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An effective urgent nonprofit fundraising appeal strategy can drive immediate impact—but only when it’s clear, credible, and authentic.

In this Global Edition of The Nonprofit Show, Matthew Murray (CEO, Expand Consultancy, UK) shares practical insights on how nonprofits can respond to crises with urgency while maintaining donor trust and long-term credibility. From small, time-sensitive needs to global emergencies, this conversation focuses on what actually motivates donors to act—and what causes them to disengage.

One of the biggest takeaways: specificity wins. As Matthew explains, “We need this for this. Can you help?” is far more effective than vague appeals. Donors want to know exactly what their contribution accomplishes—whether it’s funding supplies, feeding families, or solving a defined problem in real time.

The episode also explores the role of data in crisis fundraising. While emotional storytelling still matters, credibility comes from backing it up with real numbers. “Backing up with numbers gives you real credibility,” Matthew notes, emphasizing the importance of using verified, trustworthy data sources.

But urgency comes with risk. Misusing a crisis—or attaching your organization to an issue you’re not directly addressing—can damage trust. Authenticity is non-negotiable. As Matthew puts it, “The most attractive quality in a nonprofit spokesperson…is authenticity.”

Finally, the conversation closes the loop on impact. Donors don’t just want to give—they want to see results. Sharing one clear story or measurable outcome can reinforce trust and deepen engagement.

If your organization is navigating urgent appeals, crisis fundraising, or global donor communication, this episode delivers wisdom you can implement immediately!

00:00:00 Global Edition Introduction
00:04:13 What Defines an Urgent Appeal?
00:05:26 Why Crisis Moments Drive Nonprofit Momentum
00:06:32 Real Example: Small Urgency, Big Impact
00:08:45 Why Specificity Converts Donors
00:10:25 Structuring Donation Levels for Maximum Response
00:13:21 Data vs Emotion in Fundraising Appeals
00:17:52 When Urgent Appeals Break Donor Trust
00:20:05 Authenticity as a Fundraising Advantage
00:22:34 Closing the Loop: Showing Impact to Donors
00:24:28 Using Media and Storytelling During Crisis
00:26:01 Simple, Authentic Communication That Works

#TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFundraising #GlobalPhilanthropy

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Exploring whether nonprofits should pay taxes on business income, examining how revenue sources, competition, and policy gaps are reshaping the sector’s financial landscape.

Nonprofit tax exemption business income is becoming one of the most important—and controversial—issues facing the sector today. As nonprofits generate more revenue through business-like activities, the question is no longer theoretical: should some of that income be taxed?

In this eye-opening conversation, Scott Hodge of Arnold Ventures joins The Nonprofit Show to examine how nonprofit revenue models have evolved—and where the current tax framework may no longer align with reality.

The nonprofit sector now represents $3.6 trillion in total revenue, with approximately $2.8 trillion coming from business-related activities. Yet much of this income remains untaxed. As Scott explains, “We have this enormous… gap in the tax code so that these businesses that are now nonprofits are not paying any tax on their business income.”

This raises real operational and strategic questions for nonprofit leaders. When organizations generate revenue through sponsorships, services, or large-scale operations, where is the line between mission-driven funding and commercial activity?

The discussion also revisits the intent behind the Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) and why it may no longer capture the realities of today’s nonprofit economy. “UBIT has been made so full of holes that it doesn’t capture very much income at all,” Scott notes.

At the same time, the conversation carefully distinguishes between truly charitable organizations—those driven primarily by donations—and large-scale entities operating with minimal philanthropic income. This distinction matters, especially as nonprofits compete not only with for-profit businesses but also with each other for limited donor dollars.

For nonprofit executives, finance leaders, and board members, this episode offers a critical lens on:

Revenue strategy and risk exposure

Policy shifts that could impact operations

The long-term sustainability of tax-exempt status

This isn’t about weakening the sector—it’s about understanding how definitions, funding models, and accountability may evolve in the years ahead.

00:00:00 Introduction: Should Nonprofits Pay Taxes?
00:01:20 The Scale of the Nonprofit Economy
00:04:30 What Counts as “Business Income”?
00:06:45 Real Examples: NCAA, AARP, Hospitals
00:09:20 Understanding UBIT and Its Limitations
00:12:00 Nonprofit Survival vs Business Activity
00:14:10 Defining True Charity vs Commercial Operations
00:16:00 Where Large Nonprofits Blur the Lines
00:20:00 Sector Pressure and Public Perception
00:22:30 Why Policy Change Has Stalled
00:24:00 What Could Trigger Reform?
00:26:00 Final Thoughts: Protecting True Charitable Work

#TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitTaxation #NonprofitFinance

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Nonprofit hiring challenges in 2026 are shifting in unexpected ways—and it’s not about a lack of talent. It’s about behavior. In this episode, we explore how “job hugging” is reshaping the nonprofit workforce and slowing hiring across the sector.

Dana Scurlock, Managing Director at Staffing Boutique, breaks down a growing trend where nonprofit professionals are choosing stability over opportunity. Rather than pursuing new roles or promotions, many are holding tightly to their current positions due to uncertainty in funding, policy changes, and broader economic pressures.

As Dana explains, “It’s not for lack of candidates—it’s for lack of candidate interest in moving jobs.” This shift has major implications for nonprofit leaders trying to fill roles, build teams, and drive innovation.

The result? Hiring pipelines are shrinking, searches are taking longer, and organizations are competing harder for fewer willing candidates. Even when strong candidates exist, they must be “courted” out of stable roles—raising the stakes for hiring processes and organizational reputation.

But the impact goes deeper. Job hugging isn’t just slowing hiring—it’s also affecting internal culture. Reduced mobility, fewer promotions, and fear-driven decision-making can limit innovation and stall organizational progress.

Dana also highlights a critical shift in candidate priorities: “More than anything, candidates want to be somewhere stable where they can grow and be set up for success.” For nonprofit leaders, this means rethinking how roles are positioned, how hiring is conducted, and how stability is communicated.

If your organization is struggling to fill roles, retain talent, or maintain momentum, this conversation offers practical insight into what’s really happening—and what you can do about it.

00:00:00 Introduction to Job Hugging
00:01:10 What Is Job Hugging?
00:03:30 Why the Nonprofit Job Market Is Shifting
00:06:40 How Uncertainty Impacts Career Decisions
00:09:10 Why Hiring Pipelines Are Slowing Down
00:12:00 Internal Job Hugging and Career Stagnation
00:14:50 Impact on Innovation and Organizational Growth
00:17:10 What Nonprofits Should Watch For
00:19:00 What Candidates Want Now: Stability Over Salary
00:21:30 Risk Aversion and Workforce Behavior
00:24:00 How Long Will This Trend Last?
00:25:40 What Leaders Can Do Right Now

#TheNonprofitShow #Nonprofitmanagement #NonprofitHiring

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Nonprofit succession planning strategy isn’t just a governance exercise—it’s a core risk management function that directly impacts mission delivery. Joan Brown (Third Sector Company) and Erick Seelbach break down how nonprofits can proactively prepare for leadership transitions without creating fear or disruption.

Too often, succession planning is treated as a reactive process—something triggered by a resignation or crisis. But as Joan explains, “A succession plan is a set of shared understandings and activities…that ensures we have the right people in the right places to deliver on our mission.” When embedded into organizational culture, succession planning becomes a stabilizing force—not a threatening one.

This important convo draws a clear distinction between succession planning and transition planning—two concepts frequently confused but critically different. Succession planning focuses on long-term leadership continuity across the organization, while transition planning addresses the tactical steps when a specific role changes hands.

The reality is sobering: fewer than 35% of nonprofits have a formal succession plan, and only 13% have plans for board leadership. At the same time, 86% of executive directors report they would leave for better professional development opportunities. That combination creates significant organizational vulnerability.

Erick emphasizes the importance of shifting mindset: “We make better decisions when we’re not in the emotional response to a crisis.” By integrating succession planning into performance reviews, strategic planning, and talent development, nonprofits can reduce risk while strengthening retention.

Key takeaways include:

Why succession planning should be position-based, not person-based

How to build an emergency leadership plan immediately

The role of professional development in retaining top talent

How to align succession planning with strategic goals

This is not about replacing people—it’s about protecting your mission!

00:00:00 Introduction to Succession Planning
00:02:00 What Is a Nonprofit Succession Plan?
00:03:15 Should Succession Planning Be Transparent?
00:04:40 Position-Based vs Person-Based Planning
00:06:00 Overcoming Fear in Leadership Planning
00:07:00 Succession Planning as Risk Management
00:09:10 Succession vs Transition Planning Explained
00:10:30 Building Transition Plans for Every Role
00:12:00 Connecting Talent Development to Succession
00:14:00 Why Leaders Leave: The Professional Development Gap
00:16:00 What Goes Inside a Succession Plan
00:20:00 How to Start Without Overwhelming Your Team
00:24:00 Emergency Planning and Interim Leadership

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Nonprofit accounting system redesign is the key to unlocking faster reporting, clearer insights, and stronger decision-making across your organization. If your team is struggling to pull reports, track grants, or explain financial impact, this conversation will challenge how you think about your systems.

In this episode, Christine Chacko from Your Part-Time Controller explains why many nonprofit accounting systems fail—not because of the software, but because of how they are structured. When data is difficult to access or requires manual work outside the system, it signals a deeper design issue that limits your organization’s ability to operate effectively.

As Christine shares, “If it is difficult to get the data and the reports that you need out of your accounting system, it’s time for a redesign.” That redesign is not just a finance exercise—it’s a strategic, organization-wide initiative that impacts programs, fundraising, and leadership decisions.

This discussion highlights how poor system design prevents nonprofits from telling their financial story and demonstrating impact. When reporting is fragmented, teams rely on assumptions instead of data. But when systems are designed correctly, organizations can achieve near “one-click reporting,” giving leaders immediate visibility into program performance, funding streams, and financial health.

Equally important, this episode emphasizes that technology alone is not the solution. “Slapping an app” onto a broken process will not fix communication gaps or unclear goals. Instead, nonprofits must start with clear objectives—reducing manual work, improving reporting, and building systems that scale with growth.

This is a practical, business-focused conversation about aligning finance, programs, and development teams around shared data and shared outcomes. When done right, your accounting system becomes a strategic asset—not a daily frustration!

00:00:00 Introduction to System Design in Nonprofits
00:03:00 Tech-Forward but Human-Centered Finance
00:04:00 What Is an Accounting System Redesign?
00:05:30 Why Poor Systems Kill Reporting and Insight
00:07:30 Data Challenges and Decision-Making Gaps
00:10:00 Setting Goals Before Changing Systems
00:12:00 Reducing Manual Work and Improving Reporting
00:14:00 Breaking Down Silos Across Teams
00:16:00 Why Technology Alone Doesn’t Fix Processes
00:18:00 Good vs Poor Accounting System Design
00:21:00 When and How to Implement a Redesign
00:23:00 Planning, Buy-In, and Organizational Readiness

#TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFinance

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Nonprofit volunteer management strategy is no longer about filling shifts—it’s about building long-term supporters who fuel your mission. Let’s see how nonprofits can turn volunteer engagement into a long-term donor pipeline through smarter systems, timing, and strategy.

In this episode, Chloe Boonstra of Bloomerang breaks down how nonprofits can rethink volunteer engagement as a strategic growth engine rather than a transactional activity. Instead of focusing on short-term staffing needs, organizations must design systems that turn initial interest into sustained commitment.

As Chloe explains, “We want to get away from the mindset of just filling a shift… and instead set the tone for a long-term partnership.” That shift in thinking unlocks new opportunities—not only for retention, but for deeper engagement across your entire organization.

A major barrier? Friction. Complicated onboarding processes, excessive paperwork, and disconnected systems all reduce participation. This episode highlights how tools like volunteer portals can streamline engagement, reduce administrative burden, and improve the experience for both staff and volunteers.

But the real opportunity lies in connecting volunteer and donor data. Too often, these systems operate in silos. Chloe challenges that thinking with a powerful insight: “A donor and a volunteer is the same person—they’re just speaking a different language of generosity.”

You’ll learn:

How to design a volunteer onboarding process that increases retention

Why simplicity drives participation and repeat engagement

When and how to introduce giving opportunities to volunteers

How to identify “peak moments” for deeper engagement

Why integrating CRM and volunteer systems is critical for growth

This conversation reframes volunteerism as a core business strategy—one that drives loyalty, engagement, and long-term sustainability.

00:00:00 Volunteer Strategy vs Filling Shifts
00:05:00 Why Mindset Drives Volunteer Retention
00:07:00 How Portals Improve Volunteer Experience
00:09:00 Eliminating Friction in Onboarding
00:11:30 Turning One-Time Volunteers Into Repeat Supporters
00:14:30 What Data Should You Collect From Volunteers
00:16:00 Volunteer-to-Donor Conversion Strategy
00:18:00 Breaking Down Organizational Silos
00:20:30 Creating a Full Engagement Lifecycle
00:23:00 Using Data to Identify Engagement Timing

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Nonprofit people management strategy is often overlooked—but it may be the single biggest driver of organizational success, staff retention, and mission impact. Allison Wyatt, Founder and CEO of Agility Talent Partners, breaks down how nonprofits can build stronger teams by investing in intentional people systems.

Most nonprofit budgets are heavily weighted toward staff, yet many organizations lack a clear strategy for managing and developing their people. As Allison explains, “To not have a strategy behind that… seems just irresponsible.” Without strong management, organizations face hidden costs—high turnover, stalled growth, poor performance, and even major financial loss.

Through real-world examples, Allison highlights the risk of underinvesting in leadership development. One organization lost $1.8 million due to a failed leadership transition—something that could have been mitigated with a relatively modest investment in succession planning.

The conversation also explores practical, actionable strategies for nonprofit leaders. Strong management doesn’t require complex systems—it requires consistency. Clear expectations, ongoing feedback, and coaching create a culture where staff feel accountable, supported, and motivated to grow. As Allison puts it, “Your staff want a coach… someone to model success and help them move to the next level.”

In today’s evolving workforce—remote environments, multiple generations, and resource constraints—building trust is more critical than ever. This episode outlines how leaders can deliver effective feedback, foster psychological safety, and shift from reactive management to proactive development.

For nonprofit executives, board members, and managers, this is a must-watch conversation about aligning people strategy with mission delivery. Because when your team performs better, your impact grows.

00:00:00 Introduction and Staffing Challenges
00:04:00 Hidden Costs of Weak Management
00:06:00 Why People Strategy Is a Business Strategy
00:07:00 $1.8M Lesson: The Cost of No Succession Plan
00:08:15 What Great Management Actually Looks Like
00:10:45 Why Staff Growth Gets Stalled
00:12:20 Managing Across Generations and Remote Work
00:13:40 Building Trust Through Honest Feedback
00:16:10 The Time vs. Investment Trap in Management
00:18:25 Small Steps to Build Stronger Teams
00:21:20 How Long Culture Change Really Takes
00:23:50 Leadership Buy-In and System Alignment
00:27:00 When to Bring in External Expertise

#TheNonprofitShow #nonprofitstaffing #NonprofitManagement

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Looking to build a nonprofit strategic planning framework that delivers real results? This episode delivers a practical blueprint for nonprofit leaders to build strategy, avoid mission drift, and drive measurable impact through disciplined, business-minded operations.

Dawn S. Reese, CEO of The Wooden Floor, shares how her organization integrates empathy, data, and long-term vision into a scalable nonprofit strategy. By combining arts education, academic support, and family services, her team has achieved a 100% college enrollment rate among graduates—proof that intentional strategy leads to measurable outcomes.

Dawn emphasizes a powerful leadership mindset: “I lead with empathy… not as a soft skill, but as a hard skill.” This perspective drives everything from program design to strategic planning, ensuring that decisions are grounded in real community needs.

At the core of their success is a clearly defined theory of change, which Dawn describes as the nonprofit equivalent of a business plan. It aligns staff, board members, funders, and stakeholders around a shared vision while guiding execution and measurement. As she explains, “Nonprofits are businesses. They don’t run like a business—they are a business.”

This conversation highlights practical strategies nonprofit leaders can apply immediately:

Building a long-term strategic vision while adapting in real time

Using data and feedback loops to refine programs

Avoiding mission drift through disciplined decision-making

Structuring programs for measurable, scalable impact

Communicating outcomes differently to funders vs. community stakeholders

If you’re leading or growing a nonprofit, this episode challenges you to rethink how strategy, leadership, and execution come together to drive sustainable success.

00:00:00 Introduction to Strategy, Youth & Mental Health
00:02:55 A Masterclass in Nonprofit Messaging
00:07:30 Leading with Empathy as a Strategic Skill
00:09:40 Building a 10-Year Strategic Vision
00:12:00 Mission-Driven, Business-Minded Organizations
00:14:10 What Is a Theory of Change?
00:17:10 Avoiding Mission Drift with Strategic Discipline
00:19:50 Scaling Programs Through Data and Partnerships
00:22:00 How to Get Donors to Care (Storytelling Strategy)
00:24:10 Aligning Students, Parents, and Staff for Success
00:27:00 Final Leadership Lessons for Nonprofits

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