I Was Told There Would Be Snacks: A Nonprofit Podcast

Ever feel like your nonprofit is a runaway train heading for a cliff, and you’re just holding on for dear life? We get it. Change is hard, especially when you're trying to get a whole board of directors on the same page. In this first episode of our special series, we're giving you a guide to navigate those tricky transitions using Kotter's 8-Step Process. Think of it as a roadmap to get everyone to agree on a direction before you hit the brakes. We're joined by some of the best minds in the business: Diane Yentel of National Council of Nonprofits, Danielle Dunbar of Alabama Association of Nonprofits, and Sheila Bravo of Delaware Alliance of Nonprofit Advancement. They'll share how to implement these steps to avoid a full-on derailment and ensure your organization successfully adapts and thrives.

Tired of tiptoeing around your boss or dreading feedback sessions? Join us for a hilarious and insightful discussion on the art of giving and receiving feedback in the nonprofit world. Our expert guests, Elle Benson and Noah Spiegel, will share their secrets for transforming feedback sessions from awkward encounters into productive conversations. Learn how to deliver constructive criticism without sounding like a know-it-all, embrace feedback as a gift (even if it's wrapped in a slightly awkward bow), and avoid common feedback faux pas like taking things personally or throwing a tantrum. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit pro or a newbie looking to level up your feedback game, tune in to this episode for tips, tricks, and a whole lot of laughs. Because let's face it, feedback doesn't have to be painful. It can actually be kind of fun!

Ever wondered how those nonprofit superheroes keep saving the world year after year? Well, it's not just caffeine and sheer willpower. They take sabbaticals! In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the magical world of nonprofit sabbaticals. Join us as we chat with Abby Hyman of Healing Trust and Laurie Wolf of Foraker Group. These two nonprofit wizards will share why sabbaticals are not just a luxury, but a necessity for organizational health and personal sanity. We'll dive into the nitty-gritty of how to convince your board that a sabbatical isn't just a fancy vacation, the best practices for planning your sabbatical, from setting goals to avoiding burnout, and of course, the most important question: What do you do with all that newfound free time? So, whether you're a seasoned nonprofit pro or a newbie looking to level up, tune in to this episode. Because let's face it, even nonprofit superheroes need a break.  

Tired of board meetings that feel like a snoozefest? Want to transform your board from a rubber-stamp club into a strategic powerhouse? Join us as we dive into the exciting world of board governance with two dynamic experts, T.D. Smyers of BoardBuild and Kim James of Young Leaders Council. In this episode, we'll debunk the myth that board governance is all about picking the color scheme for the annual gala. Instead, we'll explore the nitty-gritty of effective board leadership. We'll discuss how to train your board members, onboard new members smoothly, and foster a culture of excellence. If you're ready to take your board to the next level and ditch the boring board meetings for good, tune in to this episode. It's time to level up your board's governance IQ!

Why does it seem like every billionaire wants to colonize space, but they’re far less interested in feeding the hungry or providing period products? We’ll chat with the incredible Tina Doninger from Community Resource Center and C.J. Sentell from Nashville Food Project. They'll share the real challenges of funding basic needs, like food and hygiene products. We’ll explore how providing these essentials isn't just about survival; it’s about human dignity. Plus, we’ll discover how these organizations are getting creative to make sure everyone in Nashville has what they need to thrive.

Ever walked into an office and thought, "This place screams misaligned?” Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of workspace design with the dynamic duo of Kate Haywood from Daily Design Group and Kesha Ivy from Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South. These design gurus and mission-driven leaders give pointers on how your office space can be more than just a place to clock in. We'll explore the nitty-gritty of creating a workspace that not only looks good but feels good, aligning seamlessly with your organization's mission. From creating an optimal workspace for your employees to creating an inclusive atmosphere for your clients, we've got you covered. So, whether you're a CEO or just a cubicle dweller, tune in to learn how to transform your workspace into a mission-aligned masterpiece!

Ever felt like you're banging your head against a brick wall trying to break into the nonprofit world or get something new and different accomplished? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive deep into the murky waters of nonprofit gatekeeping. Join us as we chat with Sunny Bray from Catalyst Collective and Wendy Wand from United Way of Blount County. These two powerhouses spill the tea on how these gatekeepers are stifling innovation and holding back the next generation of nonprofit leaders. We'll uncover the secret sauce to avoid becoming a gatekeeper yourself and equip you with the tools to overcome gatekeeping challenges. Get ready to laugh, learn, and take on even the most problematic gatekeeper in your world!

Ever had a volunteer who seemed to have a mind of their own? One who shows up when they want, does what they want, and can be downright unpredictable? Well, you're not alone! Join us as we dive into the world of "feral volunteers" with expert guests Angela Meekins from the Tennessee Nonprofit Network and Natalie Patric from the United Way of Greater Chattanooga. We'll discuss how to tame these wild spirits and turn them into productive, engaged volunteers. From crafting clear job descriptions to setting realistic expectations, we'll share practical tips to help you manage even the most unruly volunteers. And yes, we even talk about the time a volunteer showed up dressed as a creepy clown! Tune in for a hilarious and informative episode that will help you turn your feral volunteers into a force for good.

Ever dreamed of winning the lottery? Well, imagine your nonprofit winning the equivalent! Join us as we delve into the exciting (and sometimes daunting) world of big donations. Our guests, nonprofit fundraising experts Joshua Ireland from Jefferson Bridge Capital and Phil Trammell of Nonprofit Resource Center, share their invaluable insights. They'll guide you through the process of preparing your nonprofit for a major gift, deciding how to best utilize that massive, unexpected donation, and navigating the delicate conversation of a big gift with your board.

In this episode, we dive headfirst into the exciting world of public policy with our dynamic duo of expert guests: Arnetta Macklin from MIFA and Natalie Jones from Tennessee Nonprofit Network. Get ready to trade boring boardroom meetings for some serious policy wonkery! We'll unravel the mystery of how nonprofits can take their advocacy game to the next level by crafting a killer public policy agenda. Arnetta and Natalie spill the 501(c)tea on everything from identifying key issues to gaining support from your board of directors

Are you a nonprofit hero, always going the extra mile, and feeling like you're running on fumes? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of nonprofit burnout with the fabulous Cait Donovan. She discusses how the nonprofit martyr complex can turn a passion project into a full-blown crisis. We'll uncover the sneaky symptoms of burnout, from feeling chronically tired to snapping at your CFO. And don't worry, we've got the antidote! Cait shares her top tips for refilling your cup and avoiding the burnout abyss. So grab your favorite beverage (and maybe a snack), and join us for an insightful conversation about how to thrive, not just survive, in the nonprofit world.

In an era of workforce shortages, nonprofit leaders are rethinking their benefits packages to include more support for employees, such as parental leave. In this episode, Amy Gore of Think Tennessee and Dr. Mary "MJ" McConnell discuss how parental leave creates equitable opportunity for employees and mitigates turnover.

Have you ever made a terrible mistake while writing a grant or said the wrong thing during a meeting with a foundation? Don't worry, you're not alone. In this episode, grant writer Sara Baker and Tiffanie Grier of Assisi Foundation of Memphis share their insights on how to avoid the most common grant writing pitfalls and what to say when foundation trustees ask you that dreaded question about sustainability. Tune in and learn how to write a grant that will impress foundation trustees and win you the funding you need.

Quitting your job can be a tough decision, but it doesn't have to be a messy one. In this episode, Amanda McCollum of Adams Keegan and Forrest Alton of 1000 Feathers discuss how employees can quit their jobs with dignity and how employers can create a smooth transition for outgoing staff.  Whether you're an employee thinking about quitting your job or an employer looking for ways to improve your offboarding process, this episode is for you.

As a nonprofit professional, your knowledge can help policy makers who need - and often want - your input. In this episode, lobbyist Adam Nickas of Capitol Resources, LLC discusses how to build healthy, productive relationships with your legislators and how to position yourself as an expert on your organization’s mission and the communities you serve.  

Thousands of rural nonprofits are currently serving communities throughout Tennessee. Unfortunately, their hard work sometimes goes unnoticed, and their voices aren't represented at many decision-making tables. In this episode, Matthew Marshall of United Way of West Tennessee and Ellen Collins of Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy discuss why rural nonprofits should matter to metro nonprofits, our legislators, and our funders.

Have you ever worked for a nonprofit that felt like a cutthroat competition? Where everyone hoards resources, collaboration is frowned upon, and people lose sleep over fundraising challenges? In short, a nonprofit with a scarcity mindset. In this episode, Hal Cato of Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and Hannah Lancaster of United Way of Greater Chattanooga discuss how an abundance mindset and an abundance culture can lead to more effective, collaborative nonprofits and lessen the stress of employees within your organization. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, board member, or staff member, this episode is for you. Learn how to create a more positive and productive workplace, and how to achieve your mission more effectively.

Impact measurement is often seen as extra work to satisfy funders, but it's actually a way for nonprofits to grow, pivot, and better serve their communities. In this episode, guests Brian Straessle of Sycamore Institute and Chrystal Armstrong Brown of United Way of Greater Knoxville discuss why continuous improvement should be a priority for nonprofits and how data can shed light on opportunities for growth. We'll also talk a lot about hot dogs!

In the highly polarized world we live in, nonprofits can often find themselves stuck in the middle of politics. This election will no doubt be contentious, and nonprofits must be careful to remain nonpartisan while also advocating for the causes they care about. In this episode, Tiffany Gourley Carter of the National Council of Nonprofits and Sumita Keller of Healing Trust discuss what nonprofits can and cannot do in the public policy arena and how to stay nonpartisan despite the partisan world around us.

This touching episode features two amazing stories filled with heartwarming coincidences, twists, and turns. Discover what Erica Roberts discovered at her grandfather's house that unearthed a family secret connected to her former job at a nonprofit. And find out how fundraising literally saved Christy Passmore's life. Tissues are recommended for this episode!