I 501(c) You - The Podcast for NonProfit Board Members

Discover why advocacy is essential for every nonprofit in this insightful conversation with Sabeen Perwaiz, President & CEO of the Florida Nonprofit Alliance. Learn how board members and executive directors can navigate policy, engage with legislators, and shape the future of their organizations—without fear. Sabeen shares practical strategies for setting a policy agenda, building relationships with elected officials, and effec...

Thinking about starting a podcast? This episode is packed with insights to help you launch and grow with confidence! We share the lessons learned from over 100 episodes, including why your first recordings may be your toughest, how consistency builds a loyal audience, and why podcasting is an incredible tool for brand awareness and credibility. You'll also learn how to repurpose content, engage listeners, and set realistic expectat...

Discover how Rebecca Fishman Lipsey, President & CEO of The Miami Foundation, strategically engages her board, streamlines governance, and leads a $600 million community-driven financial institution. In this episode, she reveals why fewer board meetings can lead to greater impact, how the organization identifies future board chairs, and the biggest mistake nonprofit leaders make when working with their boards. If you're a nonpr...

How do you evolve a nonprofit board from social gatherings to a forward-thinking strategic powerhouse? In this episode of I 501(c) You, we sit down with Doug Staley, Executive Director of the Child Protection Center, to discuss his organization’s remarkable transformation from facing financial uncertainty to becoming a thriving, respected nonprofit. Doug shares practical insights on strategic planning, board development, and the lo...

In this episode, we sit down with Hannah and Kristen from Core Leadership Coaching to explore how their transformational leadership program is equipping leaders with the skills they need to build collaborative teams, think strategically, and lead with confidence. We discuss the importance of positive psychology, navigating big visions with realistic plans, and the power of leadership development in retaining top talent. Whether you...

In this episode of I 501(c) You, we dive into the world of grant writing with Jordan Curry, founder of Captured Words Grant Consulting. Jordan shares expert insights on what board members and nonprofit leaders need to know about securing funding, from building strong relationships with funders to crafting competitive grant applications. We also explore how AI is changing the grant writing landscape and what nonprofits can do to sta...

In this episode of I501(c)You, we sit down with Isabel Garcia, Executive Director of the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA), to explore her leadership journey and the organization’s deep-rooted impact on communities across Florida.

Isabel shares how RCMA stays connected across its 65+ centers, the critical role of strong communication within large organizations, and the importance of community partnerships in supporting ...

In this episode, we’re joined by Sara Leonard, an experienced nonprofit consultant and founder of the Sara Leonard Group. Sara shares her expertise on what it takes to build a strong culture of philanthropy within organizations. From training board members and executive directors to running successful capital campaigns, Sara dives into the strategies that drive fundraising success.

We discuss the importance of preparing for campaig...

In this episode, we have an engaging conversation with Liz Wooten, CEO of Connect for More. Liz is a consultant and facilitator specializing in leadership development, nonprofit governance, and strategic planning. Liz delves into the importance of emotional literacy, empathy, and curiosity as essential skills for modern leaders. 

Liz also shares insights into hiring and team dynamics, highlighting the value of self-awareness and un...

In this week’s episode of I 501(c) You: The Podcast for Nonprofit Board Members, we’re kicking off a special four-part series featuring nonprofit consultants. This series is designed to give board members an inside look at the expertise consultants bring to the table and how their insights can strengthen organizations.

Our first guest is Randy Scheid, founder of RGS Partners Consulting. Randy’s impressive career journey spans his t...

In this episode of I501(c)You, we sit down with Tom Grier, board chair for the Humane Society of Manatee County. Tom shares his unique insights into effective board leadership, building trust, and fostering alignment with executive directors.

Tom opens up about the philosophy that drives his work, his passion for animal welfare, and his approach to evolving board culture through trust, patience, and clear communication.

Tune in to ...

As Thanksgiving approaches, we take a moment to express gratitude for you—our listeners and viewers. In this episode of I 501(c) You, Michael shares why year-end is the perfect time for nonprofit board members to reflect on their commitment to the organizations they serve.

Michael explains why every board member should make a personal donation—not through their business, but in their own name. He outlines three key reasons: demonst...

This week, we speak with Patty McIlreavy, President and CEO of Center for Disaster Philanthropy. Together, we explore the intricate dynamics of nonprofit board governance, remote leadership, and the evolving landscape of disaster response. Patty shares the intentional strategies that keep her board engaged and effective, from fostering deep connections among members to balancing hybrid and in-person meetings. She highlights the imp...

As we approach the end of the year, it's time for nonprofit board members to take action and set their organizations up for success in 2025. In this episode of I 501(c) You, we dive into five essential tasks that every board member should tackle before the calendar turns.

From conducting performance reviews for your Executive Director to lining up strategic priorities for the upcoming year, we've got you covered with practical advi...

In this episode, we speak with Joe Schaefer, an expert in employee retention and executive benefits to discuss the often-overlooked topic of retention strategies for nonprofit executives. Joe shares insights on the importance of retention plans from both board and executive perspectives, explaining how these programs can help nonprofit leaders attract and retain critical talent. Joe discusses different types of plans, including qua...

In this episode of I 501(c) You, we dive into the essential role of nonprofit leadership during times of crisis. With recent hurricanes impacting Florida, we discuss how executive directors and board members can maintain focus and adapt effectively when unexpected events disrupt operations. Michael shares key insights on the importance of strategic priorities, staying visible to staff and stakeholders, and making tough decisions gr...

This week we discuss 3 ideas that have been on Michael’s mind. Number 1 is a concept created by The Patterson Foundation called Cope, Adapt, Innovate. Second is building on our podcast from last week and that is the idea that you cannot overpay for good talent. Third is how the CEO/Executive Director can manage their board.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Total disruption! Thoughts and prayers for those affected by Hurricane Helene

(00:40) Cop...

In this episode, we explore both financial and non-financial strategies to help your organization retain a superstar executive director. One of the key responsibilities of a nonprofit board is hiring, supporting, and—when necessary—replacing the CEO/Executive Director. If you have a top-tier leader, it's crucial to invest in their retention, as they will likely be in high demand elsewhere. With talent being harder to come by, we'll...

This week, we speak with Derik Timmerman, founder of Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions out of Golden, Colorado. Derik spent time in the military, serving 2 tours in Iraq before joining McKinsey & Company for 7 years. During his years at McKinsey, Derik realized he got more "soul food" from his work with nonprofits and left to start Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions.

Derik provides a unique perspective on nonprofit leadership. He brings wit...