A Modern Nonprofit Podcast

Hosted by The Charity CFO, LLC

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

161

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, powered by The Charity CFO, explores the most important business and culture topics in the nonprofit sector. Hosted by Tosha Anderson, each episode will feature an informative, lighthearted and insightful discussion about what’s trending in today’s organizations. This podcast is designed for nonprofit leaders and listeners alike, and we thank you for making this podcast part of your day!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 9, 202637 min

Episode 160: The Invisible Workload: Why Neurodivergent Nonprofit Leaders Burn Out Differently (And What It's Costing Us All)

Most nonprofit leaders know what burnout feels like. But not everyone burns out the same way.In this episode, Tosha Anderson sits down with Britt Stockert, Certified Fundraising Executive and coach at Donorbox, to talk about something that rarely comes up in the nonprofit leadership conversation: neurodivergence and the invisible workload it creates.Britt and Tosha both share their own experiences realizing, in their 40s, that what they thought was anxiety, over-ambition, or just being "a lot" was actually something more specific. And they explore why the nonprofit sector may be uniquely positioned to both attract and burn out neurodivergent leaders at an alarming rate.In this conversation, you'll hear about:What "superhero mode" looks like in practice, and why it eventually collapsesThe secondary operating system neurodivergent leaders carry that neurotypical colleagues don'tWhy neurodivergent burnout often goes undetected in teams until it's a crisisWhat alexithymia is and why it matters for nonprofit leadersSmall, practical changes that leaders and organizations can make right nowWhy a formal diagnosis is not required to start advocating for yourselfThis is one of those episodes that will make a lot of people feel a lot less alone.Read more on our blog: https://thecharitycfo.com/neurodivergent-burnout-nonprofit-leaders/Connect With Brittan Stockert💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittans/Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprintSubscribe to A Modern Nonprofit Podcast for conversations on nonprofit leadership, fundraising strategy, financial management, and the human side of running mission-driven organizations.

May 26, 2026Episode 15926 min

Episode 159: Why Most Nonprofit Press Releases Fail—and How to Actually Earn Media Coverage

Your press release is not getting picked up because it's written for you, not for the journalist.In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson talks with Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, about what actually makes a nonprofit press release work. They cover the story arc journalists want to see, how to pitch local media with no budget, why your quotes are probably too safe, and how to turn earned media into a tool for donor retention and staff morale.Practical, direct, and full of real examples. A must-listen for any nonprofit leader who has sent a press release into the void and heard nothing back.Connect With Mickie Kennedy🌐 Website: ⁠⁠https://www.ereleases.com/causewire/ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/publicity/Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ Get the nonprofit finance insights your org needs: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint

May 12, 2026Episode 15241 min

Episode 158: Sustainable Leadership Without Burnout: Weekly Habits Nonprofit Leaders Need Now

Nonprofit burnout is real and nonprofit leaders are carrying more than ever before.In this episode, Tosha Anderson sits down with productivity coach and Winning the Week co-author Demir Bentley to talk about sustainable leadership, weekly planning, productivity systems, and how nonprofit professionals can stop living in constant overwhelm.If you constantly feel behind, struggle to disconnect from work, or feel guilty setting boundaries, this episode will help you rethink what healthy leadership actually looks like.In this conversation, we discuss: ✔ Why nonprofit professionals experience extreme burnout ✔ How perfectionism and urgency culture hurt organizations ✔ Why weekly planning creates calm and clarity ✔ The importance of operational systems and delegation ✔ How leaders unintentionally create organizational dependency ✔ Boundary-setting strategies for mission-driven leaders ✔ Practical habits to reduce overwhelm immediatelyThis episode is packed with actionable strategies nonprofit executives can start using this week.📘 Learn more about Winning the Week: https://www.lifehackmethod.com📊 Learn more about The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://www.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprintConnect With Demir Bentley🌐 Website: https://lifehackmethod.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demirbentley/ 📘 Grab Winning the Week here.Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfo🔔 Subscribe to our newsletter for more nonprofit leadership conversations, financial strategy insights, fundraising tips, and operational best practices.

April 28, 2026Episode 15730 min

Episode 157: Budgeting for Impact: Why Nonprofits Need More Than Just a Spreadsheet

Most nonprofits have a budget.But very few are actually using it to make better decisions.In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson sits down with CFO Pat Fisher from The Charity CFO to break down what effective nonprofit budgeting really looks like.This is not about spreadsheets. It is about strategy.You will learn:Why every nonprofit needs a board-approved budgetThe biggest budgeting mistakes nonprofit leaders makeHow to turn your budget into a real management toolWhy involving your team changes everythingThe difference between budgeting and forecastingHow to plan for funding uncertainty and pivot with confidenceThis episode highlights Principle #12 of The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint, a framework built from working with hundreds of nonprofits.If your budget feels disconnected, outdated, or stressful, this conversation will show you a better way forward.Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint here.#nonprofitbudgeting #nonprofitfinance #nonprofitleadership #thecharitycfo #financialmanagementFollow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1

April 14, 202636 min

Episode 156: From Starvation to Sustainability: How Nonprofits Can Escape the Funding Trap

Are you constantly chasing funding but still struggling to build sustainable growth?In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson sits down with Drew Reynolds, Principal Consultant at Common Good Data, to break down why so many nonprofits are stuck in the funding trap and what to do about it.With increasing funding uncertainty and limited capacity, nonprofit leaders are being forced to rethink their fundraising strategy. The key is not doing more. The key is getting clear on your mission and proving your impact.In this episode, you will learn:Why nonprofits get stuck in the starvation cycleHow the Clarity Impact Fundraising framework drives sustainabilityHow to improve donor retention through impact storytellingPractical ways to measure impact without overwhelmHow to align your team around mission and resultsIf you want to build a more sustainable nonprofit and stop chasing funding, this episode is for you.Check out the full episode and blog here: https://thecharitycfo.com/nonprofit-funding-sustainability/Connect With Drew Online🌐 Website: https://www.commongooddata.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewdreynolds/Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint#nonprofitleadership #nonprofitfunding #fundraisingstrategy #impactmeasurement #thecharitycfo

March 31, 2026Episode 15532 min

Episode 155: The State of Grant Seeking in 2026: Strategy, AI, and Surviving the Competition

Grant Writing in 2026 Is Harder Than Ever - Here’s How to Adapt Federal funding volatility. Private foundations acting like contracts. Massive nonprofits competing for $5,000 grants. And now AI flooding the system with applications.In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson sits down with Dr. Krista Kurlinkus to unpack the state of grant seeking in 2026 and what nonprofit leaders must change to survive.We cover:-Why competition for grants is exploding-How AI is increasing volume but lowering quality-The dangers of “spray and pray” grant writing-Administrative burden and hidden compliance costs-Why nonprofits need a Grants Operating System-How to align strategy before writing another proposalIf you’re feeling overwhelmed by funding shifts, this episode will give you clarity and actionable next steps.#grantwriting #nonprofitleadership #fundraisingstrategy #nonprofitfinance #aiingrantwriting #thecharitycfoConnect with Krista KurlinkusFREE Templates on Krista's website: https://www.grantwritingmadeeasy.com💼 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kristakurlinkusYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GrantWritingMadeEasy🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kristakurlinkusFollow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint

March 17, 202632 min

Episode 154: Why Donors Don’t Give Again — And How to Fix It

Why Are Donors Disappearing? Here’s What Nonprofits Must ChangeOnly 20% of first-time donors give again.That means for every 100 new donors you acquire, 80 disappear.Is it donor fatigue? The economy? AI? Federal funding volatility?In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson and donor strategist Erin Straza unpack the real reasons donors don’t return - and what nonprofit leaders must change to improve donor retention.We discuss:The truth about donor retention ratesWhy transactional fundraising failsThe power of phone calls and personal outreachHow messaging impacts lifetime donor valueWhy “fully funded” grant-heavy nonprofits are still vulnerableHow to shift from a numbers game to relationship strategyIf your fundraising appeals feel like they’re vanishing into the void, this episode is for you.#donorretention #nonprofitfundraising #nonprofitleadership #fundraisingstrategy #thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinstraza/🌐 Website: https://erinstraza.com/FREE Open Office Meet Up with Erin on April 14thRegister for FREE here: https://mailchi.mp/1af00243dff3/charitycfogrowtimeFollow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint

March 3, 2026Episode 15338 min

Episode 153: Federal Grants in 2026: What Nonprofits Need to Know Before Applying

Is federal funding coming back? Should your nonprofit apply for federal grants in 2026? And what are the new compliance risks you need to understand before submitting an application?In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson sits down with federal funding expert Fielding Jezreel to unpack the current state of federal grants as of February 2026.After a turbulent 2025 filled with funding whiplash, shutdown fears, and shifting priorities, we’re finally seeing stability return. But that doesn’t mean it’s business as usual.We cover:-Why federal grant opportunities are surging in Spring 2026-New federal funding priorities (faith-based, charter schools, rural organizations)-Increased scrutiny around first-year outcomes and compliance-Red flags that mean your nonprofit is NOT ready to apply-How to build the infrastructure to withstand federal audits-Whether you should apply directly or start as a sub-recipientIf you’re a nonprofit leader navigating federal funding, grant management, compliance requirements, or organizational readiness, this episode is essential listening.Federal grants aren’t all doom and gloom in 2026 — but they do require strategy.Connect with Fielding JezreelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fieldingjezreelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jezreelconsulting Learn more about Fielding’s Federal Grants Accelerator: https://www.federalgrantsaccelerator.comFollow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprintFull episode here: https://thecharitycfo.com/federal-grants-2026-nonprofit-readiness/Check these out:Is Your Nonprofit Ready For Federal Grant Funding?Why You Shouldn’t Be Giving Up on Federal Grants#nonprofitleadership #federalgrants #grantwriting #nonprofitfinance #nonprofitstrategy #thecharitycfo

February 17, 2026Episode 15221 min

Episode 152: From Compliance to Clarity: How to Streamline Nonprofit Data Collection and Evaluation

Data doesn’t have to feel like a burden.In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson talks with Kayla Meyers, Founder of Bridgepoint Evaluation, about how nonprofit leaders can move from compliance-driven data collection to clarity-driven evaluation strategy.If your organization is collecting data for grants but not using it for decision-making, team alignment, or strategic growth, this conversation will help you rethink your approach.You’ll learn how to:Shift from reactive to proactive evaluationStreamline nonprofit data systemsImprove data quality without increasing volumeAlign your team around shared learning goalsCombine impact stories with metricsEvaluation isn’t just a reporting requirement — it’s a leadership tool.Read the full blog recap here: https://thecharitycfo.com/from-compliance-to-clarity-how-nonprofits-can-finally-make-data-work-for-them/Connect with Kayla Meyers 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgepointkayla/🌐 Website: https://www.bridgepointevaluation.com/Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint#nonprofitpodcast #nonprofitdata #impactmeasurement #nonprofitstrategy #thecharitycfo

February 3, 2026Episode 15133 min

Episode 151: Rethinking Philanthropy: How Business Leaders Can Help Nonprofits Create Lasting Impact

What if philanthropy wasn’t just about writing checks - but about building systems that actually work?In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, host Tosha Anderson sits down with Ed Mitzen, Co-Founder of the Business for Good Foundation, to talk about rethinking traditional philanthropy through a business lens.After selling his for-profit company, Ed and his wife chose a hands-on approach to giving - investing time, talent, and capital into workforce development, housing, entrepreneurship, and underserved communities. Together, they explore how nonprofits, government, and the private sector can collaborate more effectively to create long-term economic mobility instead of short-term fixes.You’ll hear real examples of:Using entrepreneurship to reduce reliance on nonprofit servicesPartnering with government to get funding out fasterWhy nonprofit boards need business expertiseHow to engage donors and business leaders beyond writing checksWhat nonprofits should focus on as funding gets tighterIf you’re a nonprofit leader, funder, or board member navigating uncertainty and looking for smarter, more sustainable ways to drive impact - this episode is for you.Connect with Ed Mitzen🌐 Website: ⁠⁠https://www.bfg.org/💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-mitzen/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/businessforgoodfoundation/Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint