Juggling Passion and Financial Sustainability in the NFP Sector: Jacquie Riddell

Oct 1, 2025

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@Jacquie Riddell is an experienced #NFP leader and current chair of the @CBAA. The NFP or #ThirdSector is presenting huge challenges to leadership, employees and the many volunteers. Jacquie and host @Michael Kerr talk about;

Financial sustainability
Mergers & Acquisitions in the NFP sector
The impact of overcrowding in the charity sector
The need for adopting new and better business models and #tech to improve effectiveness
Governance, collaboration, and the role of philanthropy
The future of charities
The phenomenon of 'accidental retirement' (read Jacquie's article on this here https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7334094500333531138/
How professionals can transition from corporate roles to the not-for-profit sector

Some key takeaways

Not-for-profits need reliable cash, not just goodwill.
The charity sector is overcrowded with over 60,000 charities in Australia.
Passion alone is not enough; capability is essential.
Successful charities adopt business models similar to for-profits.
Governance is critical for the growth of not-for-profits.
Mergers and collaborations can enhance sustainability in the charity sector.
Philanthropy is a major opportunity for charities, especially during wealth transfer.
Post-COVID challenges include reduced revenue and volunteerism.
B Corps represent a growing trend in socially responsible business.

Chapters:

00:00 The Role of Not-for-Profits in Society

05:15 Challenges and Opportunities in the Charity Sector

10:08 Adopting Business Models in Not-for-Profits

15:06 Governance and Capability in Charities

20:25 Social Enterprises and Merging Opportunities

25:18 Collaborative Solutions in Community Broadcasting

27:04 The Importance of Sustainable Revenue

28:59 The Rise of B Corporations and Social Responsibility

31:11 Governance and Effective Leadership in Nonprofits

33:22 The Reality of Nonprofit Work and Organizational Capacity

35:36 Funding Challenges and Opportunities for Charities

37:54 Navigating Post-COVID Challenges in the Charity Sector

39:33 Accidental Retirement: A New Perspective on Career Transitions

41:10 Policy Recommendations for the Charity Sector

@kerrcapital

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michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au