Explore every episode of The Practice of Nonprofit Leadership
Dive into the complete episode list for The Practice of Nonprofit Leadership. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Pub. Date
Title
Duration
09 Feb 2022
Putting Leadership Success in Your Way with Rob Hatch - Part 1
Rob shares about his journey as a Nonprofit Executive Director and what he has learned about leading yourself and your organization. Among other practical wisdom, Rob talks about 3 Key Principles:
A headline in Forbes magazine, February 2020, stated that 45% of Nonprofit employees were planning to seek a new job by 2025. One of the reasons that employees choose to seek new employment is due to working for a "bad boss".
In today's episode, Tim and Nathan look at 3 traits of bad bosses and suggest some alternative ways of leading their teams. Traits discussed are:
Micromanagement,
Ignoring input from other team members,
Not dealing with underperforming or toxic teammates.
The article from Fast Company that is mentioned in the discussion can be found here.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
What's your best team experience? Why was it so good?
Good teams are essential for effective nonprofit work. And it is the leader's responsibility to lead the team to effectiveness.
In today's episode, Tim and Nathan start a two-part series focused on leading teams. The focus today is characteristics of dysfunctional and ineffective teams. Referencing Patrick Lenceoni's book, The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, both Tim and Nathan share from the challenges they have faced in leading teams and how to recognize when the team is showing signs of dysfunction.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
Today's episode is part 2 of our focus on teams. As we said last week:
Good teams are essential for effective nonprofit work. And it is the leader's responsibility to lead the team to effectiveness.
In this episode, Tim and Nathan look at 5 Characteristics of a good team. Referencing Patrick Lenceoni's book, The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, and sharing from their own experience, the guys provide actions steps to take to move the team in a positive direction.
The episode ends with a challenge to take these 3 actions:
Take time to assess your team and how you are leading it.
Choose one of the areas talked about to begin to work on and take a few small action steps.
Consider purchasing the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team (linked above).
Note: Tim and Nathan do not receive any benefit from the books purchase but just highly recommend the book.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
How do you know if Direct Mail is a fundraising strategy that is right for your organization?
Today's episode kicks off a series of podcasts focused on Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofit organizations. On this episode, Nathan relies on his years of experience to help you understand the" ins and outs" of direct mail fundraising...and provides practical insights to know if this is the right fundraising strategy for your organization.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
As one of the most common nonprofit fundraising strategies, how do you know if Events is right for your organization?
What are 3 common mistakes nonprofits make when implementing Events as a fundraising strategy?
In this episode, Tim and Nathan dive into the positives and challenges of raising funds through Events, including some ideas on how to use them effectively and whether "Virtual Events" will still be a thing post-Covid.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
Often associated as a strategy of large nonprofits. could it also be an untapped resource for smaller nonprofits?
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan discuss planned giving as a fundraising strategy. Nathan shares 3 ways to discern whether planned giving is right for your organization, provides both the benefits and challenges of this strategy, and the number 1 mistake Nonprofit ED's make when working to implement it in their organization.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
According to a recent Association of Fundraising Professionals FEP report 88% of dollars come from 12% of your donors. Can even a small nonprofit, intentionally work to develop a major gifts program focused on this 12%?
In this episode, Tim and Nathan dive into a discussion on developing a major gifts focus at a small nonprofit. Nathan helps executive directors consider whether this is a good strategy for their nonprofit, sharing the benefits, the challenges, and also the mistakes to avoid.
The following links are referred to in the podcast.
Family Foundations. Community Foundations. Corporate Foundations. Government Funding. All sound like great opportunities to help fund your organization and its important mission.
But was does it take to go after that grant?
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan explore the world of grants as a source of funding for your nonprofit organization. Sharing from their personal experiences, the guys discuss the positive aspect of procuring grants, the challenges in the application process, and the mistakes that Executive Directors often make when using them as a fundraising strategy.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
How can a small nonprofit's online presence become an effective fundraising strategy? What practical steps can be taken to raise awareness to the work that the organization is doing? What are the benefits and challenges in online fundraising?
On this episode, we are joined by Christina Edwards, Founder of Splendid Consulting and a marketing expert and coach who helps ambitious social impact businesses and nonprofits increase revenue, supporters, and engagement. Christina answers those questions and provides insight on how marketing and online fundraising go together.
You can find Christina at www.splendidatl.com or on Intragram at Splendidconsulting.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
Today is the final episode in the series on Fundraising Strategies.
Listen in as Tim and Nathan highlight key takeaways and insights from the Fundraising Strategies series. Then follow along as Nathan suggests 5 practical steps to help a small community based nonprofit go from a revenue of $50,000 to $100,00 in revenue.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
Audits are not the most exciting topic to address but they are an important aspect that nonprofit leaders need to be aware of and understand how they work.
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan talk about 3 basic types of financial assessment that is available to a nonprofit and how to decide which one is best for your organization. They also answer questions like...
why do I need an audit?
when do I need it?
how much will an audit cost?
how to do I decide on an audit firm.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
Communicating the impact of your organization to donors of all stripes, as well as other interested parties, is so important. An Annual Report is a great way to do that.
So what goes into an Annual Report? How long should it be? When should it be done? And who should see it?
On this episode, Tim and Nathan answer those questions and share about their own organizations' annual reports.
If you would like to share your own annual report and receive some input from Tim and Nathan, you can leave us a message at www.nonprofitleader.online or send it to one of our emails below.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
How do you build a culture of trust and connection among your nonprofit board members, that then leads to better decisions and a more effective board?
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan discuss 5 opportunities and actions that can lead to increased trust and better connections among your nonprofit board members. Increased trust and better connections often make for a more effective board.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
Board Meetings are something that is part of every Executive Director's routine, be it monthly, quarterly, or twice a year. These meetings often require a significant amount of preparation and effort.
On this episode, somewhat "tongue in cheek", Tim and Nathan share 5 things they hate about Board Meetings...and how they navigate through them. Both share helpful and practical insights on preparing for, participating in, and following up after the meeting.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
What is Overhead in a nonprofit and why is it important manage it effectively?
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan define two types of overhead and why it is important to manage it effectively. Tim shares 3 intentional steps that helps Executive Directors better manage the organization's overhead costs.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
As you sit down to launch your day, do you feel overwhelmed with decisions to make, meetings to lead, emails to answer, etc, etc? It's easy to feel overwhelmed.
With Nathan taking some well deserved time off, Tim steps into this episode to share 3 things every nonprofit leader should keep in mind as they start their day. These 3 reminders are geared to help bring encouragement and focus to the leader.
Tim and Nathan would love to hear from you. Share a challenge you are facing in your organization or suggest a topic for the podcast. Go to www.nonprofitleader.online and select "Contact". Leave your message there.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
Would you consider yourself a transparent leader? Do you tend to overshare or undershare? And when is sharing considered too much or too little?
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan dive into the topic of leading with transparency. From defining transparency and then working through a situation that requires communication to the Board, staff and donors, thoughts about striving for a continuum of communication is discussed.
Tim and Nathan would love to hear from you. Share a challenge you are facing in your organization or suggest a topic for the podcast. Go to www.nonprofitleader.online and select "Contact". Leave your message there.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
If you had access to a crystal ball that could give you a picture of what lies ahead, would you look?
In today's episode, Tim and Nathan look backwards to help nonprofits look forward. Focusing on 4 common reasons nonprofits fail, practical ideas are shared on how to approach these areas that can help alleviate failure.
The reasons addressed are:
Optimism without a Plan
Poor Organizational Development
Refusing to Innovate
Mission Creep
Tim and Nathan would love to hear from you. Share a challenge you are facing in your organization or suggest a topic for the podcast. Go to www.nonprofitleader.online and select "Contact". Leave your message there.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
As a nonprofit leader, it is not unusual to find oneself working outside of a typical office setting. The challenge is to stay productive when working in those situations.
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan share from their experience working remotely in many different locations. They share mindsets, tools, and practical ideas that can contribute to productivity when "on the road".
Tim and Nathan would love to hear from you. Share a challenge you are facing in your organization or suggest a topic for the podcast. Go to www.nonprofitleader.online and select "Contact". Leave your message there.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
As an Executive Director, we know we have people who we are responsible for. But who are those we are responsible to?
On this episode Nathan goes solo, exploring the three groups of people for whom the Executive Director is responsible to...and why it matters. These groups are:
The end user and beneficiary of the organization's work and services.
The organization's staff and volunteers.
The organization's donors.
Tim and Nathan would love to hear from you. Share a challenge you are facing in your organization or suggest a topic for the podcast. Go to www.nonprofitleader.online and select "Contact". Leave your message there.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
Program Evaluation is one of those things that must be done in order to maximize the vision and mission of your organization. It is also one of those things that is very easy NOT to do. Often it is because nonprofit leaders don't know where to start.
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan discuss four simple steps that will have you evaluating like a pro. They also note some of the benefits that come will following through with program evaluation.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
It's in the name of our podcast. One of the most important factors in whether a nonprofit is effective and impactful is leadership. And it’s true whether we are talking about a small one person organization or a large multimillion dollar global organization.
Leadership is a key factor.
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan explore the kind of leadership others will want to follow. There are leaderships skills that can be practiced and learned but there is also a need to develop a Leadership Identity. Four leadership characteristics are discussed and actions steps are presented to begin to grow in your Leadership Identity.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
This may come as a shock, but Executive Directors and Nonprofit Leaders are Human. So what happens in our family, our communities, and in the world can impact how we think and feel. And can have an impact on how we lead.
On today's episode, Nathan explores the concept of mindset and how it impacts our leadership. He presents 3 mindsets that can help us be better leaders in the situation we find ourselves.
To take Nathan up on his offer, contact him at nruby@fotcoh.org.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
For many nonprofits, the end of summer is often when organizations start to feel the cash crunch. The binges connected to the big end of the year revenue flow has subsided and the there are a few more month months still the end of the year fundraising starts to ramp up. And that's when knowing and understanding cash flow is so important.
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan define what is cash flow and why it is important. They also explore how cash flow is different than the organization's budget, and then provide some simple ways to understand and manage cash flow. Nathan finishes the podcast with four key takeaways.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
Over the past few weeks, we have had conversations with individuals who have recently taken on the role as a new nonprofit Executive Director. The questions always comes up…
"Now what do I do? "
"Where do I start?"
"What should the first few days/weeks look like? "
"How do I figure out what my priorities should be?"
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan recommend 5 actions that new Executive Directors should take. And they share the secret..that these are things that an Executive Director should keep on doing throughout their tenure.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
Summer is coming to a close. Kids are back in school. Football season is here.
And NOW is the time to start the sprint to Year End Fundraising.
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan discuss why year end fundraising needs to start now. Nathan shares 4 action steps that Executive Director should initiate in September, to lay the foundation for a successful End of the Year Fundraising Campaign.
Here is Amy Einstein's interview with Seth Godin about Storytelling in Nonprofits to which Nathan refers in the podcast.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
In his book, The Four Hour Work Week, Tim Ferriss includes this quote: "a person's success in life can usually be measuredly the number of uncomfortable conversations he or she is willing to have.
But a recent stat points out that "40% of people report that they have put off a conversation for six months or more...hoping the issue disappears.
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan discuss some types of difficult conversations, what stops leaders from having them, and key actions to take when initiating a one. Difficult conversations are part of role of nonprofit leaders and it is important to do them well.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
Finding unique opportunities and reasons for donors to give to your nonprofit, is a consistent challenge for nonprofit leaders.
One such opportunity is a global movement toward generosity called Giving Tuesday. Created in 2012 and taking place on the last Tuesday each November, this event has truly become a worldwide opportunity for people to give toward a cause they care about.
Here is the question...should your nonprofit jump onto to the Giving Tuesday movement?
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan talk more about the details of GivingTuesday and help you answer the question as to whether your organization should take advantage of and participate in GivingTuesday.
Boards are more than a necessary evil... but are an important part of a successful and impactful nonprofit. And the relationship between the Executive Director and the Board is a key part of that.
In today's episode, Tim and Nathan explore how the Executive Director/Board relationship gets stuck and then discuss four qualities that encourages the relationship to flourish and the organization to move forward successfully.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
Rob shares about his journey as a Nonprofit Executive Director and what he has learned about leading yourself and your organization. Among other practical wisdom, Rob talks about 3 Key Principles:
A donor, a board member, or a volunteer approaches you with what they believe is an amazing idea on how to raise more funds...or an idea for a new program or new direction the organization should take.
What if it is a really good idea? Even more challenging, what if it is a terrible idea?
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan explore how to respond as an Executive Director to unsolicited advice from key stakeholders of your organization. Sharing from their own experiences, they provide tips to guide you in your responses...that also will help you keep your job!
Note: We apologize for the low audio quality in places in the podcast. There were challenges with internet bandwidth during the recording.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan address 4 common lies that Executive Directors tell themselves. These lies often impact an Executive Director's ability to lead the organization to effectiveness and impact. The lies discussed are:
I should take a lower salary.
Donors don't want me to talk to them about their giving.
Running my organization as a business is wrong.
I have no idea what I am doing.
Listen as Tim and Nathan share from their own experiences and how they chose to address these lies.
What lies are you telling yourself? Reach out and let us know. Our contact info is below or you can leave a message at www.nonprofitleader.online.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
One of the key roles of an Executive Director is securing individual major financial gifts for their organization. To secure those gifts requires cultivation to help build connection and trust with the organization.
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan welcome special guest Terry Egan, Director of Development for Children's Organ Transplant Association to discuss cultivation in fundraising. Terry is a long time friend and mentor of Nathan's and brings many years of fundraising and Executive Director experience to the conversation.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
It is no secret that leading and working in nonprofit organizations can be stressful, leading to a high burnout rate in global nonprofits. This is especially true when the stress is prolonged and becomes chronic, impacting a leader's health, relationships, and ability to function in their jobs.
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan dive into the issue of dealing with stress in nonprofit leadership. Sharing from their personal experiences over a number of years, the hosts share some practical thoughts on dealing with stress before it leads to burnout. The topics explored are:
Avoid destructive patterns to deal with your stress
Don't be afraid to ask for help
Develop a Practice of Mindfulness
Recognize your limits
Make self-care a priority.
Disclaimer: Tim and Nathan are not professional mental health experts. Any thoughts shared are from their personal experiences and should be discussed with a mental health expert before implementing if you are struggling with prolonged or chronic stress.
High Inflation. Volatile Markets. Global Conflict. How might these factors impact the year-end giving push for your nonprofit organization? Maybe not the way you might think.
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan explore a number of the economic challenges currently taking place, how individuals and foundations tend to respond to these uncertainties, and what that might mean for year end fundraising pushes. At the end of the podcast, practical thoughts about playing both offense and defense are provided to navigate these challenging times.
Disclaimer: Tim and Nathan are not professional financial experts and are not offering official financial advice in this podcast.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
So you are ready for your first official Board Meeting, as the Executive Director of your nonprofit. But questions begin to come to mind.
Who puts together the Board Meeting Agenda? What items should be on the Agenda? What am I responsible for in the meeting?
Tim is on the road, so Nathan is going solo as he dives into putting together a Board Meeting Agenda. Pulling from his years of experience, Nathan discusses the following items that should be on the agenda:
Meeting Requirements
Executive Director's Report
Money
Program
Old and New Business
Adjournment
Grab a note pad or a laptop and get ready to capture practical insights in putting together a Board Meeting Agenda.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
The late Max DePree, former CEO of Herman Miller, wrote the following in his book, Leadership Is An Art, "The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you!" (emphasis ours)
As we move towards the U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving, Tim and Nathan discuss the importance of saying "Thank You", key constituencies to whom we should be directing our thanks, and incorporating saying "Thank You" into our normal leadership routine...not just once a year.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
What is the difference between vision and mission? How much cash should a small to medium nonprofit have in reserve? How does an Executive Director decide what to do with their day?
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan discuss these and other questions that they have received from podcast listeners or have been asked by nonprofit executive directors. They also mention two ways to grow and develop in nonprofit leadership: connecting in a community with other nonprofit leaders and/or engaging with a nonprofit coach or mentor.
If you would be interested in either of these options, leave us a message at nonprofitleader.online.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
So that's the question? Would you ever say "No" to a donation? That may sound unthinkable when your nonprofit is dependent on donations to continue to do its good work.
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan discuss some of the reasons that donations may be "Tainted" and the impact they may have on the reputation of your organization and its ability to continue to raise funds. Practical ideas concerning due diligence, creating checklists, working with your Board to consider values and mission when accepting donations are also discussed.
If you are interested in the Master Class that is mentioned in this episode, email Tim Barnes (email below) to get on the list for the 2023 group.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
On this episode, Tim and Nathan introduce one of the tools they use for leading with intent in their life and work called My 3 Words. Picked up from Chris Brogan, Tim and Nathan share best practices for choosing and applying My 3 Words strategy and then share their words from 2022.
To indicate interest in the 2023 Masterclass on Fundraising mentioned in this episode, you can go here.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
In preparing for 2023, what Leadership Mindsets should you take into the new year?
On today's episode, Nathan focuses on 3 Leadership mindsets that are important to consider as you prepare for the new year ahead. Nathan also provides a practical application for each mindset.
The Mindsets discussed are:
1. Focus on Outcomes
2. Communicate a Clear Vision
3. Get Good at Delegating
To indicate interest in the 2023 Masterclass on Fundraising mentioned in this episode, you can go here.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
Happy New Year! Tim and Nathan are finishing up their holiday break.
On today's episode, Tim explores the concept of Mission Drift...how it happens, the results of mission drift and how to prevent it from happening in 2023.
To indicate interest in the 2023 Masterclass on Fundraising mentioned in this episode, you can go here.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
In this episode, Tim and Nathan reflect on the ideas and thoughts they had during their break and how they are bringing them to their work and personal life in 2023...ideas that may be helpful to consider for your 2023.
To indicate interest in the 2023 Masterclass on Fundraising mentioned in this episode, you can go here.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
In episode 65, Tim and Nathan talked about Living with Intent in 2023. At that time, they introduced the concept of 3 Words, where one chooses 3 words that will provide focus and intent for that year.
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan reveal their 3 words for 2023, why they chose them, and how they see them playing out. They also provide a few reminders on how to choose and use the 3 word concept.
To indicate interest in the 2023 Masterclass on Fundraising mentioned in this episode, you can go here.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
We have truly jumped into 2023 and activities, programs, and projects are ramping up. But are you sure your organization is focused on the right initiatives? Where will you focus your energy, resources, and staff?
In this episode, Tim and Nathan provide insight on how to choose your organization's key initiatives. They explore how to review what is currently happening, what programs or projects could be ramped up or closed down, or what new opportunities might be out there. The episode finishes with 4 reminders as you consider your key initiative for this year.
To indicate interest in the 2023 Masterclass on Fundraising mentioned in this episode, you can go here.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
After listening to the last episode on Identifying Key Initiatives, you may be thinking "I Need Help". Maybe you are ready to go put a job opening on Indeed.
Before you do, listen to Tim and Nathan discuss the 3 questions an Executive Director should ask before beginning the hiring process. The questions are:
Who Do You Need?
What Will They Need?
What Will They Do?
Jim Collins' book BE 2.0, referenced in this podcast, can be accessed here.
To get the details and sign up for the PNPL Fundraising Masterclass, go here.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
You have great ideas and initiatives for the new year. You hope to add program and staff. But the question comes up..."How do we pay for this?"
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan discuss 3 tips that an Executive Director needs to take when fundraising for their organization. Practical, yet important if you want to pay for your initiatives, programs, and staff.
Here is a link to Jeffrey Gitomer's book on Selling, mentioned in the podcast.
To get the details and sign up for the PNPL Fundraising Masterclass, go here.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
The question Nathan and Tim get asked the most is " how do I raise funds for my nonprofit?" The second most asked question is "how do I spend my day?"
On today's episode, Nathan and Tim dive into 4 simple steps to consider when determining how you, as a nonprofit executive director, should be spending your day.
What runs through your mind when looking at your overwhelming to-do list? Do you ever think about who might be able to take on one or more the items on your list?
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan dive into the topic of delegation and how it is a key to successful nonprofit leadership. Their discussion strives to answer the following three questions:
Of all the relationships in a nonprofit organization, one of the most crucial is that of the Executive Director and Board Chair. That relationship has the power to keep the organization on track and running smoothly, or to bring it to a slow pace full of barricades and potholes. And like any relationship, it takes time, effort, and communication to work well.
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan explore this important relationship and offer some practical advice on how to stay on the same team.
Should Nonprofits be using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their work? And if so, to what extent?
On today's episode, Nathan and special co-host, Christina Edwards from Splendid Consulting discuss the pros and cons of AI and how even small nonprofits can take advantage of AI to save time and increase their impact.
On this episode, the following tools are mentioned:
- Canva, a design program that has a free version for qualifying nonprofits. https://www.canva.com/
- Grammarly, an online writing assistant that uses AI to correct writing mistakes. https://www.grammarly.com/
You can follow Christina on Instagram @splendidconsulting
If you are interested in the Social Media Masterclass that Christina mentioned and receiving $200 off, go to https://www.splendidcourses.com/masterclass to get more information.
Disclaimer: The Practice of Nonprofit Leadership has an affiliate relationship with Splendid Courses and receives compensation when a listener signs up for a course.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
The time is right to meet with that donor. But then questions flood your mind. "Where should we meet?" "What should I wear?" "What materials should I take?" "What should be on the agenda?"
On today's episode, Nathan answers these questions and provides some practical ideas to consider when planning a donor meeting.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
How might the current upheaval in the banking industry impact small or medium nonprofits? What actions could nonprofit leaders take to help minimize the risk?
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan explore the current challenges in the banking industry and look at the possible impact on nonprofits. They also propose 3 overarching actions that could be taken to minimize the risk to your organization.
Note:Tim and Nathan are not financial advisors, attorneys, or accountants. Information shared on this podcast should not be taken as financial advice and listeners should seek out professional financial advisors or experts before making decisions about an organization's financial accounts.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
You are excited about expanding the work of your nonprofit and are looking at adding a new program. But have you asked the important questions before launching out:
Does it fit with our vision and mission?
Is this program really needed?
Do we have what we need (staff, space, funding)?
How will we define success?
Tim and Nathan dive into these questions and share from their experiences working in the nonprofit world.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
Leading a nonprofit organization, requires the use of tools (apps, software, electronic equipment) both personally and organizationally. But how do you decide which tools to select and use>
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan dive into the topic of tools for your organization by discussing the following:
Two questions to ask before investing in a new tool.
One piece of advice they have found helpful when looking for a new tool to solve their problem.
One pro tip on what to do before buying that tool.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
There are lots of stakeholders in a nonprofit organization, from the Board to staff, volunteers, and donors. One of the big challenges for an Executive Director is help them all get on the same page, ensuring organizational alignment.
On today's episode, Tim dives into the topic of organizational alignment by sharing 3 benefits that comes from being organizationally aligned and 5 actions that an Executive Director can take to help move all the stakeholders to operate on the same page.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
As a follow up to Episode 75 on Delegation, today's episode of PNPL looks at how perfectionism gets in the way of nonprofit leaders ability to delegate. In their discussion, Tim and Nathan provide 4 actions to take that can help stop perfectionism getting in the way of needed delegation.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
On todays episode, Tim and Nathan discuss social media policy and practice with Sabrina Burkiewicz , an independent communication consultant. Some of the topics they explore are:
Why does a nonprofit need a defined social media policy and what components should be part of an effective policy?
Who is included in the policy and what happens if the policy is violated?
What is the best way to use social media as a nonprofit?
How should social media be used in a crisis?
Sabrina Burkiewicz has 18 years of corporate and nonprofit public affairs experience in social media, corporate and crisis communication, and marketing. She is an independent communications consultant and is a small business entrepreneur as a vintage clothes reseller. Sabrina can be contacted on Linked-In at www.linkedin.com/in/saburk.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and today's episode is focused on how Mental Health can impact an Executive Director's leadership. Mental Health expert and national youth speaker, Brittany Richmond, joins Tim and Nathan to discuss his important topic.
For more information about Brittany's work or to contact her, you can go here.
Often the things that are important but not urgent are set aside and forgotten...until it's too late.
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan discuss three of those items: Board meeting minutes, Donor notes, and Bylaws. The items are discussed as to their importance and practical steps to keep them updated and ready to use are shared.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
Golf tournaments, 5ks, or banquets. Are you planning an event for your nonprofit?
On today's episode , Tim and Nathan discuss the 3 primary types of nonprofit events and how they best fit with you and your organization. They answer the question as to whether every event is a fundraiser, share the key secret to every event, and provide a "pro tip" at the end of the episode.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
Numbers. Especially numbers on a financial statement. Did you realize that numbers tell a story...the story of the priorities, focus, effectiveness, and challenges of an organization.
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan dive into the primary financial statements that a nonprofit should have and the story they each tell. Tim breaks down each statement and what to be looking for. 4 practical tips are provided to Executive Directors on what to do with the financial statements and what to look for.
Here are three links to resources that we found helpful in explaining nonprofit financial statements:
Disclaimer: Tim and Nathan are not financial experts and do not claim to be on this podcast. They share from their experiences and understanding of leading in the nonprofit world. Statements made on this podcast should not be considered financial advice. You should consult with a nonprofit financial expert before taking any financial action within your organization.
The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
Ever wondered how to effectively use lagging and leading indicators within your nonprofit organization?
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan provide valuable insights and practical tips to help leaders of small to medium-sized nonprofits improve their decision-making process by paying attention to lagging and leading indicators. Discover how these indicators can inform future decisions on budgeting, recruiting, training...and even your health, as well as predict future outcomes and necessary changes.
Are your nonprofit's new board members prepared for success?
On today's episode, Tim dives into 3 key areas that prepare new board members for a successful stint on your nonprofit board. These 3 areas are:
- Identifying the Information a New Board Member Should Know - Identifying the Expectations for New Board Members - Implementing a Consistent Onboarding Process.
Whether you're a small nonprofit focused on local issues or a larger nonprofit working on a global scale, this episode offers valuable insights to help your board members succeed and contribute to your organization's success.
What if you could become the best version of yourself as a Nonprofit Leader?
Dr Jack Groppel, co-founder of the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute and current professor at Judson University, Elgin, IL joins Tim and Nathan on today's episode. His experience in working with world class athletes and sports teams to coaching top business leaders, provides plenty of real world thought on the topic of leadership.
Our fascinating conversation is packed with insights that can help you become a more effective, impactful leader. From the discussion on Energy Management vs Time Management to leading as a "Corporate Athlete" and then considering the idea include Agape Love as part of our leadership, Jack brings challenge after challenge to our quest for effective leadership.
Dr Jack Groppel can be contacted on Linked-in here.
Are you ready to sharpen your leadership skills this summer? No school bus or homework involved, just a fresh perspective on leadership through the lens of elementary math.
Join your hosts, Tim Barnes and Nathan Ruby, as they challenge you to add, subtract, multiply, and divide, not numbers, but aspects of your personal and organizational leadership.
Tune in and let's go back to summer school together!
How important is a website for a nonprofit organization? What information should be on the site and how often should it be updated? What impact can a website have on raising funds for the organization.
These questions and more are discussed as Nathan sits down with Sami Bedell-Mulhern, the heart and soul behind First Click. Sami's unique approach to digital marketing has reshaped how small and medium-sized nonprofits navigate the digital sphere
This episode is a deep dive into the dynamics of nonprofit websites and their vital role in mirroring an organization's goals to build trust with visitors. We explore the necessity of constant evolution, practical ways to keep the content relevant and fresh, and the importance of treating donors as valued customers. We also discuss the balance between zeroing in on an organization's main mission while avoiding the pitfall of overwhelming the website with too much information.
Sami Bedell-Mulhern founded The First Click to support nonprofits in the online fundraising journey. She helps organizations get more visitors to their website, turn them into donors and retain them. Sami started her journey in the nonprofit space back in 2006 and has held every job from founder to development to event planning and everything in between. In 2017, she started her own company so she could support more organizations in growing their impact.
You can find out more about Sami and The First Click here.
Leading a nonprofit is a bit like being in the red zone on a football field? The Red Zone is where teams win or lose, depending on their ability to select and execute plays that move them forward across the goal line.
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan discuss nonprofit leadership activities that can make a difference and move the organization forward. Some activities discussed are those only an Executive Director can do, activities that build build personal capacity, activities that bring cohesion and momentum to a team, and activities that feed the leader's personal energy.
These red zone activities are inspired by the thinking of Todd Henry in his book, The Accidental Creative...a great resource for nonprofit leaders. You can find the book here.
Ever wondered why some non-profits constantly nail their fundraising efforts while others struggle?
On today's episode, Nathan is peeling back the curtain on the techniques that make a world of difference. We kick off a fun round of fundraising trivia before diving into four practical strategies to buff up your fundraising game. We'll help you to understand what an engaged donor really looks like, and how to foster those precious relationships. Plus, we're talking about the power of storytelling across diverse media platforms, because your message matters. And finally, we discuss how to prepare for your end-of-the-year giving campaign.
Have questions or thoughts? Don't hesitate to reach out or leave a review if you found our discussion helpful. Tune in and take your fundraising to the next level.
Is your Life Purpose the same as the purpose of the organization that you lead?
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan discuss the importance of discovering your life purpose and how that impacts your personal leadership. Sharing from their own journeys, several concepts are shared...such as understanding the personal uniqueness of life purpose, paying attention to your strengths and values, and putting aside time for self-reflection, and the importance of not losing yourself in your work.
If you would like to comment or continue the discussion, connect with Tim or Nathan on Linked-In. You can find them at the following:
Ready to tackle the first 60 days as a nonprofit executive director? Or maybe you have been in your role for awhile but are feeling stuck or stagnant.
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan provide intentional actions a new executive director should take during their first 60 days in the role. They are also the things an Executive Director should keep on doing throughout their tenure... actions like focusing on relationships, reviewing core documents, evaluating the "Big 5" (fundraising,marketing, program, administration, and governance), and intentional connecting to the community).
This episode will equip you with an action plan to kick-start your new role as Executive Director or help get you unstuck in your role even if you have a few years under your belt.
Note: Here is the link to the article mentioned in the podcast about Executive Director Turnover.
Want to unlock the secrets of cultivating a thriving organizational culture that boosts staff engagement, productivity and retention?
On today's episode Tim and Nathan uncover four key elements for creating a culture that people genuinely love. From defining your core mission, vision, and values to the crucial role of open communication in fostering trust, the discussion leaves no stone unturned.
In this encouraging and enlightening episode, the guys also explore the power of love and relationships in the workplace. It's not always about big gestures; often, it's the small ones that make the most significant impact. Showing genuine interest in your employees' lives, recognizing their accomplishments, and providing growth opportunities all play into creating a positive, supportive environment.
This episode provides a number of actionable strategies and insights that can help you transform your organizational culture. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and equipped with the knowledge to make a real difference in your organization. Tune in and start your journey towards a better organizational culture today!
What happens when you finally take the leap after seven long years of dreaming, planning, and talking about launching a podcast? Well, you'll end up celebrating your 100th episode!
On this episode,Christina Edwards (Host of The Purpose and Profit Club podcast) joins Tim and Nathan, to celebrate this major milestone. With Christina's help, we peel back the curtain to share our journey. We talk about our long road to this point, the role our coach Rob Hatch played in kickstarting us and how he ended up being one of our first guests.
Running a small to medium-sized nonprofit can feel like wrestling with a bear. We know it all too well; the exhaustion, the feeling of defeat. But remember, you’re never alone in this. With our podcast, we are building a community to rally around each other, sharing experiences, and lessons learned. Producing our weekly podcast can be a challenge, but it’s one we take on gladly because we understand the lifeline it offers to those navigating the choppy waters of nonprofit leadership.
As we toast to the first 100 episodes, we’re also casting an eye to the future. So, buckle up and join us as we set forth on the next 100 episodes!
Christina Edwards, founder of Splendid Consulting and host of The Purpose and Profit Club podcast can be found here.
How do you deal with "Hard Conversations"...Run away, Ignore, or Dive in into them?
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan explore 4 keys areas to consider when navigating difficult or uncomfortable conversation. These key areas can provide confidence in dealing with this important area of leadership.
These areas are: - Defining hoped for outcomes of the conversation - Going into the conversation with the right mindset - Exercise empathy, looking to understand the other person's perspective - Identify the expectations that were not met, leading to a difficult conversation.
What if one of the secrets to becoming a more effective leader was as simple as prioritizing your physical health?
In today's episode, Tim and Nathan unravel their personal journeys towards better health and how it has transformed their leadership skills. They delve into how lifestyle changes and mindset adjustments have helped them achieve their health goals - and how these changes have had a profound impact on their stress management capabilities and overall leadership.
The conversation concludes with practical tips for achieving healthy weight loss and understanding the significance of daily decisions in improving health. Tim and Nathan stress the importance of prioritizing health and wellness, and how these small, consistent choices can add up to significant changes over time. They share insights into how physical health and wellness can leave a lasting impact on leadership abilities and the culture within our organizations. So, join them on this journey towards better health and improved leadership – it might just be the game-changer you need.
Can nonprofit staff members also serve as volunteers in the organization at which they work? Good question! Small nonprofits with limited staff and volunteers, often see this as a way to get needed roles filled. But it's complicated!
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan dive into what is an important but sometimes murky topic. Important because if not handled correctly, it could lead to legal issues down the road.
By the way...Tim and Nathan are not attorneys so any advice given is from experience only and any action taken should be done so after consulting your organization's attorney.
Here are the 6 points shared on this episode:
Verify that the employee is freely volunteering
Make sure that the type of volunteer work is not similar to an employee's regular duties
Ensure the volunteer work being done by an employee does not displace a regular employee position
Make sure the volunteer work is done outside of regular work hours.
Do not compensate for volunteer work
Ensure the nature of the volunteer work is in keeping with the typical types of volunteer work
To sign up for the Fundraising Fundamentals class mentioned in this episode, go here.
Are you ready to ignite the engine of your nonprofit leadership with the power of momentum?
Drawing from the world of sports, their own nonprofit experience, and the experience of others, Tim and Nathan discuss the power of momentum, it's importance, and 5 key elements that are crucial to get and keep momentum in your nonprofit organization.
Mentioned on this podcast:
Craig Groeschel podcast on Momentum. check it out here Craig Groeschel book - Lead Like It Matters. check it out here
To sign up for the Fundraising Fundamentals workshop, click here.
Ready to crack the code of direct mail fundraising? Appeal letters are a crucial tool for nonprofit organizations to engage donors and raise funds. But in a busy, media-saturated world, it can be a challenge to grab the attention of current and potential donors.
Today's episode is part one of a two-part series focused on the secrets of grabbing the attention of donors through direct mail. On this episode, Tim and Nathan discuss the first four of nine actions to take when using Direct Mail:
Start with a Thank You
Tell a Compelling Story
Personalize the Letter's Approach
Highlight the Urgency
To sign up for the Fundraising Fundamentals workshop mentioned on this episode, click here.
What if the barrier between you and the big gifts is not the donors but your own fear? What does it look like to be bold in your approach to fundraising?
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan are focused on helping nonprofit executive directors to develop boldness in fundraising. Sharing from their own experiences, the guys provide 5 ways to add boldness to the task of raising funds for your organization:
- Embrace fear - Believe in yourself - Take calculated risks - Take action - Fail faster
To sign up for the Fundraising Fundamentals workshop mentioned on this episode, click here.
How can a small nonprofit's online presence become an effective fundraising strategy? What practical steps can be taken to raise awareness to the work that the organization is doing? What are the benefits and challenges in online fundraising?
On this encore episode (ep. 34), we are joined by Christina Edwards, Founder of Splendid Consulting and a marketing expert and coach who helps ambitious social impact businesses and nonprofits increase revenue, supporters, and engagement. Christina answers those questions and provides insight on how marketing and online fundraising go together.
You can find Christina at www.splendidatl.com or on Intragram at Splendidconsulting.
What if you could discover unusual and profitable sources of donations for your non-profit?
This episode is designed to reveal unconventional and exciting sources of donations that move beyond the traditional checkbook giving. With Tim on assignment with his organization, Nathan delves deep into a variety of potential sources such as stocks, donor-advised funds, business gifts, and real property, providing practical advice on how to engage donors and secure these unique gifts.
Remember, we believe in the power of community and learning from one another. Therefore, we encourage you to reach out with any questions or to share your own experiences. We want to foster positive and productive conversations that inspire and empower. Whether you're a seasoned non-profit leader or a newbie, this episode promises to equip you with valuable insights into the world of non-profit fundraising. So get ready to embrace a new perspective on non-profit gifts.
Non-profit leadership is a dynamic journey that requires responsive and strategic decision-making. On today's episode, Tim and Nathan delve into how to discern a crisis and make informed decisions about what's crucial at any given moment.
In our candid conversation, we break down three essential points to decide what needs immediate attention versus what can wait. This includes how to manage expectations with board members and other key stakeholders and handling emergencies with grace and efficiency.
The three key points shared today are:
- Determining what is and what is not a crisis - People vs Events - Mission Driven Activity vs Just Activity
Remember, leadership is a people business, and everything begins with you as the leader. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with practical advice and real-life experiences, all aimed to help you excel in your non-profit leadership role.
Ready to supercharge your non-profit's budgeting process?
Join us, your hosts Tim Barnes and Nathan Ruby, as we disclose the keys to effective financial planning for non-profit organizations. We guarantee you'll walk away with actionable strategies to align your budget with your organization's mission, identify opportunities, and assess what's working and what's not. Our candid conversations will highlight the importance of thinking big and planning strategically, giving you the tools you need to flourish in the non-profit world.
Here are the 5 key points when putting together your nonprofit budget:
- Start with a Plan - Engage Stakeholders - Consider Past Performance Analysis - Commit to Building in Margin - Do the Budget in "Pencil"
Ever feel like you're stumbling in the dark when it comes to budgeting for your non-profit organization? The thought of revenue planning and expense analysis might seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be.
In part 2 of our focus on nonprofit budgeting, Tim and Nathan, are here to guide you through this financial labyrinth with clarity and ease. We provide you with a fresh perspective on how to evaluate and forecast your revenue sources, making budgeting less of a mystery and more of a manageable task.
From revenue to expenses, we’ve got you covered. Discover the strategies we use to review and analyze past expenses, identify potential areas for cost reduction and align resources with your organization's mission. We highlight the importance of maintaining a flexible margin in your budget to prepare for any unexpected hurdles. Gain insight on how to avoid difficult decisions like staff or program cuts through effective planning and regular financial reviews. So, join us on this journey of fiscal wisdom and let's make budgeting a breeze for your non-profit organization.
You can contact Tim and Nathan at: info (at) practicenpleader (dot)com
Have you ever noticed how the simplest 'thank you' can light up your day?
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan discuss how gratitude can transform your non-profit organization's culture and amplify your leadership, including the impact on the mental well-being of non-profit leaders, despite the challenges they face.
Speaking from experience, the guys share insights into the application of gratitude in everyday situations, and the invaluable effect it can have on your team's satisfaction and retention. They reveal actionable steps to foster a culture of appreciation, from maintaining a daily gratitude journal to the power of a heartfelt 'thank you.'
If you would like to reach out to Tim and Nathan, you can do so at info (at) practicenpleader (dot) com.
Ready to demystify the world of fundraising metrics?
Nathan spends time googling "Fundraising Metrics"; Tim...not so much. But they both know the importance and the cautions with using specific metrics when tracking nonprofit fundraising.
On today's episode, Nathan walks us through four key fundraising metrics (Gift Size, Number of New Donors, Cost of Dollar Raised, and Return on Investment - ROI), why nonprofit leaders should be tracking them and how to make sure that they don't "lie" to you.
If you are a nonprofit executive director, a nonprofit board member, or someone who takes responsibility for raising funds for your nonprofit, this episode with provide insights and actions to keep in mind when tracking fundraising in your organization.
Tim and Nathan can be contacted at info (at) practicenpleader (dot) com.
Most job descriptions for Executive Directors, contain at least one bullet point that focuses on them representing, connecting, and being visible in the community. How important is this for the organization?
On today's episode, Nathan explores several points that should be considered when planning this in your schedule. What are the possible outcomes for this effort? Where should you show up in the community? How do I make sure the effort is fruitful? All this plus more on The Art of Community Engagement for Nonprofit Leaders.
If you are interested in being more connected to the Practice of Nonprofit Leadership, let us know by reaching out to us at info@practicenpleader.com.
Another year is quickly coming to an end. As preparations are being made for a new year, taking time to review the past year is an important habit to develop. A key question to ask is, "How did my leadership measure up this year?"
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan discuss four key areas to consider when reviewing your leadership this year. Sharing actions step plus personal insights, this episode will help you get ready for an effective new year, as you take time to learn from your experience in the previous year.
Success Frames by Rob Hatch is mentioned in the episode. Find the book here.
To contact Tim and Nathan, you can email at info@practicenpleader.com.
As one year comes to a close and a new year is on the horizon, how should a nonprofit leader prepare for what lies ahead?
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan share some of the questions and strategies they use to prepare for a new year. The questions lead them to take a look back and then to look forward. The questions include celebration, honesty, hope, and challenge. Taking the time to reflect backwards and then look forward, provides the opportunity to start off the year with a sense of confidence and focus.
Tim mentioned questions from an annual review document put together by Dickie Bush of Ship 30 for 30. You can find it here.
Tim and Nathan are going to be taking some time off over the holidays. Feel free to look back through our previous episodes. We will see you in the new year!
If you would like to get in touch with us, you can do so at: info@practicenpleader.com.
With this 2024 Kickoff episode, Season 4 of the Practice of Nonprofit Leadership begins!
And what better way to begin then with Tim and Nathan revealing their Three Words for 2024. The concept of Three Words is to select words that will serve as a compass for the year. These words help to direct the individuals focus and energy and also provide an opportunity for accountability.
Tim and Nathan were introduced to the concept of My Three Words By Chris Brogan. You can find out more about the concept and listen to Chris reveal his Three Words here.
We would love to hear where you are headed in 2024 or if you have questions or topics you would like to hear on the podcast. You can reach us at info@practicenpleader.com.
So what do you do when you have to tell your Board that you fell short of your fundraising goal?
Communicating bad news to your Board can be tough, especially when it concerns finances. But as an Executive Director, it's part of the job.
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan guide you through the sensitive process of delivering less-than-stellar news to your nonprofit board. Expect to walk away with a blueprint for honest, direct communication that lays out the facts . The discussion also looks at the importance of developing a realistic plan to address the issue at hand.
Also, as Nathan mentioned, we are launching the Practice Community. This includes extra content from Tim and Nathan plus a monthly "office hours" zoom call, where you can ask questions of Tim and Nathan and others in the community. The cost is $10 a month.
From national to local, one of the most challenging seasons of a nonprofit executive director is leading your organization during a contentious election year. An even greater challenge is when the mission of your organization becomes a significant issue in the political dialogue.
On today's episode, Tim and Nathan provide some key actions steps to take when navigating this challenging season. Sharing stories and insights from their own leadership journeys, they provide some practical wisdom on engaging with those who have different points of view and looking ahead to plan for possible outcomes to your organization as a result of the election.
If you are interested in joining The Practice Community, go here.
Tim and Nathan can be contacted at info@practicenpleader.com
There is no one way to make chili or to fundraise. But in both cases, having the right ingredients to get started is very important. On today's episode, Tim and Nathan share four key ingredients every nonprofit needs before they can maximize their fundraising. And they explore how to get those ingredients into your own fundraising efforts.
Be sure to consider joining the Practice Community. Not only will you be a part of supporting this podcast but you will receive exclusive content for subscribers only plus a monthly community zoom with Tim and Nathan. You can subscribe here.
"Nobody likes direct mail anymore….sending a direct mail appeal just isn’t going to work."
But according to a 2021 study by the Print and Mail Communications Association direct mail has an impressive open rate of 42.2%. Direct mail is still a valuable tool in your tool box for fundraising.
Today we are going to go over a simple template on how you can write an effective appeal letter quickly…even with $0 budget. And if you make it all the way to the end Nathan will have a tip or two to increase your open rate way above that 42% rate.
To join The Practice Community, click on the link, "Support the Show" below.
All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.
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