

Successful Nonprofits Podcast
The Goldenburg Group, LLC
With over half-a-million downloads, the Successful Nonprofits Podcast shares insights, tools, and tips to help you and your nonprofit thrive. Our incredible content is the reason we're ranked in the top 2% of podcasts globally.
Each week, Dolph interviews nonprofit experts and leaders who share their experiences and wisdom on a wide range of topics relevant to the nonprofit sector. From fundraising and board development to leadership and strategic planning, and more!
We also offer shorter Bonus Break episodes you can listen to while taking a tea break – and get the added bonus of making you and your nonprofit stronger. These Bonus Breaks are solo episodes, where Dolph shares hard-learned (sometimes painfully learned) lessons from his 3 decades in the sector. And he often create worksheets and templates that accompany the bonus breaks.
The podcast is hosted by Dolph Goldenburg, a consultant, coach, and confidant to nonprofit leaders across the nation.
Each week, Dolph interviews nonprofit experts and leaders who share their experiences and wisdom on a wide range of topics relevant to the nonprofit sector. From fundraising and board development to leadership and strategic planning, and more!
We also offer shorter Bonus Break episodes you can listen to while taking a tea break – and get the added bonus of making you and your nonprofit stronger. These Bonus Breaks are solo episodes, where Dolph shares hard-learned (sometimes painfully learned) lessons from his 3 decades in the sector. And he often create worksheets and templates that accompany the bonus breaks.
The podcast is hosted by Dolph Goldenburg, a consultant, coach, and confidant to nonprofit leaders across the nation.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 21, 2020 • 22min
Generosity Post-Mortem: Legacy Giving with Lori Kranczer
Looking to boost your incoming donations? Not sure how to do that given our uncertain economic climate? Then check out today’s episode on legacy giving. Join Lori Kranczer, lawyer and legacy giving expert, to hear her tips for creating and marketing an effective legacy giving campaign.

May 14, 2020 • 41min
The Perfect Money Pitch
Let’s talk money. We all need more money. We all want more money. We all hate to ask for money. But making that ask is essential for every nonprofit’s day-to-day programming and long term sustainability. Listen in on our conversation with Dr. Shantell Chambliss, a self-described “sustainability junkie,” for expert tips on how to support your team of solicitors as they prepare for and conduct the perfect ask.

May 7, 2020 • 36min
The Big Secret: Moving from Strategy to Results with Leslie MacKrell
Does your organization sometimes struggle to get results – despite having a talented, dedicated team and a phenomenal strategy? Today’s guest, Leslie MacKrell, explains how your operating model, or lack of one, often stands in your way. Join her as she asks tough questions and looks for honest answers about what you need, what you have, and how you can make up the difference. So, put on your Operating Model Hat and tune in to learn how to start or enhance your own operating model.

Apr 30, 2020 • 29min
Surviving an Economic Crisis
As leaders and nonprofit organizations, we are facing uncertain and difficult times ahead. All organizations face periods of hardship, but an unprecedented number of nonprofits are wondering how they will survive. And, beyond that, how can they possibly thrive again? If you are feeling alone, please know that you are not. And know that there is hope. To prove it, Toni Pergolin shares her experiences bringing a nonprofit back from the brink of bankruptcy and turning it into a healthy, vibrant, and thriving organization. So please take a few minutes to join us for Toni’s key lessons for nonprofit, and personal, survival.

Apr 20, 2020 • 46min
Our PPP Loan Wasn’t Funded – Now What?
As this episode is released, the US Congress is nearing a deal to reopen the Payroll Protection Program with an additional $300 billion of funding. This episode offers important strategies for accessing PPP funds, reducing expenses without harming staff and raising more funds quickly. Highlights: (7:23) Know your burn rate and cash flow projections (10:00 ) Actionable ideas for cutting your expenses without harming staff (18:00) Your staff might make more money from unemployment if you furloughed them now (23:00) Generate cash and raise more money fast (38:35) Prepare your organization to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program when it’s refunded

Apr 16, 2020 • 31min
Save the World and Yourself:
If you’ve worked in the nonprofit sector, even for just a few years, then you have probably experienced burnout at least once. Some people are able to push through it, but many eventually decide to leave their jobs, their fields, or nonprofit work altogether. Therefore, it is imperative for everyone, from team members to team leaders, to take preventative measures. Today Diane Leonard joins us to share how her teams identify and maintain a sustainable work pace via the Scrum framework. Listen in as Diane explains the steps she takes to keep her team productive and happy.

Apr 9, 2020 • 35min
Putting the “People” Back in Volunteerism
Volunteers are the backbone of so many nonprofits. While many nonprofits could not keep their doors open without them, volunteers and volunteer programs are often overlooked. These volunteers come from all backgrounds and serve at all levels, from experienced professionals to four year olds, from board members to office assistants. On this episode, Rob Jackson shares just a few of his groundbreaking ideas to ramp up your organization’s volunteer program. Join us as we shake up the norms surrounding who makes a great volunteer manager and how to retain volunteers.

Apr 2, 2020 • 30min
Frenemies:
In these polarized times it is especially hard to contemplate, let alone actually sit down with those we see as the enemies of our cause. But as our guest, Leah Garces, points out, it is exactly these people we need to work with to create change. Join Leah as she challenges us to become comfortable with the uncomfortable, recognize the humanity of our so-called enemies, look for the win-win solution, and ultimately make effective and lasting change.

Mar 26, 2020 • 29min
Nail the interview; get the job!
Whether you are a candidate or the hiring manager, understanding interview best practices is essential. Our guest Evan Piekara shares everything you need to know about job interview questions and answers. In this episode, we discuss case study interview questions, the “right” answers for common interview questions, and tons of good ideas for your next job interview. Evan also shares how to position yourself as a leading candidate by preparing meaningful questions that reveal your pre-interview research, taking a genuine interest in those you interact with throughout the process and demonstrating your expertise. Most important, his advice is pertinent whether you are interviewing for a management position or an entry-level one.

Mar 12, 2020 • 41min
Trauma Informed Leadership with Matt Bennett
We started the year off with strong intentions to manage stress, take care of ourselves and be kind to our inner child. But those of us working in the nonprofit sector have significantly more pressure on us every day. And, with the year almost 25% over, now is the perfect time to share this conversation with Matt Bennett about trauma-informed leadership and self-care. This dynamic conversation with Matt Bennett leads us on a journey through nonprofit leadership, trauma informed care, self-care and more. In this podcast episode, listeners will get self-care ideas and tips, as well as practical leadership advice for building professional and personal resiliency throughout your nonprofit.