Nonprofit Radio Show

Hosted by Nancy Bacon and Sarah Brooks

Business Education

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Episodes

127

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Nonprofit Radio Show podcast offers bite-size, practical information to help small nonprofits thrive.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 4, 2026Episode 12633 min

Monthly Donor Programs: Building sustainable support with Garrett Freibott-Kalt

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.You can also follow us on these social media channels:Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

May 22, 2026Episode 12520 min

The Fundraising Power Small Nonprofits Already Have

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:Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

May 8, 2026Episode 12425 min

Why Small Donations Matter

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:Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

April 23, 2026Episode 12319 min

Low Engagement? Fix What’s Getting in the Way

Are you struggling with board engagement? If so, you’re not alone—it’s one of the most common challenges nonprofits face. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore why smart, committed people sometimes hold back—and what actually helps them step in, speak up, and follow through. You’ll leave with practical ideas to make it easier for your board to participate. Question to consider before listening:How engaged are your board members?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:Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

April 9, 2026Episode 12230 min

Onboarding New Board Members

Every new board member arrives with fresh energy and new perspectives. Channeling that energy into helpful engagement takes intention and care. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah walk through what it takes to set new board members up for success — from building deep organizational knowledge to helping them discover how they can make the greatest difference. Whether you're welcoming one new member or several, you'll walk away with practical, actionable ideas you can put to work right away.Question to consider before listening: What's one thing you could do to make your next new board member feel set up for success? 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:Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

March 19, 2026Episode 12127 min

Leadership Transition

A leadership transition is one of the most pivotal moments a nonprofit will ever face. It involves far more than simply finding the next executive director. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk through how organizations can navigate this change in a way that actually makes them stronger. Good transitions take time, intention, and thoughtful attention to the people involved. You will come away feeling genuinely hopeful about what is possible. Mentioned: Interim Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector report authored by Nancy Bacon, commissioned by Third Sector CompanyQuestion to consider before listening:How can your team approach leadership change in a way that brings people together? 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:Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

March 6, 2026Episode 12025 min

Setting a Fundraising Goal

Setting a fundraising goal is one of the most important steps in building a healthy fundraising program—and it doesn't have to feel overwhelming. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah break down how to set a fundraising goal your whole team can believe in. They make the process feel manageable—whether you're working from years of history or just getting started. You'll come away with the confidence and clarity to set a goal that's both realistic and inspiring. Question to consider before listening:How can your organization set a fundraising goal that energizes your whole team? 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:Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

February 20, 2026Episode 11920 min

How to Have an Effective Board Meeting

What if your board meetings were the most energizing hour of your month?Too often, board meetings become routine report-outs instead of spaces for real governance, strategy, and alignment. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah break down how to design meetings that are inclusive, purposeful, and focused on the conversations only the board can have.They share practical guidance on naming the purpose of each meeting, building trust and participation, using consent agendas, and strengthening the partnership between the board chair and Executive Director. What if your board adopted Sarah's 30 minutes at 30,000 feet? What would you talk about? Whether your meetings feel flat or you’re simply ready to raise the bar, this episode will help you rethink what a board meeting can be.Question to consider before listening:How would you like board members to leave your board meetings? 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:Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

February 5, 2026Episode 11818 min

Advocacy Habits for a New Year

This episode was recorded on January 4. As we share it, we’re thinking about the people of Minnesota. At its core, advocacy is about building relationships and standing together around what our communities most need, as Minnesotans have demonstrated these past weeks. We are grateful for their commitment and the work nonprofits do everyday to lift up their own stories. Advocacy starts with what you already see every day. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah show how small, everyday habits can build your nonprofit's influence without extra time or policy expertise. They explore how to turn frontline insights into action, spread advocacy across your team, and find a rhythm that fits your capacity. You're already advocating for your mission—this episode will help you do it with even more confidence and clarity. Question to consider before listening:How could your everyday insights move your mission forward? Want to dive deeper into everyday advocacy strategies? Our Advocacy for Small Nonprofits page has everything you need to get started.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:Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.

January 22, 2026Episode 11720 min

The Secrets of a Great Thank You Letter

A good thank you letter helps strengthen relationships and keeps donors connected to your work. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share practical ideas for writing thank you notes that feel genuine and manageable. They talk about how to open a letter in an engaging way, describe impact clearly, and approach thank you writing as a simple, sustainable practice. Whether you’re catching up on letters or looking to improve what you already send, this conversation offers useful guidance for making thank yous more meaningful and effective. Question to consider before listening:How do you feel when you receive a thank you note? 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:Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitradioshowInstagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshowTwitter: @smallnonprofitsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/You got this.