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
Tag: leadership
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
The Fundraising Power Small Nonprofits Already Have
Small nonprofits have more going for them than they often give themselves credit for. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore an encouraging report from Bridgespan on the strengths that help small and midsize organizations build resilient funding strategies — and how to put those strengths to work with more intention. If you've been focusing… Continue reading The Fundraising Power Small Nonprofits Already Have
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
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
Leadership Transition
A leadership transition is one of the most pivotal moments a nonprofit will ever face. It involves far more than simply finding the next executive director. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk through how organizations can navigate this change in a way that actually makes them stronger. Good transitions take time, intention, and thoughtful… Continue reading Leadership Transition
Setting a Fundraising Goal
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
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