Advertise on podcast: Nonprofit Vision With Gregory Nielsen

Strong boards don’t happen by accident—they are built with intention over time. In this episode of Nonprofit Vision, Greg is joined by governance expert Mary Kay Delvo for a practical and timely conversation on The Seasonal Board Cycle. Together, they explore how board building is not a one-time task, but a continuous, strategic process that evolves alongside your organization. Whether your board is growing, transitioning, or simply needs a reset, this episode offers insights to help ensure your governance structure supports your organization’s current and future needs.

Dennis Miller and I dive into What Every Nonprofit CEO Needs to Know: A Guide to Achieving Your Organization’s True Potential. Together, we explore the essential competencies, mindsets, and leadership practices that distinguish high-performing nonprofit CEOs. From strengthening board partnerships and building a mission-driven team to managing strategic priorities, navigating external challenges, and fostering organizational culture, we break down what it truly takes to lead with clarity, confidence, and impact. Whether you’re a new executive or a seasoned leader, this conversation offers practical insights you can put to work immediately to elevate your organization’s effectiveness and long-term success.

Greg sits down with TD Smyers, CEO of BoardBuild, to explore the transformative potential of open source board recruiting. They dive into how nonprofits can leverage transparency, community networks, and data-driven strategies to build stronger, more diverse boards—ultimately driving greater impact for the organizations they serve.

🎙️ In this episode, Greg sits down with Mitch Stein of Chariot to unpack one of the fastest-growing forces in philanthropy: donor advised funds (DAFs). Together, they explore what’s driving the rapid growth of DAFs, key trends shaping how donors use them, and practical strategies nonprofits can adopt to better engage with DAF holders. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or board member, this conversation offers timely insights to help your organization navigate the evolving giving landscape and unlock new opportunities for impact.

Greg sits down with Dacia Moore for an honest conversation about mental health in the nonprofit sector. Together, they explore the unique stressors nonprofit leaders face and share practical, compassionate strategies for preventing burnout, setting boundaries, and sustaining your impact over the long haul. Whether you're an executive director, program manager, or board member, this episode offers timely reminders that taking care of yourself is part of the mission.

In this episode, Greg sits down with Mark Gerson and Rabbi Eric Gerson, co-founders of African Mission Healthcare (AMH), to explore the urgent global health challenges facing underserved communities. Together, they discuss the critical role of private philanthropy in expanding access to quality healthcare, the unique mission of AMH, and the lessons learned from working at the intersection of faith, medicine, and global development.

Greg is joined by Catherine Wilson, CEO of United Way of Greater Newark, for a powerful conversation about the role of financial literacy in advancing equity and economic opportunity. Catherine shares the impact of the Newark Asset Building Coalition, a citywide effort to promote financial empowerment through free tax preparation, education, and access to critical resources. Tune in to learn how cross-sector collaboration is helping Newark residents build stronger financial futures—one step at a time.

How do you build community when leading a fully virtual organization? Katerina Manoff is the founder & CEO of ENGin, a global nonprofit that has paired over 50,000 English learners and volunteers for online conversation practice and cultural exchange. Katerina and Greg discuss building community and cohesiveness when leading virtual teams.

Bethany Snyder joins Greg to dive into successful advocacy strategies for nonprofits. Join us as we explore proven tactics, tools, and real-world examples that empower organizations to effectively champion their causes, build stronger connections with stakeholders, and drive meaningful change. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers valuable insights to elevate your nonprofit’s impact.

The intersection of cryptocurrency and nonprofits is creating new opportunities for innovative fundraising, enabling organizations to tap into digital assets while promoting transparency and global reach. Matthew Nash, Executive Director of The Blackbaud Giving Fund, joins Greg to explore how cryptocurrency is transforming charitable giving. We discuss the opportunities and challenges that nonprofits face when integrating crypto donations, risks to be aware of, as well as how this innovation is reshaping the future of philanthropy.

Nonprofits are currently navigating challenges from federal funding freezes to uncertain outcomes for those served. Stephanie Beasley from The Chronicle of Philanthropy joins Greg to discuss the impact of recent Executive Orders on nonprofits as well as the response or lack thereof from philanthropy.

Tim Coetzee, CEO of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, brings a unique view on the intersection of science, policy and community care in tackling this widespread and complex disease. Tim joins Greg to discuss the vital role of partnerships in creating meaningful resources and services for the MS community, and how the Society is building these connections.

Dr. Karen Boyd is an economist and director of research for the San Diego Regional Policy and Innovation Center (PIC).  Dr. Boyd joins Greg for a discussion about the intersection of AI and philanthropy, fundraising, and nonprofits.

As an internationally recognized philanthropy expert, Lisa Dietlin knows a thing or two about making the world a better place. But she also knows that real transformational change starts from within - in organizations and individuals. Lisa joins Greg to discuss opportunities and challenges for the nonprofit sector.

Food is a basic human right, yet the latest data shows 1 in 6 households and 1 in 5 households with children are currently facing food insecurity in Massachusetts. Erin McAleer has seen how the collective effort of individuals, businesses and community partners helps to create long-term, systemic change. Erin joins Greg to discuss how nonprofit organizations can mobilize individuals with lived experience and partners to scale impact.