Successful Nonprofits Podcast

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.

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

Join host Dolph Goldenburg in insightful conversations with CEO Charlie Moore on unleashing board mastery, effective executive director reports, and navigating nonprofit leadership challenges.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Abra Annes as she explores effective strategies to inspire a deep connection between donors and your organization, fostering a lasting and meaningful relationship.

Discover the keys to empowering teams, embracing discomfort, and cultivating a solutions mindset with leadership experts Luis Velasquez & Kristin Gleitsman.

Discover the power of intergenerational collaboration in driving change and how you can support youth-led initiatives with Ilona Dougherty and Lilah Williamson.

Discover the powerful impact transitioning to a four-day work week has had at Fellowship House in this conversation with its Executive Director, Pam Orr.

Discover insights and empowering stories on the Successful Nonprofits Podcast®, as guests share their stories about embracing failure and achieving success in the nonprofit world.

Explore the transformative power of sabbaticals as nonprofit CEO, David Heitstuman, shares his own sabbatical journey.

Rob discusses staff retention strategies for your nonprofit and discover his leadership secrets to creating a supportive, nurturing, and productive work culture.

Dive into this illuminating conversation with fundraising expert, Whitney Anderson, as she unveils key strategies to design case statements that drive donor engagement and transform campaign outcomes.

Join me as I unpack key takeaways and powerful insights from my journey producing 300 episodes and speaking with hundreds of phenomenal guests

Michael shares his proven tips on communication strategies that will boost your donorbase.

Nick shares tips and strategies on how to create engaging social media content, build a strong following, and ultimately drive donations.

Daria shares invaluable tips for implementing and embodying your nonprofit's unwavering commitment to equity.

Kerry discusses her leadership secret to inclusively overcome challenges and have lasting impact in small communities.

Maura discusses tips and tricks to help your volunteers unleash their fundraising prowess.

Gorick discusses the unspoken rules and expectations around job performance.

Joan discusses common risks nonprofits and Boards face every day and what can be done to mitigate them.

Want to make sabbaticals a reality at your nonprofit, then make sure you listen in to Dolph's conversation with Emily Raskin for sabbatical tips and best practices.

Unlock the power of Donor Advised Funds! Aaron and Salo reveal strategies to identify and connect with valuable DAF donors. Don't miss out!