Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications

Joan Garry & Glennda Testone

Nonprofits Are Messy is the podcast for nonprofit leaders navigating the real challenges of leadership, fundraising, governance, communications, and organizational growth. Hosted by Joan Garry and Glennda Testone, each episode features candid conversations, practical advice, and honest stories to help you lead with greater confidence through the messiness of nonprofit work.

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262 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes262

Newest first

Oct 25, 2025 · 50 min
Ep: 239 ADHD at Work: A Guide for Nonprofit Leaders and Teams
Erica Fortescue joins Glennda to debunk the myth that ADHD is a flaw at work. With simple, brain-based tools and strategies nonprofit leaders can turn friction into flow and build high-functioning, neuroinclusive teams.
Oct 11, 2025 · 39 min
Ep. 238: Small Gifts, Big Impact: Building Sustainable Revenue from Everyday Donors (with Vivian Chang)
People-powered fundraising isn't rocket-science, but it does take intention, bandwidth, and smart systems. Listen in as Vivian Chang shares how your grassroots, small-donor dollars can stabilize your revenue, build ambassadors for your organization, and align your funding with your mission.
Sep 27, 2025 · 51 min
Ep 237: The AI Field Guide: A Playbook for Nonprofit Success with Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Cheryl Contee
AI can feel overwhelming until you make it practical. Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Cheryle Contee join me to discuss their new tactical field guide, AI for Nonprofits. Discover how your organization can adopt AI responsibly and free your staff to do more human work.
Sep 13, 2025 · 25 min
Ep 236: Defeated Today, Inspired Tomorrow: A New Way to Lead Development
Too many Development Directors feel like failures if they don't hit their revenue numbers — even when circumstances are beyond their control. In this episode, I explore why this mindset is harmful and what nonprofits can do to redefine success.
Aug 30, 2025 · 48 min
Ep. 235: Donor-Advised Funds Demystified (with Mitch Stein)
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are booming—but most nonprofit leaders still find them confusing or inaccessible. In this episode, Mitch Stein from Chariot joins Glennda Testone to bust common myths, explain how DAFs work, and share how both donors and nonprofits can make the most of them.
Aug 16, 2025 · 50 min
Ep. 234: Succession Planning: It’s Time To Stop Talking About Leaders and Buses (with Glennda Testone)
Succession planning gets treated like a worst-case scenario when it should be a regular part of nonprofit leadership. In this episode, Glennda and I get candid about our own transitions—and what we wish we’d known sooner.
Aug 2, 2025 · 44 min
Ep. 233: Leading Through Whiplash: How to Stay Grounded in Uncertain Times (with Alex Love)
Whiplash. That’s how it feels to lead a nonprofit right now. Executive coach, Alex Love and Glennda Testone explore how leaders can stay grounded, care for their teams, and hold onto their mission through constant change.
Jul 19, 2025 · 36 min
Ep. 232: The Helpers Need Help Too: How Leaders Refill Their Tanks (with Glennda Testone)
In a time when many nonprofits fear losing that very status, we are celebrating wins as a reminder that progress and possibility still exist. Glennda Testone and I share the stories and sparks that are refueling our own leadership and hopefully, yours too.
Jun 21, 2025 · 55 min
Ep 231: Improving the Nonprofit Talent Search (with Omar Lopez)
Attracting top talent to your nonprofit isn’t about luck—it’s about alignment. Talent search expert, Omar Lopez shares what it takes to find (and keep) the right people in today’s competitive hiring landscape.
Jun 7, 2025 · 49 min
Ep. 230: Think Big: How Capital Campaigns Fuel Long-Term Growth (with Amy Eisenstein)
What if a capital campaign could be your nonprofit’s ticket to long-term growth? Fundraising expert Amy Eisenstein joins the podcast to bust common myths and share practical insights from decades of experience. From feasibility studies to board engagement, she lays out what it really takes to run a successful campaign—no wealthy board members required.
May 24, 2025 · 26 min
Ep 229: Imposter Syndrome Is Real—6 Ways To Overcome It
Many nonprofit leaders feel like they’re just one mistake away from being “found out.” Even experienced executives, including myself, wrestle with that nagging voice of doubt, especially in moments of high visibility or pressure. But instead of letting imposter syndrome win, here are 6 tangible strategies.
May 10, 2025 · 42 min
Ep. 228: Nonprofits Are Under Attack (with Glennda Testone)
Nonprofits are under attack in 2025—from hostile federal policies, harmful public misconceptions, and risk-averse boards. Glennda Testone and I urge nonprofit leaders to push back, speak up, and lead with boldness and creativity. Despite the challenges, we spotlight moments of hope and courage from organizations stepping up to protect communities and sustain impact.
Apr 26, 2025 · 45 min
Ep 227: What Challenging Times Make Possible (with Michael Hyatt)
What if challenging times are invitations to redefine what matters most? Michael Hyatt shares what helped him redefine success, and find a fulfilling way to live and lead.
Apr 12, 2025 · 49 min
Ep. 226: Nonprofits in the Chaos of 2025: What’s At Stake And How to Respond (with Amol Sinha)
The nonprofit sector is under attack. But, there’s hope. In this episode, Glennda Testone and I talk with Amol Sinha about the unique harms facing nonprofits and how we can all take action to protect our missions.
Mar 29, 2025 · 48 min
Ep 225: The Secret to Sustainability: Taking Care of Yourself as You Lead (with Mariam Habib)
Nonprofit leadership can be deeply meaningful—and deeply exhausting. In this powerful conversation, Glennda Testone and trauma specialist Mariam Habib explore what it takes to sustain yourself while serving others. From setting boundaries to building resilience, this episode is a roadmap for leading with purpose and preserving your well-being.
Mar 15, 2025 · 47 min
Ep 224: Fighting Loneliness In Remote Work (with Dr. Tracy Brower)
Work can be a source of joy and fulfillment—but only if we feel connected. In this episode, Dr. Tracy Brower unpacks why we’re feeling more isolated than ever—and what leaders can do to build workplaces where people actually feel like they belong.
Mar 1, 2025 · 44 min
Ep 223: Activating Change: Fighting Ableism and Building Accessible Nonprofits (with Nancy Smith)
Disability is not a niche issue—it’s a reality for 60 million Americans. Yet, systemic bias and stereotypes continue to exclude people with disabilities from conversations about inclusion. In this episode, Nancy Smith of Activating Change shares practical steps nonprofits can take to build truly accessible and equitable spaces.
Feb 15, 2025 · 1 hr
Ep 222: The Joys and Challenges of Leading A Small Nonprofit (with members of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab)
Three fearless nonprofit leaders share what drives them, how they navigate burnout, and the vision that keeps them going. Tomik Dash, Laura Carmichael, and Adrienne McCue are breaking barriers and sharing their stories that prove that small but mighty nonprofits are changing lives every day.
Feb 1, 2025 · 48 min
Ep 221: Building Organizational Capacity For Rapid Response (with Deepa Iyer)
From the Atlanta spa shootings to ongoing challenges, Deepa Iyer highlights the critical need for infrastructure, relationship-building, and centering the voices of affected communities in times of crisis.
Jan 18, 2025 · 27 min
Ep 220: 5 Strategies for Leading Nonprofits in 2025
Whether you’re grappling with turbulent times or striving for greater impact, these strategies will help you navigate 2025 with clarity and purpose. Join me for a conversation that will leave you inspired, equipped, and ready to take on the year ahead. Let’s buckle up and face this journey together.

Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications

Ep: 239 ADHD at Work: A Guide for Nonprofit Leaders and Teams

Ep. 238: Small Gifts, Big Impact: Building Sustainable Revenue from Everyday Donors (with Vivian Chang)

Ep 237: The AI Field Guide: A Playbook for Nonprofit Success with Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Cheryl Contee

Ep 236: Defeated Today, Inspired Tomorrow: A New Way to Lead Development

Ep. 235: Donor-Advised Funds Demystified (with Mitch Stein)

Ep. 234: Succession Planning: It’s Time To Stop Talking About Leaders and Buses (with Glennda Testone)

Ep. 233: Leading Through Whiplash: How to Stay Grounded in Uncertain Times (with Alex Love)

Ep. 232: The Helpers Need Help Too: How Leaders Refill Their Tanks (with Glennda Testone)

Ep 231: Improving the Nonprofit Talent Search (with Omar Lopez)

Ep. 230: Think Big: How Capital Campaigns Fuel Long-Term Growth (with Amy Eisenstein)

Ep 229: Imposter Syndrome Is Real—6 Ways To Overcome It

Ep. 228: Nonprofits Are Under Attack (with Glennda Testone)

Ep 227: What Challenging Times Make Possible (with Michael Hyatt)

Ep. 226: Nonprofits in the Chaos of 2025: What’s At Stake And How to Respond (with Amol Sinha)

Ep 225: The Secret to Sustainability: Taking Care of Yourself as You Lead (with Mariam Habib)

Ep 224: Fighting Loneliness In Remote Work (with Dr. Tracy Brower)

Ep 223: Activating Change: Fighting Ableism and Building Accessible Nonprofits (with Nancy Smith)

Ep 222: The Joys and Challenges of Leading A Small Nonprofit (with members of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab)

Ep 221: Building Organizational Capacity For Rapid Response (with Deepa Iyer)

Ep 220: 5 Strategies for Leading Nonprofits in 2025