Are you walking into a financial mess without realizing it? In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson shares the five critical financial questions every new nonprofit CEO should ask in their first 90 days.You’ll learn how to:Spot hidden red flags in budgets and auditsUnderstand what funders, auditors, and reports are really sayingBuild early trust with your board and financial teamProtect your organization from preventable financial riskWhether you’re a first-time CEO or stepping into a new nonprofit, this episode will help you lead with clarity and confidence from day one.🎧 Listen now or catch the full webinar at https://www.thecharitycfo.com/resourcesFollow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: / the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint#nonprofitfinance #nonprofitleadership #thenonprofitceo #thecharitycfo #nonprofitmanagement #financialoversight
Your finance committee can be your nonprofit’s greatest asset—or its biggest headache.In this episode, host Tosha Anderson and CFO Trina Owens-Rogers dive into the do’s and don’ts of creating an effective finance committee. From micromanaging boards to committees that never meet, they’ve seen it all, and they share what actually works.You’ll discover:The true role of a finance committeeHow to spot when your committee is too hands-off or too controllingReal-world examples from nonprofits that got it right (and wrong)Practical steps to build a finance committee that strengthens your organization’s financial oversight🎯 Perfect for Executive Directors, Board Treasurers, and Finance Leaders who want to lead with confidence.Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: / the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint
Repost: Grant Writing 101 for Nonprofits: How to Find and Win the Right GrantsFinding and managing grants is one of the toughest parts of nonprofit growth. In this conversation, Tosha and grant writer Kate Hephner break down how to:Identify the right grant opportunitiesWrite stronger, more organized proposalsCollaborate effectively with your teamBuild a reputation as a trustworthy funding partnerThis episode is perfect for new nonprofit leaders, founders, and development staff ready to elevate their grant strategy.📍 Subscribe for more conversations with experts helping nonprofits work smarter, not harder.If you need a freelance grant writer to help you win more funding, you can reach out to Kate through her LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-hephner-019a522/Links to the grant directories mentioned by Kate:https://www.instrumentl.com/https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/https://grantstation.com/https://www.grantwatch.com/Want to learn more about finding grants for your organization? Check out our episode with the founder of Grantwatch here: https://thecharitycfo.com/libby-hikind-how-to-find-grants/Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: / the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint
Most nonprofits struggle to understand why their fundraising isn’t working. In this episode, Tosha Anderson, Founder of The Charity CFO, talks with Jeff Schreifels, Principal and Owner of Veritus Group, about what it takes to build a fundraising strategy that truly connects with donors.You’ll learn:Why fundraising is not just about the moneyHow to move from transactional asks to relationshipsThe secret to permission-based askingWhat it takes to build donor trust and loyaltyHow to create a culture of philanthropy that sustains your missionIf your fundraising team is feeling stuck, burned out, or disconnected from donors, this conversation will change how you lead, ask, and grow.🎧 Listen to more episodes at https://www.thecharitycfo.comCheck out the full blog recap here.Connect with Jeff SchreifelsPrincipal and Owner of Veritus Group🌐 Website: https://veritusgroup.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffschreifels/Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: / the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint#nonprofitfundraising #nonprofitleadership #thecharitycfo #major gifts #fundraisingstrategy #donorrelationships #veritusgroup
Why are marketing metrics so confusing and how can nonprofits make smarter decisions about where to invest their dollars?Join Tosha Anderson, Founder of The Charity CFO, as she talks with Jeff Greenfield, CEO and Founder of Provalytics, about how nonprofits can finally get clarity on their marketing data.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why marketing numbers don’t always add upHow to distinguish clicks from attentionWhat “working vs. nonworking” marketing dollars really meanWhy paid advertising is not just for big organizationsHow AI is transforming digital marketing for nonprofitsIf your nonprofit struggles to measure marketing ROI or to convince your board that marketing is an investment, this episode will help you see your data in a whole new way.Check out the blog recap: https://thecharitycfo.com/why-nonprofit-marketing-metrics-dont-add-up/Connect with Jeff Greenfield🌐 Website: https://provalytics.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgreenfield/Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: / the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint
Most nonprofits try to scale by adding more people, but that often makes the chaos worse. In this episode, Tosha Anderson and Dr. Andrea Ortega uncover how to scale your nonprofit through systems, not stress. Learn how to build SOPs, create repeatable workflows, strengthen board engagement with useful dashboards, and handle the challenges that come with federal grants and rapid growth. If you’re a nonprofit leader ready to move from reactive to proactive, this conversation is for you.Connect with Andrea OrtegaFounder and CEO of Palante Nonprofits, LLC.🌐 Website: www.palantenonprofits.com📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/palantenonprofits💼 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/palante-nonprofits-llcFollow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: / the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint
New nonprofit CEO? Don’t inherit a financial mess. In this solo episode, Tosha breaks down the exact questions to ask in Week 1 and the first 90 days so you can quickly assess risk, read audits + 990s with confidence, pressure-test budget assumptions, verify restricted funds, and fix delayed or conflicting reports. You’ll learn how to evaluate your finance team, set a cadence for monthly close, and own the financial story with your board and funders.Grab our free Financial Blueprint and avoid painful surprises.The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprintYou’ll learn:What to request on Day 1: budget, financials, audits, 990s, funder site reviewsRed flags: late audits, missing monthly reports, conflicting dev vs. finance numbersHow to test budget assumptions and build department/program budgetsTracking restricted funds the right wayWho owns compliance and reporting, and why it mattersFollow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: / the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1
Networking is not a box to check. It is how modern nonprofits fuel mission, board growth, fundraising, and talent. Tosha Anderson sits down with Anne Marie Dougherty, CEO of the Bob Woodruff Foundation, to break down how to prepare for events, find common ground quickly, tell sharper stories, and follow up with discipline. They cover board dynamics, scaling programs without losing focus, and why curating your network beats collecting contacts. If you lead a nonprofit, this playbook will help you build real relationships that move your mission forward.Connect with Anne Marie Dougherty📸 Instagram: @ammdougherty💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-marie-dougherty-75340125/Twitter: @AMDoughertyFollow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: / the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint
Beyond Staff: Engaging Your Full Nonprofit Workforce - Board Members and Volunteers IncludedNonprofit engagement cannot stop at staff. In this episode, Tosha Anderson and leadership expert Rhonda Travers show you how to engage employees, board members, and volunteers with a simple lifecycle approach. Learn to define volunteer roles, onboard and offboard board members, build a basic governance dashboard, and communicate across channels so your mission stays top of mind.Connect with Rhonda TraversTravers Training & Consulting - Founder & President 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhondatravers/🌐 Website: www.traverstraining.comFollow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: / the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint
Strong nonprofit leadership isn’t about having all the answers - it’s about building trust, empowering teams, and leading with integrity.In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson sits down with Karen Leies, President & CEO of The Seeing Eye, the world’s oldest guide dog school. Together they explore:The role of integrity in shaping culture and trustWhy teamwork is the backbone of nonprofit successHow to balance tradition with innovation in a 96-year-old organizationPractical leadership lessons for CEOs, executives, and board members🔗 Learn more about The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint and how strong leadership drives nonprofit sustainability: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint Connect with Karen LeiesWebsite: https://www.seeingeye.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheSeeingEyeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-seeing-eye/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeeingEyeTwitter: SeeingEyeIncFollow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: / the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint
Scarcity in nonprofits isn’t just about money. In this powerful conversation, Pierre Berastain of The Centre for Public Impact joins Tosha Anderson to explore financial, structural, and psychological scarcity, and how they shape nonprofit culture, leadership, and sustainability.You’ll learn:-Why scarcity creates cycles of burnout and underinvestment-The difference between a crisis-driven vs. clarity-driven culture-Practical tools like decision filters and personal boards of directors-How nonprofit leaders can reclaim focus, set boundaries, and build resilienceIf you’re a nonprofit leader navigating limited resources and constant demands, this episode will help you step out of survival mode and into clarity.👉 Subscribe for more strategies on nonprofit finance, leadership, and sustainability.Connect with Pierre Berastain🌐 Website: https://pierreberastain.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierreberastain/Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: / the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint
Tosha Anderson sits down with Dr. Dustin York to explore nonprofit marketing trends you can implement without a big budget. They cover AI agents for SEO, video podcast strategy, free Apple Wallet passes, content repurposing into 60 assets, thought leadership hacks via Qwoted and a 90-day action plan to boost visibility. Perfect for nonprofit leaders seeking tactical, scalable marketing strategies.Connect with Dr. Dustin YorkLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dryork/Website: https://www.drdustinyork.com/Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: / the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint
Are restricted grants helping your nonprofit—or silently hurting it?In this solo episode, Tosha Anderson, CEO & Founder of The Charity CFO, dives deep into the complicated world of restricted vs. unrestricted grants. You’ll learn when restricted funds are a smart move, when they create cash flow nightmares, and how to release them quickly so they actually work for your mission, not against it.Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: / the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint
Only 22% of nonprofit Executive Directors are women—yet 75% of nonprofit employees are.Why aren’t more women making it into leadership roles?In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson sits down with Shilpa Alva, Founder and Executive Director of Surge for Water, to talk about the challenges, opportunities, and long-term impact of women in nonprofit leadership.You’ll learn:What’s stopping women from climbing the nonprofit ladderHow systemic funding gaps hold women (especially women of color) backThe power of leading with empathy and feminine energyWhy centering women in solution-building drives stronger impactWhether you're a founder, board member, or team leader—this conversation will make you think differently about leadership and sustainability in the nonprofit sector.Connect with Shilpa AlvaLinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/shilpa-alva-858b841/Website: https://surgeforwater.org/Shilpa's story: https://surgeforwater.org/our-story/founders-story/Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: / the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfo Join our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint
In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, host Tosha Anderson talks with Courtney Johnson, the Founder and CEO of Culinary Care, a nonprofit that delivers meals and comfort to cancer patients undergoing treatment. Courtney shares what it's really like to start a nonprofit from scratch at just 23 years old, and how advocacy—both for her mission and herself—was the key to getting in the door with hospitals, donors, and volunteers.You’ll learn how she built a sustainable fundraising model, why she ignored the naysayers, and what every aspiring founder needs to know before launching a nonprofit. If you’re starting out or scaling up, this episode will re-ignite your passion and give you practical tools for finding your people.✅ Topics Covered:How to turn a personal story into a powerful missionAdvocacy as a strategy to open doors and win supportNavigating nonprofit startup challenges as a young founderBuilding community through intentional fundraisingSustaining growth with aligned partnershipsConnect with Courtney JohnsonLinked In- https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-s-white/Website- https://culinarycare.org/Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: / the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfo 📬 Join Our Newsletter https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872...Download The Charity CFO Blueprint https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financia...
Is your nonprofit brand outdated—or just unclear? In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, branding expert Steven Picanza joins Tosha Anderson to explore what modern branding really means for nonprofits. Discover why your brand is more than a logo, how to simplify your messaging without losing impact, and why your website might be pushing people away.Steven breaks down the key differences between voice and tone, how to build brand culture internally, and how to attract individual donors in a world where grant funding is increasingly unstable. Whether you're just starting to think about your branding—or planning a full rebrand—this episode offers a clear roadmap for nonprofits ready to modernize.Topics covered:How to serve multiple audiences without overwhelming themClarifying your verbal identity and toneBranding as an internal culture-building toolBudget-friendly tips for evolving your brand without a full overhaul#nonprofitbranding #nonprofitmarketing #brandstrategy #donorfocused #verbalidentity #thecharitycfo #anewbrandConnect with Steven PicanzaWebsite: https://www.stevenpicanza.com/Youtube: @PicanzaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenpicanza/Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfo 📬 Join Our Newsletter https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Blueprint https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint
Federal grants are more chaotic than ever. Delays, shifting executive orders, compliance confusion—and now, questions about what language nonprofits can or can’t use in applications. But should you give up on federal funding altogether?In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson is joined by Fielding Jezreel, federal grant strategist, Founder & President of Jezreel Consulting, to unpack what’s really happening with federal grants in 2025—and why walking away could hurt your mission more than help it.You’ll learn:How to assess whether your nonprofit is ready—and willing—to pursue federal fundsWhat’s changed (and hasn’t) in compliance and DEI-related requirementsHow advocacy and funding strategy are now deeply connectedWhy applying might be your loudest form of protestWhat to do before your first applicationWhether you’re already in the federal grant game or standing at the edge of it, this is the clarity and strategy you’ve been craving.#federalgrants #nonprofitfunding #grantwriting #nonprofitstrategy #nonprofitleadership #thecharitycfoContact Fielding Website: https://www.jezreelconsulting.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fieldingjezreel/Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfo 📬 Join Our Newsletter https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1
Every nonprofit builds a budget. But only the most effective leaders use forecasts to steer their organizations forward. In this episode, A Modern Nonprofit Podcast host Tosha Anderson is joined by David Steffens, CPA to break down the difference between budgeting and forecasting—and why both are critical for financial health and sustainability.They discuss:What a budget really is (and isn’t)How forecasts go beyond “what happened” to show “what’s next”Common mistakes in budgeting and how to fix themHow to build a basic forecast, even with limited resourcesWhy forecasting prevents financial surprises (and panic)If you’ve ever looked at your budget and thought, “This isn’t telling me what I need to know,” this episode is for you.Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfo 📬 Join Our Newsletter https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Blueprint https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint
What is strategic planning really — and are you doing it right? In this episode, Tosha Anderson talks with Steve Strang, Practice Director at Spectrum Nonprofit Services, about why so many nonprofits misunderstand strategic planning. They unpack what a strategic plan should look like, how to align it with your team’s capacity and funding reality, and when not to pursue growth. If your organization is in flux, dealing with turnover, or facing budget concerns, this episode is a must-listen for grounding your next move in strategy that actually works.Connect with Steve StrangWebsite: https://spectrumnonprofit.com/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stevenstrangCheck Out These Blogs Next:Strategic Planning vs Scenario PlanningThe Difference between a Bookkeeper, an Accountant, and a CFOFollow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfo 📬 Join Our Newsletter https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1
Nonprofit board struggles? You’re not alone. In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha sits down with Katerina Manoff, founder & CEO of ENGin, to bust the biggest myths about boards—and reveal what actually works when you're building or evolving one.They talk about:The unrealistic expectations many founders have about boardsWhy “bless and release” is a vital leadership moveHow to recruit board members who align with your mission and your strategyThe difference between helpful support and harmful micromanagementWhether you’re stuck with a passive board, navigating founder dynamics, or trying to scale with the right people at the table, this episode will help you shift from frustration to functionality.Connect with Katerina ManoffWebsite: www.enginprogram.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/enginprogram; @enginprogramInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/enginprogram/; @enginprogramLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katerina-semida-manoff-12b27720/Check Out These Blogs Next:Nonprofit Board Committees In A Modern Nonprofit: https://thecharitycfo.com/nonprofit-board-committees-in-a-modern-nonprofit/3 Tips for Successful Nonprofit Board Development: https://thecharitycfo.com/3-tips-for-successful-board-development/Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfo 📬 Join Our Newsletter https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1