On this special episode of Nonprofit411, host Sarah is joined by Shannon Tschopp, Program Director of Nonprofits LEAD, to talk about why this conference is such a valuable opportunity for nonprofit professionals across West Virginia and southeast Ohio. Designed to strengthen organizations through practical, accessible training, the conference offers a full day of workshops, networking, and a brand-new vendor fair.

The conference features:

A dynamic keynote from Elise Woodworth, focused on turning supporters into long-term advocates

Three rounds of breakout sessions with six tracks each, covering everything from finance and HR to marketing and leadership

A highly collaborative atmosphere with local speakers and attendees, making follow-up support and connections easy and real

Shannon also shares how the event is structured around the unique needs of nonprofits in the region, offering real tools, peer support, and access to local experts. For those who may face financial barriers, limited registration assistance is available—making it even more accessible.

🗓️ Don’t wait—registration closes May 2nd!

🖱️ Register: https://tinyurl.com/3suh4a86

📧 Questions? Contact: [email protected]

Whether you're a grassroots group or a seasoned organization, this is an event that can transform your capacity, your connections, and your community impact.

In this episode of the Nonprofit411 Podcast, Sarah Barton is joined by Cindy Wagman, founder of the Fractional Fundraising Movement. Cindy discusses how fractional fundraising offers small and mid-sized nonprofits the opportunity to access C-suite level fundraising expertise without the cost of a full-time hire.

Cindy shares her journey from working with small nonprofits to launching her consulting business and how fractional fundraising grew from helping organizations do the work, to teaching fundraisers how to build their own fractional fundraising businesses. She emphasizes how this model is a game-changer for organizations with limited budgets, enabling them to get the high-level expertise they need without overextending their resources.

Throughout the episode, Cindy also talks about the challenges many nonprofits face with staffing, particularly in today’s economy, and how fractional fundraising helps address those challenges. She highlights the benefits of having both strategic oversight and day-to-day implementation, removing the emotional labor from executive directors, and enabling them to focus on other areas of their work. Cindy also touches on common misconceptions about donor fatigue and the reluctance to fundraise, reminding nonprofits that they must continue asking for donations, even during uncertain times.

Cindy’s insights offer practical advice for nonprofit leaders and fundraisers looking for effective, sustainable solutions to grow and improve their fundraising efforts.

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.

Show Links:

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.

Show Links:

• The Amputee Center Website: www.theamputeecenter.com
• The Amputee Center Instagram: @theamputeecenter
• The Amputee Center Email: [email protected]
• Nonprofit411 - www.nonprofit411.org

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.