The Nonprofit Show

How do you lead when everything feels uncertain? Carina Santa Maria, CEO of Shelter Youth and Family Services, shared a bold, forward-thinking approach to nonprofit leadership in challenging times. From weathering funding impasses and the pandemic to rethinking donor relationships and pioneering new models of care, Carina proves that crisis can be a catalyst for transformation.Shelter-Inc.org, based outside Chicago, has served vulnerable youth and families for 50 years. Yet Carina candidly shares that despite its legacy, the organization has had to reinvent itself multiple times. Whether navigating Illinois’ state budget freeze or pivoting during COVID-19, the common thread has been resilience backed by strategy. “We had to pivot and find the resources to make sure those services were delivered,” Carina says.But this conversation is about more than survival—it's about rising. Carina reveals how she and her team moved away from event-based fundraising and focused on cultivating deep donor relationships. The result? A record-setting $1.8 million raised in one year—without galas or trivia nights. This change didn’t come easy, but it paid off with greater mission alignment and long-term investment from supporters.Carina also discusses the organization's next bold chapter: building Illinois’ first DCFS-approved group home for child victims of human trafficking. What began as a donor’s $50,000 trust experiment has blossomed into a $5 million initiative. “He told me, ‘I don’t care if it works. I just want to see you think outside the box,’” Carina shares. It’s a stunning example of what’s possible when leaders are trusted and supported to innovate.The episode touches on advocacy, trauma-informed storytelling, and building credibility through impact rather than sentiment. Carina makes a compelling case for nonprofit leaders to demand their place at decision-making tables and challenge outdated narratives that nonprofits are less strategic than their corporate counterparts.For nonprofit professionals, this conversation is both a challenge and a blueprint. Carina reminds us that strategy, communication, and vision can carry organizations through uncertainty—not just intact, but stronger. 00:00:00 Welcome 00:01:27 What Shelter Youth and Family Services does 00:02:37 Navigating 24/7 operations and community needs 00:03:50 Impact of state and federal policy on services 00:04:44 Surviving Illinois' budget impasse and COVID 00:06:38 Managing donor fatigue and funding volatility 00:07:53 The importance of donor communication 00:09:43 Leveraging board and stakeholders as advocates 00:11:26 Advocacy and public perception of trafficking 00:12:59 Systems change as financial strategy 00:13:53 Transitioning from events to major gifts 00:17:08 Donor trust leading to bold innovation 00:20:25 Trauma-informed storytelling vs. strategic impact 00:24:10 Educating partners and demanding a seat at the table 00:26:20 Saying no and owning nonprofit leadership 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

What if your volunteer engagement strategy was more than just a nice-to-have? What if it were the heartbeat of your nonprofit’s growth, donor development, and impact? That’s exactly the message Nicole R. Smith, Executive Director of AL!VE (Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement), and Allie Acridge, Volunteer Engagement Specialist at The Women’s Community, bring to this energizing conversation.Nicole, a Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA), kicks things off by explaining the value of professionalizing volunteer engagement: “Managing volunteers, when done well, is like a conductor overseeing an orchestra.” She urges organizations to treat volunteer engagement as a strategic function that touches every part of the organization, not as an afterthought or disposable tag.Allie echoes that sentiment through her work with a domestic violence and sexual assault shelter, where volunteer coordination is both delicate and essential. “You come to a point where you need more—and AL!VE is that ‘more,’” she shares. From managing trauma-informed volunteers to maintaining confidentiality and safety, Allie’s day-to-day shows why expertise matters in this field.The conversation spotlights AL!VE’s broader mission: to empower, educate, and connect volunteer leaders nationwide. Nicole emphasizes how volunteers can—and often do—become donors, board members, and organizational champions. But that transformation requires intentional communication and inclusion from all levels of the organization. “Volunteers who are treated well will become your biggest advocates. They’re better than any marketing campaign you could buy.”The duo also introduces the AL!VE Impact Awards, which recognize outstanding volunteer engagement leaders across the country. Whether you're nominating someone new to the field or a seasoned pro, these awards celebrate those orchestrating impact behind the scenes—and they're open now.For those feeling like a “department of one,” Nicole reminds us: “You are not alone. We are your people.” From monthly workshops to a thriving network of peers, AL!VE offers a powerful support system for those championing volunteerism as a profession, not just a task.Whether you’re in leadership or in the trenches, this episode is a rallying call to elevate volunteer management and treat it as the profession it truly is.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

Finding great fundraising talent doesn’t have to feel like searching for unicorns! On this Fundraisers Friday conversation, Julia Patrick and Tony Beall team up to demystify the talent search and show nonprofits how to recruit smarter, not harder. Whether you’re scrambling to fill a vacant role, thinking about future staffing needs, or exploring nontraditional ways to build your dream team, this conversation is packed with smart ideas and refreshing encouragement.Tony kicks things off with a reality check: “There’s a lot of talent out there—but how do we find them, and how do we know they’re the right fit for our organization?” From there, the episode unpacks practical strategies for evaluating current and future needs, exploring interim and fractional solutions, and rethinking how we define “qualified” candidates.One concept is hiring for ‘high will, low skill’—especially in entry-level and mid-tier fundraising roles. These candidates bring enthusiasm, adaptability, and mission alignment, even if they lack years of sector-specific experience. As Tony explains, it’s about looking beyond resumes and finding people who are ready to grow with your organization.The duo also makes a strong case for casting a wider net when posting jobs. Sure, LinkedIn and Indeed are fine—but why not also try your Chamber of Commerce, Urban League, or networking groups? They suggest your next superstar might be a hotel events manager or a corporate sales leader ready for a purposeful pivot into the nonprofit world.They also tackle “the poaching taboo” head-on. Recruiting local fundraisers isn’t shameful—it’s smart, as long as you’re doing it to grow your mission, not to raid someone else’s donor portfolio.Finally, they discuss the pros (and myths) around using recruiting agencies. Think they’re just for C-suite hiring? Think again. Even small shops can benefit—these pros understand the landscape, fine-tune job descriptions, and save tons of time and stress.These two provide you a toolkit for building a resilient, adaptable, and passionate development team—one smart hire at a time.#TheNonprofitShow #FundraisersFriday #NonprofitHiringFind 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

If you've ever worked in a nonprofit and found yourself fronting expenses on your personal credit card, you're not alone—and you're definitely not doing it wrong. But there's a better way. Our host sat down with GiveFront.com , to unpack how nonprofits can modernize the way they manage spending, reimbursements, and financial oversight.Founder of GiveFront, Matt Tengtrakool, brings a unique dual lens to the discussion: one from years of hands-on experience running and managing nonprofit finances, and another from building financial technology designed specifically for the sector. His message is clear—nonprofits deserve modern tools to track spending, reduce fraud risk, streamline compliance, and eliminate burdensome reimbursement systems.He explains that many organizations still operate with a single credit card passed around among staff—a system ripe for errors, delays, and a lack of accountability. GiveFront provides an alternative: customizable, trackable virtual cards that make it easy for even volunteers to make approved purchases. “You want to allow people to spend for your organization, but you also want control,” Matt explains. “And having the systems set up from the start is extremely important.”The conversation covers common friction points between program teams and finance departments, shedding light on how better spend management can actually strengthen relationships across departments. Host Julia Patrick and Matt explore the psychological side of transparency, the real costs of missing receipts, and the ripple effects of poor policy enforcement.Matt also shares how sales tax refunds—often ignored due to their complexity—can recapture up to 10% of an organization’s spending. With GiveFront’s built-in tools, nonprofits in states like North Carolina and Utah can automatically generate sales tax refund documentation without drowning in paperwork.The episode wraps with practical advice: adopt a spend management platform, train your team on internal financial policies, and revisit those policies regularly. Because managing money well isn’t just about spreadsheets—it’s about trust, clarity, and making sure every dollar does the most good. 00:00:00 Introduction and Matt’s background 00:01:27 Why reimbursements are outdated 00:03:15 Volunteer spending made easier 00:05:12 How nonprofits currently use credit cards 00:06:36 Digital wallets and virtual cards 00:07:38 Receipt tracking and compliance challenges 00:10:01 The hidden cost of $10 transactions 00:10:55 Fraud prevention and virtual card use 00:13:17 Bridging the gap between finance and programs 00:17:56 Sales tax refunds and real savings 00:22:00 Policy clarity and spend management best practices  #TheNonprofitShow #SpendManagement #NonprofitFinance 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

What if becoming a pilot wasn’t a dream reserved for the few—but a real career path for young people in underserved communities? In this inspiring conversation, Dana Donati, CEO of Breaking Down Barriers.org, shares how their aviation nonprofit is rewriting the narrative on who gets to fly.Founded by former American Airlines CEO Doug Parker and his wife, Gwen, Breaking Down Barriers takes flight training and mentorship directly into Dallas communities where aviation has historically been out of reach. From first-grade classrooms to community colleges, Dana and her team spark interest in aviation careers early—well before the traditional fork-in-the-road moments of college or military service.Dana explains, “Becoming a pilot is expensive. So sometimes that automatically pushes out the group of people that have the skill, just don’t have the financial means.” That’s where Breaking Down Barriers steps in—with scholarships, mentorship, and ongoing support that go beyond one-time transactions. Students sign a promise on day one: not just to succeed, but to return and uplift others in their community.In a sector facing a massive talent gap, especially post-pandemic, this model isn’t just feel-good—it’s workforce development at its finest. Dana outlines how they rotate mentors every three months to give students exposure to multiple professionals and expand their aviation networks—replacing outdated “lifelong mentor” models with something more agile and sustainable.This conversation goes beyond aviation. It becomes a blueprint for how nonprofits can foster generational change by focusing on access, exposure, and reinvestment. From field trips to local airports to connecting aviation with brands kids already know—McDonald's, John Deere, Disney—Dana's team finds innovative ways to plant seeds of possibility.For nonprofits wrestling with how to reach and shape future professionals, Breaking Down Barriers offers more than a flight path—it offers a runway. 00:00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:01:37 What Breaking Down Barriers Does 00:02:39 Addressing the Pilot Shortage 00:04:08 Aviation Career Pathways Beyond the Military 00:06:27 Identifying and Removing Career Barriers 00:07:58 The Cost Barrier and Financial Support 00:08:32 The Power of Mentorship and Networking 00:10:17 Rotating Mentors to Build Aviation Networks 00:11:47 Strategic Partnerships and Fundraising 00:14:21 Students Pledging to Give Back 00:16:19 Dana’s Personal Aviation Origin Story 00:20:24 Capturing and Sharing Student Success Stories 00:22:54 The Role of Workforce Development in Education 00:24:53 How to Inspire Young Students Toward Aviation  #TheNonprofitShow #AviationAccess #FutureWorkforce 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 climate charged with political unpredictability, donor hesitancy, and organizational fatigue, Peter Heller, CEO and Founder of Heller Fundraising Group, returns to offer clear-headed perspective on what nonprofits should be doing now—not later. Drawing from decades of experience in higher education and over 20 years guiding capital campaigns and feasibility studies, Peter brings both context and calm to a sector feeling increasingly unsettled.Fundraising is never easy, Peter reminds us. But right now, it’s especially daunting. Some organizations are facing existential uncertainty, while others are tempted to pull back entirely. “Even if we stopped talking right now,” Peter says, “and people went away with this one idea: wake up in the morning and believe that you and your nonprofit deserve that money—that mindset alone can shift your entire trajectory.”Throughout the conversation, Peter offers a compelling blend of strategic realism and aspirational leadership. His guidance is rooted in both emotional alignment and actionable frameworks: acknowledge the difficulty, reaffirm your mission, and keep going. He warns against reactive messaging rooted in fleeting political tides and instead urges organizations to craft campaigns around timeless, hopeful visions that inspire long-term support.One of the episode’s most striking moments comes when Peter recounts the Ossining Children’s Center’s $18 million capital campaign. Despite losing their board presidents, navigating the death of a lead donor, and facing pandemic-related hurdles, they built a beautiful childcare facility now serving a vibrant, diverse community. It’s not just a story of resilience—it’s a blueprint for bold action in the face of fear.Julia Patrick (Show host) and Peter explore why now is precisely the moment for brave leadership—especially from boards. They discuss the board dynamics that can either stall or accelerate progress, and why it’s okay if those unwilling to commit step aside. As Peter puts it, “You need a core group who believe—and aren’t just dreaming, but working toward something achievable.”This thoughtful dialog challenges the nonprofit sector to step into its power, maintain donor relationships through both silence and conversation, and embrace mission-driven fundraising as a moral imperative rather than a burdensome chore. Whether you’re in the middle of a campaign, contemplating one, or simply trying to stay upright, this conversation offers clarity, encouragement, and a seasoned perspective on how to move forward with confidence.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

The Chief Investment Officer at Christian Brothers Services, Steve Sliwinski, offers a highly approachable yet technically sound guide to nonprofit investment strategy. With decades of financial experience and dual designations as CFA and CAIA, Steve breaks down how organizations—regardless of size—can begin managing and growing their financial assets responsibly.From policy benchmarking and committee structure to modern investment tools and trends like IP transfers and crypto, Steve’s insights will help demystify what can often be an intimidating subject. This episode is a must-watch for boards, CFOs, and executive leaders seeking clarity on how to begin—or refine—their investment approach.The discussion begins with a history of Christian Brothers Services, which evolved from a cooperative model among Catholic schools into a nationwide provider of retirement, insurance, and investment services for thousands of institutions. This story serves as an example of scalable collaboration and strategic vision, offering NPO’s a compelling model for shared resource management.Steve explains that waiting for a major windfall to begin investing is outdated thinking. “It’s certainly not out of reach to create a well-diversified portfolio with under $100,000,” he shares, emphasizing that even small recurring contributions—like payroll-deducted retirement savings—can grow into substantial assets over time. The message: nonprofits don’t need to be large to think long-term.Much of the conversation centers around the role of the investment committee. Steve offers a fresh take, stating that technical expertise isn’t always necessary. What matters most is “a long-term orientation and strategic mindset.” Ideal committee size? Three to seven individuals with high-level focus, not necessarily financial professionals.The conversation, with host Julia Patrick, continues into policy development and investment alignment with mission. Steve discusses how ESG (environmental, social, governance) or values-based screening—once costly—is now affordable and feasible even for small organizations. He encourages nonprofits to create an investment policy document in partnership with a consultant or a platform like Vanguard or Fidelity to ensure thoughtful, repeatable decision-making. He stresses the importance of sticking with the strategy through market fluctuations: “Set the policy at the beginning, know why it exists, and abide by it—especially in difficult times.”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

What happens when artificial intelligence collides with nonprofit hiring? Katie Warnock, CEO and Founder of Staffing Boutique, brings over two decades of recruitment wisdom to unpack the evolving world of nonprofit staffing—where AI, automation, and applicant tracking systems are rapidly reshaping the game.From resume reviews to video interviews scored by machines, Katie walks us through what’s real, what’s useful, and what still absolutely needs a human touch. She describes AI as a powerful tool—but not a one-size-fits-all solution.She shares how AI can now instantly generate candidate pipelines, automate scheduling, and send emails with the ease of a few clicks. But for seasoned recruiters like Katie, there's hesitation: trust and nuance still matter. And for organizations hiring in the nonprofit space, personality and mission alignment can't be faked—no matter how good your chatbot is.This episode also explores the do’s and don’ts of keyword optimization, especially for nonprofit resumes. Katie gets specific about how grant writers, development staff, and even tech candidates should tailor their resumes for today’s smart hiring systems. Generic titles like “fundraiser” or “event planner”? Not enough. Think: gala, silent auction, CRM platform, institutional giving.But perhaps most eye-opening is Katie’s reflection on the new loop: AI-powered interviews are becoming so common that some candidates now use AI to answer questions during the interview—prompting some companies to head back to in-person hiring. “There has to be some sort of reversal,” Katie warns. “How do you even trust that a resume was written by the person who actually did the job?”This is a refreshingly candid, real-world conversation about modern hiring challenges in the nonprofit sector. You’ll walk away with smarter strategies, tech tools to explore (or avoid), and a renewed appreciation for the irreplaceable value of human connection. 00:00:00 Welcome and guest introduction 00:01:20 What Staffing Boutique does 00:03:50 AI enters nonprofit hiring 00:04:20 Understanding applicant tracking systems (ATS) 00:05:50 AI vs. human recruitment skills 00:07:00 Automating interviews and follow-ups 00:09:00 Why resume keywords matter 00:12:00 AI video interviews and ethics 00:14:45 Human touch vs. automation 00:17:30 LinkedIn Recruiter and candidate scoring 00:20:40 How AI tools can fake resumes 00:23:40 The case for returning to in-person hiring 00:27:00 Final thoughts and sector outlook 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

This fast episode plants more than a few seeds—it digs deep into the fertile soil of fundraising tech and AI, showing nonprofit leaders how to embrace new tools without fear or being overwhelmed.Co-host Julia Patrick opens with her signature energy: “It’s always a good day when I get to work with my cohost Tony Beall,” . . .and what follows is an energizing discussion around modernizing fundraising practices. The duo tackles AI not as a villain, but as a brilliant assistant. As Tony puts it: “AI is a tool, not a takeover.”From predictive analytics to donor segmentation, Tony outlines how AI empowers fundraisers to work smarter—not harder. He reminds us that AI “creates a tremendous opportunity for prospecting,” especially now that tools like ChatGPT are as common as Google searches.Julia reflects on how her organization embraced AI early on. “It has revolutionized the way we do business,” she says, underscoring (not literally!) how prompts, personas, and platform features help tailor messaging to diverse donor groups.Tony speaks to how “ChatGPT can help you refine messaging for different donor sets… it’s still your words, but it’s helping you shape the message.” He urges fundraisers to treat the tech as an editor—not a ghostwriter.They also dig into CRM evolution, with Julia commenting, “What we get today is not what we’ll have tomorrow.” Tony shares how CRM vendors are racing to integrate AI and support their users.The conversation rounds out with a focus on multi-generational training, acknowledging that not every team member shares the same comfort with digital tools. Tony adds that leaders must explain “why we’re doing this” so that staff can buy in, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.This episode isn’t just about tech—it’s about change, mindset, and purpose.#FundraisingTech #TheNonprofitShowFind 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

Leadership meets lived experience as Eric Wilson, Director at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), unpacks the long-standing tension between nonprofit finance and programming. With warmth, wit, and real-world clarity, Eric takes us into the heart of the issue—how two departments with the same mission often work in silos, risking confusion, inefficiency, and financial misalignment.From discussing budget misunderstandings to the implications of restricted funds, this episode challenges nonprofit leaders to ask themselves: “Are we communicating with intention—or just reacting when problems arise?”Eric shares, “You don’t want people afraid to bring you a problem… I'd rather have a small problem early than a big problem later.” That mindset—proactive, people-first, and rooted in accountability—is the call to action for every executive, finance officer, and program manager tuning in.Together with host Julia Patrick, they explore:·        Why many nonprofit staff don’t fully understand the true cost of programs·        How miscommunication around restricted funding can sabotage outcomes·        Why monthly check-ins between finance and programming are more than a best practice—they’re essential·        How fear creates silence and silence breeds mistakes·        What emotional intelligence and mutual education mean for modern nonprofit cultureThis learning session is a leadership masterclass in creating cross-departmental unity through intention, clarity, and relationship-building. Whether you're a new program manager, seasoned CFO, or executive director trying to align teams—you’ll walk away with practical tools and a fresh mindset! 00:00:00 Welcome and topic introduction 00:01:13 Eric Wilson’s role at YPTC and regional insight 00:02:40 Finance meets programming—at home and work 00:04:17 What does the finance team actually do? 00:06:10 Why communication breakdowns happen 00:08:25 True cost vs. perceived cost in programming 00:10:53 Budget expectations and common disconnects 00:13:18 Restricted funds and organizational risk 00:17:01 How often should teams check in? 00:19:22 Finance as educator and mutual learning 00:21:33 Prevention vs. crisis mode 00:23:04 Addressing fear and improving collaboration 00:26:01 Remote work and new communication habits 00:28:14 Final leadership insights and takeaways #NonprofitLeadership #FinanceAndProgramming #TheNonprofitShowFind 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