We often talk about what a new executive director should accomplish in their first 100 days. But what should the organization be doing? In this episode, Nancy and Sarah turn the usual first-100-days conversation around and explore how boards and staff can help a new leader learn the organization, build relationships, understand the money and mission, and listen before jumping into action.

Question to consider before listening:
What does a new ED need to learn before they can lead well?

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

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Running a nonprofit is hard anywhere. Rural nonprofits face some distinct challenges—but they also have distinct strengths. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore three challenges that show up differently in rural communities and the strengths nonprofits can put to work in response. They share practical ideas for finding people, building partnerships, stretching resources, and making the most of strong community connections.

Question to consider before listening:
What’s one challenge your nonprofit is facing—and what strengths could you draw on to address it?

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

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Many nonprofit boards call themselves “working boards.” There’s nothing wrong with board members rolling up their sleeves. But that label can quietly shape what a board believes its job is—and how it spends its time.

In this episode, Nancy and Sarah unpack the “working board” myth and why every nonprofit board is a governing board, no matter how hands-on its members are. They explore how focusing on roles instead of labels can help boards make room for the big-picture conversations that only they can have.

Want a refresher on governance? Listen to our earlier episode, Board Governance Made Simple.

Question to consider before listening:
Is your board making time for the big-picture questions—or mostly focusing on this week’s to-do list?

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

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$326 billion. That's how much money is currently sitting in Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) waiting to be directed to great causes like yours. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah break down the basics of DAFs, explain why they matter to nonprofits of all sizes, and share practical ways organizations can position themselves to receive more DAF support. Whether you're new to DAFs or looking to strengthen your fundraising strategy, this conversation will help you better understand this growing source of charitable giving.

Question to consider before listening:

How does your organization currently accept gifts from Donor Advised Funds?

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:

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Every nonprofit faces leadership changes. Change is inevitable. With the right approach, a leadership change can become a chance to pause, reflect, and prepare for what's ahead. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore how organizations can navigate a leadership change with confidence. They discuss the role of interim leadership and how boards can transform an in-between period into a time of stability, reflection, and growth.

In this episode, Nancy mentions a report she authored on behalf of Third Sector Company: Interim Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector - 2025 Report.

Question to consider before listening:

How would your organization approach a leadership transition today?

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:

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A monthly donor program often feels like a big lift, but it does not have to be. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah sit down with monthly giving specialist Garrett Freibott-Kalt to unpack what it takes to build a sustainable base of supporters. You will walk away with a clearer picture of where to start, what keeps donors coming back, and why recurring giving can create more stability and connection for your nonprofit over time.

Question to consider before listening:

Are recurring donors already part of your fundraising approach? Why or why not?

You can find Garrett at People First Communications.

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

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Small nonprofits have more going for them than they often give themselves credit for. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore an encouraging report from Bridgespan on the strengths that help small and midsize organizations build resilient funding strategies — and how to put those strengths to work with more intention. If you've been focusing on what's missing lately, this conversation offers a reason to look at what's already there.

Question to consider before listening:
Which of your strengths are you building on?

Article by Bridgespan: "The Strengths Small and Midsize US Nonprofits Build on to Create Resilience Funding Strategies"

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:

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Grassroots donations may feel small, but their impact is anything but. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah reflect on a recent article about the decline in everyday giving and why small nonprofits should pay attention. From monthly giving to radical transparency, they explore practical ways organizations can rebuild trust, strengthen community connection, and create fundraising strategies that invite more people into the mission. If fundraising has started to feel like it’s only for major donors, this conversation offers a different path forward.

Question to consider before listening:

What would change for your organization if more people felt like they belonged in your mission — even through a small gift?

Article by Stanford Social Innovation Review: "Beyond the Mega-Gift"

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:

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