180 episodes

Hosted by Joan Garry, the “Dear Abby” of the nonprofit world, Nonprofits Are Messy is a discussion of the most pressing issues faced by nonprofit leadership. Joan and her guests tackle topics like the overhead myth, the best way to run special events, how to make a big fundraising ask, board-staff relations, and so much more. At times hilarious, uplifting, and frustrating, the stories told in this podcast should feel very familiar to anybody working in a nonprofit today.



Topics include fundraising, leadership development, building a great board, Executive Director / Board relations, communications and messaging, staff management, nonprofit career advice, crisis management, digital marketing, social media, and so much more.



Listen to real stories of nonprofit leaders like you and how they handled the mess. Because the truth is, nonprofits ARE messy. There’s not enough money, too many cooks, and an abundance of passion. Leading nonprofits isn’t easy. This podcast will help.

Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications Joan Garry

    • Business
    • 4.6 • 282 Ratings

Hosted by Joan Garry, the “Dear Abby” of the nonprofit world, Nonprofits Are Messy is a discussion of the most pressing issues faced by nonprofit leadership. Joan and her guests tackle topics like the overhead myth, the best way to run special events, how to make a big fundraising ask, board-staff relations, and so much more. At times hilarious, uplifting, and frustrating, the stories told in this podcast should feel very familiar to anybody working in a nonprofit today.



Topics include fundraising, leadership development, building a great board, Executive Director / Board relations, communications and messaging, staff management, nonprofit career advice, crisis management, digital marketing, social media, and so much more.



Listen to real stories of nonprofit leaders like you and how they handled the mess. Because the truth is, nonprofits ARE messy. There’s not enough money, too many cooks, and an abundance of passion. Leading nonprofits isn’t easy. This podcast will help.

    Ep 177: Building Vibrant Volunteer Communities: Tobi Johnson's Guide to DEI and Empowerment

    Ep 177: Building Vibrant Volunteer Communities: Tobi Johnson's Guide to DEI and Empowerment

    Ready to transform your volunteer community? Join me and the queen of the power of volunteerism, Tobi Johnson, as we explore DEI strategies and share practical advice to help you build a diverse and vibrant volunteer base that drives your mission forward. Don't miss this game-changing conversation!

    • 51 min
    Ep 176: Why the Nonprofit Sector Needs a Publicist

    Ep 176: Why the Nonprofit Sector Needs a Publicist

    It can be frustrating to see people overlook the incredible impact of our organizations. We're constantly fighting against stereotypes and misconceptions, but I believe we can change the narrative and set the record straight.

    • 27 min
    Ep 175: Why Crypto Donations are the Future of Charitable Giving

    Ep 175: Why Crypto Donations are the Future of Charitable Giving

    Crypto donations guru Pat Duffy shares his expert insights and debunks some of the myths around crypto donations. We discuss the benefits of accepting crypto donations, how to reach potential donors, and how The Giving Block has helped thousands of charities, healthcare systems, schools, and faith-based non-profits to fundraise with cryptocurrency.

    • 1 hr 5 min
    Ep 174: Creating a Board That Reflects the Needs of Your Community

    Ep 174: Creating a Board That Reflects the Needs of Your Community

    In this episode, we discuss a critical topic for every nonprofit that wants to effectively serve their community: board composition.

    • 52 min
    Ep 173: Good Fortune, Celebrity Philanthropy, and the Quest to End Poverty

    Ep 173: Good Fortune, Celebrity Philanthropy, and the Quest to End Poverty

    What happens when purpose and celebrity status join forces? Join me as I sit down with Jessica Seinfeld — bestselling author, founder of the powerhouse nonprofit, Good+ Foundation, and wife of comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld to find out!

    • 53 min
    Ep 172: How Public-Private Partnerships Create Real and Lasting Change

    Ep 172: How Public-Private Partnerships Create Real and Lasting Change

    Tune in as collaboration evangelist and Walton Family Foundation CSO, Chelsea Peters and I uncover the power of public-private partnerships. Spoiler alert: it's all about combining your superpowers!

    • 44 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
282 Ratings

282 Ratings

zoverflow ,

Joan is a powerhouse

Joan is an amazing podcast host, and really makes you even as a listener feel empowered to act! Her conversations around nuanced nonprofit topics and the guests she brings on consistently provides amazing and actionable value to me. I love this show! And I also love Joan's sense of humor. Anyone who works in the nonprofit space or with nonprofits should definitely be listening to this show. It is clear why this show is consistently ranking on the podcast charts! Nonprofits ARE messy…but that doesn’t need to be the end of the story!

LD_Blue ,

Every Nonprofit Leader Should Subscribe!

I started listening to Joan when I was a Director of Development. When the pandemic started my life turned upside down and I found myself caring full-time for my two special needs kids at home and I could not longer keep a full-time job. After listening to more episodes and soul searching I realized I could follow Joan’s advice and start my own foundation. It is messy! But it is also beautiful. If you are in the nonprofit world, this podcast is a must listen!

maladynarf ,

Loving episode #135 children’s theatre introspective!

I loved hearing about how the pandemic affected nonprofit children’s theater and how it has potentially provided a positive change that can be taken into the future. Great questions and equally thoughtful answers. Looking forward to hearing more from this guest host!

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