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Who decides what? It sounds like a simple question, but the answer changes as nonprofits grow and roles evolve. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore how boards and staff can get clearer about decision-making—when the board should lead, when staff should lead, and when the best answer is both.  Question to consider before listening: Where does decision-making get murky in your organization?  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at [email protected]. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

We often talk about what a new executive director should accomplish in their first 100 days. But what should the organization be doing? In this episode, Nancy and Sarah turn the usual first-100-days conversation around and explore how boards and staff can help a new leader learn the organization, build relationships, understand the money and mission, and listen before jumping into action.  Question to consider before listening: What does a new ED need to learn before they can lead well?  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at [email protected]. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

Running a nonprofit is hard anywhere. Rural nonprofits face some distinct challenges—but they also have distinct strengths. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore three challenges that show up differently in rural communities and the strengths nonprofits can put to work in response. They share practical ideas for finding people, building partnerships, stretching resources, and making the most of strong community connections.  Question to consider before listening: What’s one challenge your nonprofit is facing—and what strengths could you draw on to address it?  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at [email protected]. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

Many nonprofit boards call themselves “working boards.” There’s nothing wrong with board members rolling up their sleeves. But that label can quietly shape what a board believes its job is—and how it spends its time. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah unpack the “working board” myth and why every nonprofit board is a governing board, no matter how hands-on its members are. They explore how focusing on roles instead of labels can help boards make room for the big-picture conversations that only they can have. Want a refresher on governance? Listen to our earlier episode, Board Governance Made Simple. Question to consider before listening: Is your board making time for the big-picture questions—or mostly focusing on this week’s to-do list? Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at [email protected]. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

$326 billion. That's how much money is currently sitting in Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) waiting to be directed to great causes like yours.  In this episode, Nancy and Sarah break down the basics of DAFs, explain why they matter to nonprofits of all sizes, and share practical ways organizations can position themselves to receive more DAF support. Whether you're new to DAFs or looking to strengthen your fundraising strategy, this conversation will help you better understand this growing source of charitable giving.  Question to consider before listening: How does your organization currently accept gifts from Donor Advised Funds? Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at [email protected]. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

Every nonprofit faces leadership changes. Change is inevitable. With the right approach, a leadership change can become a chance to pause, reflect, and prepare for what's ahead.  In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore how organizations can navigate a leadership change with confidence. They discuss the role of interim leadership and how boards can transform an in-between period into a time of stability, reflection, and growth.   In this episode, Nancy mentions a report she authored on behalf of Third Sector Company: Interim Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector - 2025 Report. Question to consider before listening: How would your organization approach a leadership transition today? Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at [email protected]. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

A monthly donor program often feels like a big lift, but it does not have to be. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah sit down with monthly giving specialist Garrett Freibott-Kalt to unpack what it takes to build a sustainable base of supporters. You will walk away with a clearer picture of where to start, what keeps donors coming back, and why recurring giving can create more stability and connection for your nonprofit over time. Question to consider before listening:  Are recurring donors already part of your fundraising approach? Why or why not?  You can find Garrett at People First Communications.  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at [email protected]. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

Small nonprofits have more going for them than they often give themselves credit for. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore an encouraging report from Bridgespan on the strengths that help small and midsize organizations build resilient funding strategies — and how to put those strengths to work with more intention. If you've been focusing on what's missing lately, this conversation offers a reason to look at what's already there.  Question to consider before listening: Which of your strengths are you building on? Article by Bridgespan: "The Strengths Small and Midsize US Nonprofits Build on to Create Resilience Funding Strategies" Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at [email protected]. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

Grassroots donations may feel small, but their impact is anything but. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah reflect on a recent article about the decline in everyday giving and why small nonprofits should pay attention. From monthly giving to radical transparency, they explore practical ways organizations can rebuild trust, strengthen community connection, and create fundraising strategies that invite more people into the mission. If fundraising has started to feel like it’s only for major donors, this conversation offers a different path forward.  Question to consider before listening: What would change for your organization if more people felt like they belonged in your mission — even through a small gift? Article by Stanford Social Innovation Review: "Beyond the Mega-Gift" Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at [email protected]. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

Are you struggling with board engagement? If so, you’re not alone—it’s one of the most common challenges nonprofits face. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore why smart, committed people sometimes hold back—and what actually helps them step in, speak up, and follow through. You’ll leave with practical ideas to make it easier for your board to participate.  Question to consider before listening: How engaged are your board members? Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at [email protected]. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

Every new board member arrives with fresh energy and new perspectives. Channeling that energy into helpful engagement takes intention and care. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah walk through what it takes to set new board members up for success — from building deep organizational knowledge to helping them discover how they can make the greatest difference. Whether you're welcoming one new member or several, you'll walk away with practical, actionable ideas you can put to work right away. Question to consider before listening:  What's one thing you could do to make your next new board member feel set up for success?   Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at [email protected]. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

A leadership transition is one of the most pivotal moments a nonprofit will ever face. It involves far more than simply finding the next executive director. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk through how organizations can navigate this change in a way that actually makes them stronger. Good transitions take time, intention, and thoughtful attention to the people involved. You will come away feeling genuinely hopeful about what is possible.  Mentioned: Interim Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector report authored by Nancy Bacon, commissioned by Third Sector Company Question to consider before listening: How can your team approach leadership change in a way that brings people together?  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at [email protected]. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

Setting a fundraising goal is one of the most important steps in building a healthy fundraising program—and it doesn't have to feel overwhelming.   In this episode, Nancy and Sarah break down how to set a fundraising goal your whole team can believe in. They make the process feel manageable—whether you're working from years of history or just getting started. You'll come away with the confidence and clarity to set a goal that's both realistic and inspiring.  Question to consider before listening: How can your organization set a fundraising goal that energizes your whole team?  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at [email protected]. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

What if your board meetings were the most energizing hour of your month? Too often, board meetings become routine report-outs instead of spaces for real governance, strategy, and alignment. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah break down how to design meetings that are inclusive, purposeful, and focused on the conversations only the board can have. They share practical guidance on naming the purpose of each meeting, building trust and participation, using consent agendas, and strengthening the partnership between the board chair and Executive Director. What if your board adopted Sarah's 30 minutes at 30,000 feet? What would you talk about?  Whether your meetings feel flat or you’re simply ready to raise the bar, this episode will help you rethink what a board meeting can be. Question to consider before listening: How would you like board members to leave your board meetings?  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at [email protected]. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

This episode was recorded on January 4. As we share it, we’re thinking about the people of Minnesota. At its core, advocacy is about building relationships and standing together around what our communities most need, as Minnesotans have demonstrated these past weeks. We are grateful for their commitment and the work nonprofits do everyday to lift up their own stories.  Advocacy starts with what you already see every day. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah show how small, everyday habits can build your nonprofit's influence without extra time or policy expertise. They explore how to turn frontline insights into action, spread advocacy across your team, and find a rhythm that fits your capacity. You're already advocating for your mission—this episode will help you do it with even more confidence and clarity.  Question to consider before listening: How could your everyday insights move your mission forward?  Want to dive deeper into everyday advocacy strategies? Our Advocacy for Small Nonprofits page has everything you need to get started. Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at [email protected]. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.