Nonprofit411 Podcast

Building Thriving Nonprofit Teams with Rachel Platt | Nonprofit411 Podcast

In this episode of the Nonprofit411 Podcast, Sarah Barton sits down with Rachel Platt, CEO of Platinum Consulting. Rachel shares her insights into the world of human resources for nonprofits, focusing on creating strategies that allow organizations to build strong, thriving teams. From improving the employee experience to developing better people strategies, Rachel emphasizes the importance of balancing mission and the well-being of staff. She also introduces the simple yet powerful "Stop, Start, Continue" exercise that can improve communication and reduce misunderstandings in the workplace.
Rachel discusses the challenges that small and mid-sized nonprofits face in managing their human resources and explains how strategic HR planning can be the key to avoiding burnout and ensuring long-term success. This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders looking to strengthen their team dynamics and create a more sustainable organizational culture.
Platinum Consulting Website: https://www.plattinumconsulting.com
Rachel Platt on LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/rachelplatt 
Nonprofit411 Website: https://www.nonprofit411.org

Mastering the Grant Writing Process with DeaRonda Harrison | Nonprofit411 Podcast

In this episode of the Nonprofit411 Podcast, Sarah Barton is joined by DeaRonda Harrison, founder and president of June 1st Firm. DeaRonda shares her journey from working in higher education fundraising to launching her own consultancy focused on providing grant writing services for nonprofits. She explains how her expertise in federal grants, including HRSA, DOJ, and DOE, helps nonprofits secure funding to maximize their impact.
 
DeaRonda also shares her insights on the challenges nonprofits face when it comes to grants, from building partnerships to navigating the complexities of federal applications. She emphasizes the importance of having a sustainable revenue strategy, with grants being just one piece of the puzzle. In this episode, DeaRonda highlights how nonprofits can leverage grants while ensuring they have a robust and diversified funding strategy in place.
 
Episode Links:
June 1st Firm Website: https://www.junefirstfirm.com
DeaRonda Harrison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dearondaharrison/
Nonprofit411 Website: https://www.nonprofit411.org
 

Embracing AI to Enhance Nonprofit Operations with Anne Murphy | Nonprofit411 Podcast

In this episode of the Nonprofit411 Podcast, Sarah Barton is joined by Anne Murphy, founder of She Leads AI and CEO of Empowered Fundraiser. Anne shares her journey into fundraising and how she transitioned from higher education fundraising to launching a consultancy that helps nonprofits leverage AI to streamline operations and enhance impact.
Anne discusses the challenges nonprofits face, particularly with limited resources, and explains how AI can help nonprofits optimize their staff energy, enhance their operations, and improve donor engagement. Through AI, Anne has been able to help nonprofits increase efficiency without losing the human touch that is central to their mission.
From AI training and governance to implementation, Anne offers insights into how nonprofits can stay relevant in a rapidly changing landscape. This episode is filled with practical advice for nonprofit leaders looking to embrace new technologies and enhance their organization's capacity for success.
 
Episode LInks:
Empowered Fundraiser - https://empoweredfundraiser.com/
She Leads AI Website: https://www.sheleadsai.ai
Anne Murphy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-murphy-philanthropy/
Nonprofit411 Website: https://www.nonprofit411.org

Special Episode: Nonprofits LEAD Capacity Building Conference | Shannan Tschopp

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!🌐 Learn more: https://www.marietta.edu/nonprofits-lead
🖱️ Register: https://tinyurl.com/3suh4a86
📧 Questions? Contact: nonprofitslead@marietta.edu
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.

Fractional Fundraising: A Strategic Solution for Nonprofits with Cindy Wagman | Nonprofit411 Podcast

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.Episode Links
Fractional Fundraising Website: https://www.fractionalfundraising.co
Cindy Wagman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindywagman
Nonprofit411 Website: https://www.nonprofit411.org

Building Meaningful Connections and Preventing Burnout with Beth Saunders | Nonprofit411 Podcast

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.
 
Show Links:
Beth Saunders Associates Website: https://www.bethsaundersassociates.com
Beth Saunders on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsaunders
Nonprofit411 Website: https://www.nonprofit411.org

Grant Writing Success: Insights from Casey Bryan | Nonprofit411 Podcast

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.
Show Links:
Summit Grant Consulting Website (Under Construction): https://www.summitgrant.org
Casey Bryan on LinkedIn: @casey-n-bryan
Nonprofit411 Website: www.nonprofit411.org

Passion Isn’t Enough: Empowering Nonprofit Leadership with David Rhode | Nonprofit411 Podcast

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:
David Rhode on LinkedIn: David Rhode LinkedIn
David's Consultancy: Dot Dot Org
Passion Isn’t Enough on Amazon: Get the Book
Nonprofit411 website: www.nonprofit411.org

Nonprofit411 | Podcastathon Edition: Empowering Amputees: Building Community and Support with Cat Bigley

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: AmputeeCenter@gmail.com
Nonprofit411 - www.nonprofit411.org

Navigating the Shifting Fundraising Landscape with Spring Richardson-Perry | Nonprofit411 Podcast

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.
Show Links:
Nonprofit411 website: www.nonprofit411.org
Spring Richardson-Perry on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile
Spring Forward Podcast: Listen on YouTube