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. Stop Confusing Donors: A Storytelling Strategy That Actually Works!

    18H AGO

    Stop Confusing Donors: A Storytelling Strategy That Actually Works!

    Send us Fan Mail Nonprofit storytelling strategy for donor engagement starts with clarity—not more content. If your organization is struggling to connect with donors, volunteers, or even your own board, the issue may not be effort—it’s alignment. In this sparkling conversation, Marivi Bryant, Founder and President of Home Agency, shares how nonprofits can transform storytelling into a strategic business tool that drives engagement, trust, and action. Instead of chasing tactics, she explains why organizations must first define their core pillars and communicate a consistent, authentic message. “If they don’t understand what you stand for, then it’s very difficult to feel connected to you.” That insight cuts to the heart of a major challenge across the sector—nonprofits are often doing incredible work, but their messaging is fragmented, diluted, or unclear. Through real-world examples, including a case study involving mission confusion at a well-known organization, Marivi highlights how inconsistent messaging can lead to misunderstanding—even when impact is strong. The solution? Focus, discipline, and a willingness to say no. As she puts it, “We can’t be everything for everyone—we need to figure out what our pillars are.” This conversation also explores how to: Use storytelling to strengthen top-of-funnel awareness Align internal teams and boards around a unified message Leverage owned channels like email and social media for measurable engagement Balance data and narrative without losing authenticity For nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and marketers, this learning session offers a clear operational takeaway: before you measure impact, before you scale outreach, you must clarify what you stand for!  00:00:00 Introduction to Storytelling Strategy  00:03:30 Why Nonprofits Struggle with Messaging Clarity  00:05:20 The Sales Funnel Applied to Nonprofits  00:06:30 Case Study: Confusion from Poor Messaging  00:08:20 Tactics vs Strategy in Storytelling  00:10:40 Competing in the Attention Economy  00:12:20 Authenticity and Brand Alignment  00:14:40 “Everything for Everyone” Problem  00:17:00 Measuring Engagement with Owned Channels  00:19:00 Aligning Programs Under One Brand  00:21:00 Who Owns Messaging in a Nonprofit?  00:23:00 Internal Communication and Board Alignment  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
  2. The Missing Link! Between Nonprofit Branding and Major Gifts

    1D AGO

    The Missing Link! Between Nonprofit Branding and Major Gifts

    Send us Fan Mail Nonprofit branding and fundraising strategy are more connected than most organizations realize—and when they’re misaligned, donor retention, staff capacity, and revenue all suffer. Brianna Pyka, Co-Founder of Brandraise, breaks down how nonprofits can bridge the gap between branding and fundraising to create clarity, build trust, and drive sustainable growth. Instead of treating fundraising as a series of transactions, this conversation reframes it as a long-term relationship strategy rooted in consistent messaging and shared understanding across the organization. As Brianna explains, “That’s not really a capacity problem—it’s a clarity problem.” When teams, boards, and donors all describe your mission differently, trust erodes and opportunities are lost. But when everyone speaks the same language, fundraising becomes a shared responsibility—not a burden carried by one department. This lively discussion also challenges a common mindset in the sector: more activity does not equal better results. “Stop making tired people more tired” is a powerful reminder that strategic focus—not volume—is what moves organizations forward. By simplifying messaging, prioritizing key communication channels, and building repeatable systems, nonprofits can reduce burnout while increasing impact. You’ll also hear why “the ask is not the finish line—it’s a doorway.” What happens after a donor gives determines whether they stay, give again, and bring others with them. This shift from acquisition to relationship-building is where real growth happens. If your organization feels stuck in a cycle of starting over each year, struggling with donor retention, or overwhelmed by too many competing messages, this episode offers a clear, practical path forward.  00:00:00 Introduction to Branding + Fundraising Alignment  00:02:12 What Is Brandraise and Why It Matters  00:03:13 Fundraising Fatigue vs Messaging Clarity  00:05:03 The Brand and Fundraising Audit Process  00:07:11 “The Ask Is a Doorway” Mindset Shift  00:08:59 Why Donor Follow-Up Fails (and How to Fix It)  00:10:20 Stop Making Busy Teams Burn Out  00:13:30 Leadership Gaps and Fundraising Risk  00:15:47 How Messaging Inconsistency Breaks Trust  00:18:42 Simplifying Complex Nonprofit Messaging  00:21:19 Building Internal Alignment Across Teams  00:23:29 Creating Repeatable Fundraising Systems  #NonprofitFundraising #NonprofitStrategy #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

    31 min
  3. A Smarter Nonprofit Planning Framework: G.O.S.T.

    2D AGO

    A Smarter Nonprofit Planning Framework: G.O.S.T.

    Send us Fan Mail Marie Rodriguez of Active Lotus introduces the G.O.S.T. method—Goal, Objective, Strategy, and Tactic—a simple but powerful framework that helps nonprofits translate mission into measurable action. Instead of reacting to constant crises, organizations can create a shared roadmap that guides daily decisions and long-term growth. Looking for a nonprofit strategic planning framework that actually drives results—not just another plan sitting on a shelf? This episode breaks down a practical system nonprofit leaders can use immediately to improve alignment, reduce burnout, and execute with clarity. As Marie explains, “The struggle is alignment… G.O.S.T. bridges that gap by turning mission into measurable action.” This shift is critical in a sector where passion is abundant—but structure is often missing. The episode also reframes how nonprofit leaders think about resources. Beyond financial budgets, Marie introduces the concept of an “energy budget”—the limited mental and operational capacity teams have to execute effectively. Without clarity, that energy is drained quickly, leading to burnout and poor decision-making. You’ll learn how to: Set measurable goals (not vague intentions) Align teams around shared priorities Shift donor strategy from transactional to relational Build repeatable systems for execution and evaluation Reduce decision fatigue with a clear strategic filter Perhaps most importantly, this approach challenges the traditional model of annual strategic planning. Instead, G.O.S.T. becomes a living system, revisited daily and weekly to keep teams focused and agile.  As Marie reminds us, “Time is the only resource that is non-renewable.”  The question is: are you spending it intentionally?  00:00:00 Introduction to the GOST Method  00:02:33 What Is GOST and Why It Matters  00:04:01 Why Nonprofits Struggle With Alignment  00:05:46 Turning Mission Into Measurable Action  00:07:00 Burnout and the Cost of Poor Planning  00:10:06 Breaking Down Goals and Objectives  00:14:00 Strategy vs Tactics in Nonprofits  00:17:02 Real Example: Donor Retention System  00:18:45 Using GOST to Align Teams and Meetings  00:21:16 How Often Should You Revisit Strategy?  00:24:36 Reducing Decision Fatigue in Leadership  00:26:07 Implementing GOST in Your Organization  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
  4. Why Fundraisers Become CEOs: Ready for a Job Jump?

    5D AGO

    Why Fundraisers Become CEOs: Ready for a Job Jump?

    Send us Fan Mail With nearly 100 leaders retiring daily and 30% of nonprofit CEOs expected to step down within five years, organizations must act now.  Nonprofit succession planning strategy is no longer optional—it’s essential as leadership turnover accelerates across the sector. In this Fundraisers Friday discussion, Julia Patrick and Tony Beall explore what this leadership shift means for nonprofit operations, talent development, and long-term sustainability. The conversation goes beyond theory—this is about real-world readiness. Fundraising professionals are increasingly being tapped for executive roles. Why? As Tony explains, “Development professionals are typically tapped for CEO roles because they already understand the donors, the mission, and the board relationships.” That combination makes them uniquely positioned to step into leadership. This episode highlights the importance of structured succession planning—from defining roles and responsibilities to building internal leadership pipelines. Julia reinforces the urgency, pointing to sector-wide “brain drain” risks and the operational impact of leadership gaps. The discussion also tackles a critical mindset shift: investing in staff development even if they eventually leave. As Tony notes, “The sector is going to be stronger because of your investment in this individual, whether they stay with your organization or not.” You’ll walk away with practical insights on: Preparing internal candidates for leadership roles Creating a proactive succession plan Navigating job transitions strategically Strengthening your organization through talent investment This is about more than filling roles—it’s about building resilient organizations that can thrive through change.  00:00:00 Introduction to Leadership Turnover  00:01:00 Why Leadership Retirements Are Increasing  00:03:00 The 30% Nonprofit CEO Retirement Trend  00:05:00 Why Fundraisers Become CEOs  00:08:30 Internal Hiring vs External Search Decisions  00:11:30 Advocating for Your Leadership Path  00:14:00 The Role of Continuous Learning  00:16:00 Navigating Conversations with Leadership  00:19:00 Talent Development vs Staff Turnover  00:23:00 Building a Succession Plan Framework  00:25:00 Planned vs Sudden Leadership Transitions  00:27:00 Honoring Legacy Leaders in Transition    #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitLeadership #SuccessionPlanning 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
  5. How One Nonprofit Built a 128-Country Economic Network

    6D AGO

    How One Nonprofit Built a 128-Country Economic Network

    Send us Fan Mail Nonprofit artisan economic development models are reshaping how organizations approach global impact—and this conversation shows exactly how. Rebecca Van Bergen, Founder and Executive Director of Nest, shares how her nonprofit built a scalable system supporting artisans across 128 countries by combining business training, ethical sourcing, and strategic partnerships. This isn’t about charity—it’s about building sustainable microenterprises that connect directly to global markets. At the core is a powerful shift: treating craft not as “supplemental income,” but as a legitimate economic sector. As Rebecca explains, “Nobody saw it as an investable sector… not that it was a massive economic opportunity.” That perception has changed—and nonprofits that recognize this shift can unlock entirely new pathways for impact. This episode breaks down how Nest operationalizes its model: A global artisan guild providing free training and business resources Strategic partnerships with organizations like Environmental Defense Fund and CARE Ethical supply chain certification that connects artisans to major retailers A growing focus on resilience, including climate adaptation and recovery tools But the bigger takeaway is strategic. Nonprofits can no longer operate in silos. Rebecca makes it clear: “No organization can do all of that… how can we work in partnership with others to support people as holistically as we can?” For nonprofit leaders, this is a blueprint for: Expanding mission through partnerships Building scalable program models Aligning impact with market systems Responding to global disruptions like climate and supply chain shifts The future of nonprofit work isn’t just service delivery—it’s ecosystem building. And this conversation shows how to do it.  00:00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview  00:02:30 What Nest Does: Building Artisan Economies  00:06:00 From Social Work to Scalable Nonprofit Model  00:09:00 Overcoming Skepticism: Craft as an Economic Sector  00:13:00 Leadership Evolution and Organizational Growth  00:15:05 Climate Change and Nonprofit Program Adaptation  00:17:00 Rebuilding Community in a Remote Workforce  00:20:00 Scaling Impact Through Global Partnerships  00:22:00 Collaboration vs Competition in Nonprofits  00:25:30 Ethical Supply Chains and Certification Model  00:27:00 Future Vision: Preserving Culture Through Commerce    #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitStrategy #GlobalImpact 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
  6. From “So What?” to Real Impact: Nonprofit PR Strategy

    APR 20

    From “So What?” to Real Impact: Nonprofit PR Strategy

    Send us Fan Mail Nonprofit public relations (PR) strategy and messaging clarity are no longer optional—they’re essential to building trust, earning attention, and driving donor action in today’s crowded landscape. Samantha Flynn, Founder of JuniPR Public Relations, breaks down how nonprofits can move beyond reactive PR and build a proactive communications strategy that actually delivers results. With over 1.8 million nonprofits competing for attention, clarity is what separates organizations that grow from those that get ignored. “Clarity is a currency,” Flynn explains, emphasizing that donors today are more intentional with their giving. They want to know exactly how their contributions make an impact—and organizations that communicate this clearly are the ones that win. The conversation goes deeper into one of the most important strategic questions in nonprofit communications: “So what?” Flynn challenges organizations to rethink their announcements, press releases, and updates by focusing on what truly matters to the audience—not just internal milestones. This episode also tackles a major operational challenge: measuring PR effectiveness. While PR may not offer the same direct metrics as paid advertising, Flynn outlines how nonprofits can track success through audience growth, engagement signals, and downstream marketing impact. As she puts it, PR is “the art in a sea of marketing sciences”—and when done well, it fuels the entire marketing funnel. You’ll also learn: Why consistency in communication builds long-term donor trust How to simplify complex messaging without losing meaning Why focusing on one primary channel can outperform spreading resources too thin How PR strengthens your organization before a crisis—not just during one If your organization struggles to stand out, connect messaging to impact, or justify PR investment, this episode delivers insights to strengthen your communications strategy.  00:00:00 Introduction to Nonprofit PR Strategy  00:02:30 How PR Has Changed for Nonprofits  00:05:20 Why “Clarity Is a Currency” for Donors  00:08:00 Connecting Donations to Specific Impact  00:10:15 The Power of Asking “So What?”  00:13:00 Turning Internal News into Public Value  00:15:00 Messaging That Survives Being Skimmed  00:17:30 Adapting Messaging Across Channels  00:19:00 Focus Strategy: One Channel vs Many  00:20:00 Measuring PR Effectiveness in Nonprofits  00:23:30 Why PR Is First Cut—and Why That’s a Mistake  00:25:00 Building Trust Before a Crisis Happens  #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitPR #NonprofitMarketing 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
  7. The Right Way to Launch an Urgent Nonprofit Appeal

    APR 16

    The Right Way to Launch an Urgent Nonprofit Appeal

    Send us Fan Mail An effective urgent nonprofit fundraising appeal strategy can drive immediate impact—but only when it’s clear, credible, and authentic. In this Global Edition of The Nonprofit Show, Matthew Murray (CEO, Expand Consultancy, UK) shares practical insights on how nonprofits can respond to crises with urgency while maintaining donor trust and long-term credibility. From small, time-sensitive needs to global emergencies, this conversation focuses on what actually motivates donors to act—and what causes them to disengage. One of the biggest takeaways: specificity wins. As Matthew explains, “We need this for this. Can you help?” is far more effective than vague appeals. Donors want to know exactly what their contribution accomplishes—whether it’s funding supplies, feeding families, or solving a defined problem in real time. The episode also explores the role of data in crisis fundraising. While emotional storytelling still matters, credibility comes from backing it up with real numbers. “Backing up with numbers gives you real credibility,” Matthew notes, emphasizing the importance of using verified, trustworthy data sources. But urgency comes with risk. Misusing a crisis—or attaching your organization to an issue you’re not directly addressing—can damage trust. Authenticity is non-negotiable. As Matthew puts it, “The most attractive quality in a nonprofit spokesperson…is authenticity.” Finally, the conversation closes the loop on impact. Donors don’t just want to give—they want to see results. Sharing one clear story or measurable outcome can reinforce trust and deepen engagement. If your organization is navigating urgent appeals, crisis fundraising, or global donor communication, this episode delivers wisdom you can implement immediately!  00:00:00 Global Edition Introduction  00:04:13 What Defines an Urgent Appeal?  00:05:26 Why Crisis Moments Drive Nonprofit Momentum  00:06:32 Real Example: Small Urgency, Big Impact  00:08:45 Why Specificity Converts Donors  00:10:25 Structuring Donation Levels for Maximum Response  00:13:21 Data vs Emotion in Fundraising Appeals  00:17:52 When Urgent Appeals Break Donor Trust  00:20:05 Authenticity as a Fundraising Advantage  00:22:34 Closing the Loop: Showing Impact to Donors  00:24:28 Using Media and Storytelling During Crisis  00:26:01 Simple, Authentic Communication That Works    #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFundraising #GlobalPhilanthropy 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
  8. Should Nonprofits Pay Taxes on Business Revenue? A Real Debate

    APR 15

    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
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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
    989
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 American Nonprofit Academy
  • Show Website
    The Nonprofit Show

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