The Spring Forward Podcast, formerly focused on general organizational excellence, has evolved to become your go-to resource for all things nonprofit. Host Spring Richardson Perry brings her expertise to guide listeners through the intricacies of nonprofit management, offering insights, strategies, and inspiring stories to help organizations thrive and maximize their impact in the community.
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May 6, 2025Episode 3930 min
The Business of Nonprofits
Send us Fan MailWe unpack the critical business side of nonprofits with Karria Lawrence, founder of Pretty Girls Pray and Archetype & Co, exploring how strategic planning and organizational structure enable mission fulfillment.Here are some key takeaways:• Strategic planning serves as the foundation for nonprofit success by creating clarity, preventing mission drift, and identifying what moves the needle• Properly documenting processes allows leaders to step out of daily operations and focus on strategic growth• Identifying team members' natural gifts ensures people are placed in roles where they can make the greatest impact• Breaking goals into shorter "sprints" (30-60 days) creates focus and urgency that leads to faster accomplishment• Strategic plans should be living documents that can adapt during financial strain while maintaining core objectivesConnect with Karria Lawrence on all social platforms @karriaconsult, visit her company at arketypeand.co, or learn about her nonprofit at prettgyrlzpray.org.
April 29, 2025Episode 3842 min
Ethics in Grant Writing
Send us Fan MailJoin host Spring Richardson Perry and Althea Lewis as they discuss the ethics of grant writing and the controversial practice of contingency-based compensation. Here are some key takeaways• Grant writers should never be paid on a contingency basis or only if a grant is awarded• Ethical concerns center around integrity, trust, and being good stewards of funder money• Pay-on-success models incentivize chasing large grants rather than focusing on organizational mission• Federal grants may allow for indirect costs that can cover grant writing services• Capacity building grants sometimes permit grant writing expenses but verify with the funder first• Strong grant proposals require clear directions, alignment with funder priorities, and specific measurable outcomes• Sustainability plans should leverage partnerships beyond just securing additional funding• AI should only be used as a thought partner, not to write complete grant proposals• Grants often go unfunded due to limited money available, not poor proposal quality• Always request reviewer comments to strengthen future applicationsTo learn more about ethical grant writing practices or join Althea Lewis's Grant Writing Academy starting May 12th, contact her at contact@lewisgrantwriting.com or find her on Instagram at lewis4grants.
April 22, 2025Episode 3738 min
Wellness for Nonprofit Leaders
Send us Fan MailWellness expert Serena Sabala shares powerful strategies for preventing burnout in the nonprofit sector, explaining why self-care isn't optional but mandatory for effective leadership and service.Here are some key takeaways:• Self-care is not optional but mandatory - you cannot give from an empty cup• Health is easier to maintain than regain once lost, as illustrated by Serena's father's mental health breakdown• Creating a wellness culture requires zero budget - start with healthy boundaries• Leaders must model self-care behaviors, as staff mirror their actions• The "tripod of optimal health" consists of three pillars: focus, food, and fitness• American "hustle culture" often glorifies overwork at the expense of wellbeing• Prevention through wellness practices costs far less than treating health conditions later• Wellness retreats offer immersive experiences that plant seeds for lasting habit changesContact Serena on Instagram and Facebook @wholeshiftwellness, on LinkedIn at Serena Sabala, or email at info@wholeshiftwellness.com. Get a free PDF copy of her book "Make the Shift" with this link: https://d2saw6je89goi1.cloudfront.net/uploads/digital_asset/file/1025155/Make_the_Shift_PDF.pdf
April 15, 2025Episode 3632 min
Financial Storytelling for Nonprofit Success
Send us Fan MailFinancial storytelling might be the missing piece in your nonprofit's fundraising strategy. Join host Spring Richardson Perry as she and guest Neil Shah explore how financial story telling can help organizations make strategic decisions aligned with their mission. Neil brings two decades of nonprofit financial expertise to the discussion. Here are some of the key takeaways for this episode:• Difference between bookkeepers and CFOs • How to analyze financial data to uncover trends and potential issues• Creating visual representations of financial information for effective communication• Using AI tools like ChatGPT to analyze nonprofit financial data• Understanding one-time revenues vs recurring income for accurate forecasting• Cash flow management techniques for small and growing nonprofits• Strategic approaches to hiring based on projected funding• Resources for nonprofits that cannot afford full-time financial leadershipRemember that nonprofits are businesses too. Your financial story matters and helps secure funding that sustains your mission! Connect with Neil Shah on LinkedIn.
April 8, 2025Episode 3532 min
Nonprofit Boards and Executive Leadership
Send us Fan MailThe relationship between nonprofit boards and executive directors can make or break an organization's effectiveness. In this illuminating conversation, governance consultant Nicole Gagliardi unpacks the often challenging dynamics that arise when boards and EDs try to navigate their roles and responsibilities.Here are some key takeaways: • Boards hold ultimate accountability and delegate day-to-day management to executive directors• Executive directors navigate relationships with multiple "bosses" who may not see themselves as employers• Board members from corporate backgrounds often bring unconscious biases about nonprofit professionals• Creating a detailed code of conduct helps define expectations and accountability for board members• Conflict management skills should be a key consideration when selecting board chairs• Neutral third parties can effectively mediate conflicts between boards and executive directors• Confidentiality in governance should support trust rather than promote secrecyFind Nicole (Nic) Gagliardi on LinkedIn or visit her website at riseandrun.co to learn more. Her biweekly newsletter "Nonprofit Board Stories" offers insights on governance challenges, and she has a new performance management system for small nonprofits coming this spring.
April 1, 2025Episode 3437 min
Hiring and Retention in Nonprofits
Send us Fan MailFinding and keeping exceptional nonprofit talent requires both competitive compensation and a winning organizational mindset that values staff wellbeing as much as client outcomes. Dan Leal joins Spring Richardson Perry to share wisdom from his 20+ years of nonprofit leadership experience.• Nonprofit compensation packages must include competitive salaries, quality health benefits (including mental health), and retirement planning• Boards should shift from a scarcity mindset to a "winning mindset" when approaching organizational finances and hiring• When hiring executives, look beyond impressive resumes to assess intangible leadership qualities through behavioral interviewing• Creating diverse organizations begins with heart-centered authentic commitment rather than performative language• Use technology thoughtfully in hiring processes and maintain human judgment rather than over-relying on automated screening• Take time with hiring decisions—your people are your organization's most precious resourceIf you want to connect with Dan Leal, find him on LinkedIn or email him at dan@seedlingmentors.org.
March 25, 2025Episode 3335 min
Fundraising and Donor Stewardship with Dan Leal
Send us Fan MailWhen it comes to nonprofit fundraising, relationships truly make the world go round. In this candid conversation with Dan Leal, CEO of Seedling Foundation, we dive deep into the art of balancing immediate funding needs with long-term donor cultivation in today's fast-paced, often disconnected world.Dan shares how the pandemic revealed weaknesses in many organizations' donor relationships and digital fundraising capabilities. His practical wisdom on making meaningful connections resonates whether you're pursuing foundation grants or individual major gifts: "It's still about relationships and it's a matter of how you attain that relationship." Even a brief Zoom call or phone conversation can dramatically outperform email-only outreach when seeking funding.Whether you're an executive director struggling with donor retention or a development officer seeking fresh approaches, this conversation offers practical strategies for authentic fundraising that honors your mission while embracing the power of genuine human connection. As Dan reminds us, in a divided world, our greatest fundraising asset might be finding commonalities that unite diverse supporters around our cause.Key Takeaways: • Relationships make the world go round—for both immediate funding needs and long-term donor cultivation• Personal outreach (calls, in-person meetings) significantly outperforms email-only communication with potential funders• Social media provides valuable opportunities to initiate one-on-one interactions with prospective donors• When discussing operational costs, focus on program impact and outcomes rather than directly asking for "salary money"• Major donor interactions require genuine interest in the donor's motivations, not just presenting your organization's needs• Consider using AI (or "authentic intelligence") to discover fresh language and perspectives about your work• Organizations with similar missions can differentiate themselves while still collaborating and sharing donors
January 30, 2025Episode 3244 min
Navigating Nonprofit Success
Send us Fan MailUnderstanding the realities of nonprofits is crucial for current and future leaders in the sector. In this episode, Spring Richardson Perry and Shawntinique Shepherd discuss key distinctions between non-profit and for-profit organizations. They tackle misconceptions about ownership and emphasize the importance of compliance and financial transparency. Key Takeaways: • Differences between nonprofits and for-profits in governance and purpose • Misbelief about ownership and the true nature of nonprofit profits • Importance of internal controls and financial compliance • New regulations introduced under Uniform Grants Guidance • Insights on indirect costs related to federal grants • Need for collaboration with existing nonprofits in the community • Challenges in obtaining funding and maintaining nonprofit viability • Overview of audit requirements and financial transparency for nonprofits
January 30, 2025Episode 3136 min
Battling Burnout
Send us Fan MailThis episode discusses the pervasive issue of burnout, especially in the nonprofit sector, focusing on its symptoms, impact, and practical strategies for recovery. Spring Richardson Perry and guest Shandelynn Hilliard, licensed professional counselor, share personal experiences and insights on recognizing burnout in oneself and others, emphasizing the importance of self-care and community support.
April 4, 2024Episode 3046 min
The Lifesaving Power of Being Observant
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Michelle Cummings, CEO of Hedge Security Solutions and former military personnel, emphasizes the critical importance of situational awareness. Drawing from her personal experiences with near-miss mass shootings, Michelle illustrates how everyday distractions can pose significant risks. We explore real-life scenarios, from an avoided incident at a private school to the Oxford High School shooting, underscoring the lifesaving benefits of vigilance. The discussion concludes with actionable steps through a situational awareness training course, highlighting stories of security lapses and attempted abductions to stress the urgency of staying alert in public and private spaces. Tune in for a discussion that's not just about fear, but about arming ourselves with the knowledge and alertness to protect what we hold dear.
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