Successful Nonprofits Podcast

Could your nonprofit offer staff benefits they couldn’t even get working for a Fortune 500 employer? Curt Ellis, co-founder and CEO of FoodCorps, joins Dolph Goldenburg to share the secret sauce behind FoodCorps’ jaw-dropping benefits package. From a $3,000 401(k) match to 16 weeks of paid parental leave to sabbaticals, FoodCorps is setting new standards in the nonprofit sector. Ellis explains why offering these benefits isn’t just about employee satisfaction—it’s a business strategy that strengthens FoodCorps’ mission to connect children to nourishing food. Discover how FoodCorps’ approach to sabbaticals, half-day Fridays, and family planning support boosts morale and retains talent in the high-turnover nonprofit workforce. Whether you’re tackling employee burnout or seeking donor buy-in for better benefits, this episode is your blueprint for success. This episode answers the following questions: How can I implement competitive benefits at my nonprofit? Why are sabbaticals a game-changer for retention? How

As the rest of the world counts down the last weeks of the year, this is the perfect time for leaders like you to harness your donors’ holiday-giving spirit to generate more dollars, retain more donors, and cultivate even larger gifts for next year.   This episode answers the following questions: How can I engage my nonprofit’s Board in fundraising at the end of the year?  What strategies can I use in the last week or month of the year to boost donations?  What are LYBUNT donors and how do I approach them?  What are some easy ways to raise $10,000 or more in a month?  Links mentioned in this episode: Blog Post: 5 Digital Fundraising Challenges and Their Solutions Blog Post: 31 Ideas for Board Member Fundraising Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: 11 Donor-Tested Ways to Say “Thank You” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes Podcast: Volunteer Fundraisers Unleashed with Maura McDaniel  on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes

What if understanding your team could be as simple as recognizing four birds?  In this episode, Manish Shah introduces the "four birds" personality model—a game-changing tool for nonprofits striving to enhance collaboration and solve conflict. From the eagle's boldness to the owl's precision, you’ll discover how understanding these personality types can revolutionize your leadership and transform team dynamics. Join host Dolph Goldenburg as he and Manish explore: Why even high-performing teams experience dysfunction. How to decode personality types to foster stronger collaboration. Simple adjustments you can make to turn misunderstandings into breakthroughs. This episode answers the following questions: How is the four-bird personality type different from the other personality assessments? How do personality assessments transform team communication? How can I adapt my leadership style to better connect with diverse personalities? Links mentioned in this episode: Visit EPYX Team Building Manish's Team-Bui

If you listen to just one episode this year, make it this one. As Donald Trump prepares to take office, the nonprofit sector faces a potential shift that could disrupt services, funding, and the communities you support. In this urgent solo episode, Dolph Goldenburg provides a strategic roadmap to help progressive nonprofits prepare for these seismic changes within the next two months. Goldenburg shares a practical, five-step REACT framework and offers real-world strategies to keep your organization resilient, even under pressure. This episode digs into essential questions, like: What scenarios should I prepare for under a new Trump administration? Who should be involved in creating our organization’s contingency plan? How do I ensure that our responses are aligned with our mission and values? You’ll also get a downloadable template to guide your own contingency planning sessions. Don’t wait—get your organization ready for day one, day 100, and beyond. Links mentioned in this episode: Download the Contingenc

Are you ready to take charge of your personal and professional growth with the support of a "personal board of directors"?  This episode dives into the unique concept of a personal board with award-winning executive coach, author, and podcast host Donna Peters. Peters shares her experience using personal boards to guide life and career decisions, offering invaluable advice for nonprofit leaders.  You'll discover how to build a personal board that challenges, supports, and holds you accountable. Whether you're considering a major career pivot, aiming to develop a skill like executive presence, or simply want to refine your strategic vision, this episode offers practical, insightful steps to achieving your goals.  This episode answers the following questions: What is a personal board of directors? How can I choose the right people for my personal board? What role does a personal board play in my leadership journey Should I pay my personal board members? Links mentioned in this episode: Donna’s Website Donna

What if the key to your nonprofit's success lies not in working harder but in structuring your work smarter? In this insightful episode, Leslie MacKrell, partner at Bridgespan Group and expert in nonprofit operating models, breaks down the essential elements for driving strategic impact. From rethinking accountability structures to streamlining decision-making, Leslie shares actionable steps and real-world examples that help nonprofits of all sizes overcome growth challenges and achieve big, bold goals.   If your nonprofit is scaling or facing operational bottlenecks, this episode is a must-listen to transform your strategy into tangible results. This episode answers the following questions: How can I move my nonprofit from strategy to results? What is a nonprofit operating model? How can I align my organization around our goals? What are common barriers to implementing strategic plans? How do decision-making practices impact nonprofit effectiveness? Links mentioned in this episode: Nonprofit Opera

Are you leaving money on the table by ignoring the psychological triggers that drive donors to give? Join us for a compelling conversation with Griff Bohm, co-founder of Give Momentum, as we explore how behavioral psychology and AI can transform your nonprofit’s fundraising strategy. Griff brings deep expertise in donor psychology and financial decision-making, backed by his success in the Defeat by Tweet campaign, which raised $15 million from 60,000 new donors.  He explains how concepts like loss aversion, delayed gratification, and "action-based giving" drive donor behavior, and how AI can help nonprofits build lasting donor relationships. Discover how to identify high-potential donors, automate engagement, and leverage AI to hyper-personalize your outreach. If you're ready to supercharge your donor engagement, this is the episode for you. This episode answers the following questions: What are the key traits of major donors? How can I use  psychology to increase donor engagement How can I use AI to identi

Do you have "Causies" on your board? Board members so passionate about your mission that they can’t stop championing your nonprofit?  In this episode, nationally recognized nonprofit governance expert Rob Acton shares insights from his new book Becoming a Causie: Champion Your Cause Through Nonprofit Board Leadership. Rob discusses how to attract, onboard, and inspire board members who are true champions of your mission. From navigating the tightrope between board governance and staff management; mastering the art of board fundraising; and more!  Rob’s approach will help you develop a board filled with engaged, passionate members who fundraise, strategize, and lead with confidence. Whether you're an executive director or a board member, Rob’s advice is actionable, inspiring, and geared toward creating a cause-driven nonprofit. This episode answers the following questions: How do I find board members passionate about my cause? How do I keep my board from micromanaging me? How do I get my board members to fund

Are nonprofit organizations destined to be underfunded, overworked, and underpaid? Think again! In this myth-busting episode, Mickey Desai, founder of Nonprofit Snapshot and host of The Nonprofit SnapCast, joins Dolph to debunk some of the most common misconceptions about nonprofit work. From myths about volunteers being “free” to the dangers of relying on events for fundraising, Mickey and Dolph provide insights that will challenge the way you think about nonprofit management.  Learn why offering competitive salaries is a necessity and discover how nonprofit leaders can turn board members into active, engaged participants. If you’re tired of hearing the same old “rules”, this episode is packed with refreshing perspectives and practical solutions.  This episode answers the following questions: Why do nonprofits need to compete on pay? How should board members really contribute to my nonprofit’s success? Why is fundraising during a recession or election season not just possible, but essential? What are the t

Do you feel constantly overstretched, running on empty while trying to keep up with the demands of work and life? You're not alone! This week’s guest, Francesca Giulia Mereu, is here to help you recharge your energy and improve your well-being through small, impactful habits.  Francesca, a coach with over 25 years of experience, shares her framework for managing energy through the "five batteries"—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social. Discover how simple actions, from mindful breaks to managing screen time, can help you regain control of your energy levels. Her insights are drawn from her coaching of overstretched leaders, including humanitarian negotiators working in war zones. If you're feeling drained, this episode will equip you with actionable strategies to help you thrive.  This episode answers the following questions: What are the key habits to manage and recharge energy? How can I avoid burnout? How can I improve my decision-making and performance? Links mentioned in this episode: Fra

Have you ever delayed a difficult conversation, hoping the issue would resolve itself? You’re not alone! In this episode, Tucker Miller, executive coach and author of The First Four Words, shares her fresh approach to starting challenging conversations with ease and confidence. Drawing from her experience as a lawyer and HR professional, Tucker dives into why those first four words matter and how they can lead to more effective, empathetic discussions.  If you've ever procrastinated on addressing sensitive topics with your team, board, or even donors, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you take the leap. From navigating performance feedback to addressing organizational concerns, Tucker’s techniques are designed to transform conversations into opportunities for clarity and growth. This episode answers the following questions: How do I start a difficult conversation? What techniques can I use to set clear expectations? How do l model effective behavior in challenging discussions? Links me

Are you tired of choosing between your personal well-being and performance in leadership? In this episode, Mohan Sivaloganathan, founder of Harmonious Leadership and former nonprofit chief executive, shares his vision for reimagining leadership to fuel bold social impact ideas. Known as the "Batman of Social Impact," Mohan blends his expertise in nonprofit leadership, coaching, and even hip-hop artistry to challenge the status quo. Discover how to break the cycle of burnout, foster a culture of growth, and inspire your team to thrive.  This episode answers the following questions: How can I balance personal well-being and performance? How can I, as a nonprofit leader, support the emerging workforce? How can my organization sustain transformation and systems change for social impact? Links mentioned in this episode: Harmonious Leaders website Mohan’s TED Talk: The breakthrough power of young leaders Sign up for Mohan’s newsletter  Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Ep 335: Thriving as

Andrew Cooper, a trailblazer in ethical leadership and author of The Ethical Imperative, joins Dolph for this episode. Andrew shares profound insights on why ethical leadership is crucial for nonprofit organizations to solve seemingly intractable problems. Drawing on his experiences and research, Andrew explains how nonprofits can lead with integrity, invest in their teams, and build stronger communities. Listen in as Andrew discusses practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to foster trust, enhance board engagement, and create lasting impact in their communities. This episode offers actionable advice to help you navigate these challenges ethically and effectively. This episode answers the following questions: What strategies can nonprofits use to invest in their teams and communities? How can nonprofits enhance board engagement through ethical practices? What are the key elements of leading with integrity in the nonprofit sector? Links mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Andrew Cooper Get his bo

As nonprofit professionals gear up for their Fall fundraising campaigns, it's the perfect time to revisit one of our most impactful episodes. Join us as we dive into Responsive Fundraising with Gabe Cooper, founder of Virtuous and author of the book by the same name.  In this encore episode, we explore innovative strategies that help nonprofits treat every donor like a major donor. Gabe shares real-world examples of how to build personal relationships with donors through automation, data-driven strategies, and thoughtful engagement techniques. Whether you're refining your campaign or just starting your planning (we see you!), this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you elevate your fundraising efforts this season. This episode answers the following questions: How can I refresh my stale fall fundraising campaign? What is responsive fundraising? What are donor personas? How can I use donor personas to engage my donors? What Is journey mapping? What are some best practices for involving all staf

It’s the last week of August, and the lights are off here at Successful Nonprofits®. We have no meetings this week; the podcast and social media are scheduled in advance. And we’re off the computer and off the phone. You know why? Because we’re off having fun and enjoying our rest week! Since we’re on self-care rest week right now, it felt appropriate that we run this encore episode with Kevin Greer, the Chief Administrative Officer at New Profit, about the transformative power of incorporating rest weeks into your nonprofit’s annual calendar.  As nonprofit professionals, we often push ourselves to the limit, but Kevin shares how New Profit’s Radical Reset — a full week where the organization completely shuts down — helps to combat burnout and boost creativity. He discusses the implementation process, the benefits of collective rest, and how rest can be equitably designed for all staff members. This week, as the Successful Nonprofits® team takes our own rest week, we encourage you to consider planning one for

Are you losing new donors due to uninspired thank-you emails? Join our conversation with Lisa Fernandez as she shares her expertise in crafting effective email sequences to build lasting relationships with donors. Learn how to engage your audience with personalized and automated emails, harness the power of storytelling, and create lead magnets that resonate. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit professional or new to email marketing, Lisa's insights will help you boost donor retention and elevate your email game.  This episode answers the following questions: How can I increase my donor retention? Why is email sequencing important for donor retention? How can I create an effective donor email sequence? What are some creative lead magnets for attracting and engaging donors? How can I improve the effectiveness of the CTA in my emails? Links mentioned in this episode: Lisa Fernandez Agency Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Episode 181: How to Write Effective C

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

Have you ever found yourself saying "yes" to a task or opportunity, only to regret it later? You're not alone! In this episode, Stephanie Wagner, a board-certified health and wellness coach from Healthy Minds Innovations, discusses how to say no and feel good about it. Stephanie shares her expertise on setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and communicating assertively without guilt or anxiety. Learn practical strategies for managing digital distractions, breaking free from negative thought loops, and using mindfulness and meditation to enhance self-awareness and well-being. This episode answers the following questions: What are the negative effects of saying yes too often? How can I learn to say no without feeling guilty? What are some effective strategies to help me say “yes” less often? How can mindfulness and meditation help with decision-making? How do I manage digital distractions? Links mentioned in this episode: Healthy Minds Program App (Apple Store | Google Play Store)  Stephanie Wagner’

Leadership transitions are challenging enough, and for leaders of color, there are unique hurdles and barriers that must be overcome. In this episode, we are joined by Nate Wong, a partner at The Bridgespan Group, to discuss the complexities and opportunities of leadership transitions for nonprofit leaders of color. Nate shares his own experiences as a leader of color and offers practical advice for navigating the glass cliff, addressing systemic inequities, and building supportive networks. Listen in to what nonprofit leaders should be asking from their funders to ensure successful transitions. This episode answers the following questions: What challenges do leaders of color face during leadership transitions? What should we be asking of our funders to better support nonprofit leaders of color? What strategies can leaders of color use to navigate the glass cliff? What role do boards play in setting up new leaders for success? Links mentioned in this episode: Four Ways Funders Can Support Leaders of Co

What if you could leverage inclusion to not only improve your workplace culture but also boost your nonprofit’s effectiveness? In today’s episode, Andres Tapia, a Senior Client Partner at Korn Ferry and co-author of "The 5 Disciplines of Inclusive Leaders," shows us how. Tapia dives deep into how leaders can cultivate inclusion to unlock the full potential of their teams and organizations. We explore practical steps for building a more inclusive environment, measuring success, and learning from diversity initiatives like those of the NFL. This episode answers the following questions: What are the five disciplines of inclusive leaders? How can small nonprofits measure the success of their diversity and inclusion efforts? What are some practical steps leaders can take to build a more inclusive environment? Links mentioned in this episode: Andres Tapia's LinkedIn Profile Korn Ferry Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Amplifying the Voices of BIPOC Leaders with Darren Isom Apple Podcasts, Spo