Podcasts by The Nonprofit Reframe

It’s the End of the Road: Some Reflections from the Podcast as We Say Farewell from 2023-08-14T07:00:19

This is it, folks, our very last episode. At least for now. Never say never, and all of that. But we wanted to leave you with some reflections from the 150 episodes we’ve done of this show. We’v...

Volunteers and Burnout: Why Volunteer Appreciation Needs Improvement (Plus an Important Announcement!) from 2023-07-31T07:00:13

Volunteers are such an important part of nonprofit organizations, but we don’t always treat them the way we should and it leads to big time burnout. Volunteers give their time because they belie...

Fundraising and Inflation: What the Giving USA Data Tells Us About Philanthropy in 2022 from 2023-07-17T07:00:03

It’s that time again - Nia’s favorite episode of the year on data from Giving USA! It’s interesting to review this 2022 report and see the correlations that are happening in our immediate nonpro...

Event Programs Matter: How to Keep Your Nonprofit Event on Track from 2023-07-03T07:00:11

It’s planning time for fall event season and we’ve seen some big “don'ts” when it comes to event programs. Chaos often ensues when the appropriate planning hasn’t been done beforehand and all th...

For-Profit and Nonprofit Careers: We Are Not the Same from 2023-06-19T07:00:21

Lately, we’ve worked with a lot of people who have retired or left their careers in the for-profit sector and entered the nonprofit sector, and we’re kind of pissed about it. The implication is ...

Understanding Endowment Campaigns and If Your Organization is Ready from 2023-06-05T07:00:16

You hear about endowments a lot in our field, usually associated with universities. But what about endowments from a fundraiser’s perspective? What are they? How do they work? What’s the point o...

The Revolution Will Not Be Funded: Power and Control in Funding Movements from 2023-05-22T07:00:36

We’ve just finished our first ever Patreon book club pick,The Revolution Will Not Be Funded: Beyond the Non-Profit Industrial Complexand we have so many thoughts. Not all of them are go...

How To Discuss (and Disrupt) Donor-Advised Funds from 2023-05-08T07:00:54

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are charitable giving tools with a lot of complexity and ambiguity. So how can nonprofit staff engage donors in discussions about using them more effectively (or disma...

The Survey Results Are In: Americans Don’t Know Much about Nonprofits from 2023-04-24T07:00:58

We live in the nonprofit world, day in and day out, so naturally, we know quite a bit about how it operates. But how much does the average American know? Not so much, it turns out.

In toda...

Power and Complicity: Bystanders and The Need To Be Braver from 2023-04-10T07:00:05

The nonprofit world is not exempt from the every day realities of racism, tax schemes, and even sexual assault. However, considering the mission and values of these organizations… you’d hope tha...

Why Religious Human Services Programming Is Problematic from 2023-03-27T07:00:04

Religious organizations that provide human services programming can be incredibly problematic and Nia is fired up about it. Without oversight, these organizations can require religious participa...

Utilization of ChatGPT (and AI in general) in Nonprofits from 2023-03-13T07:00:39

It’s truly amazing to think how far technology has come. We now live in an era where an AI tool exists that will write a pretty dang good podcast introduction, essay, or fundraising plan. Sounds...

The Demise of AmazonSmile: Continuing to Leave No Real Impact on Nonprofits from 2023-02-27T08:00:06

Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore. The proverbial house has fallen on AmazonSmile, and it is dead as a doornail. Uproar and opinions of all kinds are circulating in regard to this news. We, on t...

Why You (and Your Staff) Need a Sabbatical with Hayden Dansky from 2023-02-13T08:00:58

Working in a nonprofit is meaningful and rewarding work for most of us. But let’s be real – it’s also a fast-track to burnout and overwork as we try to create a world that is better for everyone...

DEI Training for Effective Change—Not to Check a Box from 2023-01-30T08:00:47

DEI training for nonprofits spiked in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. But how many organizations have actually kept up with internal DEI work? A one-time seminar to check a box and give a...

Socks, Shoes and Glasses: Our Best (and Worst) Examples of Buy One, Give One Corporate Philanthropy from 2023-01-16T08:00

You’re familiar with the model that we’re talking about today. You buy something, and with your purchase, something—whether an item or money—is donated to a person or organization. Buy one, give...

New Year, No Burnout: How to Set Boundaries and Avoid the Nonprofit Grind Cycle from 2023-01-02T08:00:28

Your year-end fundraising is over and last year's goals are in the rearview mirror. Time to rest, take some time off, and celebrate right?! (Yeah, we’re laughing right along with you.) Nonprofit...

Fundraisers: Do No Harm from 2022-12-19T08:00:19

We’ve talked a lot about fundraising, and this episode is no different (tis’ the season). Today, we’re focusing on the most important rule of fundraising: Do no harm. 

On the surface,...

Talking to Donors and Why We Don’t from 2022-12-05T08:00:18

Donors are critical to your organization, but it’s about more than just a transaction or future donation. Fostering genuine relationships with your donors is crucial—not only for the growth and ...

Interims and Succession Planning for Leadership Roles from 2022-11-21T06:00:36

All organizations will experience a time when an ED/CEO, Development Director, or another higher level role, makes plans to leave. Sometimes you have notice—a year, if you’re really lucky—and so...

Committees: What Are They Even For? from 2022-11-07T06:00:45

Committees are a really hot topic in the nonprofit world. You can create a committee foralmostanything and comprise it of staff, board members, and/or volunteers. But, how do you create...

Year-End Giving Round 2 from 2022-10-24T07:00:48

We’re back! After a year-long hiatus, the Nonprofit Reframe podcast is back with more nonprofit content, stories, and laughs.

It’s that time of the year that nonprofits know and love a...

Trailer: We Are Coming Back - October 24, 2022 from 2022-10-14T20:33:53

Our first episode back from hiatus is coming out on October 24! If you want to catch up with us, become a member at our allListen

Minisode: Podcast Announcement from 2021-10-25T06:03:20

Brittny and Nia share a special announcement about the podcast in this minisode!

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Listener Stories Round 3 from 2021-09-20T06:03:55

Toxic Board Chairs and societal musings are included in this round of listener emails, along with a meandering joke submitted by a listener. Enjoy!

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Board Series - Removal from 2021-09-13T06:03:58

Somehow, a toxic board member slipped through your vetting process. As a staff member, what can be done? As a Board member, what must you do?

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Board Series - Retention from 2021-09-06T06:03:58

You've gotten a cohort of awesome Board members on your organization's board. Now, how do you keep them until the end of their term and maybe, JUST MAYBE, even get them to renew for a second term? ...

Board Series - Onboarding from 2021-08-30T06:03:13

You've found the new board members, you've vetted them, you've voted them onto the Board. Now what? Hand them a big ol binder of info that will be obsolete within a day? No! Develop an execute an o...

Board Series - Vetting from 2021-08-23T06:03:45

You've identified some great candidates for your board. Now, how do you make sure it's a good fit? How do the candidates determine it's the right Board for them? Hint: It doesn't happen in a single...

Board Series - Recruitment from 2021-08-16T06:03:36

Part 1 of the 4 part series on Boards, covering recruitment. Should Boards always be recruiting or have one annual cycle? What about avoiding the desperation-warm-body cycle? What should recruit...

Giving USA from 2021-08-09T06:03:42

Brittny and Nia do a deep dive into the philanthropic data from 2020. Did we really shift dollars in the significant ways we thought? Did corporate giving rebound? Did that one foundation declin...

Crisis Fundraising from 2021-08-02T06:03:53

Natural disasters, pandemics, financial crises, and PR crises all can result in some creative fundraising. How do you harness that moment to effectively properly your organization forward or sav...

The Good Philanthropists from 2021-07-26T06:03:49

Brittny and Nia spend plenty of time calling out crappy philanthropists (looking at you, MacKenzie Scott's ex-husband). What about the good ones? Brittny and Nia each profile a philanthropist they ...

Donor Power from 2021-07-19T06:03:29

The Country watched as a donor's sway and influence resulted in Nikole Hannah-Jones leaving UNC for a position at Howard. What can this example tell us about donor power in 2021? Brittny and Nia...

ACE Act from 2021-07-12T06:03:49

Some Senators wants to regulate DAFs and create new structures. Who doesn't want to...?

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Amazon + Bezos from 2021-07-05T06:03:02

Nia and Brittny dive into the world of Amazon and Jeff Bezos for a look at the company and their philanthropy.

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Minisode: Donor Privacy from 2021-07-01T23:25:52

The Americans for Prosperity Foundation v Bonta (Attorney General for California) decision came down today, Thursday, July 1. Nia gives a quick overview of the decision.

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A Year After the Statement from 2021-06-28T06:03:23

Last June, nonprofits across the country released statements, committing to do better, stepping into racial justice spaces that were unknown to many of them, condemning the murder of George Floyd. ...

Listener Stories Round 2 from 2021-06-21T06:03:52

How many boards is too many? What happens when a fundraiser is left out to dry? And more questions from listeners! Want to submit questions or stories for future listener episodes? Email us at <...

Hybrid Events from 2021-06-14T06:03:25

Hybrid events are no joke (unless they're a comedy event. Then they definitely are). You have to consider engaging two audiences, technology and so much more. Brittny and Nia cover some crucial que...

The Big Transition from 2021-06-07T06:03:03

For those shifting back to in-person office work for the first time in a year, it's a big transition. Changes to commutes, balancing personal life and work life, adjusting to office culture. How ca...

Cryptocurrencies and Nonprofits from 2021-05-31T06:03:01

Nonprofits need to get on the crypto train if they want to stay current with the next generation of donors. Brittny and Nia discuss harnessing the power of cryptocurrency!

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Great Board Members from 2021-04-12T06:03:58

In contrast to last week's episode, this week, Brittny and Nia talk about the 4 personas of great Board Members!:

• Robert who shows up, steady and true
• Maria, the a...
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Board Members Behaving Badly from 2021-04-05T06:03:49

Brittny and Nia discuss the 4 personas of board members who behave badly:

• Sharon with the bake sale and endless ideas
• Absent Brad, who doesn't show or doesn't show up prepared Listen

Matches from 2021-03-29T06:03:28

Brittny and Nia make a "splash" this week, breaking down matches and fundraising challenges.

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Listener Stories from 2021-03-22T06:03:19

We have stories that inspire, enrage, or just make you cringe. Special thanks to all the listeners who sent in their fundraising stories!

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Virtual Gala Mini-Sode from 2021-03-18T06:03:50

We catch up with Brittny and get the download on her first ever virtual gala - the highs and lows of this new format.

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Pandemic Reflections from 2021-03-15T06:03:32

Brittny and Nia reflect on the last year of working in the nonprofit sector during a pandemic. Remember when we were all blissfully unaware that this would last over a year? Simpler times.

Donor Advised Funds from 2021-03-08T15:00:39

With some recent reports on 2020 DAF giving, the news is not what we hoped for. Brittny and Nia break down this philanthropic tool, what works, what REALLY doesn't, and how we can start to make ...

Black History Month from 2021-02-22T07:03:08

Brittny and Nia take an opportunity to talk about black philanthropy in America, it's astounding 400 year history and what it means for nonprofits today.

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• Nia's In...
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Donor Cycle: Stewardship from 2021-02-08T07:03:19

The final episode in our 5 part series on the donor cycle wraps things with the often overlooked, undervalued, yet absolutely critical step of stewardship.

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Donor Cycle: Acknowledgement from 2021-02-01T07:03:18

So you got the gift! YAY! While you're celebrating, don't forget that all-too-important step of acknowledging the donor. The more you can automate this step, the better your life will be!

Donor Cycle: Solicitation from 2021-01-25T07:03:32

Part 3 of 5 on the donor cycle covers that most feared task - making the ask. If you want to feel better about your ask fails, this is the episode for you. Brittny and Nia cover major donor asks, w...

Donor Cycle: Solicitation from 2021-01-25T07:03:32

Part 3 of 5 on the donor cycle covers that most feared task - making the ask. If you want to feel better about your ask fails, this is the episode for you. Brittny and Nia cover major donor asks, w...

Donor Cycle: Solicitation from 2021-01-25T07:03:32

Part 3 of 5 on the donor cycle covers that most feared task - making the ask. If you want to feel better about your ask fails, this is the episode for you. Brittny and Nia cover major donor asks, w...

Donor Cycle: Cultivation from 2021-01-18T07:03:49

Brittny and Nia continue their 5-part series on the donor cycle, talking about cultivation. Where boundaries are important, as always, just like real dates.

Christmas Mini-Sode from 2020-12-25T07:03:24

Brittny and Nia share some holiday cheer in the form of childhood Christmas stories from their families. Happy holidays to all!

Live Taping: 2021 Philanthropic Predictions from 2020-12-21T07:03:18

During our anniversary/holiday party with the pod, a live zoom audience added to the fun on the topic of philanthropic predictions for 2021! A special thanks to Marjorie, Kimberly, and Mardi for...

Salespeople from 2020-12-14T07:03:55

Software companies, copier sales, and office supply companies listen up! Brittny and Nia have something to say about your sales tactics with nonprofits.

Year-End Fundraising from 2020-12-07T07:03:03

AKA: How a year of podcasting comes full circle.

Brittny and Nia tackle the most wonderful time of the year: year-end fundraising season! We have giving days. We have mailing fails. We hav...

Burn-Out from 2020-11-30T07:03:48

The moral of the story: we are all stressed, we are probably all over-worked, and it's just a bit too much. So, let's take it back a notch and find ways to be grateful for each other.

Turkey Day Mini-Sode from 2020-11-26T07:03:45

Some quick thanksgiving reflections and Brittny and Nia's version of Jimmy Fallon's Thank You Notes.

Board Diversity from 2020-11-23T07:03:20

We can’t talk about boards in 2020 without discussing the quest for increased diversity. But are most boards actually ready for diversity in a way that won’t result in tokenism?

Resour...

Election Recap from 2020-11-16T07:03:05

Brittny and Nia go over the election results, including the Colorado Ballot Measures, and give ideas of where we go from here.

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Political Dark Money in Nonprofits from 2020-11-09T07:03:49

Brittny and Nia uncover a sneaky little way that some folks are using nonprofits to get more dark money into US politics.

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• ProPublica Article:Listen

Media Coverage of Nonprofits from 2020-11-02T07:03:47

Brittny and Nia are seeing more and more media coverage of the dire situation that nonprofits are in, including making predictions about year-end fundraising. Is it actually helping the sector?<...

TNR Voter Guide from 2020-10-26T06:03:36

Brittny and Nia break down the ballot initiatives on the Colorado Ballot this November.

Amendment B: Gallagher Amendment/Property Tax Reduction

Amendment C: Charitable Gaming

Capital Campaigns from 2020-10-19T06:03:18

Brittny and Nia break down the hallmarks and pitfalls of Capital Campaigns. Plus, fan mail!

Nice White Parents...Fundraising from 2020-10-12T06:02:33

"I didn't know I needed saving," was one of the most memorable and hard-hitting quotes from the recently released podcast series from Serial called "Nice White Parents." Brittny and Nia dive in ...

Benefits from 2020-10-05T06:03:49

Insurance, time off, and retirement, OH MY! Let's chat about the benefits packages offered to nonprofit employees.

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• Colorado Nonprofit Association -Listen

NPO Conference Speakers from 2020-09-28T06:03:45

Brittny and Nia debrief their first "big gig," shifting to virtual conferences, and what makes for a compelling and impactful conference speaker!

This episode is sponsored by In the Kn...

Live Taping: Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute from 2020-09-21T06:03:53

Recorded live on 9/11/2020 at the virtual Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute, hosted byAFP Colorado.

Th...

Political Fundraising from 2020-09-14T06:03:56

With fewer than 60 days until the election, political fundraising is kicking up. How will this impact philanthropy to nonprofits? How does political giving impact individual donors' behaviors? I...

Starting a Nonprofit? from 2020-09-07T06:03:21

From the threat of duplicating services to delivering services that will not sustain, Brittny and Nia tackle an unpopular opinion they share: Don't start a nonprofit.

Disaster Relief from 2020-08-24T06:03:48

When a natural disaster hits, what makes us want to give? How can we harness that into mitigating the negative impacts of those disasters or even preventing them altogether?

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Vulernability from 2020-08-17T06:03:36

As nonprofit professionals, there's this constant pressure to be positive, to spin every struggle in a refreshed light or to omit it entirely. We need to shift that. Nonprofits and their staff n...

The Origin Story from 2020-08-10T06:03:08

This week's episode covers where Brittny and Nia started, how they grew in the sector, and what drives them to continue.

Fundraiser Turnover from 2020-08-03T06:03:01

Brittny and Nia have danced around this topic before, but are finally devoting an entire episode to discussing the fundraiser turnover problem in nonprofits.

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Sector Consolidation from 2020-07-27T06:03:09

Looking at what we learned during the great recession, what can we anticipate during the current economic reality? Brittny and Nia discuss some predictions, but also what we can do differently t...

The $35m Question from 2020-07-20T06:03:04

I know, we all think, "gosh, what a great problem to have! We could use $35m!" The reality is that it's much more difficult to manage than it sounds, which some nonprofits are currently experien...

The One About Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute Mini-Sode from 2020-07-17T06:00:23

We are speaking at the Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute! Check it out.

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Scarcity Mindset and the PPP from 2020-07-13T06:03:57

When scarcity drives decision-making, where does that leave nonprofits? The PPP Loan in response to COVID for small businesses (including nonprofits), continues to highlight the demands that a c...

Compromising Values from 2020-07-06T06:03:28

Whether convincing donors of different political leanings to give to your cause, side-stepping sexually inappropriate comments, or handling drunk donors, it's clear that something's gotta change. J...

Predictions: Part 2 from 2020-06-29T06:03:55

Forecasting the un-forecastable, predicting the unpredictable. How do you look into the future right now?

Prepping your board for the unknown, working with funders and their expectatio...

Interview with Vu Le from 2020-06-22T06:02:29

Brittny and Nia have the opportunity to talk to the one, the only, Vu Le from Nonprofit AF about all things nonprofits, philanthropy, and the future of the sector.

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After the Statement from 2020-06-15T06:03

Your organization put out a statement condemning racism, supporting Black Lives Matter. If this is the first time you've engaged in these discussions, you have a lot of work ahead. Don't let up!...

The One With The Guest Announcement Mini-Sode from 2020-06-12T06:03:44

Brittny and Nia announce the first ever guest to join them on The Nonprofit Reframe! Who will it be?

Cultural Disruptions in Nonprofits from 2020-06-08T06:02:19

How are you maintaining relationships in your staff with so much disruption to our normal way of being?

From the whole nonprofit reframe team, remember that Black Lives Matter. Give to...

Nonprofit Consultants from 2020-06-01T06:02:13

Brittny and Nia discuss the world of nonprofit consultants, how they can help your organization grow and scale and how to ensure you get the end product you need!

Live Taping with Boulder Startup Week from 2020-05-18T06:03:31

A group of startup and nonprofit folks joined Brittny and Nia for a presentation and Q&A on how companies and nonprofits can work better together!

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Tax Law from 2020-05-11T06:03:15

Tax law has significant impact on nonprofits and their donors, sometimes putting fundraisers in a difficult position. Brittny and Nia talk in-kind valuation, CARES Act changes, and the power dyn...

The One With The Announcement Mini-Sode from 2020-05-07T15:32:29

Brittny and Nia have an exciting announcement. You can join them for a live recording of the pod on Tuesday, May 12 at 12p MTN for Boulder Startup Week.Listen

Nonprofit Trainings from 2020-05-04T06:03:22

Episode Highlights:

•  Trainers need to fully understand the nonprofit experience!
• Interactive trainings FTW.
• Not everybody is meant to be trainer.
• Brittny ...
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The Virtual Pivot from 2020-04-27T06:03:42

Responding to COVID-19 has cause a significant adoption of digital forms of gathering and getting work done. For nonprofits, this means events, training, and investing in necessary software like...

Fundraising in the Time of Coronavirus from 2020-04-20T06:03:11

Episode Highlights

• What new skills will Brittny and Nia emerge with?
• Work those stewardship plans.
• Keep fundraising. "Pivot" your messaging, but don't stop.
• Do...
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COVID-Response Funding from 2020-04-13T06:03:06

Episode Highlights

• Sprucing up for video calls means putting on earrings these days.
• Some foundations are rising to the occasion and others…well…aren’t.
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Admin and Program Staff from 2020-04-06T06:03:28

The last of the pre-coronavirus recorded content, this episode covers the unfortunate, great divide between program staff and fundraising or administrative staff.

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The One About the Tiger King Mini-sode from 2020-04-03T03:05:57

Brittny and Nia explore the little-known nonprofit angle to the Netflix hit show, Tiger King.

Boards from 2020-03-30T06:02:11

Boards are tough! It's hard being a Board Member. It's hard reporting to a Board.

Episode Highlights

• Serve wine at Board meetings to get Brittny there.
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Lobbying from 2020-03-23T06:03:47

We cover all three of the things your'e not supposed to talk about: money, politics, and religion.

Episode Highlights

• The Johnson Amendment
• Why are nonprofits scared of ...
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Coronavirus Mini-Sode from 2020-03-20T22:05:53

Brittny and Nia offer a quick check-in with everybody out there in the nonprofit space in the midst of a pandemic.

Nia promotes usage of the bird. Brittny tells us to slow down.

Sustainability from 2020-03-16T06:02:16

A Special Note: We know you're experiencing a triple (maybe quadruple or quintuple, even) whammy right now with the way that COVID-19 is impacting your services, your workforce, philanthropy, an...

The Gala Follow-Up Mini-Sode from 2020-03-10T06:02:33

We get the scoop from Brittny about her big night. Did she find a dress? How did she do it all on so little sleep? How does post-event body happen? All this and more on our first ever mini-sode! Listen

Technology from 2020-03-09T06:02:35

Brittny's wish has come true! It's another spring day. Too bad Nia had to shatter that and meter in her intro to today's episode on Technology

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• Why is tech...
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Hiring from 2020-03-02T07:03:17

Whether it’s unrealistic job postings or just awful salaries, we do ourselves no favors, nonprofit people. Hiring stories, candidate stories, job description stories, we’ve got them all!

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Grants from 2020-02-24T07:00:07

Nia and Brittny get animated talking about all of the challenges associated with grants from ridiculous questions, insane stats and even what color paper to use.

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