When to Expand Your Nonprofit Fundraising Team
One of the most pressing conversations in nonprofit leadership: when and how to expand your development team! With humor, candor, and real-world insights, our cohosts unpack the strategy behind scaling up—and why it’s not just an “expense” but an investment in your mission’s growth.
“Now more than ever—we’ve heard that phrase for decades. We need to call things out for what they really are,” Tony Beall begins, challenging nonprofit leaders to rethink overused buzzwords and focus instead on strategic timing. Expansion isn’t just about growth—it’s about aligning strategy, operations, and finance to support your organization’s evolution.
Julia Patrick adds: “So many nonprofits are going to have to change the way they look at their revenue models… and their labor structures.” She emphasizes that expanding your fundraising team is not just a trend—it’s a necessity in a shifting landscape of donor behavior and economic pressures.
The duo explores reasons for team expansion, from burnout prevention and portfolio diversification to risk mitigation. Tony offers a caution: hiring someone simply for their donor list is shortsighted. “I’m not hiring you for your portfolio of potential. I’m hiring you for your ability to perform.” That clarity helps frame realistic expectations and long-term outcomes.
They also discuss the evolving spectrum of fundraising talent—why someone good at one-on-one donor relationships might not excel at grant writing or digital campaigns. Tony and Julia encourage leaders to define the revenue streams they aim to grow, then match those streams with specialized skills, not generic fundraising experience.
Another highlight: the value of hiring individuals with mission-aligned backgrounds, even if they come from outside the sector. Whether it’s a . . . . . . . . .
LinkedIn for Nonprofits: Turn Your Story Into Funding
Are you a nonprofit leader hiding in plain sight on LinkedIn? Emmy Award-winning journalist and founder of StoryLede, Bofta Yimam, delivers a powerhouse session on transforming your LinkedIn presence into a strategic tool for visibility, donor attraction, and lasting impact.
In this energized, tactical conversation, Bofta lays out why storytelling and consistency—not just random posts—are the keys to creating real ROI on LinkedIn. Whether you’re leading a small startup or managing a national organization, this episode will challenge your thinking and upgrade your online presence.
| “Nonprofit leaders who own their story decide that the vision is more important than their ego.”
| “People care about transformation. They want to know how you got here and why you care so much.” –
Top LinkedIn Success Tips You’ll Learn:
- Post 3x a week with intentionality
- Define 5 personal or organizational themes to build content around
- Use the first 200 characters of every post as a hook
- Share transformation stories that connect emotionally
- Stop over-selling—focus on thought leadership
- Don’t interrupt high-performing posts
- Engage meaningfully before and after you post
- Add new eyeballs weekly (via search + 2nd connections)
- Rotate post types: carousel, tips, video, and inspiration
- Support others’ content—remember, it’s social media!
Whether you’re seeking more visibility, stronger donor relationships, or a better brand narrative, this episode is a LinkedIn masterclass built for the nonprofit world. Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
From Poverty to Possibility: How STEP Transforms First-Gen Students
Dr. Tracy Baynes—Founder and CEO of the Student Expedition Program (STEP)—shares how a wilderness leadership initiative evolved into a powerful, multi-year college access program transforming lives.
STEP focuses on first-generation, low-income students in large public high schools, many of whom might otherwise never be encouraged to pursue higher education. Through a personalized approach—monthly workshops, advising, and family engagement—STEP prepares students academically, emotionally, and practically to not just attend college, but to thrive in it.
Dr. Baynes explains how her early career working aboard ships and in outdoor education sparked an uncomfortable realization: “I was only working with wealthy students. And I thought, where is everybody else?” This question became the genesis of STEP.
Over time, the program matured from summer expeditions to a fully integrated college prep curriculum starting in students’ sophomore year. The turning point? A high-achieving student inspired by Dr. Baynes to apply to Smith College—without ever having heard of it before. But her transcript lacked the rigor. “She had straight A’s throughout high school and not a single educator had said, ‘You should take another course,’” Dr. Baynes recalls. That gap in guidance pushed STEP to grow.
The conversation unpacks the hidden roadblocks facing low-income students: lack of college counseling, financial aid complexity, and cultural barriers. Dr. Baynes’ solution? Equip both students and families with knowledge, tools, and confidence. “Our goal is to become obsolete in your life,” she says. “We want you to have the tools to meet the challenges ahead.”
Today, 96% of STEP graduates are enrolled in or have completed college. The secret sauce? Relational trust, rigorous expectations, and . . . . . . . . .
Avoiding Tech Regret: Platform Planning for Nonprofits
In today’s digital-first nonprofit environment, it’s not enough to simply invest in a platform—you must also manage that investment intentionally to see long-term value. Samar Haddad, Manager of Client Experience at JMT Consulting, walks us through how nonprofits can shift from reactive to strategic when working with tools like donor databases, accounting platforms, CRMs, and more.
From the outset, Samar stresses the importance of selecting not only the right software but also the right solution partner. “Partner solution is just as important as solution selection,” she advises, urging nonprofits to interview potential vendors, understand the structure of their support systems, and clarify expectations around responsiveness and ongoing engagement.
This episode dives into why support shouldn’t stop after onboarding. “Onboarding and training doesn’t just happen once. The solutions are continuously evolving, needs are evolving, regulations are evolving,” Samar shares. This mindset—treating platform management as a living, breathing process—can help nonprofit teams make better use of their tools, align systems with strategic goals, and navigate disruptions with greater resilience.
Samar also outlines the value of structured, recurring touchpoints. JMT Consulting meets quarterly with clients, aligned with budgeting, audits, and planning seasons, ensuring that technology is always serving the mission—not the other way around. She encourages teams to be open about their frustrations and compliments, noting that the most productive relationships involve constant dialogue, feedback, and shared discovery.
A powerful takeaway from this interview is the idea that nonprofits should strive for “voluntary management instead of involuntary management”—a proactive, data-driven approach that empowers teams to use their platforms with intention rather than reaction.
Whether you’re onboarding a . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit Labor and a Rattled Economy
The nonprofit workforce is facing a seismic shift—and Dana Scurlock, Director of Recruitment at Staffing Boutique, is sounding the alarm. Dana shares her front-line insights into how nonprofit hiring, funding, and retention are being shaken by rapid economic changes, sudden government funding losses, and the ripple effects of widespread layoffs.
“This isn’t like the 2008 recession—it’s a new kind of shock,” Dana warns, “caused by government decisions, not just market forces. And it’s hitting nonprofits harder than most expect.” With federal funding like USAID vanishing overnight, entire nonprofit teams are being let go. “We had people with 10-year careers suddenly unemployed, instantly flooding the job market,” she explains.
But it’s not just about job loss—it’s about how organizations and individuals can respond strategically. Dana urges nonprofit leaders to prepare now: streamline hiring strategies, proactively build relationships, and invest in operational resilience. For job seekers, her advice is clear: tailor your resume, keep your online presence updated, and target your applications with laser focus. “Five thoughtful applications are better than twenty generic ones,” she advises.
In today’s chaotic labor environment, many hiring managers are frozen in fear, paralyzed by a rattled economy. Even temporary hiring is down. Yet Dana sees this as an opportunity. “Now is the time to be proactive. Hire for strategy—bring in a temp to build a grant pipeline or kick off a new campaign before the fiscal year resets,” she suggests.
What’s the biggest takeaway for nonprofit leaders? Talk to each other. Share intelligence. Cross-pollinate ideas. “The best information comes from each other,” says Dana. “Let’s stop gatekeeping and . . . . . . . . .
Want to Be a Nonprofit Consultant? Watch This First
Is it a bold leap… or a necessary evolution? Unpacking what it really takes to move from frontline nonprofit roles into independent consulting—with cohosts Tony Beall, Founder of Mr. Nonprofit Consultancy, and Julia Patrick.
If you’ve ever felt boxed in by one organization, this conversation will challenge your assumptions. From building your personal brand and selecting a niche to navigating ethical landmines and saying “no” to work that doesn’t fit — Tony doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of consulting. He shares how he scaled impact while protecting sanity and why too many consultants chase dollars instead of purpose. Thinking about making the jump? This is your essential primer. Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
Planning for Chaos: How Nonprofits Stay Ready!
In the dynamics of nonprofit leadership, few challenges loom larger than the compounded weight of natural disasters and abrupt policy changes. Director Jennifer Banks of Your Part-Time Controller delivers a strategic and emotionally grounded perspective on preparing for the unpredictable. Drawing from her front-line experience during the Southern California wildfires, Jennifer guides nonprofit leaders through risk management tactics that go beyond spreadsheets and budgets.
“Risk is just… the likelihood that something bad is going to happen,” Jennifer calmly asserts, offering a crucial reframing that invites transparency and proactive planning. Nonprofits across the country have felt the dual pressure of environmental disasters and shifting political mandates. For instance, Executive Order 14173—a federal action targeting DEI efforts—has sent shockwaves through corporate philanthropy, causing organizations to recalibrate their messaging and funding strategies.
Jennifer recounts real-world disruptions, from displaced executive directors to diverted funding streams, showing how interconnected disasters and policy shifts can devastate even the most well-managed organizations. One chilling example: “We had some Fortune 100 companies say, ‘We support your mission, but due to federal contracts, we can’t use DEI language.’” The implications are massive—not just for program funding, but for organizational identity.
To mitigate these pressures, Jennifer recommends regular scenario planning, asset protection strategies (including intangible assets like brand and IP), and a cultural shift toward inclusive financial education within teams. Her advice is both calm and actionable: use this moment of stability, however fleeting, to prepare. That includes stress-testing budgets, securing lines of credit when the balance sheet is strong, and educating all levels of staff about financial realities.
So striking is . . . . . . . . .
From Hospice to Health: Inside a Bold Nonprofit Rebrand
Rebranding a nonprofit isn’t just about new logos or fresh colors—it’s an emotional journey deeply rooted in the mission, culture, and service commitment of an organization. James Dismond, CEO of Mirasol Health, formerly Hospice Care of the Low Country, joined host Julia Patrick to share the inspiring, often emotional, details of their transformative rebranding.
For decades, Hospice Care of the Low Country was a dedicated nonprofit, caring for patients facing end-of-life scenarios. Yet, despite their essential services, the organization faced an existential challenge: staying relevant in an evolving healthcare landscape. A candid internal study revealed a stark truth: if no changes were made, they faced closure within five years.
James vividly recalls the moment that changed his personal and professional trajectory. On his very first day, several patients passed away, confronting him directly with his deepest fear—death. Instead of turning away, he embraced this fear, turning it into a profound passion. James noted, “That fear has since transcended into my greatest passion, and I’m very blessed for that.”
The rebranding initiative was far from simple. It was two years in the making, involving rigorous strategic analysis, extensive stakeholder consultations, and an honest assessment of community perceptions. The word “Hospice” was a significant barrier, fraught with fear and misunderstanding. This realization was a pivotal turning point. James explains, “The powerful messages we are getting back just touch my heart every single day.”
Ultimately, the staff themselves coined the new name, “Mirasol,” symbolizing “rare and radiant sunflower,” beautifully capturing the legacy and spirit of the organization’s enduring symbol—the sunflower. This rebranding was not merely aesthetic; it . . . . . . . . .
70% of Donors Started as Volunteers – Are You Missing Out?
Do we dare ask our volunteers to also become donors? Chloe Boonstra of Bloomerang says absolutely — and she’s got the data to prove it. In this fast moving episode, Chloe shatters the long-standing fear many nonprofits have about mixing fundraising with volunteerism. The truth? 70% of donors started as volunteers — and nonprofits are missing out by keeping these tracks separate. Is your team operating in silos? Are you afraid to make the ask? Then you need to watch this conversation. Chloe shares practical, authentic strategies to build deeper, dual-track relationships. Time to rethink what you thought you knew and turn your volunteers into loyal, lifelong supporters.
#VolunteerToDonor #NonprofitFundraising Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
Leadership Transitions Done Right—Meet the Interim Experts
You’ll learn so much from this informative discussion of the most misunderstood yet increasingly vital roles in the nonprofit world: interim leadership. Featuring powerhouse guests Joan Brown, Chief Operations Officer at Interim Executives Academy, and Karin Sabey, CEO of Sabey Consulting, the conversation explores why ‘the interim profession is no longer a placeholder, but rather a strategic, transformative force’. From transparent communication with staff to preparing organizations for thoughtful succession, this episode reveals why professional interims aren’t just leaders—they’re lifelines. And if there’s one thing we need in today’s shifting nonprofit landscape, it’s calm within the chaos.
Gone are the days when an “interim” simply kept the lights on. Joan begins with, “We’re at this exciting opportunity to really better define the profession and better define it as a standard of practice.” Interims today are trained professionals who guide organizations through times of transition with precision, empathy, and results-driven methodologies.
Karin paints the role as a “palate cleanser” between leadership tenures, providing organizations with a fresh start—regardless of whether the previous leader left in celebration or crisis. “A long-term leader may have a lot of institutional knowledge stored in their head,” she explains. “An interim helps reset the table for the next leader.”
The duo dig into the details of the importance of methodology and diagnostics, likening it to a toolbox or even a box of Legos. “You can build a house or a spaceship,” says Karin, “depending on what the organization needs.”, pointing out how this kind of customization is key to stabilizing and uplifting organizations during pivotal times.
And what about board understanding? . . . . . . . . .
Master the Grant Cycle: From Rejection to Funding!
In this high-energy Fundraisers Friday Show, cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall unpack the complexities of grant writing and grant readiness with an eye toward practical, data-driven insights. It’s a masterclass in actionable wisdom for any nonprofit professional involved in grant development—covering strategy, timelines, win rates, and relationship-building.
Julia sets the tone with her signature candor, stating: “Fundraisers are expected to do this and it is a very specific trade or craft.” This immediately defines the reality that for many nonprofit professionals, grant writing is just one of several responsibilities they juggle.
Tony responds, echoing: “Grant writing is one of the most important combinations of style and substance… tell a story and back it with data.” He reinforces this by recommending that fundraisers align time investment with expected revenue—if grants are expected to make up 20% of a nonprofit’s budget, then 20% of time should be spent on them.
The show also dives into success rates. Tony notes, “National or federal grants may have just a 5%–10% win rate, whereas local grants can hit 40%–50%,” pushing nonprofits to think strategically when choosing which grants to pursue.
The duo explore application timelines, portal logistics, and how a lack of consistency across systems can be a major hurdle. Despite these challenges, they encourage you to create internal systems and document folders to manage recurring information—especially vital as Tony quips, “You’ll be so good at this… you’ll spend 50–75% less time on your narrative over time.”
A big theme emerges around the evolving role of funders and the increased opportunity for relationship-building. Julia points out, “This isn’t just a shot . . . . . . . . .
A Modern Nonprofit Changing Ukraine’s Future: One Video Call at a Time!
In a transformative conversation, Katerina Manoff, visionary founder and CEO of ENGinprogram.org, passionately shares her remarkable journey of creating a groundbreaking grassroots nonprofit. ENGin uniquely pairs Ukrainian learners with volunteers from across the globe through weekly online video interactions, transcending simple language exchanges to foster profound cultural connections and personal growth.
Katerina’s compelling narrative reveals how ENGin not only facilitates language acquisition but empowers young Ukrainians, equipping them with crucial skills and cross-cultural competencies essential for their nation’s arduous journey of recovery and reconstruction. Despite the profound challenges presented by an ongoing war, Katerina insists ENGin’s mission extends beyond mere survival. With unwavering resolve, she states, “It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving against the odds.”
ENGin’s innovative approach disrupts traditional nonprofit dynamics by establishing equitable, mutually beneficial relationships rather than the conventional giver-receiver paradigm. Volunteers themselves become deeply enriched by the experience, gaining cultural insights, meaningful friendships, and improved communication skills. Katerina eloquently captures this unique dynamic: “[Our volunteers] don’t feel like they’re giving—they feel like they’re fighting alongside us.”
Demonstrating visionary leadership, Katerina envisions scaling ENGin dramatically from its current 55,000 participants to an ambitious target of one million. Her aspiration is nothing short of transforming an entire generation of Ukrainian youth into fluent, culturally connected global citizens who can actively contribute to rebuilding their homeland. Katerina’s passion resonates profoundly, highlighting the incredible potential of virtual connectivity to truly catalyze real-world change, especially in times of adversity.
Throughout the interview, Katerina candidly discusses her personal evolution as a leader, offering invaluable insights into effective nonprofit board development, adaptive management strategies, . . . . . . . . .