The NonProfit Nook

Wendy Kidd

Welcome to The NonProfit Nook — the podcast for nonprofit leaders, board members, staff, and community champions who want to strengthen their organizations and make a bigger impact... without burning out in the process. I’m Wendy Kidd—business owner for over 20 years and nonprofit leader for just as long. I created this show because I know how overwhelming it can be to lead a nonprofit. Most of us didn’t get into this work thinking we’d be running a business—we just wanted to help people. But the truth is, running a nonprofit *is* running a business, and I’m here to help make that part easier. Each week on The NonProfit Nook, you’ll get real talk and real tools. We’ll dive into the nuts and bolts of nonprofit management—strategic planning, budgeting, board engagement, donor communication, volunteer recruitment, and more. No fluff—just practical advice and conversations that help you work smarter and lead with confidence. You’ll also hear: - Stories from inspiring North Texas nonprofits and the local heroes behind them - Tips from experts on marketing, digital tools, DEI, nonprofit culture, and sustainable leadership - Real conversations about burnout, boundaries, time management, and self-care—because leadership shouldn’t feel lonely Whether you're leading a nonprofit, supporting one, or just passionate about the mission, The NonProfit Nook will give you the tools, encouragement, and inspiration you need to thrive. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review to support the show, and follow us on social media @thenonprofitnook for more nonprofit insights, stories, and resources. Let’s make nonprofit life a little easier—and a lot more impactful.

  1. 9H AGO

    Spotlight on Foundation for C.H.O.I.C.E.: A Structured Approach to Transforming Young Lives

    In this conversation, Wendy Kidd interviews Colleen Mier, the Executive Director of Foundation for C.H.O.I.C.E., a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring at-risk youth in North Texas. Colleen shares the origins of the foundation, its structured curriculum aimed at empowering students, and the importance of community engagement and volunteerism. The discussion highlights the transformative power of mentorship and education in shaping the futures of young individuals. Links: Www.foundationforchoice.org linkedin.com/in/colleen-mier-43674131 https://www.instagram.com/foundation_for_c.h.o.i.c.e https://www.facebook.com/FoundationForCHOICE Career Exploration-https://lnkd.in/gYBZS2cv https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged Takeaways: Foundation for Choice was co-founded in 2014 to support at-risk youth. The program matches students with one-on-one mentors for a structured curriculum. Mentorship can significantly change a student's perspective on education and career. The organization is expanding its reach across Texas to serve more students. Community involvement is crucial for the success of nonprofit initiatives. Mentors gain as much from the experience as the students do. The curriculum focuses on growth mindset, goal setting, and soft skills. Volunteers are needed for various roles, including mentoring and career guidance. Education is seen as a pathway to freedom and opportunity. The organization utilizes social media to engage with the community and showcase student achievements. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Foundation for Choice 02:55 The Impact of Mentorship on At-Risk Youth 05:53 Building a Structured Curriculum for Success 08:52 Community Engagement and Volunteer Opportunities 11:55 The Importance of Education and Career Exploration Keywords: nonprofit, mentoring, at-risk youth, education, community engagement, Foundation for Choice, career opportunities, volunteer, youth empowerment, structured curriculum Mentioned in this episode: Enji

    17 min
  2. FEB 10

    Interview with Tawnia Wise: Lessons from Become a Nonprofit Pro

    In this conversation, Tawnia Wise shares her insights on nonprofit leadership, the common pitfalls faced by nonprofit organizations, and the importance of strategic thinking and self-care for leaders. She discusses her book 'Become a Nonprofit Pro' and emphasizes the need for sustainable practices in nonprofit management. Tawnia also highlights the significance of financial literacy and the necessity of building organizations that can outlive their founders. Links: https://www.wiseresourcedevelopment.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawniawise/ Become a Nonprofit Pro https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged Takeaways: Tawnia Wise emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking in nonprofit leadership. Operating in a reactive mode limits sustainability and strategic planning. Nonprofit leaders often care too much, leading to burnout. Self-care is crucial for effective leadership in nonprofits. Martyrdom is not a badge of honor; leaders must protect their peace. Building sustainable organizations requires infrastructure and planning. Financial literacy is essential for nonprofit success. Nonprofits can be in a startup phase regardless of their age. Clarity on values helps leaders make better decisions. Setting boundaries is vital for nonprofit leaders. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tawnia Wise and Her Journey 03:58 The Inspiration Behind 'Become a Nonprofit Pro' 06:38 Common Pitfalls in Nonprofit Leadership 09:28 The Importance of Strategic Mindset 12:13 Caring for Yourself as a Leader 14:52 Building a Legacy in Nonprofits 17:47 Practical Advice for Nonprofit Sustainability 20:23 Implementing the Book's Lessons 23:27 Final Thoughts and Resources Mentioned in this episode: Benevolate Enji

    33 min
  3. FEB 3

    Spotlight on Lift R&R: Empowering Communities Through Nonprofit Collaboration

    In this episode of the Nonprofit Nook, Wendy Kidd interviews Rolanda Macharia, the founder and executive director of Lift R & R, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential resources and hope to individuals in need. Rolanda shares her passion for helping others, the mission of Lift R & R, and the importance of collaboration among nonprofits. She discusses the challenges faced by nonprofits, success stories of individuals they have helped, and how people can get involved with Lift R & R. Links https://liftrandr.org/ https://www.facebook.com/share/1DWaNz4miT/?mibextid=wwXIfr Event signup form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeorJDuBRssOhb_8VLMLYOSO_eeuSIb01e9cqXlzrvICzyx4w/viewform https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged Takeaways Lift R & R stands for laboring in the field together, resources and referrals. The mission is to collaborate with nonprofits across Collin County. They target individuals in need, nonprofits, and businesses in the community. Collaboration is key to providing resources effectively. Success stories highlight the impact of their work on individuals' lives. Building relationships with other nonprofits is crucial for resource sharing. Nonprofits often face challenges with funding and visibility. It's important to vet organizations before making referrals. People can support nonprofits by volunteering or donating. Collectively, we can make a difference in the community. Mentioned in this episode: Benevolate Enji

    22 min
  4. JAN 27

    Spotlight on Missing Pieces Support Group: Supporting Those Facing Pregnancy Loss

    In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd interviews Anh Nguyen, the Director of the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of Missing Pieces Support Group. Anh discusses the organization's mission to support women and families experiencing pregnancy loss through curated care packages and support groups. The conversation highlights the importance of acknowledging pregnancy loss as a significant grief event and offering appropriate resources. Anh shares inspirational stories, volunteer needs, and upcoming initiatives, including meditation groups and fundraising events. Listeners are encouraged to support Missing Pieces and connect with Anh for more information. Links: https://missingpiecessupportgroup.org https://missingpiecessupportgroup.org/resources/dfw-missingpieces/ https://missingpiecessupportgroup.org/loss-support/ https://linkedin.com/in/AnhTNguyen170 https://linkedin.com/company/missing-pieces-support-group-texas https://instagram.com/missingpiecessupport https://facebook.com/missingpiecessupport https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged 00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences with Pregnancy Loss 00:35 Welcome to The NonProfit Nook 01:22 Introducing Anh Nguyen and Missing Pieces Support Group 03:37 Support Services and Care Packages 07:42 The Importance of Awareness and Breaking the Silence 11:26 Success Stories and Personal Reflections 19:44 Challenges in Nonprofit Work 22:38 How to Get Involved with Missing Pieces 26:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Mentioned in this episode: Enji Benevolate

    30 min
  5. JAN 13

    Money Matters: Harnessing Bank Relationships for Nonprofit Success with Andrew Lee

    In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd is joined by Andrew Lee from First United Bank to discuss the importance of cultivating strong relationships between nonprofits and their banks. With nearly 18 years of banking experience, Andrew highlights key benefits and strategies for nonprofits, emphasizing the importance of open communication and understanding the organization's needs. He also shares practical advice on financial management, internal controls, and common mistakes to avoid. This episode provides valuable insights for nonprofit leaders seeking to strengthen their financial foundation. Links: Andrew’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-l-b360892b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged 00:00 Introduction to Open Communication in Nonprofits 00:21 Welcome to The NonProfit Nook 01:05 Introducing Andrew Lee from First United Bank 01:50 Building Relationships with Your Banker 03:54 Benefits of Having a Go-To Banker 06:09 Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make 13:34 The Importance of Internal Controls 18:24 Key Moments to Consult Your Banker 18:54 The Role of Community Banks 20:13 Identifying Green Flags in Banks 21:38 Purpose in a Pocket: First United's Community Commitment 23:04 The Importance of Nonprofit-Banker Relationships 29:04 Supporting Small Nonprofits 30:32 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 32:31 Conclusion and Contact Information Mentioned in this episode: Enji Benevolate

    35 min
  6. JAN 6

    Smart Solutions: AI Strategies for Nonprofits with Michael Garrett

    In this episode of The Nonprofit Nook, host Wendy Kidd interviews Michael Garrett, a nonprofit innovator and efficiency strategist, about the practical use of AI in the nonprofit sector. Garrett discusses treating AI as a new employee that requires onboarding and training to become effective. They delve into how nonprofits can utilize AI for grant writing, managing tasks, and social media. Garrett also highlights the importance of constantly questioning AI outputs and feeding it accurate information. They conclude with actionable tips for nonprofit leaders to get started with AI and avoid common pitfalls. Links: https://trustedworld.org/ https://missionmetrics.org/ AI Toolkit for Nonprofits: https://missionmetrics.org/ai-prompt-toolkit-for-nonprofits/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-garrett-nonprofit-innovator/ https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged 00:00 Introduction to AI and Onboarding 00:28 Welcome to The Nonprofit Nook 01:16 Introducing Michael Garrett 01:58 The Power of Data in Nonprofits 03:04 AI in Nonprofits: Grant Writing and Beyond 04:42 Training Your AI: The Merlin Example 10:13 AI for Daily Operations and Efficiency 11:51 Six Sigma and Nonprofit Applications 13:01 Getting Started with AI: Tools and Tips 14:33 Understanding Human Bias in AI 15:50 AI Toolkit for Nonprofits 17:55 Navigating Nonprofit Finances 18:53 AI Data Security Concerns 20:11 AI Hallucinations and Guardrails 24:09 Practical Uses of AI in Nonprofits 26:22 Training AI for Better Results 28:54 Final Thoughts and Future Workshops Mentioned in this episode: Benevolate Enji

    34 min
  7. 12/16/2025

    Perception Matters: Insights with Kendria Taylor

    In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd welcomes back Kendria Taylor, a learning and development expert with over 20 years of experience. Kendria shares her insights on the importance of perception for nonprofit leaders, particularly focusing on the perceptions of Executive Directors by the public, board members, and staff. The discussion covers strategies for aligning personal behavior with organizational mission, improving communication, and developing empathy. Kendria also offers practical advice for Executive Directors and boards facing conflicts, emphasizing the need for honest self-assessment and structured communication. Listeners are encouraged to consider how they are perceived and to address any issues with a proactive and empathetic approach. Wendy also notes that the podcast will take a brief hiatus over the holidays, returning on January 6th. https://www.tg8solutions.com https://www.instagram.com/thekendriataylor/ https://www.instagram.com/tg8solutionsinsight/ https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged 00:00 Introduction to the Rumor Mill 00:30 Welcome to The NonProfit Nook 01:18 Meet Kendria Taylor: Learning and Development Powerhouse 02:23 Discussing Feedback and Generational Workforce 03:38 Diving into Perception in Nonprofits 08:54 Empathy and Leadership in Nonprofits 12:19 Balancing Frontline and Office Work 15:29 Effective Board Management 19:11 Addressing Perception Issues 20:14 Naming and Taming Emotions 21:16 Empathy in the Workplace 22:23 Addressing Board and ED Conflicts 25:21 Communication and Generational Differences 27:51 Assessing Board Impact and Engagement 30:11 Perception and Public Image 35:05 Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement 35:36 Holiday Announcement and Sign-Off Mentioned in this episode: Enji Benevolate

    39 min
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to The NonProfit Nook — the podcast for nonprofit leaders, board members, staff, and community champions who want to strengthen their organizations and make a bigger impact... without burning out in the process. I’m Wendy Kidd—business owner for over 20 years and nonprofit leader for just as long. I created this show because I know how overwhelming it can be to lead a nonprofit. Most of us didn’t get into this work thinking we’d be running a business—we just wanted to help people. But the truth is, running a nonprofit *is* running a business, and I’m here to help make that part easier. Each week on The NonProfit Nook, you’ll get real talk and real tools. We’ll dive into the nuts and bolts of nonprofit management—strategic planning, budgeting, board engagement, donor communication, volunteer recruitment, and more. No fluff—just practical advice and conversations that help you work smarter and lead with confidence. You’ll also hear: - Stories from inspiring North Texas nonprofits and the local heroes behind them - Tips from experts on marketing, digital tools, DEI, nonprofit culture, and sustainable leadership - Real conversations about burnout, boundaries, time management, and self-care—because leadership shouldn’t feel lonely Whether you're leading a nonprofit, supporting one, or just passionate about the mission, The NonProfit Nook will give you the tools, encouragement, and inspiration you need to thrive. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review to support the show, and follow us on social media @thenonprofitnook for more nonprofit insights, stories, and resources. Let’s make nonprofit life a little easier—and a lot more impactful.