Nonprofit Vision With Gregory Nielsen

Christal Cherry joins the podcast as we celebrate Women's History Month and honor the countless contributions women have made and continue to make on the nonprofit community. In a wide ranging conversation, Christal and Greg discuss how nonprofits can welcome, honor, and elevate the voices of women throughout the organization.

Responsible fiscal management and financial oversight is critical to maintaining the public trust for nonprofits.  Melissa Galasso joins the podcast to discuss important considerations for Board members in meeting their fiduciary duties with respect to organization finances.  Melissa discusses the pivotal role of the Treasurer and shares practical insights into how Board members can embody excellence in fiscal governance.  

The four-day work week has been getting a lot of attention these days. But is it all hype?  Sean Kosofsky of Mind The Gap Consulting, LLC researched the four-day work week for 9 months before implementing a pilot at his national climate change nonprofit in 2022.  Sean joins the podcast to discuss lessons learned and important tips for nonprofits interested in exploring the four-day work week.  You can also check out Sean's guest blog post HERE.  

Kristina McKean has felt a deeply rooted kinship with animals for as long as she can remember. When she traveled through Thailand and witnessed baby elephants on the streets of Bangkok being exploited for money, she was devastated.  She has successfully drafted petitions, protested circuses, and created social media campaigns to help amplify and spread awareness of these issues.  Kristina joins the podcast to discuss tips for building public support and awareness for your nonprofit.  

Hiring, developing, and retaining talent is vital to the success of nonprofits.  Nevertheless, this persistent challenge can sometimes feel like an endless ride on the merry-go-round.  Teri Beckman joins the podcast for a thoughtful discussion of the strategies, structures, and culture necessary to hire, develop, and retain your amazing staff.   

One of the most challenging transitions for organizations occurs in the period after a new strategic plan has been approved when it is time to move into implementation.  Head of School Alison Tyler and Board Chair Mary Stone join the podcast to discuss how organization and Board leaders can work together to ensure that the important work of planning is translated into reality through open communication, simple monitoring tools, and a spirit of partnership.  Learn more about Walden School and the value of thoughtful planning and partnership in implementation.  

As the calendar turns to 2023, nonprofit leaders embrace the opportunities and confront the challenges of a dynamic, changing landscape.  Ted Bilich, author of Managing Your Nonprofit For Resilience, joins the podcast to share insights for leaders as the enhance resilience within their organizations.  We discuss an innovative approach to creating a risk inventory, business continuity, and the importance of scenario or action planning.  Lots of actionable strategies in this lively discussion!  **Bonus Resource fro Risk Alternatives: Download a FREE template for a Business Continuity Plan!**

Developing and driving strategic growth for your nonprofit requires a delicate balance of vision, programmatic goals, and the resources to attain them.  Joshua Borenstein joins the podcast to discuss the importance of integrating funding strategy with your vision and programmatic goals.  

While gratitude is best expressed year-round, this time of year serves as a gentle reminder to thank those who have been meaningful in our lives.  In this special podcast episode, Greg shares 4 tangible ways in which Board members and others can demonstrate their gratitude for the tremendous talent and value nonprofit leaders bring to the mission.  We invite you to share your favorite ways to express or receive gratitude!  

Nonprofits have always been entrepreneurial, identifying and implementing creative ways to address systemic challenges.  Increasingly, nonprofits are exploring social enterprises as a means to advance their mission while enhancing their sustainability.   Marc Lane joins the podcast to discuss key considerations and effective strategies for nonprofits in this space, including how not to jeopardize your tax exemption, when to consider forming a separate legal entity, and how might a Low-profit Limited Liability Company (L3C) help the nonprofit secure funding.  

One of the most costly expenses your nonprofit bears doesn't live on the balance sheet.  Instead it is the high cost of IDK -- I don't know you.  Jane Pfeiffer joins the podcast to discuss actionable ways in which you can better understand and communicate your organization's story to the community.  

Does your nonprofit build trust with the community and embody your core values through its financial practices?  Alex Romero is a virtual CFO, experienced nonprofit Board member, and highly respected accountant.  Alex joins the podcast to discuss sustainable impact for nonprofits through sound financial controls and strategies to promote transparency.  

Is self-care a part of your job description as a nonprofit leader?  It should be!  However you choose to care for yourself, it is important to prioritize this time both for your benefit and that of your team.  Joe Duffy joins the podcast to discuss the importance of self-care, tips for integrating it into the culture of your organization, and strategies for spotting signs of burnout or struggle in your teammates.    

In India, patients must pay upfront for medical treatment but not everyone can afford to do so.  The Soondra Foundation believes that everyone deserves to see a doctor and therefore provides direct cash grants to people in India during medical emergencies, ensuring they remain healthy and do not sink deeper into poverty.  Soondra Foundation CEO Dr. Gayatri Mathur shares a deeper insight into the vital role grassroots nonprofits can play in delivering impact while providing a thoughtful perspective on healthcare inequity in India.  

How many live auction items should you feature at your next gala?  How can you develop an often under-utilized moneymaker for your event?  What are best practices for building your guest list?  Dean Crownover -- My Benefit Auctioneer -- has a track record of raising millions of fundraising dollars for his nonprofit clients with his popular Auctiontainment approach.  Dean joins the podcast to answer the above questions and so much more.  Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to energize your next fundraising event!   Listeners can get a complimentary copy of Dean's book, Paddles Up! My Benefit Auctioneer Reveals Post-2020 Gala Fundraiser Secrets, at https://mybenefitauctioneer.com/vision.

A strategic plan provides a critical roadmap for your organization to set goals and strategies to advance your mission.  Equally important is the ability to take these high-level goals and strategies and operationalize them, developing concrete action plans for Board and staff members.  Claire Crum of Calm Ops joins the podcast to discuss strategic mapping -- a process to help nonprofits operationalize their strategic plans with intentionality.  

Addressing complex issues begins with a recognition that these issues do not occur in isolation, but rather are often linked to other factors.  One innovative nonprofit -- BOMA -- recognized the linkage between gender, extreme poverty, and climate change and sought to reverse the tragic cycle.  BOMA’s mission is to provide the people & governments of Africa’s drylands with economic inclusion programs that increase resilience to multiple crises.  BOMA CEO John Stephens joins the podcast to discuss their goal and approach to end extreme poverty in Africa's drylands.    

Have you ever felt as though the balance between your work life and home life is out of balance?  We all have!  Developing a healthy blend between work and home is both an individual challenge as well as an opportunity for leaders to establish an organizational culture that values an appropriate balance.  Gilda VanderHeyden joins Greg to share some approaches for leaders to consider as they reflect on their own work-life blend and strive to create healthier organizational cultures across the sector.  

Nonprofits often address the most challenging and entrenched issues facing communities.  Driving change requires promoting civic engagement and mobilizing supporters in a common vision.  Aaron Hamlin of the Center for Election Science joins Greg to discuss approval voting and other tips for increasing civic engagement in communities.  

Communication is the foundation of a healthy, thriving culture in nonprofit organizations.  Periods of change can test our communication skills.  Lizabeth Wesely-Casella joins Greg to discuss the value of clear communication in driving change, tips for reflecting on your own communication style, and strategies for promoting clear, concise, and thoughtful communication throughout the organization.  

Nonprofit organizations continuously evolve and adapt to changing times. One of the most visible evolutions in recent years has included a move to virtual or hybrid fundraising events.  Anca Trifan, Founder of Tree-Fan Events, joins the podcast to discuss planning tips and strategies to execute successful virtual and hybrid fundraising events.  

Fiscal sponsorship is growing in recognition and usage, with potential benefits for existing nonprofits as well as those with innovative projects.  Andrew Schulman joins Greg to discuss all things fiscal sponsorship, including how to find a fiscal sponsor, the most common models used, and considerations when separating from a fiscal sponsor.  

Continuous learning and curiosity are hallmarks of effective nonprofit leaders.  Ensuring that nonprofit leaders have the tools and resources to thrive is essential to the success of the sector and our organizations.  Mindy Muller joins Greg to discuss asynchronous learning and other professional development options and trends to benefit nonprofit leaders.  

Board engagement tends to ebb and flow over the course of a year.  However, the resource and governance needs of nonprofits don't lessen.  Sabrina Walker Hernandez joins Greg to discuss approaches to keep Board members appropriately engaged in governance and resource development throughout the year.  

We would all love to think that our data and our information is private and protected.  For nonprofits, however, this is increasingly not the case.  Charity fraud is on the rise and nonprofits are challenged to be proactive in their security measures.  Rob Shavell, CEO and co-founder of DeleteMe, joins the podcast to discuss charity fraud -- who's targeted, why it's so effective, and how nonprofits can better protect their critical data.  

Inclusion is a core value for many nonprofit organizations.  However, we all continually challenge ourselves to examine how we can ensure our places and events are truly inclusive for all.  Dr. Daniela Ferdico of Sensory Access joins the podcast to discuss approaches to bring inclusivity and accessibility to the forefront, both for disabilities and challenges we see and those that may be hidden.  

While nonprofits across the country are confronting staffing challenges, opportunities exist to alter the way we approach these challenges and use this moment as an opportunity to fundamentally reimagine the relationship between our organization and our team.  Dr. Cristina DiPietropolo and Dr. Vera Alves of Leader Essentials Group join the podcast to discuss these opportunities and share both current data and proven strategies.  

At one time or another, we have all wondered... why won't our Board members do what we want them to do?  Hardy Smith joins the podcast to discuss the common causes of Board member disengagement and how nonprofit and Board leaders can transform the Board experience into a dynamic and healthy partnership.   

If there is one thing we could all use a bit more of right now, it is hope.  Amidst countless challenges, there are many reasons for hope for nonprofit leaders.  Mazarine Treyz joins Greg to discuss what gives her hope in 2022 and discusses tools to realize the promise that hope provides.

How effectively does your Board manage conflict between and among members?  When conflict arises, does your Board have the tools and will to address it?  Stephanie Minor of NPO Centric joins Greg to discuss managing conflict at the Board level and tips for promoting healthy relationships between Board and staff members.

When nonprofits, governments, and businesses come together as a “network” to address the most pressing social issues of the day, they can more easily address root causes and implement effective approaches.  Renowned social impact researcher and advisor Dr. Michelle Shumate, Ph.D. joins Greg to discuss strategies for building network and collaborative frameworks to address complex social issues.  

Nonprofit teams are comprised of leaders with a diverse array of leadership and communication styles.  Dr. Jean Latting joins the podcast to share approaches to successfully build positive and productive professional relationships with those whose style is different than your own.   

A strategic plan serves as a roadmap to enable an organization to set priorities and measure progress. It informs the direction of the organization, generates heightened engagement and ownership of the mission.  Gary Romano, author and creator of Finding Your North Star Tm, joins Greg to discuss a bold, effective, and evidence-based approach to strategic planning customizable for nonprofits of all sizes.  

It starts with a story...  As nonprofit leaders, you have many stories to tell.  Program accomplishments, a wonderful event, a new offering, a particular challenge you are wrestling with.  However, sometimes it can be difficult to get these stories noticed.  Jessica Leving Siegel shares tips and strategies for positioning your stories with those likely to cover them and building lasting relationships with media partners based on mutual trust.  

The departure of a key leader can be a difficult time for any nonprofit organization.  One approach to ensure organizational stability and momentum is to hire an interim executive for a defined period of time.  Jarrett Ransom joins Greg to discuss the ins and outs of hiring an interim leader.  

Nonprofit organizations with effective fundraising strategies exhibit 5 key behaviors.  Philanthropy expert Sybil Ackerman-Munson joins Greg to discuss these key attributes and empower nonprofit leaders to feel good about their fundraising strategies.  

Healthy fundraising strategies begin by focusing on cultivating deep and lasting relationships with those who believe in and support your mission.  As Giving Tuesday approaches, Nejeed Kassam -- Founder of Keela -- joins Greg to discuss 5 donor types to engage this Giving Tuesday in order to enhance your fundraising success.  Greg and Nejeed also discuss tips and strategies for taking a more thoughtful and intentional approach to drive fundraising effectiveness.

A capital campaign represents an organization-wide focused effort to generate resources for a specific project or undertaking.  Hal Hedley, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana, joins Greg to discuss strategies for successful capital campaigns, from critically important planning efforts to managing the highs and lows of a campaign.  You won't want to miss this insightful discussion! 

Healthy nonprofits carefully nurture and cultivate resources from a variety of sources.  One of the most important of these are transformational, or major gifts.  Brian Wells, a highly successful development professional, joins Greg to discuss approaches to develop or enhance your nonprofit's ability to attract and secure major gifts.  

How connected do you feel to the core values of your nonprofit?  This episode features a discussion of values-based leadership for nonprofits.  Listen as Greg shares practical tips for developing or revising core values as well as ensuring that values play an integral role in the leadership and culture of your organization.   

A healthy Board-CEO relationship is critical to effective nonprofit leadership.  However, these relationships can often be tricky , as issues are complex and the dynamics of the relationship can be challenging.  Amy Fass, CEO of the nonprofit Shoes That Fit, joins Greg for a lively and entertaining discussion about cultivating healthy nonprofit Board-CEO relationships.   

Did you know that while charitable giving grew by 2% last year, online giving grew by nearly 21%, representing more than a 32% increase over the last three years.  Tim Kachuriak, founder of NextAfter, a fundraising research lab consultancy, joins Greg to discuss tips and strategies for nonprofits to optimize their online fundraising.  

The term Gold Star Family recognizes the sacrifice that military family members make when a father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, or other loved one dies in service to the nation.  As we honor the fallen this week on Memorial Day, Chad Graham of the Woody Williams Foundation joins Greg for a memorable podcast episode.  Woody Williams is the last remaining Medal of Honor awardee from World War II.  The Woody Williams Foundation honors this service through monuments and programs across the country that bring communities together and honor the sacrifice of Gold Star Families.  

While we sometimes think of risk in terms of things that may go wrong, risk also encompasses evaluating opportunities for your nonprofit.  Ted Bilich joins Greg to discuss effective risk management processes and approaches for nonprofits.

Informing and inspiring Board members to to greater engagement is a challenge shared by nonprofit leaders.  We all search for unique and effective ways of fostering Board interaction.  Brian Brandt has taken the power of a story and applied it to share important lessons and questions about Board service.  Brian joins Greg to discuss his new book "The Ambassador's Journey: A Parable About Nonprofit Board Leadership."

Over the past several years, social entrepreneurship has become a widely discussed concept in nonprofit circles.  Social enterprises have the potential to offer many benefits for nonprofits, but as with any change or expansion to one's business model, must be approached thoughtfully and with intentionality.  Brian Jenkins, Founder and President of Entrenuity, joins Greg to discuss social entrepreneurship and share tips and strategies for nonprofits.

Shaped in her part by her experience in the Peace Corps, Sondra Jenzer believes passionately in the holistic model of nonprofit leadership.  Sondra joins Greg to discuss the benefits of a holistic model and the critical role of values such as humility, trust, and empowerment.   

Debra Porta is the Executive Director of Pride Northwest.  Like many other nonprofit leaders, Debra has led her team through an evolution over the past year, examining many critical questions, but none more vital than "Who does the community need us to be?"  Debra joins Greg to discuss this journey.  

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) encompasses a wide spectrum of activities, from sponsorships/donations to employee volunteerism.  Meike Eilert joins Greg to discuss the important differences between CSR and corporate activism, motivations and risks businesses weigh in this area, and tips for developing meaningful partnerships between corporations and nonprofits that have deep roots, wisdom, and experience in these areas.  

Nneka Allen has inspired philanthropy in the nonprofit sector for 20 years. She honors the spirit of generosity in all people and is passionate about the many contributions of Black Canadian philanthropists and fundraisers.  Her recent work entitle "Our Right to Heal" brought together a group of women at various points in their fundraising careers to share both their professional and personal experiences and gain strength and understanding through those connections. The project includes their authentic stories about what healing and having the right to heal means to them.  Nneka joins Greg to discuss the power of community to amplify stories, educate, and liberate.  

Is a scarcity mindset holding your nonprofit back from reaching its full potential?  Nell Edgington joins Greg to share practical and actionable tips for transforming your nonprofit leadership from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance.  Listen as we discuss the potential of one three-letter word to unlock the power of possibility for your nonprofit. 

2020 has been a volatile year for nonprofits, and leaders have had to adapt and change at breakneck speed.  This accelerated pace of change threatens to create "change fatigue" within organizations and leaders.  Ginny Waller joins Greg to discuss how leaders can look for the signs of change fatigue within their organization and take steps to create a healthier culture and environment.  

Increasing numbers of nonprofit organizations are re-examining their space and office needs in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and other factors.  Hannah Odell of GreaterSpace and Colleen Susini of Servcorp join Greg to discuss this growing trend, including what nonprofits should look for and pitfalls to avoid.  They also discuss the unique and impactful collaboration between GreaterSpace and Servcorp that benefits nonprofits.

Gary Romano of Civitas Strategies and Gregory Nielsen of Nielsen Training & Consulting discuss the impact of the potential stimulus bill on nonprofits and small businesses.  We discuss what we know now, what we are hearing, and how the potential legislation could impact nonprofits and small businesses.

Instead of succumbing to his terminal diagnosis, Matthew Zachary became the ultimate advocate for young adult cancer patients. From starting the first-ever healthcare podcast and founding Stupid Cancer, to serving as a Strategic Advisor for Nord and The Google Health Advisory, Matt shares tips for harnessing the advocacy impact of your nonprofit.  

Would your nonprofit ever decline a gift from a donor?  Should you?  Effective gift acceptance policies provide vital guardrails for nonprofit Boards and staffs as they pursue gifts and other donations to advance their mission.  In this podcast episode, Greg provides a deeper understanding of the what, the why, and the how of drafting and adopting effective gift acceptance policies for nonprofits.  

Understanding the ecosystem or landscape in which your nonprofit operates is critical to your team's ability to make effective decisions.  Alison LaRocca joins Greg to discuss evaluation tools and approaches -- including interviews, surveys, and focus groups -- that can give you a clearer snapshot of your organization.

Assembling a diverse team of Board members is not only the right thing to do, it is also essential for effective governance and decisionmaking.  Pamela Cannell and John Hernandez join Greg to discuss specific steps nonprofits can take to enhance diversity and share the innovative way in which BoardBuild is combining technology and training to elevate nonprofit Boards.  

Nonprofit leaders and fundraisers continually strive to develop deeper relationships with their donors.  The more we understand our donors' motivations for giving, the more likely we are to build the types of relationships that lead to lasting support.  Gabe Cooper, CEO of Virtuous, joins Greg to discuss strategies for using technology and other resources to build systems that enhance donor relationships at scale.  

Arts organizations possess a unique ability to bring communities together.  Trey Coley joins Greg to discuss the role of the arts in building community and how nonprofits can support one another.

Supporting the CEO is a critical responsibility of nonprofit Boards.  Cindi Phallen joins Greg for a discussion of the 4 things nonprofit CEOs need most from their Boards, particularly right now.   

Nonprofit leaders face countless challenges that place strains on mental health.  Ian Adair joins Greg to discuss the intersection of nonprofit leadership and mental health, and his new book Stronger Than Stigma.

Effective meetings require effective facilitation.  From Board meetings to staff meetings, retreats to strategic planning, effective facilitation is a key to achieving the results you desire.  Carol Hamilton joins Greg for a discussion of effective facilitation strategies that includes the importance of establishing team rules, opening a meeting strong, and promoting debate and discussion.  

The subject we all need to address, but never seem to talk about - recruitment.  Identifying, hiring and retaining key leaders is critical for nonprofits.  Gary Romano and Amy Fink join Greg to discuss how to recruit more effectively and efficiently, saving you time and money while getting better talent.

Leveraging the array of digital technology options from web site to email platforms to enhance the impact of your nonprofit can seem daunting at times.  However, there are tips, tools, and even templates that can save time while adding impact.  Andrea Shirey joins Greg to discuss strategies for harnessing digital technology to grow your impact.  

Leaders are often defined by their ability to meet the demands of pivotal moments.  For many nonprofit leaders, the current crises have required a delicate balancing of mission, programs, and safety.  Carrie Gerard joins Greg to discuss how she has thoughtfully approached her leadership challenges during these uncertain times.  

How effective are you at making the critical ask?  A creative thinker and accomplished fundraiser, Ed Leibman's entrepreneurial approach to fundraising often breaks the mold of convention.  Ed joins Greg to discuss a highly effective, experiential, and creative way to develop the skills of fundraisers.  An added bonus, tune in to learn Ed's view on what professional background tends to produce the most effective fundraisers!

Recently, 124 nonprofit leaders from across the U.S. shared their revenue stories and visions ahead in light of the pandemic and other upheavals.  Authors of the study Karen Eber Davis and Gail Bower join Greg to discuss their findings and other key insights from the study.  You can access the full report at: https://www.kedconsult.com/surveyreport https://youtu.be/B_Idi28gwK4

Is your nonprofit regarded as a thought leader on topics related to your mission?  Allison Ehrich Bernstein has handled communications and written speeches, opinion pieces, and digital content for local and global leaders, including at the U.S. State Department.  Allison joins Greg to share actionable tips and strategies to advance your mission through thought leadership.   

Covid19 has dramatically altered the landscape of nonprofit leadership and fundraising.  Emily Weisgrau joins Greg to discuss 4 fundraising essentials in a Covid world that can help your nonprofit persevere and succeed through challenging times.  

How have you developed your leadership mindset?  Leading others is a privilege that comes with great responsibility.  Developing skills and competencies to grow as a leader can come from a wide variety of sources, from classes to conferences, coaching to peer conversation.  Katherine Spinney, an accomplished coach and trainer, joins Greg to discuss the importance of professional development, how to to identify the resources you need, and how to develop a mindset for leadership success.   

As a nonprofit leader, what do you do when you are expected to do it all?  Some days it can feel as though there are so many things to get done and areas to address that we don't know where to start.  Kishshana Palmer joins Greg to discuss strategies for managing overwhelm in times of crisis.    

In a recent survey, 23% of nonprofits reported that they would at least be considering more formal sustained collaborations, including merger, post-Covid-19.  Monisha de Quadros, Founder of Sparkbox, joins Greg to discuss ways in which nonprofits can thoughtfully and effectively approach sustained collaborations, including a discussion of examining organizational culture, leadership, governance, and finances.  

Speaking with your Board about their performance can be a challenging -- and pivotal -- moment for any nonprofit leader.  In this episode, Greg discusses habits of a healthy Board, why conversations about performance can be challenging, and and tips for managing critical conversations.   

Ever wondered what is going through the thoughts of your Board members?  Vipe Desai is an experienced Board member who has has led both nonprofit and corporate Boards.  Vipe joins Greg for a lively and entertaining conversation reflecting on experiences as a Board member, the pivotal role of the Board Chair, and inspiring a Board team.  

Who speaks for your nonprofit in times of crisis?  How clear and consistent is the message?  Nonprofit futurist and communications expert Vanessa Wakeman joins Greg to discuss developing a crisis communications plan for your nonprofit that is clear and consistent, with the buy-in of Board and staff.  

Event revenue represents a significant source of income for many nonprofits.  When you are unable to host your event in person, how can you adapt and successfully take it virtual?  Jess Campbell of Out in the Boons joins Greg to discuss tips for creating an experience with your virtual fundraiser that generates support and builds relationships and memories.  

With the announcement from the Small Business Administration (SBA) that appropriated funds for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)  have been exhausted, Gary Romano joins Greg to reflect on lessons learned so far from the PPP that might help nonprofits if and when the program reopens. 

During times of crisis, leaders rely more than ever on existing networks to deliver vital resources to communities in need.  Amy Lindner, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, joins Greg to discuss the impact of the United Way network of partners on their ability to lead during crisis and provide resources to those in need.  

What is the role of philanthropy during times of crisis, such as we are living through with Covid-19?  How can philanthropy be an effective partner for nonprofits and how can nonprofits communicate their needs to funders?  Susan Hairston, Consultant and experienced foundation leader who previously served at the Ford Foundation and JPB Foundation, joins Greg to share her thoughts on the answers to these questions and more. 

As nonprofit professionals work to serve as many as possible while protecting and caring for employees, the mindset for many has shifted from sustainability to survivability.  Steve Zimmerman, nationally recognized consultant, author, and speaker, joins Greg to discuss a framework for action -- 5 steps for nonprofit leaders and organizations to take to survive the current COVID-19 crisis.  

Board leadership is vital in challenging times, and there are tangible actions Boards can and should take.  On this episode Greg discusses these steps in depth, including risk management, financial assessment, business continuity and communication planning, and tips for fostering Board involvement.

With the outbreak of the coronavirus, many nonprofits are promoting remote work to minimize person-to-person contact while maintaining mission operations.  HR Consultant Skye Mercer joins Greg to discuss proven steps to quickly and effectively set up a work-from-home program.  Listen to the end of the podcast for a special free offer for nonprofit leaders from Skye and Greg.   

A thriving nonprofit requires sustainable sources of revenue and an energized and empowered fundraising team.  Mazarine Treyz, best selling author of “The Wild Woman’s Guide to Fundraising,” joins Greg to discuss the role of innovation in developing sustainable fundraising and tips to empower yourself and others as a leader and fundraiser.    

Collaboration and merger are buzzwords nonprofit leaders hear frequently in leading their organizations.  However, when your organization is considering a more formal relationship with another, how do you set yourself up for success?  Dr. Tony Zipple joins Greg for a discussion on nonprofit collaboration and merger, including steps in the process and pitfalls to avoid.  

Effectively managing accounting functions is critical to effective governance and maintaining the public trust.  Stephen King, President and CEO of GrowthForce, joins Greg to discuss tips for nonprofit accounting done right, outsourced accounting, and strategies to prevent fraud.   

Challenges arise for every nonprofit organization, and when they do, you may benefit from the expertise and assistance of a consultant.  From facilitating a strategic planning process to inspiring a stagnant Board, consultants can play a valuable role.  Heather Yandow, Consultant and Founder of Nonprofit.ist joins Greg to discuss 5 questions that can help prepare nonprofit leaders for fruitful conversations with potential consultant partners.  

It has been over two decades since the Republic of Somalia collapsed, out of which came the Republic of Somaliland. Generations have grown up knowing only a war-torn society. There is a desperate need to rebuild infrastructure, extend educational opportunities and develop the leaders of tomorrow.  Jonathan Starr, Founder and CEO of The Abaarso Nework, and Chief Development Officer Juliet Buder join Greg to discuss the successes and challenges of leading an organization operating in another country, and how their work is transforming the education system in Somaliland.  

Highly effective nonprofits understand that engaging in advocacy is vital in fulfilling their mission and translating their vision into reality.  Bethany Snyder, an experienced advocacy strategist, joins Greg to discuss tips for developing effective grassroots and grasstops programs to demonstrate your people power and leverage the expertise of your supporters.  

Coaching represents an integral tool in the development of nonprofit leaders.  Patrick Jinks coaches and trains leaders in both the social and corporate sectors, with a unique approach focused on clarity, simplicity, and alignment.  Patrick joins Greg to discuss the benefits of coaching, steps in the process, and tips for selecting the best coach for you.  

Patrick Schmitt and Jenny Xia, co-founders of FreeWill, were recently named one of Town & Country's Top 50 Philanthropists of 2019.  They join Greg to discuss strategies for enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of your nonprofit's planned giving program, including information about FreeWill -- a product they founded that has helped raise over $914 million in bequests, qualified charitable distributions, and stock gifts.  

Multi-generational philanthropy can pass down values, life lessons, and stories that inspire donors to give.  Arlene Cogen, author of the Amazon #1 Bestseller, "Give to Live: Make a Charitable Gift You Never Imagined," shares the the importance of and how to engage your donors and their professional advisors in attaining their philanthropic goals.

A fiscal sponsor is a nonprofit organization that provides fiduciary oversight, financial management, and other administrative services to help build the capacity of charitable projects.  Gene Takagi joins Greg to discuss the pros and cons of fiscal sponsorship as well as key questions to ask in determining if this is right for your project or nonprofit.   

Collaboration is both a core value and an essential skill for the nonprofit community.  However, developing effective collaboration between and among teams can be challenging.  Grace Alfiero joins Greg to discuss "Crosswalks for Collaboration" -- including tips for developing a safe space for collaboration that allows the creativity and insights of the individual to enhance the performance of the team.  

Many nonprofit organizations seek to engage additional leaders through the creation of an Associate Board, sometimes also called a Junior Board.  If your nonprofit is considering this approach, what are some of the key factors to consider to set yourself up for success?  Sarah Gomel joins Greg to discuss strategies to ensure that your Associate Board represents a positive experience both for the organization and the leaders serving.  

Developing effective partnerships for insurance coverage and benefits is an integral component of nonprofit excellence.  From mitigating risk to promoting the health and wellness of team members, it is more important than ever to build a relationship with those who can help.  Ben Byrne, Owner of Byrne Insurance Group, joins Greg to discuss tips and strategies for navigating an often challenging insurance landscape for nonprofits.    

From Board meetings to Staff Meetings, we all strive to create effective meetings -- meetings that matter.  Change agent Whitney Bishop joins Greg to discuss tips for elevating your meetings through purpose, people, and commitment to action.  

Do you know the "magic number" of auction items for your event?  How about the 3 pockets of money attendees bring to your fundraiser?  Learn about these as well as other trends and strategies to set your nonprofit fundraising auction up for success as Kalley Dunn of AmFund joins Greg on this podcast episode.  

Developing deep relationships with donors remains a critical factor in nonprofit fundraising success.  Now, with the help of machine-learning and AI, your organization can better understand the motivations of your supporters and more effectively predict their likelihood to give.  Nathan Chappell joins Greg to discuss using machine learning to predict generosity and elevate philanthropy.  

Highly effective Board teams are composed of a diverse group of talented and passionate leaders.  Christina Carr joins Greg to discuss the importance of age diversity on nonprofit Boards and strategies to engage nextgen Board leaders.  

Nonprofit organizations face a particularly challenging labor market, at a time when it is critical to attract and retain talent.  Gary Romano joins Greg to discuss HR trends and hot topics for nonprofits.  

Recent articles discuss the high turnover rate of nonprofit fundraising professionals, some even referring to it as a "fundraising exodus."  Jennifer Harris joins Greg to discuss this challenge and ways in which leaders can empower their teams to co-create a more positive, shared culture where individuals feel valued and connected to the mission.   

While the perspectives and contributions of thought leaders with established platforms are valuable, we must continue to elevate the unheard voices in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership in order to deepen critical conversations and move the sector forward.  Jen Bokoff, Director of Stakeholder Engagement at Candid, joins Greg to discuss her recent article and efforts aimed at lifting up philanthropy's unheard voices.  

Your nonprofit has a mission that is vital to the community you serve, and you can't afford to be the best kept secret in town!  Scarlett Hawkins, a Senior Consultant in International Development, joins Greg to discuss not just the importance of narrative, but how to add a dash of audacity to build a compelling communication strategy that is embraced by the entire organization.  

Highly effective nonprofits leverage the tools of program evaluation to build a culture of continuous improvement.  This allows nonprofit and Board leaders to make better strategic decisions.  Chari Smith joins Greg to discuss the steps necessary to translate evaluation into action for your nonprofit. 

Many nonprofit leaders face uncertainty on their journey to mission impact.   In this episode, Janeal Ford joins Greg to discuss the importance of a clear, concise case for support, tips for choosing and working successfully with a grant writer, and guidance on identifying funders with a passion for your mission.

Following an intentional process of listening to and learning from their grantee partners, the Barr Foundation implemented a series of changes to enhance the relationship between the Foundation and grantees.  Kerri Hurley and Yvonne Belanger join Greg to discuss the importance of a strong relationship between philanthropy and nonprofits, and the efforts of the Barr Foundation to incorporate continuous feedback from their nonprofit partners to effect meaningful change.  

Within each nonprofit organization or movement, individuals play a variety of critical roles in pursuit of equity, inclusion, and justice.  Deepa Iyer is a South Asian American activist, writer, and lawyer.  Her areas of expertise include the post 9/11 America experiences of South Asian, Muslim, Arab and Sikh immigrants, national security and immigration policies, and racial equity and solidarity practices.  Currently, Deepa is a Senior Fellow at the new Race Forward.  Deepa joins Greg to discuss her recent article outlining a framework for understanding the roles you play within your social change ecosystem.  

Nonprofit professionals address complex community challenges each day in an effort to create communities in which everyone can thrive and have their needs met.  However, the profession currently faces a significant deficit of investment in the development of these critical leaders.  As funding challenges grow, leadership investment frequently suffers.  In this episode, Rusty Stahl -- President and CEO of Fund the People -- joins Greg to discuss the importance of leadership investment, tips to engage in this critical dialogue with funders and Board members, and a new Talent Justice Initiative.  

Nonprofit leaders and organizations face continuing challenges in efforts to diversify their boards, better serve their communities, and build sustainable staffing pipelines.  Amy Waninger, CEO of Lead at Any Level, works with organizations that want to build diverse leadership bench strength for a sustainable competitive advantage.  She is the author of multiple books including Network Beyond Bias: Making Diversity a Competitive Advantage for Your Career.  Amy joins Greg to discuss steps nonprofits can take to further their efforts in the areas of diversity and inclusion.   

Nonprofits operate in a dynamic environment where change is rapid and the need for talent and passion is great.  Skye Mercer is a human resources professional who is passionate about helping organizations create positive, productive work environments.  Skye joins Greg to discuss trends in nonprofit HR and strategies to create a promote from within culture.    

What does your brand represent to the community?  Looking to define or evolve your brand strategy?  Melissa Russom is a questioner, storysharer and strategic thinker obsessed with clarifying messaging for maximum (and purposeful) impact.  Melissa shares tools for better understanding your organization's brand, strategies to clarify your messaging, and tips to activate social media ambassadors.   

Dennis C. Miller is a nationally recognized strategic leadership coach and executive search consultant with more than 35 years of experience working with nonprofit board leadership and chief executives across the country. Dennis shares with Greg his inspirational journey from hopelessness and failure to happiness and success, a story of overcoming obstacles to achieve success. 

Jaime Campbell is the Co-Founder and CFO of Tier One Services, providing outsourced accounting and CFO services for organizations.  Jaime and Greg discuss tips to make the budgeting process collaborative, enjoyable, and ultimately successful in advancing the bold and compelling vision of your nonprofit organization.   

Jarrett Ransom, the self-described "Nonprofit Nerd," is the President and CEO of the Rayvan Group.   From start-ups to multi-million dollar charitable organizations, Jarrett has helped create sustainable fundraising strategies for over 20 years.  Jarrett and Greg discuss tips and leading practices for organizations of all sizes to create a compelling and achievable fundraising plan.   

Christine Robertson is a Vice President for Wist Data Solutions, helping nonprofits harness data to further their mission.  Christine and Greg discuss leading practices in managing donor data and tips when selecting or transitioning to a donor management system.   

Kyle Kramer is the Executive Director of the Passionist Earth and Spirit Center.  Kyle and Greg discuss mindfulness, meditation, and the many ways in which they can positively impact the health and performance of nonprofit leaders.   

Rebecca Dupras is an attorney and former Vice President of Development for a large philanthropic foundation.  Rebecca and Greg discuss the impact of a toxic workplace culture on an individual, organization, and the public trust.  Rebecca shares thoughts and considerations for staff members who find themselves in a similar situation. 

As a former Development Officer for Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Chuck Brown possesses unique insight into Donor Advised Funds, which he shared in an article entitled "Zombie Philanthropy: What I Learned About Donor-Advised Funds as a Foundation Insider."  Greg and Chuck discuss the growth of Donor Advised Funds, critiques, and potential ways to reform this charitable giving vehicle to more equitably serve communities.  

 Vu Le is a talented writer, speaker, and the Executive Director of Rainier Valley Corps, a nonprofit in Seattle that promotes social justice by developing leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color, and fostering collaboration between diverse communities.  Vu is also the author of the wildly popular blog nonprofitaf.com.  In this episode, Vu and Greg discuss issues of equity in the nonprofit sector, funder fragility, and the importance of trust as a critical ingredient in building partnerships to address community challenges.  

Sarah Olivieri is the founder of PivotGround, where she leads her team of digital experts to help human-service nonprofits increase capacity, deliver better programming, attract more funding, and make the world a better place.  In this episode, Sarah and Greg discuss strategic planning for nonprofits, including leading practices, key trends, and potential pitfalls to avoid.  

Barry Wadsworth is an educational leader who has served for over 25 years as a teacher, coach, administrator and consultant.  He has comprehensive management experience in schools and districts designing and supporting programs for students from infant/toddler – university levels.  Barry and Greg discuss equity in education and effective Board governance models and practices in education.   

Drew Reynolds, PhD, is the CEO of Common Good Data Consulting. He advises nonprofit organizations to use data-driven decision-making to secure funding and improve community wellbeing.  Greg and Drew discuss practical ways in which nonprofit leaders can create a positive culture that values data as a critical tool in decision-making.  *Note: apologies for audio issues at the end of the episode.  Cold weather and internet connections don't always mix well!  

Steven Shattuck is Chief Engagement Officer at Bloomerang.  A prolific writer and speaker, he curates Bloomerang’s sector-leading educational content, and hosts a weekly webinar series which features the top thought-leaders in the nonprofit sector.  Steven and Greg discuss tools and strategies for building lasting relationships with donors.  

Will Myers is the CEO of CASA of the River Region.  Listen as Will and Greg discuss the profession of nonprofit leadership, the importance of professional development, and tools for engaging committed volunteers

Clare Wallace recently made the transition from Development Director to first-time Executive Director. Learn about Clare’s leadership journey, lessons learned as a new Executive, and thoughts on developing an authentic leadership style.

Tony Zipple is an experienced nonprofit CEO, consultant, and executive coach. Learn from Tony about positive psychology as an approach to enhancing the happiness and effectiveness of individuals and teams.

Learn about the fascinating leadership journey of Judy Kasey Houlette. Judy has served as Executive Director of Friend for Life Cancer Support Network since November 2000. Under her leadership, the number of persons served annually by Friend for Life has quadrupled; volunteer numbers and staff hours have tripled. The organization was awarded the Innovative Nonprofit Award by the Kentucky Nonprofit Network in 2009 and the American Cancer Society’s C.A.R.E. Award in 2012.

Paul Robinson is the President and CEO of Home of the Innocents. He possesses a unique and diverse background as a mission-driven leader of a large nonprofit organization and as a former entrepreneurial business owner. Paul talks with Gregory about his views on building team culture within a nonprofit organization.

The very first episode of Nonprofit Vision With Gregory Nielsen.