A Modern Nonprofit Podcast

The Charity CFO, LLC

A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, powered by The Charity CFO, explores the most important business and culture topics in the nonprofit sector. Hosted by Tosha Anderson, each episode will feature an informative, lighthearted and insightful discussion about what’s trending in today’s organizations. This podcast is designed for nonprofit leaders and listeners alike, and we thank you for making this podcast part of your day!

  1. 2D AGO

    Episode 155: The State of Grant Seeking in 2026: Strategy, AI, and Surviving the Competition

    Grant Writing in 2026 Is Harder Than Ever - Here’s How to Adapt Federal funding volatility. Private foundations acting like contracts. Massive nonprofits competing for $5,000 grants. And now AI flooding the system with applications. In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson sits down with Dr. Krista Kurlinkus to unpack the state of grant seeking in 2026 and what nonprofit leaders must change to survive. We cover: -Why competition for grants is exploding -How AI is increasing volume but lowering quality -The dangers of “spray and pray” grant writing -Administrative burden and hidden compliance costs -Why nonprofits need a Grants Operating System -How to align strategy before writing another proposal If you’re feeling overwhelmed by funding shifts, this episode will give you clarity and actionable next steps. #grantwriting #nonprofitleadership #fundraisingstrategy #nonprofitfinance #aiingrantwriting #thecharitycfo Connect with Krista Kurlinkus FREE Templates on Krista's website: https://www.grantwritingmadeeasy.com💼 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kristakurlinkus YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GrantWritingMadeEasy 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kristakurlinkus Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint

    32 min
  2. MAR 17

    Episode 154: Why Donors Don’t Give Again — And How to Fix It

    Why Are Donors Disappearing? Here’s What Nonprofits Must Change Only 20% of first-time donors give again. That means for every 100 new donors you acquire, 80 disappear. Is it donor fatigue? The economy? AI? Federal funding volatility? In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson and donor strategist Erin Straza unpack the real reasons donors don’t return - and what nonprofit leaders must change to improve donor retention. We discuss: The truth about donor retention rates Why transactional fundraising fails The power of phone calls and personal outreach How messaging impacts lifetime donor value Why “fully funded” grant-heavy nonprofits are still vulnerable How to shift from a numbers game to relationship strategy If your fundraising appeals feel like they’re vanishing into the void, this episode is for you. #donorretention #nonprofitfundraising #nonprofitleadership #fundraisingstrategy #thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinstraza/ 🌐 Website: https://erinstraza.com/ FREE Open Office Meet Up with Erin on April 14th Register for FREE here: https://mailchi.mp/1af00243dff3/charitycfogrowtime Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint

    33 min
  3. MAR 3

    Episode 153: Federal Grants in 2026: What Nonprofits Need to Know Before Applying

    Is federal funding coming back? Should your nonprofit apply for federal grants in 2026? And what are the new compliance risks you need to understand before submitting an application? In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson sits down with federal funding expert Fielding Jezreel to unpack the current state of federal grants as of February 2026.After a turbulent 2025 filled with funding whiplash, shutdown fears, and shifting priorities, we’re finally seeing stability return. But that doesn’t mean it’s business as usual. We cover: -Why federal grant opportunities are surging in Spring 2026 -New federal funding priorities (faith-based, charter schools, rural organizations) -Increased scrutiny around first-year outcomes and compliance -Red flags that mean your nonprofit is NOT ready to apply -How to build the infrastructure to withstand federal audits -Whether you should apply directly or start as a sub-recipient If you’re a nonprofit leader navigating federal funding, grant management, compliance requirements, or organizational readiness, this episode is essential listening. Federal grants aren’t all doom and gloom in 2026 — but they do require strategy. Connect with Fielding Jezreel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fieldingjezreel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jezreelconsulting Learn more about Fielding’s Federal Grants Accelerator: https://www.federalgrantsaccelerator.com Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint Full episode here: https://thecharitycfo.com/federal-grants-2026-nonprofit-readiness/ Check these out: Is Your Nonprofit Ready For Federal Grant Funding? Why You Shouldn’t Be Giving Up on Federal Grants #nonprofitleadership #federalgrants #grantwriting #nonprofitfinance #nonprofitstrategy #thecharitycfo

    39 min
  4. FEB 17

    Episode 152: From Compliance to Clarity: How to Streamline Nonprofit Data Collection and Evaluation

    Data doesn’t have to feel like a burden. In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson talks with Kayla Meyers, Founder of Bridgepoint Evaluation, about how nonprofit leaders can move from compliance-driven data collection to clarity-driven evaluation strategy. If your organization is collecting data for grants but not using it for decision-making, team alignment, or strategic growth, this conversation will help you rethink your approach. You’ll learn how to: Shift from reactive to proactive evaluation Streamline nonprofit data systems Improve data quality without increasing volume Align your team around shared learning goals Combine impact stories with metrics Evaluation isn’t just a reporting requirement — it’s a leadership tool. Read the full blog recap here: https://thecharitycfo.com/from-compliance-to-clarity-how-nonprofits-can-finally-make-data-work-for-them/ Connect with Kayla Meyers 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgepointkayla/ 🌐 Website: https://www.bridgepointevaluation.com/ Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint #nonprofitpodcast #nonprofitdata #impactmeasurement #nonprofitstrategy #thecharitycfo

    22 min
  5. FEB 3

    Episode 151: Rethinking Philanthropy: How Business Leaders Can Help Nonprofits Create Lasting Impact

    What if philanthropy wasn’t just about writing checks - but about building systems that actually work?In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, host Tosha Anderson sits down with Ed Mitzen, Co-Founder of the Business for Good Foundation, to talk about rethinking traditional philanthropy through a business lens.After selling his for-profit company, Ed and his wife chose a hands-on approach to giving - investing time, talent, and capital into workforce development, housing, entrepreneurship, and underserved communities. Together, they explore how nonprofits, government, and the private sector can collaborate more effectively to create long-term economic mobility instead of short-term fixes. You’ll hear real examples of: Using entrepreneurship to reduce reliance on nonprofit servicesPartnering with government to get funding out fasterWhy nonprofit boards need business expertiseHow to engage donors and business leaders beyond writing checksWhat nonprofits should focus on as funding gets tighterIf you’re a nonprofit leader, funder, or board member navigating uncertainty and looking for smarter, more sustainable ways to drive impact - this episode is for you. Connect with Ed Mitzen 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠https://www.bfg.org/💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-mitzen/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/businessforgoodfoundation/ Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint

    33 min
  6. JAN 6

    Episode 149: Why Strategic Finance Is the Key to Nonprofit Fundraising Survival

    Fundraising and finance are supposed to work together but in most nonprofits they operate in silos. In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson sits down with David Cristello, Founder and CEO of Jetpack Workflow, to talk about why this disconnect is costing nonprofits time, money, and people.They dive into grant utilization, financial visibility, burnout, and why spreadsheets are failing nonprofit leaders. David shares what he has learned building technology for accountants and how those lessons apply to nonprofits struggling to track grants, programs, and funding gaps. If you are a nonprofit CEO, finance leader, or fundraiser trying to reduce chaos and make smarter decisions, this conversation will resonate.This episode is especially relevant if you are struggling with grant tracking, forecasting, financial transparency, or aligning fundraising strategy with financial reality.Connect with David Cristello🌐 Website: https://www.actuallyFI.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcristello/Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint

    43 min
  7. 12/23/2025

    Episode 148: How to Build and Protect Employee Trust During Organizational Change

    Trust is the currency of leadership - especially during disruption.In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, host Tosha Anderson sits down with Kim Bohr, President & COO of SparkEffect, to unpack how nonprofit leaders can navigate uncertainty without losing the trust, morale, and engagement of their people.Kim draws from SparkEffect’s new research study, Trust in Turbulence: The 2025 State of Organizational Trust, revealing what employees say builds trust (and destroys it) during disruption. They discuss:✔️ Why disruption hits trust before anything else✔️ The “Trust Dividend” - and how trust can grow during change✔️ Why middle managers are the most powerful (and fragile) culture carriers✔️ How nonprofits can protect belonging and psychological safety✔️ How to measure trust like a strategic asset - not a soft skillWhether you’re navigating shifting funding, leadership turnover, or organizational restructuring, this episode gives nonprofit CEOs and leaders the playbook for leading with clarity, consistency, and purpose. Check out the full episode here: https://thecharitycfo.com/trust-during-disruption-nonprofit-leaders/ 👉 Download the SparkEffect Trust Report for 2025: https://www.sparkeffect.com/mnp👉 Explore more nonprofit leadership tools at: https://www.thecharitycfo.com#nonprofitleadership #organizationaltrust #changemanagement #nonprofitmanagement #thecharitycfo Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfo Connect with Kim BohrLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimbohr/SparkEffect LinkedIn Company Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sparkeffect/ Courage to Advance Podcast available on All PlatformsPodcast Webpage: https://sparkeffect.com/sparkeffect-podcast-courage-to-advance/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sparkeffect-usCompany Website Homepage: https://sparkeffect.com/Join our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint

    27 min
4.7
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, powered by The Charity CFO, explores the most important business and culture topics in the nonprofit sector. Hosted by Tosha Anderson, each episode will feature an informative, lighthearted and insightful discussion about what’s trending in today’s organizations. This podcast is designed for nonprofit leaders and listeners alike, and we thank you for making this podcast part of your day!

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