Nonprofit SnapCast

Every leader eventually faces a decision where every option has a cost. In this episode of OFS Insights, Mickey Desai sits down with Dave Paule and Ailena Parramore of Our Fundraising Search to examine one of the least comfortable realities of organizational leadership: making decisions when there is no clean answer. The conversation moves through the anatomy of a difficult decision: what makes it hard, what makes it harder, and what separates effective leaders from those who either freeze or act too fast. Among the things we discuss: Why a difficult decision isn't necessarily a bad decision, and why the responsible choice is simply the one whose consequences you are most willing to accept The role of pressure in decision-making, and why the sense of urgency driving a decision may be real, perceived, or something in between The three elements that make a decision genuinely difficult: real or perceived time pressure, insufficient information, and conflicting values or ethics Who actually bears the consequences of difficult decisions, and why leaders need to be honest about that gap What good decision-making looks like in practice: separating what you know from what you assume, identifying the real tradeoff, and making the decision explainable The three responses leaders can expect after a difficult call: engagement, acceptance, and resistance Key Takeaway: Leadership doesn't give you the ability to eliminate the cost of a hard decision. It gives you the responsibility to decide which cost you're willing to bear, and then to own the consequences. Dave's Barstool: This month's pour is a Sazerac: rye whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a touch of absinthe. Complex, assertive, and deliberately chosen. Not something you order casually. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website . Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

The next episode in our series of OFS - Insights . Mickey meets with Dave and Aliena of Our Fundraising Search to look at Fundraising as something other than a technical discipline that is removed from leadership. In reality, effective fundraising requires many of the same skills that define effective leadership: vision, influence, storytelling, trust-building, relationship management, and the ability to move people toward a shared future. The gang is joined by Sandy Smith, Vice President, Collaborative Fundraising, Habitat for Humanity International . We welcome your support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website . Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Erin Davison explains why the best grant funding comes from alignment, relationships, and thoughtful research, not sending more applications. In this episode of Nonprofit SnapCast, Mickey Desai welcomes veteran grant researcher and writer Erin Davison for a candid conversation about the realities of today's grant funding landscape. With more than 30 years of experience helping nonprofits secure funding, Erin shares why successful grant seeking is less about volume and more about strategy. From identifying the right funders to building genuine relationships and using AI responsibly, she offers practical guidance for nonprofit leaders looking to strengthen their funding approach. The discussion explores how grant research has evolved over the decades, how artificial intelligence is changing the profession, and why nonprofits must focus on alignment rather than simply submitting more proposals. Key topics include: Why grant research is a strategic process, not just a database search How AI is transforming grant research and funding discovery The right—and wrong—ways to use AI in grant writing Why relationship-building remains essential in fundraising How and when to contact potential funders directly The importance of aligning programs with funder priorities Why "not every grant is a good grant" Sustainable grant funding versus one-time awards Diversifying revenue streams in an uncertain funding environment Lessons nonprofits can learn from recent funding disruptions We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website . Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

In this episode of Nonprofit SnapCast, Mickey Desai sits down with Dr. Dan Freeman, founder of Executive Thought Partner , to explore a challenge that many nonprofit leaders experience but rarely discuss openly: leadership loneliness. Dan shares his emerging theory of "reactive leadership," arguing that isolation at the top often leads to urgency-driven decision-making, organizational stress, and chronic operational problems. Drawing on his experiences in higher education, athletics, fundraising, and executive leadership, he explains how leaders can move from reactivity to creativity by building systems that encourage reflection, collaboration, and confidence. The conversation explores why not every urgent issue is truly urgent, how leaders can develop a broader perspective on organizational challenges, and why trusted thought partners are often more valuable than advice-givers. Key topics include: Why leadership can be uniquely isolating The connection between loneliness, urgency, and reactive decisions Building proactive systems that support better leadership The "Balcony and Stage" framework for strategic perspective Active listening and the importance of seeking the next answer rather than the next question Reach, Revenue, and Relationships: a framework for evaluating decisions Quickness versus speed in organizational effectiveness Finding the source of problems instead of treating symptoms The powerful reflection question: "What am I called to learn here?" Dan also discusses his book, Burnt: Leadership Philosophies from the Back Row for the Next Generation of Leaders, and his work helping nonprofit, higher education, and organizational leaders develop healthier decision-making practices. Learn more about Dr. Dan Freeman: yourexecutivethoughtpartner.com fundraisewithdan.com fridaymorningfundraising.com Connect with Nonprofit SnapCast on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and explore past episodes. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website . Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Can a capital campaign succeed if an organization is already exhausted? n this episode of OFS Insights , Mickey Desai is joined by Dave Paule and Ailena Parramore of Our Fundraising Search to discuss a critical but often overlooked fundraising risk: burnout . While nonprofits routinely evaluate donor readiness, financial capacity, and campaign goals, they frequently fail to assess whether their leadership, staff, board, and systems have the capacity to sustain a multi-year fundraising effort. The conversation examines how “hero culture” and over-functioning leaders can mask deeper organizational weaknesses, why burnout is a strategic fundraising risk rather than a personal failing, and how capital campaigns often expose existing capacity issues rather than create them. The team also discusses the critical role of feasibility studies, campaign planning, and organizational assessments in preventing burnout and building stronger, more sustainable nonprofits. Among the things we discuss: Why burnout is an organizational issue, not just a personal one How over-functioning can look like leadership but actually mask capacity problems The warning signs that an organization is not ready for a capital campaign Why feasibility studies should assess organizational capacity, not just fundraising potential How a well-run campaign can strengthen donor relationships, board engagement, and overall organizational health Key takeaway: A successful capital campaign is not powered by heroic effort alone. It depends on a healthy organization with the systems, leadership, and capacity to sustain the work over time. e welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website . Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

This episode of OFS Insights explores the often-misunderstood relationship between nonprofit boards and CEOs. Mickey welcomes Dave, Ailena (of Our Fundraising Search ) and former nonprofit executive and board chair Zachary Brown, for a candid discussion about governance, authority, fundraising, and the hidden ways power operates inside organizations. At the center of the conversation is a simple but powerful idea: whoever controls “the pen,” the language, documentation, meeting minutes, and written expectations, often shapes the future of the organization. The panel discusses: Why good boards still create dysfunction How CEOs sometimes give away authority unintentionally The difference between transparency and shared decision-making Why fundraising expectations must be explicit How poor CEO evaluations begin with unclear goals Why clarity in roles creates healthier organizations The episode closes with Dave’s signature cocktail metaphor, comparing strong governance to a well-balanced Manhattan: simple on the surface, but dependent on details most people never notice. Key Takeaway “The board governs. The CEO leads. Problems begin when those roles blur.” We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website . Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

In this episode of OFS Insights , Mickey Desai talks with Dave Paule, and Ailena Parramore to explore a provocative idea: hiring is not just a process—it’s a mirror. Rather than focusing on how candidates can become more appealing to organizations, the conversation flips the lens, challenging organizations to consider how their hiring practices reflect their own values, fears, and assumptions. The three unpack the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways organizations unintentionally push talent away: from rigid job descriptions to slow decision-making and a reliance on “culture fit” that often masks bias. They also offer practical strategies to attract and retain high-quality candidates, emphasizing honesty, speed, and relationship-building over transactional recruiting. Anchored by the metaphor of the Vesper cocktail, the episode encourages listeners to rethink what “ideal” talent looks like. Sometimes the candidates who feel like a risk, those who don’t fit neatly into expectations, are the ones who ultimately deliver the greatest impact. The episode closes with a powerful reflection: when your organization hires, what is it truly revealing? Fear, comfort, bias, or imagination? e welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website . Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Mickey Desai interviews Sherry Heyl about her book Learn to Love the Roller Coaster: Stories of Change, Resilience, and the Future to Come . They discuss how nonprofits can navigate rapid technological and social change by adopting a "creator mindset" rather than a "poverty mindset" or "survivor mindset." Sherry emphasizes that change is constant and accelerating (driven by AI, quantum computing, and CRISPR) but organizations can manage it by staying grounded in their values, making incremental changes collaboratively, and treating emerging tools like AI as interns rather than replacements. The conversation covers practical frameworks for organizational change, the emotional dimensions of transitions, and how to use AI thoughtfully without abandoning human creativity and connection. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website . Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Host Mickey Desai sits down with Jonathan Fitzgerald, the managing partner of GDS Technologies , a technology partner for businesses and nonprofits. They dive deep into the critical cybersecurity challenges facing nonprofits of all sizes, from ransomware and phishing to the importance of multi-factor authentication and tested backups. Jonathan provides practical, cost-effective advice on how nonprofits can improve their security posture, including the role of staff and volunteer training, zero-trust principles, and the fiduciary duty to protect mission-critical data. This episode is a must-listen for any nonprofit leader looking to safeguard their organization's future We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website . Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Mickey interviews Kayla Meyers, founder of Bridgepoint Evaluation , about how nonprofits can embrace evaluation as a strategic tool rather than something to fear. Kayla shares practical advice on creating an "evaluation culture" within an organization, using data to drive decision-making, and shifting from reactive to proactive evaluation practices. She emphasizes the importance of qualitative data alongside quantitative metrics, and outlines Bridgepoint's approach to coaching, fractional management, and consulting to help nonprofits get the most value from their evaluation efforts. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website . Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

The Our Fundraising Search team discusses how professionals can effectively navigate major career pivots, especially from the corporate world into the nonprofit sector. Key takeaways include: Don't let your job title define you - focus on transferring your core skills and problem-solving abilities to a new context. Be proactive in managing your professional identity and "begin as you mean to go" in a new role. Translate your background using the language of the nonprofit world, and leverage your existing network to help bridge the gap. Nonprofit hiring managers should look beyond linear resumes and assess a candidate's ability to adapt and contribute, rather than just their sector experience. Leaving a previous role professionally is crucial, as you may need those connections and references in the future. The team also touches on the evolving perceptions around compensation in the nonprofit space, and Dave shares a cocktail recipe as a metaphor for a well-executed career pivot. Overall, the discussion provides practical advice for those looking to make a strategic career change. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website . Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

host Mickey Desai interviews Mark T. Holcombe, author of the book " Critical Moral Reasoning: An Applied Empirical Ethics Approach ." They discuss the importance of moral reasoning skills for nonprofit organizations and leaders. Key topics include: The differences between legality and morality, and how morality is innate to humans rather than dependent on religion. How moral reasoning skills can help nonprofits navigate complex ethical dilemmas, such as the "tainted money" dilemma and the "non-compliant patient" scenario. The need for nonprofits to develop explicit codes of ethics, beyond just mission statements, to guide decision-making. The potential conflicts that can arise between different ethical frameworks (e.g. Kantian duty-based ethics vs. feminist ethics of care) within nonprofit organizations. Holcombe emphasizes that moral reasoning is a learnable skill that nonprofits should prioritize developing, as it can help them make more thoughtful, principled decisions that align with their values and mission. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website . Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Mickey Desai and guest Rita Sever discuss the importance of feedback in nonprofit organizations. They cover topics such as the science behind why people often react negatively to feedback, a formula (JOIN) for delivering feedback effectively, and strategies for normalizing feedback as a regular part of organizational culture. Rita shares her expertise on helping nonprofits have constructive feedback conversations that support their mission and staff success. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website . Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

In this episode, Sondra Dellaripa, a nonprofit executive with over 40 years of experience, shares her insights on the responsible use of AI in the nonprofit sector. She discusses the importance of developing clear AI policies, training staff, and maintaining transparency with the community. Sondra also covers strategies for integrating AI into fundraising, communications, and other nonprofit operations without compromising trust and integrity. The conversation explores practical steps nonprofits can take to harness the power of AI while upholding their mission and values. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website . Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Mickey interviews Karen Boyd, an economist and AI expert, about the opportunities and challenges of using AI in the nonprofit sector. They discuss how nonprofits can identify low-risk, high-gain tasks for AI augmentation, the environmental impact of AI, and strategies for maintaining transparency and authenticity when using AI-generated content. Karen shares insights on customizing AI language models to better match an organization's voice, and they explore the potential impacts of AI on nonprofit jobs and workflows. This episode provides practical guidance for nonprofits looking to responsibly leverage AI to enhance their operations and mission-driven work. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website . Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

In this episode, host Mickey Desai speaks with Steve Dubb, the senior editor of economic justice for Nonprofit Quarterly . They discuss the concept of civil society, its historical origins, and the unique role that nonprofits play in fostering civic engagement and community-driven problem-solving. Key topics covered include: Alexis de Tocqueville's observations on the vibrant civil society in early America compared to more statist systems in Europe The definition of civil society as the space between the family and the state where social meaning is contested and constructed How the weakening of labor unions and the rise of McCarthyism impacted the strength of civil society in the U.S. The ways nonprofits can serve as "third spaces" for community members to come together as equals and address local issues The challenges nonprofits face in balancing community responsiveness with the need to raise funds from wealthier donors The potential for cooperatives and other member-owned organizations to embody the spirit of civil society We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website . Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

In this episode, host Mickey Desai speaks with Frances Roen, CEO and Lead Strategist of Fundraising Sol , about best practices for preparing and executing a successful nonprofit capital campaign. They discuss the importance of pre-planning, assessing organizational capacity and donor pipelines, aligning committees, and leveraging technology and data. Frances emphasizes the need for nonprofits to take a thoughtful, deliberate approach rather than rushing into a campaign, and highlights how Fundraising Sol guides small-to-medium sized nonprofits through the campaign process. This episode provides valuable insights for nonprofit leaders considering a capital campaign. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website . Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Steve Dubb is the senior editor of Economic Justice at Nonprofit Quarterly . He writes about solutions-oriented topics like the solidarity economy, cooperatives, community land trusts, and public banks. His writing has an activist focus, aiming to make economics more accessible and understandable. The discussion covered how structural racism has been used to depress wages and weaken labor unions, especially in the American South. While progress has been made, wage gaps between Black and white workers persist. A new Labor Institute for Advancing Black Strategists is being established at Clark Atlanta University , an HBCU, with support from Jobs with Justice . The institute aims to do research, document working conditions, train organizers, and help build a peer network of Black labor leaders in the South. The conversation emphasized that issues of race and class are deeply intertwined, and that nonprofits working on policy, workforce development, education, and other areas could benefit from partnering with labor organizing efforts. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website . Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Our second episode with Erin Straza turns to the practical mechanics of donor management—highlighting the importance of clean CRM data, consistent tagging, and documenting every donor interaction to track passion, advocacy, and giving habits over time. She rejects binder-thick academic segmentation models in favor of practical, usable systems that a nonprofit staff can realistically maintain. Key takeaways include: You cannot engage donors well without a functioning CRM Passion is measured through behavior (attendance, volunteering, giving consistency, social engagement), not surveys High-end donors require highly personalized, strategic touchpoints throughout their annual cycle Maintaining clean data today prevents massive organizational pain later. e welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website . Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

In this conversation, Community Cats Podcast host Stacy LeBaron unpacks her decades of nonprofit leadership, using the lens of animal welfare to illustrate how organizations evolve from scrappy, all-hands-on-deck startups into strategically focused, governance-driven institutions. Drawing on her experience mentoring 80+ organizations and running a successful feline rescue nonprofit, Stacy explains the realities of cat overpopulation, the challenge of transitioning boards from operational to governance roles, the complications of hiring an executive director, and the tensions that arise when long-time board members struggle to relinquish hands-on duties. She highlights the importance of clear communication, strong leadership structures, and succession planning as nonprofits mature, and underscores how internal dynamics, not funding alone, ultimately determine organizational stability. Key Takeaways The Community Cats Podcast focuses on turning passion for cats into community action, with an emphasis on reducing cat overpopulation and improving access to affordable spay/neuter services. Stacy created the Catmobile, a mobile spay/neuter clinic, as a scalable solution that transformed Massachusetts’ cat population management. An “adolescent nonprofit” is one shifting from reactive habits to strategic planning, typically when boards begin moving from operational involvement toward governance. Operational boards often mix volunteer duties with oversight, creating confusion—especially when staff are hired for roles board members still want to perform. Transitioning to a true governance board requires clarity, transparency, and sometimes a dramatic reshaping of board membership; Stacy’s board shrank from 22 to 11 in one day. Healthy board–executive director relationships depend on communication structures that prevent bottlenecks while preserving accountability. Hiring a first executive director often raises questions about financial sustainability and fundraising responsibilities; expectations must be explicitly discussed during recruitment. It can take three to five years for a new executive director to fully hit stride and begin delivering significant programmatic and fundraising growth. Mature boards come in different forms—some are ED-led, some are institutionalized—but all require succession planning to prevent stagnation or collapse. Organizational maturity is defined less by funding levels and more by leadership stability, role clarity, and the ability to function smoothly despite staff or board turnover. e welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website . Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.