The Nonprofit MBA Podcast with Stephen Halasnik
Business & Finance
About
The Nonprofit MBA Podcast's purpose is to provide new business insights and fresh creative ideas for Nonprofit Executive Directors and their teams that will help them improve their Nonprofit organizations. Hosted by Stephen Halasnik, Managing Partner at Financing Solutions. Stephen sits down with Nonprofit executives and discusses ways to fundraise, forecast, and even fix your organization for a larger impact.Financing Solutions is the leading provider of Lines of Credit to Nonprofits.
Episodes
- How A Nonprofit Can Address Financial Challenges in an Era of Uncertainty
In this episode of the Nonprofit MBA Podcast, host Stephen Halasnik and guest Dr. Adam Aponte discuss strategies for nonprofits to address financial challenges such as cash-flow gaps, funding delays, and working-capital issues in uncertain…
- Is Your Nonprofit Mission Achievable? – Nonprofit MBA 9.4
Dr. Zuri Tau joins Stephen Halasnik on the Nonprofit MBA Podcast to discuss how nonprofit leaders can assess whether their mission is achievable, emphasizing the importance of theory of change and community-defined success. The conversatio…
- Change Management in Nonprofit Strategy: How Smart Organizations Stay Ready for What Comes Next - Nonprofit MBA 9.3
This episode of the Nonprofit MBA Podcast features Matt Glazer discussing change management in nonprofit strategy with host Stephen Halasnik. They address the complexities nonprofits face, including funding shifts and leadership changes, a…
- Why Fast, Secure, Reliable Nonprofit Websites Matter More Than Ever- Nonprofit MBA 9.2
Garrett Goldman, CEO of StateWP, discusses with Stephen Halasnik why nonprofit websites are essential infrastructure for fundraising and trust. Nonprofits need to prioritize website security, performance, and governance, treating them as m…
- The New Math of Doing Good: How Nonprofits Can Thrive in Uncertain Times - NonProfit MBA 9.1
On the Nonprofit MBA Podcast, Stephen Halasnik and Nick Jain of Eagle Rock CFO Services discuss how nonprofit organizations can enhance their financial management. They focus on strategies like improved budgeting, bookkeeping, operational…
- How We Grew Our Nonprofit to $30 million - NonProfit MBA 8.34
Luke Mickelson discusses the growth of Sleep in Heavenly Peace from a small project to a $30 million nonprofit, detailing key factors like governance, systems, and leadership.
- Your Nonprofit Staff: Building Your Strategic Asset - NonProfit MBA 8.33
On the Nonprofit MBA Podcast, guest Allison Wyatt explains why nonprofit staff should be considered a strategic asset, not an expense. The discussion covers intentional hiring, role design, staff development, the costs of turnover, and ali…
- How Nonprofits Can Survive Tough Grant Cycles and Reduce Staff Burnout - NonProfit MBA 8.32
Michael Toguchi joins the Nonprofit MBA Podcast to discuss how nonprofits can navigate challenging grant cycles and reduce staff burnout. He explains how improved internal processes and nonprofit-specific software can lead to efficient wor…
- How Nonprofit Arts Organizations Evolve for Community Impact- NonProfit MBA 8.31
Stephen Halasnik speaks with Alan Harrison about the challenges facing nonprofit arts organizations. Harrison emphasizes the need to directly connect arts organizations with community impact, measure outcomes, and demonstrate tangible bene…
- How Nonprofits Can Grow Faster by Taking Risks Like For-Profit Businesses- NonProfit MBA 8.30
Host Stephen Halasnik and guest Barb Clapp explore how nonprofits can accelerate growth by embracing strategic risks, moving beyond traditional caution to achieve greater long-term impact.
- Nonprofit Marketing Strategy: Modernize Your Messaging- NonProfit MBA 8.29
Jason Clark, CEO of VIA Studio, discusses with Stephen Halasnik on The Nonprofit MBA Podcast the importance of modernizing nonprofit marketing strategies. Clark emphasizes shifting from fact-heavy messages to emotionally resonant storytell…
- High-Net-Worth Donors and Major Gifts Fundraising: What Really Works Today- NonProfit MBA 8.28
Fundraising is increasingly reliant on major gifts from high-net-worth individuals and foundations, even as overall individual giving declines. Expert Gail Perry highlights the need for personalized engagement with these major donors.
- Building Revenue Streams to Help Fund Your Nonprofit NonProfit MBA 8.27
Nonprofits are facing increased funding uncertainty, with 56% of leaders citing it as a major challenge. Host Stephen Halasnik and guest Joe Reed discuss the need for nonprofits to diversify revenue streams and consider mission-aligned for…
- Why Every Nonprofit Needs a Donor-Advised Fund Strategy NonProfit MBA 8.26
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are increasingly significant in philanthropy, with US assets over $230 billion and annual grants exceeding $50 billion. The Nonprofit MBA podcast episode discusses the essential need for nonprofits to develop a D…
- Navigating Nonprofit Leadership in Uncertain Times Nonprofit MBA 8.25
Host Stephen Halasnik and guest Marc A. Pitman discuss leadership skills and strategies for nonprofit executives to navigate the challenges of 2025, including political shifts, funding cuts, and economic uncertainty.
- Nonprofit Gifts: When is the Right Time to Ask? NonProfit MBA 8.24
The Nonprofit MBA Podcast episode discusses nonprofit fundraising strategies, emphasizing the importance of donor connection through data, storytelling, and human relationships, even as technology evolves.
- The Importance Of Culture At Your NonProfit: Lessons From Penmar Human Services NonProfit MBA 8.23
This episode of The NonProfit MBA Podcast features Stephen Halasnik and Greg Miller of Penmar Human Services discussing the critical importance of organizational culture in nonprofit success and how leaders can cultivate a strong culture.
- How Churches and Nonprofits Can Navigate Financial Uncertainty in 2025 Nonprofit MBA 8.22
The Nonprofit MBA Podcast episode discusses the financial challenges facing churches and nonprofits in 2025, including declining attendance and donations. Host Stephen Halasnik and guest Loren Richmond Jr. explore the reasons for these str…
- How To Prepare For A Capital Campaign In Uncertain Times Nonprofit MBA 8.21
Stephen Halasnik and Amy Eisenstein discuss how nonprofits can navigate the challenges of preparing for capital campaigns during times of economic uncertainty, political polarization, and evolving donor attitudes.
- How to Master Donor Stewardship in Just One Hour a Week NonProfit MBA 8.20
Katherine Lacefield, founder of Just Because Consulting, joined The Nonprofit MBA Podcast to discuss donor stewardship. She emphasizes the importance of consistent, year-round relationship-building with existing donors for nonprofit growth…
- Nonprofit Strategic Planning: How to Adapt When Realities Change Nonprofit MBA 8.19
This episode of the Nonprofit MBA Podcast discusses how nonprofit organizations can adapt their strategic plans when external realities change rapidly. Marie Palacios advises holding strategy loosely due to the unpredictable nature of the…
- What If We Funded Nonprofits Like Startups? Nonprofit MBA 8.18
The Nonprofit MBA Podcast episode discusses treating nonprofits as mission-driven startups, challenging outdated funding models and exploring a startup-style philosophy with guest Greg Harrell-Edge.
- The Resilient Sector: How Nonprofits Can Lead Through Crisis and Come Out Stronger Nonprofit MBA 8.17
The Nonprofit MBA Podcast discusses how nonprofits scaled and adapted during recent crises, despite their fragile financial foundations. CEO Elyse Cherry and nonprofit lending expert Stephen Halasnik explore strategies for reinvention.
- How Culture Affects Your Nonprofit Success
Jon Nevett, CEO of Public Interest Registry, spoke with Stephen Halasnik about the critical role of nonprofit culture in achieving success. The discussion took place on The Nonprofit MBA Podcast.
- Fundraising Performance Metrics: Why Nonprofits Must Measure What Matters: Nonprofit MBA 8.15
In Nonprofit MBA episode 8.15, Stephen Halasnik and Greg Warner discuss the importance of fundraising performance metrics for nonprofit growth. They cover analyzing donor behavior, measuring engagement, and fostering supporter relationship…
- The Rise of Sustainable Giving
The Nonprofit MBA Podcast episode features Stephen Halasnik and Dave Raley discussing sustainable giving, a movement reshaping charitable donations, drawing parallels to the prevalence of monthly subscriptions.
- How Your Nonprofit Should Build a Grant System
Bryan Partee, an experienced nonprofit executive, shared insights on building and refining effective grant systems for nonprofits on the Nonprofit MBA Podcast. His advice is based on over two decades of leadership and consulting.
- How Nonprofits Are Responding Under the Trump Administration
Nonprofits are facing significant stress due to changes in federal support, the decline of COVID-era donations, and economic challenges under the Trump administration. Stephen Halasnik discusses how these organizations are responding to th…
- The Benefits of Nonprofit Leaders Having Mentors
The Nonprofit MBA Podcast episode discusses the significant benefits of mentorship for nonprofit leaders. It highlights understanding mentorship, finding suitable mentors, and the power of peer-to-peer support for sustained success, featur…
- The Numbers Every Nonprofit Should Always Pay Attention To With Brooke Lively.
Brooke Lively and Stephen Halasnik highlight the importance of financial management for nonprofit sustainability. They discuss key financial indicators that nonprofit leaders should consistently monitor to ensure their organization's healt…
- Breaking the Restricted Cycle: 3 Game-Changing Approaches Every Nonprofit Needs to Know With Yanyn San Luis
This episode of The Nonprofit MBA Podcast discusses overcoming restricted funding cycles. Yanyn San Luis and Stephen Halasnik share three key strategies: building organizational trust, utilizing data-backed storytelling, and fostering stro…
- No-Nonsense Marketing and Public Relations for Nonprofits With Leslie Smith.
Leslie Smith and Stephen Halasnik discuss straightforward marketing and public relations tactics for nonprofits, emphasizing clarity, consistency, and connection over complexity or high cost.
- Why Passion Isn't Enough In Nonprofit Leadership
David Rhode and Stephen Halasnik discuss the importance of strategy and smart decision-making in nonprofit leadership, emphasizing that passion alone is insufficient for organizational success and longevity.
- Burnout In Nonprofits: Why It Happens and How to Prevent It
This episode of The Nonprofit MBA Podcast discusses the realities of burnout in the nonprofit sector, exploring its causes and offering strategies for prevention through organizational support and a focus on well-being.
- Keys to Growing a Small Nonprofit
Ang Adamiak and Stephen Halasnik discuss practical strategies for growing small nonprofits, emphasizing mission clarity, strategic planning, donor understanding, and financial sustainability. The episode highlights how refining approaches,…
- The Motivations of Major Giving Donors
Courtney Laddusaw and Stephen Halasnik discuss the motivations behind major giving donors. They explain that donors are driven by a combination of personal factors like passion for a cause and external influences such as recognition or tax…
- Trustraising - How It Works for Fundraising.
The Nonprofit MBA Podcast episode features Josh Bloomfield of Give Cloud and Stephen Halasnik of Financing Solutions discussing trustraising as the fundamental basis for fundraising. They explain how prioritizing transparency, authenticity…
- How Nonprofits Can Use AI Effectively With Howard Levy.
This episode discusses how nonprofits can effectively use AI to improve their work by complementing human efforts. It emphasizes starting small, experimenting with tools, and refining approaches to make a greater impact. Howard Levy and St…
- Telling Your Nonprofit Story Despite Budget and Time Constraints
Jen Esparza and Stephen Halasnik discuss how nonprofits can overcome budget and time constraints to tell their stories effectively. They cover setting goals, understanding the audience, content creation, leveraging free tools, and strategi…
- Building a High-Performance Culture in Fundraising Teams
James Misner and Stephen Halasnik discuss creating a high-performance culture within fundraising teams. Strategies include setting clear goals, fostering communication, investing in development, and promoting a supportive environment to en…
- Donor Engagement and Communications Strategy that Excites Your Organization
Erin Straza and Stephen Halasnik discuss how effective donor engagement and communications strategies reflect an organization's mission and values. They cover understanding donors, communicating impact, building relationships, and utilizin…
- How to Have Inexpensive Fundraising Events for Your Nonprofit With Jamie Truman
Jamie Truman and Stephen Halasnik discuss how nonprofits can host effective and inexpensive fundraising events. The conversation emphasizes resourcefulness, creativity, and mission focus over large budgets, highlighting the importance of v…
- Developing Leaders and Leadership Depth in Nonprofits
The Nonprofit MBA Podcast episode discusses developing leaders and leadership depth in non-profits. Guests Elizabeth Weber and Stephen Halasnik explore strategies like addressing control issues, cultivating a learning culture, and planning…
- Mastering the Art of Difficult Conversations in the Workplace
Tiffany Slater and Stephen Halasnik discuss how to master difficult workplace conversations. They emphasize preparation, empathy, and solution-focused approaches to turn uncomfortable moments into opportunities for growth and better commun…
- Women Leadership Skills in the Nonprofit Sector: Overcoming Barriers and Building a Future of Inclusive Leadership
This episode discusses the unique leadership skills women bring to the nonprofit sector, such as emotional intelligence and resilience, and the barriers they face, including gender bias. It emphasizes the importance of their continued cont…
- How Nonprofits Can Keep Their Brands Relevant
This episode discusses strategies for keeping nonprofit brands relevant, including mission adherence, adaptation to societal shifts, audience engagement, technology use, program innovation, and transparency. Guests Howard Levy and Stephen…
- Breaking Misconceptions: Generosity Beyond Seasons and Giving Requests for Nonprofits
John Bromley and Stephen Halasnik discuss breaking misconceptions about nonprofit generosity, advocating for year-round giving and proactive support beyond seasonal requests to ensure sustainable resources for organizations.
- Building Relationships for Prosperity For Nonprofits With Patricia Schwartz
Patricia Schwartz and Stephen Halasnik discuss how nonprofits can foster prosperity through relationship building. Key practices include self-awareness, asking insightful questions, and attentive listening to strengthen stakeholder connect…
- Marketing, Graphic Design, and Storytelling for Nonprofits
This episode of The Nonprofit MBA Podcast features John Lepp and Stephen Halasnik discussing the crucial roles of marketing, graphic design, and storytelling for nonprofit organizations. They explain how these elements help in communicatin…
- Burnout at a Nonprofit and What to Do About It
Bethany Planton and Johna Rodgers from HealthyGrantPro, along with Stephen Halasnik from Financing Solutions, discuss how to manage and prevent burnout in the nonprofit sector. They cover strategies such as promoting work-life balance, pro…