The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailNonprofits, the landscape is shifting under your feet, and the urgency to act has never been clearer. Hatsy Cutshall, Director of Government Awards Management at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), joined us to deliver an urgent message: communication and clarity are your best defense in these chaotic times. With executive orders rapidly reshaping your funding environment, understanding the roles of federal agencies such as the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is no longer optional—it's crucial for survival. Hatsy emphasizes, “Never assume that if you've got questions, don't assume one way or the other. Ask those questions because it's better to know up front.” The federal funding landscape is complex, and failure to act proactively can result in detrimental consequences.Hatsy highlights the critical importance of proactive communication with federal program officers, underscoring their role as partners rather than adversaries. Nonprofits should connect with these officers to clarify expectations, understand legal jargon in contracts, and adapt programs quickly in response to shifting circumstances. According to Hatsy, "Program officers are there to partner with you and help you succeed.”This chaotic environment doesn’t only affect nonprofits directly receiving federal funds. Hatsy clearly warns that the impact trickles down, influencing state and local funding channels. Every nonprofit is vulnerable. Ignoring the warning signs can lead to missed opportunities, funding losses, and compliance disasters. The time to engage is now. Reach out proactively, communicate clearly, and build strategic relationships with federal program officers who are your allies, not your adversaries!#NonprofitAlert #FederalFundingFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailThe nonprofit sector is undergoing a seismic shift. More and more rising professionals are being tapped for executive leadership—but are they truly prepared? Enter Brian Quail, an accomplished CEO, consultant, and author of The Ultimate Guide for New Nonprofit CEOs. In this conversation, he unpacks the realities of stepping into nonprofit leadership and why 50% of new CEOs fail within their first eight months on the job!"Boards don’t know how to onboard new CEOs—and they never will," Brian begins. "That’s not why they were recruited. But what they can do is embrace a framework that ensures success from day one."His ‘Five Frameworks Approach’ provides an actionable roadmap, from mastering the first 90 days to understanding financials, donor relationships, and board engagement. He also underscores a major leadership gap forming due to 10,000 Baby Boomers turning 65 every day until 2030, leaving a vacuum in leadership.As Brian points out, “Being a nonprofit CEO isn’t about waiting for a title—it’s about stepping up and leading from the very first day.”This fast episode is a game-changer for current CEOs, aspiring executives, board members, and leadership teams. If you want to stop the high turnover trend and build resilient leadership, don’t miss Brian’s expert insights.  #NonprofitLeadership #CEOOnboarding #LeadershipSuccessFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailUnlocking the mystery behind donor retention is critical for any nonprofit looking for sustainability and success. Wendy Mercurio, Market Research Specialist from Bloomerang, discusses groundbreaking strategies and unexpected insights.Wendy presents data-driven info highlighting significant gaps and opportunities in fundraising strategies, emphasizing the importance of donor retention over donor acquisition. Wendy begins with a reminder, “The cost of acquiring a new donor is 5 times more than retaining a donor you already have,” bringing into sharp focus the economic and strategic necessity of donor retention. She shares compelling statistics, including the remarkable effectiveness of texting as a communication channel, offering, “If you send a text to your donors, you have an open rate of 95% to 98% within the first five minutes.”Bloomerang’s open access to invaluable research empowers nonprofits with data-driven guidance, such as utilizing donor surveys and personalized communications, to significantly boost retention. This dynamic conversation is a ‘must watch’ for nonprofit fundraisers and leaders wanting practical strategies to energize their fundraising and donor relationships. #DonorRetention #NonprofitStrategy #BloomerangInsightsFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailIn 2025’s rapidly shifting employment landscape, adapting gracefully to job changes is vital, especially in the nonprofit sector. We explore the realities and strategies surrounding the recent upheavals in nonprofit employment, particularly in international organizations heavily reliant on government funding, notably USAID, with Katie Warnock, CEO and Founder of Staffing Boutique.Katie, a seasoned expert who is focused on the staffing challenges in the nonprofit world, shares her insights into the complexities facing many seasoned nonprofit professionals suddenly thrust back into the job market.With significant budget cuts looming due to recent policy shifts, nonprofits dependent on USAID funding find themselves in turmoil. Katie emphasizes practical strategies for professionals who find themselves unexpectedly job hunting. Updating resumes with quantifiable achievements is paramount—especially for fundraisers. "Monetize your resume," she stresses, reminding candidates that showcasing the financial impacts of their fundraising activities is essential to stand out.She also strongly advocates leveraging networks, volunteering, and considering temporary or contract positions. "There's not really cons about it unless you need benefits right away," Katie emphasizes, pointing to the practical advantages of temporary roles during uncertain economic times. This episode will help prepare nonprofit professionals to face and overcome the intimidating reality of job transitions—with empathy and clarity.Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailNonprofits often create strategic plans with the best intentions, yet many fail to achieve their desired impact. Why? We explores the factors that contribute to the breakdown of strategic plans and provide actionable insights into making them resilient and adaptable, with Doug Paul, Managing Partner and Innovation Strategist at Catapult.Doug begins by challenging conventional thinking, offering, "Strategy is always a hypothesis—an informed opinion about how to win." Strategic plans often fall short because they are built for a world that no longer exists. Many organizations cling to outdated planning models that are too rigid to accommodate the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of the nonprofit sector.To truly succeed, nonprofits must rethink their approach. Doug introduces the concept of "assumptions mapping," a technique that scrutinizes the foundational beliefs of an organization to ensure they are sound. He also discusses the importance of "pre-mortem" planning—analyzing potential points of failure before they occur.Continuing, Doug describes how flexibility is key. Instead of treating strategic plans as fixed roadmaps, nonprofits should refresh and iterate their plans regularly, integrating learning cycles every 90 days. This shift allows them to navigate unpredictability with agility and confidence.Doug also points to the need for nonprofits to cultivate an R&D mindset, setting aside 10-15% of resources for innovation and experimentation. "Every once in a while, one of these bets is going to hit, and when it does, it could change everything," he tells us.A nonprofit’s strategic plan should not be a rigid document—it should be a living framework that adapts, learns, and evolves. If your nonprofit can embrace this mindset, you’ll be better positioned to achieve meaningful, sustainable impact! #StrategicPlanning #NonprofitLeadershipFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailIn an era where leadership transitions are inevitable yet often overlooked, we’re digging deep into the timely topic of nonprofit succession planning, with two distinguished experts: Randy Brinson and Julia Burns. Together, they unravel the complexities of interim leadership, succession planning, and talent continuity in the nonprofit sector.The important conversation addresses the urgency of succession planning as a strategic imperative rather than a last-minute scramble. As Julia begins, "Succession planning is having this holistic, thoughtful strategy about your talent pipeline that both makes it effective for today and readies the organization for tomorrow."   The duo dismantle the common misconception that succession planning is solely about replacing a CEO. Instead, it is a dynamic, organization-wide process that fosters leadership development and ensures mission continuity.Randy speaks to the broader scope of leadership transitions, stating, "If we have a cause that our organization is pursuing in the community, the best way for us to sustain success in that cause is to make sure we have a good talent pipeline of the people that we need to achieve that work." The two  also tackle the hesitancy among board members to address leadership transitions and highlights the strategic advantage of treating succession as an opportunity rather than a crisis.Both Randy and Julia provide actionable insights you’ll be able to use, from gathering essential information to fostering a culture of leadership continuity. They also provide info about their upcoming ‘Succession Planning Consultant Boot Camp’, designed to equip consultants and nonprofit leaders with the tools needed to navigate transitions effectively.If nonprofit sustainability and leadership continuity matter to your organization, this episode is an essential watch. More about Third Sector Company.#NonprofitLeadership #SuccessionPlanningFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailThe critical art of cultivating donors for the long term—a concept that many nonprofits struggle to implement effectively.Co-host Julia Patrick sets the stage by highlighting the challenge: “We live check to check. Such a bad mentality… we just get this and then we’re moving.” She speaks to the need to shift from short-term survival mode to a sustainable donor cultivation strategy. Co-host Tony Beall, a leading nonprofit consultant, breaks down the process, distinguishing cultivation from stewardship and offering practical steps to build trust-based relationships with donors.One of Tony’s keys is the difference between cultivating and stewarding donors. He explains, “Cultivating a donor means getting them engaged, building trust, and preparing them to make an investment in your organization. Stewardship happens after the gift—it’s about gratitude and long-term relationship-building.” This distinction is crucial for nonprofits looking to create sustainable funding models.The fast (and often witty) conversation also tackles a major issue in the nonprofit sector: fundraiser burnout. Citing data from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Julia describes how the average tenure of a development professional is only 19 months. Tony offers input on combating this trend: “I’m more interested in building trust than likability. Saying no with an explanation builds trust. And trust is what makes donors stay committed beyond any single fundraiser’s tenure.”The discussion extends to how fundraisers can navigate gatekeepers, effectively identify high-potential donors, and educate nonprofit leadership on the time and strategy required for successful fundraising.For any nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or board member looking to increase donor engagement and retention, this episode is packed with essential strategies to build that ‘sustainable donor pipeline’.#NonprofitFundraising #DonorCultivation #FundraisersFridayFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailAre you ready to transform your nonprofit’s financial future? Host Julia Patrick sits down with Beth Larsen, Vice President of Client Accounting and Advisory Services at JMT Consulting, to demystify financial technology (Fintech) for nonprofits. Fintech often feels overwhelming, but Beth provides a roadmap to help organizations fall in love with technology solutions that streamline operations, enhance financial transparency, and ultimately drive greater mission impact.Beth acknowledges the fear that often accompanies tech transitions: “Those of us that have been through technology transitions can probably draw upon at least one or two experiences where things did not go well.” But she also reminds us of the possibilities: “Imagine a solution where data is flowing throughout your organization, eliminating manual duplication, and giving you real-time financial insights.”This episode explores why nonprofits must embrace financial technology, how to integrate departments for smoother transitions, and how to break down the fear associated with change. Beth also highlights the growing demand for nonprofits to provide more data-driven impact reports to funders and stakeholders, making efficient financial systems more critical than ever.Start your nonprofit’s journey toward financial efficiency and sustainability! #NonprofitFintech #FinancialInnovation #TechForGoodFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan Mail“The mission is not enough to motivate people to come to work.” Cohosts Julia Patrick and Wendy F. Adams sit down with powerhouse guest Yany San Luis, CEO and founder of The Win Woman, to discuss how to build a nonprofit team that drives lasting impact. Yany teaches us the nuances of effective team development, highlighting the importance of both structure and sustainability. She emphasizes that while passion ignites a mission, it is not enough to sustain an organization in the long run.Yany’s expertise centers on strategic growth, revenue generation, and providing outsourced development solutions for nonprofits looking to bolster fundraising and impact reporting. Throughout the conversation, she provides in detail how investing in the right people, processes, and tools creates a foundation for success—even in a sector that often struggles to attract and retain top talent. By referencing alarming statistics such as the average 16-month tenure of development officers, Yany urges leaders to rethink how they onboard, engage, and nurture their teams. She offers. . . “Loyalty is a two-way street, so we have to co-create a career experience for employees.”Far from a dry strategic session, this lively exchange brims with very practical ideas for NPO’s seeking to maximize each staff member’s potential. From microlearning opportunities and more frequent check-ins to reimagining board and funder involvement, Yany’s approach challenges nonprofits to break old habits and embrace a collaborative mindset. More about TheWinWoman.com #NonprofitLeadership #TeamDevelopment #WinWomanFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailAn invigorating conversation centering on a game-changing concept: weaving well-being into the very fabric of nonprofit strategy. Anthony A. Dicks, Jr. of 180 Management Group passionately redefines well-being as more than a mere perk, instead emphasizing its critical importance for holistic, sustainable organizational success—especially amidst the evolving complexities of our time.Anthony begins by describing how work can deplete even the most dedicated leaders, stating, “Doing well can compromise well-being…because by doing all the things you're supposed to do, you end up giving so much of yourself.” He reminds us that nonprofits thrive only when their people do—both financially and mentally. This means mindfully designing a culture where the physical, emotional, and social needs of team members are proactively supported. Anthony stresses that leadership itself can be grueling, requiring a resilience strategy every bit as vital as funding or program planning. In exploring “strategic resilience,” Anthony offers a transformative perspective: organizations must intentionally prepare leaders for the tough decisions and challenges they will inevitably encounter. By providing coaching, building community, and embedding resilience into their strategic plans, nonprofits can create pipelines of healthy, future-ready leaders. He says, “We can’t just assume resilience. We have to create environments that enhance it and replenish it.”This conversation, with host Julia Patrick, brims with actionable ideas for nonprofits seeking to elevate their impact. Far from mere theory, Anthony provides grounded approaches, like prioritizing mental health and forging authentic peer support networks. The result is an inspiring call to treat resilience as a cornerstone of operational excellence. While rooted in today’s reality—including lessons learned from the pandemic—the discussion looks forward, championing a new era where strategic planning and well-being go hand in hand. #StrategicResilience#NonprofitWellBeing#LeadershipMattersFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show