Setting a fundraising goal is one of the most important steps in building a healthy fundraising program—and it doesn't have to feel overwhelming. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah break down how to set a fundraising goal your whole team can believe in. They make the process feel manageable—whether you're working from years of… Continue reading Setting a Fundraising Goal
Author: Bethany Nichols
How to Have an Effective Board Meeting
What if your board meetings were the most energizing hour of your month? Too often, board meetings become routine report-outs instead of spaces for real governance, strategy, and alignment. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah break down how to design meetings that are inclusive, purposeful, and focused on the conversations only the board can have.… Continue reading How to Have an Effective Board Meeting
Advocacy Habits for a New Year
This episode was recorded on January 4. As we share it, we’re thinking about the people of Minnesota. At its core, advocacy is about building relationships and standing together around what our communities most need, as Minnesotans have demonstrated these past weeks. We are grateful for their commitment and the work nonprofits do everyday to… Continue reading Advocacy Habits for a New Year
The Secrets of a Great Thank You Note
A good thank you letter helps strengthen relationships and keeps donors connected to your work. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share practical ideas for writing thank you notes that feel genuine and manageable. They talk about how to open a letter in an engaging way, describe impact clearly, and approach thank you writing as… Continue reading The Secrets of a Great Thank You Note
Rethinking the Board-Executive Director Relationship
The board-ED relationship is one of the most powerful partnerships in nonprofit work—when it clicks, everything flows. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah dig into what makes the board–ED relationship work—and why there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. They explore how the partnership shifts depending on an organization’s stage and an executive director’s needs, share real stories… Continue reading Rethinking the Board-Executive Director Relationship
End of Year Reflections
As 2025 wraps up, we're reflecting on what inspired us—and what's ahead. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share five themes shaping nonprofit work right now. Community coalitions are sparking change. Advocacy is finding its voice. Board governance is having a moment. And new leaders are rewriting the story of what nonprofits really are: the… Continue reading End of Year Reflections
How to Assess Your Organization
Every so often, it’s important to pause and ask: How are we really doing? In this episode of the Nonprofit Radio Show, Nancy and Sarah explore practical ways nonprofit boards and staff can take stock of their organization’s health and direction. From classic tools like SWOT to strengths-based approaches like SOAR, and from balanced scorecards to simple dashboards and lifecycle models, you’ll hear how these… Continue reading How to Assess Your Organization
Budgeting for a New Year
Your budget is more than a spreadsheet. It's a map that guides your organization toward its goals and a mirror that reflects what you truly value. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore how to build a budget that aligns with your mission and sets you up for success in the coming year. They discuss why starting with values makes… Continue reading Budgeting for a New Year
8 Ways to Engage Your Board in Year-End Fundraising
Your board has so much heart for your mission. With a little inspiration, they can play a big role in your year-end fundraising success. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share eight ways to help your board members get involved in year-end fundraising. From writing thank-you notes to sharing stories online, you’ll hear how small, personal touches… Continue reading 8 Ways to Engage Your Board in Year-End Fundraising
Imposter Syndrome
Stepping into leadership takes courage—and you’re right where you belong. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about imposter syndrome—the voice that makes even the most capable leaders question themselves. They share why it shows up so often in nonprofit work and offer simple ways to quiet the doubt and lead with confidence. Question to… Continue reading Imposter Syndrome