The NonProfit Nook

Wendy Kidd

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. 6D AGO

    Beyond the Clock: Time Management for Nonprofit Leaders

    This episode of The NonProfit Nook, hosted by Wendy Kidd, focuses on the importance of time management for nonprofit leaders. Wendy discusses how time management isn't about control, but about creating the freedom to focus on what matters, rest without guilt, and lead with clarity and purpose. She provides practical tips, such as tracking how time is spent, setting clear priorities, using time blocking, and building habits around these new routines. Wendy also addresses potential resistance to change and the importance of clear communication. The episode emphasizes that good time management is about doing what matters most and maintaining a healthy, well-balanced life to effectively lead a nonprofit organization. Links: https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged https://www.instagram.com/thenonprofitnook/ https://flodesk.com/c/G0H0UB Time Management from the Inside Out by Julie Morgenstern Atomic Habits by James Clear 00:00 Introduction to Time Management 00:20 Welcome to The NonProfit Nook 01:06 Wendy's Personal Insights on Time Management 02:01 The Reality of Non-Profit Leadership 03:14 Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Self-Care 03:42 Tracking and Analyzing Your Time 05:54 Establishing Priorities and Saying No 07:23 Time Blocking for Effective Management 09:29 Adapting to Change and Communicating Boundaries 11:04 Recommended Reads for Time Management 12:33 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 13:07 Closing Remarks and Call to Action Mentioned in this episode: Flodesk Enji

    16 min
  2. OCT 21

    Spotlight on Young Minds, Big Impact: Inside the Letters of Light Foundation

    In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd interviews Ananya Nagendra, the young founder and CEO of the Letters of Light Foundation. Inspired by her mother's journey with chemotherapy, Ananya started the organization to provide cancer patients with handwritten letters of encouragement, preventive health workshops, and resources on mental wellness. With chapters across various schools and over 850 youth volunteers, the foundation partners with oncology centers to support cancer patients both mentally and emotionally. Ananya details the foundation's operations, her involvement with social workers, and the importance of mental health in cancer care. She also discusses the newly launched Books of Light program, offering literary resources to newly diagnosed patients and oncology centers. Learn how you can get involved, start a chapter, or contribute to this impactful cause. 00:00 Introduction to The NonProfit Nook 00:48 Meet Ananya Nagendra: Founder of Letters of Light 02:15 The Impact and Growth of Letters of Light 04:25 Volunteer Engagement and Success Stories 13:17 Books of Light Program 16:20 How to Get Involved and Final Thoughts 20:38 Conclusion and Call to Action Links: https://lettersoflight.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/ananya-nagendra https://www.instagram.com/joinlettersoflight/ https://hcb.hackclub.com/donations/start/letters-of-light - Donation Link https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged https://www.instagram.com/thenonprofitnook/ https://flodesk.com/c/G0H0UB Mentioned in this episode: Enji Flodesk

    24 min
  3. OCT 14

    From Plan to Action: Implementing Your Nonprofit's Strategic Vision

    In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, hosted by Wendy Kidd, Dr. Colette Portis dives deep into the intricacies of strategic planning for nonprofits. They discuss how a robust strategy can lead to remarkable results, such as a nonprofit quadrupling its budget in a single quarter. The conversation covers the typical time frame for strategic planning, methods for accelerated planning, and the essential steps for effective implementation. Dr. Portis shares valuable insights on accountability, time management using brain science, and the importance of communication with internal and external teams. The episode is packed with practical advice and resources to help nonprofit leaders navigate their strategic planning and achieve their organizational goals. 00:00 Success Story: Nonprofit's Million-Dollar Strategy 00:25 Introduction to The NonProfit Nook 01:09 Strategic Planning Recap 02:27 Accelerated Strategic Planning with Red Development Group 02:58 Three-Day Business Strategy Retreat 04:50 Time Management and Brain Science 11:49 Implementing Your Strategic Plan 12:48 Aligning Meetings with Strategy 13:03 Maintaining Momentum and Celebrating Successes 13:48 The Importance of Weekly Tracking 14:26 Adapting to Change: A Real-Life Example 15:45 Communicating Your Plan Internally and Externally 16:44 Implementation and Regular Check-ins 18:06 Strategic Planning for Nonprofits 20:50 Success Stories and Final Thoughts 23:57 Conclusion and Call to Action Links: 3 day Strategic Planning with Red Development Group https://linktr.ee/reddevelopmentgroup https://amzn.to/42h8UiE - JUST Strategy By Dr. Collette Portis https://amzn.to/4ntu1a9 - G.O.A.L.I.E. By Dr. Collette Portis https://amzn.to/3ImXHXd - CEOs Finish Strong: Learn What’s Weakening Your Company by Dr. Collette Portis SBDC - https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/small-business-development-centers-sbdc Junior League of Collin County - https://www.jlcollincounty.org/community/meeting-facilitation-services/ https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged https://www.instagram.com/thenonprofitnook/ https://flodesk.com/c/G0H0UB Mentioned in this episode: Flodesk Enji

    27 min
  4. OCT 7

    Essential Elements of a Successful Nonprofit Strategy with Expert Dr. Collette Portis

    In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd and guest Dr. Colette Portis from the Red Development Group continue their strategic planning series. They discuss the often-overlooked aspect of team development and delve into the essential elements of effective strategic planning for nonprofits. The conversation covers the importance of revisiting mission and vision statements and setting measurable goals. Dr. Portis outlines the 15 crucial plans that comprise a comprehensive strategic plan, including goals, financial planning, and community engagement. This episode is packed with actionable insights designed to help nonprofit leaders develop robust strategies that align with their organizational missions and values. Links: https://linktr.ee/reddevelopmentgroup https://amzn.to/42h8UiE - JUST Strategy By Dr. Collette Portis https://amzn.to/4ntu1a9 - G.O.A.L.I.E. By Dr. Collette Portis https://amzn.to/3ImXHXd - CEOs Finish Strong: Learn What’s Weakening Your Company by Dr. Collette Portis SBDC - https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/small-business-development-centers-sbdc Junior League of Collin County - https://www.jlcollincounty.org/community/meeting-facilitation-services/ https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged https://www.instagram.com/thenonprofitnook/ https://flodesk.com/c/G0H0UB 00:00 Introduction to NonProfit Nook 01:14 Welcome and Guest Introduction 01:39 Strategic Planning Overview 02:11 Importance of External Support 03:21 Revisiting Mission and Vision 05:38 Assessment and Goal Setting 08:29 Identifying Blind Spots 08:46 Financial Literacy in Nonprofits 11:19 Resource Allocation and Team Development 26:42 Personal and Team Development Plans 30:37 Staying Organized with Priorities 30:58 Aligning Values with Your Calendar 31:13 Strategizing for Life and Work 32:04 Community Engagement and Impact 33:46 Event Planning and Execution 37:01 Social Media and Branding 39:19 Marketing and Sales Strategies 43:56 Technology and Succession Planning 52:51 Final Thoughts and Next Step Mentioned in this episode: Enji Flodesk

    56 min
  5. SEP 30

    Initiating Change: Strategic Planning for Nonprofits with Expert Dr. Collette Portis, Episode 1 of 3

    Today's episode features Dr. Collette Portis, an award-winning business strategist, who joins Wendy to discuss the fundamentals of strategic planning in the nonprofit sector. They cover the importance of not trying to handle everything in-house, the roles and responsibilities of key participants, the necessity of hiring an outside expert, and essential preparatory steps before the first strategic planning meeting. This episode is the first of a three-part series on strategic planning, focusing on actionable steps and effective implementation. Links: https://linktr.ee/reddevelopmentgroup https://amzn.to/42h8UiE - JUST Strategy By Dr. Collette Portis https://amzn.to/4ntu1a9 - G.O.A.L.I.E. By Dr. Collette Portis https://amzn.to/3ImXHXd - CEOs Finish Strong: Learn What’s Weakening Your Company by Dr. Collette Portis SBDC - https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/small-business-development-centers-sbdc Junior League of Collin County - https://www.jlcollincounty.org/community/meeting-facilitation-services/ https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged https://www.instagram.com/thenonprofitnook/ 00:00 Introduction to Strategic Planning 00:35 Welcome to The NonProfit Nook 01:20 Introducing Dr. Collette Portis 02:11 The Importance of Strategic Planning 02:47 Defining Strategic Planning 03:54 The Role of Strategy in Nonprofits 07:40 Who Should Be Involved in Strategic Planning? 07:58 The Role of External Consultants 09:10 Engaging Different Levels of Leadership 13:28 Involving the Board in Strategic Planning 15:09 Strategic Planning for Small Nonprofits 16:19 Finding the Right Consultant 18:15 Funding Your Strategic Planning 19:13 Alternative Funding Sources 21:09 Utilizing Local Resources 21:48 Exploring Free and Paid Resources for Nonprofits 23:09 Preparing for the First Meeting with Consultants 24:24 Conducting Initial Assessments and Consultations 29:25 DIY Assessments for Nonprofits 31:42 Key Elements to Assess in Nonprofits 36:59 The Importance of Technology and Disaster Recovery 39:14 Conclusion and Next Steps Mentioned in this episode: Flodesk Enji

    44 min
  6. SEP 23

    Spotlight on Grace to Change: Transforming Lives Through Recovery

    In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd talks with Shannon White, Founder and Executive Director, and Kim Hughes, Administrative Director of Grace to Change, a nonprofit outpatient treatment center in Collin County. Shannon and Kim share their inspiring personal stories and discuss the vital work their organization does to support individuals struggling with addiction. They highlight the services provided, such as intensive and supportive outpatient programs, free lifelong aftercare, substance abuse evaluations, and individual and family counseling. The conversation also touches on the challenges of running a nonprofit, the importance of community support, and ways for people to get involved, including meal donations, drives, and attending their annual gala. Links: https://www.gracetochange.org https://www.facebook.com/gracetochangemckinney https://www.instagram.com/gracetochangemckinney/ https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged https://www.instagram.com/thenonprofitnook/ 00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks 00:23 Welcome to The NonProfit Nook 01:11 Meet Shannon White: Founder of Grace to Change 02:10 Meet Kim Hughes: Administrative Director of Grace to Change 03:29 The Journey and Mission of Grace to Change 04:41 Challenges and Success Stories 05:29 Services Offered by Grace to Change 06:12 Personal Stories of Impact 10:08 Community Involvement and Support 15:56 Understanding Addiction and Nonprofits 19:24 How to Get Involved and Support Grace to Change 22:38 Closing Remarks and Contact Information 23:09 Podcast Outro Mentioned in this episode: Flodesk Enji

    26 min
  7. SEP 16

    Decoding Nonprofit Finances: Hiring a Bookkeeper, Collaborating and Key Metrics

    Navigating Bookkeeping for Nonprofits: Tips, Tools, and Best Practices In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd is joined by Kelsey Gleason, co-owner of Educated Bookkeeping, to explore the distinct challenges and strategies of bookkeeping for nonprofits versus for-profit businesses. They discuss the importance of understanding financial reports, customizing chart of accounts, and the significance of training and quality control for volunteer bookkeepers. They also cover practical tips on selecting a professional bookkeeper, using QuickBooks features like classes and projects, and highlight a crucial financial metric every nonprofit board should monitor. The episode aims to provide real tools and strategies to help nonprofit leaders and boards manage their finances more effectively. Links: https://www.educatedbookkeeping.com https://www.instagram.com/educatedbookkeeping/ https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged https://www.instagram.com/thenonprofitnook/ 00:00 Introduction to Nonprofit Bookkeeping 01:28 Meet Kelsey Gleason: From Teacher to Bookkeeper 02:05 Challenges of Nonprofit Bookkeeping 05:03 Advice for Small Nonprofits Without a Bookkeeper 05:49 Training and Software Recommendations 10:27 Hiring a Professional Bookkeeper 18:59 Understanding Financial Reports 22:08 QuickBooks Tips and Tricks 26:33 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways 30:37 Conclusion and Farewell Mentioned in this episode: Enji Flodesk

    33 min
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

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.

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