Explore every episode of the podcast Nonprofit Mission: Impact
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measure What Matters: A Practical Approach to Nonprofit Program Evaluation | 20 oct. 2026 | 00:21:40 | |
How does a nonprofit know whether its programs are actually creating the change it hopes to achieve? Program evaluation can sometimes feel overly technical or out of reach, but it is ultimately about learning: getting clearer about what an organization expects its work to accomplish, gathering evidence about what is happening, and using what it learns to strengthen its programs. In this episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, host Carol Hamilton breaks down two tools at the heart of this work—the theory of change and logic model—and explains how nonprofits can use them to make their assumptions explicit, build greater alignment among staff and board members, and connect individual programs to the organization's larger mission. She walks through:
Rather than treating evaluation as something nonprofits do simply to satisfy funders, Carol encourages leaders to keep it manageable, focus on what they genuinely want to learn, and use the results to improve programs and tell a stronger story about their impact. Episode Highlights [00:03:00] Moving Your Theory of Change From Implicit to Explicit [00:04:00] Logic Models Are More Than a Funder Requirement [00:05:00] Building Shared Understanding About Impact [00:06:00] Connecting Programs to the Bigger Picture [00:07:00] Making Logic Model Development a Collective Process [00:08:00] Mapping Inputs, Activities, and Outcomes [00:09:00] Testing the Assumptions Behind Your Programs [00:10:00] Moving From the Model to Measurement [00:11:00] Choosing a Realistic Approach to Evaluation [00:12:00] Keeping Evaluation Manageable [00:13:00] Using Evaluation for Learning and Communication [00:14:00] Creating a Streamlined Evaluation System [00:15:00] Starting With the Organizational Theory of Change. [00:16:00] Designing for Staff Capacity and Sustainability [00:17:00] Distinguishing Outputs From Outcomes [00:18:00] Gathering Evidence Without Having to Prove Causation [00:19:00] Remembering That the Map Is Not the Territory [00:20:00] Using Evaluation to Build Alignment and Tell Your Story About your podcast host: Carol Hamilton, principal of Grace Social Sector Consulting, helps nonprofits become more strategic and effective through inclusive strategic planning, evaluation design, and organizational assessment. With over 30 years of experience, she brings a practical, human-centered approach that helps organizations align around clear priorities and take meaningful action toward their mission. Her Shared Action Strategic Planning Framework moves groups from shared language to shared understanding, shared vision, shared priorities to shared action. When she is not working with nonprofits to improve their strategy and alignment, you can find her reading a good book, making diary comics, having a dance party in the kitchen, swimming, biking or kayaking on the Anacostia River. Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Cut Through the Noise: A More Holistic Approach to Nonprofit Communications | 06 oct. 2026 | 00:34:04 | |
Cutting through the noise does not necessarily require nonprofits to communicate more—it requires them to communicate with greater alignment, consistency, and attention to the human beings on the receiving end. In this episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with Meghan Speer about taking a holistic approach to nonprofit communications. They explore: · how communications can become fragmented when marketing, development, program, donor services, and leadership teams operate in silos—and how those disconnects can create confusion and undermine donor confidence. · why it's important to map the full journey of a campaign, equip everyone who interacts with donors with consistent messages, create two-way feedback loops, and resist the pressure to constantly move on to the next message or ask. · why nonprofit leaders need to take a longer view of communications, remembering that donors are busy people who may need more time and multiple touchpoints before responding. Ultimately, effective communication is about relationship-building: listening to donors, treating them as people rather than transactions, showing appreciation, and closing the loop by demonstrating the impact of their support. Episode Highlights [00:07:09] What Holistic Nonprofit Communications Looks Like [00:10:22] Breaking Down Internal Communication Silos [00:13:31] Mapping the Full Donor Journey [00:14:06] Equipping Everyone to Do Their Job Well [00:16:44] Finding the Gaps Before Donors Do [00:18:49] Staying With the Message Long Enough [00:20:19] Taking a Longer View of Communications
[00:22:00] Remembering That Donors Are Human [00:24:03] Leadership's Role in Breaking the Pressure Cycle [00:26:08] Designing Communications Around Human Behavior [00:27:14] Making Appreciation Part of the Strategy [00:28:47] Closing the Communication Loop [00:31:16] Getting to Know the Everyday Donor About your podcast host: Carol Hamilton, principal of Grace Social Sector Consulting, helps nonprofits become more strategic and effective through inclusive strategic planning, evaluation design, and organizational assessment. With over 30 years of experience, she brings a practical, human-centered approach that helps organizations align around clear priorities and take meaningful action toward their mission. Her Shared Action Strategic Planning Framework moves groups from shared language to shared understanding, shared vision, shared priorities to shared action. When she is not working with nonprofits to improve their strategy and alignment, you can find her reading a good book, making diary comics, having a dance party in the kitchen, swimming, biking or kayaking on the Anacostia River.
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Why a Retreat Isn't Enough: Creating a Nonprofit Strategic Plan That Stays Relevant | 22 sept. 2026 | 00:14:17 | |
Strategic planning is not just a retreat—it is a comprehensive, ongoing process that helps nonprofit organizations build alignment around where they are going and how they will get there. In this episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, host Carol Hamilton explains why effective strategic planning requires thoughtful preparation before a retreat, meaningful involvement from stakeholders, focused decision-making during planning sessions, and disciplined follow-through afterward. She explores: · how a strong process combines listening, analysis, visioning, priority setting, and implementation · how the process creates opportunities for board and staff to develop a shared understanding of the organization and its future. Most importantly, she emphasizes that a strategic plan should never be treated as set in stone. Organizations need regular opportunities to assess progress, respond to changing realities, and adapt their plans while staying grounded in their larger strategic direction. Episode Highlights [00:00] Why Strategic Planning Is More Than a Retreat [03:00] Defining the Strategic Planning Timeframe [04:00] Creating Alignment Around Where the Organization Is Going [05:00] Preparing Through Strategic Inquiry and Stakeholder Listening [06:00] Designing the Strategic Planning Retreat [07:00] Engaging Both Board and Staff in the Process [08:00] Avoiding the Pitfalls of Retreat-Only Planning [09:00] Turning Retreat Decisions Into a Strategic Plan [10:00] Moving From Long-Term Direction to Short-Term Action [11:00] Keeping the Strategic Plan Relevant [12:00] Treating Strategy as an Ongoing, Adaptive Process About your podcast host: Carol Hamilton, principal of Grace Social Sector Consulting, helps nonprofits become more strategic and effective through inclusive strategic planning, evaluation design, and organizational assessment. With over 30 years of experience, she brings a practical, human-centered approach that helps organizations align around clear priorities and take meaningful action toward their mission. Her Shared Action Strategic Planning Framework moves groups from shared language to shared understanding, shared vision, shared priorities to shared action. When she is not working with nonprofits to improve their strategy and alignment, you can find her reading a good book, making diary comics, having a dance party in the kitchen, swimming, biking or kayaking on the Anacostia River.
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| From Martyrdom to Thriving: Reimagining the Nonprofit Sector | 08 sept. 2026 | 00:33:59 | |
Creating a Healthier, More Humane Nonprofit Sector A healthier nonprofit sector requires organizations to make intentional choices about how they support their people, structure leadership and volunteer roles, govern their organizations, and prepare for the future. In this episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, host Carol Hamilton brings together reflections from past guests on what it would take to move away from overwork, passion exploitation, exclusion, and martyrdom and toward workplaces where people and organizations can thrive. The conversation explores practical shifts nonprofit leaders can make—from providing fair compensation, flexibility, and genuine opportunities to step away from work, to designing meaningful volunteer roles, building more inclusive boards, and focusing governance on the future. Across the reflections is a common theme: creating a healthier nonprofit sector is not simply about individual self-care. It requires changing organizational systems, expectations, and cultures while embracing a collective responsibility to leave organizations stronger for those who come next. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Ten Lessons for a Healthier Nonprofit Sector 03:00 – Reimagining How Nonprofit Work Gets Done 05:00 – Taking Better Care of Nonprofit Staff 08:33 – Moving Away from Passion Exploitation 10:00 – Building Systems That Let People Step Away 12:31 – Creating Volunteer Roles People Want to Do 14:00 – Supporting Growth, Recognition, and Flexibility 15:44 – Making Inclusion a Non-Negotiable 16:40 – Building Inclusive, Sustainable Organizations 20:55 – Finding Your Unique Contribution 21:37 – Moving from Bonding to Bridging on Boards 23:00 – Rethinking the Role of the Board 24:36 – Shifting from Oversight to Foresight 25:15 – Reframing Leadership as Stewardship 27:00 – Choosing Wayfinding Over Certainty 28:00 – What Will Our Successors Say About Us? 29:45 – Designing Roles for Today's Reality 31:00 – Turning Reflection into Organizational Action 32:00 – Progress Over Perfection About your podcast host: Carol Hamilton, principal of Grace Social Sector Consulting, helps nonprofits become more strategic and effective through inclusive strategic planning, evaluation design, and organizational assessment. With over 30 years of experience, she brings a practical, human-centered approach that helps organizations align around clear priorities and take meaningful action toward their mission. Her Shared Action Strategic Planning Framework moves groups from shared language to shared understanding, shared vision, shared priorities to shared action. When she is not working with nonprofits to improve their strategy and alignment, you can find her reading a good book, making diary comics, having a dance party in the kitchen, swimming, biking or kayaking on the Anacostia River.
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Beyond the Board Room: How Inclusive Strategic Planning Creates Stronger Nonprofits | 25 août 2026 | 00:20:53 | |
Inclusive nonprofit strategic planning is not simply about inviting more people to the table—it is about intentionally engaging the right stakeholders at the right stages of the process to create stronger decisions, deeper commitment, and more sustainable implementation. In this episode, Host Carol Hamilton explains: About your podcast host: Carol Hamilton, principal of Grace Social Sector Consulting, helps nonprofits become more strategic and effective through inclusive strategic planning, evaluation design, and organizational assessment. With over 30 years of experience, she brings a practical, human-centered approach that helps organizations align around clear priorities and take meaningful action toward their mission. Her Shared Action Strategic Planning Framework moves groups from shared language to shared understanding, shared vision, shared priorities to shared action. When she is not working with nonprofits to improve their strategy and alignment, you can find her reading a good book, making diary comics, having a dance party in the kitchen, swimming, biking or kayaking on the Anacostia River.
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn
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| Questions That Make Nonprofit Leaders More Strategic | 11 août 2026 | 00:27:56 | |
Being more strategic starts with changing the questions nonprofit leaders ask themselves. This episode brings together insights from a dozen previous conversations to show that effective leadership is built through everyday practices of curiosity, reflection, and intentional decision-making. Across topics ranging from crisis leadership and organizational design to evaluation, innovation, and nonprofit careers, a common thread emerges: leaders make better decisions when they: Episode Highlights About your podcast host: Carol Hamilton, principal of Grace Social Sector Consulting, helps nonprofits become more strategic and effective through inclusive strategic planning, evaluation design, and organizational assessment. With over 30 years of experience, she brings a practical, human-centered approach that helps organizations align around clear priorities and take meaningful action toward their mission. Her Shared Action Strategic Planning Framework moves groups from shared language to shared understanding, shared vision, shared priorities to shared action. When she is not working with nonprofits to improve their strategy and alignment, you can find her reading a good book, making diary comics, having a dance party in the kitchen, swimming, biking or kayaking on the Anacostia River.
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| You Can't Predict the Future—But You Can Prepare for It: Scenario Planning for Nonprofits | 28 juil. 2026 | 00:13:03 | |
In these times of constant disruption, nonprofit leaders do not need to abandon strategy—they need a different kind of strategy tool. Host Carol Hamilton introduces scenario planning as a practical approach for navigating uncertainty. Scenario planning:
Episode Highlights 00:00 – Why This Conversation Matters Right Now About your podcast host: Carol Hamilton, principal of Grace Social Sector Consulting, helps nonprofits become more strategic and effective through inclusive strategic planning, evaluation design, and organizational assessment. With over 30 years of experience, she brings a practical, human-centered approach that helps organizations align around clear priorities and take meaningful action toward their mission. Her Shared Action Strategic Planning Framework moves groups from shared language to shared understanding, shared vision, shared priorities to shared action. When she is not working with nonprofits to improve their strategy and alignment, you can find her reading a good book, making diary comics, having a dance party in the kitchen, swimming, biking or kayaking on the Anacostia River.
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn
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| Permission Slips Every Nonprofit Leader Needs Right Now | 14 juil. 2026 | 00:19:33 | |
Burnout, uncertainty, and the pressure to have all the answers have become familiar realities for many nonprofit leaders. This episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact offers a collection of practical leadership invitations that challenge those assumptions and encourage a more sustainable way to lead. Drawing on insights from past guests, host Carol Hamilton explores: · the importance of building self-awareness, embracing humility, and investing in personal growth, · how to making decisions with greater perspective, · why it's important to share responsibility rather than carrying organizational burdens alone. Together, these reflections remind nonprofit leaders that lasting impact comes not from self-sacrifice, but from intentional leadership rooted in learning, collaboration, and stewardship.
Episodes Highlights 00:00 – Burnout Calls for a Different Way of Leading 02:50 – Leadership Begins with Self-Awareness 04:50 – Growth Requires Humility 05:50 – Give Yourself Permission to Feel 06:20 – You Don't Have to Have All the Answers 07:30 – Invest in Yourself First 08:30 – You Can't Mentor Everyone 11:00 – The 10-10-10 Rule Brings Perspective 13:20 – Stewardship Is a Shared Responsibility 17:10 – Leadership Radiates Outward About your podcast host: Carol Hamilton, principal of Grace Social Sector Consulting, helps nonprofits become more strategic and effective through inclusive strategic planning, evaluation design, and organizational assessment. With over 30 years of experience, she brings a practical, human-centered approach that helps organizations align around clear priorities and take meaningful action toward their mission. Her Shared Action Strategic Planning Framework moves groups from shared language to shared understanding, shared vision, shared priorities to shared action. When she is not working with nonprofits to improve their strategy and alignment, you can find her reading a good book, making diary comics, having a dance party in the kitchen, swimming, biking or kayaking on the Anacostia River.
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| More Staff Won't Necessarily Solve Nonprofit Burnout | 30 juin 2026 | 00:09:10 | |
More money and more staff are often seen as the solution to nonprofit burnout and overextension, but this episode challenges that assumption. On this episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, host Carol Hamilton explores how organizational growth frequently expands the scope of work rather than reducing individual workloads, leaving staff and leaders just as overwhelmed as before. She encourages nonprofit leaders to reconsider the relationship between capacity and ambition, and to focus on aligning work with realistic organizational resources. Rather than assuming growth will solve capacity challenges, nonprofit leaders are invited to:
Episode Highlights 00:00 – The Hidden Assumption Behind Wanting More Staff 02:35 – Why "More Funding and More Staff" Is the Most Common Wish 03:20 – The Cultural Pressure Toward Growth 04:15 – Growth Does Not Automatically Reduce Overwhelm 05:00 – How Work Expands to Match Capacity 05:35 – The Complexity and Costs of Organizational Growth 06:15 – Why More Resources Do Not Necessarily Lead to Relief 06:50 – Keeping the Work Pie the Same Size 07:20 – Choosing to Do Less 07:50 – Addressing Burnout Through Organizational Choices About your podcast host: Carol Hamilton, principal of Grace Social Sector Consulting, helps nonprofits become more strategic and effective through inclusive strategic planning, evaluation design, and organizational assessment. With over 30 years of experience, she brings a practical, human-centered approach that helps organizations align around clear priorities and take meaningful action toward their mission. When she is not working with nonprofits to improve their strategy and alignment, you can find her reading a good book, making diary comics, having a dance party in the kitchen, swimming, biking or kayaking on the Anacostia River.
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Creating Cultures of Belonging in Nonprofit Organizations | 16 juin 2026 | 00:35:24 | |
Equity work in nonprofits requires more than diversifying leadership pipelines—it calls for organizations to examine how workplace culture, decision-making structures, hiring practices, and everyday interactions continue to reflect broader systems of inequity. Despite our current environment of backlash, these are issues that nonprofits need to continue to grapple with. This episode of the podcast Nonprofit Mission: Impact revisits conversations about equity, inclusion, and power in the nonprofit sector, exploring how broader societal systems show up inside nonprofit organizations. Through reflections from a variety of guests, Carol Hamilton and her guests: · Examine the emotional toll of assimilation and code-switching, · Explore the ways organizational culture often undermines equity efforts even when intentions are good. · Highlight practical pathways forward. These practical pathways include: · deep listening to communities, · rethinking hiring and leadership pipelines, · embedding equity into organizational strategy rather than treating it as separate work, and · cultivating cultures where people can show up more authentically. Throughout the episode, Carol Hamilton and her guests emphasize that change requires both systemic attention and everyday interpersonal choices that help people feel seen, heard, and valued. Episode Highlights Time-Stamped Highlights 00:00 — Why Equity Work Still Matters 02:17— Nonprofits Reflect the Larger Culture 05:00— Understanding the Systems We Inherit 07:30— Representation, Power, and Listening to Communities 13:00— The Emotional Toll of Assimilation and Code Switching 17:00— Why Diversity Without Cultural Change Fails 21:18— The Hidden Cost of Equity Work 24:00— Reimagining Executive Search and Leadership Pipelines 26:24— Embedding Equity Into Strategy and Leadership 30:29— Building Communities of Support 31:46— Creating the Future Through Everyday Actions About your podcast host: Carol Hamilton, principal of Grace Social Sector Consulting, helps nonprofits become more strategic and effective through inclusive strategic planning, evaluation design, and organizational assessment. With over 30 years of experience, she brings a practical, human-centered approach that helps organizations align around clear priorities and take meaningful action toward their mission. When she is not working with nonprofits to improve their strategy and alignment, you can find her reading a good book, making diary comics, having a dance party in the kitchen, swimming, biking or kayaking on the Anacostia River.
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| The Five Essential Steps of an Inclusive Nonprofit Strategic Planning Process | 02 juin 2026 | 00:22:54 | |
Strategic planning creates the space nonprofit organizations need to move from reactive decision-making toward shared clarity, intentional action, and stronger alignment. In this re-released episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, nonprofit strategy consultant Carol Hamilton outlines a comprehensive five-step strategic planning process designed to help organizations engage stakeholders meaningfully, navigate complexity, and create plans that stay alive beyond the final document. Rather than treating strategic planning as a one-time retreat or static document, Carol emphasizes:
Episode Highlights [00:00] Why Strategic Planning Still Matters in Uncertain Times
About your podcast host: Carol Hamilton, principal of Grace Social Sector Consulting, helps nonprofits become more strategic and effective through inclusive strategic planning, evaluation design, and organizational assessment. With over 30 years of experience, she brings a practical, human-centered approach that helps organizations align around clear priorities and take meaningful action toward their mission. When she is not working with nonprofits to improve their strategy and alignment, you can find her reading a good book, making diary comics, having a dance party in the kitchen, swimming, biking or kayaking on the Anacostia River.
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Letting Go of the Superhero Myth in Nonprofit Leadership | 19 mai 2026 | 00:18:30 | |
Leaning into your humanity as a leader—rather than trying to be a superhero—creates healthier organizations, stronger teams, and more sustainable impact. In this reflective episode of the podcast, Carol Hamilton gathers together a series of "permission slips" shared by past guests: invitations for nonprofit leaders to embrace self-awareness, admit when they don't know the answer, step away for reflection, build leadership in others, and remember that no one person carries the responsibility for solving every challenge alone. The episode offers a thoughtful counterbalance to burnout culture and encourages leaders to cultivate organizations where people can thrive rather than sacrifice themselves for the mission. Carol & Guests share:
Episode Highlights [00:03:20] There Is No One Right Way to Lead [00:05:00] Leaders Are Human, Not Superheroes [00:06:55] The Power of Saying "I Don't Know" [00:08:00] Why Leaders Need Personal Retreats [00:09:50] Reflection, Vision, and Intentional Planning [00:010:35] Build Leaders Around You [00:12:05] You Do Not Have to Solve Everything [00:13:15] Imagining Abundance Instead of Scarcity [00:16:00] Looking Ahead with Intention About your podcast host: Carol Hamilton, principal of Grace Social Sector Consulting, helps nonprofits become more strategic and effective through inclusive strategic planning, evaluation design, and organizational assessment. With over 30 years of experience, she brings a practical, human-centered approach that helps organizations align around clear priorities and take meaningful action toward their mission. When she is not working with nonprofits to improve their strategy and alignment, you can find her reading a good book, making diary comics, having a dance party in the kitchen, swimming, biking or kayaking on the Anacostia River.
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Inclusive Strategic Planning for Nonprofits: 4 Principles to Build Alignment and Impact | 05 mai 2026 | 00:13:59 | |
Inclusive Strategic Planning for Nonprofits: 4 Principles to Build Alignment and Impact A more effective approach to strategic planning centers on collaboration, shared ownership, and ongoing learning—rather than a top-down process. By designing planning as an inclusive, strengths-based, and adaptive practice, nonprofit leaders can build real alignment and momentum toward their mission. This episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact explores four guiding principles that shift planning from a check the box exercise into a meaningful, living process.
Highlights · Reframing Strategic Planning as a Living Process · Principle 1: Collaboration and Shared Understanding · Principle 2: A Strengths-Based Approach · Principle 3: Strategy Is Not Just for the Top · Principle 4: Engagement Builds Buy-In · Embedding Equity and Cultural Humility · Challenging Traditional, Top-Down Models · Avoiding the "Plan on the Shelf" Trap · Making Implementation Practical and Manageable · Using Reflection Questions to Guide Progress · Celebrating Progress Along the Way About your podcast host: Carol Hamilton, principal of Grace Social Sector Consulting, helps nonprofits become more strategic and effective through inclusive strategic planning, evaluation design, and organizational assessment. With over 30 years of experience, she brings a practical, human-centered approach that helps organizations align around clear priorities and take meaningful action toward their mission. When she is not working with nonprofits to improve their strategy and alignment, you can find her reading a good book, making diary comics, having a dance party in the kitchen, swimming, biking or kayaking on the Anacostia River.
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Is nonprofit leadership burnout a given? Rethinking the sector's culture | 21 avr. 2026 | 00:39:29 | |
Creating a healthier, more sustainable nonprofit sector requires shifting away from perfectionism, overwork, and martyrdom toward cultures that prioritize progress, humanity, and realistic expectations. As things fall apart around us, we have the opportunity to reimagine a better sector. In this episode 148, a re-release of episode 104, Carol Hamilton and her guests revisit insights that feel even more relevant in the current context.
Episode Highlights 00:01 – Framing the Need for a More Humane Nonprofit Sector 03:00 – 10 Core Lessons on Healthy Organizational Culture 07:57 – Progress Over Perfection Through Continuous Improvement 10:44 – The Risk of Over-Collaboration Without Action 15:20 – Balancing Action and Reflection for Learning 16:18 – Building Guardrails That Support Being Human at Work 22:11 – Modeling Empathy, Values, and Continuous Learning 23:11 – Planning for 85% Capacity to Avoid Burnout and Risk 27:10 – Using Visual Tools to Align Work and Capacity 28:27 – Creating Space for Joy, Creativity, and Connection 34:49 – Strengthening Relationships Across Teams and Boards 35:47 – Advocating for Resources and Realistic Expectations 37:04 – Moving Toward a More Sustainable and Human-Centered Sector Important Links and Resources: Erin Allgood - https://www.allgoodstrategies.com/ Dr. Orletta Caldwell - https://beyondexisting.com/ Susan Kahan - https://sapphirefundraisingspecialists.com/ Sarah Olivieri - https://www.pivotground.com/ Reva Patwardhan - https://www.greatergoodcoaching.org/ Pooya Pourak - https://www.matchnice.org/ Liberating Structures - https://www.liberatingstructures.com/ About your podcast host: Carol Hamilton, principal of Grace Social Sector Consulting, helps nonprofits become more strategic and effective through inclusive strategic planning, evaluation design, and organizational assessment. With over 30 years of experience, she brings a practical, human-centered approach that helps organizations align around clear priorities and take meaningful action toward their mission. When she is not working with nonprofits to improve their strategy and alignment, you can find her reading a good book, making diary comics, having a dance party in the kitchen, swimming, biking or kayaking on the Anacostia River.
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Nonprofit Strategic Planning for Clarity, Alignment, and Focus in a Turbulent World | 07 avr. 2026 | 00:15:05 | |
Strategic planning at its best offers nonprofit leaders a way to create clarity, alignment, and shared direction in an increasingly uncertain environment. Unfortunately some have experienced strategic planning processes that felt like a really heavy lift—or even found the process and the resulting plan constraining. Episode Highlights 00:03:00 – Common fears and misconceptions about strategic planning 00:05:00 – How strategic planning creates alignment and shared direction 00:07:38 – Planning in times of uncertainty and the reality of disruption 00:09:00 – The value of structured conversations in uncovering vision and assumptions 00:10:00 – Setting intentions and direction without predicting the future 00:10:30 – Reengaging board members through the planning process 00:11:00 – Creating space to surface and address organizational challenges 00:12:00 – Breaking down silos and increasing alignment across teams 00:12:30 – Reducing noise and increasing signal in organizational focus 00:13:00 – Returning to the "why" of strategic planning Resources: Scenario planning for nonprofits About your podcast host: Carol Hamilton, Grace Social Sector Consulting, helps nonprofits become more strategic and effective through inclusive strategic planning, evaluation design, and organizational assessment. When she is not working with nonprofits to improve their strategy and alignment, you can find her reading a good book, making diary comics, having a dance party in the kitchen, swimming, biking or kayaking on the Anacostia River. Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn
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| Strategic podcasting for nonprofits with Andrea Klunder | 24 mars 2026 | 00:52:33 | |
How can nonprofits use podcasting strategically to strengthen community engagement, support learning and evaluation, and build long-term relationships? In episode 146 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, host Carol Hamilton and Andrea Klunder, founder of Creative Imposter Studios discuss:
Together they explore why clarity of purpose, sustainability planning, and human-centered storytelling are essential if a nonprofit podcast is going to be worth the investment.
Episode highlights: [00:07:25] – From Arts and Culture to Meaningful Impact [00:09:38] – Why Podcasting Can Work for Nonprofits [00:10:25] – Case Study: Podcasting as Process Evaluation [00:14:04] – Inviting Stakeholders Into the Story [00:16:13] – Common Misconceptions About Nonprofit Podcasts [00:18:55] – The Myth of 'Build It and They Will Come' [00:20:25] – Integration Across Departments Is Essential [00:22:25] – Measuring Success Beyond Downloads [00:23:25] – The Sustainability Challenge [00:25:49] – Podcasting as a Problem-Solving Tool [00:26:24] – Case Study: Museums, Oral History, and Limited-Run Podcasts [00:30:03] – Building Lifetime Engagement [00:36:25] – Mapping the Content Ecosystem [00:39:08] – What Makes a Nonprofit Podcast Successful[00:39:52] – Letting Hosts Be Human [00:45:31] – A Strategic Question for Leaders
Guest Bio: Andrea Klunder is an award-winning podcast producer, story editor, and content director. She is the founder of The Creative Impostor Studios, a boutique agency that helps cultural changemakers create powerful podcasting experiences. Under her leadership, The Creative Impostor Studios and clients have earned national recognition for their inspired impact and distinctive editorial style. Andrea is a sought-after speaker and educator, having led trainings and workshops for institutions such as Community Change, After School Matters, University of Florida Media Institute, and Podcast Movement. Since 2017, Andrea has facilitated a program she designed for neurodiverse high school students in Chicago, called Power Your Story, which was a finalist for the Google Podcasts Creator Program. Andrea's mission is to help your voice shine! Important Links and Resources: Offer for Nonprofit Mission: Impact listeners
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Podcasthon 2026: Nonprofit Sector Under Pressure: Why It Matters More Than Ever | 19 mars 2026 | 00:20:28 | |
The nonprofit sector is under growing pressure, and this episode explores what's at stake while making the case for its essential role in filling gaps, strengthening democracy, building community, and driving social change—grounded in a personal story of impact through The Arc of Montgomery County. In this special Podcasthon episode, Nonprofit Mission: Impact host Carol Hamilton situates the nonprofit sector within a broader moment of political and social pressure, naming both the challenges facing the sector and the essential role nonprofits play in society. She: Alongside this broader perspective, she grounds the conversation in a personal story, highlighting The Arc of Montgomery County and its impact on her brother's life. The episode invites nonprofit leaders to more actively share their stories, advocate for the sector, and recognize their role in strengthening democracy and community. Episode Highlights Links and Resources The National Council of Nonprofits Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Conferences & Convenings that Engage for Nonprofits & Associations with Lee Gimpel | 10 mars 2026 | 00:51:26 | |
Too many nonprofit and association conferences and convenings are built around logistics and tradition rather than purpose and participation. In episode 144 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Lee Gimpel challenge nonprofit and association leaders to rethink how convenings, conferences, and member events are designed. They discuss:
By centering participation, intentional connection, and simple facilitation shifts, organizations can transform events from passive, draining experiences into energizing spaces that actually advance mission and strengthen community.
Episode highlights: [07:00] A Defining Moment: Why So Many Meetings Fall Flat[09:00] The Core Problem with Traditional Conferences [12:00] Start with Purpose: Asking "Why" (Over and Over) [14:30] Rethinking the Keynote Model [16:45] Participation Over Performance [19:30] Simple Design Shifts That Increase Engagement [22:30] Making Q&A Actually Work [25:30] Blending Content and Connection [31:45] Fixing Networking with Intention [38:30] Why Receptions Often Miss the Mark [41:45] The One Question Leaders Must Ask
Guest Bio: Lee Gimpel helps organizations design and lead meetings, retreats, and conferences that are more connected and productive. He is the founder ofBetter Meetings, a DC-based facilitation, training, and experience design firm that often works on events with a high need for engagement, collaboration, and networking. Clients include theNational Association of Realtors, Conservation International, Sodexo, and WorldBank. A frequent expert contributor toForbeson the topic of meetings, he created theConference Engagement Cards and serves on the board of the Association of Meeting Professionals Important Links and Resources: Facilitation processes mentioned:
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| People Centered HR for Nonprofits with MR Rolfe | 24 févr. 2026 | 00:39:31 | |
People-centered HR isn't a luxury—it's essential. Learn how nonprofit leaders can build equitable, transparent, and humane people practices that strengthen their organizations, even amid uncertainty and limited resources. In episode 143 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton speaks with Megan Rolfe about:
Throughout, Megan emphasizes progress over perfection, collective responsibility, and the relief that comes from remembering: you don't have to do this all by yourself, all at once, or exactly right.
Episode highlights: [00:08:06] Finding HR by Accident—and Choosing It on Purpose[00:10:05] Why Small Organizations Are Where HR Can Be Transformative [00:12:50] What People-Centered HR Really Means
[00:18:52] Living Wage vs. Thriving Wage [00:21:44] Start Where You Can: Entry-Level Pay Matters Most [00:24:52] Concrete Steps Toward More Equitable Pay—Without New Money [00:29:23] Why Pay Transparency Builds Trust [00:31:07] Navigating Risk, Fear, and "Safety" in Uncertain Times [00:34:15] Scenario Planning for People, Not Just Programs [00:37:030] A Mantra for Leaders Carrying Too Much
Guest Bio: Megan Rolfe provides small social justice organizations with the HR support they need to move work forward and impact change. Having spent 15+ years supporting nonprofits and small businesses focused on making the world a better place, equipping the teams that most need capacity for their vital work holds a special place in her heart
Blue Swallow Consulting: Resources including working towards a thriving wage and first steps towards more equitable compensation Vega Mala Consulting: includes more resources on equitable compensation
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| When Strategy Meets Organization Design for Nonprofits with Jeanne Bell | 10 févr. 2026 | 00:46:17 | |
Nonprofit organization design is about how an organization works: how decisions get made, how power flows, how people collaborate across boundaries, and how strategy actually gets translated into day-to-day action. In episode 142, of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Jeanne Bell dig deeply into why organization design—often overlooked or reduced to org charts—is actually a missing discipline nonprofits need to truly operationalize their strategy and values. They discuss:
This episode offers nonprofit leaders a grounded, liberating framework for rethinking how their organizations make decisions, how people collaborate, and what it really means to design for impact.
Episode highlights: 09:05 | Why the STAR Model Matters in Nonprofit Life 13:20 | A Clear, Shared Definition of Strategy (And Why It's Non-Negotiable) 15:15 | When to Revisit Strategy: The Changing Sociopolitical Context 17:25| Beyond Flat vs. Hierarchical: Designing for Roles, Accountability & Power 20:20 | The Critical Role of Cross-Functional Spaces 23:05 | Stop Creating Ineffective Committees & Task Forces 27:25 | Recommendations vs. Decisions: Be Honest About Power 30:05 | Rewards & Compensation: The Hidden Restraints on Organizational Design 35:35 | Job Descriptions: A Mechanistic Tool Limiting Flexibility 38:20 | Why Management Teams Don't Work (And What to Build Instead) 42:05 | The Question Every Nonprofit Leader Should Ask 44:35 | Closing ReflectionsGuest Bio: Jeanne Bell is the co-founder of Just Org Design. She has consulted on nonprofit strategy and organizational change for over 25 years. Jeanne also curates Nonprofit Quarterly's Leading Edge Program, recruiting and presenting nonprofit practitioners advancing more equitable nonprofit leadership practices. Previously, Jeanne led Compass Point Nonprofit Services, one of the country's premier leadership and capacity-building organizations. While serving as CEO, Jeanne also chaired the board of the Alliance for Nonprofit Management, a national association of nonprofit capacity builders and academics. She currently serves on the boards of Community Works and The Resilience Initiative (advisory). She has a Masters in Nonprofit Management from the University of San Francisco. Jeanne loves living in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Important Links and Resources: Designing Organizations by Jay Galbraith
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Follow Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Practicing Presence in Polarized Times for nonprofits and associations with Danielle Marshall | 27 janv. 2026 | 00:42:48 | |
Polarization isn't just a political issue—it's a leadership challenge, and this episode examines how nonprofit leaders can respond with presence rather than reactivity. In this "Learning Out Loud" episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, host Carol Hamilton and guest Danielle Marshall explore how nonprofit leaders can navigate today's polarized environment with greater awareness, empathy, and intention. Together they:
[00:01:20] Being Right vs. Being in Right Relationship [00:02:28] The Emotional Toll of Polarization [00:03:00] Modeling Constructive Dialogue as a Leader [00:06:18] Polarization Is Everywhere—Even When It's Not Directed at You [00:08:16] Entering Conversations With Awareness [00:09:22] Learning How to Listen Requires Practice [00:11:31] How Social Media Amplifies Division [00:13:00] Conflict Entrepreneurs and the Cost of Engagement [00:15:01] Choosing Curiosity Over Combat [00:16:44] Resetting Mid-Conversation [00:18:25] Owning Your Triggers [00:19:18] Learning From Missteps and Making Repair [00:22:02] Clarifying Meaning Instead of Making Assumptions [00:23:42] Defining Polarization [00:25:12] The Stories We Make About "Those People" [00:27:02] Setting Intentions Before Difficult Conversations [00:30:22] What Does "Right Relationship" Mean? [00:31:42] Accountability Without Punishment [00:34:10] Polarization as a Chasm—and the Skills That Build Bridges [00:35:47] Start With One Practice [00:36:23] Closing Conversations With Care [00:37:24] Begin Where You Are Guest Bio: Danielle Marshall is an equity strategist and executive coach committed to helping organizations and leaders embed inclusive practices into their operations in meaningful and sustainable ways. As the founder of Culture Principles, she designs tailored strategies that strengthen team dynamics, enhance problem-solving, and cultivate inclusive leadership. Danielle also coaches senior executives to deepen their cultural competencies, fostering greater empathy, effective communication, and equitable decision-making. An ICF-certified Executive Coach and engaging speaker, she brings extensive experience in organizational development, equipping leaders with the skills and confidence to navigate diverse work places with impact and integrity.
Important Links and Resources:
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Scenario Planning for Nonprofits in Uncertain Times with Carol Hamilton | 13 janv. 2026 | 00:12:58 | |
As nonprofit leaders move into 2026, uncertainty no longer feels episodic—it feels constant. Scenario planning offers nonprofit leaders a practical way to navigate uncertainty by shifting from reactive decision-making to clearer priorities, stronger alignment, and more confident, values-aligned choices—even when the future is unpredictable. In this episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, host Carol Hamilton names the fatigue, overwhelm, and decision paralysis many leaders are carrying after this past year of heightened disruption. She introduces scenario planning as a practical, grounding strategy tool designed specifically for uncertain times. She discusses:
Through clear explanations and client examples, the episode shows how scenario planning can help leaders move from reacting and spinning to steering with intention. Episode Highlights 00:00–02:00 | Naming the Reality of Nonprofit Leadership Right Now 02:00–03:20 | Scenario Planning - a tool for the times we are in 03:20–05:00 | What Scenario Planning Is—and Is Not 05:00–06:30 | Why Traditional Planning Often Falls Short 06:30–08:00 | Shifting From Overwhelm to Agency 08:00–09:45 | What the Scenario Planning Process Looks Like 09:45–10:45 | Finding Common Priorities Across Futures 10:45–12:00 | An Invitation to Lead with Intention
Important Links and Resources: Quote from Mariame Kaba From "Read This When Things Fall Apart" Edited by Kelly Hayes
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| [Re-release] Grounded presence for nonprofit leaders in chaotic times with Danielle Marshall | 30 déc. 2025 | 00:49:57 | |
Explore how nonprofit leaders can cultivate grounded presence, clarify their sphere of control, and stay anchored in mission and values while leading through ongoing uncertainty and disruption. As nonprofit leaders continue navigating unprecedented levels of uncertainty, this "learning out loud" episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, host Carol Hamilton and guest Danielle Marshall offers a grounded, human-centered exploration of how leaders can steady themselves—and their organizations—amid chaos. Drawing on lived experience, strategic frameworks, and resilience practices, the conversation centers on:
Rather than offering quick fixes, the episode invites nonprofit leaders to slow down, filter the noise, strengthen boundaries, and choose intentional actions that sustain both personal wellbeing and collective impact over the long haul. Episode Highlights [00:00–02:05] Regrounding in Turbulent Times [04:15–06:39] Grounded Presence as a Leadership Practice [06:39–08:23] Chaos Is the Strategy—So Center Your Why [08:23–10:19] Filtering the Noise & Choosing Information Wisely [12:08–14:44] Resilience Isn't Perfection [15:24–17:31] Making Space for Presence [19:23–20:41] Scenario Planning & the Sphere of Control [21:21–23:32] Don't Reinvent the Wheel—Find the Organizers [24:07–25:41] Mission as the Unifying Center [26:03–27:57] Agency Over Outrage [29:13–31:08] Community Built Before Crisis [31:08–33:26] The Power of the Local [34:56–36:05] Intentionality Over Fear [40:39–42:40] Boundaries as Leadership Responsibility [46:03–49:00] Doubling Down on Values Important Links and Resources: Draw Together with Wendy MacNaughton Heather Cox Richardson's Letters from an American on Substack How to survive the end of the world podcast with adrienne and Autumn Brown The feminist survival project 2025 podcast Dear White Women podcast On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder which is available in a video series The Sum of Us by Heather McGee Decluttering Your Leadership by Judy Oyedele
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn
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| Strategic questions for strategic thinking for nonprofit leaders with Carol Hamilton | 16 déc. 2025 | 00:27:21 | |
Strategy for nonprofits is not a plan to perfect but a human practice—built through care, curiosity, and intentional choices in the face of uncertainty. As the year draws to a close, episode 138 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact brings together reflections from a wide range of nonprofit leaders and thinkers, all responding to one central question: What should nonprofit leaders ask themselves to be more strategic? Across topics as varied as crisis management, equity, careers, evaluation, organizational design, culture, and innovation, a clear throughline emerges—strategy is deeply human work. Rather than offering abstract frameworks, the episode highlights:
Together, these reflections offer a steadying guide for leaders facing complexity in the year ahead. Episode Highlights Setting the Frame: Strategy Through Reflection and Humanity[00:00:00–00:01:13] [00:04:10–00:08:01] [00:08:01–00:10:31] [00:10:31–00:12:03] [00:12:03–00:14:27] [00:14:27–00:16:45] [00:17:00–00:18:03] [00:18:03–00:19:00] [00:19:00–00:20:33] [00:20:39–00:21:59] [00:22:05–00:24:00] [00:24:08–00:25:53]
Independent Sector coalition data base Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Navigating Through the In-Between with Interim Nonprofit Leadership with Erin Stratford Owens | 02 déc. 2025 | 00:33:37 | |
How can nonprofit organizations navigate leadership transitions with steadiness and clarity? In episode 137 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with Erin Stratford Owens, a seasoned interim executive director to answer this question. Carol and Erin talk about:
The conversation offers nonprofit leaders a grounded perspective on turning moments of uncertainty into opportunities for renewal and learning.
Episode highlights: [00:08:26] What Interim Leadership Really Is [00:11:56] Misconceptions About Interims [00:15:21] Avoiding Common Mistakes [00:18:46] Setting the Stage for the Next Leader [00:20:26] The Board's Crucial Role [00:22:41] Building Staff Trust [00:25:36] Addressing Systems and Structure [00:29:26] What Makes an Interim Successful [00:30:56] From Urgency to Sustainability Guest Bio: Erin Stratford Owens is the founder and CEO of ESO Nonprofit Consulting, specializing in Interim Executive Leadership and coaching for nonprofits and nonprofit leaders in transition. Erin holds a BA in English from UNC-Greensboro and a Master's in Nonprofit Management from The New School's Milano School of Policy, Management and Environment. She is a Certified Interim Executive through Armstrong McGuire Interim Leadership Institute. With 12 years of experience as an in-house nonprofit Executive Director, her extensive interim leadership experience includes guiding organizations through critical transitions at Humane Society of the Piedmont, Partners Ending Homelessness, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater High Point, Greensboro Farmers Market, and Humane Society of Catawba County. She currently serves as Board Chair for the Guilford County Continuum of Care and as a Steering Committee member of the Guilford Nonprofit Consortium. When not working or volunteering, Erin enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids, two dogs, and a 16-year-old blind kitty cat named Smokie
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Innovation Starts with Nonprofit and Association Culture with Elizabeth Engel and Jamie Notter | 18 nov. 2025 | 00:48:21 | |
In episode 136 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton, Elizabeth Engel, and Jamie Notter talk about their new white paper Lean at 10: Culture Eats Methodology for Lunch. Ten years after Engel first explored Lean Startup principles in the nonprofit and association world, she and Notter revisit what's changed—and what hasn't. Carol, Elizabeth and Jamie discuss:
For nonprofit and association leaders navigating rapid change, this conversation offers a candid look at how to build cultures that support innovation—not resist it.
Episode highlights: [00:06:00] Revisiting Lean Startup, 10 Years Later [00:010:50] Defining Lean Startup and Design Thinking [00:011:50] Culture: The Invisible Barrier [00:014:40] When Culture Undermines Innovation [00:19:00] Insight Over Perfection [00:22:00] People Don't Resist Change—They Resist Being Changed [00:24:40] Low Fences, Not No Silos [00:27:00] Listening Beyond the Boardroom [00:30:40] Volunteer Culture Matters Too [00:31:00] The Role of Healthy Conflict [00:37:35] What a Culture Supportive of Innovation Looks Like [00:41:20] From Reactive to Proactive Transparency [00:44:35] The Questions Nonprofit Leaders Should Ask
Guest Bios: Elizabeth Weaver Engel, M.A., CAE, is Chief Strategist at Spark Consulting. For more than 25 years, Elizabeth has helped associations grow in membership, marketing, communications, public presence, and especially revenue, which is what Spark is all about. She speaks and writes frequently on a variety of topics in association management. When she's not helping associations grow, Elizabeth loves to dance, listen to live music, cook, and garden. Jamie Notter is a speaker, author, consultant, and culture scientist. His career spans 30 years, with more than a decade of research and practice in the culture field, as well as deep experience in areas like conflict resolution and generations. He desperately wants to make work suck less for everyone, and has written four popular business books, including the award-winning Non-Obvious Guide to Employee Engagement, and his latest release, Culture Change Made Easy. He holds a Master's in conflict resolution from George Mason and a certificate in Organization Development from Georgetown, where he served as adjunct faculty.
https://www.getmespark.com/blog/ https://jamienotter.com/research-books/
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Designing nonprofits for impact with Julian Chender | 04 nov. 2025 | 00:50:05 | |
In episode 135 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with organizational design consultant Julian Chender about how nonprofits can move beyond simple restructuring to intentional organizational design that aligns strategy, structure, and process. They discuss:
The conversation offers nonprofit leaders practical insights into building organizations that are resilient, adaptable, and positioned for impact.
Episode highlights: The Why Behind the Work - [00:08:08] Defining Organizational Design - [00:13:53] Structure, Silos, and Collaboration - [00:14:41] Common Mistakes in Nonprofit Design - [00:18:23] Balancing Human-Centered Values and Strategy - [00:20:40] Downsizing by Design - [00:24:36] Participation and Ownership - [00:23:32] Benchmarking vs. Mass Customization - [00:30:01] Strategic Plans Require Organizational Design - [00:37:40] Mergers and Strategic Alliances - [00:41:21] Examples of Successful Mergers - [00:44:16] The Key Question for Leaders - [00:47:57]
Guest Bio: Julian Chender is the founder of 11A Collaborative, an organization design firm focused on creating healthy society through healthy organizations. In his early years, Julian was an internal consultant at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) under Tony Fauci during the agency's response to the global Ebola and Zika crises. From there, he moved to external consulting, eventually joining Accenture's Operating Model & Organization Design practice shortly after its acquisition of Kates Kesler. Through 11A Collaborative, Julian has consulted to purpose-driven organizations across sectors. He is a Certified Organization Design Practitioner and an ICF-Certified Coach who holds a master's degree in Organization Development from American University and a B.A. in History from Swarthmore College.
Downsizing by Design: A Guide for Nonprofits Candid Social Impact Staff Retention survey Board Source Purpose Driven Leadership
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Rethinking Nonprofit Program Evaluation with Kayla Meyers | 21 oct. 2025 | 00:34:49 | |
In episode 134 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, host Carol Hamilton welcomes guest Kayla Meyers, founder of Bridgepoint Evaluation, for a conversation about reimagining program evaluation in nonprofits. They discuss:
Episode highlights: 🚩 Evaluation's Troubled History - [00:08:10]❌ From Punitive to Collaborative - [00:13:10] 💡 Why Smaller Orgs Should Evaluate - [00:16:10] 🛠️ Start with Strategy - [00:19:10] 🔁 Formalizing Feedback Loops - [00:20:40] 🍽️ Make It Make Sense - [00:22:10] 🗣️ Turning Data Into Stories - [00:26:10] ❓The One Question Nonprofit Leaders Should Ask - [00:31:50]
Guest Bio: Kayla (Mueller) Meyers is a seasoned program evaluator with over a decade of experience in assessing and improving programs for nonprofits and public organizations. She specializes in evaluation capacity building and mixed-methods program evaluation, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her clients Important Links and Resources: Bridgepoint Evaluation Newsletter Humphrey School of Public Affairs
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Creating Safer Nonprofit Spaces with Paula Brantner | 07 oct. 2025 | 00:53:16 | |
In episode 133 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, host Carol Hamilton and guest Paula Brantner, workplace fairness consultant and founder of Accountability Ignited, unpack the real challenges nonprofits face in preventing harassment, bullying, and misconduct. They talk about:
For nonprofit and association leaders seeking to build safer and braver organizational cultures, this episode is full of actionable insight.
Episode highlights: Inadequate Legal System - [00:08:23]Reporting Systems as Ground Zero - [00:9:45] Small Organizations Are Especially Vulnerable - [00:11:00] Aligning Codes of Conduct with Values - [00:13:19] Moving Beyond Punitive Approaches - [00:15:48] Codes Should Live Beyond the Employee Handbook - [00:17:01] Who's in the Ecosystem? Everyone. - [00:18:00] Special Risk Zones: Conferences and Galas - [00:21:00] Building Visible, Trained Allies Programs - [00:24:35] Multiple Reporting Channels Are Key - [00:27:00] Trauma-Informed Listening - [00:38:18] Power Dynamics and Systemic Barriers - [00:37:00] Organizational Excellence: 3 Leading Practices - [00:42:00] Proactive Culture-Building as a Strategic Imperative: It can happen anywhere - [00:46:10] Guest Bio:
Important Links and Resources: Building Inclusive Scientific Communities and Leadership Case Studies from Professional Societies
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Demystifying Government Grants for nonprofit leaders with Justine Krank | 23 sept. 2025 | 00:35:01 | |
In episode 132 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Justine Krank discuss the realities and nuances of pursuing US government grants for nonprofit organizations. They discuss:
Episode highlights: [00:08:17] Clearing Up Misconceptions About Government Grants [00:09:24] The Challenge of Reading RFPs [00:11:48] Why It Matters Who Writes the RFP [00:13:49] The Hidden Details in Grant Links [00:16:02] Budget Pitfalls in Grant Applications [00:17:32] Federal vs. State and Local Funding [00:20:08] Balancing Risk, Reward, and Compliance [00:23:18] Shifting Grant Strategies Amid Funding Freezes [00:25:45] Building True Grant Readiness [00:28:40] How to Research Relevant Funding Streams [00:30:56] The Often-Overlooked Human Element [00:32:31] The Bottom Line: Alignment and Capacity Guest Bio: Justine founded Gold Dust Grants in January 2023 after almost 10 years in the nonprofit field. She's an Intersectional Professional with a background rooted in reproductive justice, a B.A. from UC Berkeley, and over six years of dedicated institutional grant writing experience, bringing in almost $12 million as Lead Writer. As a consultant, she leverages her experience in nonprofit contracts & compliance, and her legal studies background, to help nonprofits submit clear and cohesive proposals with a strong case for support. While the bulk of her grant experience is writing for Transition-Age Youth programs (ages 14-25), she also has extensive experience in: Housing, Mental Health, Workforce Development, and LGBTQIA+ services. She has worked on successful proposals totaling over $25 million in awards funded Important Links and Resources:
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| When the Stakes Are High: Centering People in Tough Nonprofit Leadership Moments with Melissa Kessler | 09 sept. 2025 | 00:46:26 | |
In episode 131 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Melissa Kessler explore the intersection of communications and organization development, particularly in moments of crisis, transition and change. They talk about
Episode highlights: 💬 "It's a Communications Problem" – Or Is It? [00:09:27] – 🔁 Communications Is Change [00:12:29] –💔 Communicating Layoffs with Humanity [00:14:30] – 🧠 Leaders Are Always Ahead of the Curve [00:18:24] – 🔄 Defining "Internal" vs. "External" in Complex Systems [00:19:32] – 🧩 Communication Is Not Strategy [00:20:57] – 💬 Who Gets Told What—And When [00:22:55] – ⚠️ Managing With Compassion Through Uncertainty [00:24:54] – 👥 The Impact on Those Who Remain [00:30:15] – 🌅 Ending Well: The Missing Ritual [00:33:15] – 🪦 Organizational Death and Grief [00:35:55] – 🧘♀️ Leading in Chaos: Self-Care Is Strategic [00:42:15] –📝 Your Crisis Plan Should Include Snacks [00:44:04] –
Guest Bio: Melissa George Kessler is a consultant and executive coach working in the areas of strategy and organization effectiveness through her independent practice, Organizations + Communications, and with partner firms. She began her career as a reporter and editor; later ran the communications shops for two agriculture associations; and has worked extensively in trade policy and education. Over a 20 year career, Melissa has done work with non-profit and private-sector partners throughout the urban and rural United States and in Asia, Africa and Latin America. She also has spoken at various OD conferences and is the author of a book chapter on communications and strategic change. Melissa splits her time between her hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the national capital area. Important Links and Resources: Organizations + Communications LLC The Workplace Psychological Contract Is Broken. Here's How to Fix It Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes
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| Nonprofits Under Attack: Defending Democracy, Community, and Innovation with Carol Hamilton | 26 août 2025 | 00:17:57 | |
In episode 130 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol reflects on five years of podcasting and the sobering state of the nonprofit sector in 2025. While celebrating milestones, she also underscores the challenges nonprofits face amidst unprecedented political attacks, funding cuts, and threats to long-standing principles like nonpartisanship. Despite these challenges, Carol highlights the resilience, innovation, and critical role nonprofits play in society—from filling essential gaps to fueling social movements, strengthening democracy, and sparking innovation. She calls on nonprofit leaders to share their stories, advocate for the sector, and remind their communities why nonprofits matter now more than ever.
Episode highlights: [00:00:00] Five Years of Podcasting [00:00:25] A Sector Under Attack [00:02:00] Specific Threats to the Nonprofit Sector [00:03:38] Resistance and Resilience [00:04:19] Trust in the Sector [00:05:37] Five Reasons Nonprofits MatterCarol shares her top five reasons the sector is essential:
Important Links and Resources: https://nonprofitsgetitdone.org/ https://www.urban.org/research/publication/what-financial-risk-nonprofits-losing-government-grants https://www.vera.org/news/trumps-war-on-nonprofits-will-make-us-all-less-safe https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Yentel-Written-Testimony.pdf https://www.aam-us.org/2025/06/26/eo-impact-is-there-an-existential-threat-to-nonprofit-status https://nonprofithub.org/a-brief-history-of-nonprofit-organizations/
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| Tribute: Fundraising Without Fear: Building Relationships That Fuel Your Nonprofit Mission with Sabrina Walker-Hernandez | 12 août 2025 | 00:38:59 | |
In this episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton gives a tribute to nonprofit consulting star and nonprofit governance and fundraising expert Sabrina Walker Hernandez, President & CEO of Building Better Boards, by re-releasing their conversation from 2021. Ms. Hernandez passed away in July 2025 after a long battle with cancer. Episode highlights: [00:06:45] Finding Her Why: From Law to Nonprofit Service [00:13:00] Breaking Down the Fundraising Cycle[00:18:30] A Mantra for Courage: It's Not About You [00:21:15] Helping Board Members Identify Donors: The List Generator [00:25:55] Cultivating With Authenticity [00:29:75] Fundraising in Underserved Communities[00:35:55] Where to Begin: Budget and Strategy [00:40:30] Innovating Fundraising ApproachesGuest Bio:
Important Links and Resources: Tributes to Sabrina: https://texasborderbusiness.com/in-loving-memory-of-sabrina-walker-hernandez/ https://riograndeguardian.com/tributes-pour-in-for-sabrina-walker-hernandez/ https://www.legacychapelsrgv.com/obituaries/sabrina-walker-hernandez https://www.youtube.com/@SupportingWorldHope
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| Building psychological safety in nonprofit organizations with Michael Randel | 28 juil. 2025 | 00:50:00 | |
In episode 128 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Michael Randel joins Carol to explore how psychological safety—often dismissed as a "soft" concept—plays a critical role in nonprofit team performance, learning, and innovation. They discuss:
Episode highlights: [00:08:55] 🔍 What is Psychological Safety? [00:12:05] 📉 The Cost of Silence [00:15:05] 📊 How Do You Know It's There? [00:17:55] 🧠 Insights from Surgery Rooms [00:21:05] 🤝 Belonging Happens in the Small Moments [00:23:55] 🛠️ The Five Practices of Psychological Safety [00:28:55] 👂 More Than Lip Service [00:32:55] 🔁 Inclusive Rituals in Action [00:37:55] 🧩 Are Leadership Teams Actually Teams? [00:40:55] 📈 Safety and Accountability Aren't Opposites [00:42:55] ❓ Two Powerful Questions for LeadersGuest Bio: Michael Randel helps leaders and their teams move through Change and Growth with Calm and Confidence. He developed the RCA Seasons of GrowthTM framework to help people understand and move through the three common phases of change. This allows leaders to navigate the challenges of change and bring about transformational results. With 30 years of experience, Michael works with philanthropic foundations, nonprofit organizations, corporations, and public sector agencies to help them navigate change with success and poise with his expertise in organizational change. The influence and impact of Michael's work has been recognized with multiple global awards, and his clients include Amnesty International, AstraZeneca, NASA, United Nations, and the World Bank. RCA Resources for Psychological Safety The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmonson
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| From Guilt to Responsibility: A white nonprofit leaders journey into equity work with Cat Lazaroff | 15 juil. 2025 | 00:54:40 | |
In episode 127 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton speaks with Cat Lazaroff. They talk about her work around engaging white-led and majority-white organizations in meaningful culture change to more inclusive, diverse and equitable cultures. They explore:
Episode highlights: [010:20] Starting with the personal [14:50] Identity and Bias: What's Seen, What's Hidden [19:50] Lived Experience, Assumptions, and Honoring Multiple Truths [27:20] Managing Conflict and Holding Space [31:20] Navel Gazing or Doing the Work? [36:50] Nuance, Polarity, and Organizational Culture [42:20] Community, and Expanding Belonging [45:50] Guilt, Blame, and the Journey for White Leaders [51:20] Final Advice: Don't Do This Alone Guest Bio: Cat Lazaroff (she/they) is a white, queer consultant who supports anti-racist culture change at nonprofits and small companies. She specializes in helping other white folks center equity, inclusion, justice, and diversity in their work and their lives. Important Links and Resources: Deep democracy: https://deepdemocracyusa.com/ Liberatory Design: https://www.nationalequityproject.org/training/liberatory-design-for-equity White supremacy culture characteristics: https://www.whitesupremacyculture.info/ Resource Media: https://www.resource-media.org/ Natasha Aruliah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-aruliah-75071420/ Tara McMullin: https://whatworks.fyi/ Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Navigating Nonprofit Careers with Matt Hugg | 01 juil. 2025 | 00:49:36 | |
In episode 126 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Matt Hugg discuss the unique landscape of nonprofit careers. Together, they explore:
This conversation offers nonprofit leaders practical wisdom on supporting their teams and nurturing their own professional journeys. Timestamped Highlights:[00:9:12] The Uniqueness of Nonprofit Careers [00:13:25] Beyond 501(c)(3): The Breadth of the Nonprofit Sector [00:07:51] Transitioning from the Private Sector [00:15:11] Networking and Defining Your Niche [00:18:25] Exploring Support Roles and Vendors [00:20:01] The Rise of Nonprofit Education Programs [00:22:30] Moving from Volunteer to Staff: A Shift in Expectations [00:26:02] Passion, Mission, and Boundaries [00:27:20] Dispelling Misconceptions About Nonprofit Organizations [00:32:43] Consulting and Group Decision-Making [00:36:21] Nonprofit Fundraising: Diverse Skills, Diverse Roles [00:40:20] Embracing Nonlinear Career Paths [00:41:46] Managing Fundraisers: A Need for Education [00:43:20] Staying Grounded in Mission Guest Bio: Matt Hugg is president and founder of Nonprofit.Courses, an on-demand, eLearning resource for nonprofit leaders, staff, board members and volunteers, with thousands of courses in nearly every aspect of nonprofit work. He's the author of The Guide to Nonprofit Consulting, and Philanders Family Values, Fun Scenarios for Practical Fundraising Education for Boards, Staff and Volunteers. Hugg has held positions at the Boy Scouts of America, Lebanon Valley College, the University of Cincinnati, Ursinus College, and the University of the Arts. In these, Matt raised thousands of gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations and government entities, working with hundreds of volunteers on boards and fundraising committees, in addition to his leadership responsibilities. Matt has taught fundraising, philanthropy, and marketing in graduate programs at Eastern University, the University of Pennsylvania, Juniata College and Thomas Edison State University via the web, and in-person in the United States, Africa, Asia and Europe, and is a popular conference speaker. He has a BS from Juniata College and an MA in Philanthropy and Development from St. Mary's University of Minnesota. Mr. Hugg has served on the board of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Nonprofit Career Network of Philadelphia and several nonprofits. Important Links and Resources:
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Beyond the Ask: Building nonprofit board champions with Michele Walls | 17 juin 2025 | 00:35:48 | |
In episode 125, of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with Michele Walls. Michele shares her deep well of experience in nonprofit fundraising, communications, and strategic development. They explore:
Episode highlights: 🤝 Fundraising is a Team Sport[08:45]
[10:45] [14:15] [16:45] [20:45] [23:15] [26:45]
🔍 Onboarding with Intention [30:45] [33:15]
Guest Bio:
The National Council of Nonprofits
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😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Embodied leadership for nonprofits with LeeAnn Mallorie | 03 juin 2025 | 00:39:41 | |
In episode 124 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and LeeAnn Mallorie discuss about navigating leadership from a place of embodiment, resilience, and grace. They explore:
Episode highlights: What Is Embodiment and Why It Matters [08:15]Resilience in a Time of Chaos [11:15] The Power of Letting Go [13:59] Balancing Drive with Surrender [17:15] Grace as Leadership Range [19:26]. Leaders Getting in Their Own Way [22:15]Co-Creating with What Is [23:26] Feeling First, Then Acting [26:58] Leading Through Uncertainty [24:01] Advice for Those in Transition [29:16] A Strategic Shift: Collective Leadership [35:15]
Guest BIO:
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting 💻 Give us feedback on the show 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Using AI for better nonprofit fundraising with Josh Hirsch | 20 mai 2025 | 00:35:29 | |
In episode 123 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Josh Hirsch discuss using AI in fundraising and donor engagement. They explore:
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: The Evolution and Role of AI in Nonprofits - [00:010:00]How Nonprofits Can Use AI Effectively - [00:12:31] Training AI to Match Your Brand's Voice - [00:16:51] Best Practices for AI Implementation - [00:20:31] Ethical Considerations and Policy Development - [00:25:25] A Case Study: AI in Action for Donor Engagement - [00:22:00]Future Trends in AI and Nonprofit Work - [00:27:56] Final Advice for Nonprofit Leaders - [00:33:02]
GUEST BIO: Josh Hirsch is an accomplished nonprofit strategist and educator specializing in digital communications and fundraising innovation. With over two decades of experience, Josh has driven impact for organizations through roles such as Director of Mission and Communication at Susan G. Komen Florida and faculty member at The Fund Raising School. He currently serves as Education and Training Strategist at Fundraise Up, where he leads the development of cutting-edge donor engagement initiatives, including the Modern Digital Fundraising Essentials certificate program. Josh is a generative AI expert, leveraging emerging technologies to optimize nonprofit workflows and enhance donor experiences. A dynamic speaker and consultant, Josh is passionate about empowering organizations to overcome barriers to giving and achieve sustainable growth. Connect with him at theaidude.ai or through his AI Dude podcast.
Soukup Strategic Solutions, Inc. Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
BE IN TOUCH: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Follow Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Building community through nonprofits with James Young | 06 mai 2025 | 00:48:06 | |
In episode 122 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and James Young discuss the role of community, social innovation, and problem-solving in nonprofit leadership. They explore
Together, they reflect on how associations and nonprofits can evolve to meet the shifting needs of their members and society at large.
Episode highlights: [00:09:45] Social Innovation as a Driving Force [00:012:00] Navigating Uncertainty While Staying Grounded in Mission [00:13:22] Learning Communities and Interdisciplinary Problem-Solving [00:16:48] The Role of Expertise and Curiosity in Leadership [00:19:08] The Messiness of Community and Building Trust [00:21:20] Conditions for Successful Communities [00:23:03] The Importance of Bridging Capital in Building Inclusive Networks [00:26:24] Lessons from the Past: Can We Rebuild Community Engagement? [00:33:10] Rethinking Association and Nonprofit Models [00:37:45] Designing Organizations for Connection and Problem-Solving [00:41:28] Invitation to Nonprofit Leaders: Permission to Forgive Ourselves
Guest Bio:
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Ethical video storytelling for nonprofits with Rachel Jellinek | 15 avr. 2025 | 00:34:46 | |
In episode 121 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Rachel Jellinek discuss the power of video storytelling for nonprofits. They talk about:
The conversation also explores common mistakes nonprofits make when creating videos and best practices for incorporating video storytelling into their communications strategy.
Episode highlights: Strategic Video Planning vs. DIY Approach [00:06:53] Key Storytelling Questions for Nonprofits [00:07:11] Avoiding the "Tearjerker" Trap[00:09:45] Ethical Storytelling: Moving Beyond the "Savior" Narrative[00:11:58] Dispelling Myths and Misperceptions Through Video [00:13:54] Ensuring Storyteller Agency and Power Dynamics Awareness[00:15:27] Building Trust in the Storytelling Process [00:18:04] The Role of B-Roll in Video Storytelling [00:18:45] Common Nonprofit Video Mistakes [00:21:32] Incorporating Inclusive Voices in Video Content [00:27:45] The Value of Joy in Storytelling [00:33:33]
Guest Bio: Rachel Jellinek is President of Reflection Films, a certified woman-owned video production company that does video storytelling and content creation for a variety of mission-driven organizations. Reflection Films does filming and animation, typically for a fundraising, marketing, or training purpose. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts from Harvard University. Prior to Reflection Films, she worked at several nonprofits focused on public health and education. She has served as a health educator for youth and adults; as a director of a literacy program, and as a community relations liaison at MIT. Her experience in the nonprofit world lends itself well to understanding how to tell client stories in an emotionally compelling and entertaining way.
Important Links and Resources:
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Follow Carol Hamilton on ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Innovation for nonprofits with Leah Kral | 01 avr. 2025 | 00:41:09 | |
In episode 120 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Leah Kral discuss how to foster innovation within nonprofits. They discuss six key practices for driving meaningful change:
Through relatable stories and actionable advice, together they emphasize the importance of strategic thinking, adaptability, and creating space for bold ideas to thrive in resource-constrained environments. Episode Highlights: [00:10:16] Innovation in Nonprofits [00:11:34] Practice 1: Be a Fearless Problem Solver [00:20:02] Practice 2: Ask Courageous Questions [00:22:52] Practice 3: Empower Collaboration [00:26:30] Practice 4: Experiment and Start Small [00:29:03] Practice 5: Embrace Continuous Learning [00:34:20] Practice 6: Build a Culture of Persuasion [00:39:17] Strategic Thinking as a Permission Slip
Guest Bio:
Important Links and Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahkral/ https://substack.com/@leahkral Innovation for Social Change: How Wildly Successful Nonprofits Inspire and Deliver Results
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them 💻 Give us feedback on the show 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn
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| Scenario planning for nonprofits + Podcastathon with Carol Hamilton | 18 mars 2025 | 00:15:33 | |
In this solo episode of Nonprofit Mission Impact, Carol Hamilton delves into scenario planning and its value for nonprofits navigating an era of heightened uncertainty. She emphasizes
Podcastathon 2025: She also highlights The Arc of Montgomery County and its important role in supporting people with developmental disabilities through local programming and national advocacy as part of Podcastathon 2025.
Episode highlights: [00:00:00] Why scenario planning now [00:01:00] Defining Scenario Planning [00:02:10] Why Scenario Planning Matters [00:04:30] Steps to Implement Scenario Planning [00:08:06] Example from a Recent Client [00:10:21] Podcastathon feature: The Arc of Montgomery County
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting 💻 Give us feedback on the show 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn | |||
| Holistic communications for nonprofits with Meghan Speer | 04 mars 2025 | 00:34:33 | |
In episode 118 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with Meghan Speer about the concept of holistic communication within nonprofit organizations. They discuss:
The conversation highlights the need for nonprofits to align their messaging with donor expectations, adopt a long-term view, and prioritize appreciation to build lasting relationships.
Episode highlights: [00:07:00] Defining Holistic Communication [00:08:51] Real-World Impact of Communication Silos [00:12:30] Mapping Communication Touchpoints [00:18:30] Overcoming Campaign Fatigue [00:23:00] Understanding Donor Behavior [00:27:30] The Role of Gratitude in Donor RelationshipsKey Takeaways for Nonprofit Leaders
Guest Bio: Meghan Speer serves as the Executive Director of Nonprofit Hub, a nonprofit educational site dedicated to providing excellent content and resources for those leading nonprofits. She is the host of the Nonprofit Hub radio podcast and has spoken at countless conferences and conventions helping leaders to craft holistic communication and donor strategies. For over 10 years, Meghan was with Marketing Support Network, serving in key executive roles focused on communications strategies that help organizations of all sizes grow and scale. Meghan lives in Pittsburgh, PA where she is active with many organizations serving her inner city neighborhood.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-speer55/ https://www.marketingsupportnetwork.com/
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| Grounded presence for nonprofit leaders in chaotic times with Danielle Marshall | 18 févr. 2025 | 00:50:01 | |
In episode 117 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Danielle Marshall collaborate on another "learning out loud" episode. They discuss the challenges nonprofit leaders face in these chaotic, uncertain and threatening times. They explore:
Episode highlights: [00:07:25] Navigating Leadership in Uncertain Times [00:010:25] Embracing Imperfect Resilience Practices [00:13:25] Shutting Out Noise vs. Making Space for Thought [00:16:25] Finding Agency Amidst Chaos [00:18:25] Trusting Experts and Strategic Organizers [00:20:25] Centering Mission and Values [00:24:25] Navigating Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindsets [00:29:25] The Power of Local Action [00:35:25] Holding Space for Complexity [00:40:25] Emotional Contagion and Leadership Presence [00:44:25] Boundaries, Community, and Self-Care [00:49:25] Looking Ahead: Holding Values Firmly
Guest Bio: Danielle Marshall is an equity strategist and executive coach committed to helping organizations and leaders embed inclusive practices into their operations in meaningful and sustainable ways. As the founder of Culture Principles, she designs tailored strategies that strengthen team dynamics, enhance problem-solving, and cultivate inclusive leadership. Danielle also coaches senior executives to deepen their cultural competencies, fostering greater empathy, effective communication, and equitable decision-making. An ICF-certified Executive Coach and engaging speaker, she brings extensive experience in organizational development, equipping leaders with the skills and confidence to navigate diverse work places with impact and integrity.
Important Links and Resources: Draw Together with Wendy MacNaughton Heather Cox Richardson's Letters from an American on Substack How to survive the end of the world podcast with adrienne and Autumn Brown The feminist survival project 2025 podcast Dear White Women podcast On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder which is available in a video series The Sum of Us by Heather McGee Decluttering Your Leadership by Judy Oyedele
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting 💻 Give us feedback on the show 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn
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| Project management for nonprofits with Jami Yazdani | 04 févr. 2025 | 00:42:26 | |
In episode 116 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton interviews Jami Yazdani, a nonprofit project management expert specializing in helping organizations achieve their goals effectively. The conversation:
Episode Highlights: [00:06:31] Misconceptions About Project Management [00:09:01] Stakeholder Management [00:12:09] Communication Planning [00:14:47] Writing a Clear Project Scope [00:17:06] Defining a Project vs. Program [00:23:02] Transition from Strategic Planning to Implementation [00:29:00] Accountability and Engagement [00:36:07] Invitation to Nonprofit Leaders
Guest Bio:
https://yazdaniconsulting.com/ https://yazdaniconsulting.com/impactful-blog https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcWWX8w7MtE https://yazdaniconsulting.com/resources/2022/2/7/5-key-elements-worksheet
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| Strategic thinking for nonprofits with Michael Butera | 21 janv. 2025 | 00:52:57 | |
In episode 115 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Michael Butera dive into the challenges and opportunities facing associations as they adapt to 21st-century realities. They talk about:
[00:10:05] Strategic Thinking vs. Strategic Planning
[00:15:18] VUCA vs. BANI Frameworks
[00:20:58] The Role of Membership in Associations
[00:24:30] Governance Challenges
[00:28:06] Foresight and Observational Practices
[00:36:47] Adapting to Change
[00:45:57] Building Sustainable Cultures
Guest Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelabutera/ https://www.michaelbuteraspeaks.com/ ASAE Drivers of Change: https://www.asaecenter.org/resources/asae-foresightworks The Heath Brothers (Author of Switch and other books) https://heathbrothers.com/
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| [Re-release] Five Steps to Nonprofit Strategic Planning | 07 janv. 2025 | 00:20:05 | |
In episode 114 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton is re-releasing a favorite from last year. It includes:
The five steps are 1. kick off, 2. discovery or listening tour, 3. explore, 4. decide, 5. plan & act Strategic planning: What it is NOT
Kick Off
Discover
Explore
Decide Plan & Act
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| Gift basket for nonprofit leaders | 17 déc. 2024 | 00:19:22 | |
In this reflective episode 113 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton curates and shares a collection of "permission slips" for nonprofit leaders. These invitations, offered by previous guests, encourage leaders to:
Investing in Self-Awareness - [00:02:15] Humility and Growth - [00:04:04] Creating Collaborative Cultures - [00:05:44] Boundaries in Mentorship - [00:08:07] Decision-Making Framework: The 10-10-10 Rule - [00:10:18] Collective Stewardship and Shared Responsibility - [00:12:50] Closing Reflections for 2025 - [00:17:00]
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting 💻 Give us feedback on the show 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn
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| Permission slips for nonprofit leaders | 03 déc. 2024 | 00:17:51 | |
In episode 112 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton shares several guests perspectives on the question: "what permission slip they would give to nonprofit leaders or what they would invite them to consider, to avoid being a martyr to the cause and as they work towards cultivating a healthier organizational culture." Together they:
Episode highlights: [00:02:00] Be Thyself [00:04:00] Acknowledge Humanity [00:06:00] Permission to Be Wrong [00:07:00] Take a Personal Retreat. These retreats help leaders maintain perspective and prevent burnout. [00:09:00] Build Other Leaders [00:11:00] Focus Your Efforts [00:13:00] Envision Abundance [00:15:00] Closing Reflection Important Links and Resources:
Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting 💻 Give us feedback on the show 📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact 👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend 🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review. 😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn
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