Nonprofit Nook

Wendy Kidd
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Non-Profit

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. 2d ago

    Is Your Nonprofit Financially Sustainable? The Numbers You Can’t Ignore with Melanie Kirton

    Is your nonprofit truly financially sustainable—or does everything just look okay because there’s still money in the bank? For a lot of nonprofit leaders and board members, financial reports can feel confusing, overwhelming, or like something to quickly review before moving on to the “real” work. But your financials are actually telling you a story about the health of your organization—and learning how to read that story can help you make better decisions before problems become crises. In this episode of The Nonprofit Nook, Wendy sits down with Melanie Kirton, founder of Financial Affairs, an accounting firm dedicated exclusively to nonprofits. Melanie helps mission-driven leaders move beyond basic bookkeeping and use their financial information to make strategic decisions with greater clarity and confidence. Wendy and Melanie dig into what nonprofit leaders and boards should actually be looking for in their numbers, including the true cost of running programs, whether your revenue is diversified enough, how much cash you should have in reserve, and the warning signs that your organization may be heading toward financial trouble. They also talk about an important reality: a program can be deeply connected to your history without necessarily being the best use of your resources today. Understanding what each program truly costs—and the impact it creates—can help your organization make thoughtful decisions about where to invest its time, people, and money. If you’ve ever sat in a board meeting while everyone glossed over the financial reports, wondered whether your nonprofit has enough money in reserve, or worried that your organization is too dependent on one funding source, this conversation is for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why strong financial reporting matters for both nonprofit leaders and boardsWhat your board should actually be paying attention to in financial reportsHow to calculate and evaluate the true cost of your programsWhy revenue diversification is critical to long-term sustainabilityThe risks of relying too heavily on one grant, funder, donor, or revenue sourceHow to think about cash reserves and what’s appropriate for your organizationFinancial red flags—including recurring deficits—that leaders shouldn’t ignoreWhy your budget, strategic plan, and financial reporting should work togetherHow better financial understanding can lead to better mission-driven decisions RESOURCES + LINKS Register for Your Financials Tell a Story — September 24 Join Wendy and Melanie for Your Financials Tell a Story, where they’ll continue the conversation around understanding and using your nonprofit’s financials. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/your-financials-tell-a-story-tickets-1998973064246?aff=oddtdtcreator Connect with Melanie + Financial Affairs Financial Affairs: https://www.thefinancialaffairs.com/ Financial Affairs on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-financial-affairs-us/?viewAsMember=true Connect with Wendy + The Nonprofit Nook The Nonprofit Nook: https://nonprofitnook.com Upcoming Nonprofit Nook Events: https://www.nonprofitnook.com/events Wendy Kidd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendykidd/ More from Boss Level Engaged Boss Level Engaged: https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/ Boss Table: https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/bosstable Mentioned in this episode: Enji

  2. Aug 20

    More Than a Food Pantry: Serving McKinney with Dignity with Melody Krill

    What does it look like when a food pantry becomes more than a place to pick up groceries—and instead becomes a place where people feel seen, supported, and treated with dignity? In this Community Spotlight episode of Nonprofit Nook, Wendy sits down with Melody Krill, Executive Director of the Community Food Pantry of McKinney, to talk about the growing reality of food insecurity in North Texas and the incredible work happening right here in the McKinney community. The Community Food Pantry of McKinney has been serving its neighbors for decades, but the need has grown dramatically. Melody shares how the pantry has grown from serving around 100 individuals a day when she started in 2024 to more than 600 a day, including more than 10,000 individuals in a month. But this isn't your traditional food pantry. As a choice pantry, the organization gives neighbors a grocery-store-style experience where they can use a shopping cart, walk the aisles, and choose the food their families actually need. Through food rescue partnerships with local grocery stores, the pantry is also helping reduce food waste while getting fresh food into the hands of families who need it. Melody also shares the deeply personal path that brought her to this work. After she and her husband both experienced job loss, Melody found herself needing assistance for her own family. That experience changed the way she thought about food insecurity—and about the importance of helping people without sacrificing their dignity. Wendy and Melody also dig into what it really takes to keep a rapidly growing nonprofit running: volunteers, community partnerships, grant funding, unrestricted donations, leadership, collaboration, and a willingness to keep finding creative ways to meet the need. This conversation is an important reminder that food insecurity doesn't always look the way we imagine it does. Sometimes it's a working family trying to make the numbers add up. Sometimes it's a single mom facing a crisis. Sometimes it's someone choosing between groceries, rent, and an electric bill. And sometimes, a little help at exactly the right moment can make an enormous difference. In This EpisodeHow the Community Food Pantry of McKinney serves local families through a choice-pantry modelWhy dignity is such an important part of addressing food insecurityThe dramatic increase in the number of neighbors needing assistanceMelody's personal experience with food insecurity and how it shaped her leadershipHow food rescue partnerships help the pantry provide fresh food while reducing wasteWhy volunteers, donors, grants, and community partnerships are essential to keeping the pantry operatingHow local businesses and community members can get involved and support the pantry Resources & LinksCommunity Food Pantry of McKinney Website: https://www.mckinneyfoodpantry.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mckinneyfoodpantry307/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McKinneyPantryMelody Krill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melody-krill-336a5b89/ Gather on the Square Learn More / Purchase: https://www.gatheronthesquare.com/offers/DzbQy6HG/checkout Connect with Wendy Kidd Nonprofit Nook: https://nonprofitnook.comBoss Level Engaged: https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/Wendy Kidd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendykidd/ Mentioned in this episode: Enji

  3. Aug 11

    Stop Treating Social Media Like a Bulletin Board with Sheena Kalso

    If social media feels like one more thing on your never-ending nonprofit to-do list, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Sheena Kalso, founder of Behind Your Scenes, a social media and video skills education company that helps established professionals show up on Instagram the way they already show up in real life. And Sheena understands the struggle firsthand: even while working as a social media manager for other people, she once went an entire year without posting on her own Instagram. So if you’ve ever thought, I’m just not good at social media, you are definitely not alone. Sheena breaks down how nonprofit leaders can stop overcomplicating content and start using social media for what it’s really good at: building human connection. We talk about what to do when you hate being on camera, including Sheena’s surprisingly simple advice to start with B-roll. Instead of jumping straight into talking-head videos, film yourself doing the work you’re already doing—typing at your desk, preparing for an event, working with your team, or simply going about your day. You can pair that footage with a strong text hook that teaches your audience something or grabs their attention. We also get into one of the biggest mistakes nonprofits make on social media: treating their feeds like bulletin boards filled with event announcements, donation requests, and organizational updates. Sheena encourages nonprofits to put people back into their content. Show the humans behind your mission—from your executive director to your intern—and let your audience get to know your organization's “cast of characters.” As Sheena explains, people want to know who is behind the work they’re supporting. And then we get into one of my favorite parts of the conversation: Instagram Stories and DMs. Instead of seeing Instagram solely as a place to broadcast your message, Sheena suggests thinking of it like a networking room. Stories can help you stay top-of-mind with people you’ve recently met, while genuine DMs can turn online connections into real relationships. The key? Stop pitching and start acting like a human. We also talk about why nonprofit leaders shouldn’t completely hand their voice over to someone else—or an AI-generated version of themselves. Your team can absolutely support your content, but the people who care about your organization want to hear from the real humans behind it. Most importantly, Sheena reminds us that you don't need to become amazing at video overnight. Being visible is a skill you build through practice. Start small, post the imperfect thing, and keep going. Because when it comes to social media, done really can be better than perfect. In this episode, we talk about:How to start creating video when you hate being on cameraWhy simple B-roll can become great nonprofit contentHow to create stronger hooks that stop the scrollWhy nonprofits need to show more human faces in their feedsHow to build a “cast of characters” from your staffWhy Instagram Stories are an underrated networking toolHow to use DMs to build genuine relationships instead of pitchingWhy nonprofit leaders shouldn't completely outsource their voiceThe problem with AI-generated people and overly manufactured contentHow to stop assuming your everyday nonprofit work is “too boring” to shareWhy consistency and practice matter more than perfection RESOURCES Connect with Wendy + Nonprofit NookNonprofit Nook: https://nonprofitnook.com Boss Level Engaged: https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/ Connect with Wendy Kidd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendykidd/ Connect with Sheena + Behind Your ScenesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/behindyourscenes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindyourscenes.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheenakalsocreates First Impressions Audit: https://behindyourscenes.hbportal.co/public/bysaudit Join the Reely Fun Club: https://behindyourscenes.thrivecart.com/reely-fun-club/ Talking Head Interview Questions: https://behindyourscenes.myflodesk.com/interviewquestions Free Nonprofit Nook Resource from Sheena: https://behindyourscenes.myflodesk.com/nookfreebie Instagram Accounts Sheena Recommends for InspirationMilwaukee Public Library: https://www.instagram.com/milwaukeepubliclibrary/ Trevor Crump: https://www.instagram.com/thetrevorcrump Mentioned in this episode: Enji

  4. Aug 6

    From One Chapter to 400: Luke Mickelson on Scaling a Mission

    From One Chapter to 400: Luke Mickelson on Scaling a Mission How do you grow a nonprofit from one local project into an international movement without losing the heart behind the mission? In this episode of The Nonprofit Nook, Wendy Kidd welcomes back Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to scale a nonprofit. What started as one person building beds for children who didn't have one has grown into more than 400 chapters across 47 states and four countries, serving hundreds of thousands of children. But rapid growth brings new challenges—leadership, culture, delegation, and protecting your mission. Luke shares the behind-the-scenes story of SHP's explosive growth, including the unexpected national attention that changed everything, the difficult leadership decisions that came with expansion, and why every growing nonprofit must guard its mission above all else. Whether you're leading a small nonprofit that's ready to grow or you're managing multiple locations already, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for building an organization that scales without sacrificing its heart. In this episode, you'll learn: How Sleep in Heavenly Peace grew from one chapter to more than 400The story behind Mike Rowe's Returning the Favor and how national exposure changed everythingWhy growth requires letting go of control—and how to do it wellThe biggest leadership challenges that come with scaling a nonprofitHow to protect your organization's culture while expandingThe importance of keeping your mission crystal clear for every volunteer and leaderWhy "humans helping humans" remains the foundation of SHP's successPractical leadership lessons for founders experiencing rapid growthHow to avoid mission drift as your nonprofit grows Memorable Quote "The first and foremost, most important thing when you grow is making sure everybody knows one thing that's crystal clear: What is our mission? We will not add to it or take away from it." Resources Connect with Luke Mickelson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shpluke/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukemickelson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHPLukeFounder's Syndrome Survival Course: https://lukemickelson.com/fss-courseSleep in Heavenly Peace: https://shpbeds.org Connect with Wendy Kidd Nonprofit Nook: https://nonprofitnook.comBoss Level Engaged: https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/Wendy Kidd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendykidd/ If you enjoyed this episode... If this conversation encouraged you, be sure to subscribe to The Nonprofit Nook, leave a review, and share this episode with another nonprofit leader who's working to grow their mission without losing what makes it special. Mentioned in this episode: Enji

  5. Jul 29

    Why We Tell People: "Don't Start a Nonprofit" with Anh Nguyen

    In this episode of The Nonprofit Nook, Wendy sits down with nonprofit leader and marketing strategist Anh Nguyen to unpack the advice that always gets people's attention: "Don't start another nonprofit." Before you assume they're against new nonprofits, hear them out. Wendy and Anh explore why passion alone isn't enough to build a sustainable organization, why a 501(c)(3) is a tax designation—not a business model—and how aspiring founders can make a greater impact by doing their homework before filing paperwork. Together, they discuss common misconceptions about nonprofit startups, the growing challenge of nonprofit saturation, the importance of market research, and why collaboration with existing organizations may create more impact than launching something new. If you've ever dreamed of starting a nonprofit—or know someone who has—this conversation offers the practical questions every founder should ask before taking the leap. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Anh always says, "Don't start another nonprofit."The biggest myths about launching a nonprofit.How to determine whether your idea truly fills a gap.Why nonprofits should be run like businesses.When collaboration creates more impact than competition.The questions every founder should answer before applying for 501(c)(3) status. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering starting a nonprofit and wanting to build an organization that is both impactful and sustainable. Resources Anh’s LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/AnhTNguyen170 Wendy’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendykidd/ Amplified Marketing - https://www.instagram.com/amplifiedmktgtx/ Boss Level Engaged Services: https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/ Podcast Home: https://thenonprofitnook.com/ The NonProfit Nook on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged Perplexity.ai - https://perplexity.ai Families to Freedom - https://www.familystofreedom.org Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 07:10 Guest introduction: Anh Nguyen and her background 08:43 Why Wendy and Anh discuss the realities of nonprofits 09:23 Common misconceptions about starting a nonprofit 12:20 The importance of market research and collaboration 13:46 Understanding nonprofit saturation and competition 16:14 The necessity of a solid business plan and legal setup 21:58 The role of ego and collaboration in nonprofits 24:37 When is the right time to start a nonprofit? 33:03 Key question: What is the goal of your nonprofit? 35:07 Final thoughts and encouragement for prospective founders keywords nonprofit, starting a nonprofit, nonprofit tips, nonprofit collaboration, nonprofit planning, nonprofit saturation, nonprofit board, fiscal sponsorship, nonprofit impact Mentioned in this episode: Enji

  6. Jul 22

    Unlocking Corporate Support: Strategies for Nonprofits with E Jeff Serrano

    Summary In this conversation, Wendy Kidd and E. Jeff Serrano discusses the nuances of corporate engagement for nonprofits, emphasizing the importance of building meaningful partnerships rather than merely seeking donations. He shares insights on how nonprofits can prepare for corporate partnerships, leverage in-kind contributions, and maintain long-term relationships with corporate sponsors. Jeff also highlights the evolving landscape of corporate philanthropy and offers actionable steps for nonprofits to strengthen their corporate engagement efforts. Throughout the discussion, he stresses the significance of communication, patience, and understanding the corporate giving process. Takeaways Engagement is more than just fundraising; it's about building partnerships. Nonprofits should have a designated person for corporate outreach. In-kind contributions can be as valuable as cash donations. Maintaining communication with corporate partners is crucial. Nonprofits need to understand the corporate giving cycle. Research potential corporate partners to align missions. Patience is key in corporate fundraising efforts. Feedback from corporate partners can improve nonprofit strategies. Nonprofits should be specific about their needs when approaching corporations. Building trust with corporate partners takes time and effort. Resources Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ejeffserrano360corporateengagement/ https://360corporateengagement.com/ Boss Level Engaged: https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/ Podcast Home: https://thenonprofitnook.com/ The NonProfit Nook on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged Chapters 00:00 Navigating Technical Glitches and Podcasting Challenges 03:00 The Importance of Corporate Engagement 06:03 Building Meaningful Partnerships with Corporations 08:49 Key Elements for Nonprofits Before Approaching Corporations 11:59 Leveraging In-Kind Contributions 14:59 Maintaining Long-Term Corporate Relationships 17:59 Understanding Trends in Corporate Philanthropy 21:02 Actionable Steps for Strengthening Corporate Engagement 23:54 Starting Corporate Partnerships from Scratch 27:03 The Joy of Fundraising and Corporate Engagement Consulting 30:10 360 Degree Corporate Engagement Consulting Overview 33:04 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways Mentioned in this episode: Enji

  7. Jul 14

    REPLAY: 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

  8. Jun 30

    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

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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Wendy Kidd
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Wendy Kidd
  • Show Website
    Nonprofit Nook