204 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 • 298 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 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
    Ep 198: Challenging the Status Quo in Long-Standing Organizations (with Cica Dadjo)

    Ep 198: Challenging the Status Quo in Long-Standing Organizations (with Cica Dadjo)

    What is the secret to implementing DEI strategy in long-standing nonprofit organizations? Cica Dadjo, Chief GEDI at the IRC, shares universal lessons that can help nonprofit leaders disrupt the status quo of organizational culture.

    • 51 min
    Ep 197: Stop Calling It Microaggressions: A Call To Action To Intercept Subtle Acts Of Exclusion

    Ep 197: Stop Calling It Microaggressions: A Call To Action To Intercept Subtle Acts Of Exclusion

    It is a misnomer. There is nothing ‘micro’ about microaggression. What is the real meaning of microaggression, what should it truly be called, and how can a leader recognize and take action to tackle it? Dr. Tiffany Jana shares her insights, why she has stopped using the word ‘crazy’, and what organizations can do to create a culture of awareness.

    • 44 min
    Ep 196: How Risky Is AI For Nonprofits? (with Beth Kanter)

    Ep 196: How Risky Is AI For Nonprofits? (with Beth Kanter)

    Organizations around the world are using artificial intelligence to improve processes, delegate tasks, and drive progress. What do nonprofit leaders need to know?

    • 45 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
298 Ratings

298 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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