Advocacy

Everyday Advocacy: Finding Your Voice to Influence Policy with Bethany Snyder

Advocacy isn’t just for experts—it’s for anyone who cares about their community and wants to make a difference. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk with advocacy expert Bethany Snyder about how every nonprofit—no matter its size—can build power and make change. You don't need to be in Washington, DC or hire a lobbyist to… Continue reading Everyday Advocacy: Finding Your Voice to Influence Policy with Bethany Snyder

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?

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

Finance · Fundraising · Programs

What it Really Costs to Run a Program

Ever see the video “Everyone deserves a slice?” It asks the question: What is pizza shops were funded like human services nonprofits? It makes the case that we would never expect a pizza shop to operate at partial cost or with the kinds of restrictions we deal with regularly.  In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk… Continue reading What it Really Costs to Run a Program

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

Finance · Fundraising

Understanding All the Ways People Can Give to Your Mission

Giving doesn’t always come in the form of a check. Sometimes it comes in a bushel of wheat! In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore the many ways people support the missions they care about—from volunteering and recurring gifts to donor-advised funds, stock donations, and more. Understanding how people give helps you get ready to… Continue reading Understanding All the Ways People Can Give to Your Mission

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