Best American Nonprofit Academy Podcasts (2025)

1
One Nonprofit Team, Two Engines: How They Fuse Marketing and Development 30:19

8h ago30:19

30:19

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption shows exactly how today’s nonprofits can accelerate mission and amplify revenue by putting marketing and development on the same team! CEO & President Rita L. Soronen and SVP of Marketing & Development Jill Crumbacher explain how an approach that started 11 years ago matured into an integrated structure with …

1
For Nonprofits: When Critics Shout—What to Say—A Field Manual for Communications 31:55

21h ago31:55

31:55

Nonprofits are being yanked into culture wars they never asked for. In this Nonprofit Power Week conversation, Jill Crumbacher, Senior VP of Marketing and Development at the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, lays out how to keep your message steady when the public square gets noisy. This episode is a field manual for keeping your purpose intact—…

1
Nonprofit Board Energy That Lasts: Committees that Work, Meetings that Fly 31:36

2d ago31:36

31:36

In this key conversation, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption President & CEO Rita L. Soronen maps out a modern playbook for governing with purpose while sustaining momentum after years of change. She begins with the Dave Thomas legacy—not as a branding exercise, but as a lived journey that shaped a national public charity with a singular focus: pe…

1
Modern Partnerships: PSAs, “Low Bono,” and Data-Smart Media 31:17

3d ago31:17

31:17

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption doesn’t treat partnerships as a side project—they’re the operating system. During this National Adoption Month and in this Nonprofit Power Week kickoff, Senior VP Jill Crumbacher shares how the Foundation builds relationships that move from a good idea to real results. Step one: align the people doing the wor…

1
The Scariest Board Risks! Revealed by Countess Justine Townsend 29:39

6d ago29:39

29:39

On this special Halloween edition of #TheNonprofitShow, Host Julia C. Patrick welcomes “Countess” Justine Townsend of Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), to turn board governance fears into practical know-how. Capes, cobwebs, and clever metaphors aside, the lesson is real: fiduciary duties aren’t folklore; they’re law. As Justine explains, “you have …

1
The Science of Yes: 7 Decision Profiles That Lift Donor Response 30:10

8d ago30:10

30:10

Nonprofits send more messages than ever, yet many still miss the moment that matters: the decision. The CEO and Co-Founder Kylee Ingram of Wizer Technologies explains how seven decision profiles can transform fundraising emails, stewardship notes, and board communications from “nice” to effective. If donor retention, board alignment, and major-gift…

1
From Donor-Centered to Human-Centered: A New Era of Giving 30:17

9d ago30:17

30:17

When fundraising meets humanity, transformation follows—and few express that better than Tammy Zonker, founder of Fundraising Transformed and author of Calling All Heroes. In this powerful episode, host Julia C. Patrick engages Tammy in a deep conversation about reimagining philanthropy through what she calls a human-centered mindset—a new evolutio…

1
Expand Your Nonprofit's Board Beyond Your Friends and Zipcode! 28:39

10d ago28:39

28:39

What happens when you stop fishing for board members in the same small pond and start casting into the ocean? According to TD Smyers, CEO and co-founder of BoardBuild.org, you get a board that actually reflects the people you serve and a lot more horsepower where it counts. TD admits he learned the hard way. Traditional recruiting leans almost enti…

1
Training That Ends Tech Anxiety: Roadmap to a Smooth Go-Live! 31:03

14d ago31:03

31:03

When nonprofits tackle a major platform shift, the tech is only half the story. JMT Consulting pros Brady Haslebacher (Director of Program Management) and Dagmar “Dagi” Stanton (Manager of Education Services) map out the human and operational moves that make change stick. This informative episode breaks down why big projects stall—no top-down buy-i…

1
From Invisible to Influential: How Nonprofit Leaders Build Presence 30:30

15d ago30:30

30:30

We sat down with Amos Balongo, keynote speaker and communications coach, to explore a subject rarely discussed in the nonprofit space — personal visibility. Amos challenges the traditional mindset that humility and impact must exist in separate spheres, proposing instead that visibility is both a professional asset and a form of leadership. Speakin…

1
The Nonprofit Circles That Matter: Staff—Board—Donor—Constituent 29:30

16d ago29:30

29:30

Craig Shelley, CEO of Schultz & Williams, joins Show host Julia Patrick, as they examine how philanthropy and nonprofit leadership are being reshaped under persistent uncertainty. Craig frames the moment succinctly: skepticism toward institutions is rising, which means nonprofits must state their values plainly and show exactly how funds power outc…

1
Joint Fundraising That Actually Works: For Collab Events and Small Teams 30:32

20d ago30:32

30:32

Joint fundraising: bold idea, complicated feelings. On this Fundraisers Friday, Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall swap real-world stories and field notes on how small and midsize nonprofits can team up without tripping over turf, lists, or logistics. Julia sets the table with a grin—“They’re super tricky, they’re very interesting, and I think there’s…

1
Are Donors Wrong About Nonprofit's Overhead? The Myth Exposed! 30:04

22d ago30:04

30:04

The phrase “overhead myth” still haunts the nonprofit world like a stubborn ghost. Host Julia C. Patrick sits down with Adam Holzberg, Partner and CPA at SAX Advisory Group, to teach viewers why judging nonprofits by their administrative expenses misses the point—and how education, transparency, and storytelling can replace outdated thinking with r…

1
Temp Work That Boosts Your Nonprofit Career: How to Get Hired Fast 27:22

23d ago27:22

27:22

Temporary work isn’t a consolation prize—it’s a lever. In this candid conversation, Staffing Boutique’s Director of Recruitment, Dana Scurlock, reframes the temp path as a smart way to stay employed, sharpen skills, and earn while exploring fit. She traces her roots to a temp desk in 2006 and explains why the market’s realities—shorter tenures, yea…

1
Stop Chasing Unicorn Donors! Start Growing Loyal Givers! 31:13

24d ago31:13

31:13

Fundraising folklore says the “one big donor” will save the day! Katie Gaston, Director of Product Marketing at Bloomerang, dismantles that ‘chase’ and replaces it with steady, systems-based fundraising. Katie frames her role in product marketing as disciplined storytelling: know your audience, understand what they care about, and read the landscap…

1
Where the Best Fundraising Talent Actually Looks For Jobs 30:02

28d ago30:02

30:02

Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall get practical about recruiting fundraising talent when Q4 urgency is peaking. They open with empathy for development teams sprinting toward holiday giving, then move straight into the realities leaders must manage: retention, clarity, and smarter channels for sourcing candidates. Tony reminds us of the data behind tu…

1
From Zero to 10,000 Scholars: Inside a Nonprofit's Rapid Expansion 30:06

29d ago30:06

30:06

Dwyer Workforce Development is rewriting what “possible” looks like for a young, fast-scaling nonprofit. In this compelling conversation, CEO Barb Clapp traces a journey that began with a blank slate in September 2022 and now stands at 10,000 Dwyer Scholars across seven states—with a confident path to 100,000 by 2030. The spark came from founder Ja…

1
Persuasion Skills Nonprofit Teams Can Use Today 30:19

29d ago30:19

30:19

Nonprofits don’t just need more messages—they need messages that move people. In this fast-paced episode we welcome persuasion instructor and longtime marketer Dean Batson to show how science-based communication turns attention into action. Batson traces his path from launching a digital agency to teaching persuasion at Arizona State University, wh…

1
Clarity Is Kindness: Nonprofit Culture That Pays Off 31:10

1M ago31:10

31:10

By American Nonprofit Academy

1
Following a Founder: How Nonprofits Survive and Succeed in Transition 30:11

1M ago30:11

30:11

By Joan Brown and Catherine Bradshaw | Interim Executives

1
Call to Action, Donor First: “Because of You” Messaging That Moves People 30:34

1M ago30:34

30:34

If you want donors to move, tell them exactly where to go. In this Fundraisers Friday conversation, Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall turn vague appeals into precise, energizing calls to action (CTA’s)—across giving, events, engagement, volunteering, and advocacy. Tony lays the foundation early: “Start with the call to action. What do I want folks to…

1
What Healthy Nonprofits Do Differently: Strategy, Rhythm, Results 30:50

1M ago30:50

30:50

Matt Glazer arrives with runner’s grit and a teacher’s patience, asking nonprofit leaders to reconsider what “success” really means when the pace gets punishing and the stakes feel permanent. Blue Sky Partners, he explains, is built on human-centered design—strategy that starts with people, not paperwork—because “things happen with people, not to t…

1
How Nonprofits Protect Their Mission's Cyber Presence: Building a Security Culture 29:35

1M ago29:35

29:35

Cybersecurity isn’t just firewalls and tech jargon—it’s people, habits, and everyday choices. Kicking off National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we bring together two voices who live this every day: Michael Nouguier, Partner, Cybersecurity Services at Richey May, and Tony Rehmer, Senior VP of IT at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospita…

1
A Fresh Playbook for Your Nonprofit Board: Noses In—Fingers Off 30:58

1M ago30:58

30:58

Boards don’t magically run themselves—and this lively discussion proves it. Strategist and facilitator Mary Kay Delvo of Inspiring Sight lays out a practical path for turning board service from a vague obligation into purposeful leadership. She starts with a truth we all feel: “If they knew better, they’d do better.” Most board members were never t…

1
Build a High-Performance Nonprofit Finance Team: Your Source of Truth 30:16

1M ago30:16

30:16

Nonprofits talk about programs, fundraising, and boards—but rarely about how to build and lead a modern finance team. JMT Consulting’s Taylor Bost and Samantha Tiso deliver a clear, practical playbook for turning finance from a back-office function into a strategic engine. Samantha reframes the relationship right out of the gate: “We view the finan…

1
Nonprofit Power Week Finale: Finance Questions Answered 33:16

1M ago33:16

33:16

Financial leadership is more than numbers—it’s the heartbeat of nonprofit sustainability. In this Nonprofit Power Week finale of The Nonprofit Show, Regional Director Ellie Hume of Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC) brings clarity and candor to some of the most frequently asked financial questions. With an “Ask and Answer” format, the conversation co…

1
The New Fraud Prevention Playbook for Nonprofits 30:01

1M ago30:01

30:01

In this Nonprofit Power Week conversation, we sit down with Jen Blasy, Manager at Your Part-Time Controller, to confront a topic many organizations would rather avoid: fraud in the nonprofit sector. Jen is unequivocal about the stakes: “Fraud has been a constant. It may look different, but it’s still happening.” She explains why the sector’s empath…

1
Why Data Hygiene Matters: Speeding Up Your Nonprofit 31:27

1M ago31:27

31:27

Nonprofits want the speed of automation and the promise of AI—but Alicia Eastvold, Department Leader for Client Technology Solutions at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), explains why many orgs stall at the starting line: messy, bloated, and fragmented data. Her central thesis is simple and powerful: “We can’t speed things up if it’s not organized, …

1
Scenario Planning In Uncertain Times: Keep the Mission Moving 31:33

1M ago31:33

31:33

Scenario planning often sounds like a board retreat buzzword, but in this Nonprofit Power Week episode it becomes a practical playbook with receipts. Director Tesa Piccioni of Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC) reframes uncertainty as a routine operating condition, not a meteor strike. Her thesis is disarmingly simple: “Let’s take the un out of uncer…

1
Federal Shutdown Realities for Nonprofits: What to Do Now 32:25

2M ago32:25

32:25

A very timely discussion with Derick Dreher of Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC) about what a federal budget stalemate really means for everyday nonprofit operations. Rather than getting lost in D.C. noise, Derick helps translate the process into plain decisions leaders can make right now. He distinguishes the big-picture spending framework from the…

1
Board Fundraising That Actually Works: 4 Roles, Zero Panic! 31:16

2M ago31:16

31:16

Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall turn board jitters into momentum with a simple, generous framework: four board roles that make fundraising feel natural, human, and actually fun. Julia sets the tone with a zinger that boards will remember: “This is not a no situation. This is a KNOW situation.” From there, Tony maps the path: “Prospector, cultivator…

1
Messaging That Keeps Donors: The Trust Triangle 29:28

2M ago29:28

29:28

Donor communication isn’t a seasonal chore—it’s the garden you tend all year. In this lively conversation, James Misner, Founder & Owner of The Kipos Group (Greek for “garden”), shows how consistent, human-centered messages keep supporters engaged, confident, and eager to act. His opening frame is memorable: schools send multiple reminders for an e…

1
Signals From the Nonprofit Labor Market: Slowing The Revolving Door 30:21

2M ago30:21

30:21

Nonprofit hiring is not matching the national headlines, says Katie Warnock, founder and president of Staffing Boutique. While recent reports suggest softer job numbers and higher unemployment, she’s seeing the opposite on the ground: “We had a really slow two quarters, and we’ve been so busy basically since after July 4th weekend.” Executive searc…

1
Doing More With Less Using AI: Grant Drafts, Donor Trends, Board Stories—AI That Helps 31:23

2M ago31:23

31:23

AI isn’t a magic wand—but it can absolutely help nonprofits do more with less when you understand what it is, where it fits, and how to use it wisely. In this energizing conversation, technology associate and CPA Christine Chacko from Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC) explains the practical difference between automation and AI, when to use each, and…

1
Third-Party Software Risks Nonprofits Overlook: Shadow IT, AI, and Donor Data 31:56

2M ago31:56

31:56

Nonprofits lean on outside platforms to save time and stretch budgets—but those relationships can quietly expose sensitive donor, client, and payment data. In this episode, Senior Cybersecurity Advisor Parker Brissette of Richey May explains how to recognize and manage third-party software risk before it becomes tomorrow’s headline. He starts with …

1
Prepping Your Nonprofit for Giving Tuesday! 30:34

2M ago30:34

30:34

Giving Tuesday can feel like a moving target—but after this discussion with guest Jared Throneberry of Bloomerang, you’ll have a clear, energizing plan. Jared blends tech savvy with a lived heart for service—Big Brothers Big Sisters, foster parenting since 2011, and community leadership—so his guidance lands with real-world credibility. His first m…

1
How Many Donors Should a Fundraiser Manage? 29:26

2M ago29:26

29:26

Donor portfolios often feel like a mystery—part science, part art—and this episode of Fundraisers Friday peels back the curtain on what they really mean for nonprofit professionals. Cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall use their signature mix of storytelling and strategy to break down the “book of business” in a way that feels both practical and in…

1
The Nonprofit Leadership Wheel Is Spinning—Here’s How to Stop It 30:11

2M ago30:11

30:11

Host Julia Patrick welcomes Herb Paine, CEO of Paine Consulting Services, for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about the future of nonprofit education and leadership development. With decades of experience as a consultant, author, and sector leader, Herb brings a sharp perspective on how nonprofit organizations are preparing—or failing t…

1
The Nonprofit Social Media Startup Plan You Need: Why Simplicity Wins 30:01

2M ago30:01

30:01

Social media strategist, author, and TEDx speaker, Robin Nathaniel, unpacks the connection between human relationships and digital platforms. With fresh ideas and candid energy, Robin introduces his SYNC Method—a framework designed to help nonprofits create authentic, meaningful engagement online. Robin explains, “S is for simple. Messages you can …

1
What Corporate Sponsors Want In 2026: Trends Redefining Fundraising 29:35

2M ago29:35

29:35

Fundraisers Friday cohosts Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall dive into a thought-provoking conversation about the future of corporate sponsorships, the changing dynamics of nonprofit partnerships, and the launch of their new book, The Architecture of Fundraising. The show kicks off with Julia setting the tone for a discussion that is anything but lig…

1
Building Trust, Building Credit: A Nonprofit Banking Roadmap 32:37

2M ago32:37

32:37

Step into a conversation that goes right to the heart of nonprofit operations: banking relationships, establishing credit, and securing financial footing for long-term stability. Guest Jason Garcia, CEO of Holdings, a bank just for nonprofits, offers real guidance on how nonprofits can think like businesses when it comes to financial credibility an…

1
Is Your Nonprofit Stuck on the Fundraising Hamster Wheel? 30:19

3M ago30:19

30:19

We’re exploring a powerful theme that affects every nonprofit: the necessity of diversifying revenue streams—with cohosts Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall. While fundraising is often viewed as a singular number to hit, Tony ignites the convo with, “If we are focused on putting everything in one basket, we’re putting our programs and services at risk…

1
HR and Finance: The True Cost of Onboarding and Retention at Nonprofits 32:29

3M ago32:29

32:29

Dr. Stephanie Rose-Belcher, COO of JMT Consulting, and Kristen Stine, HR Director at JMT Consulting, explore the real financial and human costs of nonprofit staffing. This discussion blends finance, HR, and leadership into a compelling narrative about how organizations can protect their missions by rethinking how they hire, onboard, and retain tale…

1
The Courage to Lead with Presence: How Engagement Shapes Leadership 31:12

3M ago31:12

31:12

Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, awareness, and courage. That’s the central message of this sparkling conversation featuring Wendy F. Adams, CFRE, CEO of Cultivate for Good, co-host Ellie Hume of Your Part-Time Controller, and co-host Julia Patrick. Together, they unpack what it means to truly “read the room” and lead with aut…

1
Federal Funding Updates: Nonprofit's Survival Strategies in Uncertain Times 32:15

3M ago32:15

32:15

In a conversation that feels more like a real-time crisis briefing than a casual update, Derick Dreher, Government Funding Department Leader at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), breaks down the latest turbulence in federal funding. If your nonprofit depends on government grants—or even corporate partnerships—you’ll want to pay attention. Derick ope…

1
Is Your Nonprofit Already Hacked? The Truth About Pen Testing 29:32

3M ago29:32

29:32

Has your nonprofit ever had a simulated break-in to test your digital defenses? If not, you may already have an intruder inside! Cyberattacks aren’t just happening to big corporations—they’re happening to nonprofits every day. And far too many organizations have no idea they’ve been breached until months later. Cybersecurity expert Michael Nouguier…

1
From Click to Connection: Building Donor Relationships Online 31:00

3M ago31:00

31:00

Online giving isn’t just the future of fundraising—it’s the now! Emily Kelly, National Accounts Manager at Bloomerang, delivers a practical, energizing roadmap for nonprofits to raise more money online—without adding more stress to already full plates. This conversation is for any nonprofit ready to increase online giving, improve donor retention, …

1
How Nonprofits Can Advertise on TV: Target Donors by ZIP Code! 30:06

3M ago30:06

30:06

Connected TV (CTV) advertising isn’t just for big brands anymore—it’s an emerging frontier for nonprofits to tell their stories on the biggest screen in the house. Kris Johns, CEO and founder of AdGood, shared how his organization is unlocking unused, high-quality streaming ad space for nonprofits—at up to 70% off market rates. AdGood works directl…

1
Reignite Your Board's Fundraising: 8 Big Tips That Actually Work! 31:30

3M ago31:30

31:30

This high-energy episode of Fundraisers Friday is packed with smart, actionable tips to help nonprofit leaders reignite board engagement—especially when things feel slow or disconnected. Cohosts Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall bring clarity, candor, and creativity to the perennial challenge of motivating board members to actively participate in fun…

1
If I Have a Program That Requires ME to Run It— It’s a Failure In Progress! 30:08

3M ago30:08

30:08

What if our best intentions were doing more harm than good? In this compelling and unflinchingly honest conversation, global humanitarian consultant Jen Brewer, Vice President at Care for Life, challenges the deeply ingrained dynamics behind the so-called “hero complex,” also known as the white savior complex. Jen’s lived experience—once showing up…

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American Nonprofit Academy Podcasts

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