The Nonprofit Show

American Nonprofit Academy
  • 5.0 (5)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED DAILY

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. Nonprofit Data Chaos? How Nonprofits Fix It Fast!

    20H AGO

    Nonprofit Data Chaos? How Nonprofits Fix It Fast!

    Send us Fan Mail This episode explores how nonprofits can fix fragmented data systems by centralizing information, improving reporting, and building scalable infrastructure that supports growth and better decision-making.  A strong nonprofit data management strategy is no longer optional—it’s essential for scaling impact, improving reporting, and saving valuable staff time. Cherry Yang, CEO of Claribase and an award-winning Airtable consultant, shares how nonprofits can move from fragmented systems and spreadsheet overload to centralized, scalable data operations. If your team is constantly switching tools, copying and pasting data, or struggling to produce reports, this conversation offers a clear path forward. Cherry explains why most nonprofit systems fail: they operate in silos. Fundraising platforms, program data, financial tools, and spreadsheets often live separately—creating inefficiencies and increasing risk. As she notes, “People end up doing a lot of copy and pasting… and it just doesn’t work. It’s not efficient, and people waste so much time.”  Instead, she advocates for centralized data systems that connect teams, automate workflows, and provide real-time dashboards for leadership. With the right structure, nonprofits can eliminate manual processes, reduce errors, and give decision-makers immediate access to insights. The business impact is significant. One organization Cherry worked with grew from 2 to 25 staff members in five years—largely because they could clearly report outcomes and secure funding through strong data practices. As Cherry puts it, “It’s all about setting the organization up for scale… so leadership can get data at their fingertips.”  This episode also addresses: How data fragmentation creates operational drag Why dashboards are critical for leadership and grant reporting How to structure training across different roles The connection between data systems and organizational growth If your nonprofit is ready to operate more efficiently and grow with confidence, this is a must-watch.  00:00:00 Introduction to nonprofit data challenges  00:02:00 What a nonprofit data strategy really means  00:05:05 Why nonprofit systems fail in silos  00:06:45 The hidden cost of copy-and-paste workflows  00:10:15 Real-world example: event and speaker data chaos  00:11:30 Centralizing systems with automation  00:14:00 Training teams for data success  00:16:30 Leadership dashboards and self-serve reporting  00:21:30 How dashboards improve grant reporting  00:22:20 Case study: scaling from 2 to 25 staff  00:24:30 Expanding data systems into finance and grants  00:27:30 Where to start: data health check and next steps  #NonprofitData #NonprofitLeadership #TheNonprofitShow 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
  2. Nonprofit Payroll Compliance: How To Get It Right!

    1D AGO

    Nonprofit Payroll Compliance: How To Get It Right!

    Send us Fan Mail Nonprofit payroll compliance strategies are no longer optional—they are essential for managing risk, retaining talent, and maintaining funder trust. In this learning session, Jeff Griffin of ADP and Dr. Stephanie Rose-Belcher of JMT Consulting walk through the most critical payroll issues nonprofit leaders must get right today. From worker classification to grant-funded payroll tracking, the conversation highlights how payroll decisions impact everything from compliance exposure to financial transparency. As Jeff Griffin explains, “If you get this wrong, you're on the radar of some pretty important agencies—IRS, Department of Labor, EEOC.” Misclassification doesn’t just create regulatory risk—it affects fairness, tax obligations, and employee protections. The discussion also explores how nonprofits can better align payroll systems with funding requirements. With increasing pressure from funders to demonstrate accountability, organizations must track time, allocate labor across grants, and generate accurate reports. A connected technology ecosystem becomes critical—not just for compliance, but for future funding conversations. Another emerging strategy? Earned Wage Access (EWA). This innovative approach gives employees access to wages before payday, helping nonprofits improve retention without increasing compensation costs. As Stephanie Rose-Belcher notes, it’s a practical way to support mission-critical staff when budgets are tight. Finally, the episode dives into how AI is transforming payroll operations. From identifying anomalies to providing real-time employee insights, AI is reducing manual work and enabling finance teams to focus on higher-level strategy. “We now give that back office professional the ability to be strategic in their time,” Stephanie shares. This is a must-watch conversation for nonprofit executives, finance leaders, and operations teams looking to reduce risk, improve efficiency, and build stronger organizations through smarter payroll strategies.  00:00:00 Introduction to Nonprofit Payroll Risks  00:03:00 What ADP and JMT Bring to Nonprofit Finance  00:06:10 Worker Classification and Compliance Exposure  00:11:10 Grant Payroll Tracking and Transparency Challenges  00:15:00 Earned Wage Access and Employee Retention  00:19:25 Why Payroll Strategy Impacts Turnover  00:20:30 AI in Payroll: Detecting Errors and Anomalies  00:24:00 From Manual Tasks to Strategic Finance Leadership  00:27:10 Innovate Conference and Finance Leadership Trends  00:30:00 Final Takeaways for Nonprofit Leaders  #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFinance #PayrollCompliance 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

    32 min
  3. Nonprofit Donor Journey Strategy: From Ticket Buyer to Major Donor

    2D AGO

    Nonprofit Donor Journey Strategy: From Ticket Buyer to Major Donor

    Send us Fan Mail Exploring how nonprofits can build a seamless donor journey strategy by integrating earned revenue, audience experience, and long-term philanthropic engagement.  A strong nonprofit donor journey strategy connects every touchpoint—from first interaction to long-term giving. Dr. Jonathon Scott Crider of Fox Tucson Theatre shares how integrating earned revenue, audience experience, and philanthropy can transform financial sustainability for nonprofits. For organizations balancing mission delivery with revenue realities, this conversation highlights a critical truth: “This organization has to sell tickets in order to fulfill its mission.” Ticket sales drive engagement, but they are only the beginning. The real opportunity lies in what happens next. Jonathon outlines how his team manages the full continuum—from awareness to ticket purchase, live experience, and ultimately donor cultivation. Rather than separating marketing and development, they treat every attendee as a potential long-term supporter. This unified approach allows them to grow both earned and contributed revenue simultaneously. One of the most powerful takeaways challenges traditional fundraising assumptions. Many nonprofits focus heavily on high-capacity donors, but Jonathon emphasizes that loyalty may be the most overlooked asset: “You’re leaving money on the table when you’re not talking to people who’ve just been loyal to you.” Consistent, modest donors often represent strong planned giving prospects because of their sustained connection to the mission. The episode also introduces practical strategies like identifying “super fans”—high-frequency participants who can become key donors—and aligning programming decisions with sponsorship opportunities. By connecting experiences directly to funding, nonprofits can create a more predictable and engaged revenue model. For nonprofit leaders, this conversation reinforces a critical operational mindset: every interaction is part of the donor journey. When organizations intentionally design that journey, they unlock deeper engagement, stronger loyalty, and more sustainable growth.  00:00:00 Introduction to Historic Venues & Fundraising  00:02:20 The Fox Theatre Story and Mission  00:06:20 Rise, Decline, and Restoration Strategy  00:11:45 Post-Pandemic Growth and Revenue Expansion  00:12:40 Why Ticket Sales Drive Mission Delivery  00:14:10 Managing the Full Donor Journey  00:16:00 Engaging New and Younger Audiences  00:18:10 Experience as a Fundraising Strategy  00:20:30 Sponsorships and Revenue Alignment  00:22:30 Red Carpet Legacy Society Explained  00:24:00 Loyalty vs High-Dollar Donors  00:25:10 Super Fans as Donor Pipeline  #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitStrategy #Fundraising 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
  4. Why Every Nonprofit Needs a Development Assistant

    5D AGO

    Why Every Nonprofit Needs a Development Assistant

    Send us Fan Mail The nonprofit development assistant role responsibilities are often misunderstood—but getting this position right can dramatically increase fundraising results and operational efficiency. In this Fundraisers Friday episode, Julia Patrick and Tony Beall break down why this role is not just administrative support—but a strategic investment that frees your fundraising team to focus on revenue generation, donor relationships, and long-term growth. As Tony explains, “Nonprofit fundraising professionals need to have the bandwidth to be away from their desk… making connections and stewarding relationships.” Without that support, highly paid development leaders end up doing low-value administrative work—limiting your organization’s return on investment. This conversation dives into the real responsibilities behind the role, including donor database management, acknowledgments, reporting, event coordination, CRM oversight, and campaign support. These are not small tasks—they are the operational backbone of effective fundraising. Julia highlights a critical mindset shift: “Even just opening your heart and your mind to having this support might be a little bit of a challenge.” Many organizations—and even development professionals—struggle to delegate, which creates bottlenecks and slows growth. You’ll also learn: When a nonprofit should consider hiring a development assistantHow to structure the role (full-time, part-time, or shared)Why customer service skills are essential in fundraising operationsHow this role supports donor experience and retentionCareer pathways and talent pipelines (including interns and volunteers)Most importantly, this episode challenges nonprofit leaders to think in terms of time value and ROI—are your highest-paid fundraisers doing the work that actually drives revenue? If your organization is serious about scaling fundraising and improving efficiency, this is a conversation you need to hear.  00:00:00 Introduction to Development Assistant Role  00:04:30 Why This Role Is a Strategic Investment  00:06:00 Time Value: Fundraisers vs Administrative Tasks  00:08:10 Core Responsibilities Explained  00:10:00 Delegation Challenges in Nonprofit Teams  00:11:00 Modern Fundraising vs Traditional Admin Work  00:13:00 Key Traits: Customer Service + Project Management  00:14:30 Where to Find the Right Talent  00:16:10 Volunteers vs Paid Roles: What Works  00:18:30 Reporting Structure and Team Integration  00:20:00 Real Example: Post-Networking Follow-Up Workflow  00:21:40 Career Path and Growth Opportunities  00:26:30 ROI Thinking: Start Part-Time and Scale  #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitLeadership #FundraisingStrategy 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. Why Your Nonprofit Can’t Execute Your Strategic Plan

    6D AGO

    Why Your Nonprofit Can’t Execute Your Strategic Plan

    Send us Fan Mail If your nonprofit’s strategic plan is sitting on a shelf instead of driving results, this conversation is your wake-up call. Dylan Bassett, Principal and Founder of Department 1 Solutions, challenges a deeply ingrained habit across the sector: setting ambitious goals without first understanding operational capacity. Dylan makes it clear—most nonprofit plans fail not because of poor intentions, but because they are disconnected from the realities of staff bandwidth, systems, and workflows. As he explains, “A lot of nonprofit strategic plans are too big for the team that’s executing them.” That disconnect creates frustration, burnout, and ultimately stalled progress. Instead of starting with lofty goals, Dylan urges organizations to flip the model. Begin by assessing what your team and technology can actually support today. Then identify the gap between current capacity and future ambitions. That gap becomes the real work—where systems, processes, and people must align. A major takeaway? Many nonprofits already have the tools they need but are underutilizing them. Rather than rushing to purchase new platforms, leaders should first evaluate how existing systems can be better configured and adopted. This approach not only saves money but also strengthens internal efficiency. Dylan also emphasizes turning strategy into a daily habit. By breaking large goals into smaller, measurable actions, organizations can maintain momentum, build team confidence, and create regular opportunities for progress. As he shares, “The success of success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.” This is more than a planning conversation—it’s a call to rethink how your organization operates. Bring your team into the process. Align your tools with your workflows. And most importantly, create a roadmap that your staff can actually execute. If your nonprofit is ready to move from planning to performance, this episode is your next step.  00:00:00 Opening and Guest Introduction  00:01:05 Why Strategic Plans Often Fail  00:03:13 Technology Challenges in Nonprofits  00:05:04 The Gap Between Vision and Capacity  00:07:39 Defining Capacity Before Setting Goals  00:10:47 Auditing Your Existing Systems  00:13:18 Are Nonprofits Using Tech Effectively  00:16:04 Technology as a Long Term Commitment  00:18:02 Turning Strategy Into Daily Practice  00:21:00 Building Momentum Through Small Wins  00:26:22 Staff Buy In and Adapting Plans  00:29:02 Final Takeaways on Clarity and Execution  #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitStrategy #OperationalExcellence 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. Neuro Giving: The Science Behind Why Donors Donate

    MAR 18

    Neuro Giving: The Science Behind Why Donors Donate

    Send us Fan Mail A sophisticated and deeply reflective conversation on the science behind donor decision-making. Drawing from neuroscience and behavioral research, Cherian Koshy reframes fundraising not as persuasion, but as understanding—an evolution that has profound implications for the business of nonprofits. Cherian shares his own journey into fundraising, describing how early trial-and-error efforts led him to question a fundamental issue: why do donors give? That curiosity sparked a deeper exploration into human behavior, ultimately revealing that giving is not driven primarily by logic, but by emotion. As he explains, “We make the emotional decision… and then our brain says, how do I justify or rationalize that decision based upon proof.”  This insight challenges long-held assumptions in nonprofit strategy. Rather than focusing solely on rational appeals or comparative value, organizations must recognize that donors are already motivated by internal emotional drivers. The fundraiser’s role, Cherian emphasizes, is not to convince, but to facilitate: “Our job as fundraisers is actually to get out of their way… not to convince them to do something that they don’t want to do.”  The discussion also confronts ethical considerations, particularly as technology and AI reshape the sector. Cherian introduces a practical ethical framework: if a donor would feel uncomfortable knowing how their behavior is being influenced, the approach is likely inappropriate. Transparency, consent, and donor intent become essential guardrails. Importantly, the conversation bridges theory with application. From simplifying donation processes to rethinking stewardship messaging, Cherian illustrates how neuroscience can strengthen donor relationships when used responsibly. His example of moving from transactional acknowledgments to emotionally resonant gratitude reveals a powerful truth: donors are not giving to organizations—they are expressing personal meaning. As nonprofits face increasing pressure to perform, this episode offers a refined perspective on sustainable fundraising, inviting leaders to move beyond tactics and toward a more human-centered, ethically grounded approach that builds long-term trust and impact.  00:00:00 Opening and 1500th Episode Celebration  00:01:04 Introducing Cherian Koshy and Topic  00:02:50 Journey into Fundraising and Discovery  00:04:37 Why People Make Decisions  00:06:48 Ethics and Donor Intent  00:10:11 Emotional vs Logical Decision Making  00:17:30 Building Donor Connection Over Persuasion  00:20:03 AI Opportunities and Risks in Fundraising  00:23:43 Rethinking Donor Stewardship  00:26:13 Sector Adoption and Real-World Impact  00:28:42 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways  #TheNonprofitShow #FundraisingStrategy #DonorBehavior 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
  7. Your Gala Isn't Broken—But Your Process Might Be!

    MAR 17

    Your Gala Isn't Broken—But Your Process Might Be!

    Send us Fan Mail Nonprofits can turn fundraising events into more efficient, donor-friendly, revenue-generating experiences that support long-term growth. Most events are full of potential, but this learning session makes it clear that the strongest galas are no longer built around chaos, long lines, and overworked staff.  In this energizing conversation, Justin Goodhew, Co-Founder and CEO of Trellis, makes the case that event success is not just about what happens in the ballroom. It starts before the event with better use of donor data, stronger integration with internal systems, and smarter choices about where staff time should go. He explains that many organizations stop doing galas not because events no longer matter, but because the process drains team capacity. By simplifying check-in, reducing friction, and using technology that connects with existing CRM and finance systems, nonprofits can free staff and volunteers to focus on donor relationships rather than administrative bottlenecks. He also brings a strong business lens to revenue strategy. Instead of piling on low-yield activities that consume time, Justin encourages nonprofits to focus on the highest net return, such as paddle raises, major auction items, and thoughtfully designed upsell options. As he puts it, “We’re actually really a fundraising and a donor retention platform disguised as an event platform.” That perspective shifts the conversation from event logistics to donor value and lifetime engagement. One of the key takeaways is Justin’s emphasis on what happens after the event. Fast follow-up, integrated donor data, and immediate action are what turn a one-night attendee into a future supporter. He also shares that strategic auction upsells can produce “about 6 to 7% increase in revenue” simply by giving donors another easy, mission-aligned way to give. This session is a smart reminder that nonprofit events do not need to disappear. They need to evolve. With the right systems, intentional design, and a stronger focus on donor experience, galas can become more productive, more profitable, and far more sustainable for nonprofit teams!  00:00:00 Welcome  00:02:24 What Trellis.org Does for Nonprofit Events  00:04:29 Growing Event Revenue With Limited Staff  00:06:32 Faster Check-In and Better Donor Experience  00:12:40 Turning One-Night Guests Into Long-Term Donors  00:16:04 Modern Event Upselling That Increases Revenue  00:17:41 Why Paddle Raises Matter So Much  00:24:01 Why Tech-First Events Are Outperforming Traditional Models  00:26:23 Less Staff Strain More Mission Engagement  00:28:10 A New Mindset for Nonprofit Events  #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFundraising #EventStrategy 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
  8. Second-Home Owners: Donors Transforming Local Nonprofits!

    MAR 16

    Second-Home Owners: Donors Transforming Local Nonprofits!

    Send a text Second-home ownership may sound like a lifestyle topic, but this episode makes it clear that it is also a major nonprofit business opportunity. Jeffrey Glebocki, Founder and Lead Advisor of Strategy Plus Action Philanthropy, shares first-of-its-kind research on how second homeowners think, give, volunteer, and connect with causes in the communities where they spend part of the year. The scale alone is eye-opening. Jeff explains that there are about 6.5 million second homes in the United States, representing roughly 5% of the nation’s housing stock. Even more striking, half of those second homes are concentrated in just eight states: Florida, California, New York, Texas, Michigan, North Carolina, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. For nonprofits operating in these areas, this is not a niche audience. It is a significant and often underused segment of philanthropic opportunity! Jeff explains that second-home owners bring substantial giving capacity.  Their liquid available assets ranged from $250,000 to more than $100 million.  More importantly, they are not simply passive residents. Many are interested in building relationships, finding meaning, and supporting local organizations once they feel connected to the place. That connection usually takes time. According to the research, donors often wait two to three years before making gifts in their second-home communities, but once engaged, they can become generous supporters, volunteers, and even board members. One of the most exciting takeaways is that these donors are not looking for a hard sell. They respond to invitations from trusted people, easy entry points, and meaningful social experiences. Jeff puts it plainly: “If we don't know about you, if we don't hear about your group or your cause, we can't give to you.” That insight alone is a wake-up call for nonprofits that want to expand their visibility and strengthen local communications. The lively conversation also reveals that donor values tend to remain steady across both primary and second-home communities. Yet donors often adapt their giving to local realities, whether that means environmental concerns, housing pressures, disaster response, or border issues. As one donor quoted in the research said, “Our money here has more impact, period.” That sense of direct, visible results can deepen trust and grow long-term support. This is a smart, practical conversation about donor behavior, local engagement, and how nonprofits can better position themselves to welcome a high-capacity audience already living among them part of the year.  #TheNonprofitShow #Philanthropy #FundraisingStrategy 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
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

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

Information

  • Creator
    American Nonprofit Academy
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    971
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 American Nonprofit Academy
  • Show Website
    The Nonprofit Show

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