the challenges of a new role, or looking to scale your impact, this podcast provides actionable insights. Learn nonprofit best practices based around the 6 critical elements that any nonprofit needs to grow foundationally strong: Leadership, Development, Marketing, Programs and Services, Operations, and Finances. Learn effective fundraising strategies, and essential nonprofit management techniques. Get nonprofit coaching and access free nonprofit resources to build your nonprofit capacity and achieve nonprofit success. Join Matt Stockman, a seasoned nonprofit growth coach, as we explore nonprofit development and provide the guidance you need to make a lasting difference. Tune in for weekly episodes filled with nonprofit tips, inspiring stories, and expert advice to help you grow a nonprofit that thrives. If you are looking for nonprofit training or ways to improve your nonprofit strategy, this podcast is for you.

Information

You Might Also Like