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

Leadership · People

Manipulation or Influence?

Manipulation or influence? It’s a question that stops many nonprofit leaders from using some of the tools of marketing and persuasion.  In this episode, Nancy and Sarah unpack why the fear of being manipulative holds us back, and how we can reframe influence as an ethical, mission-driven tool. They explore how strategies like storytelling, priming,… Continue reading Manipulation or Influence?

Evaluation

Evaluation as a Learning Journey

Evaluation is a journey of discovery. It invites us to be curious, gives us a chance to learn, grow, and makes our work even stronger. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about how evaluation can help our nonprofits ask the right questions, invite our communities into discovering the answers, and uncover meaningful insights—without getting… Continue reading Evaluation as a Learning Journey

Boards · Leadership · Strategy

Planning for Succession

Succession planning isn’t just about replacing a leader—it’s about sustaining an organization’s mission through change. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about why every nonprofit should have a plan for the transition of staff and board leaders, including both expected or unexpected changes. From practical steps to mindset shifts, we explore how to approach… Continue reading Planning for Succession

Boards · Leadership

How Boards Can Be a Source of Strength in Uncertain Times

We have entered turbulent times for nonprofits. A strong board can be the steady hand that keeps a nonprofit on course. It can offer clarity and connection when things feel uncertain. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah dive into how boards can stay mission-focused, support their organizations, and strengthen community ties during these challenging times.… Continue reading How Boards Can Be a Source of Strength in Uncertain Times

Boards · Collaboration · Communication · Evaluation · Leadership · People · Strategy

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