DiscoverLead with Heart | Philanthropy, Nonprofit Leadership, Nonprofit Management & FundraisingE99: Why Passion Isn’t Enough: Building Strong Nonprofit Boards and Brands with David Rhode
E99: Why Passion Isn’t Enough: Building Strong Nonprofit Boards and Brands with David Rhode

E99: Why Passion Isn’t Enough: Building Strong Nonprofit Boards and Brands with David Rhode

Update: 2025-07-01
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I’m thrilled to welcome David Rhode. David is a seasoned leader, nonprofit coach, strategic consultant, and author of Passion Isn’t Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders. His career spans marketing, founding and running a nonprofit, and teaching at the University of Pennsylvania. He offers deep insight into leading sustainable organizations.

In this episode, we explore how to build a resonant brand, shift from passion to strategy, and engage your board in impactful fundraising.

In this episode:

  • [02:21 ] David’s transition from for-profit to nonprofit leadership
  • [03:45 ] The key to brand clarity and consistency in the nonprofit sector
  • [07:21 ] Building a brand without a marketing budget
  • [10:57 ] Why David wrote Passion Isn’t Enough
  • [12:53 ] The three biggest challenges facing nonprofit leaders today
  • [15:07 ] How to move board members from commitment to accountability
  • [20:20 ] Rethinking give/get policies
  • [25:00 ] Using motivation, celebration, and consistency to build a fundraising culture
  • [28:45 ] Why passion alone won’t sustain nonprofit leadership
  • [31:10 ] Leadership skill-building
  • [34:48 ] David’s #1 advice for nonprofit CEOs feeling isolated or burned out

RESOURCES

Passion Isn't Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders by David Rhode

CONNECT WITH DAVID

LinkedIn: David Rhode

Website: https://dotdotorg.com/ 

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact.

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

Dr. Lola Gershfeld’s EmC Masterclass helps you boost communication skills to raise more revenue. Trusted by top universities and global organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART for 10% off.

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Produced by Ideablossoms

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E99: Why Passion Isn’t Enough: Building Strong Nonprofit Boards and Brands with David Rhode

E99: Why Passion Isn’t Enough: Building Strong Nonprofit Boards and Brands with David Rhode

Haley Cooper | Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, Certified EmC Trainer