Throughout this series, I’ve been making the argument that the best way to grow your organization is not to focus on budget or staff or board size as the key metric, but instead, to notch down and focus on the stage of development -- the specific characteristics and goals of each stage, and the clarity, capacity, and capital milestones that are aligned with where you are. In this final series episode, I’m going to paint the picture of an adult organization.  You'll learn: The characteristics of a mature organization How to leverage maturity in one area of your organization to strengthen other areas What to watch out for (potential dangers) in the "adult" phase of an organizationYou can also do a deeper dive with my 4-part webinar series:  Focus on Growth -- richiebabbage.com/focusongrowth

In this episode, we explore the exciting world of nonprofit growth and development with our guest, Brooke. We discuss the different stages of organizational growth, early and late, and the importance of setting stage-specific goals to ensure long-term success. Brooke shares her insights on the characteristics of early and late-stage growth organizations, emphasizing the importance of iteration, intentionality, and strategic fundraising. We also delve into the key transitions nonprofits must make to smoothly shift from the early growth phase to the later stage. By understanding how to navigate revenue streams, differentiate roles, and systematize operations, leaders can focus on propelling their organization forward with clarity and purpose. Tune in for a comprehensive guide to scaling your nonprofit, filled with actionable tips and expert advice!==> Want to go deeper? Check out the free 4-Part Webinar Series: Focus On Growthrichiebabbage.com/focusongrowthbundle

Nonprofit growth isn't linear. It's messy and winding and full of stops and starts. That's why knowing where you are in the process is absolutely critical. Being able to anchor yourself to the right milestones... to face the right challenges... and to take the right next step is how you navigate the chaos of the childhood phase.In this episode, I talk about how the stages of development can apply differently to different parts of an organization. For example, an organization's fundraising can be at one stage of development, and its board at another. I also talk about the characteristics of the post-start-up-pre-growth stage: Childhood. The chaos inherent in being nimble and responsive, and the goals that a leader must set if the organization is to move safely and sustainably into the growth phase.Links MentionedFree 4 Part Webinar Series: Focus on Growth Bundle Nonprofit Launch Plan TemplateOrganizational Design Toolkit

In this podcast episode, I discuss the significance of understanding a nonprofit organization's development stage, and the importance of taking a strategic approach to growth. I highlight the crucial role of a nonprofit organization's development stage in setting goals and addressing challenges, and the need for strategic growth that prioritizes stability and sustainability. (0:05)I walk through the different stages of nonprofit development, starting with the infancy phase, including what to focus on in this stage about initial plans, program plans, strategic direction, team, and fundraising. (27:00)I offer insight into the process of starting a nonprofit organization, including launching, proving the concept, and formalizing the organization. I underscore the importance of making key decisions about the organization's mission, structure, team, and initial plans. (38:20)If you haven’t done so already, I invite you to share the podcast with friends! You can share this link: richiebabbage.com/nonprofitmastermindpodcast Other Ways To Enjoy This Podcast Check us out on YouTube! Links Mentioned: richiebabbage.com/nonprofitlaunchplanrichiebabbage.com/nonprofitlaunchpodcastHow To Use Nonprofit Life Cycles To Reflect On The State of Your Organization (October 2021)

In this podcast, Brooke dives into the world of Chat GPT and how it can benefit nonprofit organizations in various aspects of their workflow. Learn how this AI-powered tool can save time, spark creativity, and increase engagement through a range of practical applications. Listen now to revolutionize your organization's productivity!Links mentioned: Nonprofit ChatGPT Quickstart Bundle: richiebabbage.com/nonprofitchatgptbundleNonprofit Accelerator: richiebabbage.com/nlnpprivatetrainingNonprofit Launch Lab:  richiebabbage.com/launchlab

I'm joined today by Cindy Wagman,  Founder and President of The Good Partnership, best-selling author of Raise It! The Reluctant Fundraiser’s Guide to Raising Money Without Selling Your Soul, and host of the top-rated podcast, The Small Nonprofit. Cindy offers a mini-masterclass on how to build your fundraising team as your organization grows, before you have the budget for a full-time development director.  She shares: Why it’s dangerous to hire a junior development person first, How to figure out the type and level of fundraising support you need on your teamWhat it means to hire a "fractional fundraiser,"  andThe difference between a fractional fundraiser and a consultant.Plus, Cindy breaks down how to know when you’re ready to build your team, what to look for in a fractional fundraiser, and how to integrate external development support into your team for maximum impact.Links Mentioned==> RAISE IT!: The Reluctant Fundraiser's Guide to Raising Money Without Selling Your Soul ==> Discover Your Fractional Fundraising Personality: https://richiebabbage.com/consultingcompass==> Find a Fractional Fundraiser: https://www.thegoodpartnership.com/fractionalfundraiser

I’ve loved getting questions from folks. It’s honestly one of my favorite things. This month’s Mastermind Hotseat question is a great one: My board has identified as a goal for itself wanting to be better as a board. My board members are open to trainings but we don’t know what to focus on. Honestly, it’s a little overwhelming. What would you recommend we focus on first if we want to level up our work as a board? In this episode, I walk through 3 core areas of focus that can guide your work in strengthening your board.

When it comes to leading or growing an institution, a habit of reflection, assessment, and planning is really important.  It’s an opportunity to take stock and make sense of the previous quarter, and to use that insight to make plans  - or reset existing plans - for the coming quarter. In today's episode, I'm sharing the quarterly check-in process that I've used for 15 years to help me stay on track, and reset when necessary. Links Mentioned In The ShowHow To Create A 2022 Vision Map For Your Organization  Strategic Planning Mini-Series: Goal Setting Strategic Planning Mini-Series: Set Your Strategic Priorities Strategic Planning Mini-Series: The Power of A Clear & Compelling VisionRate, Review, & Follow on Apple PodcastsPlease consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to build and lead an organization that brings them joy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, I invite you to share the podcast with friends! You can share this link: richiebabbage.com/nonprofitmastermindpodcast Other Ways To Enjoy This Podcast Check us out on YouTube!

Finding time to get out of the weeds of the organization is by far the biggest challenge the EDs I work with deal with. There is so much work to do in the organization, it can feel impossible to find time to work ON the organization -- to think about the organization as a whole.  But what does it actually mean to get out of the weeds? What does that look like in practice? And how do you do it?  In this episode, you’ll learn: A framework for understanding what it means to “be out of the weeds” 3 concrete strategies for getting out of the weeds in your own organization.

A Simple, Powerful Tool For Maintaining Board Engagement

In this episode, you will learn the why and how of forming your own personal mastermind group. I’ll talk about: The reasons that forming a mastermind group is such an important and powerful leadership and organizational growth strategy,The 6 steps you can take to form your own group, and  3 lessons that will help you keep the group going!Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts“This podcast is heaven-sent. Grateful!!”  rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — build and lead an organization that brings them joy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, I invite you to share the podcast with friends! You can share this link: richiebabbage.com/nonprofitmastermindpodcast Other Ways To Enjoy This Podcast Check us out on YouTube!

In this episode, you will learn a 4-part framework for bringing new donors and funders into your organization, without constantly having to find and chase new resources.  The most efficient and effective way to attract new funders and donors is to find the watering holes of the people who would have an affinity for your mission, share what you’re doing, and get them to have the thought: “I want to hear more/ learn more about this organization…” This framework offers 4 strategies for doing just that. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts“This podcast is heaven-sent. Grateful!!”  rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — build and lead an organization that brings them joy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, I invite you to share the podcast with friends!==> You can share this link: richiebabbage.com/nonprofitmastermindpodcast Finally, check us out on YouTube!

In this episode, you will learn a simple 4-part framework for identifying your next best hire. I’ll cover: Common mistakes to avoid that bloat your team and can keep you mired in overwhelmHow to make sure you’re thinking creatively about staffing options The difference between hiring for ownership and hiring for execution Links included/ referenced: Podcast episode: Strategy Quick Hit: How To Get Your Time Back: 3 Lists To More LeverageHR Bundle: richiebabbage.com/hrbundleCapacity Quiz: richiebabbage.com/nonprofitgrowthquizRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts“This podcast is heaven-sent. Grateful!!”  rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — build and lead an organization that brings them joy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, I invite you to share the podcast with friends! You can share this link: richiebabbage.com/nonprofitmastermindpodcast Other Ways To Enjoy This Podcast Check us out on YouTube!

How to scale without losing the secret sauce that can be created with a tiny staffHow to be an effective leader when you are also in the weeds of the org, doing so much of the operations, admin, fundraising, financial management, and HR because you don't have enough staff to fill all these roles?How to effectively grow as an organization and continue expanding the scope and reach of our programs, while maintaining a high personal touch with our community members and volunteers, and the tight-bonded community that is part of our uniqueness?These are questions at the root of the uncertainty and chaos surrounding growing from 6-figures to 7-figures as a nonprofit. And they are just the type of questions that we focus on inside the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator. In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the "why" and "what" of the accelerator program, and share how you can work with me to grow your organization confidently and without overwhelm. Apply at richiebabbage.com/nextlevelnonprofitapplication

In this week’s episode, I’m getting to the root of what’s a play with a truly high-impact nonprofit board. How to answer perennial questions like: How should my board be working together? What “should” my board be doing? How do I know if they’re a “good board”?The answer is not what people necessarily always think. It’s not about having wealthy people on your board, or people who know “the right people.” It’s deeper than that. It’s about a special form of trust that every single high-functioning team has. In this episode, I'll talk about: How high-impact boards have a secret sauce How truly connected and engaged board members are the organization’s fiercest cheerleaders, the mission’s most vocal ambassadors, and the ED’s best thought partners.The 4 guiding questions to ask in order to get (and keep) your board on the right track Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts“This podcast is heaven-sent. Grateful!!”  rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — build and lead an organization that brings them joy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, I invite you to share the podcast with friends! You can share this link: richiebabbage.com/nonprofitmastermindpodcast Other Ways To Enjoy This Podcast Check us out on YouTube!

In this week’s episode, I’m talking about nonprofit problem-solving and root causes.  We’ve all experienced challenges in our organizations. It can be hard to get to the actual root of the problem and figure out what’s causing it, much less determine how to resolve it. In this episode, you’ll learn: The 10 core building blocks of organizational design How to use organizational design to make sure you spend time and energy addressing the right things when solving problems How to build a culture of inquiry to make problem-solving smooth and painless Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts“This podcast is heaven-sent. Grateful!!”  rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — build and lead an organization that brings them joy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, I invite you to share the podcast with friends! You can share this link: richiebabbage.com/nonprofitmastermindpodcast Other Ways To Enjoy This Podcast Check us out on YouTube!

In this week’s episode, I’m finishing my new year series about setting intentions to guide your leadership and growth in the new year. In this episode, I’m sharing two final intentions to guide your year: Intention #3: Let Form Follow FunctionIntention # 4: Master Your Mindset In this episode, you’ll learn: How to align your board & team structure with your purpose The “right” structure for your board is the one that’s aligned with your purpose Why your mindset is critical to your leadershipHow and why to watch out for mindset gremlins Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts“This podcast is heaven-sent. Grateful!!”  rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — build and lead an organization that brings them joy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, I invite you to share the podcast with friends! You can share this link: richiebabbage.com/nonprofitmastermindpodcast Other Ways To Enjoy This Podcast Check us out on YouTube!

In this week’s episode, I’m continuing my new year series about setting intentions to guide your leadership and growth in the new year. Goals are important, but I argue that intentions are perhaps even more foundational and important. While your goals are a commitment to an outcome, your intentions are a commitment to a process - they are an orientation to your work: How you want to approach your leadership, actions, and decisions. The second intention that you should set in 2023 is to leverage your time. In this episode, you will learn: What it means to leverage your timeThe definition and importance of of “high leverage” activities Two strategies for finding time for visioning, thought leadership, and relationship building. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts“This podcast is heaven-sent. Gratefu!!”  rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — build and lead an organization that brings them joy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, I invite you to share the podcast with friends! You can share this link: richiebabbage.com/nonprofitmastermindpodcast RESOURCES MENTIONEDOne Of The Most Powerful (& Underused!) Strategies For Reclaiming Your Time For "Real" WorkHow To Actually Operationalize Your Plan For Organizational GrowthNonprofit Leadership Resource Hub ==> richiebabbage.com/nonprofitresourcehubSupports for AutomationOTHER WAYS TO ENJOY THIS PODCAST Check us out on YouTube!

In this week’s episode, I’m kicking off my new year series about setting intentions as a way to guide your leadership and growth in the new year. Goals are important, but I argue that intentions are often over looked and in some ways more foundational. While your goals are a commitment to an outcome, your intentions are a commitment to a process - they are an orientation to your work: How you want to approach your leadership, actions and decisions. One of the most important intentions you can set is to adopt a relationship orientation. In this episode, you will learn: What it means to set powerful intentions for your organization, The centrality of relationships and network expansion in fueling your growth, Two strategies for continually expanding your organizational relationships.  Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts“This podcast is heaven-sent. Gratefu!!”  rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — build and lead an organization that brings them joy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, I invite you to share the podcast with friends! You can share this link: richiebabbage.com/nonprofitmastermindpodcast Resources MentionedPodcast episode about Leveraged NetworksAccess the full toolkit inside the Nonprofit Leadership Resource Hub Other Ways To Enjoy This Podcast Check us out on YouTube!

In this week’s episode, I’m wrapping up my short series on the architecture of a powerful annual strategic plan. I’m focusing on goal setting - a simple framework for setting goals that will serve as the powerful link between your vision for impact and what you actually do every month and week and day. When you’re bogged down by the messiness of running your organization, managing your team, working with your board, and all of the other things that you need to get done as a nonprofit leader, you want to really know that the activities you’re spending money and time on - the tasks you’re doing, etc. - are directly linked to - and will lead to - the impact you care most about. The way to do that is to make sure that your goals are grounded in your priorities. And we talked last time about making sure that the priorities are grounded in your vision. That’s the throughline. In this episode, you will learn: The key elements of a well architected annual strategic plan The importance of setting meaningful goals How to define a really effective goal Questions to ask to identify 3 year and 1 year goals for your organizationLinks ReferencedAsset Mapping GuideFund Your Strategic Vision  Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts“This podcast is heaven-sent. Gratefu!!I”  rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — build and lead an organization that brings them joy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, I invite you to share the podcast with friends! You can share this link: richiebabbage.com/nonprofitmastermindpodcast Other Ways To Enjoy This Podcast Check us out on YouTube!