The Power of Saying No: Focus Strategies for Nonprofits

For nonprofits, managing a common purpose is no small feat, yet Adam Luecking, CEO of Clear Impact and author of Social Sector Hero: How Government and Philanthropy Can Fund for Impact, offers a masterclass on achieving measurable change in the nonprofit sector. During his conversation with host Julia Patrick, Adam highlights the transformative power of aligning stakeholders toward a shared goal and implementing data-driven strategies. Through a couple captivating stories, he showcases the importance of defining and measuring success. "Measurement brings precision to your passion," Adam begins, stressing that without metrics, organizations risk misdirecting their efforts. His insights reveal that successful collaboration stems from clarity, measurement, and commitment to a common vision.One standout case involved the state of Maryland's focus on child well-being, which saw significant improvements in school readiness over a decade—rising from 49% to 83%. Similarly, Baltimore's initiatives to address infant health disparities reduced the city's black-white disparity in teen birth rates by 75%. These stories he shares demonstrate the profound impact of shared objectives paired with data-informed action plans.For nonprofit organizations eager to join this movement, Adam offers some practical advice: start with one to three measurable goals, iterate as needed, and focus on progress over perfection. As Julia adds in, his approach transforms what might seem like daunting data work into an accessible, empowering process.For those inspired to act on all this, his book, Social Sector Hero is available for free at socialsectorhero.com. By taking the first step to align on a common purpose, your nonprofit can drive even more measurable change that benefits your communities! #MeasurableImpact #NonprofitLeadership #nonprofitimpactFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: [email protected] us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

An electrifying conversation with Robert Lewis, Jr., Nicholas President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Boston. With charisma and a passion rooted in lived experience, Robert shares his remarkable journey and the impactful work of his organization, which serves over 14,000 teens and touches the lives of 40,000 families annually. From his upbringing in public housing to his leadership today, Robert embodies resilience and hope. “I remind them I grew up in the projects...I am them, just years older,” he reflects, connecting deeply with the youth he serves. His dedication isn’t just about addressing gaps in service—it’s about empowering young people to achieve greatness, providing them with resources for health, education, and workforce readiness. “Do you believe in these young people? This is not about fixing them—they don’t need fixing. It’s the systems around them that do,” Robert emphasizes, disrupting traditional narratives. This fun episode to watch, hosted by Julia Patrick, tackles profound issues: educational disparities, health inequities, and the need for systemic change. But Robert’s message is clear—collaboration and investment in young people’s potential are the cornerstones of a thriving community. He invites donors, board members, and community leaders to engage firsthand with the Boys and Girls Club’s mission, emphasizing that this is about building a “return on community,” not just an ROI. This heartening discussion redefines leadership, challenges assumptions, and inspires action. #YouthEmpowerment #BridgeBuilding #NonprofitLeadershipFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: [email protected] us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

With a focus on education tailored to modern challenges, this conversation explores how hybrid learning models, leadership training, and organizational investment are reshaping nonprofit leadership. Dr. Laura Deitrick, Executive Director of the Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego, joins us to dive deep into the challenges and opportunities surrounding nonprofit leadership development. The lively chat sheds light on the unique pressures nonprofit leaders face, the evolving nature of nonprofit education, and the critical need to invest in leadership growth for a sustainable and impactful future.Dr. Deitrick begins with a reminder, "Nonprofit work is a hard place to lead—metrics are tough, expectations are high, and the challenges are complex. But it's also incredibly rewarding." The discussion explores the historical underpinnings of nonprofit leadership programs, the disruptions caused by COVID-19, and the profound effects of the "silver tsunami" and the Great Resignation on talent acquisition.Dr. Deitrick puts forth a vital insight: "We need to stop apologizing for paying and developing talent in the nonprofit sector. Expertise matters, and we have to own that." Her sentiment captures the importance of creating clear career pipelines, fostering peer learning, and addressing misconceptions about the sector’s professionalism.Dr. Deitrick offers a hopeful perspective on cultivating talent, driving systemic change, and breaking free from outdated norms. Learn more about their programs: SanDiego.edu/nonprofit #NonprofitLeadership #nonprofiteducation #nonprofitdegreeFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: [email protected] us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Nonprofit organizations face a range of challenges, from developing donor gift policies to balancing staff involvement in board meetings. This Fundraiser’s Friday session brings new ideas from questions viewers asked.    Watch more details from these ‘takeaway questions and answers’ our co-hosts offered:Why is a donor gift policy essential? It establishes clear guidelines for managing donations, refunds, and ethical dilemmas, safeguarding the organization and its team.How should development staff engage with board meetings? Periodic updates (quarterly or annually) suffice to maintain alignment without overburdening staff or meetings.Should development staff monitor “give or get” policies? Yes, they track contributions, but policing underperformance should remain the board chair’s responsibility.Should paid staff have voting rights on the board?  No, paid staff should advise the board but not vote, maintaining clear governance boundaries.How can nonprofits mitigate risks associated with large donations? By creating and following comprehensive gift policies that address scenarios like questionable donors or refund requests.#NonprofitLeadership #DonationPolicy #BoardEngagementFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: [email protected] us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Charity: Water, an organization renowned for its innovation and global impact, is setting the standard for philanthropy in the nonprofit world. In this illuminating discussion, Christa Steltzmuller, CTO of Charity: Water, shares her unique insights into how technology drives their mission to end the water crisis. From leveraging VR storytelling to empower donors with a direct connection to their impact, to running a lean, technology-enabled team, Charity: Water exemplifies how innovation can amplify nonprofit effectiveness. As Christa explains, “We lead with user experience when thinking about technology. It’s about starting with the story and the emotion, and letting the tools follow.” Their approach ensures that every donor and beneficiary interaction is meaningful, personalized, and impactful! You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at Charity: Water’s hybrid model, which prioritizes collaboration with local partners to implement context-appropriate solutions. Whether it’s solar-powered pump systems or hand-drilled wells, their commitment to being ‘solution-agnostic’ showcases their respect for the communities they serve. For nonprofits looking to modernize and scale, this episode co-hosted by Sherry Quam Taylor and Julia Patrick, is a masterclass in integrating technology, storytelling, and mission-driven work. Charity: Water’s success in turning challenges into opportunities reminds us all of the transformative power of purpose-driven innovation. Learn more about CharityWater.org  #NonprofitInnovation #TechForGood #CharityWaterFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: [email protected] us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

We're exploring solutions to the challenges NPO’s face, such as limited resources, fragmented priorities, and the burnout often associated with emotionally demanding missions. Using strategic alignment, Scott Adams, CEO of Adams Consulting Firm, explains more about the process of ensuring all stakeholders—from executives to volunteers—are pulling in the same direction, much like a championship sports team.Key to nonprofit alignment is transparency and prioritization. By setting clear quarterly goals and fostering open communication, nonprofits can identify their most impactful initiatives. Scott emphasizes that focusing deeply on fewer objectives, rather than attempting to chase every opportunity, not only improves outcomes but also allows for more efficient use of time and resources. Offering a ‘focusing’ comment, he states, “Eliminating distractions is giving yourself permission to say no.” The timely conversation, with host Julia Patrick, also covers how strategic alignment can alleviate burnout by reprioritizing efforts and empowering teams to reclaim their time. The approach reframes goal-setting from task management to an opportunity for growth and improvement, encouraging a mindset that celebrates progress over perfection. Nonprofits, Scott says, should embrace "stretch goals" while also giving themselves the grace to adapt and learn when goals aren’t immediately achieved. Learn more about AdamsConsultingFirm.com #StrategicAlignment #NonprofitLeadership #MissionManagementFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: [email protected] us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Jonathan Cottor, CEO and founder of Children’s Respite Homes of America, shares a deeply personal journey that has sparked a national movement for children with life-limiting conditions. Rooted in love and driven by an unrelenting mission, Jonathan's story began with his son Ryan, whose short but impactful life became a beacon for change.The episode delves into the creation of Ryan House, one of the few respite care homes in the United States, inspired by the Helen House model in the UK. Jonathan’s vision transcended personal tragedy to address the critical needs of medically fragile children and their families. As he poignantly states, “This is not Ryan’s house, but Ryan House—a place for living, not dying.”Through tireless effort, Jonathan and his team have scaled this vision into a national framework. The conversation, with host Julia Patrick, underscores the power of community support, resilience, and passion in overcoming systemic challenges in the healthcare system. It offers invaluable lessons for nonprofit leaders and advocates, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, effective communication, and collaboration.This heartfelt conversation inspires a reevaluation of how society can better support families facing immense challenges. It is a testament to the transformative power of love, dedication, and purpose.#PediatricCare #RespiteHomes #InspiredNonprofits Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: [email protected] us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Attorney Luke Malek of Smith + Malek dives deep into the power of strategic planning as the ultimate tool for nonprofit success. Alongside host Julia Patrick, Luke emphasizes that effective leadership is about guiding organizations from point A to point B with clarity, purpose, and precision.“Good leaders take people from where they are now to a better future with clarity,” Luke begins, pointing to the critical need for a clear vision in driving impactful nonprofit work. The conversation unpacks the common pitfalls, such as having too many priorities, and offers practical frameworks for developing a simpler two-page strategic plan that’s more concise, actionable, and revisited at every meeting.Luke shares powerful analogies, like viewing strategic planning as a road trip where staying on the path to the chosen destination is vital. This view will help nonprofits focus on their mission while saying “no” to distractions. Continuing, he stresses the importance of involving the board and staff collaboratively, ensuring alignment at every level. The discussion between the two is a ‘must-watch’ for anyone looking to elevate their nonprofit’s operations, maintain focus, and maximize their community impact!#StrategicPlanning #NonprofitLeadership #nonprofitplanningFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: [email protected] us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

The nonprofit landscape is evolving at lightning speed, and Classy.org’s Social State of Giving Report provides essential insights to navigate these changes. Based on a survey of 1,000 individuals, this groundbreaking study digs into donor behaviors across generational lines, offering invaluable guidance for nonprofits eager to engage better with donors today and tomorrow. The findings underscore the distinct giving habits of Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and especially Gen Z—the future philanthropic powerhouse predicted to hold $12 trillion in wealth by 2030. Among the eye-opening insights, Gen Z stands out. This digital-first generation is 10 times more likely than Boomers to share donations on social media, and 41% report being inspired to donate based on social media activity—a behavior that nonprofits cannot afford to ignore. As Michelle Boggs, Classy’s Executive Nonprofit Industry Advisor, explains: “Sharing drives action. It’s not just a post; it’s an invitation for others to act.” The report also highlights the rise of “impact creators”—trusted individuals on platforms like TikTok and Instagram who inspire followers to donate directly through their campaigns. Over half of Gen Z respondents trust these creators to make donations on their behalf, a testament to the power of personal connection and digital trust. Host Julia Patrick summed up the report’s transformative potential: “This isn’t just a shift in behavior—it’s a revolution in how we connect, inspire, and engage across generations.” This report isn’t just data—it’s a roadmap for adapting to seismic shifts in philanthropy, equipping nonprofits to reach new heights.Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: [email protected] us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

For nonprofits: rethinking year-end employee perks to boost morale, engagement, and retention. Host Julia Patrick sits down with recruitment expert Dana Scurlock, Director of Recruitment at Staffing Boutique, to explore creative and impactful ways nonprofits can show gratitude to their teams during the holiday season. Dana, with her 18 years of experience in nonprofit staffing, shares creative and clever tips on holiday parties, unexpected perks, and the value of expressing gratitude. As Dana states, “The holiday party is not just a party; it’s a way to galvanize the team, reinvigorate the mission, and celebrate progress.” She elaborates on the importance of making such events meaningful—balancing fun with professional acknowledgment. The sparkling conversation also shows how small gestures like giving employees unexpected time off or offering practical rewards, such as grocery gift cards, can leave lasting impressions. Dana offers, “It’s not about cash bonuses; it’s about showing your staff they’re valued in creative, meaningful ways.” Julia and Dana also talk about engaging employees through acts of service or volunteer days, which can strengthen team bonds and renew a sense of purpose. For nonprofits, this is a treasure trove of ideas on leveraging year-end activities to boost team spirit without breaking the bank. You’ll pickup some great ideas on how to incorporate gratitude, thoughtfulness, and creativity into your employee engagement strategy and enter the new year with a rejuvenated team.Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: [email protected] us on the web:The Nonprofit Show