The Nonprofit Show

What if your next fundraising event wasn’t just another rubber chicken gala—but a magnetic, mission-driven experience people couldn’t stop talking about? That’s exactly what Brittany Bedford, Customer Success Manager at Bloomerang, urges nonprofit leaders to imagine.In this high-energy episode, Brittany dives deep into the art of turning events from forgettable to phenomenal. She shares fresh research, real-world examples, and wildly creative strategies that help nonprofits connect with long-term donors in meaningful, memorable ways.“We’ve got to shift from the fundraiser’s point of view to the attendee’s,” Brittany emphasizes. “They’re coming to feel connected. This is their chance to be a part of something meaningful.”Julia Patrick, host, agrees—and doesn’t hold back: “We don’t even sit down and ask, what do our guests need? That’s dreadful. We just copy and paste the last event!”From gamified donor experiences and staff-led greetings to runway walk-offs and dogs painting art live onstage, Brittany proves that creativity isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a donor retention superpower. In one standout example, she describes an event where guests interacted with service dogs creating art, then bid on those pieces at auction. “People were laughing, posting, and telling the story for weeks,” she recalls.She also unpacks Bloomerang’s new research showing that:·        70% of donors say a fun experience makes them more likely to stay engaged·        53% say gamification was their most memorable event moment·        Yet only 6% of fundraisers are implementing this!The takeaway? Nonprofits must ditch the rinse-and-repeat and embrace innovation—starting with the very first hello. Whether you're planning your first gala or your fiftieth, this episode is a game-changer for how you think about donor events.00:00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction00:02:00 Brittany’s Role at Bloomerang00:03:40 Transitioning from Transactional to Inspirational Events00:06:00 Copy-Paste Event Planning Pitfalls00:08:30 New Research: What Donors Really Want00:10:20 Gamification at Events: Why It Works00:13:00 Making Staff and Board Comfortable with Engagement00:15:00 Rethinking Guest Check-In and First Impressions00:17:00 Dogs Painting Art: An Unforgettable Event Idea00:20:00 Peer-to-Peer Meets Fashion Show Fundraiser00:23:30 Using Event Data for Future Engagement00:27:00 Can Small Teams Pull This Off?#DonorEngagement #NonprofitEvents #FundraisingInnovationFind 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

Nonprofit mergers and acquisitions aren’t a sign of weakness—they're a powerful strategy for long-term viability and community impact. In this leading edge conversation, we bring together two sector leaders: Tim Davis, President and Managing Partner of Glick Davis and Associates, and Jeffrey R. Wilcox, CEO and Founder of Interim Executives Academy. Together with host Julia Patrick, they chart a bold roadmap for organizational transformation through strategic partnerships, timely interim leadership, and cultural integration.As Jeffrey begins, “A sustainable nonprofit must first be viable. And to be viable, you must be survivable.” He challenges nonprofits to move beyond survival thinking and embrace strategic collaboration before financial or leadership crises strike. Tim Davis builds on that, offering a real-world example of three regional nonprofits merging their missions to secure larger grants and extend their reach: “Instead of three groups asking for $10,000 each, they made a unified ask for $100,000—and won.”The conversation digs into the uncomfortable truths of nonprofit M&A—ego, fear, and lack of information—but offers actionable strategies. Tim emphasizes that success is cultural, not just financial: “Unless you build the culture between organizations, one side is always unhappy.” Meanwhile, Jeffrey explains the unique power of interim leaders to guide organizations through this kind of transformation: “Interims help people reach the conclusion themselves—it becomes their idea, their ownership.”This episode doesn’t just present M&A as a lifeline for nonprofits in distress—it reframes it as a proactive, bold strategy for those who want to own their future. With funding shifts, demographic changes, and leadership transitions accelerating across the sector, Tim and Jeffrey argue that now is the time to build viable, mission-driven collaborations that will withstand what’s ahead.Whether you’re a board member, CEO, or funder, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and equip you with the mindset and tools to explore mergers—not out of desperation, but from a place of strength. 00:00:00 Welcome and introduction of guests 00:01:50 What is transitional leadership and why it matters 00:03:14 How Glick Davis supports nonprofit mergers and turnarounds 00:04:23 Rethinking sustainability: viability vs survivability 00:06:02 Why nonprofits must start M&A talks sooner 00:08:10 Real example: nonprofits merging for financial literacy impact 00:10:13 Navigating ego and mission in M&A conversations 00:11:35 The interim leader’s role in M&A facilitation 00:13:04 Educating stakeholders before merger decisions 00:15:55 Secret sauce of nonprofit M&A: culture building 00:18:27 Knowing when your org is no longer viable 00:22:54 What great interim leaders really do #NonprofitLeadership #StrategicMergers #InterimExecutivesFind 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

It’s Fundraiser’s Friday—and we engage in a candid, layered conversation about one of the sector’s least addressed yet most persistent realities: stress. Specifically, the stress experienced by nonprofit fundraisers who juggle mounting expectations, emotional labor, event overload, and relentless revenue goals.Cohost Julia Patrick opens with a sobering observation: “We can’t, as a sector, keep fundraisers going. They burn out and leave—an average tenure of only 18 months.” This sets the tone for a deep dive into the sources of that burnout and practical frameworks to address them. Cohost Tony Beall offers a powerful, centering reminder: “Give yourself the grace and accept that you need these things for yourself. There’s no guilt in taking care of the caretaker.”Together, they examine six categories of stress fundraisers commonly endure: revenue pressure, donor expectations, event management demands, campaign overload, internal organizational scrutiny, and peer isolation. Instead of simply bemoaning these conditions, the cohosts provide tactical insight. From outsourcing logistics and investing in professional benefit auctioneers, to building strong volunteer committees and peer support networks, they propose both mindset shifts and structural solutions.Tony emphasizes the importance of open and honest communication—up, down, and across the organization—as one of the most effective antidotes to mounting stress. Equally essential, Julia insists, is understanding the often-forgotten emotional toll of donor relationships and campaign deadlines, which can be exacerbated by unrealistic leadership expectations or outdated traditions like “we’ve always done this event.”What emerges is a roadmap for healing a profession at risk. This isn’t just an episode—it’s a resource, a reset, and a reaffirmation for nonprofit professionals who need permission and tools to stay in the work they love.00:00:00 Welcome to Fundraisers Friday 00:01:00 Fundraiser burnout and short tenure 00:02:00 Revenue pressure and mental strain 00:05:00 Open communication as stress management 00:07:35 Donor relationships and expectation stress 00:10:00 Fundraisers as accidental event managers 00:13:15 Return on effort for fundraising events 00:16:00 Volunteer committees and shared ownership 00:18:10 Benefit auctioneers and event ROI 00:21:00 Campaign overload and tech tools 00:24:00 Internal scrutiny and team pressure 00:27:00 Peer support and professional associations 00:30:00 Final takeaways and call for self-care#NonprofitLeadership #FundraisingStress #DonorEngagement 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 a conversation as timely as it is timeless, we welcome Gordon Sims, Director of Development at the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio, to explore how nonprofits can sustain their commitment to DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) amid increasing societal and political scrutiny. Joined by cohosts Wendy F. Adams and Julia Patrick, this dialogue doesn’t flinch from the complex realities of today’s climate—but it also doesn’t surrender to them.Gordon traces the DEIB movement's lineage back nearly a century, when Catholics and Jews united to counter hate, showing that “this movement and this work is far bigger than this political cycle.” His words remind us that while terminology and tactics may shift, the core intention remains: equal access, safety, and dignity for all. "The intent really was never to create preferential treatment for anyone,” he says, “but to just give equal treatment and opportunities."This conversation acknowledges how the DEIB landscape has been reshaped by fear, legislation, and misinformation. Yet it offers clarity and resolve. Gordon uses a poignant metaphor comparing DEIB to theme park "fast passes," where historically marginalized communities have been left to wait in line while others bypassed them. DEIB, he emphasizes, is about giving everyone the opportunity to get on the ride—no more, no less.Equally compelling is the discussion around strategy. Gordon highlights the importance of language, framing, and tone when approaching these issues, especially in environments where such topics are misunderstood or even banned. “Sometimes we have to choose between being right and being strategic,” he shares, quoting trainer Erica Merritt. The challenge lies in advancing the work without triggering defensiveness or political backlash.Ultimately, this episode is about courage, compassion, and connection. It's about listening deeply, creating safe spaces, and convening in strength. Whether it’s through roundtables with LGBTQ centers, school districts, or town hall-style block parties, Gordon and his team are modeling how collaboration itself becomes a form of resilience.For those unsure how to proceed or afraid to speak, this episode provides a framework not just for advocacy, but for hope.00:00:00 Welcome and introductions00:03:11 History of the Diversity Center and DEIB origins00:05:35 The movement cycle and current contraction00:07:35 DEIB as equal access—not preferential treatment00:09:53 What DEIB looks like in real life today00:12:11 Convening as a form of resilience00:14:43 Creating safe spaces and actionable strategies00:17:03 Legislative engagement and civic action00:19:03 Navigating DEIB within family and social dynamics00:22:30 Strategic language and meeting people where they are00:26:01 Being strategic vs. being right00:28:37 Data-driven proof of DEIB’s value#InclusiveLeadership #NonprofitStrategy #CivicEngagementFind 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

Dawn Trapp, CEO of the Civitan Foundation AZ, delivers an inspiring and detailed look into how her organization successfully runs a summer camp for individuals with disabilities. With operations dating back to 1968, Civitan has evolved from a modest two-week camp into a year-round service hub providing inclusive programming, employment training, arts initiatives, and a deeply supportive community.Dawn shares the journey of navigating decades of change—from shifting public perceptions to compliance with modern licensing, insurance, and risk management needs. The organization made a pivotal decision during COVID to remain open, extending their camp season when many others shut down. “We stayed open… and it was probably one of the best decisions that we made for everybody,” she says, reflecting on how camp served as a safe haven for campers and staff during uncertain times.Camp Civitan serves a broad age range—from 5 to 83—and a spectrum of disabilities, tailoring programming to meet diverse needs. Dawn emphasizes the importance of respite not just for the campers, but for their families. Many use state-provided respite funding to cover attendance, enabling caregivers to rest, while campers experience joy, independence, and connection.Staffing is one of Civitan’s most pressing challenges, especially given its rural location. Dawn shares how they addressed this by bringing in international staff and launching the "Grow Our Own" program, cultivating future leaders from within their own volunteer base—some of whom started at age six and are now on staff. Civitan also maintains ownership of its 15-acre camp, which provides long-term flexibility but comes with substantial cost and maintenance responsibilities.From risk mitigation to community partnerships, Dawn’s candid discussion reveals the complexity of operating a mission-aligned, community-centered facility. Her closing thoughts on legacy and leadership succession reflect a long-view commitment: ensuring Civitan continues to thrive for generations to come.00:00:00 Welcome with Dawn Trapp  00:02:06 Keeping Camp Civitan Open During COVID  00:04:22 Camp is for Everyone – Even Age 81  00:05:15 How Camp Civitan Got Its Start in 1968  00:07:18 Services for Campers from Age 5 to 83  00:08:00 How Camp Provides Respite for Families  00:10:28 Staffing in a Remote Location  00:11:29 Recruiting International Staff and Volunteers  00:13:22 Growing Leaders Through Camp Life  00:16:20 Owning vs. Renting Camp Facilities  00:20:26 Risk Management and Safety Protocols  00:27:03 Dawn’s Vision for the Next Five Years   #InclusiveCamps #DisabilityServices #NonprofitLeadershipFind 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

Julie Kline and Sarah Jacobus from Lifetime Arts take a deep and inspiring dive into the transformative world of creative aging. As America's population shifts, nonprofits must adapt—and creative engagement is an exciting and necessary path forward.Together, they break open the outdated, medicalized view of aging and replace it with a vision where creativity, choice, and social connection are seen as core elements of a vibrant older life. They explore how creative programs provide empowerment, reduce isolation, and foster new identities for older adults—a dynamic shift nonprofits can't afford to ignore.Julie Kline, Director of Program Strategy at Lifetime Arts, passionately describes the organization’s mission: “Our goal is to weave creative aging into the fabric of our communities.” She shares her personal journey, rooted in childhood experiences of writing plays for her grandparents, that fueled her dedication to bridging generations through creativity.Sarah Jacobus, Creative Writing Trainer, reflects on her own pivot into this field, especially during COVID, sharing: “Being in a creative aging class is really establishing a new sense of identity—one that’s empowering and energizing.”The conversation also tackles the nuances of gender differences in participation, the need for thoughtful partnerships, the silent influence of ageism, and the exciting expansion of training opportunities for nonprofits of all kinds—even unexpected ones like botanical gardens.This episode will challenge you to ask: Are we ready to serve an aging population creatively, inclusively, and dynamically?00:00:00 - Welcome and Introduction to Creative Aging 00:02:20 - What Lifetime Arts Does 00:04:00 - The "Medicalized" View of Aging 00:06:15 - Julie Klein’s Personal Journey Into Creative Aging 00:08:00 - Sarah Jacobus’ Story and COVID’s Impact 00:11:00 - Why Creativity Matters for Health and Aging 00:13:00 - Empowerment Through Creative Expression 00:14:45 - Gender Differences in Creative Aging Participation 00:18:20 - Why Nonprofits Should Care About Aging 00:20:45 - Building Effective Partnerships 00:22:00 - New Open Enrollment Training Opportunities 00:26:00 - Fighting Ageism Through Creative Programming 00:29:00 - Closing Thoughts and Call to Action #CreativeAging #EmpowerThroughArt #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

It’s Fundraisers Friday, and Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall are back with an episode full of big opinions, thoughtful advice, and even a little Kung Fu Panda wisdom. This time, they dive into real questions from viewers—and they don’t hold back, with an honest and supportive conversation about the ins and outs of development work, from transparency in fundraising goals to the fine line of donor privacy.One of the first questions tackled: Should fundraising goals be shared organization-wide, or kept within the C-suite? Tony makes the case for balance: “The way you communicate goals matters—empathy and intention are key.” Julia adds that fundraisers often get put under pressure when goal updates trickle down without context or support.They also unpack a tricky topic—sharing top donor info with board members. Julia suggests, “Having a policy is key. Without it, you risk someone casually announcing a donor’s gift in public.” Tony agrees but reminds us, “Unless the donor asked for anonymity, listing them for board review isn’t a breach of privacy.”Perks for development staff? This duo has thoughts. Forget just bagels—Tony encourages nonprofits to ask staff what’s actually meaningful to them. From car washes donated by board-owned businesses to flexible scheduling, he reminds us, “Perks don’t have to cost much to show value.”Perhaps the most surprising take came on newsletters vs. annual reports. Tony challenged the typical approach, saying monthly newsletters can feel stale, while an annual report can be a dynamic, story-driven tool: “If I had to choose, I’d go with the annual report every time.”To close, Julia teases upcoming episodes (like managing fundraiser stress) and celebrates The Nonprofit Show nearing its 1300th episode. The vibe? Honest, empowering, and always real.—“There’s no such thing as bad news or good news. There’s just news.” —Tony Beall, quoting Kung Fu Panda, but owning the sentiment.Timestamps:00:00:00 Welcome to Fundraisers Friday!00:01:18 The joy of working with nonprofit leaders00:03:19 Teaser: Upcoming episode on fundraiser stress00:04:21 Should fundraising goals be shared org-wide?00:06:55 Communication, stress, and fear in fundraising updates00:09:49 Good news vs. bad news (Kung Fu Panda style)00:11:14 Donor privacy: Should boards know top givers?00:14:55 Low-cost perks for development staff00:19:20 Annual report vs. monthly newsletters—what’s more important?00:24:08 How to maximize your annual report00:25:34 Tony’s news from AFP and upcoming events00:27:11 Julia's Innovate Conference appearance00:28:13 Celebrating 1300 episodes! #FundraisersFriday #NonprofitLeadership #DevelopmentStrategyFind 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

Understanding what it really means for a nonprofit to be financially successful—and no, it’s not just about the size of your bank account. Beth Larsen, VP of Client Accounting and Advisory Services at JMT Consulting, explains.Financial success, Beth explains, is fundamentally about “whether or not you have the resources to fulfill your mission effectively.” It’s a mindset shift from passive accounting to active financial management, where success is defined by the ability to match your assets to your mission-driven activities.Beth digs into how nonprofits can and should assess their financial health by tracking three core metrics: monthly operating results, available unrestricted cash, and current ratio. She emphasizes that these metrics aren’t just nice-to-have—they’re essential to making real-time strategic decisions and maintaining stability in uncertain economic times.“Most nonprofits are dealing with demand that far exceeds available resources,” she shares. “That means decision-making must be rooted in data and aligned with mission, not just money.”The conversation moves from theory to practice, with Beth advocating for a solid financial foundation built on clean data, clear processes, and internal discipline. She outlines actionable best practices like having written financial procedures, separation of duties, automated systems, and integrated budget planning that includes development and operations.Host Julia Patrick and Beth also reflect on their past experiences during the 2008 recession—where both faced impossible decisions around shelter programs and fundraising gaps—and draw relevant lessons for today's leaders.Whether your nonprofit is flying blind with checkbook accounting or wrestling with boardroom fear around financial topics, Beth’s calm, strategic approach lights a clear path forward. Her message is both urgent and empowering: “You can’t afford not to do this work.”Timestamps:00:00:00 – Welcome and Introduction to Beth Larsen 00:03:44 – What Financial Success Really Means for Nonprofits 00:05:19 – Navigating Resources vs. Demand in Tough Times 00:08:39 – Best Practices: Build a Financial Foundation 00:10:42 – Budget Strategy and Data Categorization 00:13:33 – How Strong Systems Reduce Fear and Confusion 00:17:10 – Balancing Mission with Financial Realities 00:20:38 – The Three Key Metrics You Must Track 00:24:26 – Moving From Checkbook Management to Smart Strategy 00:26:10 – Improving Communication Around Financials 00:28:52 – Finance as a Journey, Not a Checklist 00:30:12 – Innovate 2025 Conference Preview #NonprofitFinance #MissionDrivenData #StrategicStewardship 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

Leah Kral, social impact consultant and author of Innovation for Social Change, joins cohosts Julia Patrick and Sherry Quam Taylor for a spirited deep-dive into how nonprofits can rethink innovation—no Silicon Valley badge required!Leah sets the tone early, challenging the misconception that innovation is only about gadgets and tech. “Innovation is simply finding new and better ways of doing things,” she says, reframing it as a mindset accessible to nonprofits of every size. Whether it’s Habitat for Humanity’s volunteer model or a legal aid clinic swapping clipboards for iPads, she insists, “People are innovating all the time in the nonprofit sector—they just don’t always realize it.”Throughout the conversation, Leah shares why many nonprofits feel stuck: good intentions clouding decision-making, risk-averse leadership, and the pressure to produce “glossy” reports with no room for trial-and-error. She offers a refreshingly realistic take—yes, failure might happen, but so might wild success. “It’s far better to fail fast and fail small than never experiment at all,” she notes.Leah introduces her six principles of innovation: think like a detective, ask courageous questions, empower frontline workers, leave room for experimentation, pursue continuous learning, and master the art of persuasion. She backs each with vivid examples—from the night staff at Mayo Clinic improving patient care, to the global success of WorldReader’s mobile reading app born from failed Kindle pilots.Cohosts Julia and Sherry echo the importance of curiosity and culture, with Sherry noting, “A curious leader sets the tone for the whole team.” Leah agrees and highlights that personal innovation is just as vital as organizational change.What’s the biggest takeaway? Innovation isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. And it starts with making space for curiosity, iteration, and the courage to try. Leah wraps with a compelling call: “You don’t need a huge budget to innovate—just a little time and a willingness to ask better questions.”Whether you're a grassroots nonprofit or a national leader, this episode might just be the reboot your strategy needs.TImestamps:00:00:00 – Introduction and guest welcome 00:01:35 – Leah Kral on writing *Innovation for Social Change* 00:04:00 – What innovation really means in nonprofits 00:05:52 – Big vs. small innovation examples 00:08:08 – What’s holding nonprofits back from innovation? 00:10:56 – Addressing the myth: innovation = risk 00:11:44 – Leah’s six principles of innovation 00:16:20 – Why personal innovation matters too 00:21:45 – Embracing small experiments and fast failure 00:23:48 – Building a culture that allows for trial and error 00:27:12 – How to spark creativity within teams 00:29:44 – Final thoughts and where to find Leah’s book #NonprofitInnovation 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

Executive Director Janelle Miller Moravek of Youth and Family Counseling takes us behind the curtain of what it really means to make HR the Executive Director’s greatest ally. This isn’t just an HR pep talk—it’s a dive into how transactional excellence, emotional intelligence, and succession planning can transform your organization’s culture, resilience, and impact.Topics:00:00 Introduction and Welcome  01:50 About Youth and Family Counseling  03:29 HR’s Role in Organizational Growth  05:31 What Is Transactional Excellence?  07:25 When Staff Leave: Root Causes  08:54 Counseling Work vs Other Sectors  11:08 HR as Organizational Design  13:42 Planning Your Work, Working Your Plan  16:00 Resilience in a Multigenerational Workforce  17:23 Succession Planning Without Panic  20:24 Cross-Training and Shared Leadership  23:09 Mental Health for Mental Health Providers  24:10 HR as Organizational Scaffolding  25:22 Fractional vs Full-Time HR  27:17 Real-Life Lessons from a Fortune 100 CEO  28:29 Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways  31:15 Final Message: Stay Well to Do Well  Janelle brings real-world insights from her 15-year journey leading a nonprofit mental health organization that grew from a $680,000 budget to $2.8 million and expanded to three locations. What’s her secret? A thoughtful, strategic approach to human resources.“We’ve always had to create an experience for our employees that attracts the talent we need,” she shares. In a sector where nonprofits can’t match private sector salaries, Janelle emphasizes designing career ladders and crafting meaningful employee experiences as key levers in recruitment and retention.She also doesn’t shy away from accountability: “We need to look back at ourselves. Our staffing changes often come about because of something we’ve done.” Her refreshing honesty sets the tone for a discussion that’s as practical as it is reflective.From the nitty-gritty of job descriptions to navigating a multigenerational workforce and preparing for the “silver tsunami” of retirements, Janelle urges leaders to embrace HR not just as a compliance mechanism, but as strategic scaffolding that supports every function in the organization.The episode explores how nonprofits—especially smaller ones—can structure succession planning without fear, cultivate middle management, and share leadership in ways that increase organizational capacity and decrease burnout.As she puts it, “HR is scaffolding. It’s how you manage the work and the people—it can’t just be the ED holding it up.”If you're a nonprofit leader navigating hiring woes, team development, or succession worries, watch this for a generous dose of real-world experience mixed with humor, clarity, and heart.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