The Nonprofit Show

Is it a bold leap… or a necessary evolution? Unpacking what it really takes to move from frontline nonprofit roles into independent consulting—with cohosts Tony Beall, Founder of Mr. Nonprofit Consultancy, and Julia Patrick.If you've ever felt boxed in by one organization, this conversation will challenge your assumptions. From building your personal brand and selecting a niche to navigating ethical landmines and saying “no” to work that doesn’t fit — Tony doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of consulting. He shares how he scaled impact while protecting sanity and why too many consultants chase dollars instead of purpose. Thinking about making the jump? This is your essential primer.Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

In the dynamics of nonprofit leadership, few challenges loom larger than the compounded weight of natural disasters and abrupt policy changes. Director Jennifer Banks of Your Part-Time Controller delivers a strategic and emotionally grounded perspective on preparing for the unpredictable. Drawing from her front-line experience during the Southern California wildfires, Jennifer guides nonprofit leaders through risk management tactics that go beyond spreadsheets and budgets."Risk is just... the likelihood that something bad is going to happen," Jennifer calmly asserts, offering a crucial reframing that invites transparency and proactive planning. Nonprofits across the country have felt the dual pressure of environmental disasters and shifting political mandates. For instance, Executive Order 14173—a federal action targeting DEI efforts—has sent shockwaves through corporate philanthropy, causing organizations to recalibrate their messaging and funding strategies.Jennifer recounts real-world disruptions, from displaced executive directors to diverted funding streams, showing how interconnected disasters and policy shifts can devastate even the most well-managed organizations. One chilling example: “We had some Fortune 100 companies say, ‘We support your mission, but due to federal contracts, we can’t use DEI language.’” The implications are massive—not just for program funding, but for organizational identity.To mitigate these pressures, Jennifer recommends regular scenario planning, asset protection strategies (including intangible assets like brand and IP), and a cultural shift toward inclusive financial education within teams. Her advice is both calm and actionable: use this moment of stability, however fleeting, to prepare. That includes stress-testing budgets, securing lines of credit when the balance sheet is strong, and educating all levels of staff about financial realities.So striking is Jennifer' closing insight—a personal reflection that feels universally true: “You can’t take things for granted... We just can’t get complacent.” Whether grappling with fires or federal funding uncertainties, the message is clear: strategy starts now, not when disaster strikes. #NonprofitStrategy #CrisisPreparedness #PolicyImpactFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Rebranding a nonprofit isn't just about new logos or fresh colors—it's an emotional journey deeply rooted in the mission, culture, and service commitment of an organization. James Dismond, CEO of Mirasol Health, formerly Hospice Care of the Low Country, joined host Julia Patrick to share the inspiring, often emotional, details of their transformative rebranding.For decades, Hospice Care of the Low Country was a dedicated nonprofit, caring for patients facing end-of-life scenarios. Yet, despite their essential services, the organization faced an existential challenge: staying relevant in an evolving healthcare landscape. A candid internal study revealed a stark truth: if no changes were made, they faced closure within five years.James vividly recalls the moment that changed his personal and professional trajectory. On his very first day, several patients passed away, confronting him directly with his deepest fear—death. Instead of turning away, he embraced this fear, turning it into a profound passion. James noted, “That fear has since transcended into my greatest passion, and I'm very blessed for that.”The rebranding initiative was far from simple. It was two years in the making, involving rigorous strategic analysis, extensive stakeholder consultations, and an honest assessment of community perceptions. The word “Hospice” was a significant barrier, fraught with fear and misunderstanding. This realization was a pivotal turning point. James explains, "The powerful messages we are getting back just touch my heart every single day."Ultimately, the staff themselves coined the new name, “Mirasol,” symbolizing "rare and radiant sunflower," beautifully capturing the legacy and spirit of the organization's enduring symbol—the sunflower. This rebranding was not merely aesthetic; it expanded the scope of services, adding chronic symptom management and soon behavioral health, significantly broadening their community impact.The process brought substantial internal shifts, compelling deep introspection and alignment from the board, leadership, and staff. It was emotionally challenging but profoundly rewarding, significantly boosting community engagement, donations, and overall business performance.Today, Mirasol Health stands as a vibrant example of successful nonprofit transformation, rooted in authenticity and courage. “If you do the research, the strategy, and deliver it thoughtfully, the payoff is truly incredible.”#NonprofitRebrand #CommunityHealth #ChangeLeadershipFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Do we dare ask our volunteers to also become donors? Chloe Boonstra of Bloomerang says absolutely — and she’s got the data to prove it. In this fast moving episode, Chloe shatters the long-standing fear many nonprofits have about mixing fundraising with volunteerism. The truth? 70% of donors started as volunteers — and nonprofits are missing out by keeping these tracks separate. Is your team operating in silos? Are you afraid to make the ask? Then you need to watch this conversation. Chloe shares practical, authentic strategies to build deeper, dual-track relationships. Time to rethink what you thought you knew and turn your volunteers into loyal, lifelong supporters.#VolunteerToDonor #NonprofitFundraising #BloomerangFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

this informative discussion of the most misunderstood yet increasingly vital roles in the nonprofit world: interim leadership. Featuring powerhouse guests Joan Brown, Chief Operations Officer at Interim Executives Academy, and Karin Sabey, CEO of Sabey Consulting, the conversation explores why ‘the interim profession is no longer a placeholder, but rather a strategic, transformative force’. From transparent communication with staff to preparing organizations for thoughtful succession, this episode reveals why professional interims aren’t just leaders—they’re lifelines. And if there’s one thing we need in today’s shifting nonprofit landscape, it’s calm within the chaos.Gone are the days when an “interim” simply kept the lights on. Joan begins with, “We’re at this exciting opportunity to really better define the profession and better define it as a standard of practice.” Interims today are trained professionals who guide organizations through times of transition with precision, empathy, and results-driven methodologies.Karin paints the role as a “palate cleanser” between leadership tenures, providing organizations with a fresh start—regardless of whether the previous leader left in celebration or crisis. “A long-term leader may have a lot of institutional knowledge stored in their head,” she explains. “An interim helps reset the table for the next leader.”The duo dig into the details of the importance of methodology and diagnostics, likening it to a toolbox or even a box of Legos. “You can build a house or a spaceship,” says Karin, “depending on what the organization needs.”, pointing out how this kind of customization is key to stabilizing and uplifting organizations during pivotal times.And what about board understanding? Both Joan and Karin agree—it’s minimal. “Almost no one understands the concept,” Joan shares plainly. But that’s also the opportunity: to educate, align, and inspire boards to embrace what an interim can truly offer. When done right, it’s not just about keeping the ship afloat; it’s about course-correcting, empowering staff, and setting the next leader up for success. #InterimLeadership #NonprofitStrategy #LeadershipTransitionsFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

In this high-energy Fundraisers Friday Show, cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall unpack the complexities of grant writing and grant readiness with an eye toward practical, data-driven insights. It’s a masterclass in actionable wisdom for any nonprofit professional involved in grant development—covering strategy, timelines, win rates, and relationship-building.Julia sets the tone with her signature candor, stating: “Fundraisers are expected to do this and it is a very specific trade or craft.” This immediately defines the reality that for many nonprofit professionals, grant writing is just one of several responsibilities they juggle.Tony responds, echoing: “Grant writing is one of the most important combinations of style and substance… tell a story and back it with data.” He reinforces this by recommending that fundraisers align time investment with expected revenue—if grants are expected to make up 20% of a nonprofit's budget, then 20% of time should be spent on them.The show also dives into success rates. Tony notes, “National or federal grants may have just a 5%–10% win rate, whereas local grants can hit 40%–50%,” pushing nonprofits to think strategically when choosing which grants to pursue.The duo explore application timelines, portal logistics, and how a lack of consistency across systems can be a major hurdle. Despite these challenges, they encourage you to create internal systems and document folders to manage recurring information—especially vital as Tony quips, “You’ll be so good at this… you’ll spend 50–75% less time on your narrative over time.”A big theme emerges around the evolving role of funders and the increased opportunity for relationship-building. Julia points out, “This isn’t just a shot in the dark anymore—funders are listening and often willing to adjust.”Perhaps most inspiring is Tony’s call for resilience and learning in the face of rejection: “If there’s an opportunity to reach out to the funder and ask, by all means—make the phone call.”They wrap with encouragement for new nonprofit leaders and a hot tip: don’t be afraid to explore AI tools in your grant writing toolkit.#NonprofitStrategy #GrantWritingTips #FundraisersFridayFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

In a transformative conversation, Katerina Manoff, visionary founder and CEO of ENGinprogram.org, passionately shares her remarkable journey of creating a groundbreaking grassroots nonprofit. ENGin uniquely pairs Ukrainian learners with volunteers from across the globe through weekly online video interactions, transcending simple language exchanges to foster profound cultural connections and personal growth.Katerina's compelling narrative reveals how ENGin not only facilitates language acquisition but empowers young Ukrainians, equipping them with crucial skills and cross-cultural competencies essential for their nation’s arduous journey of recovery and reconstruction. Despite the profound challenges presented by an ongoing war, Katerina insists ENGin's mission extends beyond mere survival. With unwavering resolve, she states, "It's not just about surviving; it's about thriving against the odds."ENGin’s innovative approach disrupts traditional nonprofit dynamics by establishing equitable, mutually beneficial relationships rather than the conventional giver-receiver paradigm. Volunteers themselves become deeply enriched by the experience, gaining cultural insights, meaningful friendships, and improved communication skills. Katerina eloquently captures this unique dynamic: "[Our volunteers] don't feel like they're giving—they feel like they're fighting alongside us."Demonstrating visionary leadership, Katerina envisions scaling ENGin dramatically from its current 55,000 participants to an ambitious target of one million. Her aspiration is nothing short of transforming an entire generation of Ukrainian youth into fluent, culturally connected global citizens who can actively contribute to rebuilding their homeland. Katerina's passion resonates profoundly, highlighting the incredible potential of virtual connectivity to truly catalyze real-world change, especially in times of adversity.Throughout the interview, Katerina candidly discusses her personal evolution as a leader, offering invaluable insights into effective nonprofit board development, adaptive management strategies, and the pivotal role of storytelling in securing sustained support. Her strategic clarity and openness to innovation position ENGin as a beacon of hope and resilience within the nonprofit sector.ENGin stands as a testament to human determination, harnessing the power of technology and global goodwill to overcome barriers and forge transformative bonds. Katerina's visionary work serves as an inspiring blueprint for nonprofits globally, proving that significant social impact can be achieved even amidst adversity and disruption.#GrassrootsImpact #GlobalConnection #NonprofitInnovationFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

In an era marked by relentless hustle and external demands, author and nonprofit champion Merle Benny invites nonprofits to pause, reflect, and ignite what she calls "The Sparkle Factor." In a compelling conversation, hosted by Julia Patrick and mindful tech advocate Meico Marquette Whitlock, Merle introduces the transformative idea behind her latest book, Sparkle: Create a Brighter, Stronger Nonprofit. Merle argues passionately that the heart of a successful nonprofit lies not in external marketing prowess, but rather within the happiness, internal communication, and genuine appreciation fostered inside the organization.Drawing on deep insights gained through extensive experience, Merle explains that "if the organization itself on the inside isn't happy, doesn’t feel good, everyone suffers." This pivotal realization came to her during the isolating times of COVID when many organizations faced unprecedented internal strains. Her exploration uncovered a startling truth: frustration, high turnover, and internal neglect significantly overshadow the crucial, often overlooked, daily victories—what she warmly terms "minor miracles.""Creating a story culture inside the organization means that everybody gets a chance to share," Merle tells us. She asserts that storytelling isn't merely a tool for external branding; it’s a fundamental internal practice that empowers and energizes teams. Organizations thrive when their members regularly celebrate and share everyday successes, nurturing a vibrant, supportive environment where employees genuinely feel valued.Co-host Meico complements this viewpoint, highlighting the scientific backing for gratitude and shared appreciation within organizational cultures. "There's an imbalance between the inner and outer work," Meico adds, underscoring that prioritizing internal health directly enhances external effectiveness and longevity.Merle stresses the significance of clear, inspiring visions to unify teams. Distinct from missions, visions galvanize and energize individuals, aligning them toward a common, emotionally resonant goal. Without this internal alignment and continuous communication, organizations risk becoming fragmented and ineffective.As Merle puts it succinctly, "Everybody is doing good work, and so much of it is overlooked." By fostering a culture that values these contributions through storytelling, organizations not only enhance internal harmony but simultaneously strengthen their external appeal.In a sector often overshadowed by stress and burnout, Merle’s powerful message is clear: genuine success and lasting impact come from nurturing the organization's internal sparkle. By adopting her insightful strategies, nonprofits can cultivate healthier, happier workplaces, ultimately leading to stronger, more impactful community outcomes!Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

In the ever-evolving world of nonprofit leadership, one constant remains: the board meeting. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a new board member, mastering this essential component of governance can elevate your mission and impact. Cody Bender, Chief Product Officer at Boardable, joins us to unravel the practical strategies that make board meetings more efficient, inclusive, and effective.With over a decade of experience leading tech product innovation, Cody begins with the importance of meeting preparation, record-keeping, and adapting to change. But more than that, he reminds us that streamlining meetings isn't just about saving time—it's about maximizing mission delivery.“A well-crafted agenda is easier than you think,” Cody shares. “Structure it from moment one to moment two to moment three—and let your goals guide you.”Cody’s key advice includes involving multiple stakeholders in creating agendas to line up expectations and foster engagement. He also points to the value of clear, clean formats over outdated templates and visual clutter.For today’s nonprofits—where hybrid meetings & digital communication are the norm—accountability and access to records matter more than ever. “Don’t let form override function,” Cody tell us. “You can keep the greatest records in the world, but if you can’t get to them, you’re in no better position than if you didn’t do it at all.”From embracing shared platforms to avoiding the pitfall of overloading your board with too many tools, this informative conversation will give you many actionable items you’re your nonprofit can use. And when you hear about Boardable’s origin story, rooted in the real frustrations of board service, Cody brings a grounded, user-focused lens to the technology.Ready to transform your board meetings from mundane to mission-aligned? Watch this episode now and you’ll realize smarter, more supportive board practices.#NonprofitLeadership #BoardManagement #DigitalGovernanceFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Branding powerhouse Lyn Wineman, President and Chief Strategist at KidGlov.com, explores one of the most misunderstood yet essential components of nonprofit success: branding.Far from being just a logo or tagline, Lyn reframes branding as a dynamic, multi-layered ecosystem that can dramatically improve a nonprofit’s visibility, trustworthiness, and fundraising effectiveness. Her agency’s proprietary “brand pyramid” lays out the essential building blocks—starting with the organization’s name, followed by the logo, tagline, messaging, visual identity, and finally marketing and advertising execution, which helps leaders see branding as a strategic foundation rather than a cosmetic afterthought.“Branding is one of very few things that can move the needle on everything you do,” Lyn says, emphasizing that a strong, consistent brand elevates all areas—from donor engagement to volunteer recruitment and even talent acquisition. She points to compelling data from NonProfit Pro showing that organizations with strong, consistent brands can increase their fundraising results by as much as 23%. That lift can be a game-changer!Yet despite these benefits, many nonprofit leaders are hesitant or ill-equipped to embrace branding. Lyn shares that for most, “just about the time you are sick of something—like, ‘I can't see that logo on my coffee cup one more time’—that's when your audience is just starting to get it.” Her lesson: internal fatigue with brand elements is often a sign of needed consistency, not a call for change.Lyn also introduces her upcoming book, ‘Untangling Spaghetti,’ which outlines KidGlov’s proven eight-step branding process. It's designed to demystify the process and give leaders a roadmap they can follow with or without agency support.Throughout the lively discussion, with host Julia Patrick, Lyn talks about those common barriers to branding—including outdated board attitudes, confusion about messaging, and the nonprofit sector’s inclination to prioritize service delivery over strategic communications. But with the right tools and a clear roadmap, Lyn believes any organization can build a brand that reflects its mission, energizes its team, and drives lasting impact! #NonprofitBranding #MissionDrivenMarketing #SocialImpactStrategyFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show