Nonprofit Vision With Gregory Nielsen

Nisha Anand is the CEO of Dream.Org, a nonprofit organization that brings people together across racial, social and partisan lines to solve our toughest problems. Nisha and Greg discuss the radical act of choosing common ground, sharing approaches for nonprofit leaders to find areas of agreement to advance meaningful solutions.

Darian Rodriguez Heyman is the former Executive Director of the Craigslist Foundation and an accomplished social impact consultant, philanthropic advisor, and best-selling author. Greg and Darian discuss the importance of engaging nonprofit boards in fundraising with actionable steps for Boards to set clear expectations, receive and provide support, and build a culture of accountability.

Fundraising and development professionals bring vital talent and resources for nonprofit organizations. Matt Stokes joins the podcast to share his reflections on the career journey of a development professional. Matt shares his recollections of entering the nonprofit sector and fundraising, what it might be like now for professionals transitioning into fundraising, as well as tips and advice for successful career growth in fundraising.

Telling your story tho those who believe in your mission is critical for nonprofits. While we all get flooded with emails, what are some best practices for getting your emails noticed?Jenni Getzy of Nonprofit Jenni joins the podcast to share best practices for email marketing excellence. Lots of fantastic tips and insights in this episode!

Leaders engage in a dynamic interplay between visionary guidance and empowering others to unleash their full potential. Jay Suggs joins the podcast for a lively and wide ranging conversation about leadership, from the importance of presence and being present to asking the right questions of your team, and managing the doubts that so often creep in. This is an episode you will want to listen to and share with your team!

Lisa Ireland is President and CEO of the Longevity Science Foundation, an international nonprofit funding research to extend the healthy human lifespan. Lisa joins the podcast to share thoughts on leading an international nonprofit, the importance of solid infrastructure in nonprofit leadership, and the critical collaborations that are a hallmark of the nonprofit sector.

Nostos Homes is a youth-led UK-based charity that provides first-of-its-kind sustainable homes for forcibly displaced families around the world. Nostos Homes and its leadership have received extensive international recognition and support including from the World Bank, IFC, Goldman Sachs, HRH Prince William, Royal Commonwealth Society, and The Diana Award. Nostos Homes Chief of Staff Devika Narayanan joins the podcast to discuss how a youth-led volunteer only nonprofit can be sustainable and successfully engage with significantly more established international organizations.

Grants provide a vital stream of revenue for many nonprofits that allows them to develop and implement critical programs and services. Holly Rustick, best selling author, speaker, and consultant, joins the podcast to share strategies for creating effective systems for grant writers so nonprofits can grow capacity, increase funding, and advance mission.

Amid the stresses and strains of leading or governing a nonprofit organization, it is common for conflicts to emerge. The key is understanding how to productively embrace and engage opposing views. Carol Bowser joins the podcast to discuss navigating conflict productively and positively in nonprofits and the importance of core values.

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.