Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications

Discover how nonprofit leaders can thrive in polarized environments. Learn practical strategies for engaging in courageous conversations and managing conflict. Explore the vital role of nonprofits in fostering dialogue and resilience within communities. The discussion includes emotional balance and accountability in leadership, emphasizing self-reflection and aligning decisions with personal values. Gain insights into preserving organizational practices during crises while nurturing team dynamics and fostering a culture of care.

Jamila Hodge, Executive Director of Equal Justice USA, and Mikaela Levons, Chief Development Officer, shed light on the unique challenges faced by BIPOC fundraisers. They discuss how race and lived experiences shape fundraising strategies and leadership styles. The duo highlights the systemic biases in nonprofit practices that hinder access for marginalized communities. They also emphasize the resilience of women of color, the importance of authenticity, and the need for inclusive environments to drive meaningful change in fundraising.

Michael Thatcher, the CEO of Charity Navigator, dives into the world of nonprofit fundraising and donor engagement. He discusses how organizations can move beyond outdated metrics and build trust with donors through data. Michael emphasizes the need for nonprofits to adapt their strategies to meet evolving donor expectations, especially younger generations. He also highlights the importance of equity in charity evaluations and the role of professional development for nonprofit leaders in fostering donor trust. This conversation is a treasure trove of insights for today's fundraising landscape!

Seth Godin, the marketing GOAT, shares his revolutionary insights on nonprofit marketing. He emphasizes the power of storytelling and emotional connections to engage donors effectively. The conversation highlights the need for nonprofits to embrace innovation and view failure as a learning opportunity. Godin also discusses overcoming risk aversion in leadership, advocating for dual board structures to foster creativity. Ultimately, he champions building lasting relationships over transactional fundraising, transforming how nonprofits connect with their communities.

Scott Curran, CEO of Beyond Advisors, discusses the precarious landscape for small nonprofits, where one-third fail within ten years. He emphasizes the importance of a clear mission and unique value for sustainable growth. Curran shares insights on strategic organization development and the transformative power of large philanthropic gifts. He also presents a framework for enhancing social impact through effective board operations and partnerships, encouraging storytelling and engagement as tools for overcoming challenges in the nonprofit sector.

In this discussion, Glennda Testone, a leadership and decision-making expert, shares her insights on the tricky art of saying no. She dives into the emotional challenges nonprofit leaders face when making tough choices, especially when trying to please stakeholders. Glennda emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and aligning decisions with an organization’s mission. Their conversation is sprinkled with practical strategies and relatable anecdotes, making the topic both engaging and insightful for anyone in the nonprofit sector.

Allison Fine and I discuss the need to transform nonprofit fundraising from a transactional to a relational model, leverage technology to build meaningful donor relationships, and create a more sustainable and joyful fundraising environment.

Like me, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot moved from the corporate world to the nonprofit sector with zero previous experience in nonprofit work. In this episode, she shares her inspiring story of how and why she shifted her focus to step into her most impactful work yet.

The nonprofit sector has a serious PR problem that impacts its ability to garner adequate support. Nonprofit leaders have a powerful opportunity to be ambassadors and advocates for the sector as a whole. In this episode, I make a poignant call to action for nonprofit leaders everywhere to rally to the side of saving public perception of the important work they do.

Let’s discuss collective nonprofit power - what it is, what it isn’t, and what the nonprofit sector could do to harness it. To do more good in the world, we need to stand in our collective power which includes, ironically, taking a seat at the table.