Tired of tiptoeing around your boss or dreading feedback sessions? Join us for a hilarious and insightful discussion on the art of giving and receiving feedback in the nonprofit world. Our expert guests, Elle Benson and Noah Spiegel, will share their secrets for transforming feedback sessions from awkward encounters into productive conversations. Learn how to deliver constructive criticism without sounding like a know-it-all, embrace feedback as a gift (even if it's wrapped in a slightly awkward...
May 12, 2025•27 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Ever wondered how those nonprofit superheroes keep saving the world year after year? Well, it's not just caffeine and sheer willpower. They take sabbaticals! In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the magical world of nonprofit sabbaticals. Join us as we chat with Abby Hyman of Healing Trust and Laurie Wolf of Foraker Group. These two nonprofit wizards will share why sabbaticals are not just a luxury, but a necessity for organizational health and personal sanity. We'll dive into the ...
Apr 28, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Tired of board meetings that feel like a snoozefest? Want to transform your board from a rubber-stamp club into a strategic powerhouse? Join us as we dive into the exciting world of board governance with two dynamic experts, T.D. Smyers of BoardBuild and Kim James of Young Leaders Council. In this episode, we'll debunk the myth that board governance is all about picking the color scheme for the annual gala. Instead, we'll explore the nitty-gritty of effective board leadership. We'll discuss how ...
Apr 14, 2025•28 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Why does it seem like every billionaire wants to colonize space, but they’re far less interested in feeding the hungry or providing period products? We’ll chat with the incredible Tina Doninger from Community Resource Center and C.J. Sentell from Nashville Food Project. They'll share the real challenges of funding basic needs, like food and hygiene products. We’ll explore how providing these essentials isn't just about survival; it’s about human dignity. Plus, we’ll discover how these organizati...
Mar 31, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Ever walked into an office and thought, "This place screams misaligned ?” Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of workspace design with the dynamic duo of Kate Haywood from Daily Design Group and Kesha Ivy from Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South. These design gurus and mission-driven leaders give pointers on how your office space can be more than just a place to clock in. We'll explore the nitty-gritty of creating a workspace that not only looks good but feels good, alignin...
Mar 17, 2025•28 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Ever felt like you're banging your head against a brick wall trying to break into the nonprofit world or get something new and different accomplished? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive deep into the murky waters of nonprofit gatekeeping. Join us as we chat with Sunny Bray from Catalyst Collective and Wendy Wand from United Way of Blount County. These two powerhouses spill the tea on how these gatekeepers are stifling innovation and holding back the next generation of nonprofit leaders. ...
Mar 03, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Ever had a volunteer who seemed to have a mind of their own? One who shows up when they want, does what they want, and can be downright unpredictable? Well, you're not alone! Join us as we dive into the world of "feral volunteers" with expert guests Angela Meekins from the Tennessee Nonprofit Network and Natalie Patric from the United Way of Greater Chattanooga. We'll discuss how to tame these wild spirits and turn them into productive, engaged volunteers. From crafting clear job descriptions to...
Feb 17, 2025•28 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Ever dreamed of winning the lottery? Well, imagine your nonprofit winning the equivalent! Join us as we delve into the exciting (and sometimes daunting) world of big donations. Our guests, nonprofit fundraising experts Joshua Ireland from Jefferson Bridge Capital and Phil Trammell of Nonprofit Resource Center, share their invaluable insights. They'll guide you through the process of preparing your nonprofit for a major gift, deciding how to best utilize that massive, unexpected donation, and nav...
Feb 03, 2025•27 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In this episode, we dive headfirst into the exciting world of public policy with our dynamic duo of expert guests: Arnetta Macklin from MIFA and Natalie Jones from Tennessee Nonprofit Network. Get ready to trade boring boardroom meetings for some serious policy wonkery! We'll unravel the mystery of how nonprofits can take their advocacy game to the next level by crafting a killer public policy agenda. Arnetta and Natalie spill the 501(c)tea on everything from identifying key issues to gaining su...
Jan 20, 2025•28 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Are you a nonprofit hero, always going the extra mile, and feeling like you're running on fumes? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of nonprofit burnout with the fabulous Cait Donovan. She discusses how the nonprofit martyr complex can turn a passion project into a full-blown crisis. We'll uncover the sneaky symptoms of burnout, from feeling chronically tired to snapping at your CFO. And don't worry, we've got the antidote! Cait shares her top tips for refilling your cup and avoiding t...
Jan 06, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 1
In an era of workforce shortages, nonprofit leaders are rethinking their benefits packages to include more support for employees, such as parental leave. In this episode, Amy Gore of Think Tennessee and Dr. Mary "MJ" McConnell discuss how parental leave creates equitable opportunity for employees and mitigates turnover.
May 14, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Have you ever made a terrible mistake while writing a grant or said the wrong thing during a meeting with a foundation? Don't worry, you're not alone. In this episode, grant writer Sara Baker and Tiffanie Grier of Assisi Foundation of Memphis share their insights on how to avoid the most common grant writing pitfalls and what to say when foundation trustees ask you that dreaded question about sustainability. Tune in and learn how to write a grant that will impress foundation trustees and win you...
Apr 30, 2024•26 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Quitting your job can be a tough decision, but it doesn't have to be a messy one. In this episode, Amanda McCollum of Adams Keegan and Forrest Alton of 1000 Feathers discuss how employees can quit their jobs with dignity and how employers can create a smooth transition for outgoing staff. Whether you're an employee thinking about quitting your job or an employer looking for ways to improve your offboarding process, this episode is for you.
Apr 16, 2024•27 min•Season 3Ep. 8
As a nonprofit professional, your knowledge can help policy makers who need - and often want - your input. In this episode, lobbyist Adam Nickas of Capitol Resources, LLC discusses how to build healthy, productive relationships with your legislators and how to position yourself as an expert on your organization’s mission and the communities you serve.
Apr 02, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Thousands of rural nonprofits are currently serving communities throughout Tennessee. Unfortunately, their hard work sometimes goes unnoticed, and their voices aren't represented at many decision-making tables. In this episode, Matthew Marshall of United Way of West Tennessee and Ellen Collins of Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy discuss why rural nonprofits should matter to metro nonprofits, our legislators, and our funders.
Mar 19, 2024•27 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Have you ever worked for a nonprofit that felt like a cutthroat competition? Where everyone hoards resources, collaboration is frowned upon, and people lose sleep over fundraising challenges? In short, a nonprofit with a scarcity mindset. In this episode, Hal Cato of Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and Hannah Lancaster of United Way of Greater Chattanooga discuss how an abundance mindset and an abundance culture can lead to more effective, collaborative nonprofits and lessen the stress ...
Mar 05, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Impact measurement is often seen as extra work to satisfy funders, but it's actually a way for nonprofits to grow, pivot, and better serve their communities. In this episode, guests Brian Straessle of Sycamore Institute and Chrystal Armstrong Brown of United Way of Greater Knoxville discuss why continuous improvement should be a priority for nonprofits and how data can shed light on opportunities for growth. We'll also talk a lot about hot dogs!
Feb 20, 2024•27 min•Season 3Ep. 4
In the highly polarized world we live in, nonprofits can often find themselves stuck in the middle of politics. This election will no doubt be contentious, and nonprofits must be careful to remain nonpartisan while also advocating for the causes they care about. In this episode, Tiffany Gourley Carter of the National Council of Nonprofits and Sumita Keller of Healing Trust discuss what nonprofits can and cannot do in the public policy arena and how to stay nonpartisan despite the partisan world ...
Feb 06, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 3
This touching episode features two amazing stories filled with heartwarming coincidences, twists, and turns. Discover what Erica Roberts discovered at her grandfather's house that unearthed a family secret connected to her former job at a nonprofit. And find out how fundraising literally saved Christy Passmore's life. Tissues are recommended for this episode!
Jan 23, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Momentum Nonprofit Partners rebranded to become Tennessee Nonprofit Network in late 2022, and in just one year, they have grown to serve over 40,000 nonprofit organizations across the state. In this episode, we talk to Abby Garrison of United Way of Greater Chattanooga and Tim Delaney of National Council of Nonprofits about Tennessee Nonprofit Network's incredible growth and impact. We discuss the challenges and opportunities that Tennessee Nonprofit Network faced along the way to becoming the f...
Jan 09, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 1
In a recent survey, 30% of departing executive directors reported that they were leaving because of their boards of directors. Do boards have a big part to play in the recent leadership turnover that’s happening across the country? Sounds like it! Sometimes boards forget that their CEOs are human beings with feelings and needs and children at home and bills to pay. How can boards better support their nonprofit leaders? How can boards set up their new executive directors for success? In this reve...
May 23, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 10
In the nonprofit sector, we can sometimes overuse words to the point where they completely lose their meaning. Other times, words have an underlying connotation that can alienate your stakeholders. And then there are those pesky words that no one understands, but we use them anyway to sound smart! How does this impact our communication with funders, clients, and staff? Does this really help us effectively share our vision and impact with those we serve? (Probably not.) In this lively conversatio...
May 09, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Do you feel like your organization is invisible to the general public? Are you having a hard time fundraising because people just don’t know what your organization does? Time to get a plan together to fight for public awareness! In this episode, Marvin Stockwell of Champion the Cause and Denzel Alexander of KQ Communications talk about how to employ earned and paid media, providing tips on effectively engaging social media, reporters, and consultants to get your nonprofit out from under its invi...
Apr 25, 2023•26 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In an era of quiet quitting and the “Great Resignation,” many nonprofit employees are daydreaming about being their own boss. Being a nonprofit consultant, though, isn’t just a glorious life of lounging poolside drinking margaritas while you write a fund development plan for a nonprofit client! The consultant life takes discipline, humility, gumption, and a whole lot of money management! Join national fundraising consultants Mel & Pearl Shaw as they de-mystify the consulting life and provide...
Apr 11, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Nonprofits need to engage at the local, state, and federal level to ensure that those laws are fair, support nonprofits, and reduce harm to the communities they serve. Collectively, the million+ nonprofits in the United States have a lot of power, but we have to use it or we could lose it! Despite the importance of public policy to the welfare of our nonprofits and our communities, many nonprofit leaders shy away from engaging in public policy. There is vast misunderstanding about what 501(c)3 n...
Mar 28, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Fundraising doesn’t sound like it carries a lot of risk, but it does! From having a secure donation processing platform to ensuring donor privacy to having a codified resource development plan, nonprofits must be mindful of the risks and liabilities associated with fundraising. In this episode, we talk with risk management expert Ted Bilich of Risk Alternatives about the do’s and don’ts of fundraising through the lens of risk and resiliency. We also discuss that darn impending recession that the...
Mar 14, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In a work environment, everyone is responsible for ensuring that the organizational culture is healthy and rewarding. Though ultimately the buck stops with the leader of your nonprofit, every employee must take personal accountability for their role in perpetuating healthy or unhealthy workplaces. Being mindful of how your own actions impact the culture is important, and self-awareness is a skill that can be constantly improved. In this episode, we are joined by Foluke Houston-Gaddis of P³ Human...
Feb 28, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Human resources can be the most complicated and least fun part of a leader’s job, and it’s even more difficult when you have to manage a messy employee—or a bunch of them! Messy employees may not have malicious intent, but they can cause all sorts of problems within your organization. Manipulation, incompetence, insubordination, poor people skills, negative worldviews, and other traits are messy enough, but sometimes leaders make the mess even bigger by not addressing the problems right in front...
Feb 14, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 3
If you’ve ever worked in a toxic workplace, you know how detrimental this can be to you and the organization as a whole. Whether it’s an abusive boss, a culture driven by unhealthy competition, or just way too much gossip at the water cooler, toxic organizations can zap your energy and make you run for the door. The worst part of all of this? Toxicity in your nonprofit organization ultimately hurts the communities you serve by distracting everyone from the mission. Turnover increases, work produ...
Jan 31, 2023•26 min•Season 2Ep. 2
With thousands of nonprofits, churches, and government agencies fighting poverty in our community, why is poverty still so prevalent? Are we simply putting Band-Aids on the problems without actually addressing the systemic roots of poverty? In this episode, guests Ayanna Johnson-Watkins of MICAH and Sutton Mora of Community Foundation of Greater Memphis discuss why our current system isn’t producing the results we want to see. We take a critical look at what’s not working and identify nonprofit ...
Jan 17, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 1
