Your budget is more than a spreadsheet. It's a map that guides your organization toward its goals and a mirror that reflects what you truly value. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore how to build a budget that aligns with your mission and sets you up for success in the coming year. They discuss why starting with values makes tough decisions easier, compare two approaches to budget building (blank sheet or prior year), and explain why budgeting works best as a team sport with staff and board working together. Whether you're creating your first budget or refining your process, this episode will help you see budgeting as one of your most powerful storytelling tools.

Question to consider before listening:

What does your current budget say about what your organization values?

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend. Want to request a topic? Email us at nonprofitradioshow@gmail.com.

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Your board has so much heart for your mission. With a little inspiration, they can play a big role in your year-end fundraising success. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share eight ways to help your board members get involved in year-end fundraising.

From writing thank-you notes to sharing stories online, you’ll hear how small, personal touches can make a big difference. And the best part? None of it involves asking for money directly—just connecting, sharing, and celebrating your mission.

Listen in for fresh ideas to spark your board’s enthusiasm and make this giving season your best one yet.

Question to consider before listening:

How do you tap into your board’s energy and connections during the giving season?

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/nonprofitradioshow
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• Twitter: @smallnonprofits
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/

You got this.

Stepping into leadership takes courage—and you’re right where you belong.

In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk about imposter syndrome—the voice that makes even the most capable leaders question themselves. They share why it shows up so often in nonprofit work and offer simple ways to quiet the doubt and lead with confidence.

Question to consider:

How has imposter syndrome affected you? How would naming and reframing imposter syndrome help you to do your job better?

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/nonprofitradioshow
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Twitter: @smallnonprofits
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/

You got this.

Leading a nonprofit can feel isolating at times—but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore how Executive Directors can find connection, encouragement, and community in their work. From peer groups to healthy boundaries, you’ll discover practical ways to feel supported and re-energized in your role. Tune in for a reminder that leadership can be both meaningful and connected.

Question to consider before listening:

Where do you find energy and connection in your leadership right now?

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/nonprofitradioshow
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Twitter: @smallnonprofits
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/

You got this.

Engaged boards don’t just happen—they’re built with intention. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah explore why some board members drift while others lean in, and what you can do to shift the balance. They unpack the four cornerstones of engagement—people, lens, structure, and conversations—and show how aligning them can spark real momentum.

Listen in as they share practical steps to move your board from simply attending meetings to truly investing in your mission. Discover the small changes that can make a big difference in how your board shows up.

Question to consider before listening:

When your board comes together, does it feel like just another meeting—or like you’re building momentum for your mission?

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/nonprofitradioshow
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Twitter: @smallnonprofits
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/

You got this.

Advocacy isn’t just for experts—it’s for anyone who cares about their community and wants to make a difference. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah talk with advocacy expert Bethany Snyder about how every nonprofit—no matter its size—can build power and make change. You don't need to be in Washington, DC or hire a lobbyist to influence decisions. Advocacy starts with your story, your mission, and your people. You'll discover practical ways to use your voice to influence policy on behalf of your community.

Question to consider before listening:
What policies impact your nonprofit?
How would a change in policy change the ecosystem in which you work?

More about Bethany Snyder:
Website
LinkedIn

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/nonprofitradioshow
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Twitter: @smallnonprofits
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/

You got this.

Manipulation or influence? It’s a question that stops many nonprofit leaders from using some of the tools of marketing and persuasion. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah unpack why the fear of being manipulative holds us back, and how we can reframe influence as an ethical, mission-driven tool. They explore how strategies like storytelling, priming, and social proof aren’t tricks—they’re proven ways to help people care, give, and take action.

Listen in as they unpack the difference between persuasion and manipulation, and share how using influence thoughtfully can help you lead with confidence, integrity, and purpose.

Question to consider before listening:

Have you ever stopped yourself from making an ask or sharing a story because you didn’t want to come across as manipulative?

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/nonprofitradioshow
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Twitter: @smallnonprofits
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/

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Professional associations can be a real lifeline for nonprofits. They connect us with others doing similar work, help us stay on top of what matters, and give our missions a stronger voice. In this episode, Nancy and Sarah chat about what makes a professional association truly helpful—and how to tell if the one you’re part of is working for you. They share simple ways associations can offer support, inspiration, and practical tools, especially when things feel uncertain. Listen in as they explore how the right association can help you feel more connected, supported, and ready to keep moving your mission forward!

Question to consider before listening:

What kind of support do you wish you had to help move your mission forward?

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/nonprofitradioshow
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitradioshow
• Twitter: @smallnonprofits
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-radio-show/

You got this.