Many nonprofit board members feel that being a good steward of money means that they shouldn't invest in themselves as a board or organization. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah challenge board members to let go that that scarcity mindset and recognize the value of investing in their organization. They talk about how people are our most important asset, and people need to feel competent and confident to be motivated in the work. They share a tip on how you might know if an investment is a good one. Our word of the week is invest-- did you know "invest" meant "to clothe" in the 16th Century? How ..read more

We've been hearing from nonprofit colleagues that they feel like their donors have gone into hibernation. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share six steps on how to bring spring into your fundraising program and reconnect with past donors. They talk about how reconnecting with your donors can be a great way to learn about the motivations of your donors and what excites them about your mission.  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com ..read more

Time for our regular break to discuss how to make nonprofit work joyful and fun! We are hearing a lot about nonprofit leaders needing a break after a long winter. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share a few ideas for how to find moments of fun and joy in the very serious work of our nonprofits. Imagine that office bell ringing when something good happens-- how might that invite people to celebrate together?  What would you want to read if you sent yourself a letter than you received a week later?  Take a listen to these ideas, and then send us yours! We would love to hear them.  ..read more

It can be easy to forget among all of the good work that nonprofits do that we also need to follow the law! In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about the rules related to the people delivering our missions. There are work standards, safety and health laws, and workers' compensation rules that nonprofits need to follow. The good news is that there are helpful tools to help you make sense of it all. Consider this one of those episodes as a appetizer to help you know what you need to know more about. As a reminder, Nancy and Sarah aren't attorneys. This episode and all of the tools they share ..read more

It's easy to feel that our small nonprofits don't have a lot in the way of power. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah challenge that idea and share some of the comparative advantages that we have as small nonprofit organizations. They go one step further and describe ways to use those advantages to help further your mission. By the end of the episode, you will feel more confident naming the power you have and how you might use it to strengthen your nonprofit community.  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can a ..read more

The change of a year invites reflection on lessons learned and what we might do differently going forward. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share a few change of year thoughts that they are reflecting on. Join us as we talk about the role of boards, conflict, recognition of hard work, curiosity, stories, and gratitude. What are you reflecting as you start the new year?  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow Instag ..read more

There is so much a board needs to know-- where you do you begin in building a plan for learning? In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share the three categories of information every board member needs to explore. They give practical examples of what your board members might focus on to strengthen their knowledge and practice. You'll leave listening to this episode with a few ideas on how you might deepen what your board members know about your cause, your nonprofit, and what is involved in running a nonprofit.  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at ..read more

We know that a personal email or letter is more likely to be read and acted upon. But how do we personalize communication when there is so much to do! In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore the power of personalization for your fundraising and outreach efforts. They give you three practical tips on how to personalize your communication. Sarah shares a strategy to make personalization efficient and meaningful. You'll even have an opportunity to practice using this episode of the Nonprofit Radio Show! Take a listen to find out how you can show people you see them.  Enjoyed this episode? S ..read more

A board's job is to govern, but what does that really mean? In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explain what governance means in normal, everyday terms. They name concrete tasks to move board members more deeply into their governing role. When boards are focused on governing, a lot of  common board-related challenges go away-- micromanaging, lack of focus, disinterest, burnout, stalled missions, etc. By the end of this episode, you will know the four buckets of governance and one thing you can do to strengthen how your board can better achieve your mission through good governance.  Enjo ..read more

Leaders wear many hats. One of those hats is that of coach. A coach guides someone to solve their own challenges by sharing questions, perspectives, or feedback. You can imagine how a nonprofit executive director, board chair, or volunteer manager might step into a coaching role in conversations with team members, board colleagues, or volunteers. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about the coaching role a nonprofit leader plays. They explore why coaching is necessary, who a nonprofit leader might coach, and how that coaching might happen. You'll finish listening with ideas on how you migh ..read more