Explore every episode of the podcast Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications

One-third of all nonprofits fail within 10 years, and 30% of the 1.5 million nonprofits in the U.S. have budgets under $100,000, putting them at significant risk of failure. To address this challenge, Scott Curran, CEO of Beyond Advisors, shares his expertise on how growth-stage social impact enterprises can strengthen their core, define their unique value, and strategically scale. This episode offers nonprofit leaders practical advice to ensure long-term sustainability and maximize their impact.

In this episode, Glennda Testone and I dive into real-life scenarios where we've had to make tough decisions and say no. Our intimate conversation offers practical tips on navigating common leadership challenges with confidence and diplomacy.

Releasing episode 200 of the Nonprofits Are Messy podcast is a milestone. It has been a journey full of insights, observations, and a big fat “I told you so”. This is a look back at how far we’ve come together.

Just for a moment, imagine what it would mean for your organization if you could double your online fundraising next year.

Accepting criticism is an important leadership skill. But how might we exercise that skill when it feels off base, unfair, or poorly delivered?

How do you build the muscle to make sure difficult conversations go well? What might you not be aware of that could change everything?

Imagine you start a new CEO job at a wonderful nonprofit. And then a pandemic hits. Changes things just a bit, right? That's what happened to my guest.

When you are looking to build an outstanding board think of it as a strategic casting call! Here are the top characteristics of an outstanding board and the ideal attributes of a board leader.

There is nothing like a good spinoff. Some of the best TV shows of all time found their origins in another show. And now there’s a spinoff of this podcast!

Everyone contends with pervasive anxiety in different ways. I have five pieces of advice from me to all of you leaders and helpers out there. Stay safe!

Your nonprofit can probably do a better job of communicating to build engagement and inspire action. Sarah Durham is THE expert on this.

The most valuable kind of leadership development happens in a cohort. And that’s what this episode is all about.

I wrote an article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy on this topic and got a tremendous response. It seems abuse of power may be rampant.

Conservative and risk-averse boards tend to lower expectations and pull back on fundraising during an election year. In this episode with Tom Kissane, Vice Chairman of CCS Fundraising, he shares compelling reasons to go boldly forward with your organization’s fundraising efforts in 2024.

while change can lead to growth, sometimes leaders fail to manage the tensions that growth brings, and this can cripple an organization’s impact.

When your Executive Director is actually the “Interim Executive Director,” it means something went wrong… right? Well, maybe not.

What kind of person does it take to build a movement? What are the strategies that take something seemingly small and turn it into a global game changer?

I’m thrilled to give voice to a passionate change agent who knows how to build a movement, Frances Kunreuther, Co-Director of the Building Movement Project.

The founder of your organization is leaving and you’re coming in as the new leader. How do you follow a founder and be successful?

A fascinating discussion about the remarkable nature of founders, founder syndrome, and how do you get a founder to leave.

Volunteerism is both noble and necessary in our polarized world. But how do you ignite them and keep them engaged over the long term?

From messes to remarkable victories, boards who step up to those missing in action; from bad days to the days you save someone’s life… we all have tales.

Professional development for nonprofit leaders - luxury or necessity? In this podcast I talk about how maximizing impact requires an investment in support.

Most folks are utterly clueless about the size and scope of the nonprofit sector. In fact it’s not really thought of as a sector.

What is the secret to implementing DEI strategy in long-standing nonprofit organizations? Cica Dadjo, Chief GEDI at the IRC, shares universal lessons that can help nonprofit leaders disrupt the status quo of organizational culture.

You’ve probably heard of “Imposter Syndrome”. But have you heard of “Loneliness Syndrome”?

Nonprofits have a diversity problem. Big time. And I believe this is one of the most important issues facing the sector today.

There are so many people who want to make a difference and your nonprofit is a vehicle for them to do just that. So why can it be so hard to get people (or foundations) to open their checkbooks?

Find out how partnerships can succeed and when they might fail and learn the origin story of the successful partnership between Uber and Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Planned giving can be a fantastic way for nonprofits to raise significant funds and can greatly benefit both the organization and the donor.

Does standard work advice not apply to you because you’re at a nonprofit? In this episode of HBR's advice podcast, Dear HBR:, cohosts Alison Beard and Dan McGinn answer your questions with the help of Joan Garry.

I have met many first rate board chairs and even had a few during my tenure as an Executive Director, but my guest today is the entire package.

Learn how Robin Cembalest has built an enormous social media following and take away lessons that any nonprofit can implement.

charity: water’s growth and impact has been nothing short of remarkable. Here’s the story of how they scaled their organization.

Are you read to develop the skills, and manage the conflict that accompanies passionate and diverse points of view? As a leader, this is critical!

It is a misnomer. There is nothing ‘micro’ about microaggression. What is the real meaning of microaggression, what should it truly be called, and how can a leader recognize and take action to tackle it? Dr. Tiffany Jana shares her insights, why she has stopped using the word ‘crazy’, and what organizations can do to create a culture of awareness.

Learn from my guest Priya Parker how to create super effective meetings, resolve tough conflicts, and throw killer dinner parties.

I get to work with thousands of amazing nonprofit leaders inside the Nonprofit Leadership Lab. Allow me to introduce a few of them to you.

In a polarized world, power to effect change comes from building an “army of the engaged”. Here's how my guest, Rashad Robinson, did just that.

Nonprofits want to change the world in ways large and small. And yet, when it comes to bringing change into our own orgs, it’s really hard!

Learn more about the birth of a film festival and the superpower of this type of non profit in building community.

Organizations of all kinds know they must innovate or die out. But this word causes nonprofit leaders to break out in cold sweats. Why?

Learn more about common tensions between Development and Communications and whether merging them under one umbrella works or muddies the water.

I believe there are 4 primary obstacles to building a diverse board. In this episode, I explain what they are and I’ll tell you exactly how you can overcome them.

Name a big goal you have for the coming year. That’s what I asked more than a dozen nonprofit leaders. Here’s what they told me.

You’re a nonprofit person, so you probably want to change hearts and minds, but your blind spots may be getting in the way.

Organizations around the world are using artificial intelligence to improve processes, delegate tasks, and drive progress. What do nonprofit leaders need to know?

You need to make a huge leap in your nonprofit. And so you require a significant amount of money in a certain period of time. You may need a capital campaign.

We’ve reached prime-time giving season, and I have some good news. It’s absolutely not too late to exceed your goals, no matter where you currently are in your process.

Is your nonprofit budgeting process a royal pain or a living, breathing plan for your leaders to determine your organization’s priorities?