Two leaders, Kathleen St. Louis Caliento and Nick Grono, join Chronicle CEO Stacy Palmer to explain how they have engaged their board in financial efforts. 

St. Louis Caliento runs Cara Collective, a Chicago nonprofit that helps low-income people find jobs.  

Grono heads the Freedom Fund, an organization that pools funds from donors who want to fight modern-day slavery. He’s the author of How to Lead Nonprofits: Turning Purpose into Impact to Change the World, published in 2024. 

As nonprofits face economy headwinds — including losses in federal funding, rising costs, and the possibility of a global recession — nonprofit boards play an increasingly essential role. Trustees help with strategy and can also be powerful donors and fundraisers. Yet fewer than a quarter of respondents to a Chronicle survey described their board members as enthusiastic fundraisers. 

Grono and St. Louis Caliento share their advice on how to inspire boards to champion your mission and share insights from their shared experience of working with trustees to manage unrestricted, multimillion-dollar grants from MacKenzie Scott. 

Among their key points: 
- Ask board members for access to their networks. 
- Tap the board’s resources beyond donations. 
- Help the board understand the nonprofit’s work and impact. 
- Do an annual check-in. 

About the podcast:
Nonprofits Now: Leading Today is hosted by Stacy Palmer. It’s produced by Emily Haynes at the Chronicle of Philanthropy and from Reasonable Volume, Mary Dooe is the producer, Mark Bush is our engineer, and Rachel Swaby and Elise Hu are executive producers. Additional support comes from Margie Fleming Glennon, Andrew Simon, Nick Adams, Krista Niles, Amaya Beltran, and Kyle Johnson. 

For the latest philanthropy news and analysis, subscribe to the Chronicle at philanthropy.com/subscribe.

Nonprofits Now: Leading Today Podcast Hosted by Stacy Palmer with Nick Grono and Kathleen St. Louis Caliento

Welcome to this episode of Charity Therapy! I'm Jess Birken, and today we're diving into the wild world of nonprofit leadership. I've got , a super-smart nonprofit coach and author, joining me to give all kinds of advice for nonprofit executive directors. We're tackling a juicy listener question about a micromanaging board member who's causing a bit of a headache. Trust me, we've got some great strategies to share that'll help you balance gratitude with boundary-setting. Transitioning from a working board to a governing board can feel like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube in the dark, especially when leadership roles are changing. With David's guidance, we explore how to keep board members engaged by giving them roles that match their strengths. Don't worry, we've got tips on keeping things fair and professional, ensuring everyone knows their lane. And let's not forget the fun twists of gender dynamics and generational differences. David and I chat about the importance of continuous learning and having a support network. Plus, we've got some motivational pep talks for those days when you're just trying to keep your head above water. Tune in for some personal stories, professional advice, and a few laughs as we empower you to lead with confidence and cultivate a culture of respect in your nonprofit world. In this episode, you will hear:   How to navigate the tricky waters of board dynamics and leadership   Some no-nonsense tips on how to set boundaries with a board member   How to transition from a working board to a governing board   How to step into your role as the boss   David’s advice for building your own support network   How to stand up and claim your turf (respectfully!)   What to do when doing the same things over and over again just won’t cut it anymore   Resources from this Episode Buy David’s Book, Passion Isn’t Enough:  Sign up for the Birken Law Email list:  Facebook page:  Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at  Let them know we sent you.

137: This Is Not Mad Men | Advice for Executive Directors Managing Their Board with David Rhode

As nonprofit leaders grapple with increasingly dire threats to their funding and missions, it’s more important than ever to understand what it takes to lead resilient organizations.

For a look at what skills are most important, we hear from Vanessa Priya Daniel, who interviewed 45 social-justice leaders for her new book, Unrig the Game: What Women of Color Can Teach Everyone About Winning.

Daniel combines her extensive research for the book with her own experiences as an organizer and founder of Groundswell Fund and Groundswell Action Fund — which together have distributed more than $100 million to over 200 organizations led by women of color and transgender people.

In a conversation with Chronicle CEO Stacy Palmer, Daniel says her interviews led her to identify three all successful change agents possessed:
• Bold ideas. Incremental solutions don’t add up to enough to solve the tremendous challenges of today and tomorrow. 
• Generosity. Daniel says an “ethos of rising by lifting others” is what makes the women she interviewed successful.
• 360-degree vision. There’s never just one cause of a problem that’s complex and worth solving.

This podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts.

The podcastNonprofits Now: Leading Today is hosted by Stacy Palmer, CEO of the Chronicle of Philanthropy. It is produced by the Chronicle's Emily Haynes and by Reasonable Volume's Mary Dooe, producer; Mark Bush, engineer; and Rachel Swaby and Elise Hu, executive producers. Additional support provided by the Chronicle's Margie Fleming Glennon, Andrew Simon, Nick Adams, Krista Niles, Kyle Johnson, and by Amaya Beltran of the design firm Salta With Us.

For the latest philanthropy news and analysis, subscribe to the Chronicle at" philanthropy.com/subscribe.

Nonprofits Now Leading Today Podcast with Stacy Palmer and Vanessa Priya Daniel

In this episode of Charity Therapy, we’re tackling a big question from the headlines - can the President choose whether you get tax exemption? While President Trump may threaten a university like Harvard, what can he actually do?&nbsp; Meghan and I break down what the President can and cannot do with nonprofits AND what it would like to really lose your tax exemption. Spoiler alert - it’s not a quick process! In this episode, we’ll bust some myths and give you the lowdown on how these things really work and what to do if you ever find yourself in a sticky situation. Worried about the political winds shifting against your nonprofit? You’re not alone! We’re tackling those concerns head-on, especially for organizations whose missions might not sit well with the Trump administration. We’ve got your back with some solid strategies to stay resilient, like focusing on building strong relationships with donors and staying on top of IRS compliance. Remember, it’s not about panicking but being prepared and informed.&nbsp; The main message is this: don’t let fear take the wheel. Whether you’re worried about rule changes or just want to make sure your nonprofit is on solid ground, we’re here to guide you through it all with a smile and a bit of humor. So tune in, get comfy, and let’s navigate these political waters together! In this episode, you will hear:   How the IRS goes about revoking an organization’s tax exempt status   Whether the president can single-handedly revoke a nonprofit's tax status   What powers the president really has in an executive order over nonprofits   How nonprofits in hot-button mission areas can prepare to weather the storm of increased scrutiny under this administration   The important preventative measures every nonprofit should be taking, no matter the political environment   Resources from this Episode Download my 2025 Survival Guide:  Sign up for the Birken Law Email list:  Facebook page:  Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at  Let them know we sent you.

138: Trump Vs. Harvard | Can the President Revoke a Nonprofit’s Tax-Exempt Status?

The Commit Podcast is dedicated to amplifying the voices of civil societies. 

We begin in Ukraine. The first episode brings together the diverse perspectives of civil society as they navigate the complex, layered challenges of a nation at war. 

At a time when everything is happening at once—rebuilding, fighting, surviving, resisting, and reimagining—we give space to the voices of those living that reality every day. 

From veterans, NGO and philanthropy representatives to artists; from those who stayed to those who left — we explore the emotional terrain of a country that refuses to be defined solely by conflict. We talk about guilt and responsibility, about leadership that demands a good mood even on the darkest days, and about how humor, memes, and collective dignity have become lifelines. 

Tune in to the inaugural episode of The Commit Podcast and discover: 
>>> the ongoing impact of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine 
>>> the dynamics of civil society under wartime conditions 
>>> and the evolving landscape of recovery in times of crisis. 

Guests: 
Nataliia Trambovetska >>> trainer, NGO Insha Osvita >>> https://insha-osvita.org 
Dr. Bernhard Straub, CEO at Robert Bosch Stiftung >>> https://bosch-stiftung.de/en  
Bohdan Bunchak, artist and program lead at Vilno Program >>> https://bohdanbunchak.com/lander 
Alona Karavai, cultural manager and managing partner at Asortymentna Kimnata, NGO Insha Osvita, first chairwoman at MitOst e.V. >>> https://asortymentna-kimnata.space 
Nataliia Martynenko, Junior Manager at iac Berlin for Foundations for Ukraine >>> https://foundations4ukraine.net 
Anastasiia Petrova, Strategic Partnerships Head at Beetroot Academy >>> https://beetrootacademy.com  
Markus Lux, Vice-President Special Division Ukraine at Robert Bosch Stiftung >>> https://bosch-stiftung.de/en  
 
Host:  
Malwina Fendrych, Communication and Projects Lead at Commit >>> https://wecommit.to  

Producers: 
Benjamin Lorch Director at The Berlin School of Podcasting >>> https://berlin-school-of-podcasting.com 
Malwina Fendrych 

Music credits:  
Trio Marzenie featuring @maniucha_bikont, @jan-duszynski, Tomasz Januchta >>> https://instagram.com/triomarzenie/ 

Graphic credits:  
Olha Zarko >>> https://olazarko.com  

Created by Commit, in cooperation with Benjamin Lorch from The Berlin School of Podcasting. With financial support from the Robert Bosch Stiftung. 

Check our Program dedicated to civil society of Ukraine >>> https://vidnova.org

The Commit Podcast – S01 E01 Lessons from Ukraine

The challenges have come quickly in 2025, leaving many nonprofits at risk of losing funding. Donors could be impacted, too, amid job loss, tariffs, and inflation. The next step forward may not be obvious, but one thing is clear: this is no time to stand still. 

 

On this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we talk with Allegiance Group + Pursuant CEO Trent Ricker about how nonprofits can navigate the economic and social uncertainty this year has brought. He explains why leaning into this moment is critical to emerge stronger on the other side. 

 

As we learned with COVID and the Great Recession, challenges often reveal opportunities to do things differently. Ask how you can meet this moment for your constituents. Look for ways to build trust and invest in your brand to build lasting donor relationships. 

How Nonprofits Can Navigate Uncertainty and Emerge Stronger in 2025

Keeping our heads down and our language inoffensive is not the right response to the times we’re in, says Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits. Solidarity and courage is.

Yentel spoke at Shelterforce's 50th anniversary celebration and conference this past April, and her message was so crucial that we wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to listen to it.

Read an excerpt of Diane's message here: https://shelterforce.org/2025/06/05/our-silence-will-not-protect-us/



Our Silence Will Not Protect Us

Your organization’s mid-level donors are already fueling your mission by giving as much as 10x more than entry-level supporters. These donors are loyal, passionate, and just one intentional moment away from becoming major givers.  

However, these donors often fall through the cracks. With donor acquisition getting harder and more expensive – and retention rates around 43 percent  –  it’s time to rethink your strategy.  

In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, CEO Trent Ricker and VP of Client Success Ryan Carpenter explore how you can unlock the full potential of mid-level donors through smart segmentation, behavioral insights, and tailored engagement. They share how organizations can tap into this powerful donor pool and scale growth with AGP’s Mid-Level Accelerator Program.  

Unlocking Mid-Level Giving: Precision Strategies for Sustainable Growth

While affordable housing with some office space for nonprofits is relatively common, in Redmond, Washington, a group of human services organizations went the other way: they rebuilt their collective office space and added housing. Kim Sarnecki, the CEO of the Together Center, explains how it all works.

Read the full story at https://shelterforce.org/2025/09/10/nonprofits-own-these-offices-and-put-housing-on-top-of-them/

Nonprofits Own These Offices—And Put Housing on Top of Them

In this episode of the “Go Beyond Fundraising” podcast, we talk with Debbie Merlino, AGP’s Executive Vice President of Client Relationships, to unpack the unprecedented funding challenges facing public media. With federal and state cuts reshaping station budgets, leaders are asking: what’s next? 

Debbie shares how stations are navigating the immediate influx of donor support, the risks of relying on that short-term crisis giving, and the critical need to reframe this moment as a “new reality” rather than a temporary hurdle. She outlines strategies for sustaining momentum – stewardship that deepens trust, digital-first acquisition, and data-driven, mid-level upgrades that unlock donor potential. 

She talks about why closer collaboration among development, finance, and leadership is essential for resilience — and how proven tools like GivingDNA, staff augmentation, and AGP’s Mid-Level Accelerator can help stations not only stabilize but thrive. 

Whether you lead a station, steward its donors, or build fundraising strategies, this conversation offers practical insights for moving beyond survival and into long-term growth. 

Public Media’s New Reality: How Stations Can Thrive Amid Funding Losses

Shelterforce is nonprofit news publication that covers affordable housing in the U.S., as well as community planning, racial equity, community development, and more. Here you can listen to authors read their latest Shelterforce articles, as well as our interviews with folks on the ground. For more, go to shelterforce.org.

To support our nonprofit newsroom, make a tax-deductible donation at https://shelterforce.org/donate.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy is the essential source of news, commentary, networking and training opportunities for nonprofit professionals.

Commit by MitOst is a Berlin-based international NGO. We work with practice-oriented models of active citizenship that aim to strengthen the skills and capacities of local communities.

Go Beyond Fundraising, a podcast brought to you by the Allegiance Group + Pursuant, seeks to find the sharpest minds in the fundraising, nonprofit marketing, and organizational leadership and create conversations that spark positive change. We exist to help determined nonprofits make an even bigger impact in the world through smart strategy, cutting-edge technology, and actionable data. Learn more at https://teamallegiance.com/go-beyond-fundraising-podcast/

Tech Savvy Lawyer | Speaker | Podcast Host | My law practice: I help nonprofits solve problems so they can stop worrying and get back to what matters most -- The Mission.

New tracks tagged #Nonprofits