Nonprofit Boards And Planning Learning
Embark on a journey of mastery in board governance and strategic planning with our selected collection of educational videos– tailored exclusively for nonprofits. Venture into the intricate dynamics of board management, from recruitment and retention of effective board members to nurturing a culture of engagement and mutual respect. Explore the heart of strategic planning as nonprofit experts share compelling visions and means to devise actionable plans, and implement them successfully. You’ll learn how to synergize your board and staff and align them towards common goals and objectives. Whether you’re a newly formed nonprofit seeking structure and new board members or an established organization aiming to streamline processes and enhance impact, these inspiring learning sessions will give you a wealth of resources.
In a world often clouded by complexity, some journeys stand out as beacons of transformation and hope. This is the story of Andrea and Haril Kazindra, two young visionaries whose lives were forever changed by an internship and a friendship in Uganda, sparking the birth of Musana.org, an organization rewriting the rules of charitable giving.
Andrea, just 20 and fresh from Colorado, found herself confronted with harsh realities in a Ugandan orphanage: children starving, stealing, and facing unimaginable hardships. Moved by the shocking discovery of corruption exploiting children's suffering for profit, she knew her path had changed forever. "I called my parents, I told them I'm not coming home—I'm staying to rescue these kids," Andrea shared passionately, and signifying the depth of her commitment.
Meeting Andrea was transformative for Haril, too. He says, "Learning about her compassion and love for these children and wanting to fight for them to have a better life—that's what really touched me the most." Together, they uncovered a staggering truth: 80% of kids in orphanages worldwide aren't orphans but rather products of systemic poverty and exploitation.
Realizing charity alone was insufficient, Andrea proffered, "Charity is not going to develop Africa. Business, enterprise, industry, investing in local people—that’s truly going to create impact.” This philosophy guided their innovative model that has now educated over 8,700 students and provided healthcare to hundreds of thousands of patients through community-built schools and hospitals, driven entirely by locally-generated income.
Their story isn't just one of success—it's a profound reflection on humility and empowerment. Haril shares, "If people can overcome egos and pride, a lot can be accomplished," underscoring their approach of mutual respect, cultural exchange, and local empowerment.
Now, Musana's radical mission addresses root causes of poverty by investing in sustainable enterprise, not dependency. Andrea powerfully re-affirms their core philosophy: "Charity has not developed any country—it’s business, enterprise, and industry that will create lasting change."
The lessons from Musana challenge conventional philanthropy and call us to rethink our approach to global aid, emphasizing dignity, sustainability, and local ownership.
#SocialEnterprise #CommunityEmpowerment #UgandaNonprofits
The nonprofit sector is undergoing a seismic shift. More and more rising professionals are being tapped for executive leadership—but are they truly prepared? Enter Brian Quail, an accomplished CEO, consultant, and author of The Ultimate Guide for New Nonprofit CEOs. In this conversation, he unpacks the realities of stepping into nonprofit leadership and why 50% of new CEOs fail within their first eight months on the job!
"Boards don’t know how to onboard new CEOs—and they never will," Brian begins. "That’s not why they were recruited. But what they can do is embrace a framework that ensures success from day one."
His ‘Five Frameworks Approach’ provides an actionable roadmap, from mastering the first 90 days to understanding financials, donor relationships, and board engagement. He also underscores a major leadership gap forming due to 10,000 Baby Boomers turning 65 every day until 2030, leaving a vacuum in leadership.
As Brian points out, “Being a nonprofit CEO isn’t about waiting for a title—it’s about stepping up and leading from the very first day.”
This fast episode is a game-changer for current CEOs, aspiring executives, board members, and leadership teams. If you want to stop the high turnover trend and build resilient leadership, don’t miss Brian’s expert insights.
#NonprofitLeadership #CEOOnboarding #LeadershipSuccess
Nonprofits often create strategic plans with the best intentions, yet many fail to achieve their desired impact. Why? We explores the factors that contribute to the breakdown of strategic plans and provide actionable insights into making them resilient and adaptable, with Doug Paul, Managing Partner and Innovation Strategist at Catapult.
Doug begins by challenging conventional thinking, offering, "Strategy is always a hypothesis—an informed opinion about how to win." Strategic plans often fall short because they are built for a world that no longer exists. Many organizations cling to outdated planning models that are too rigid to accommodate the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of the nonprofit sector.
To truly succeed, nonprofits must rethink their approach. Doug introduces the concept of "assumptions mapping," a technique that scrutinizes the foundational beliefs of an organization to ensure they are sound. He also discusses the importance of "pre-mortem" planning—analyzing potential points of failure before they occur.
Continuing, Doug describes how flexibility is key. Instead of treating strategic plans as fixed roadmaps, nonprofits should refresh and iterate their plans regularly, integrating learning cycles every 90 days. This shift allows them to navigate unpredictability with agility and confidence.
Doug also points to the need for nonprofits to cultivate an R&D mindset, setting aside 10-15% of resources for innovation and experimentation. "Every once in a while, one of these bets is going to hit, and when it does, it could change everything," he tells us.
A nonprofit’s strategic plan should not be a rigid document—it should be a living framework that adapts, learns, and evolves. If your nonprofit can embrace this mindset, you’ll be better positioned to achieve meaningful, sustainable impact!
#StrategicPlanning #NonprofitLeadership
In an era where leadership transitions are inevitable yet often overlooked, we’re digging deep into the timely topic of nonprofit succession planning, with two distinguished experts: Randy Brinson and Julia Burns. Together, they unravel the complexities of interim leadership, succession planning, and talent continuity in the nonprofit sector.
The important conversation addresses the urgency of succession planning as a strategic imperative rather than a last-minute scramble. As Julia begins, "Succession planning is having this holistic, thoughtful strategy about your talent pipeline that both makes it effective for today and readies the organization for tomorrow." The duo dismantle the common misconception that succession planning is solely about replacing a CEO. Instead, it is a dynamic, organization-wide process that fosters leadership development and ensures mission continuity.
Randy speaks to the broader scope of leadership transitions, stating, "If we have a cause that our organization is pursuing in the community, the best way for us to sustain success in that cause is to make sure we have a good talent pipeline of the people that we need to achieve that work." The two also tackle the hesitancy among board members to address leadership transitions and highlights the strategic advantage of treating succession as an opportunity rather than a crisis.
Both Randy and Julia provide actionable insights you’ll be able to use, from gathering essential information to fostering a culture of leadership continuity. They also provide info about their upcoming ‘Succession Planning Consultant Boot Camp’, designed to equip consultants and nonprofit leaders with the tools needed to navigate transitions effectively.
If nonprofit sustainability and leadership continuity matter to your organization, this episode is an essential watch. More about Third Sector Company.
#NonprofitLeadership #SuccessionPlanning
In this enlightening session, host Julia Patrick sits down with Richard Hawkes, CEO of the British Asian Trust, to delve into the intricacies of British royal charities and the unique challenges of international development work. Hawkes leads an organization founded by His Majesty King Charles III (when he was the Prince of Wales) and an influential group of British Asian business leaders. The British Asian Trust focuses on South Asia—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka—by partnering with local nonprofits to tackle issues such as education, livelihoods, mental health, and child trafficking.
Early in the conversation, Hawkes clarifies that royal patronage is not a financial windfall that magically solves funding challenges. Rather, “He doesn’t have a formal legal role in the running of the organization, however, he’s hugely interested in what we do,” Hawkes states, emphasizing that King Charles actively engages with and advises the Trust on strategic directions but does not provide direct funding. This level of royal endorsement lends credibility, Hawkes explains, but it also heightens the Trust’s sense of responsibility. There is meticulous due diligence in both project selection and donor vetting to uphold the high standards that come with royal patronage.
The interview then pivots to the broader context of the UK nonprofit sector, where economic pressures and post-COVID fallout have increased the need for charitable services while simultaneously tightening financial resources. According to Hawkes, these conditions can spur innovative strategies, such as social enterprises and new fundraising models, to address growing demands.
One particularly theme is the importance of data-driven impact. Hawkes shares how the British Asian Trust has been pioneering development impact bonds to ensure measurable results: philanthropic funding is disbursed only when certain outcomes—like improved literacy or numeracy—are independently validated. “There’s a big difference between wanting to do good and actually doing good,” he says, pointing to the necessity of evidence-based practice.
Hawkes also speaks candidly about navigating the colonial history that still shapes realities in South Asia. His organization’s approach prioritizes local decision-making, with substantial in-country teams and partnerships that empower communities to identify challenges and co-develop solutions. This model intentionally breaks from any vestiges of paternalistic aid, focusing on true collaboration.
By the end of this fascinating discussion, you’ll gain a nuanced understanding of what it means to be a “royal founding patron charity,” how international nonprofits can respond to social and economic pressures, and why data, evidence, and cultural context are so pivotal to successful interventions. Most importantly, the conversation highlights how passion for social change, guided by strategic collaboration and backed by a dose of rigorous measurement, is the driving force behind the British Asian Trust’s sustainable impact in South Asia. More about BritishAsianTrust.org
#RoyalCharities #GlobalPhilanthropy #SouthAsiaFocus
In the world of nonprofit fundraising, few topics carry as much weight—or as much uncertainty—as capital campaigns. In this riveting conversation, cohosts Julia Patrick and Wendy F. Adams sit down with the esteemed Steven Shattuck, Director of Engagement at Capital Campaign Pro, to pull back the curtain on the most pressing capital campaign insights, fears, and strategies that can make or break a nonprofit’s fundraising success.
Steven, a leading voice in nonprofit innovation and the author of ‘Robots Make Bad Fundraisers’, takes the audience into the why and how of capital campaigns, exploring feasibility studies, consultant roles, donor engagement, and the key intersection between #AI and fundraising. As capital campaigns often mean a seismic financial undertaking, many nonprofit leaders hesitate, fearing failure, funding shortages, or strategic missteps. In his conversation with cohosts Julia Patrick and Wendy Adams, Steven debunks myths and presents data-driven best practices to demystify the process.
A particularly eye-popping moment in the chat is the revelation that ‘96% of nonprofits conducting capital campaigns reported satisfaction with their results—even if they didn’t reach their full goal’. Why? Because the ancillary benefits, from strengthening donor relationships to refining their internal fundraising systems, turned out to be just as critical as the dollars raised.
A major takeaway? Feasibility studies are not just about testing fundraising goals—they are an opportunity to connect with major donors and lay the groundwork for campaign success. As Steven describes . . ."You're going to come out of the process having a better idea of what you can raise, because that's what you're doing—you're testing the goal, you're testing the case for support, and you're talking to major donors."
From the role of campaign consultants to emerging technology’s influence on fundraising success, this episode is a masterclass for any nonprofit leader looking to navigate the high-stakes of capital campaigns with confidence and more knowledge.
#NonprofitFundraising #CapitalCampaigns #FeasibilityStudies
At what point in life do we stop growing, learning, or pushing beyond our comfort zones? For Lauri Hennessey, the answer is simple: never.
Our cohosts welcome Lauri Hennessey, a communications expert, nonprofit leader, and now an educator at the University of Washington. Her journey is nothing short of inspiring—one of reinvention, resilience, and relentless pursuit of purpose.
Lauri's story takes us back to her early years at the University of Washington, where she left school without a degree to pursue a career in journalism. What followed was a distinguished professional journey in media, politics, and nonprofit leadership. But beneath her successes, there was always that lingering unfinished chapter—her education. It wasn’t until a colleague’s simple yet powerful question, "Are you dead?" that Lauri recognized the only thing holding her back was herself.
So she returned. Not only did she complete her long-abandoned undergraduate degree, but she went on to earn a master’s degree and ultimately became a professor. Through this transition, she discovered a profound connection between the nonprofit world and academia—both sectors fueled by storytelling, impact, and a shared mission for change.
Lauri sheds light on a fascinating concept: ‘middle-essence’. Often compared to adolescence, this period between ages 45 to 65 forces individuals to question their purpose, their legacy, and what truly fulfills them. She challenges the inertia that can settle in as we grow older, urging us to remain curious, bold, and open to reinvention.
For nonprofit professionals, her story is especially poignant. Burnout is real, talent is being lost, and many feel trapped in an unending cycle of fundraising, board management, and organizational challenges. But Lauri’s journey serves as a testament to the idea that stepping outside one's comfort zone—whether by returning to school, shifting careers, or simply re-evaluating what matters most—can be life-changing.
"You can have many acts in life. Don't just accept the story you have now—ask yourself what's blocking you, and take that first step to rewrite it," she says.
Her message is a call to action. It’s never too late to pivot, to rediscover passion, and to author the next chapter of your story!
#CareerReinvention #LifelongLearning #NonprofitLeadership
The nonprofit sector is facing an unprecedented wave of leadership transitions, and it’s not slowing down. This discussion on "The Retiring Nonprofit Leader" delves into the complexities of executive transitions, the emotional weight of departing leaders, and the structural challenges organizations face when leadership changes hands.
Guest Catherine Bradshaw, a leadership transition consultant at EOS Transition Partners, highlights the phenomenon of the "silver tsunami," where baby boomer executives, after years of delays due to economic downturns and global crises, are now retiring in droves. "The younger generation is saying, ‘I’m not going to work 70 hours a week,’ which means we need to redefine leadership roles."
Nancy Long, executive advisor and former executive director of 501 Commons, underscores the burden these long-serving leaders have carried. "Nonprofits recover much slower than businesses or government from economic crises. Executive directors have been shouldering the weight, and now many are simply spent."
Beyond the emotional challenges, there are significant financial and operational risks. Catherine warns, "A rushed transition can lead to the wrong hire, staff departures, and lost funders." Nancy adds, "A proper transition plan is like a race car pit stop—former executives should step back but remain available for critical guidance."
This conversation is a wake-up call for nonprofit boards and executives alike. Proper planning, structured transition support, and a focus on leadership sustainability are key to ensuring organizations thrive through these changes.
#NonprofitLeadership #ExecutiveTransition #SilverTsunami
The nonprofit world is evolving fast, and as we step into 2025, organizations must embrace key shifts to stay impactful. Meico Marquette Whitlock, a workplace well-being strategist and CEO of Mindful Techie, unpacked the trends that will shape the sector this year!
Mental Health Is a Must-Have, Not a Luxury. Burnout is at an all-time high, and nonprofits can no longer afford to treat well-being as an afterthought. Meico underscores the urgency, stating, “Taking care of your people and making sure they are well is the mission. If they’re not taken care of, your mission won’t move forward.”
Flexible Work Is Here to Stay. The pandemic changed how we work forever, and successful nonprofits will be those that embrace flexible policies—not just remote work, but truly adaptive structures that prioritize people’s needs and productivity.
Soft Skills Matter More Than Ever. In an AI-driven world, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and human connection will define successful leadership. Technology can enhance efficiency, but it can’t replace the value of being human in the workplace.
Authentic and Meaningful Online & Offline Connections. Whether remote, hybrid, or in-office, organizations must be digitally fluid—blending in-person and virtual interactions with intention, ensuring every connection has real value.
AI: No Longer a Shiny New Toy. AI is now an operational necessity, but nonprofits must integrate it thoughtfully. From fundraising to donor engagement, organizations need a mission-aligned AI strategy that balances efficiency with ethical considerations.
Wendy F. Adams, CFRE, and CEO of Cultivate for Good, explores the dynamics of leadership, workforce retention, and strategic collaboration in the nonprofit sector. Wendy, a trusted thought leader, shares a compelling vision for the future, detailing the urgency of prioritizing people as the driving force behind mission success.
This lively conversation, hosted by Julia Patrick, opens with a stark reality: the nonprofit sector is facing a 19% turnover rate, a costly and often underestimated challenge. Wendy outlines the financial and organizational impact of constant talent churn, urging leaders to shift from a reactive to a proactive mindset. By investing in career development, fostering open dialogue, and ensuring employees feel valued beyond their paychecks, organizations can improve their retention and stability.
Julia and Wendy shift to a critical issue: the traditional “sink or swim” mentality that has long dominated workplace culture. Wendy powerfully refutes this outdated notion, saying that the well-being of nonprofit professionals “is not a luxury—it is a necessity. The workforce has changed, and organizations must evolve with it by embracing a culture of support, development, and inclusion.”
Another key topic during their chat is the necessity of strategic collaboration in an era where funding is more competitive than ever. Funders are no longer simply backing well-intentioned initiatives; they are seeking sustainable impact. Wendy points out that nonprofits must shift from competition to collaboration, aligning their individual efforts with like-minded organizations to amplify their reach and effectiveness.
The conversation also touches on leadership succession planning, a topic many organizations hesitate to address until it's too late. With many sector leaders preparing to retire, Wendy talks about the value of grooming the next generation of leaders to ensure continuity and mission sustainability. By embedding career growth planning into organizational strategy, NPO’s can cultivate a pipeline of future leaders ready to carry the mission forward.
Julia and Wendy wrap up this discussion with an inspiring call to action: it’s time for nonprofit leaders to rethink their approach to people, progress, and partnerships. With a commitment to investing in talent, fostering a culture of well-being, and embracing collaboration, everyone in the sector can navigate the challenges ahead and thrive.
#NonprofitLeadership #WorkforceRetention #StrategicCollaboration
The CEO of the FreedomFund.org, Nick Grono, discusses his new book, How to Lead Nonprofits: Turning Purpose into Impact to Change the World. Nick shares his deep wisdom on leadership in the nonprofit sector, drawing from his extensive career that transitioned from corporate law and finance to public policy and, ultimately, nonprofit leadership.
Nick highlights the Freedom Fund's vital work in combating modern slavery, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with over 150 grassroots organizations worldwide. He describes how nonprofit leadership differs from corporate leadership, pointing to the lack of structured training for nonprofit executives. His book addresses this gap by providing practical lessons, drawn from his experience and interviews with other nonprofit leaders.
The conversation, with host Julia Patrick, peers into three critical themes: purpose, impact, and collaboration. Nick stresses that ‘purpose’ is the nonprofit sector’s unique superpower, capable of mobilizing teams, funders, and stakeholders to drive systemic change. He also discusses the necessity of investing in leadership development within the NPO space, arguing that funders should recognize leadership support as a vital component of their philanthropic investments.
On the topic of ‘collaboration’, Nick acknowledges the challenges yet highlights its transformative potential. He explains how the Freedom Fund operates as a collaborative fund, pooling resources from multiple donors to support common strategies. He also points out that competition for limited funding often discourages collaboration among NPO’s--a problem the Freedom Fund addresses by committing to multi-year funding and fostering cooperative networks among grantees.
Another major topic the duo talk about is trust-based philanthropy, an evolving approach that minimizes administrative burdens on grantees while providing unrestricted funding whenever possible. Nick shares how the Freedom Fund employs trust-based giving principles, including simplifying application and reporting requirements, to better serve grassroots organizations.
Nick also advocates for “survivor leadership”, ensuring that those with lived experience in human trafficking and forced labor play an active role in shaping solutions. He explains how “frontline partners”, particularly local community organizations, are the linchpins of effective change, elaborating on why solutions must come from within affected communities rather than being imposed externally.
This encompassing interview concludes with an inspiring message: nonprofit leaders must continuously realign with their purpose, invest in their leadership, and embrace collaboration to drive meaningful change. Nick’s book serves as a valuable resource for current and aspiring nonprofit leaders looking to enhance their impact. We encourage you to read it!
#NonprofitLeadership #PurposeDrivenImpact #FreedomFund
In the world of nonprofits, the journey often begins with a single moment—an unexpected turn that forever alters the trajectory of one's life. For Karen Olson, founder and CEO Emeritus of Family Promise, that moment came when she reached out to a homeless woman outside Grand Central Station with a simple act of kindness—a ham and cheese sandwich and a heartfelt conversation. That exchange illuminated a path she had never envisioned, leading her from a corporate marketing career to a life dedicated to addressing family homelessness in America.
In this recent conversation with host Julia Patrick, Karen shares how an impulse to connect with a stranger ultimately transformed not only her own life but also the lives of countless families across the country. "I knew at that point I had crossed an invisible line," she recalls. "I’d always wanted to help people, but I wasn’t sure how. Meeting Millie changed that—I saw her humanity, and it moved me to action."
That action led to FamilyPromise.org, an organization that now spans nearly 200 affiliates nationwide, providing critical support services, housing solutions, and volunteer-driven assistance to families experiencing homelessness. But as Karen shares, homelessness is often misunderstood. "For many people, homelessness is the man lying on the subway grate or the woman pushing a shopping cart," she explains. "But actually, 35% of all people experiencing homelessness are members of families—and they are invisible."
Through Family Promise, Karen has harnessed the power of small acts of kindness, demonstrating how even the simplest gestures—like an early-morning latte given by a volunteer to a struggling mother—can have profound effects. "You never know how people can be moved by small acts of kindness," she reflects . . . . . "That’s what changes lives."
Karen’s story serves as both a call to action and a reminder: Change does not require grand gestures—it begins with recognizing another’s humanity, taking that first step, and allowing purpose to unfold.
This sparkling conversation addresses the enduring and evolving challenges of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Gordon begins with illuminating the organization’s nearly century-long history, rooted in combating hate and fostering inclusivity since its founding in 1927.
Reflecting on the origins of the Diversity Center, Gordon shares, “For 97 years, this organization has been fighting the forces of violence and exclusion.” He elaborates on how the mission has adapted to societal changes, emphasizing how DEIB practices today are about acceptance and creating workplaces that reflect diverse communities.
Amidst national debates surrounding DEIB, Gordon encourages reframing conversations: “Diversity doesn’t have to be about social justice—it’s about acceptance and embracing people for who they are.” With a focus on transparency and education, the center actively involves donors, hosts transformative events, and builds bridges across generations.
The conversation between these two will give you a hopeful outlook toward engaging unity and open communication as a pathway to overcoming DEIB challenges.
#DEIB #NonprofitLeadership #DiversityMatters
Nonprofits, brace yourselves--host Julia Patrick sits down with Katie Warnock, CEO and founder of Staffing Boutique, to dive into the challenges of nonprofit staffing in 2025. Against the backdrop of a multi-generational workforce and the increasing integration of AI, Katie offers helpful strategies for navigating these complexities.
Katie highlights the nuances of managing a workforce spanning five generations, opining, “You need to be able to manage such a different range of thinkers… how do you maneuver around that?” This challenge is compounded in nonprofits, where older board members often struggle to relate to younger staff, especially regarding hybrid work models and digital communication preferences.
Katie also shares her own journey of embracing #AI to enhance efficiency. Initially resistant, she eventually leveraged AI tools to create marketing videos, demonstrating the power of adaptability. As she puts it, “Once we swallow the pill… we need to look at AI as a tool to make our jobs more efficient.”
From communication chaos to staffing dramas, Katie’s insights are the survival guide nonprofit leaders didn’t know they needed. With a blend of wit, wisdom, and real-world examples, she delivers actionable advice for navigating the complex, multi-generational, AI-enhanced, hybrid-working, slightly-stressed-out world of nonprofit leadership!
#NonprofitLeadership #WorkforceTrends #nonprofithr
In an era where diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are often polarized, Raël Nelson, Partner and Head of Equity at the Bridgespan Group, brings clarity and hope to the nonprofit sector. Joining Julia Patrick, Raël shares insights rooted in years of experience leading DEI efforts.
“We live siloed lives,” Raël begins, “but it’s in the workplace where most of us interact across lines of difference. This is our opportunity to learn and grow together.” These moments are pivotal in fostering understanding and collaboration, especially within mission-driven organizations.
Raël’s leadership at Bridgespan demonstrates how nonprofits can lead the charge in addressing systemic inequities—not just externally, but within their own structures. As she points out, “It’s not just about hiring diverse teams; it’s about building an environment of equity and inclusion where everyone thrives.”
This timely episode reframes DEI as a mutual benefit rather than an obligation. Raël explores with us how nonprofits, regardless of their mission, are inherently tied to DEI, from dog shelters addressing systemic poverty to libraries serving diverse communities. Her message will be clear to you: inclusivity strengthens organizations and their impact.
#DiversityLeadership #EquityInAction #NonprofitDEI
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