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 Blending In: How Top Fundraisers Command the Room!

    1D AGO

    Stop Blending In: How Top Fundraisers Command the Room!

    Send us Fan Mail Nonprofit fundraising event etiquette and strategy can make—or break—your organization’s reputation and donor relationships. In this Fundraisers Friday episode, Julia Patrick and Tony Beall share practical, real-world guidance on how nonprofit professionals should approach events with intention, discipline, and strategic awareness. From alcohol policies to attire, plus-one considerations to event arrival timing, this conversation goes beyond surface-level advice. It challenges fundraisers to recognize that every action at an event reflects on their organization. As Tony notes, “You are held to a different standard when you are representing your organization.” The episode also reframes fundraising events as relationship ecosystems, not transactional opportunities. In high-noise, high-energy environments, success isn’t about delivering the perfect pitch—it’s about creating connection. “In a crowded, noisy room… leave them with a feeling,” Tony explains. That emotional connection becomes the bridge to meaningful follow-up. You’ll also learn: Why early arrival and post-event positioning create strategic advantages How to set goals for every event you attend What to observe and learn from other organizations’ event setups How to manage donor perception through small behavioral choices Why guest experience and operational details matter more than you think If you’re attending events without a clear strategy, you’re missing opportunities to strengthen relationships, elevate your brand, and improve fundraising outcomes.  00:00:00 Welcome to Fundraisers Friday  00:02:00 Why fundraisers are held to a higher standard  00:05:30 Alcohol and professionalism at events  00:08:00 Managing perception in event photography  00:11:00 Dressing with intention and event themes  00:14:00 The hidden cost of attending events  00:16:00 Business cards and preparation  00:17:30 The plus-one challenge and expectations  00:18:30 Navigating noisy rooms and making connections  00:21:30 Best timing: early arrival and exit strategy  00:24:30 Setting goals for event success  00:26:00 Evaluating event logistics and guest experience  #TheNonprofitShow #FundraisingStrategy #FundraisersFriday 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
  2. Second Home Donor Fundraising: Unlock 6.5 Million Untapped Donors!

    2D AGO

    Second Home Donor Fundraising: Unlock 6.5 Million Untapped Donors!

    Send us Fan Mail Second home donor fundraising strategy is one of the most overlooked opportunities in nonprofit growth today—and it’s costing organizations real revenue. With over 6.5 million second homes in the U.S., nonprofits have access to a donor base that is ready to give… but often ignored or mishandled. In this continuation conversation, Jeffrey Glebocki, Founder of Strategy Plus Action Philanthropy, shares groundbreaking research into how second homeowners think, give, and engage with nonprofits. The findings challenge common fundraising practices and reveal a major gap between nonprofit assumptions and donor expectations. One of the clearest takeaways: pressure doesn’t work. As one donor put it, “Guilt is not a good way to ask for a contribution.” Instead, donors want authentic connection, thoughtful outreach, and a sense of belonging in their second-home communities. This episode highlights how nonprofits are missing opportunities hiding in plain sight—from regular attendees at local organizations to high-capacity donors who are never approached. The lesson is simple but powerful: relationship-first fundraising still wins. “If I know you, if I trust you, and you're involved with this group, I’ll support you.” You’ll also learn: Why assumptions about wealth and capacity can shut down giving How second homeowners actively seek community connection The importance of personal communication and meaningful follow-up Why making giving easy (single contributions, trusted intermediaries) increases results How community foundations are successfully capturing this donor segment For nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and community organizations, this is a strategic wake-up call. The opportunity is real—but only for those willing to rethink how they approach donor engagement!!  00:00:00 Introduction and Research Overview  00:03:15 First Study on Second Home Donors Explained  00:08:12 Why Hard-Sell Fundraising Fails  00:11:29 The Danger of Wealth Assumptions  00:14:54 Hidden Donors in Plain Sight  00:18:09 Assumptions vs Real Donor Motivation  00:21:12 Relationship-Based Fundraising Insights  00:23:10 Power of Personal Communication  00:26:29 Missed Opportunities in Donor Stewardship  00:27:33 Making Giving Simple and Scalable  00:29:30 Strategic Opportunity for Nonprofits  #NonprofitFundraising #DonorStrategy #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. Stop Confusing Donors: A Storytelling Strategy That Actually Works!

    3D 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
  4. The Missing Link! Between Nonprofit Branding and Major Gifts

    4D 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
  5. A Smarter Nonprofit Planning Framework: G.O.S.T.

    5D 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
  6. Why Fundraisers Become CEOs: Ready for a Job Jump?

    APR 24

    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
  7. How One Nonprofit Built a 128-Country Economic Network

    APR 23

    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
  8. 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
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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
    991
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 American Nonprofit Academy
  • Show Website
    The Nonprofit Show

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