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. Should Nonprofits Pay Taxes on Business Revenue? A Real Debate

    5H AGO

    Should Nonprofits Pay Taxes on Business Revenue? A Real Debate

    Send us Fan Mail Exploring whether nonprofits should pay taxes on business income, examining how revenue sources, competition, and policy gaps are reshaping the sector’s financial landscape. Nonprofit tax exemption business income is becoming one of the most important—and controversial—issues facing the sector today. As nonprofits generate more revenue through business-like activities, the question is no longer theoretical: should some of that income be taxed? In this eye-opening conversation, Scott Hodge of Arnold Ventures joins The Nonprofit Show to examine how nonprofit revenue models have evolved—and where the current tax framework may no longer align with reality. The nonprofit sector now represents $3.6 trillion in total revenue, with approximately $2.8 trillion coming from business-related activities. Yet much of this income remains untaxed. As Scott explains, “We have this enormous… gap in the tax code so that these businesses that are now nonprofits are not paying any tax on their business income.” This raises real operational and strategic questions for nonprofit leaders. When organizations generate revenue through sponsorships, services, or large-scale operations, where is the line between mission-driven funding and commercial activity? The discussion also revisits the intent behind the Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) and why it may no longer capture the realities of today’s nonprofit economy. “UBIT has been made so full of holes that it doesn’t capture very much income at all,” Scott notes. At the same time, the conversation carefully distinguishes between truly charitable organizations—those driven primarily by donations—and large-scale entities operating with minimal philanthropic income. This distinction matters, especially as nonprofits compete not only with for-profit businesses but also with each other for limited donor dollars. For nonprofit executives, finance leaders, and board members, this episode offers a critical lens on: Revenue strategy and risk exposure Policy shifts that could impact operations The long-term sustainability of tax-exempt status This isn’t about weakening the sector—it’s about understanding how definitions, funding models, and accountability may evolve in the years ahead.   00:00:00 Introduction: Should Nonprofits Pay Taxes?  00:01:20 The Scale of the Nonprofit Economy  00:04:30 What Counts as “Business Income”?  00:06:45 Real Examples: NCAA, AARP, Hospitals  00:09:20 Understanding UBIT and Its Limitations  00:12:00 Nonprofit Survival vs Business Activity  00:14:10 Defining True Charity vs Commercial Operations  00:16:00 Where Large Nonprofits Blur the Lines  00:20:00 Sector Pressure and Public Perception  00:22:30 Why Policy Change Has Stalled  00:24:00 What Could Trigger Reform?  00:26:00 Final Thoughts: Protecting True Charitable Work  #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitTaxation #NonprofitFinance 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
  2. The Rise of Job Hugging: Nonprofit Hiring Challenge

    1D AGO

    The Rise of Job Hugging: Nonprofit Hiring Challenge

    Send us Fan Mail Nonprofit hiring challenges in 2026 are shifting in unexpected ways—and it’s not about a lack of talent. It’s about behavior. In this episode, we explore how “job hugging” is reshaping the nonprofit workforce and slowing hiring across the sector. Dana Scurlock, Managing Director at Staffing Boutique, breaks down a growing trend where nonprofit professionals are choosing stability over opportunity. Rather than pursuing new roles or promotions, many are holding tightly to their current positions due to uncertainty in funding, policy changes, and broader economic pressures. As Dana explains, “It’s not for lack of candidates—it’s for lack of candidate interest in moving jobs.” This shift has major implications for nonprofit leaders trying to fill roles, build teams, and drive innovation. The result? Hiring pipelines are shrinking, searches are taking longer, and organizations are competing harder for fewer willing candidates. Even when strong candidates exist, they must be “courted” out of stable roles—raising the stakes for hiring processes and organizational reputation. But the impact goes deeper. Job hugging isn’t just slowing hiring—it’s also affecting internal culture. Reduced mobility, fewer promotions, and fear-driven decision-making can limit innovation and stall organizational progress. Dana also highlights a critical shift in candidate priorities: “More than anything, candidates want to be somewhere stable where they can grow and be set up for success.” For nonprofit leaders, this means rethinking how roles are positioned, how hiring is conducted, and how stability is communicated. If your organization is struggling to fill roles, retain talent, or maintain momentum, this conversation offers practical insight into what’s really happening—and what you can do about it.  00:00:00 Introduction to Job Hugging  00:01:10 What Is Job Hugging?  00:03:30 Why the Nonprofit Job Market Is Shifting  00:06:40 How Uncertainty Impacts Career Decisions  00:09:10 Why Hiring Pipelines Are Slowing Down  00:12:00 Internal Job Hugging and Career Stagnation  00:14:50 Impact on Innovation and Organizational Growth  00:17:10 What Nonprofits Should Watch For  00:19:00 What Candidates Want Now: Stability Over Salary  00:21:30 Risk Aversion and Workforce Behavior  00:24:00 How Long Will This Trend Last?  00:25:40 What Leaders Can Do Right Now  #TheNonprofitShow #Nonprofitmanagement #NonprofitHiring 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
  3. Everybody Leaves! Why Most Nonprofits Are Unprepared

    2D AGO

    Everybody Leaves! Why Most Nonprofits Are Unprepared

    Send us Fan Mail Nonprofit succession planning strategy isn’t just a governance exercise—it’s a core risk management function that directly impacts mission delivery.  Joan Brown (Third Sector Company) and Erick Seelbach break down how nonprofits can proactively prepare for leadership transitions without creating fear or disruption. Too often, succession planning is treated as a reactive process—something triggered by a resignation or crisis. But as Joan explains, “A succession plan is a set of shared understandings and activities…that ensures we have the right people in the right places to deliver on our mission.” When embedded into organizational culture, succession planning becomes a stabilizing force—not a threatening one. This important convo draws a clear distinction between succession planning and transition planning—two concepts frequently confused but critically different. Succession planning focuses on long-term leadership continuity across the organization, while transition planning addresses the tactical steps when a specific role changes hands. The reality is sobering: fewer than 35% of nonprofits have a formal succession plan, and only 13% have plans for board leadership. At the same time, 86% of executive directors report they would leave for better professional development opportunities. That combination creates significant organizational vulnerability. Erick emphasizes the importance of shifting mindset: “We make better decisions when we’re not in the emotional response to a crisis.” By integrating succession planning into performance reviews, strategic planning, and talent development, nonprofits can reduce risk while strengthening retention. Key takeaways include: Why succession planning should be position-based, not person-based How to build an emergency leadership plan immediately The role of professional development in retaining top talent How to align succession planning with strategic goals This is not about replacing people—it’s about protecting your mission!  00:00:00 Introduction to Succession Planning  00:02:00 What Is a Nonprofit Succession Plan?  00:03:15 Should Succession Planning Be Transparent?  00:04:40 Position-Based vs Person-Based Planning  00:06:00 Overcoming Fear in Leadership Planning  00:07:00 Succession Planning as Risk Management  00:09:10 Succession vs Transition Planning Explained  00:10:30 Building Transition Plans for Every Role  00:12:00 Connecting Talent Development to Succession  00:14:00 Why Leaders Leave: The Professional Development Gap  00:16:00 What Goes Inside a Succession Plan  00:20:00 How to Start Without Overwhelming Your Team  00:24:00 Emergency Planning and Interim Leadership  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. Nonprofit Accounting System Redesign Explained: From Clunky to Clear!

    6D AGO

    Nonprofit Accounting System Redesign Explained: From Clunky to Clear!

    Send us Fan Mail Nonprofit accounting system redesign is the key to unlocking faster reporting, clearer insights, and stronger decision-making across your organization. If your team is struggling to pull reports, track grants, or explain financial impact, this conversation will challenge how you think about your systems. In this episode, Christine Chacko from Your Part-Time Controller explains why many nonprofit accounting systems fail—not because of the software, but because of how they are structured. When data is difficult to access or requires manual work outside the system, it signals a deeper design issue that limits your organization’s ability to operate effectively. As Christine shares, “If it is difficult to get the data and the reports that you need out of your accounting system, it’s time for a redesign.” That redesign is not just a finance exercise—it’s a strategic, organization-wide initiative that impacts programs, fundraising, and leadership decisions. This discussion highlights how poor system design prevents nonprofits from telling their financial story and demonstrating impact. When reporting is fragmented, teams rely on assumptions instead of data. But when systems are designed correctly, organizations can achieve near “one-click reporting,” giving leaders immediate visibility into program performance, funding streams, and financial health. Equally important, this episode emphasizes that technology alone is not the solution. “Slapping an app” onto a broken process will not fix communication gaps or unclear goals. Instead, nonprofits must start with clear objectives—reducing manual work, improving reporting, and building systems that scale with growth. This is a practical, business-focused conversation about aligning finance, programs, and development teams around shared data and shared outcomes. When done right, your accounting system becomes a strategic asset—not a daily frustration!  00:00:00 Introduction to System Design in Nonprofits  00:03:00 Tech-Forward but Human-Centered Finance  00:04:00 What Is an Accounting System Redesign?  00:05:30 Why Poor Systems Kill Reporting and Insight  00:07:30 Data Challenges and Decision-Making Gaps  00:10:00 Setting Goals Before Changing Systems  00:12:00 Reducing Manual Work and Improving Reporting  00:14:00 Breaking Down Silos Across Teams  00:16:00 Why Technology Alone Doesn’t Fix Processes  00:18:00 Good vs Poor Accounting System Design  00:21:00 When and How to Implement a Redesign  00:23:00 Planning, Buy-In, and Organizational Readiness  #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFinance  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. Turning Volunteers Into Donors: Stop Filling Shifts, Start Building Supporters!

    APR 8

    Turning Volunteers Into Donors: Stop Filling Shifts, Start Building Supporters!

    Send us Fan Mail Nonprofit volunteer management strategy is no longer about filling shifts—it’s about building long-term supporters who fuel your mission.  Let’s see how nonprofits can turn volunteer engagement into a long-term donor pipeline through smarter systems, timing, and strategy. In this episode, Chloe Boonstra of Bloomerang breaks down how nonprofits can rethink volunteer engagement as a strategic growth engine rather than a transactional activity. Instead of focusing on short-term staffing needs, organizations must design systems that turn initial interest into sustained commitment. As Chloe explains, “We want to get away from the mindset of just filling a shift… and instead set the tone for a long-term partnership.” That shift in thinking unlocks new opportunities—not only for retention, but for deeper engagement across your entire organization. A major barrier? Friction. Complicated onboarding processes, excessive paperwork, and disconnected systems all reduce participation. This episode highlights how tools like volunteer portals can streamline engagement, reduce administrative burden, and improve the experience for both staff and volunteers. But the real opportunity lies in connecting volunteer and donor data. Too often, these systems operate in silos. Chloe challenges that thinking with a powerful insight: “A donor and a volunteer is the same person—they’re just speaking a different language of generosity.” You’ll learn: How to design a volunteer onboarding process that increases retention Why simplicity drives participation and repeat engagement When and how to introduce giving opportunities to volunteers How to identify “peak moments” for deeper engagement Why integrating CRM and volunteer systems is critical for growth This conversation reframes volunteerism as a core business strategy—one that drives loyalty, engagement, and long-term sustainability.  00:00:00 Volunteer Strategy vs Filling Shifts  00:05:00 Why Mindset Drives Volunteer Retention  00:07:00 How Portals Improve Volunteer Experience  00:09:00 Eliminating Friction in Onboarding  00:11:30 Turning One-Time Volunteers Into Repeat Supporters  00:14:30 What Data Should You Collect From Volunteers  00:16:00 Volunteer-to-Donor Conversion Strategy  00:18:00 Breaking Down Organizational Silos  00:20:30 Creating a Full Engagement Lifecycle  00:23:00 Using Data to Identify Engagement Timing  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. Nonprofit People Management Strategy: Turn Passion Into Performance

    APR 7

    Nonprofit People Management Strategy: Turn Passion Into Performance

    Send us Fan Mail Nonprofit people management strategy is often overlooked—but it may be the single biggest driver of organizational success, staff retention, and mission impact. Allison Wyatt, Founder and CEO of Agility Talent Partners, breaks down how nonprofits can build stronger teams by investing in intentional people systems. Most nonprofit budgets are heavily weighted toward staff, yet many organizations lack a clear strategy for managing and developing their people. As Allison explains, “To not have a strategy behind that… seems just irresponsible.” Without strong management, organizations face hidden costs—high turnover, stalled growth, poor performance, and even major financial loss. Through real-world examples, Allison highlights the risk of underinvesting in leadership development. One organization lost $1.8 million due to a failed leadership transition—something that could have been mitigated with a relatively modest investment in succession planning. The conversation also explores practical, actionable strategies for nonprofit leaders. Strong management doesn’t require complex systems—it requires consistency. Clear expectations, ongoing feedback, and coaching create a culture where staff feel accountable, supported, and motivated to grow. As Allison puts it, “Your staff want a coach… someone to model success and help them move to the next level.” In today’s evolving workforce—remote environments, multiple generations, and resource constraints—building trust is more critical than ever. This episode outlines how leaders can deliver effective feedback, foster psychological safety, and shift from reactive management to proactive development. For nonprofit executives, board members, and managers, this is a must-watch conversation about aligning people strategy with mission delivery. Because when your team performs better, your impact grows.   00:00:00 Introduction and Staffing Challenges  00:04:00 Hidden Costs of Weak Management  00:06:00 Why People Strategy Is a Business Strategy  00:07:00 $1.8M Lesson: The Cost of No Succession Plan  00:08:15 What Great Management Actually Looks Like  00:10:45 Why Staff Growth Gets Stalled  00:12:20 Managing Across Generations and Remote Work  00:13:40 Building Trust Through Honest Feedback  00:16:10 The Time vs. Investment Trap in Management  00:18:25 Small Steps to Build Stronger Teams  00:21:20 How Long Culture Change Really Takes  00:23:50 Leadership Buy-In and System Alignment  00:27:00 When to Bring in External Expertise  #TheNonprofitShow #nonprofitstaffing #NonprofitManagement 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. Mission-Driven, Business-Minded: A Smarter Nonprofit Strategy

    APR 6

    Mission-Driven, Business-Minded: A Smarter Nonprofit Strategy

    Send us Fan Mail Looking to build a nonprofit strategic planning framework that delivers real results? This episode delivers a practical blueprint for nonprofit leaders to build strategy, avoid mission drift, and drive measurable impact through disciplined, business-minded operations.   Dawn S. Reese, CEO of The Wooden Floor, shares how her organization integrates empathy, data, and long-term vision into a scalable nonprofit strategy. By combining arts education, academic support, and family services, her team has achieved a 100% college enrollment rate among graduates—proof that intentional strategy leads to measurable outcomes. Dawn emphasizes a powerful leadership mindset: “I lead with empathy… not as a soft skill, but as a hard skill.” This perspective drives everything from program design to strategic planning, ensuring that decisions are grounded in real community needs. At the core of their success is a clearly defined theory of change, which Dawn describes as the nonprofit equivalent of a business plan. It aligns staff, board members, funders, and stakeholders around a shared vision while guiding execution and measurement. As she explains, “Nonprofits are businesses. They don’t run like a business—they are a business.” This conversation highlights practical strategies nonprofit leaders can apply immediately: Building a long-term strategic vision while adapting in real time Using data and feedback loops to refine programs Avoiding mission drift through disciplined decision-making Structuring programs for measurable, scalable impact Communicating outcomes differently to funders vs. community stakeholders If you’re leading or growing a nonprofit, this episode challenges you to rethink how strategy, leadership, and execution come together to drive sustainable success.  00:00:00 Introduction to Strategy, Youth & Mental Health  00:02:55 A Masterclass in Nonprofit Messaging  00:07:30 Leading with Empathy as a Strategic Skill  00:09:40 Building a 10-Year Strategic Vision  00:12:00 Mission-Driven, Business-Minded Organizations  00:14:10 What Is a Theory of Change?  00:17:10 Avoiding Mission Drift with Strategic Discipline  00:19:50 Scaling Programs Through Data and Partnerships  00:22:00 How to Get Donors to Care (Storytelling Strategy)  00:24:10 Aligning Students, Parents, and Staff for Success  00:27:00 Final Leadership Lessons for Nonprofits  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. Nonprofit Grant Strategy: From Preparation to Winning Approval

    APR 2

    Nonprofit Grant Strategy: From Preparation to Winning Approval

    Send us Fan Mail  A practical breakdown of how nonprofits build grant-ready systems, manage pipelines, and improve funding success in a competitive environment.   Nonprofit grant strategy isn’t about chasing funding—it’s about building a system that consistently delivers results. In this discussion, Sarah Clarke of Impact Funding Solutions shares how organizations can become truly grant-ready, manage long-term pipelines, and improve their approval rates in an increasingly competitive funding environment.  Many nonprofits assume that writing a strong application is enough—but Sarah challenges that mindset. Success starts long before submission. Financial transparency, aligned reporting, and clear program budgets all play a critical role in establishing credibility with funders. As she explains, “What a potential funder wants to see is financial transparency and accountability.” Without that foundation, even strong missions can struggle to secure funding.  This conversation also reframes expectations around grant success. With approval rates often hovering around 20%, nonprofits must shift from a one-off application mindset to a pipeline-driven strategy. “Grants aren’t a fast financial fix—they’re a long-term overall grant strategy,” Sarah notes. That means building a system where multiple applications are in motion at different stages, ensuring consistent opportunity over time.  Beyond strategy, Sarah highlights the operational side of grants—what it really takes to manage them effectively. From maintaining a centralized grant toolkit to tracking deadlines, managing portals, and handling post-grant reporting, grant management is far more than writing proposals. It’s an ongoing operational discipline that requires structure, consistency, and accountability.  Whether you’re just starting or refining your approach, the message is clear: organizations that invest in readiness, systems, and stewardship will outperform those relying on effort alone.   00:00:00 Why Nonprofits Need a Grant Strategy  00:03:00 What “Grant Ready” Really Means  00:05:00 Financial Transparency and 990 Alignment  00:07:20 Budgeting for Grant Success  00:10:10 Structuring Program-Based Budgets  00:12:30 Understanding the Grant Lifecycle  00:14:00 Building a Grant Pipeline System  00:15:00 What Grant Management Actually Includes  00:18:00 Post-Grant Reporting and Stewardship  00:20:10 Realistic Grant Win Rates (20% Reality)  00:23:00 Building Relationships in a Portal-Driven World  00:26:00 Final Advice: Systems Over Short-Term Wins  #NonprofitStrategy #GrantWriting #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

    29 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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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
    982
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 American Nonprofit Academy
  • Show Website
    The Nonprofit Show

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