The Practice of Nonprofit Leadership
The Practice of Nonprofit Leadership was designed for Executive Directors of small to medium sized nonprofits. If you are currently an Executive Director or hope to be one someday this is your spot. Leading an organization can be one of the most fun, exhilarating, rewarding, scary, thankless jobs in the universe. Using a mixture of encouragement, information, stories, and practical tools, hosts Tim Barnes and Nathan Ruby will use their years of nonprofit leadership experience to make your journey a little easier, more fun, and ultimately help you be more effective in leading your organization.
Episodes
171 episodes
Beyond Board Reports: What Your Nonprofit Board Really Wants
Every nonprofit leader knows the scenario: Board meetings that consist of reviewing reports, nodding politely, and adjourning without meaningful engagement. But what if there's a better way? What if your board members are craving something beyo...
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Season 5
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Episode 167
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24:32
Vision Leaks: Keeping Your Nonprofit Focused
In the dynamic world of nonprofit leadership, maintaining focus on your organization's vision is more crucial than ever, especially in times of uncertainty and challenges. This episode explores the phenomenon of "vision leakage," a subtle yet s...
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Season 5
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Episode 166
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31:36
Optimizing Your Donor Database for Greater Impact
In this episode, Nathan discusses the vital role of donor relationship management systems in enhancing nonprofit fundraising efforts. Providing some practical insights and tips, Nathan explores key features such as donor management, fundraising...
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Season 5
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Episode 165
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24:17
Unlocking Effective Nonprofit Leadership Through One-on-One Meetings and Transparent Communication
Establishing regular one-on-one meetings is essential for fostering strong connections within nonprofit teams. These check-ins enhance accountability, ensure transparent communication, prevent conflicts from escalating, and provide support for ...
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Season 5
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Episode 164
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30:35
Crafting Attention-Grabbing Email Subjects for Nonprofit Growth
Effective email communication is crucial for nonprofit leaders aiming to engage stakeholders. This episode explores five key strategies to craft subject lines that enhance email open rates and promote responsiveness. • Be clear and...
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Season 5
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Episode 163
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21:53
Breaking Free from Groupthink: Strategies for Effective Nonprofit Leadership
Ever found yourself nodding along in a meeting, even when you disagree, just to keep the peace? You're not alone. Join Nathan Ruby on a journey through the intricate world of groupthink within nonprofit organizations. Drawing from personal high...
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Season 5
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Episode 162
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19:50
How to Solve Nonprofit Problems Without Doing It All Yourself
Struggling with staff who dump problems on your desk? Join Tim and Nathan as they share a game-changing leadership strategy: asking the right questions. Learn how clarifying open-ended, reflective, exploratory, and empowering questi...
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Season 5
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Episode 161
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26:40
Our 3 Words - Setting A Compass For 2025
This episode dives into the transformative practice of choosing three guiding words for the new year, offering nonprofit leaders a unique alternative to traditional resolutions. Through shared insights and personal experiences, Tim and Nathan s...
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Season 5
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Episode 160
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27:35
Encore Episode: Leadership with Dr. Jack Groppel
With the start of a new year, here is an encore presentation of an interview we did with Dr. Jack Groppel back in 2023 on Leadership.Dr Jack Groppel, co-founder of the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute and current...
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Season 5
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Episode 159
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40:47
New Year Reflections From 12 Days Of Major Gift Fundraising
In the first episode of 2025, Tim and Nathan dive into the crucial lessons learned from the "12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising," emphasizing the importance of consistency, connection, and passion in nonprofit leadership. They discuss how strate...
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Season 5
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Episode 158
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20:54
Recharge and Reflect: Navigating the Holiday Season as Nonprofit Leaders
Join Tim and Nathan as they unpack the themes of rest, connection, and planning during the holiday season. The conversation touches on the rejuvenating power of spending quality time with loved ones, celebrating successes and setting positive i...
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Season 4
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Episode 157
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25:47
12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising - Day 12: Final Thoughts
This is Day 12 of the 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising. On today's episode, Nathan wraps up the series with three final thoughts and then presents an offer to the listeners.If you are interested in signing up for Nathan's Video N...
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Season 4
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Episode 156
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17:20
12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising - Day 11: Getting Board Members to Help
What if board members could transform the daunting task of fundraising into an exciting and rewarding experience? On day 11 of the 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising, Nathan provides insights and a practical system of engaging Board members in m...
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Season 4
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Episode 155
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28:30
12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising - Day 10: A Culture of Philanthropy
Day 10 of the 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising is all about creating and maintaining a culture of philanthropy in your organization. You will discover how engaging everyone from leadership to volunteers in the fundraising process...
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Season 4
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Episode 154
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18:19
12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising - Day 9: Mindset
On Day 9 of the 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising, Nathan unravels the mysteries of how our subconscious mind shapes our thoughts, emotions, and actions, often without us even realizing it. Discover how deeply rooted beliefs formed in our early...
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Season 4
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Episode 153
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15:15
12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising - Day 8: Stewardship
On day 8 of our "12 Days of Major Gifts" series, Nathan focuses on Stewardship and emphasizes that expressing gratitude is not just a courteous act but a strategic one that can elevate your major gift program to new heights.He also shar...
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Season 4
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Episode 152
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17:42
12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising - Day 7: Making The Ask
Today is Day 7 of the 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising. The topic is Making the Ask and Nathan answers these important questions:What Should I Take To the Meeting?Where Should We Meet?What Should I Ask For?
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Season 4
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Episode 151
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35:31
12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising - Day 6: Cultivation
On Day 6 of the 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising, Nathan is focused on the concept of Cultivation, taking the steps needed to prepare the prospect for "the ask".If you are interested in signing up for Nathan's Video Newsletter, go to <...
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Season 4
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Episode 150
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33:47
12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising - Day 5: Qualification
It's day 5 of the 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising. Today Nathan explores the art and science behind qualifying major gift prospects, with a focus on building a structured and efficient program that ensures you're targeting the r...
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Season 4
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Episode 149
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28:55
12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising - Day 4: Identification
Unlock the secrets to successfully identifying major gift donors and elevate your nonprofit’s fundraising game. Our latest episode promises to transform how you approach potential donors by aligning with your organization's core principles. Dis...
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Season 4
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Episode 148
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20:49
12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising - Day 3: Values and Pillars
Nathan continues our 12 Day Journey in Major Gift Fundraising, with a focus on the impact of organizational values and pillars. This episode promises to equip nonprofit leaders with the insights needed to foster a strong cultural foundati...
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Season 4
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Episode 147
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16:27
12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising - Day 2: Mission
Can a well-crafted mission statement be the missing link in your major gift fundraising success? In this episode, Day 2 of our 12-day journey into the world of major gift fundraising, we break down the mission into three essential piece...
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Season 4
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Episode 146
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9:42
12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising - Day 1: Vision
Unlock the secrets to becoming a major gift fundraising powerhouse with The Practice of Nonprofit Leadership as we embark on a transformative 12-day series. This episode sets the stage by laying down the essential groundwork for creatin...
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Season 4
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Episode 146
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17:09
James Misner - Mastering the Art of Fundraising and Leadership In Nonprofits
On today's episode, James Misner, Founder of the Kipos Group, joins Tim for an insightful interview.This episode unpacks the narrative behind the Kipos Group's mission to cultivate sustainable growth in small and mid-sized nonprofits, l...
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Season 4
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Episode 145
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33:18
12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising: A Comprehensive Series for Nonprofit Leaders
Unlock the secrets to major gift fundraising with our 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising series, tailored specifically for executive directors of small to medium-sized nonprofits. Wondering why high-capacity donors are slipping thro...
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Season 4
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Episode 144
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2:21