A Modern Nonprofit Podcast

The Charity CFO, LLC

A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, powered by The Charity CFO, explores the most important business and culture topics in the nonprofit sector. Hosted by Tosha Anderson, each episode will feature an informative, lighthearted and insightful discussion about what’s trending in today’s organizations. This podcast is designed for nonprofit leaders and listeners alike, and we thank you for making this podcast part of your day!

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20 episodes
Updated July 21

Episodes20

Newest first

July 21 · 14 min
Episode 163: What a $15.6 Million Deficit Should Teach Every Nonprofit Board
A local utility company just posted a 15.6 million dollar deficit. Tosha Anderson breaks down what really happened at Kirkwood Electric and why she does not think fraud is the answer, even though everyone assumes it is. She unpacks the three real explanations behind a finance team gone quiet, the reports every nonprofit board should demand every month, and how to tell the difference between a capacity problem and a skill problem before it costs you millions. 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
July 7 · 36 min
Episode 162: The Founder's Curse: When Passion Turns Into Burnout
Brandon Peacock survived a drive by shooting, was told he'd never walk again, and went on to run an Ironman. But this episode isn't about his comeback. It's about what he learned after: that being the face, the fundraiser, and the operator of his own nonprofit was quietly burning him out. Tosha Anderson and Brandon talk honestly about nonprofit founder burnout, the guilt of stepping back, and why building a nonprofit that can survive without you is one of the most important things a founder can do. They also cover nonprofit marketing in 2026, including which platforms are actually working right now. A must listen for nonprofit leaders thinking about sustainability, delegation, and what comes next. Connect With Brandon Peacock 🌐 Website: https://www.htgrcharity.com/⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-peacock/ 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
June 23 · 27 min
Episode 161: Your Team Isn't the Problem—Your Leadership Might Be
What if your team's performance problems are actually a leadership problem? Tiffany Slater, founder and CEO of HR TailorMade, joins Tosha Anderson for a frank conversation on why teams underperform and what nonprofit leaders are missing. They dig into onboarding, unclear expectations, accountability systems, and the hard question of when to coach versus when to move on. Tiffany and Tosha also share how TCCFO uses success profiles and monthly one-on-ones to build high-performing teams, and close with the one question every leader should ask before blaming their people. Practical, honest, and a little uncomfortable in the best way. Connect with Tiffany Slater 🌐 Website: https://www.hrtailormade.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-e-slater/ 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 And if this episode resonated, leave a review or share it with a fellow nonprofit leader who needs to hear it.
June 9 · 37 min
Episode 160: The Invisible Workload: Why Neurodivergent Nonprofit Leaders Burn Out Differently (And What It's Costing Us All)
Most nonprofit leaders know what burnout feels like. But not everyone burns out the same way.In this episode, Tosha Anderson sits down with Britt Stockert, Certified Fundraising Executive and coach at Donorbox, to talk about something that rarely comes up in the nonprofit leadership conversation: neurodivergence and the invisible workload it creates.Britt and Tosha both share their own experiences realizing, in their 40s, that what they thought was anxiety, over-ambition, or just being "a lot" was actually something more specific. And they explore why the nonprofit sector may be uniquely positioned to both attract and burn out neurodivergent leaders at an alarming rate. In this conversation, you'll hear about: What "superhero mode" looks like in practice, and why it eventually collapses The secondary operating system neurodivergent leaders carry that neurotypical colleagues don't Why neurodivergent burnout often goes undetected in teams until it's a crisis What alexithymia is and why it matters for nonprofit leaders Small, practical changes that leaders and organizations can make right now Why a formal diagnosis is not required to start advocating for yourself This is one of those episodes that will make a lot of people feel a lot less alone. Read more on our blog: https://thecharitycfo.com/neurodivergent-burnout-nonprofit-leaders/ Connect With Brittan Stockert 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittans/ 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 Subscribe to A Modern Nonprofit Podcast for conversations on nonprofit leadership, fundraising strategy, financial management, and the human side of running mission-driven organizations.
May 26 · 26 min
Episode 159: Why Most Nonprofit Press Releases Fail—and How to Actually Earn Media Coverage
Your press release is not getting picked up because it's written for you, not for the journalist. In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson talks with Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, about what actually makes a nonprofit press release work. They cover the story arc journalists want to see, how to pitch local media with no budget, why your quotes are probably too safe, and how to turn earned media into a tool for donor retention and staff morale. Practical, direct, and full of real examples. A must-listen for any nonprofit leader who has sent a press release into the void and heard nothing back. Connect With Mickie Kennedy 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠https://www.ereleases.com/causewire/ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/publicity/ Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ Get the nonprofit finance insights your org needs: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint
May 12 · 41 min
Episode 158: Sustainable Leadership Without Burnout: Weekly Habits Nonprofit Leaders Need Now
Nonprofit burnout is real and nonprofit leaders are carrying more than ever before. In this episode, Tosha Anderson sits down with productivity coach and Winning the Week co-author Demir Bentley to talk about sustainable leadership, weekly planning, productivity systems, and how nonprofit professionals can stop living in constant overwhelm.If you constantly feel behind, struggle to disconnect from work, or feel guilty setting boundaries, this episode will help you rethink what healthy leadership actually looks like. In this conversation, we discuss: ✔ Why nonprofit professionals experience extreme burnout ✔ How perfectionism and urgency culture hurt organizations ✔ Why weekly planning creates calm and clarity ✔ The importance of operational systems and delegation ✔ How leaders unintentionally create organizational dependency ✔ Boundary-setting strategies for mission-driven leaders ✔ Practical habits to reduce overwhelm immediatelyThis episode is packed with actionable strategies nonprofit executives can start using this week. 📘 Learn more about Winning the Week: https://www.lifehackmethod.com 📊 Learn more about The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://www.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint Connect With Demir Bentley 🌐 Website: https://lifehackmethod.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demirbentley/ 📘 Grab Winning the Week here. Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfo🔔 Subscribe to our newsletter for more nonprofit leadership conversations, financial strategy insights, fundraising tips, and operational best practices.
April 28 · 30 min
Episode 157: Budgeting for Impact: Why Nonprofits Need More Than Just a Spreadsheet
Most nonprofits have a budget. But very few are actually using it to make better decisions. In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson sits down with CFO Pat Fisher from The Charity CFO to break down what effective nonprofit budgeting really looks like. This is not about spreadsheets. It is about strategy. You will learn: Why every nonprofit needs a board-approved budget The biggest budgeting mistakes nonprofit leaders make How to turn your budget into a real management tool Why involving your team changes everything The difference between budgeting and forecasting How to plan for funding uncertainty and pivot with confidence This episode highlights Principle #12 of The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint, a framework built from working with hundreds of nonprofits. If your budget feels disconnected, outdated, or stressful, this conversation will show you a better way forward. Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint here. #nonprofitbudgeting #nonprofitfinance #nonprofitleadership #thecharitycfo #financialmanagement Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1
April 14 · 36 min
Episode 156: From Starvation to Sustainability: How Nonprofits Can Escape the Funding Trap
Are you constantly chasing funding but still struggling to build sustainable growth?In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson sits down with Drew Reynolds, Principal Consultant at Common Good Data, to break down why so many nonprofits are stuck in the funding trap and what to do about it.With increasing funding uncertainty and limited capacity, nonprofit leaders are being forced to rethink their fundraising strategy. The key is not doing more. The key is getting clear on your mission and proving your impact. In this episode, you will learn: Why nonprofits get stuck in the starvation cycle How the Clarity Impact Fundraising framework drives sustainability How to improve donor retention through impact storytelling Practical ways to measure impact without overwhelm How to align your team around mission and results If you want to build a more sustainable nonprofit and stop chasing funding, this episode is for you. Check out the full episode and blog here: https://thecharitycfo.com/nonprofit-funding-sustainability/ Connect With Drew Online 🌐 Website: https://www.commongooddata.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewdreynolds/ 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 #nonprofitleadership #nonprofitfunding #fundraisingstrategy #impactmeasurement #thecharitycfo
March 31 · 32 min
Episode 155: The State of Grant Seeking in 2026: Strategy, AI, and Surviving the Competition
Grant Writing in 2026 Is Harder Than Ever - Here’s How to Adapt Federal funding volatility. Private foundations acting like contracts. Massive nonprofits competing for $5,000 grants. And now AI flooding the system with applications. In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson sits down with Dr. Krista Kurlinkus to unpack the state of grant seeking in 2026 and what nonprofit leaders must change to survive. We cover: -Why competition for grants is exploding -How AI is increasing volume but lowering quality -The dangers of “spray and pray” grant writing -Administrative burden and hidden compliance costs -Why nonprofits need a Grants Operating System -How to align strategy before writing another proposal If you’re feeling overwhelmed by funding shifts, this episode will give you clarity and actionable next steps. #grantwriting #nonprofitleadership #fundraisingstrategy #nonprofitfinance #aiingrantwriting #thecharitycfo Connect with Krista Kurlinkus FREE Templates on Krista's website: https://www.grantwritingmadeeasy.com💼 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kristakurlinkus YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GrantWritingMadeEasy 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kristakurlinkus 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
March 17 · 32 min
Episode 154: Why Donors Don’t Give Again — And How to Fix It
Why Are Donors Disappearing? Here’s What Nonprofits Must Change Only 20% of first-time donors give again. That means for every 100 new donors you acquire, 80 disappear. Is it donor fatigue? The economy? AI? Federal funding volatility? In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson and donor strategist Erin Straza unpack the real reasons donors don’t return - and what nonprofit leaders must change to improve donor retention. We discuss: The truth about donor retention rates Why transactional fundraising fails The power of phone calls and personal outreach How messaging impacts lifetime donor value Why “fully funded” grant-heavy nonprofits are still vulnerable How to shift from a numbers game to relationship strategy If your fundraising appeals feel like they’re vanishing into the void, this episode is for you. #donorretention #nonprofitfundraising #nonprofitleadership #fundraisingstrategy #thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinstraza/ 🌐 Website: https://erinstraza.com/ FREE Open Office Meet Up with Erin on April 14th Register for FREE here: https://mailchi.mp/1af00243dff3/charitycfogrowtime 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
March 3 · 38 min
Episode 153: Federal Grants in 2026: What Nonprofits Need to Know Before Applying
Is federal funding coming back? Should your nonprofit apply for federal grants in 2026? And what are the new compliance risks you need to understand before submitting an application? In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson sits down with federal funding expert Fielding Jezreel to unpack the current state of federal grants as of February 2026.After a turbulent 2025 filled with funding whiplash, shutdown fears, and shifting priorities, we’re finally seeing stability return. But that doesn’t mean it’s business as usual. We cover: -Why federal grant opportunities are surging in Spring 2026 -New federal funding priorities (faith-based, charter schools, rural organizations) -Increased scrutiny around first-year outcomes and compliance -Red flags that mean your nonprofit is NOT ready to apply -How to build the infrastructure to withstand federal audits -Whether you should apply directly or start as a sub-recipient If you’re a nonprofit leader navigating federal funding, grant management, compliance requirements, or organizational readiness, this episode is essential listening. Federal grants aren’t all doom and gloom in 2026 — but they do require strategy. Connect with Fielding Jezreel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fieldingjezreel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jezreelconsulting Learn more about Fielding’s Federal Grants Accelerator: https://www.federalgrantsaccelerator.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 Full episode here: https://thecharitycfo.com/federal-grants-2026-nonprofit-readiness/ Check these out: Is Your Nonprofit Ready For Federal Grant Funding? Why You Shouldn’t Be Giving Up on Federal Grants #nonprofitleadership #federalgrants #grantwriting #nonprofitfinance #nonprofitstrategy #thecharitycfo
February 17 · 21 min
Episode 152: From Compliance to Clarity: How to Streamline Nonprofit Data Collection and Evaluation
Data doesn’t have to feel like a burden. In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson talks with Kayla Meyers, Founder of Bridgepoint Evaluation, about how nonprofit leaders can move from compliance-driven data collection to clarity-driven evaluation strategy. If your organization is collecting data for grants but not using it for decision-making, team alignment, or strategic growth, this conversation will help you rethink your approach. You’ll learn how to: Shift from reactive to proactive evaluation Streamline nonprofit data systems Improve data quality without increasing volume Align your team around shared learning goals Combine impact stories with metrics Evaluation isn’t just a reporting requirement — it’s a leadership tool. Read the full blog recap here: https://thecharitycfo.com/from-compliance-to-clarity-how-nonprofits-can-finally-make-data-work-for-them/ Connect with Kayla Meyers 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgepointkayla/ 🌐 Website: https://www.bridgepointevaluation.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 #nonprofitpodcast #nonprofitdata #impactmeasurement #nonprofitstrategy #thecharitycfo
February 3 · 33 min
Episode 151: Rethinking Philanthropy: How Business Leaders Can Help Nonprofits Create Lasting Impact
What if philanthropy wasn’t just about writing checks - but about building systems that actually work?In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, host Tosha Anderson sits down with Ed Mitzen, Co-Founder of the Business for Good Foundation, to talk about rethinking traditional philanthropy through a business lens.After selling his for-profit company, Ed and his wife chose a hands-on approach to giving - investing time, talent, and capital into workforce development, housing, entrepreneurship, and underserved communities. Together, they explore how nonprofits, government, and the private sector can collaborate more effectively to create long-term economic mobility instead of short-term fixes. You’ll hear real examples of: Using entrepreneurship to reduce reliance on nonprofit services Partnering with government to get funding out faster Why nonprofit boards need business expertise How to engage donors and business leaders beyond writing checks What nonprofits should focus on as funding gets tighter If you’re a nonprofit leader, funder, or board member navigating uncertainty and looking for smarter, more sustainable ways to drive impact - this episode is for you. Connect with Ed Mitzen 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠https://www.bfg.org/💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-mitzen/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/businessforgoodfoundation/ 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
January 20 · 28 min
Episode 150: Why Traditional Strategic Plans Fail Nonprofits - And What to Do Instead
Traditional strategic plans are failing nonprofits. In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson and Theresa Guest, CFO at The Charity CFO, explain why so many nonprofit strategic plans collect dust instead of driving decisions. Using insights from The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint, they unpack the missing links between strategy, accountability, financial planning, and execution. You will learn why quarterly planning creates more momentum than multi year roadmaps, how financial alignment exposes unrealistic goals early, and what nonprofit leaders can do this quarter to turn strategic planning into a living system that supports sustainable growth. This episode is a must listen for nonprofit leaders who want clarity, alignment, and financial sustainability. 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
January 6 · 42 min
Episode 149: Why Strategic Finance Is the Key to Nonprofit Fundraising Survival
Fundraising and finance are supposed to work together but in most nonprofits they operate in silos. In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson sits down with David Cristello, Founder and CEO of Jetpack Workflow, to talk about why this disconnect is costing nonprofits time, money, and people.They dive into grant utilization, financial visibility, burnout, and why spreadsheets are failing nonprofit leaders. David shares what he has learned building technology for accountants and how those lessons apply to nonprofits struggling to track grants, programs, and funding gaps. If you are a nonprofit CEO, finance leader, or fundraiser trying to reduce chaos and make smarter decisions, this conversation will resonate.This episode is especially relevant if you are struggling with grant tracking, forecasting, financial transparency, or aligning fundraising strategy with financial reality.Connect with David Cristello🌐 Website: https://www.actuallyFI.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcristello/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
Dec 23, 2025 · 26 min
Episode 148: How to Build and Protect Employee Trust During Organizational Change
Trust is the currency of leadership - especially during disruption.In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, host Tosha Anderson sits down with Kim Bohr, President & COO of SparkEffect, to unpack how nonprofit leaders can navigate uncertainty without losing the trust, morale, and engagement of their people.Kim draws from SparkEffect’s new research study, Trust in Turbulence: The 2025 State of Organizational Trust, revealing what employees say builds trust (and destroys it) during disruption. They discuss:✔️ Why disruption hits trust before anything else✔️ The “Trust Dividend” - and how trust can grow during change✔️ Why middle managers are the most powerful (and fragile) culture carriers✔️ How nonprofits can protect belonging and psychological safety✔️ How to measure trust like a strategic asset - not a soft skillWhether you’re navigating shifting funding, leadership turnover, or organizational restructuring, this episode gives nonprofit CEOs and leaders the playbook for leading with clarity, consistency, and purpose. Check out the full episode here: https://thecharitycfo.com/trust-during-disruption-nonprofit-leaders/ 👉 Download the SparkEffect Trust Report for 2025: https://www.sparkeffect.com/mnp👉 Explore more nonprofit leadership tools at: https://www.thecharitycfo.com#nonprofitleadership #organizationaltrust #changemanagement #nonprofitmanagement #thecharitycfo Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfo Connect with Kim BohrLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimbohr/SparkEffect LinkedIn Company Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sparkeffect/ Courage to Advance Podcast available on All PlatformsPodcast Webpage: https://sparkeffect.com/sparkeffect-podcast-courage-to-advance/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sparkeffect-usCompany Website Homepage: https://sparkeffect.com/Join our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint
Dec 9, 2025 · 29 min
Episode 147: Unrestricted Revenue: The Lifeblood of Nonprofit Agility and Growth
Most nonprofit leaders want more unrestricted revenue - but few have a strategy for building it. In this episode, The Charity CFO’s Tosha Anderson and Aaron Landis explain why unrestricted funds are the true fuel behind nonprofit growth, stability, and innovation. Drawing on conversations with hundreds of CEOs and EDs, they highlight why organizations with the highest unrestricted percentages are often the most resilient and mission-aligned. You’ll learn: • Why unrestricted revenue is essential to scaling programs • The risks of relying on restricted grants or government funding • How unrestricted dollars improve staffing, operations, and long-term planning • How boards and CEOs can shift the fundraising mindset • Practical ways to increase unrestricted support in your next budget cycle A must-listen for CEOs, CFOs, development leaders, and board members serious about financial health. Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠www.thecharitycfo.com⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ /thecharitycfo⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ / the-charity-cfo⁠⁠ ⁠ 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoReach out and connect with Aaron Landis: https://www.thecharitycfo.com/contactJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint#nonprofitfundraising #unrestrictedrevenue #nonprofitleadership #financialsustainability #thecharitycfo
Nov 25, 2025 · 37 min
Episode 146: Why People Really Give: Using Brain Science to Build Better Donor Relationships
Why do people really give? It is not logic. It is not spreadsheets. It is not persuasion. In this thought-provoking conversation, Tosha talks with fundraising strategist and neuroscience expert Cherian Koshy about the biology and behavior behind generosity. Together they explore how the brain rewards giving, why relationships matter more than transactions, and how nonprofit leaders can create emotionally resonant donor experiences. Cherian shares insights on donor identity, digital fatigue, donor retention, and how to ethically communicate urgency during uncertain times. This episode offers a practical and science-informed look at what motivates people to be generous. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – 02:00Introduction and context for why neuroscience matters in fundraising. 02:00 – 09:30How generosity shows up in the brain and why giving is a biological event. 09:30 – 17:30Behavioral finance principles and why money decisions rarely follow logic. 17:30 – 23:00A new understanding of donor fatigue and why emotional connection matters most. 23:00 – 29:30Identity theory and how reinforcing donor values builds long-term relationships. 29:30 – 33:00Digital fatigue and how to create messages that activate attention and memory. 33:00 – 41:30Creating ethical urgency during uncertain times while maintaining trust. 41:30 – EndWhere listeners can find Cherian and final thoughts from Tosha. Follow Cherian Koshy Online 🌐 Website: https://www.cheriankoshy.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheriankoshy/ 📘Book: https://neurogivingbook.com/ 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 Check out these blogs next: Nonprofit Communications: Navigating Donor Conversations The Psychology of Fundraising Resources Mentioned: Book: Your Money Has Feelings by Shannon Ryan
Nov 12, 2025 · 18 min
Episode 145: Think Before You Lead: The Financial Red Flags Every Nonprofit CEO Needs to Spot
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 audits Understand what funders, auditors, and reports are really saying Build early trust with your board and financial team Protect your organization from preventable financial risk Whether 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/resources 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 #nonprofitfinance #nonprofitleadership #thenonprofitceo #thecharitycfo #nonprofitmanagement #financialoversight
Nov 5, 2025 · 30 min
Episode 144: Your Finance Committee Might Be Broken: How to Build One That Actually Helps
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 committee How to spot when your committee is too hands-off or too controlling Real-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

A Modern Nonprofit Podcast

Episode 163: What a $15.6 Million Deficit Should Teach Every Nonprofit Board

Episode 162: The Founder's Curse: When Passion Turns Into Burnout

Episode 161: Your Team Isn't the Problem—Your Leadership Might Be

Episode 160: The Invisible Workload: Why Neurodivergent Nonprofit Leaders Burn Out Differently (And What It's Costing Us All)

Episode 159: Why Most Nonprofit Press Releases Fail—and How to Actually Earn Media Coverage

Episode 158: Sustainable Leadership Without Burnout: Weekly Habits Nonprofit Leaders Need Now

Episode 157: Budgeting for Impact: Why Nonprofits Need More Than Just a Spreadsheet

Episode 156: From Starvation to Sustainability: How Nonprofits Can Escape the Funding Trap

Episode 155: The State of Grant Seeking in 2026: Strategy, AI, and Surviving the Competition

Episode 154: Why Donors Don’t Give Again — And How to Fix It

Episode 153: Federal Grants in 2026: What Nonprofits Need to Know Before Applying

Episode 152: From Compliance to Clarity: How to Streamline Nonprofit Data Collection and Evaluation

Episode 151: Rethinking Philanthropy: How Business Leaders Can Help Nonprofits Create Lasting Impact

Episode 150: Why Traditional Strategic Plans Fail Nonprofits - And What to Do Instead

Episode 149: Why Strategic Finance Is the Key to Nonprofit Fundraising Survival

Episode 148: How to Build and Protect Employee Trust During Organizational Change

Episode 147: Unrestricted Revenue: The Lifeblood of Nonprofit Agility and Growth

Episode 146: Why People Really Give: Using Brain Science to Build Better Donor Relationships

Episode 145: Think Before You Lead: The Financial Red Flags Every Nonprofit CEO Needs to Spot

Episode 144: Your Finance Committee Might Be Broken: How to Build One That Actually Helps