Nonprofit Radio Show

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 nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow Twitter: @smallnonprofits LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/ You got this.

A good thank you letter helps strengthen relationships and keeps donors connected to your work. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share practical ideas for writing thank you notes that feel genuine and manageable. They talk about how to open a letter in an engaging way, describe impact clearly, and approach thank you writing as a simple, sustainable practice. Whether you’re catching up on letters or looking to improve what you already send, this conversation offers useful guidance for making thank yous more meaningful and effective.  Question to consider before listening: How do you feel when you receive a thank you note?  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow Twitter: @smallnonprofits LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/ You got this.

The board-ED relationship is one of the most powerful partnerships in nonprofit work—when it clicks, everything flows.  In this episode, Nancy and Sarah dig into what makes the board–ED relationship work—and why there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. They explore how the partnership shifts depending on an organization’s stage and an executive director’s needs, share real stories from when things get tricky, and offer practical ways to clarify roles and strengthen communication. If you’ve ever wondered whether your board–ED partnership could use a tune-up, this episode is for you.  Question to consider before listening: What could your organization accomplish if your board and ED were in sync? Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow Twitter: @smallnonprofits LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/ You got this.

As 2025 wraps up, we're reflecting on what inspired us—and what's ahead. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share five themes shaping nonprofit work right now. Community coalitions are sparking change. Advocacy is finding its voice. Board governance is having a moment. And new leaders are rewriting the story of what nonprofits really are: the backbone of our communities. This is about momentum and hope. Whether you're planning your next move or just want to feel connected to something bigger, this conversation will remind you why the work matters—and that you're not doing it alone. Question to consider before listening: What's one strength your organization discovered in 2025 that you're excited to grow in the year ahead?  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow Twitter: @smallnonprofits LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/ You got this.

Every so often, it’s important to pause and ask: How are we really doing? In this episode of the Nonprofit Radio Show, Nancy and Sarah explore practical ways nonprofit boards and staff can take stock of their organization’s health and direction. From classic tools like SWOT to strengths-based approaches like SOAR, and from balanced scorecards to simple dashboards and lifecycle models, you’ll hear how these frameworks help teams move beyond gut feelings to evidence-based decisions. Assessment isn’t about judgment—it’s about clarity. It’s a chance to gather insight, involve more voices, and make sure your organization is focused on what matters most. Whether you’re gearing up for strategic planning, setting next year’s budget, or just need a reset, this episode will help you choose the right tool and use it to guide your next steps. Question to consider before listening: What might you learn if your board or staff took a clear-eyed look at how your organization is doing right now?  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow Twitter: @smallnonprofits LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/ You got this.

Your budget is more than a spreadsheet. It's a map that guides your organization toward its goals and a mirror that reflects what you truly value. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore how to build a budget that aligns with your mission and sets you up for success in the coming year. They discuss why starting with values makes tough decisions easier, compare two approaches to budget building (blank sheet or prior year), and explain why budgeting works best as a team sport with staff and board working together. Whether you're creating your first budget or refining your process, this episode will help you see budgeting as one of your most powerful storytelling tools.  Question to consider before listening: What does your current budget say about what your organization values?  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow Twitter: @smallnonprofits LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/ You got this.

Your board has so much heart for your mission. With a little inspiration, they can play a big role in your year-end fundraising success. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share eight ways to help your board members get involved in year-end fundraising. From writing thank-you notes to sharing stories online, you’ll hear how small, personal touches can make a big difference. And the best part? None of it involves asking for money directly—just connecting, sharing, and celebrating your mission. Listen in for fresh ideas to spark your board’s enthusiasm and make this giving season your best one yet. Question to consider before listening:   How do you tap into your board’s energy and connections during the giving season?  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow Twitter: @smallnonprofits LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/ You got this.

Stepping into leadership takes courage—and you’re right where you belong. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about imposter syndrome—the voice that makes even the most capable leaders question themselves. They share why it shows up so often in nonprofit work and offer simple ways to quiet the doubt and lead with confidence. Question to consider:  How has imposter syndrome affected you? How would naming and reframing imposter syndrome help you to do your job better?  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow Twitter: @smallnonprofits LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/ You got this.

Leading a nonprofit can feel isolating at times—but it doesn’t have to stay that way.  In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore how Executive Directors can find connection, encouragement, and community in their work. From peer groups to healthy boundaries, you’ll discover practical ways to feel supported and re-energized in your role. Tune in for a reminder that leadership can be both meaningful and connected. Question to consider before listening: Where do you find energy and connection in your leadership right now? Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow Twitter: @smallnonprofits LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/ You got this.

Engaged boards don’t just happen—they’re built with intention. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore why some board members drift while others lean in, and what you can do to shift the balance. They unpack the four cornerstones of engagement—people, lens, structure, and conversations—and show how aligning them can spark real momentum. Listen in as they share practical steps to move your board from simply attending meetings to truly investing in your mission. Discover the small changes that can make a big difference in how your board shows up. Question to consider before listening:  When your board comes together, does it feel like just another meeting—or like you’re building momentum for your mission?  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow Twitter: @smallnonprofits LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/ You got this.

Advocacy isn’t just for experts—it’s for anyone who cares about their community and wants to make a difference. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk with advocacy expert Bethany Snyder about how every nonprofit—no matter its size—can build power and make change. You don't need to be in Washington, DC or hire a lobbyist to influence decisions. Advocacy starts with your story, your mission, and your people. You'll discover practical ways to use your voice to influence policy on behalf of your community.  Question to consider before listening: What policies impact your nonprofit?  How would a change in policy change the ecosystem in which you work?  More about Bethany Snyder: Website LinkedIn  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow Twitter: @smallnonprofits LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/ You got this.

Professional associations can be a real lifeline for nonprofits. They connect us with others doing similar work, help us stay on top of what matters, and give our missions a stronger voice. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah chat about what makes a professional association truly helpful—and how to tell if the one you’re part of is working for you. They share simple ways associations can offer support, inspiration, and practical tools, especially when things feel uncertain. Listen in as they explore how the right association can help you feel more connected, supported, and ready to keep moving your mission forward! Question to consider before listening: What kind of support do you wish you had to help move your mission forward? Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow Twitter: @smallnonprofits LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/ You got this.

Nonprofit finances feeling uncertain? You’re not alone. In this episode, we shine a light on one financial report that every small nonprofit should be using right now: the cash flow statement. Join Nancy and Sarah as they unpack why understanding your organization’s cash flow matters more than ever, especially in today’s turbulent funding environment. They’ll walk you through a simple, no-fuss way to build your own cash flow chart, how to use it to spot trouble before it hits, and how it can spark more informed conversations with your board. Whether or not you love spreadsheets, you’ll leave this episode feeling more confident in how to have informed financial conversations with your team and board. Question to consider before listening: What part of your nonprofit's cash flow do you wish you had a clearer picture of? Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow Twitter: @smallnonprofits LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/ You got this.

Ever see the video “Everyone deserves a slice?” It asks the question: What is pizza shops were funded like human services nonprofits? It makes the case that we would never expect a pizza shop to operate at partial cost or with the kinds of restrictions we deal with regularly.  In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about how to cover the full cost of doing the work we do so we can better achieve our mission without the panic of never having enough money. They explore how full-cost budgeting can lead to healthier organizations and greater sustainability. You’ll hear practical, doable ways to understand your real costs, talk to funders about overhead (which we prefer to call cost administrative costs), and bring your board along for the journey. Tune in to learn how full cost accounting isn’t just about numbers—it’s about sustainability, transparency, and thriving in your mission.  Question to consider before listening:  What could your nonprofit do differently if you had all the funding you needed?  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow Twitter: @smallnonprofits LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/ You got this.

Evaluation is a journey of discovery. It invites us to be curious, a chance to learn, grow, and make our work even stronger. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about how evaluation can help our nonprofits ask the right questions, invite our communities into discovering the answers, and uncover meaningful insights—without getting buried in data. They share simple, doable ways to move beyond surveys as the only way to collect information. Tune in to hear how evaluation can be a tool for better decision-making, not just a task to check off for a grant proposal. Question to consider before listening: What questions do you wish you could answer about your organization's work?  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow Twitter: @smallnonprofits LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/ You got this.

Giving doesn’t always come in the form of a check. Sometimes it comes in a bushel of wheat! In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore the many ways people support the missions they care about—from volunteering and recurring gifts to donor-advised funds, stock donations, and more. Understanding how people give helps you get ready to receive that generosity with confidence and care. Join us as we share insights and practical tips to help your organization welcome all kinds of support.  Question to consider before you listen:  How ready is your organization to welcome support in all of its forms? Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow Twitter: @smallnonprofits LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/ You got this.

Succession planning isn’t just about replacing a leader—it’s about sustaining an organization’s mission through change. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about why every nonprofit should have a plan for the transition of staff and board leaders, including both expected or unexpected changes. From practical steps to mindset shifts, we explore how to approach succession planning in a way that strengthens your organization. Join us as we share insights, and actionable tips to help you prepare for the inevitable—without the panic.  Question to consider before you listen: What steps can you take today to ensure your organization's success through every change? Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow Twitter: @smallnonprofits LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/ You got this.

We have entered turbulent times for nonprofits. A strong board can be the steady hand that keeps a nonprofit on course. It can offer clarity and connection when things feel uncertain. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah dive into how boards can stay mission-focused, support their organizations, and strengthen community ties during these challenging times. While uncertainty is challenging, it can also be a powerful opportunity to center what matters. Join us for practical insights on how a board can help navigate change.  Question to consider before listening: How is your board currently engaged in the uncertainty of our current times? (Note: This episode was recorded in February 2025.)  Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow Twitter: @smallnonprofits LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/ You got this.

Nonprofits are continuing to face existential challenges. How do we continue to achieve our mission through changes in administrations and shifts in funding? Stress testing helps nonprofits respond to risk and stay resilient by asking “What if?” questions that identify potential challenges before they become crises.  Stress testing is not about predicting the future. It's about inviting your staff, board, and volunteers into conversations that strengthen trust, spark creative solutions, and ensure that your nonprofit is ready for anything.  Question to reflect on before you listen: What is one unexpected challenge that could impact your organization? How can you plan for it? Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow Twitter: @smallnonprofits LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/ You got this.

Being an ambassador for your nonprofit is like sparking a campfire—it takes a little effort, but the impact can spread far and wide. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share fun, practical ways to help your board feel confident sharing your mission. With activities like speed dating, conversation challenges, and outreach, your board can become a team of passionate ambassadors, inspiring others to join your cause. Tune in to learn how! Question to reflect on before you listen How confident do you think your board members are talking about the cause that you are working on? Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com. You can also follow us on these social media channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow Twitter: @smallnonprofits LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/ You got this.