In this episode of the Nonprofit411 podcast, Sarah Barton sits down with Beth Saunders, founder and chief strategist of Beth Saunders Associates. With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Beth shares her unique perspective on building authentic relationships between nonprofit organizations and their supporters. She discusses how nonprofits can better invest in their people and technology, the importance of understanding capacity to avoid burnout, and the value of strategic decision-making. Beth also emphasizes the importance of pausing to remember your “why” as a way to stay motivated and focused.

This episode is packed with practical advice for nonprofit leaders looking to strengthen their organizations and prevent burnout.

In this episode of the Nonprofit411 podcast, Sarah Barton chats with Casey Bryan, founder of Summit Grant Consulting, about her journey in the nonprofit world and the art of grant writing. With over a decade of experience, Casey shares her passion for storytelling through grants and her unique approach to helping nonprofits access the funding they need. From building strong relationships with funders to creating robust systems for grant management, Casey offers practical insights for nonprofits looking to grow and sustain their funding streams. Plus, she discusses the importance of celebrating small victories and seeking feedback, even when things don’t go as planned.

In this episode of the Nonprofit411 podcast, Sarah Barton is joined by David Rhode, author of Passion Isn’t Enough, to discuss his new book and share his insights on nonprofit leadership. David brings over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, having founded organizations, consulted, and taught at the University of Pennsylvania. He discusses key elements of nonprofit success, including capacity building boards, strategic partnerships, and how nonprofits can adapt to turbulent times. David’s passion for empowering nonprofit leaders shines through as he offers actionable advice for strengthening organizational impact, improving donor engagement, and refining leadership strategies.

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In this special PODCASTATHON edition of the Nonprofit411 podcast, Sarah Barton is joined by Cat Bigley, Executive Director of The Amputee Center in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Cat discusses the unique work The Amputee Center does to support individuals facing limb loss and limb difference, offering a combination of mental, emotional, and physical support. From pre-amputation consultations to peer support networks, Cat shares how the center is transforming lives by creating community and connection. Cat also talks about how their approach fosters empowerment, especially through adaptive fitness and community involvement. This episode highlights the importance of community for individuals facing challenges and encourages nonprofits to break free from limiting beliefs.

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In this episode of the Nonprofit 411 podcast, Sarah Barton welcomes Spring Richardson-Perry, founder of Time to Spring Forward, for an insightful conversation on the rapidly changing landscape of fundraising. They discuss the latest trends in grant writing, donor relations, and how nonprofits can adapt to shifting priorities. Spring shares her experiences and expertise in nonprofit operations, board governance, and strategic planning. They dive into practical advice on engaging with donors, utilizing donor-advised funds, and ensuring nonprofits maintain compliance. This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders seeking to navigate the evolving fundraising environment in 2025.

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In this episode of Nonprofit411, Sarah Barton welcomes Matt Bregman, founder of The Fundraising System, to explore the essential elements of building a sustainable and effective fundraising strategy. Matt shares his journey as an "accidental fundraiser" and how his experiences shaped his approach to helping nonprofits establish clear systems for donor cultivation and engagement.

Key highlights include practical tips for small to mid-sized nonprofits, how to align fundraising efforts with organizational goals, and why generosity and relationship-building are at the heart of successful development work. Matt also introduces The Fundraising System, a resource to guide organizations in creating structured, measurable, and impactful fundraising processes.

In this episode of Nonprofit411, Sarah Barton sits down with Steve Eckman, Chancellor of York University and Interim President of Bethany College, to discuss his decades-long career in nonprofit leadership and the evolution of fundraising strategies. Drawing from his experiences in higher education and foundation work, Steve shares invaluable insights into building sustainable nonprofits, navigating donor relationships, and adapting to changing donor expectations in a technology-driven world.

Key topics include the importance of aligning missions with donor priorities, leveraging technology for accountability, and fostering meaningful relationships with donors. Steve also reflects on the challenges and opportunities for new fundraisers, emphasizing the importance of people-centric approaches in a sector increasingly shaped by digital interactions.

In this episode of Nonprofit411, Sarah Barton is joined by Ricky Chilcott, co-founder of Mission Met, to discuss how nonprofits can transform their approach to strategic planning. Ricky shares insights into building effective strategies, setting measurable goals, and using innovative tools like Kazi to track progress and improve organizational impact.

Drawing from his experience in software development and nonprofit consulting, Ricky highlights the importance of aligning plans with mission and vision while leveraging data to inform decisions. Whether it’s creating process-driven goals or adapting to capacity challenges, this episode equips nonprofits with the tools and mindset to succeed.

In this episode of Nonprofit411, Sarah Barton sits down with Joseph Scarano, CEO of Araize, to discuss the often-overlooked but essential topic of fiscal management for nonprofits. With over 40 years of experience in nonprofit financial software and consulting, Joseph shares actionable insights on how nonprofits can achieve financial sustainability through sound fiscal practices.

Key topics include the importance of diversified funding streams, the need for proper tools and systems to ensure accurate financial reporting, and how to navigate nonprofit-specific accounting requirements. Joseph also explains how integrating accounting, payroll, and fundraising systems can save nonprofits time and resources while ensuring compliance with reporting standards. This episode is packed with valuable advice for nonprofit leaders looking to strengthen their financial foundation.

In this episode of Nonprofit411, host Sarah Barton speaks with Marian Clowes, Associate Director of the Sisters Health Foundation, to uncover the funder’s perspective on nonprofit grant-seeking and capacity building. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit and foundation work, Marian offers invaluable advice on how nonprofits can strengthen relationships with funders, avoid mission drift, and create impactful projects.

Key insights include the importance of trust-based philanthropy, how to plan projects that align with funders’ priorities, and why nonprofits should focus on capacity building to ensure long-term sustainability. Marian emphasizes the power of collaboration, communication, and intentionality to maximize nonprofit impact while staying true to their mission.