Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications

Amy Eisenstein, CEO and co-founder of Capital Campaign Pro, brings her expertise in fundraising to the forefront. She debunks misconceptions about capital campaigns, emphasizing that success doesn't rely on wealthy board members. The conversation covers the importance of feasibility studies, the joys of matching donors with impactful causes, and the significance of strategic storytelling. Eisenstein also highlights practical strategies for nonprofits, urging organizations to embrace boldness and harness technology for fundraising growth.

A candid look at why nonprofit leaders feel like frauds and how common that self-doubt is. Practical tools are introduced, including a scorecard and six concrete remedies to regain confidence. Simple habits like daily affirmations, team celebrations, revisiting your application, seeking outside perspective, joining peers, and mentoring others are highlighted.

Nonprofits are under attack in 2025—from hostile federal policies, harmful public misconceptions, and risk-averse boards. Glennda Testone and I urge nonprofit leaders to push back, speak up, and lead with boldness and creativity. Despite the challenges, we spotlight moments of hope and courage from organizations stepping up to protect communities and sustain impact.

What if challenging times are invitations to redefine what matters most? Michael Hyatt shares what helped him redefine success, and find a fulfilling way to live and lead.

Amol Sinha, the Executive Director of the ACLU of New Jersey, discusses the pressing challenges facing nonprofits in today's turbulent political climate. He emphasizes the urgency for strategic adaptability and resilience among leaders. Sinha shares personal stories highlighting the importance of collaboration in advocacy, while addressing safety concerns and governmental scrutiny. The conversation also touches on civil rights initiatives, the significance of community engagement, and fostering hope amid chaos, encouraging nonprofits to be proactive and innovative in their missions.

Nonprofit leadership can be deeply meaningful—and deeply exhausting. In this powerful conversation, Glennda Testone and trauma specialist Mariam Habib explore what it takes to sustain yourself while serving others. From setting boundaries to building resilience, this episode is a roadmap for leading with purpose and preserving your well-being.

Work can be a source of joy and fulfillment—but only if we feel connected. In this episode, Dr. Tracy Brower unpacks why we’re feeling more isolated than ever—and what leaders can do to build workplaces where people actually feel like they belong.

Nancy Smith, executive director of Activating Change who has long worked to end victimization and mass incarceration of people with disabilities and Deaf people. She discusses how ableism shows up in nonprofits. She outlines accessibility audits, why Deaf communities need explicit naming and ASL access, the importance of compensating lived experts, and partnering across systems for inclusion.

Three fearless nonprofit leaders share what drives them, how they navigate burnout, and the vision that keeps them going. Tomik Dash, Laura Carmichael, and Adrienne McCue are breaking barriers and sharing their stories that prove that small but mighty nonprofits are changing lives every day.

Deepa Iyer, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Building Movement Project, discusses the urgent need for nonprofit organizations to enhance their crisis management capabilities. She emphasizes building infrastructure and relationships to effectively respond to events like the Atlanta spa shootings. The conversation covers mobilizing community support, the importance of solidarity, and empowering grassroots leaders. Iyer highlights the challenges of collaboration among diverse organizations and the necessity of robust planning to tackle future crises.