Successful Nonprofits Podcast

Could your nonprofit offer staff benefits they couldn't even get working for a Fortune 500 employer? Curt Ellis, co-founder and CEO of FoodCorps, joins Dolph Goldenburg to share the secret sauce behind FoodCorps' jaw-dropping benefits package. From a $3,000 401(k) match to 16 weeks of paid parental leave to sabbaticals, FoodCorps is setting new standards in the nonprofit sector. Ellis explains why offering these benefits isn't just about employee satisfaction—it's a business strategy that strengthens FoodCorps' mission to connect children to nourishing food. Discover how FoodCorps' approach to sabbaticals, half-day Fridays, and family planning support boosts morale and retains talent in the high-turnover nonprofit workforce. Whether you're tackling employee burnout or seeking donor buy-in for better benefits, this episode is your blueprint for success. This episode answers the following questions: How can I implement competitive benefits at my nonprofit? Why are sabbaticals a game-changer for retention? How can I approach funders about improving staff benefits? Links mentioned in this episode: FoodCorps Looking for More? Check out these amazing episodes: Our Unlimited PTO Experiment with Dolph & Lexie on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes. Beyond Money: Incentives That Work with Uri Gneezy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes.

What if understanding your team could be as simple as recognizing four birds? In this episode, Manish Shah introduces the "four birds" personality model—a game-changing tool for nonprofits striving to enhance collaboration and solve conflict. From the eagle's boldness to the owl's precision, you'll discover how understanding these personality types can revolutionize your leadership and transform team dynamics. Join host Dolph Goldenburg as he and Manish explore: Why even high-performing teams experience dysfunction. How to decode personality types to foster stronger collaboration. Simple adjustments you can make to turn misunderstandings into breakthroughs. This episode answers the following questions: How is the four-bird personality type different from the other personality assessments? How do personality assessments transform team communication? How can I adapt my leadership style to better connect with diverse personalities? Links mentioned in this episode: Visit EPYX Team Building Manish's Team-Building Workshops Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Ep 268: The Secret to Building a Rockstar Leadership Team with Allison Mayfield [Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes] Ep 307: Empower Your Team: Unleashing Leadership Potential with Luis Velasquez & Kristin Gleitsman [Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]

Are you ready to take charge of your personal and professional growth with the support of a "personal board of directors"? This episode dives into the unique concept of a personal board with award-winning executive coach, author, and podcast host Donna Peters. Peters shares her experience using personal boards to guide life and career decisions, offering invaluable advice for nonprofit leaders. You'll discover how to build a personal board that challenges, supports, and holds you accountable. Whether you're considering a major career pivot, aiming to develop a skill like executive presence, or simply want to refine your strategic vision, this episode offers practical, insightful steps to achieving your goals. This episode answers the following questions: What is a personal board of directors? How can I choose the right people for my personal board? What role does a personal board play in my leadership journey Should I pay my personal board members? Links mentioned in this episode: Donna's Website Donna's LinkedIn Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: The Secret to Low Stress & High Efficiency with Susie Hayman [Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes] Making Work Easier with Huggy Rao[Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]

Are you leaving money on the table by ignoring the psychological triggers that drive donors to give? Join us for a compelling conversation with Griff Bohm, co-founder of Give Momentum, as we explore how behavioral psychology and AI can transform your nonprofit's fundraising strategy. Griff brings deep expertise in donor psychology and financial decision-making, backed by his success in the Defeat by Tweet campaign, which raised $15 million from 60,000 new donors. He explains how concepts like loss aversion, delayed gratification, and "action-based giving" drive donor behavior, and how AI can help nonprofits build lasting donor relationships. Discover how to identify high-potential donors, automate engagement, and leverage AI to hyper-personalize your outreach. If you're ready to supercharge your donor engagement, this is the episode for you. This episode answers the following questions: What are the key traits of major donors? How can I use psychology to increase donor engagement How can I use AI to identify, engage, and retain donors? Links mentioned in this episode: Give Momentum GPT – Learn about their GPT assistant for fundraising best practices. Give Momentum's Website Give Momentum's Blog Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Ep 351: Use Email Sequencing to unlock donor retention with Lisa Fernandez [Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes] Ep 281: Surefire ways to retain your donors with Samantha Threadgill [Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]

Are nonprofit organizations destined to be underfunded, overworked, and underpaid? Think again! In this myth-busting episode, Mickey Desai, founder of Nonprofit Snapshot and host of The Nonprofit SnapCast, joins Dolph to debunk some of the most common misconceptions about nonprofit work. From myths about volunteers being "free" to the dangers of relying on events for fundraising, Mickey and Dolph provide insights that will challenge the way you think about nonprofit management. Learn why offering competitive salaries is a necessity and discover how nonprofit leaders can turn board members into active, engaged participants. If you're tired of hearing the same old "rules", this episode is packed with refreshing perspectives and practical solutions. This episode answers the following questions: Why do nonprofits need to compete on pay? How should board members really contribute to my nonprofit's success? Why is fundraising during a recession or election season not just possible, but essential? What are the true costs of working with volunteers? Links mentioned in this episode: Nonprofit Snapshot – Learn more about Mickey's nonprofit consulting work. Nonprofit Snapshot – Mickey's podcast about board development, fundraising strategies, volunteer management, and more. The Thing About Cars Podcast – Mickey's talk-show podcast about all things cars. Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Ep 217: Time to Change the Way You Fundraise and Raise More Money with Jack Silverstein[Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes] Ep 297: Volunteer Fundraisers Unleashed with Maura McDaniel Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]

Have you ever delayed a difficult conversation, hoping the issue would resolve itself? You're not alone! In this episode, Tucker Miller, executive coach and author of The First Four Words, shares her fresh approach to starting challenging conversations with ease and confidence. Drawing from her experience as a lawyer and HR professional, Tucker dives into why those first four words matter and how they can lead to more effective, empathetic discussions. If you've ever procrastinated on addressing sensitive topics with your team, board, or even donors, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you take the leap. From navigating performance feedback to addressing organizational concerns, Tucker's techniques are designed to transform conversations into opportunities for clarity and growth. This episode answers the following questions: How do I start a difficult conversation? What techniques can I use to set clear expectations? How do l model effective behavior in challenging discussions? Links mentioned in this episode: Onward Leadership coaching services. J Tucker Miller information on J Tucker Miller's book and speaking engagements. Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Ep 208: The Magic of "Thank You" with Sandy Rees Apple Podcasts | Spotify | or our website with show notes Ep 311: The Power of Words with Erica Barnhart Apple Podcasts | Spotify | or our website with show notes

Andrew Cooper, a trailblazer in ethical leadership and author of The Ethical Imperative, joins Dolph for this episode. Andrew shares profound insights on why ethical leadership is crucial for nonprofit organizations to solve seemingly intractable problems. Drawing on his experiences and research, Andrew explains how nonprofits can lead with integrity, invest in their teams, and build stronger communities. Listen in as Andrew discusses practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to foster trust, enhance board engagement, and create lasting impact in their communities. This episode offers actionable advice to help you navigate these challenges ethically and effectively. This episode answers the following questions: What strategies can nonprofits use to invest in their teams and communities? How can nonprofits enhance board engagement through ethical practices? What are the key elements of leading with integrity in the nonprofit sector? Links mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Andrew Cooper Get his book The Ethical Imperative on Amazon Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Episode 272: 17 Leadership Books to Add to Your Reading List [Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes] Episode 307: Embrace the Challenge: Empowering Leaders with Luis Velasquez and Kristin Gleitsman [Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]

It's the last week of August, and the lights are off here at Successful Nonprofits®. We have no meetings this week; the podcast and social media are scheduled in advance. And we're off the computer and off the phone. You know why? Because we're off having fun and enjoying our rest week! Since we're on self-care rest week right now, it felt appropriate that we run this encore episode with Kevin Greer, the Chief Administrative Officer at New Profit, about the transformative power of incorporating rest weeks into your nonprofit's annual calendar. As nonprofit professionals, we often push ourselves to the limit, but Kevin shares how New Profit's Radical Reset — a full week where the organization completely shuts down — helps to combat burnout and boost creativity. He discusses the implementation process, the benefits of collective rest, and how rest can be equitably designed for all staff members. This week, as the Successful Nonprofits® team takes our own rest week, we encourage you to consider planning one for your organization next year, especially during a slower period like the last week of August. While acknowledging this may not be feasible for organizations providing 24/7 or emergency response services, the benefits for your team could be profound. This episode answers the following questions: Why is a rest period critical for nonprofit staff? How does collective rest differ from individual vacation time? What are the steps to successfully implement a rest week? Links mentioned in this episode: The Radical Act of Rest by Tulaine Montgomery How Fundraisers Can Get Off the Road to Exhaustion and Burnout by Emily Haynes We Are for Good: Unlocking the Impact of Proximate Leadership New Profit's Website Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Ep 200: Self-Care Tips for Coming Out Stronger with Beth Kanter[Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes] Ep 295: Tips for Making Your Dream Sabbatical a Reality with Emily Raskin[Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]

Are your board members causing more problems than they solve? In this mailbag episode, Dolph answers listener questions about dealing with difficult board members. Whether you're a board chair trying to keep the peace, or an executive director frustrated with a meddling board, this episode offers practical advice to help you refocus on your mission. Listen to this episode to hear how to: Enforce an "escalate together" rule to prevent being dragged into board drama. Facilitate conflict resolution without becoming a judge or referee. Recognize when it's time to fire a board member. This episode answers the following questions: How can I manage conflicts between board members without getting dragged into the drama? What strategies can I use to encourage board members to resolve issues independently? When should I escalate a board conflict, and when should I step back? How do I set boundaries with Board members? Links mentioned in this episode: How to fire a difficult board member [Blog Post | Apple Podcast | Spotify] Successful Nonprofits' Board Development Services Subscribe to our newsletter! Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Bonus Break: How to fire a difficult board member [Apple | Spotify | Our Web Page] Bonus Break: Revolutionize your board onboarding process [Apple | Spotify | Our Web Page]

Leadership transitions are challenging enough, and for leaders of color, there are unique hurdles and barriers that must be overcome. In this episode, we are joined by Nate Wong, a partner at The Bridgespan Group, to discuss the complexities and opportunities of leadership transitions for nonprofit leaders of color. Nate shares his own experiences as a leader of color and offers practical advice for navigating the glass cliff, addressing systemic inequities, and building supportive networks. Listen in to what nonprofit leaders should be asking from their funders to ensure successful transitions. This episode answers the following questions: What challenges do leaders of color face during leadership transitions? What should we be asking of our funders to better support nonprofit leaders of color? What strategies can leaders of color use to navigate the glass cliff? What role do boards play in setting up new leaders for success? Links mentioned in this episode: Four Ways Funders Can Support Leaders of Color The Bridgespan Group Nate Wong on LinkedIn Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Ep 334: Amplifying the Voices of BIPOC Leaders with Darren Isom Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes Ep 310: Navigating Nonprofit Leadership Transitions with Dhivya O'Connor Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes

Are you missing out on the hidden potential of remote volunteer programs? Michele Wiesner, Director of Capacity Building at Hire Heroes USA, shares how to unlock this game-changer. Michele discusses the journey of building an effective remote volunteer program, highlights success stories of remote volunteers making significant impacts, and provides practical advice for nonprofit leaders to start or improve their remote volunteer programs. This episode answers the following questions: What is a remote volunteer program? Is a remote volunteer program essential for nonprofits today? How can my small nonprofit with limited resources effectively implement a remote volunteer program? How do I start or improve a remote volunteer program? What challenges will my nonprofit face when starting a remote volunteer program? How do I make remote volunteer opportunities engaging and meaningful? Links mentioned in this episode: Hire Heroes USA Georgia Association for Volunteer Administration (GAVA) Michele Wiesner's LinkedIn Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Volunteer Fundraiser's Unleashed with Maura McDaniel (Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes) Make Volunteering Fun with Diane Zhang (Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes)

In this special Independence Day encore episode, we're revisit an important conversation with financial planner Bobbie Munroe. With over 40 years in finance and 30 years as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Bobbie helps individuals with modest incomes plan for a secure retirement. In this episode, Bobbie offers practical advice for nonprofit professionals on financial planning, saving for retirement, and achieving financial independence. This episode answers the following questions: What should a 35, 45, or 55-year-old with limited savings do to plan for retirement? How can we save for retirement without feeling deprived? What are the best strategies for automating savings and making investment decisions? How can setting up a personal foundation contribute to long-term financial goals and family legacy? Links mentioned in this episode: Bobbie Munroe's Financial Planning Website Richard C. Munroe Foundation Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Ep 171: Recession-Proof Your Career with Gary Hines (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes) Ep 149: Nail the Interview and Get the Job with Evan Piekara (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes)

In honor of Juneteenth this week, we are re-sharing Kia Croom's episode on fostering inclusion in your organization. When the country shut down in March 2020, Kia Croom realized the shift to remote work also shifted justice, equity, and inclusion dynamics. Racial discrimination, racial trauma, and microaggressions didn't go away, they just changed a little. And now they were happening in her home. Since then, Kia has been working to disrupt and challenge the norms that lead to lack of inclusion in the nonprofit sector. She joins us today to share why this is an essential conversation for your own nonprofit and steps leadership can take to build an inclusive organization. This episode answers the following questions: How did COVID and working remotely impact justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion dynamics? How can I help my nonprofit be more inclusive? What does an inclusive organization look like? Links mentioned in this episode: Kia's Website Fundraising in Black Website Looking for more? Check out these other amazing episodes: Women in Nonprofits with Jess Cooper on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes Become a Competitive (and Equitable) Employer with Kevin Dean Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes