The Practice of Nonprofit Leadership

Send a text Every nonprofit leader knows the scenario: Board meetings that consist of reviewing reports, nodding politely, and adjourning without meaningful engagement. But what if there's a better way? What if your board members are craving something beyond those financial statements and program updates? The truth is, your board represents your organization's most valuable leadership asset—when properly engaged. They're not just there to fulfill a legal requirement; they're strategic partners who can propel your mission forward. On today's episode, Nathan explores four essential elements board members truly want from nonprofit leadership: community , decision-making opportunities , confidence in leadership , and yes—even fun . Shift your focus from reports to relationships, and watch your board transform from obligatory oversight to enthusiastic partnership in advancing your mission. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send a text In the dynamic world of nonprofit leadership, maintaining focus on your organization's vision is more crucial than ever, especially in times of uncertainty and challenges. This episode explores the phenomenon of "vision leakage," a subtle yet significant issue where organizations lose sight of their core mission amid everyday operational demands. Throughout the conversation, Tim and Nathan share practical strategies that nonprofit leaders can implement to counteract vision leakage effectively. From creating "mission moments" at meetings to sharing compelling stories that illustrate your organization's impact, these action items serve as powerful reminders of your purpose. Also emphasized is the importance of engaging stakeholders by offering them opportunities to experience your mission firsthand, reinforcing their connection to your work. The need for visual reminders and integrating mission-driven language into all organizational communications, ensuring that the core message is consistently shared is also discussed. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send a text In this episode, Nathan discusses the vital role of donor relationship management systems in enhancing nonprofit fundraising efforts. Providing some practical insights and tips, Nathan explores key features such as donor management, fundraising tools, and data analytics, we emphasize the importance of selecting the right database tailored to an organization's needs. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send a text Establishing regular one-on-one meetings is essential for fostering strong connections within nonprofit teams. These check-ins enhance accountability, ensure transparent communication, prevent conflicts from escalating, and provide support for professional development. Here are some of the points discussed on today's episode: • Creating a culture of consistency and accountability through regular meetings • Fostering transparent communication for open dialogue • Preventing conflicts by addressing small issues early • Supporting team members' professional growth and development • Highlighting the connection between individual roles and the organization’s mission Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send a text Effective email communication is crucial for nonprofit leaders aiming to engage stakeholders. This episode explores five key strategies to craft subject lines that enhance email open rates and promote responsiveness. • Be clear and specific in subject lines • Create a sense of urgency without overdoing it • Personalize when possible to foster connection • Keep it short and sweet to ensure readability • Make it actionable to prompt responses If you've gotten any benefit from this podcast, would you take time to share a review on the platform in which you're listening? Let us know how the podcast is benefiting you, and if you could leave us a five-star review, that would be great. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send a text Ever found yourself nodding along in a meeting, even when you disagree, just to keep the peace? You're not alone. Join Nathan Ruby on a journey through the intricate world of groupthink within nonprofit organizations. Drawing from personal highs and lows, we'll uncover how the quest for consensus sometimes leads us astray from our missions. Together, we'll dissect how the desire for harmony can cloud judgment, leaving well-meaning nonprofits with decisions that don’t serve their true purpose. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send a text Struggling with staff who dump problems on your desk? Join Tim and Nathan as they share a game-changing leadership strategy: asking the right questions. Learn how clarifying open-ended, reflective, exploratory, and empowering questions can train your nonprofit team to solve their own challenges. Boost critical thinking, build trust, and free up your time to focus on what matters most--leading your organization to success. Perfect of new executive directors easy to empower their staff and transform their leadership. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send a text This episode dives into the transformative practice of choosing three guiding words for the new year, offering nonprofit leaders a unique alternative to traditional resolutions. Through shared insights and personal experiences, Tim and Nathan share their 3 Words for 2025 and highlight the power of intention, accountability, and community in nonprofit leadership. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send a text With the start of a new year, here is an encore presentation of an interview we did with Dr. Jack Groppel back in 2023 on Leadership. Dr Jack Groppel , co-founder of the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute and current professor at Judson University, Elgin, IL joins Tim and Nathan on today's episode. His experience in working with world class athletes and sports teams to coaching top business leaders, provides plenty of real world thought on the topic of leadership. Our fascinating conversation is packed with insights that can help you become a more effective, impactful leader. From the discussion on Energy Management vs Time Management to leading as a "Corporate Athlete" and then considering the idea include Agape Love as part of our leadership, Jack brings challenge after challenge to our quest for effective leadership. Dr Jack Groppel can be contacted on Linked-in here. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send a text In the first episode of 2025, Tim and Nathan dive into the crucial lessons learned from the "12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising," emphasizing the importance of consistency, connection, and passion in nonprofit leadership. They discuss how strategic planning and interpersonal relationships can significantly enhance fundraising efforts and ultimately drive organizational success. Some of the key points discussed were: • Reflect on the previous year and insights gained • Importance of maintaining relationships in fundraising • Challenges of consistency in nonprofit work • The role of action stacks in improving efficiency • Rekindling passion for major gifts and organizational goals • Emphasis on manageable strategies for cultivating major donors • Encouragement to plan and prioritize fundraising endeavors for 2025 If you are interested in signing up for Nathan's Video Newsletter, go to www.nonprofitleader.online and sign up for the email list or leave your info in the contact form. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send a text Join Tim and Nathan as they unpack the themes of rest, connection, and planning during the holiday season. The conversation touches on the rejuvenating power of spending quality time with loved ones, celebrating successes and setting positive intentions for the year to come. Through practical tips like establishing guiding words, reflective practices, and planning ahead, this episode serves as a reminder for nonprofit leaders to prioritize personal commitments and embrace the new year with hope and creativity. Let these insights inspire you to recognize the impact you've made and approach the future with renewed enthusiasm. If you are interested in signing up for Nathan's Video Newsletter, go to www.nonprofitleader.online and sign up for the email list or leave your info in the contact form. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send a text This is Day 12 of the 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising. On today's episode, Nathan wraps up the series with three final thoughts and then presents an offer to the listeners. If you are interested in signing up for Nathan's Video Newsletter, go to www.nonprofitleader.online and sign up for the email list or leave your info in the contact form. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send a text What if board members could transform the daunting task of fundraising into an exciting and rewarding experience? On day 11 of the 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising, Nathan provides insights and a practical system of engaging Board members in major gift fundraising. If you are interested in signing up for Nathan's Video Newsletter, go to www.nonprofitleader.online and sign up for the email list or leave your info in the contact form. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send a text Day 10 of the 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising is all about creating and maintaining a culture of philanthropy in your organization. You will discover how engaging everyone from leadership to volunteers in the fundraising process can transform donor relationships and elevate your organization’s mission. By treating donors as integral partners and not just sources of funding, you can cultivate a more successful philanthropic environment. In this episode Nathan shares practical steps to identify and nurture this mindset, spotlighting the active role board members can play in donor cultivation and how staff can align their roles with donor engagement strategies. If you are interested in signing up for Nathan's Video Newsletter, go to www.nonprofitleader.online and sign up for the email list or leave your info in the contact form. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send a text On Day 9 of the 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising, Nathan unravels the mysteries of how our subconscious mind shapes our thoughts, emotions, and actions, often without us even realizing it. Discover how deeply rooted beliefs formed in our early years can influence our approach to fundraising and learn practical strategies to overcome these invisible barriers. If the thought of fundraising fills you with anxiety, you're not alone. Nathan shares insights drawn from his experiences with nonprofit leaders, highlighting common fears and providing actionable advice. Navigate the complexities of major gifts with confidence and transform your personal and organizational approach to fundraising. If you are interested in signing up for Nathan's Video Newsletter, go to www.nonprofitleader.online and sign up for the email list or leave your info in the contact form. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send a text On day 8 of our "12 Days of Major Gifts" series, Nathan focuses on Stewardship and emphasizes that expressing gratitude is not just a courteous act but a strategic one that can elevate your major gift program to new heights. He also shares insights on how a well-crafted thank you process can reinforce your donors' decision to support your mission, reassuring them that their contributions are making a difference. You will discover practical strategies to seamlessly reintegrate donors into the cultivation process, ensuring continuous engagement and support. If you are interested in signing up for Nathan's Video Newsletter, go to www.nonprofitleader.online and sign up for the email list or leave your info in the contact form. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send a text Today is Day 7 of the 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising. The topic is Making the Ask and Nathan answers these important questions: What Should I Take To the Meeting? Where Should We Meet? What Should I Ask For? What Do I Do After I Ask? If you are interested in signing up for Nathan's Video Newsletter, go to www.nonprofitleader.online and sign up for the email list or leave your info in the contact form. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send a text On Day 6 of the 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising, Nathan is focused on the concept of Cultivation, taking the steps needed to prepare the prospect for "the ask". If you are interested in signing up for Nathan's Video Newsletter, go to www.nonprofitleader.online and sign up for the email list or leave your info in the contact form. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send a text It's day 5 of the 12 Days of Major Gift Fundraising. Today Nathan explores the art and science behind qualifying major gift prospects, with a focus on building a structured and efficient program that ensures you're targeting the right individuals. If you are interested in signing up for Nathan's Video Newsletter, go to www.nonprofitleader.online and sign up for the email list or leave your info in the contact form. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send a text Unlock the secrets to successfully identifying major gift donors and elevate your nonprofit’s fundraising game. Our latest episode promises to transform how you approach potential donors by aligning with your organization's core principles. Discover practical guidelines like the "10 times the average annual gift" rule and Nathan's "holy smokes" moment that redefines major gifts. We delve into setting internal thresholds for donor categorization and highlight the crucial role of individual donors, who make up a staggering 70% of charitable gifts annually. This episode is your guide to understanding and leveraging the power of individual contributions, even when surrounded by the allure of grants or corporate gifts. If you are interested in signing up for Nathan's Video Newsletter, go to www.nonprofitleader.online and sign up for the email list or leave your info in the contact form. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.