I Was Told There Would Be Snacks: A Nonprofit Podcast (KUDZUKIAN)

In an era of workforce shortages, nonprofit leaders are rethinking their benefits packages to include more support for employees, such as parental leave. In this episode, Amy Gore of Think Tennessee and Dr. Mary "MJ" McConnell discuss how parental leave creates equitable opportunity for employees and mitigates turnover.

The path to nonprofit leadership can feel like it’s paved with landmines, and there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all strategy for addressing the many complicated situations that new executive directors face. From public relations nightmares to staff revolts, nonprofit executives can face all kinds of challenges, but the ones that are most threatening can be the ones that undermine their own inner strength and confidence. In this episode, we will discuss some of the hidden landmines that two first-time executive directors faced. Dana Wilson of BRIDGES, Inc. and Nikki Gibbs of A Step Ahead Foundation will discuss some of the challenges they encountered in their first year as an executive director, and you’ll learn why every new nonprofit leader needs a mentor, a coach, and a therapist. If you’re a nonprofit leader or an aspiring nonprofit leader, this episode is for you!

Ever had a volunteer who seemed to have a mind of their own? One who shows up when they want, does what they want, and can be downright unpredictable? Well, you're not alone! Join us as we dive into the world of "feral volunteers" with expert guests Angela Meekins from the Tennessee Nonprofit Network and Natalie Patric from the United Way of Greater Chattanooga. We'll discuss how to tame these wild spirits and turn them into productive, engaged volunteers. From crafting clear job descriptions to setting realistic expectations, we'll share practical tips to help you manage even the most unruly volunteers. And yes, we even talk about the time a volunteer showed up dressed as a creepy clown! Tune in for a hilarious and informative episode that will help you turn your feral volunteers into a force for good.

“No.” “No.” “No.” “No.” It’s the word fundraisers hear the most, and it can be exhausting.  Not only is rejection a bummer, fundraisers also have to worry about relationship management with fickle funders, meeting fundraising goals to pay the staff, and managing the expectations of executive directors who think fundraising is easier than it is.  In this episode, bestselling author and master fundraiser Rachel Ramjattan of Nonprofit Plus LLC will discuss simple and easy ways to fundraise and help motivate folks who can’t stand asking for donations. 

Are you a nonprofit hero, always going the extra mile, and feeling like you're running on fumes? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of nonprofit burnout with the fabulous Cait Donovan. She discusses how the nonprofit martyr complex can turn a passion project into a full-blown crisis. We'll uncover the sneaky symptoms of burnout, from feeling chronically tired to snapping at your CFO. And don't worry, we've got the antidote! Cait shares her top tips for refilling your cup and avoiding the burnout abyss. So grab your favorite beverage (and maybe a snack), and join us for an insightful conversation about how to thrive, not just survive, in the nonprofit world.

If you’ve ever worked in a toxic workplace, you know how detrimental this can be to you and the organization as a whole.  Whether it’s an abusive boss, a culture driven by unhealthy competition, or just way too much gossip at the water cooler, toxic organizations can zap your energy and make you run for the door.  The worst part of all of this?  Toxicity in your nonprofit organization ultimately hurts the communities you serve by distracting everyone from the mission.  Turnover increases, work productivity lowers, and staff and volunteers can lose their passion for the cause.  What’s a leader (or staff member) to do?  In this episode, we speak with Brittanie Young, Founder of Rejuvenate HR, about what to do if you find yourself in the middle of a toxic organization!

During the pandemic, arts organizations were some of the most deeply impacted nonprofits.  They lost revenue from performances and special events, and many were forced to lay off key staff and artists.  The pandemic also inspired innovative ways to deliver programming and engage new audiences.  Though the arts may still struggle in the short-term, is there a renaissance on the horizon?  Pat Mitchell-Worley, Deputy Director of Soulsville Foundation and Executive Director of Stax Music Academy, and Elizabeth Rouse, President and CEO of ArtsMemphis, joins us to discuss the impact of COVID and the good news that may be ahead for arts organizations in the United States.

As a nonprofit professional, your knowledge can help policy makers who need - and often want - your input. In this episode, lobbyist Adam Nickas of Capitol Resources, LLC discusses how to build healthy, productive relationships with your legislators and how to position yourself as an expert on your organization’s mission and the communities you serve.  

Impact measurement is often seen as extra work to satisfy funders, but it's actually a way for nonprofits to grow, pivot, and better serve their communities. In this episode, guests Brian Straessle of Sycamore Institute and Chrystal Armstrong Brown of United Way of Greater Knoxville discuss why continuous improvement should be a priority for nonprofits and how data can shed light on opportunities for growth. We'll also talk a lot about hot dogs!

In this episode, we’re tackling the frustrating concept of nonprofit sustainability. What’s nonprofit sustainability anyway?  Is it simply financial sustainability?  Good board governance?  A carefully crafted succession plan?  Continued impact in the community?  All of the above? Or is nonprofit sustainability similar to the concept of perfection, something we should always be striving for but ultimately is never achievable? To answer these questions, we have two guests with some very strong opinions on this topic.  Amber Hamilton, CEO of Memphis Music Initiative will join everyone’s favorite nonprofit troublemaker, Vu Le of NonprofitAF, to have a spirited conversation about the myth of nonprofit sustainability.  Fasten your seatbelts, folks, because this conversation is pretty intense!

This touching episode features two amazing stories filled with heartwarming coincidences, twists, and turns. Discover what Erica Roberts discovered at her grandfather's house that unearthed a family secret connected to her former job at a nonprofit. And find out how fundraising literally saved Christy Passmore's life. Tissues are recommended for this episode!

In the highly polarized world we live in, nonprofits can often find themselves stuck in the middle of politics. This election will no doubt be contentious, and nonprofits must be careful to remain nonpartisan while also advocating for the causes they care about. In this episode, Tiffany Gourley Carter of the National Council of Nonprofits and Sumita Keller of Healing Trust discuss what nonprofits can and cannot do in the public policy arena and how to stay nonpartisan despite the partisan world around us.

Have you ever worked for a nonprofit that felt like a cutthroat competition? Where everyone hoards resources, collaboration is frowned upon, and people lose sleep over fundraising challenges? In short, a nonprofit with a scarcity mindset. In this episode, Hal Cato of Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and Hannah Lancaster of United Way of Greater Chattanooga discuss how an abundance mindset and an abundance culture can lead to more effective, collaborative nonprofits and lessen the stress of employees within your organization. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, board member, or staff member, this episode is for you. Learn how to create a more positive and productive workplace, and how to achieve your mission more effectively.

In an era of quiet quitting and the “Great Resignation,” many nonprofit employees are daydreaming about being their own boss.  Being a nonprofit consultant, though, isn’t just a glorious life of lounging poolside drinking margaritas while you write a fund development plan for a nonprofit client!  The consultant life takes discipline, humility, gumption, and a whole lot of money management!  Join national fundraising consultants Mel & Pearl Shaw as they de-mystify the consulting life and provide guidance to wannabe nonprofit consultants.  Margaritas not included!

Have you ever made a terrible mistake while writing a grant or said the wrong thing during a meeting with a foundation? Don't worry, you're not alone. In this episode, grant writer Sara Baker and Tiffanie Grier of Assisi Foundation of Memphis share their insights on how to avoid the most common grant writing pitfalls and what to say when foundation trustees ask you that dreaded question about sustainability. Tune in and learn how to write a grant that will impress foundation trustees and win you the funding you need.

Momentum Nonprofit Partners rebranded to become Tennessee Nonprofit Network in late 2022, and in just one year, they have grown to serve over 40,000 nonprofit organizations across the state. In this episode, we talk to Abby Garrison of United Way of Greater Chattanooga and Tim Delaney of National Council of Nonprofits about Tennessee Nonprofit Network's incredible growth and impact. We discuss the challenges and opportunities that Tennessee Nonprofit Network faced along the way to becoming the first statewide nonprofit association in Tennessee. We will discuss Tennessee Nonprofit Network's vision for the future and how they plan to continue to grow and make an impact.

With thousands of nonprofits, churches, and government agencies fighting poverty in our community, why is poverty still so prevalent? Are we simply putting Band-Aids on the problems without actually addressing the systemic roots of poverty?  In this episode, guests Ayanna Johnson-Watkins of MICAH and Sutton Mora of Community Foundation of Greater Memphis discuss why our current system isn’t producing the results we want to see.  We take a critical look at what’s not working and identify nonprofit and philanthropy’s role in changing the narrative.

In this episode, we dive headfirst into the exciting world of public policy with our dynamic duo of expert guests: Arnetta Macklin from MIFA and Natalie Jones from Tennessee Nonprofit Network. Get ready to trade boring boardroom meetings for some serious policy wonkery! We'll unravel the mystery of how nonprofits can take their advocacy game to the next level by crafting a killer public policy agenda. Arnetta and Natalie spill the 501(c)tea on everything from identifying key issues to gaining support from your board of directors

In the nonprofit sector, we can sometimes overuse words to the point where they completely lose their meaning.  Other times, words have an underlying connotation that can alienate your stakeholders.  And then there are those pesky words that no one understands, but we use them anyway to sound smart!  How does this impact our communication with funders, clients, and staff?  Does this really help us effectively share our vision and impact with those we serve?  (Probably not.)  In this lively conversation with April Carter of Momentum Nonprofit Partners and Carrie Burke of Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation, we look at words and phrases that we should all consider rethinking or eliminating.  This is a continuation of the conversation from our first season, and we have even more words and phrases that get under our skin!

There’s one on every board: the board member with a battle ax.  Whether they’re leading a rebellion against the executive director or upending every board meeting, these board members can destroy the reputation of your organization, scare your executive director and staff away, and make the board’s job extremely difficult.  In this episode, Susan Schmidt, CEO of Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, will talk about the worst board member archetypes and how to handle their extreme behaviors. We’ll even discuss how an Elmo doll can keep order in a board meeting! 

Nonprofits need to engage at the local, state, and federal level to ensure that those laws are fair, support nonprofits, and reduce harm to the communities they serve.  Collectively, the million+ nonprofits in the United States have a lot of power, but we have to use it or we could lose it! Despite the importance of public policy to the welfare of our nonprofits and our communities, many nonprofit leaders shy away from engaging in public policy.  There is vast misunderstanding about what 501(c)3 nonprofits can and cannot do, and this episode sheds light on what nonprofits can do related to public policy and advocacy, why it matters, and what’s at stake.  Join Jessica Mendieta and David L. Thompson from National Council of Nonprofits as they set the record straight on this important topic!

Thousands of rural nonprofits are currently serving communities throughout Tennessee. Unfortunately, their hard work sometimes goes unnoticed, and their voices aren't represented at many decision-making tables. In this episode, Matthew Marshall of United Way of West Tennessee and Ellen Collins of Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy discuss why rural nonprofits should matter to metro nonprofits, our legislators, and our funders.

Ever felt like you're banging your head against a brick wall trying to break into the nonprofit world or get something new and different accomplished? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive deep into the murky waters of nonprofit gatekeeping. Join us as we chat with Sunny Bray from Catalyst Collective and Wendy Wand from United Way of Blount County. These two powerhouses spill the tea on how these gatekeepers are stifling innovation and holding back the next generation of nonprofit leaders. We'll uncover the secret sauce to avoid becoming a gatekeeper yourself and equip you with the tools to overcome gatekeeping challenges. Get ready to laugh, learn, and take on even the most problematic gatekeeper in your world!

Ever dreamed of winning the lottery? Well, imagine your nonprofit winning the equivalent! Join us as we delve into the exciting (and sometimes daunting) world of big donations. Our guests, nonprofit fundraising experts Joshua Ireland from Jefferson Bridge Capital and Phil Trammell of Nonprofit Resource Center, share their invaluable insights. They'll guide you through the process of preparing your nonprofit for a major gift, deciding how to best utilize that massive, unexpected donation, and navigating the delicate conversation of a big gift with your board.

Do you empower and amplify the at-risk communities you serve through participatory action and anti-oppression initiatives by catalyzing community-driven action?  If so, that’s great, but most of us still have no clue what you are saying.  Plenty of nonprofit jargon exists, but does it actually mean anything?  Why do we keep using words and phrases that are confusing, nebulous, or just plain irritating when simple language is actually more effective in delivering your message to multiple audiences?  In this episode, we will be joined by Sammy Moon, Executive Director of Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy, and Juanita White, Director of Partner Services for Momentum Nonprofit Partners, as we explore words and phrases that do more harm than good.  We’ll discuss why using jargon is detrimental to your organization and discuss ways to avoid nonprofit word salad.

In a work environment, everyone is responsible for ensuring that the organizational culture is healthy and rewarding.  Though ultimately the buck stops with the leader of your nonprofit, every employee must take personal accountability for their role in perpetuating healthy or unhealthy workplaces.  Being mindful of how your own actions impact the culture is important, and self-awareness is a skill that can be constantly improved. In this episode, we are joined by Foluke Houston-Gaddis of P³ Human Capital Solutions, who will discuss how to increase your self-awareness as a staff member so that you can successfully contribute to a positive work environment and not be “that employee.”

Human resources can be the most complicated and least fun part of a leader’s job, and it’s even more difficult when you have to manage a messy employee—or a bunch of them! Messy employees may not have malicious intent, but they can cause all sorts of problems within your organization.  Manipulation, incompetence, insubordination, poor people skills, negative worldviews, and other traits are messy enough, but sometimes leaders make the mess even bigger by not addressing the problems right in front of them.  In this episode, we talk with Dr. Bev Vitali of Christian Brothers University and Cassandra Webster of Memphis Challenge about how to effectively manage “messy” employees. 

Does natural hair or purple braids impact an African American woman’s work performance?  Do your program manager’s tattoos impact your her ability to get things done?  Does a teenager in your afterschool program have to wear a collared shirt in order to succeed at life? (Spoiler alert: no to all of these!)  In this episode, we’ll talk about respectability politics and how policing our staff and clients’ physical appearance and behaviors can be oppressive and harmful to the work environment.  Rhonda Broussard, Founder and CEO of Beloved Community, joins us to discuss how allowing our staff and clients to bring their whole selves to work creates an inclusive and affirming environment for all of our stakeholders. 

In a recent survey, 30% of departing executive directors reported that they were leaving because of their boards of directors.  Do boards have a big part to play in the recent leadership turnover that’s happening across the country?  Sounds like it!  Sometimes boards forget that their CEOs are human beings with feelings and needs and children at home and bills to pay.  How can boards better support their nonprofit leaders?  How can boards set up their new executive directors for success?  In this revealing conversation with Olliette Murry-Drobot of 02 Strategic Partners and Meg Crosby of PeopleCap Advisors, we’ll look at ways that boards can keep their executive directors fed, watered, and happy!

In the 1800s, seedy profiteers would travel through the United States selling fake cures to naïve strangers, claiming that their bottles of tonic would cure anything from poor eyesight to tuberculosis.  In the nonprofit space today, we sometimes see similar actions taken by individuals, organizations, and consultants who have a “cure all” for the complex, systemic issues that plague our country.  How do we know when we are in the midst of a true gamechanger versus the nonprofit version of snake oil?  Whole Child Strategies Executive Director and Co-Founder Natalie McKinney will join host Kevin Dean to talk about the red flags you should notice and the right questions to ask when you find yourself confronted with “the answer” to a big societal problem.

I Was Told There Would Be Snacks: A Nonprofit Podcast, brought to you by Momentum Nonprofit Partners and powered by KUDZUKIAN. On our podcasts, we’ll be spilling the 501(c)tea on nonprofit issues that impact your nonprofit organization, questioning tired ways nonprofits and funders do business, and shedding light on bold new practices in our field. This is not your average nonprofit podcast!

And no, we don’t provide snacks, but feel free to BYO. We were going to get some snacks donated, but the donation application was 42 questions and required too many attachments just to get a few dozen bagels and lukewarm coffee.

Do you feel like your organization is invisible to the general public?  Are you having a hard time fundraising because people just don’t know what your organization does?  Time to get a plan together to fight for public awareness!  In this episode, Marvin Stockwell of Champion the Cause and Denzel Alexander of KQ Communications talk about how to employ earned and paid media, providing tips on effectively engaging social media, reporters, and consultants to get your nonprofit out from under its invisibility cloak!

Fundraising doesn’t sound like it carries a lot of risk, but it does!  From having a secure donation processing platform to ensuring donor privacy to having a codified resource development plan, nonprofits must be mindful of the risks and liabilities associated with fundraising.  In this episode, we talk with risk management expert Ted Bilich of Risk Alternatives about the do’s and don’ts of fundraising through the lens of risk and resiliency.  We also discuss that darn impending recession that they keep warning us about and how that will impact your organization’s fundraising! 

In 2016, a wave of donations symbolizing a rejection of incoming President Trump’s policies flooded organizations serving women, immigrants, and the LGBTQ+ community. Given the name “rage philanthropy” by fundraisers, this wave of donations supported organizations whose populations may have been threatened by the policies of the new administration. Even with the change in administration, we have seen continued politicization of philanthropy and the rise of spite philanthropy. Donors have given as a rejection of values as much as in support of them. When Rush Limbaugh died, thousands of donors gave to Planned Parenthood in his “honor.” What implications does this revenge-focused giving have on nonprofit organizations? How do organizations remain nonpartisan when donations become political? Is there a way to harness the rage and spite to further your mission, or should this be avoided at all costs? Join Columbia professor Dr. Gregory R. Witkowski for a fireside chat as he explores this new phenomenon (or is it?) and what nonprofits need to know about navigating this sticky territory.

Quitting your job can be a tough decision, but it doesn't have to be a messy one. In this episode, Amanda McCollum of Adams Keegan and Forrest Alton of 1000 Feathers discuss how employees can quit their jobs with dignity and how employers can create a smooth transition for outgoing staff.  Whether you're an employee thinking about quitting your job or an employer looking for ways to improve your offboarding process, this episode is for you.

Ever walked into an office and thought, "This place screams misaligned?” Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of workspace design with the dynamic duo of Kate Haywood from Daily Design Group and Kesha Ivy from Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South. These design gurus and mission-driven leaders give pointers on how your office space can be more than just a place to clock in. We'll explore the nitty-gritty of creating a workspace that not only looks good but feels good, aligning seamlessly with your organization's mission. From creating an optimal workspace for your employees to creating an inclusive atmosphere for your clients, we've got you covered. So, whether you're a CEO or just a cubicle dweller, tune in to learn how to transform your workspace into a mission-aligned masterpiece!

We often hear about how Andrew Carnegie and Cornelius Rockefeller changed philanthropy, but there are so many other people in our nation’s history that helped change the way we raise money and give charitable donations.  In this episode, host Kevin Dean will present the untold stories of philanthropy through the years in the United States, from mutual aid societies of the 1700s to modern day. How does the first published book on philanthropy in the United States relate to the Salem Witch Trials? Why was Brown vs. Board of Education not considered a total victory by the NAACP? What does Ben Franklin have to do with matching gifts?  Find out as we jump around in history to chronicle some people who changed philanthropy for good (and some for the not-so-good).