Successful Nonprofits Podcast

Are you missing out on the hidden potential of remote volunteer programs? Michele Wiesner, Director of Capacity Building at Hire Heroes USA, shares how to unlock this game-changer. Michele discusses the journey of building an effective remote volunteer program, highlights success stories of remote volunteers making significant impacts, and provides practical advice for nonprofit leaders to start or improve their remote volunteer programs. This episode answers the following questions: What is a remote volunteer program? Is a remote volunteer program essential for nonprofits today? How can my small nonprofit with limited resources effectively implement a remote volunteer program? How do I start or improve a remote volunteer program? What challenges will my nonprofit face when starting a remote volunteer program? How do I make remote volunteer opportunities engaging and meaningful? Links mentioned in this episode: Hire Heroes USA Georgia Association for Volunteer Administration (GAVA) Michele Wi

Sean Littman, a Google Ads and Google Grants expert, shares his insight on leveraging Google’s $10,000 monthly ad credit to drive traffic, grow your email list, and ultimately increase donations. From keyword research to creating compelling email sequences, Sean breaks down his proven strategies for maximizing the impact of Google Grants. He also delves into the importance of storytelling in nonprofit marketing and how to re-engage dormant email lists effectively. Listen to this episode for actionable tips and tools to enhance your nonprofit's digital presence and fundraising efforts. This episode answers the following questions: What are Google Grants? How can my nonprofit benefit from Google Grants? How can I maximize the $10,000 monthly ad credit from Google? What are effective strategies for creating Google Grant campaigns? How can storytelling enhance nonprofit email marketing? What are the best practices for re-engaging my dormant email list? Links mentioned in this episode: GiveSuite Catch22 Lookin

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

Dr. Tiffany Slater, CEO and Senior Human Resources Consultant for HR TailorMade, discusses the critical issue of ineffective onboarding and leadership in nonprofits. Dr. Tiffany emphasizes that many of our frustrations with team members stem from inadequate training and unclear expectations, arguing that these are often our fault as managers.  It's tough to admit this, but that’s also the first step in becoming a better manager and leader. Together, we explore practical strategies for improving onboarding processes, including the use of video tutorials and cohort-based training, and discuss how leaders can create a safe space for feedback, set clear expectations, and build trust within their teams. They also address the challenges of inheriting dysfunctional teams and the importance of honest, constructive feedback. This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit executives looking to enhance their leadership skills and create more effective, cohesive teams. This episode answers the following questions: Why do

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

As nonprofits navigate increasingly complex social and political landscapes, understanding the potential of a 501(c)(4) may be crucial for driving meaningful change. This compelling conversation with advocacy expert Adam Snipes may leave you wondering if your organization should start a 501(c)(4) .  Adam delves into real-world examples, provides practical advice for nonprofit leaders considering this route, discusses the evolving role of 501(c)(4) organizations in today’s advocacy ecosystem, explains the differences between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, and the practical steps involved in setting up and managing these entities. Download and listen to learn how your nonprofit can leverage a 501(c)(4) to advance its mission and engage more effectively in policy advocacy. This episode answers the following questions: What are the differences between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations? How can a 501(c)(4) enhance a nonprofit’s advocacy efforts? What are the legal considerations for establishing a 501

Kyle Waide and Xavier Roberts from the Atlanta Community Food Bank to discuss into the transformative role of a Board Liaison. As your organization strives to maximize board engagement and effectiveness, have you considered a Board Liaison role that supports board members and enhancing governance practices? Kyle and Xavier share their journey of establishing this role at one of Georgia's largest nonprofits, highlighting the challenges and successes they've encountered. From navigating the transition after a founder's departure to fostering a more connected and proactive board, they provide invaluable insights for nonprofit leaders looking to optimize their board's performance. Whether you're a small nonprofit or a large organization, this episode offers practical advice on how to effectively support your board, drive strategic growth, and free up your valuable time. This episode answers the following questions: How can my (smaller) nonprofit adapt the Board Liaison concept to fit our needs? What is the role

In this encore episode originally aired in 2021, we bring you the insights and wisdom of 11 guests who have made significant impacts in their careers. Each guest shares what they started doing—or stopped doing—that made the biggest difference in their professional journey. These short and powerful moments of wisdom are designed to help you become more authentic, curious, and direct, leading to greater success in your career. Whether you're looking for practical advice or inspirational stories, this episode offers valuable takeaways that can transform your professional life.  This episode answers the following questions: What should I be doing with my career? How can I achieve my career goals? What habits can significantly impact my career success? How can I become more authentic in my professional life? What are the most effective strategies for career growth? How can I make a game-changing move in my career?  Links mentioned in this episode: Podcast: Ep 223: Do More Good…Through Your Website with Ad

Join the conversation as I sit down with Jake Krotonsky and Alec Bansal, two remarkable high school seniors who didn't just dream of making a difference — they made it their mission. Jake and Alec have accomplished what many seasoned nonprofit leaders find challenging — they started and run a thriving nonprofit in their community.  During their sophomore year of high school, Jake and Alec looked at their shared passion for sneakers through a new lens, asking themselves how they could use it to serve others. The answer led to the birth of Soles2Souls, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing shoes to those in need. From a simple act of kindness to a thriving nonprofit, their journey is a testament to what we all can achieve with a blend of passion, innovation, and the desire to serve. We explore the challenges and triumphs these young founders faced as they transformed their high school project into a full-fledged organization. From navigating the complexities of nonprofit management to motivating board

Joe Mull shares the secret to happy, productive employees who stay: employer loyalty and building humanity within the workplace. You read that right – employer loyalty is necessary before we earn employee loyalty.  In this episode, Joe discusses his new book Employalty: How to Ignite Commitment and Keep Top Talent in the New Age of Work. Joe and Dolph discuss practical strategies for increasing your retention rate, fostering a humane work environment, and transforming your leadership approach to meet your team’s needs.  This episode answers the following questions: Why are my employees resigning? How can I improve my organization’s retention rate? What is a human-centered workplace? How can I create a more humane workplace? What factors drive my staff members’ decision to leave?   Links mentioned in this episode: Joe Mull’s Website Employalty (the book) Joe Mull’s YouTube Channel Boss Better Now Podcast  Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Ep 284: Attracting Great Development Staff (eve

If you’ve ever signed a contract for a new CRM only to regret it a few months later, this episode will help you get the most out of your current donor database (and out of your next one, too). Paul Morris, a veteran in nonprofit fund development, shares invaluable insights from decades of CRM experience. This episode delves deep into the common pitfalls of CRM implementation and provides practical strategies to avoid costly mistakes and maximize the potential of your CRM to enhance donor relationships and streamline fundraising operations. This wide-ranging conversation also discusses the critical role of negotiating your CRM contract and ensuring that your CRM aligns with the unique needs of your organization’s fundraising strategies. This episode answers the following questions: What are the common pitfalls in CRM implementation for nonprofits? How can I choose the right CRM for my organization? What are effective strategies for negotiating CRM contracts? How can I use my donor database to better engage do

As a nonprofit leader, you navigate the complexities of managing time, resources, staff, and your board. Today’s guest, Huggy Rao, wants you to create friction within your organization that makes the right things easier and the wrong things harder. Huggy and Dolph dive into practical strategies for reducing 'bad friction' that wastes time and energy, while advocating for 'good friction' that fosters deliberation and educated decisions. This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit executives seeking actionable advice on enhancing organizational efficiency and culture. Huggy Rao is co-author of  the best-selling book “The Friction Project: How Smart Leaders Make the Right Things Easier and the Wrong Things Harder,” and other best-selling books. And as a distinguished professor at Stanford Business School, Huggy has also authored “Scaling Up for Excellence” and “Market Rebels.”  This episode answers the following questions: What is 'bad friction' and how can it be identified and removed? How does 'good friction'

My friend, colleague, and fellow podcaster Tony Martignetti was in the Atlanta area and stopped by to record this incredible episode about planned giving. Since my podcast studio is super-small, we recorded this week’s episode at my dining room table. (And I’d bet many of the best conversations with your planned giving prospects might happen at their dining room table.)  Together, we explore planned giving’s transformative power to help your organization achieve sustainable funding. Pull up a chair and get ready to learn why and how your organization should launch a planned giving program.  With years of experience and a passion for helping nonprofits build sustainable funding, Tony offers invaluable insights, practical advice, and inspirational stories that empower organizations to embrace planned giving.  This conversation goes beyond the basics, discussing innovative approaches, common misconceptions, and actionable strategies for making planned giving a cornerstone of your fundraising efforts. Whether y

Whether you're grappling with salary negotiations, seeking to enhance donor engagement, or aiming to motivate your team more effectively, Uri's expert analysis provides actionable advice tailored for the unique challenges you face as nonprofit leaders. In this episode, renowned behavioral economist Uri Gneezy and our podcast host Dolph Goldenburg explore the world of incentives and their profound implications for nonprofit leaders. We dive into Gneezy's groundbreaking book, "Mixed Signals – How Incentives Really Work" and uncover the often-overlooked complexities of incentive strategies within the nonprofit sector. From dismantling the overhead myth to harnessing the power of pro-social incentives and understanding the unintended consequences of well-meaning initiatives, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights. This episode answers the following questions: How do incentives impact nonprofit management? What are the most effective incentives for fundraising and donor engagement? What is the overhead

In this transformative conversation with Bobby Herrera, author of "The Gift of Struggle," Bobby shares his journey from growing up in a large family where struggle was a constant companion, to becoming a leader who views every challenge as an opportunity to grow. Through personal anecdotes and profound insights, Bobby explores how struggles can be our most valuable teachers, guiding us towards empathy, leadership, and success. He helps us discover the profound impact of embracing struggle, not as a burden, but as a gift that shapes our character and destiny. In this episode, Bobby also delves into his leadership philosophy, illustrating through his life's work and stories how one act of kindness can set off a ripple effect, transforming not just individual lives but entire communities. Whether you're a leader seeking to inspire your team, or a single contributor navigating the ups and downs of life, this episode is packed wisdom on turning adversity into advantage. This episode answers the following questions

Russ Finkelstein is a seasoned career coach, social entrepreneur, and advisor to founding executive directors. Together we dive deep into the fears that hold leaders back, the importance of authenticity, and the courage required to lead impactful organizations. Whether you're a new executive director, a seasoned founder, or someone passionate about making a difference in the nonprofit sector, Russ's advice is both practical and profound, offering a roadmap to leadership that's not only effective but deeply fulfilling.  This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to inspire change, overcome challenges, and lead with authenticity.  This episode answers the following questions: How can leaders overcome fear and embrace courage in their roles? What does it mean to lead authentically in the nonprofit sector? How can founders and executive directors set realistic and impactful goals? What strategies can help nonprofit leaders navigate challenges and inspire change? Links mentioned in this episode: R

Today’s guest, Darren Isom, doesn’t love diversity just for the sake of diversity, but because honoring and celebrating diversity is how we all win. BIPOC leaders bring invaluable lived experiences that offer unique perspectives and insights to our world’s and sector’s problems. By amplifying these voices, we strengthen our teams, our nonprofits, our sector, and ultimately the world. Darren joins us today to share what he has learned about amplifying and honoring diverse voices from his own personal experiences and work in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. This episode answers the following questions: What does winning look like? How are BIPOC leaders navigating the world? How can BIPOC leaders’ own experiences inform others’ leadership journeys?  How can your nonprofit make meaningful change? Links mentioned in this episode: Dreaming in Color Podcast The Bridgespan Group Harvard Business Review Stanford Social Innovation Review The Space Beyond Looking for more? Check out these other am

It doesn’t take much to build an effective brand. Yet many nonprofits struggle and end up investing a lot of time, energy, and money for little return. Today’s guests, Thom and Jason, specialize in helping nonprofits fortify their brand. Together, we delve into practical steps you can take to make sure your brand resonates with your audience and that your logo is an effective reminder of your new, awesome brand. This episode answers the following questions: What is the purpose of a logo? What are examples of great logos? How can I make my logo great? How can I consolidate my nonprofit’s brands? Links mentioned in this episode: The M Network Website Nonprofits Have The Worst Logos A Word About Logos Looking for more? Check out these other amazing episodes: Crafting Your Brand with Amanda Ross on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes Content Marketing Gold with Rick Smith on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes

In this episode, Dolph and Lexie dig into some of the most commonly asked questions they receive from listeners and clients. Listen in for expert advice on staffing, podcasting, and partnerships. This episode answers the following questions: Can a paid staff member join the Board? How do I handle a staff member with a bad attitude? What equipment do you recommend I purchase to start a podcast? How can I build and maintain partnerships with other nonprofits? Links mentioned in this episode: Discipline Without Punishment Blue Yeti Microphone Audio Hijack Looking for more? Check out this other amazing episode: Dolph and Lexie's Mailbag Extravaganza: Launching your Nonprofit, Navigating Career Transitions, & Engaging Your Board in Fundraising on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes

Understanding the true worth of an hour can transform how you prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and, ultimately, how you contribute to your organization's mission. In this bonus break, Dolph shares practical advice, stories from the field, and an online calculator designed to help you quantify the value of your time. Whether you're an executive director, a development professional, or play a vital role in operations, this episode will equip you with the tools to make more informed decisions about where to focus your efforts for maximum impact.  Links mentioned in this episode: Value of Your Time Calculator