Successful Nonprofits Podcast

If you've ever signed a contract for a new CRM only to regret it a few months later, this episode will help you get the most out of your current donor database (and out of your next one, too). Paul Morris, a veteran in nonprofit fund development, shares invaluable insights from decades of CRM experience. This episode delves deep into the common pitfalls of CRM implementation and provides practical strategies to avoid costly mistakes and maximize the potential of your CRM to enhance donor relationships and streamline fundraising operations. This wide-ranging conversation also discusses the critical role of negotiating your CRM contract and ensuring that your CRM aligns with the unique needs of your organization's fundraising strategies. This episode answers the following questions: What are the common pitfalls in CRM implementation for nonprofits? How can I choose the right CRM for my organization? What are effective strategies for negotiating CRM contracts? How can I use my donor database to better engage donors? How do I make sure the data in my CRM is right? Links mentioned in this episode: Auxilia's Website Paul's Website, Foundry Fundraising Paul's Article: No Shortcuts to Success – A Real-Talk Guide to Successful Fundraising Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Ep 114: Everyone Must Get Onboard the Tech Train…or It's Not Leaving the Station with Peter Gross (Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Our Website with Show Notes) Ep 164: How to Love Your Next CRM with Maureen Wallbeoff (Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Our Website with Show Notes)

As a nonprofit leader, you navigate the complexities of managing time, resources, staff, and your board. Today's guest, Huggy Rao, wants you to create friction within your organization that makes the right things easier and the wrong things harder. Huggy and Dolph dive into practical strategies for reducing 'bad friction' that wastes time and energy, while advocating for 'good friction' that fosters deliberation and educated decisions. This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit executives seeking actionable advice on enhancing organizational efficiency and culture. Huggy Rao is co-author of the best-selling book "The Friction Project: How Smart Leaders Make the Right Things Easier and the Wrong Things Harder," and other best-selling books. And as a distinguished professor at Stanford Business School, Huggy has also authored "Scaling Up for Excellence" and "Market Rebels." This episode answers the following questions: What is 'bad friction' and how can it be identified and removed? How does 'good friction' benefit an organization? What are the impacts of time poverty and addition bias on organizational efficiency? How can nonprofit leaders effectively manage both types of friction? What simple steps can be taken to make work easier? Links mentioned in this episode: Huggy's Website Friction Project's Co-Author Buy the book The Friction Project Huggy's LinkedIn Page Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Ep 180: Creating a Strong Back Office with Sean Hale [Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes] Ep 277: Make the Most of Your Time with Shanice Miller [Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes)

My friend, colleague, and fellow podcaster Tony Martignetti was in the Atlanta area and stopped by to record this incredible episode about planned giving. Since my podcast studio is super-small, we recorded this week's episode at my dining room table. (And I'd bet many of the best conversations with your planned giving prospects might happen at their dining room table.) Together, we explore planned giving's transformative power to help your organization achieve sustainable funding. Pull up a chair and get ready to learn why and how your organization should launch a planned giving program. With years of experience and a passion for helping nonprofits build sustainable funding, Tony offers invaluable insights, practical advice, and inspirational stories that empower organizations to embrace planned giving. This conversation goes beyond the basics, discussing innovative approaches, common misconceptions, and actionable strategies for making planned giving a cornerstone of your fundraising efforts. Whether you're new to planned giving or looking to enhance your current planned giving efforts, this episode is a must-listen for executive directors and development directors dedicated to making a lasting impact. This episode answers the following questions: Should my organization have a planned giving fundraising program? (Yes!) How do I start a planned giving program? When is a donor too old to be solicited for a planned gift in their will? Should I ask my donors under 60 about planned giving? How do I overcome my board or staff objections to starting a planned giving program? Links mentioned in this episode: Planned Giving Accelerator Tony Martignetti's Website Looking for more? Check out this amazing episode: Ep 157: Generosity Post-Mortem: Legacy Giving with Lori Kranczer (Apple | Spotify | Our Home Page)

Whether you're grappling with salary negotiations, seeking to enhance donor engagement, or aiming to motivate your team more effectively, Uri's expert analysis provides actionable advice tailored for the unique challenges you face as nonprofit leaders. In this episode, renowned behavioral economist Uri Gneezy and our podcast host Dolph Goldenburg explore the world of incentives and their profound implications for nonprofit leaders. We dive into Gneezy's groundbreaking book, "Mixed Signals – How Incentives Really Work" and uncover the often-overlooked complexities of incentive strategies within the nonprofit sector. From dismantling the overhead myth to harnessing the power of pro-social incentives and understanding the unintended consequences of well-meaning initiatives, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights. This episode answers the following questions: How do incentives impact nonprofit management? What are the most effective incentives for fundraising and donor engagement? What is the overhead myth, and how can my nonprofit navigate it? How can I effectively use incentives to motivate staff and volunteers? What is the best way to negotiate my salary? Links mentioned in this episode: Mixed Signals: How Incentives Really Work Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Ep 302: Maximize Your Employee Engagement and Retention with Rob Woronoff (Apple | Spotify | Our Home Page) Ep 307: Empower Your Team: Unleashing Leadership Potential with Luis Velasquez & Kristin Gleitsman (Apple | Spotify | Our Home Page)

In this transformative conversation with Bobby Herrera, author of "The Gift of Struggle," Bobby shares his journey from growing up in a large family where struggle was a constant companion, to becoming a leader who views every challenge as an opportunity to grow. Through personal anecdotes and profound insights, Bobby explores how struggles can be our most valuable teachers, guiding us towards empathy, leadership, and success. He helps us discover the profound impact of embracing struggle, not as a burden, but as a gift that shapes our character and destiny. In this episode, Bobby also delves into his leadership philosophy, illustrating through his life's work and stories how one act of kindness can set off a ripple effect, transforming not just individual lives but entire communities. Whether you're a leader seeking to inspire your team, or a single contributor navigating the ups and downs of life, this episode is packed wisdom on turning adversity into advantage. This episode answers the following questions: How can personal struggles serve as a catalyst for leadership growth? What role does empathy play in leadership? How can leaders foster a culture of giving within their organizations? How can I build resilience? What should I do when a key employee leaves? Links mentioned in this episode: Populus Group Bobby's Website The Gift of Struggle Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Bonus Break #34: Ten Toxic Trump Traits Every Leader and Manager Should Avoid (Apple Podcast | Spotify | Our Home Page) Ep 169: The Ripple Effect with Natasha Wallace (Apple Podcast | Spotify | Our Home Page)

Russ Finkelstein is a seasoned career coach, social entrepreneur, and advisor to founding executive directors. Together we dive deep into the fears that hold leaders back, the importance of authenticity, and the courage required to lead impactful organizations. Whether you're a new executive director, a seasoned founder, or someone passionate about making a difference in the nonprofit sector, Russ's advice is both practical and profound, offering a roadmap to leadership that's not only effective but deeply fulfilling. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to inspire change, overcome challenges, and lead with authenticity. This episode answers the following questions: How can leaders overcome fear and embrace courage in their roles? What does it mean to lead authentically in the nonprofit sector? How can founders and executive directors set realistic and impactful goals? What strategies can help nonprofit leaders navigate challenges and inspire change? Links mentioned in this episode: Russ' LinkedIn Looking for more? Check out these other amazing episodes: Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders with Deb Stallings (Our Home Page) Navigating Nonprofit Leadership Transitions with Dhivya O'Connor (Apple | Spotify | Our Home Page)

Today's guest, Darren Isom, doesn't love diversity just for the sake of diversity, but because honoring and celebrating diversity is how we all win. BIPOC leaders bring invaluable lived experiences that offer unique perspectives and insights to our world's and sector's problems. By amplifying these voices, we strengthen our teams, our nonprofits, our sector, and ultimately the world. Darren joins us today to share what he has learned about amplifying and honoring diverse voices from his own personal experiences and work in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. This episode answers the following questions: What does winning look like? How are BIPOC leaders navigating the world? How can BIPOC leaders' own experiences inform others' leadership journeys? How can your nonprofit make meaningful change? Links mentioned in this episode: Dreaming in Color Podcast The Bridgespan Group Harvard Business Review Stanford Social Innovation Review The Space Beyond Looking for more? Check out these other amazing episodes: 6 Ways Your Nonprofit Can Be More Trans-Inclusive with Andy Marra on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and our website with show notes Gender Matters in Philanthropy with Jeannie Sager on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and our website with show notes

It doesn't take much to build an effective brand. Yet many nonprofits struggle and end up investing a lot of time, energy, and money for little return. Today's guests, Thom and Jason, specialize in helping nonprofits fortify their brand. Together, we delve into practical steps you can take to make sure your brand resonates with your audience and that your logo is an effective reminder of your new, awesome brand. This episode answers the following questions: What is the purpose of a logo? What are examples of great logos? How can I make my logo great? How can I consolidate my nonprofit's brands? Links mentioned in this episode: The M Network Website Nonprofits Have The Worst Logos A Word About Logos Looking for more? Check out these other amazing episodes: Crafting Your Brand with Amanda Ross on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes Content Marketing Gold with Rick Smith on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes

In this episode, Dolph and Lexie dig into some of the most commonly asked questions they receive from listeners and clients. Listen in for expert advice on staffing, podcasting, and partnerships. This episode answers the following questions: Can a paid staff member join the Board? How do I handle a staff member with a bad attitude? What equipment do you recommend I purchase to start a podcast? How can I build and maintain partnerships with other nonprofits? Links mentioned in this episode: Discipline Without Punishment Blue Yeti Microphone Audio Hijack Looking for more? Check out this other amazing episode: Dolph and Lexie's Mailbag Extravaganza: Launching your Nonprofit, Navigating Career Transitions, & Engaging Your Board in Fundraising on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes

Understanding the true worth of an hour can transform how you prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and, ultimately, how you contribute to your organization's mission. In this bonus break, Dolph shares practical advice, stories from the field, and an online calculator designed to help you quantify the value of your time. Whether you're an executive director, a development professional, or play a vital role in operations, this episode will equip you with the tools to make more informed decisions about where to focus your efforts for maximum impact. Links mentioned in this episode: Value of Your Time Calculator

When the country shut down in March 2020, Kia Croom realized the shift to remote work also shifted justice, equity, and inclusion dynamics. Racial discrimination, racial trauma, and microaggressions didn't go away, they just changed a little. And now they were happening in her home. Since then, Kia has been working to disrupt and challenge the norms that lead to lack of inclusion in the nonprofit sector. She joins us today to share why this is an essential conversation for your own nonprofit and steps leadership can take to build an inclusive organization. This episode answers the following questions: How did COVID and working remotely impact justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion dynamics? How can I help my nonprofit be more inclusive? What does an inclusive organization look like? Links mentioned in this episode: Kia's Website Fundraising in Black Website Looking for more? Check out these other amazing episodes: Women in Nonprofits with Jess Cooper on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes Become a Competitive (and Equitable) Employer with Kevin Dean Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes

What if you could personally spend time with hundreds of your nonprofit's supporters every week? Joining them on walks, grocery shopping trips, commutes, dinner preparation, or even whispering in their ear at the gym? For years, I've said that your nonprofit can do just that by starting a podcast. And, in addition to spending quality time with your supporters, you will also strengthen relationships, find new donors, and gain greater influence in your community. In this episode, Thomas Murphy tells us about the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund's podcasting journey. Now in its second season, the Legacy podcast has significant momentum and is generating new supporters, connecting people within its community, amplifying its mission, and even raising more money. This episode answers the following questions: What are the benefits of starting a podcast? How do I determine my podcast's schedule and format? What are the costs associated with producing a quality podcast? What should my nonprofit expect from its first year of podcasting? Links mentioned in this episode: Francis Ouiment Scholarship Fund Legacy on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Thomas Murphy's LinkedIn The Podcast Consultant Looking for more? Check out these other amazing episodes: Podcasting for Nonprofits with Kristan McMahon on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes Attention-Grabbing Marketing with Dan Schepleng on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes

In this episode we delve into the crucial topic of team dynamics, uncovering how loneliness can silently sabotage your team and your mission --- and what you can do about it. Steven Van Cohen is a global leadership consultant, executive coach, and best-selling author. He has spent over a decade working with large companies to improve their worker well-being, reduce employee isolation, and boost team belonging. He joins us to explore the epidemic of loneliness, how it is impacting your nonprofit, and what you can do to build a culture of togetherness that leads to a productive, high performing, and connected team. Links mentioned: LessLonely.com Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Preserving Your Office Culture with Pareen Kohlhaas on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes Maximize Your Employee Engagement and Retention with Rob Woronoff on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes

Successful athletes have coaches. So why shouldn't you? Well, we think you should! Dive into the benefits of executive coaching with Johnny Martinez, Executive Director of Northern Cares. Johnny joins us to discuss the unexpected benefits he received from executive coaching and how it ultimately reshaped his executive director journey. Don't miss this powerful discussion that sheds light on the profound impact coaching can have on your own leadership journey! Links mentioned: Northland Cares Website Looking for More? Check out these amazing episodes: Insider Tips from an Executive Assistant with Jeremy Burrows on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes Landing Your Dream Job with Kris Holmes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes

Have you ever attended a gala dinner, art auction, or golf tournament that faded from memory all too quickly? It's a common experience. If you're tired of your own event's fleeting impact, then you won't want to miss this episode. We are joined by Joey Goone, a true maestro in producing unforgettable live, hybrid, and virtual events nationwide. Joey walks us through the three Cs of event success, all of which are backed by science! Listen in for proven secrets to turn your ordinary event into an extraordinary experience that leaves a lasting impression, ensuring your community returns year after year. Links Mentioned: Utopia Experience's Website Utopia Experience's Slide Deck Schedule your free discovery call Looking for More? Check out these amazing episodes: Ep 312: Turn Your Next Gala into a Goldmine with AJ Steinburg on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or our website with show notes Ep 241: Content Marketing Gold with Rick Smith on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or our website with show notes

Tech-savvy nonprofit leaders spill the beans on their favorite apps! Discover the game-changing tools they are using to revolutionize their organizations' operations. Get ready to boost your own efficiency and productivity with these expert insights! Here are just a few of the apps mentioned in this episode: Pocket Windy Gallup Access app Todoist Clara Fahlo Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: The Secret to Low Stress & High Efficiency with Susie Hayman on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes Tools to Fire Up Your Productivity with Peter Chatel on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes

Imagine having a superpower that helps people relate to you and your nonprofit. And that superpower also helps you feel happier and more connected with the world around you! Well, that superpower exists. And guess what, it's empathy! In this episode, Tim Leon shows us how to strengthen our empathy muscle and infuse empathy into our branding and marketing. Tim runs the strategic marketing agency Geile Leon Marketing Communications, which is powered by empathy. Geileon serves nonprofits, schools, colleges, and businesses and helps them tap into the power of empathy. Links Mentioned in This Episode: Geile/Leon Marketing Communications Website Return on Empathy White Paper Tim's LinkedIn profile Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Attention-Grabbing Marketing with Dan Schepleng on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes Crafting Your Brand with Amanda Ross on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes

Hopefully your nonprofit will never face a suicide among your staff, clients, or constituents. But just as we develop emergency plans for fires and natural disasters, we also need to be prepared in the event of a suicide within our organizations. In today's episode with Beth Eversole, we discuss suicide postvention. Postvention is an organized response following a suicide to facilitate emotional recovery while also mitigating the negative effects that exposure to suicide brings. A good postvention strategy can reduce the risk of suicide contagion, support survivors, and address the stigma associated with suicide. Speaking from first-hand experience, Beth shares the immediate, short, and long-term action steps of postvention. She also offers a decision-making flow-chart and specific ways to support the survivors. Links mentioned in this episode: Beth's LinkedIn Palmer Drug Abuse Program Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Breaking Taboos: Saving Lives through Suicide Prevention with Beth Eversole on Apple, Spotify, or our website with show notes Trauma Informed Leadership with Matt Bennett on Apple, Spotify, or our website with show notes

In this essential Bonus Break episode, Dolph delves into the secret sauce of exceptional board member onboarding. Discover the transformative Triple-I approach - Inform, Initiate, and Inspire - and learn how to elevate your organization's onboarding process from mediocre to magnificent. Join Dolph as he shares personal experiences, debunks common onboarding myths, and provides actionable strategies to enhance your orientation process and the effectiveness of your new board members. Whether you're grappling with uninspiring onboarding or looking to create a board orientation from scratch, this episode is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders needing a dynamic and impactful board. Contact Dolph or Lexie about board onboarding Listen to the prior Bonus Break about onboarding on – Revolutionize Your Board Onboarding Process – on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Read the blog post that this bonus break is based on.

Today's guest, Lindsay LaShell, has an important message: Stop wasting your time on random acts of marketing! Instead, make sure your marketing is so well thought out and so well planned that your audience members (be they clients, volunteers, staff, or donors) don't even realize they are being led down a carefully cultivated path. Listen in as we explore the steps Lindsay walks her clients through to develop and implement a marketing strategy that is intentional, efficient, and effective. Links mentioned in this episode Lindsay's LinkedIn profile Lindsay's website Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Unlock the Power of Social Media with Nick Black on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes Attention-Grabbing Marketing with Dan Schepleng on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes

Discover innovative Board onboarding techniques that will revolutionize board member engagement at your organization. Dolph provides a step-by-step guide to effective board member onboarding, revealing a multi-stage process that ensures high-performing, committed board members. These expert insights have the power to transform your nonprofit's leadership landscape. Links: Read the blog post that this bonus break is based on. Contact Dolph or Lexie Fast Friends Exercise

Do you find yourself on auto pilot for days or weeks at a time? Going through the motions of running your organization but not getting joy and awe from your work? Steve Fredlund, known worldwide as The Safari Dude, helps you bring wonder and excitement back into your daily life. Steve was an actuarial scientist who recognized and escaped the "good life" trap. As an author, two-time TEDx speaker, coach, and keynote speaker, he guides others on their path to greater joy and fulfillment. In our episode today, he will share with you 5 factors that can bring more happiness to your work, your leadership, and your life. Links mentioned in this episode The Safari Dude's website Steve's LinkedIn Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: 8 Proven Ways to Feel Happier at Work with Bea Boccalandro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes Solving Burnout at Your Nonprofit with Jennifer Moss on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes

Are you ready for 2024 to be your best year yet? And I don't mean just your most productive year. I mean a year with your most rewarding work relationships and healthier work/life boundaries? If you are, then this bonus break is for you! By the end of the episode, you'll be ready to set five career-changing goals and develop a plan to achieve them. You can download the goal planning template discussed in the Bonus Break here.

The holidays are a great time to reset and recharge so we are ready to take a fresh look when we come back in the new year. To help you get ready, join today's guest, Jack Fuller for a conversation about how to break out of the everyday routines and structures that can hamper the creativity and imagination we need to come up with new ideas. Listen in for tips on how you can spark imagination and harness its results to build a strong and resilient nonprofit this year! Links mentioned in this episode: The Imagination Machine Archive Health Picturing it With Elliot Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Solving Problems with Unlikely Partners with Leah Garces on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes Challenge the Fundraising Status Quo with Sherry Quam Taylor on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes

In this episode, we demystify transitioning to a 4-day workweek at your nonprofit. Jessica Weitzel joins us to share the blueprint she and her team at Via Evaluation used to develop, implement, and evaluate a 4-day workweek pilot. With Dolph by her side, they explore: Defining success metrics Crafting your optimal work schedule Priming your team for the shift Communicating the transition to your clients and community Links mentioned in this episode: Via Evaluation's Website 4 Day Week Global Paymo HiveDesk Like this episode and hungry for more? Becoming a Competitive and Equitable Employer with Kevin Dean on Apple, Spotify, or our website with show notes The Great Success of our 4-Day Workweek Experiment with Pam Orr on Apple, Spotify, or our website with show notes

In this episode, Dolph and Lexie dig into some of the most commonly asked questions they receive from listeners and clients. Listen in for expert advice on: Finding a new job after a layoff Filing for your 501(c)3 status Networking and marketing for a new nonprofit Building the Board you need Setting Board member expectations Engaging your Board in fundraising Links mentioned in this episode: Pro Bono Partnership Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Want to ask your own question? Email us at [email protected]! Like this episode and hungry for more? Nail the Interview; Get the Job with Evan Piekara on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website From Recruitment to Recommitment, Building the Board You Need with Kate Hayes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website

As I was preparing for the end of a year-long coaching engagement, a coaching client asked me to share advice wish someone had given me earlier in my professional career. I thought this was a unique twist on the question "What advice would you give your younger self?" My client's question was actually a tough one to answer because I have been incredibly fortunate and privileged throughout my career. After mulling it over for several days, however, I identified three ideas that I sincerely wish someone had shared with me back in the early 1990s. Of course, this advice is also relevant at any stage of our nonprofit leadership journeys. You can read a blog post based on this episode here.

A chance encounter with a child without pajamas led today's guest, Genevieve Piturro, to launch a nonprofit from her living room. Today her organization, Pajama Program, has over 40 chapters across the US and has provided children with over 7.5 million pajamas and books. In this episode, she joins us to share the wisdom she gained from building her organization from scratch including: Building an effective Board of Directors Finding the mentorship and guidance you need Harnessing the power of storytelling to build connections Structuring a successful leadership transition Links mentioned in this episode: Genevieve's Website Pajama Program's Website Purpose, Passion, and Pajamas: How to Transform Your Life, Embrace the Human Connection, and Lead with Meaning Purpose, Passion, and Moxie: How to Lead the Way and Leave a Legacy: A Workbook to Help You Start a Nonprofit from Scratch to Success Like this episode and hungry for more? Fundraising for Sustainability with Dr. Shantell Chambliss on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website Time to Change the Way you Fundraise and Raise More Money with Jack Silverstein on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website

At some point in your nonprofit leadership journey, you will encounter a damaging Board member who needs to be removed. But it's hard to find a playbook for how to handle this delicate situation correctly. In this bonus break, I outline three ways to terminate a problem Board member and answer the following questions: How do I fire a Board member? Who is responsible for firing a bad Board member? How do I handle an underperforming Board member? What can I do about an abusive Board member? This bonus break is loosely based on a Successful Nonprofits® blog post; you can read the full post at https://successfulnonprofits.com/how-to-fire-a-difficult-board-member/.

In this episode, nonprofit leader Kiersten Hill shares invaluable insights from her own experience as an executive director on developing productive, harmonious relationships with Board leadership. She discusses best practices for maintaining a healthy relationship such as clear communication, effective onboarding, annual training, and more. Kiersten also shares tips for what CEOs can do when Board relations deteriorate due to a difficult Board member. This is a must-listen for any ED looking to enhance their Board governance! Links mentioned in this episode: Firespring Kiersten's LinkedIn Like this episode and hungry for more? · The Supportive Board Chair with Monica Khant on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website. · All Problems are People Problems with Brad Wolff on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website

There are just five weeks left in the year, and there are five fundraising tasks I want you to implement before December 31. If you don't already have an end-of-year campaign, make this your year-end strategy. And, if you do have an end-of-year campaign that is currently rolling out, consider strengthening your strategy by incorporating these tasks. Each can be planned and launched in just eight hours – making them the perfect way to boost your fundraising before December 31.

This week kicks off the holiday season here in the US, which is a time of reflection and gratitude. It also kicks off giving season. Whether you have a thank-you plan in place or not, make sure you listen in to this montage episode brimming with donor-tested, staff-approved strategies to convey just how deeply you cherish your end-of-year donors. We know how important it is to thank donors, yet the quest for a thank-you that truly stands out and resonates with your supporters can be a formidable challenge. So, join us in today's episode for a fountain of thank-you inspiration! You'll hear ideas ranging from personalized video messages to bespoke paintings and even heartfelt gifts handcrafted by the very clients whose lives your nonprofit --- and donors --- touch. Recommended Episodes: Unleash Your Donors' Generosity with Brady Josephson on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website. Help Donors Fall In Love…With Your Organization with Abra Annes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.

What if you could ignore the incessant demands on your attention, giving you the time and space to develop and maintain habits that make you more productive and help you care for yourself? I recently read the books Indistractible by Nir Eyal and Atomic Habits by James Clear, and together these two books answer that important question. That's why this Bonus Break shares three key concepts and four time-hacks from the books that will transform your relationship with work, productivity, and time.

Kristin Sukraw, an award-winning storyteller and film producer with a passion for bringing nonprofit narratives to life, gives us a masterclass in finding and telling our nonprofit's best stories. Kristin introduces essential interviewing techniques that transform the way stories are told and received. Techniques like 'embracing the pause', 'doing the dip', and 'effective restatements.' Kristin and Dolph also tackle potential concerns about re-traumatizing former clients and the ethics of asking individuals to recount personal stories. And Kristen outlines how to invite individuals to share their experience in a way that leads to healing and a sense of pride. The conversation also explores the importance of selecting the right storyteller, advocating for the inclusion of quieter voices that often carry profound stories, and constructing a 'story vault' to organize potential narratives. This episode is a treasure trove for nonprofit leaders looking to harness the power of storytelling to advance their mission. Recommended Episodes: The Story Your Voice Tells with Tracy Goodwin on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website Become Your Nonprofit's Brand Ambassador with Rita Soronen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website Links Mentioned In This Episode: Kristin's Website Kristin's Instagram Atomic Ranch Homes

For five years after Aretha Franklin's 2018 death, her estate couldn't be settled because her heirs had to wait for a judge to decide which of her multiple wills to recognize. Ultimately, the judge accepted a will found in a notebook stuffed into couch cushions as her last will and testament. Can you imagine your organization being paralyzed for 5 years waiting for a judge to decide which by-laws were the correct version? Unable to take any action – not even able to appoint new Board members or replace an Executive Director who has left? That would be cataclysmic. And that's why this episode dives into your document retention process. Not the policy that states how long you have to keep documents, but the procedures for ensuring they are actually retained and transferred during leadership transitions.

What we've come to believe are fundraising "best practices" can have a damaging impact on those we serve, our staff, donors, and mission. Join today's guests, Tanya Rumble and Nicole McVan, as they discuss philanthropic practices that cause harm and share steps you can take to challenge and dismantle them. Join us for a transformative conversation that challenges the status quo of fundraising and redefines the future of philanthropy.

Ever accepted a new job then regrated not negotiating enough on your salary and compensation? If so, you're not alone! Navigating job offers and salary negotiations is daunting to most of us because we don't do it every day. Early in my career, I made a negotiation decision that cost me more $150,000. Fast forward almost 25 years, and I've had significantly more experience negotiating pay – both as the person doing the hiring and the person being hired. And I've learned what works – and what doesn't work. In this Bonus Break episode, I'll share Two secrets hiring managers don't tell you Tips on how to interact with your perspective employer when negotiating salary Techniques that will help you master the art of salary negotiation This episode also refers to a Compensation Comparison Worksheet you can download at https://zc.vg/mDNi5.

If you're tired of restricted funding that only allocates 10% (or less) of a grant for admin and overhead, Nick Turner shares how he successfully makes a case for unrestricted grants and gifts. Nick Vera is the CEO of the Institute of Justice, and he has dramatically grown his organization by soliciting and leveraging unrestricted gifts. In this episode, you and Nick will explore: The importance in gaining funder confidence before asking for large unrestricted grants Strategies for overcoming funder hesitancy to make unrestricted grants Tactics for setting boundaries with funders who want to be overly granular in their restrictions Similar episodes you will find useful include: Ep 170: Challenge the Fundraising Status Quo with Sherry Quam Taylor (Apple) (Spotify) Ep 279: Standing Up for Equitable Funding Practices with Lauren Steiner (Apple) (Spotify) Links mentioned in the episode: Vera Institute of Justice Website https://www.vera.org/ Vera Institute of Justice Twitter https://twitter.com/verainstitute Vera Institute of Justice LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/verainstitute/ Vera institute of Justice Facebook https://www.facebook.com/verainstitute Vera Institute of Justice Mastodon https://mstdn.social/@verainstitute

You wouldn't drive a car without a dashboard, and you shouldn't lead your organization without one, either! Nonprofit dashboards support your chief executive in managing your organization and facilitating Board governance. In this Bonus Break, you'll learn how to create an effective organizational dashboard that you, your Board, and your team can use to stay on track and achieve your goals. This episode references an editable spreadsheet with three sample dashboards that you can download from our show notes: https://successfulnonprofits.com/dashboard/.

"Understanding your strengths unlocks your potential and leads you and your organization to greater performance." - Gallup, CliftonStrenghts. This episode does a deep dive in using your strengths as leverage. CliftonStrengths coach, John Augusto shares how nonprofits are using a strength-based approach to motivate, empower, and grow individual staff members and entire teams. If you found this episode helpful, check out these episodes: Ep 187: Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders with Deb Stalling (Apple) (Spotify) Ep 198 Tools to Fire Up Your Productivity with Peter Chatel (Apple) (Spotify) Links mentioned in the show: McCarty & Co. Website https://mccartyandcollc.com/ John's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-augusto-phd/

Can you imagine everyone at your nonprofit taking a week off at the same time? You would all return to work without a crushing number of internal emails, and you wouldn't be struggling to catch up with your team about the meetings you missed! You don't have to imagine because Kevin Greer of New Profit shared with us how is organization did just that. In 2021, the leadership of New Profit realized staff desperately needed a reset. So they completely closed their office for 7 days to give staff the chance to rest. And it worked so well that they've continued to do this Radical Reset once per year. Listen to the episode with Kevin Greer today to learn how New Profit implemented their Radical Reset, what they learned, and the impact this has had on New Profit's work. If you liked this episode, listen to the following episodes next: Ep 200: Self-Care Tips for Coming Out Stronger with Beth Kanter (Apple) (Spotify) Ep 292: Tips for Making Your Dream Sabbatical a Reality with Emily Raskin (Apple) (Spotify) Links mentioned in the show: New Profit's Website https://www.newprofit.org/ The Radical Act of Rest https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/radical-act-rest-tulaine-montgomery/?trackingId=FUCCGkNUSv6mExvweP0qdA%3D%3D How Fundraisers Can Get Off the Road to Exhaustion and Burnout https://www.philanthropy.com/article/rest-can-help-fundraisers-get-off-the-road-to-burnout?sra=true&cid=gen_sign_in We Are for Good: Unlocking the Impact of Proximate Leadership https://www.weareforgood.com/episode/378

Nonprofit leaders often ask me whether their nonprofit is ready to start the strategic planning process. That's why I am sharing the 6 indicators we use to determine if a nonprofit is not only ready to start a planning process, but also whether they have the ability to successfully implement the finished plan. And don't forget to take our quiz to determine if you and your organization are ready to start planning Quiz: Is Your Nonprofit Primed for Strategic Planning?

Join AJ Steinberg for an insightful conversation about how you can host a wildly successful annual event, including securing and maintaining amazing sponsors!

Join me for 3 simple steps you can take today to design and implement a succession strategy that will strengthen your Board leadership and ensure long-term stability.

Explore the impact of applying effective communication and AI-enhanced authorship at your nonprofit with today's guest, Erica Barnhart.

Today I share the key to dealing with the jerk or shmuck in your office!

Discover key strategies to a successful leadership transition with seasoned Executive Director, Dhivya O'Connor.

If you are a nonprofit leader – or aspiring nonprofit leader – who is looking for actionable advice and insights to help you and your nonprofit thrive, then the Successful Nonprofits Podcast is for you. With over half-a-million downloads, our actionable and informative content is the reason we're ranked in the top 2% of podcasts globally. I'm the host Dolph Goldenburg, and I'm also a consultant, coach, and confidant for leaders at small and large organizations across the country. As the host, I bring 3 decades of leadership and consulting experience building, growing, leading, and repairing organizations. Each week, I interview nonprofit experts and leaders who share their experiences and expertise on a wide range of topics relevant to the nonprofit sector. From fundraising and board development to leadership and strategic planning, the Successful Nonprofits podcast covers it all. We also offer shorter Bonus Break episodes you can listen to while taking a tea break – and get the added bonus of making you and your nonprofit stronger. These Bonus Breaks are solo episodes, where I share my hard-learned - sometimes painfully learned - lessons from my 3 decades in the sector. And I often create worksheets and templates that accompany our bonus breaks. This is your invitation to join the Successful Nonprofits Community by subscribing today. Know that I will work hard to bring you insights and tips that will help you and your nonprofit thrive.

This Bonus Break episode will help you discover the secrets to securing professional contract grant writers and supercharging your nonprofit's grant-seeking strategy.

Beth Eversole's insights illuminate pathways you can use to save lives through suicide prevention.