Nonprofit Radio Show – Details, episodes & analysis

Every so often, it’s important to pause and ask: How are we really doing? In this episode of the Nonprofit Radio Show, Nancy and Sarah explore practical ways nonprofit boards and staff can take stock of their organization’s health and direction.

From classic tools like SWOT to strengths-based approaches like SOAR, and from balanced scorecards to simple dashboards and lifecycle models, you’ll hear how these frameworks help teams move beyond gut feelings to evidence-based decisions.

Assessment isn’t about judgment—it’s about clarity. It’s a chance to gather insight, involve more voices, and make sure your organization is focused on what matters most. Whether you’re gearing up for strategic planning, setting next year’s budget, or just need a reset, this episode will help you choose the right tool and use it to guide your next steps.

Question to consider before listening:

What might you learn if your board or staff took a clear-eyed look at how your organization is doing right now? 

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Twitter: @smallnonprofits
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/

You got this. 

Your budget is more than a spreadsheet. It's a map that guides your organization toward its goals and a mirror that reflects what you truly value. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore how to build a budget that aligns with your mission and sets you up for success in the coming year. They discuss why starting with values makes tough decisions easier, compare two approaches to budget building (blank sheet or prior year), and explain why budgeting works best as a team sport with staff and board working together. Whether you're creating your first budget or refining your process, this episode will help you see budgeting as one of your most powerful storytelling tools. 

Question to consider before listening:

What does your current budget say about what your organization values? 

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Twitter: @smallnonprofits
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/

You got this. 

Ever see the video “Everyone deserves a slice?” It asks the question: What is pizza shops were funded like human services nonprofits? It makes the case that we would never expect a pizza shop to operate at partial cost or with the kinds of restrictions we deal with regularly. 

In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about how to cover the full cost of doing the work we do so we can better achieve our mission without the panic of never having enough money. They explore how full-cost budgeting can lead to healthier organizations and greater sustainability. You’ll hear practical, doable ways to understand your real costs, talk to funders about overhead (which we prefer to call cost administrative costs), and bring your board along for the journey. Tune in to learn how full cost accounting isn’t just about numbers—it’s about sustainability, transparency, and thriving in your mission. 

Question to consider before listening:

 What could your nonprofit do differently if you had all the funding you needed? 

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Twitter: @smallnonprofits
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/

You got this. 

 In this episode we talk about the core purpose of a nonprofit board. We know that boards can be challenging. There is a certain about of tension that comes with having a group of people who don't know each other well making important decisions together. We start by underscoring why our nonprofits have boards and then talk about three ways to strengthen your board. 

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Twitter: @smallnonprofits
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/

You got this. 

In this episode we recognize that we are a little stressed out and talk about how we are navigating through these unpredictable times. Nonprofit people know stress. We are used to doing a lot with very little. But there comes a time when stress turns into fatigue which becomes burnout. We explore why we are so exhausted and what we can do about it.  

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Twitter: @smallnonprofits
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/

You got this. 

In this episode we talk about cloud storage and why it is so important for your organization. Think about it. A disaster destroys your documents and you lose everything. How long would it take you to recreate everything you need to keep your organization running? Consider your financial documents, your board history, your organizational paperwork, etc. It would take a long time--and it may be that you can't replace certain documents. Can you recover?

Cloud storage is a simple way to make your key documents accessible to the right people within your organization. JoAnn tells us more about what it is and what we need to be thinking about when we set it up. Take it from Sarah, who has been through evacuations with her nonprofit. You'll want to pay attention.

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Twitter: @smallnonprofits
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/

You got this. 

In this episode we talk about online meetings and how to make them engaging and productive. We break down the key elements of a successful online meeting and give some tips on how to increase engagement. We know that nonprofit people spend a lot of time in meetings--board meetings, staff meetings, event planning meetings, etc. Our goal is to support you as you plan an intentional gathering that makes a difference. 

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Twitter: @smallnonprofits
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/

You got this. 

In this episode, we define what we mean by a "good program." We talk about how you know a program is good, and how you can leverage them as a core strategy to strengthen your board, collaborations, and fundraising. The episode is only 11 minutes long. Why not play it for your board and have a conversation about a program that your nonprofit depends on to achieve its mission? 

All of our advice on fundraising, strategy, and financial strength assumes that you are running the right programs in service to what people actually need. You are constantly moving towards and delivering good programs that you are proud to talk about, because you can see the difference that they are making.

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Twitter: @smallnonprofits
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/

You got this. 

Money. It is a topic that many of us are thinking a lot about right now. Will we have enough money to get through this crisis? How do we make decisions about money when there is so much uncertainty around us?

In this episode, we make the case for why you need a financial forecast right now. We explain what that is and how you can make some quick calculations on the back of an envelope. These calculations will capture what you think might happen in the next six months. You'll be defining a best, middle of the road, and worst case scenario to help you imagine the pathways you may be walking as you move forward. Our goal is to help you think about the numbers so you can sleep better at night.

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Twitter: @smallnonprofits
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/

You got this. 

Many of us rely on events to raise money and build community. As we look ahead to the fall, we know that we can't hold our favorite events as we have in the past. What to do?

In this episode, we talk about the three reasons we hold events: raise money, build community, and engage people in activities. We talk about what questions your staff and board can ask in determining whether or not to move your event online.

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

You can also follow us on these social media channels:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Twitter: @smallnonprofits
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/

You got this.