Running a nonprofit is hard anywhere. Rural nonprofits face some distinct challenges—but they also have distinct strengths. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore three challenges that show up differently in rural communities and the strengths nonprofits can put to work in response. They share practical ideas for finding people, building partnerships, stretching resources, and… Continue reading The Challenges (and Strengths) of Rural Nonprofits
Category: Collaboration
The “Working Board” Myth
Many nonprofit boards call themselves “working boards.” There’s nothing wrong with board members rolling up their sleeves. But that label can quietly shape what a board believes its job is—and how it spends its time. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah unpack the “working board” myth and why every nonprofit board is a governing board,… Continue reading The “Working Board” Myth
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
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
How Professional Associations Can Help Your Mission
Professional associations can be a real lifeline for nonprofits. They connect us with others doing similar work, help us stay on top of what matters, and give our missions a stronger voice. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah chat about what makes a professional association truly helpful—and how to tell if the one you’re part… Continue reading How Professional Associations Can Help Your Mission
How to Stress Test Your Nonprofit
Nonprofits are continuing to face existential challenges. How do we continue to achieve our mission through changes in administration and shifts in funding? Stress testing helps nonprofits respond to risk and stay resilient by asking "What if?" questions that identify potential challenges before they become crises. Stress testing is not about predicting the future. It's… Continue reading How to Stress Test Your Nonprofit
Practical Ideas for Inspiring Board Members to be Mission Ambassadors
In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share practical ways to help your board feel confident sharing your mission.
Your mission as a movement
“When you start to think about your mission as a movement....” You may have heard this phrase many times in past episodes. In this episode of the Nonprofit Radio Show, Nancy and Sarah explain what they mean by it. They dive into why this re-frame is so valuable and how you will know if you… Continue reading Your mission as a movement
The Art of Delegation
We all have so much on our to-do list. The only way to get it all done is by sharing the load. That's why nonprofit leaders must learn to delegate effectively, whether we are talking about Executive Directors delegating to their boards and staff or volunteer managers entrusting responsibilities to their volunteers. In this episode,… Continue reading The Art of Delegation
Why attend a conference
Every spring and fall we receive invitations to attend a conference. It may be a nonprofit conference or a conference related to the mission of our organization. It can feel hard to take the time, and yet there is so much benefit. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about conferences and how it is… Continue reading Why attend a conference