Boards · Leadership · Strategy

Why Leadership Transitions Deserve a Strategy

Every nonprofit faces leadership changes. Change is inevitable. With the right approach, a leadership change can become a chance to pause, reflect, and prepare for what's ahead.  In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore how organizations can navigate a leadership change with confidence. They discuss the role of interim leadership and how boards can transform… Continue reading Why Leadership Transitions Deserve a Strategy

Boards

Low Engagement? Fix What’s Getting in the Way

Are you struggling with board engagement? If so, you’re not alone—it’s one of the most common challenges nonprofits face. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore why smart, committed people sometimes hold back—and what actually helps them step in, speak up, and follow through. You’ll leave with practical ideas to make it easier for your… Continue reading Low Engagement? Fix What’s Getting in the Way

Boards · People

Onboarding New Board Members

Every new board member arrives with fresh energy and new perspectives. Channeling that energy into helpful engagement takes intention and care. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah walk through what it takes to set new board members up for success — from building deep organizational knowledge to helping them discover how they can make the… Continue reading Onboarding New Board Members

Boards · Collaboration

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

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

Boards · Finance · Fundraising · Leadership · Reflection

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

Leadership · People

The Lonely Executive Director

Leading a nonprofit can feel isolating at times—but it doesn’t have to stay that way.  In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore how Executive Directors can find connection, encouragement, and community in their work. From peer groups to healthy boundaries, you’ll discover practical ways to feel supported and re-energized in your role. Tune in for… Continue reading The Lonely Executive Director

Boards · Leadership

How to Engage Your Board

Engaged boards don’t just happen—they’re built with intention. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore why some board members drift while others lean in, and what you can do to shift the balance. They unpack the four cornerstones of engagement—people, lens, structure, and conversations—and show how aligning them can spark real momentum. Listen in as… Continue reading How to Engage Your Board

Collaboration · Leadership

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

Boards · Finance

The Most Important Financial Report for Your Organization Right Now

Nonprofit finances feeling uncertain? You’re not alone. In this episode, we shine a light on one financial report that every small nonprofit should be using right now: the cash flow statement. Join Nancy and Sarah as they unpack why understanding your organization’s cash flow matters more than ever, especially in today’s turbulent funding environment. They’ll… Continue reading The Most Important Financial Report for Your Organization Right Now