Listen Up: 8 Podcasts for Nonprofits
If you're in the nonprofit world, you know how important it is to learn new knowledge, skills, and strategies to help you grow your organization. But let's face it, reading endless reports and articles can be a snooze fest.
Enter: podcasts!
These little nuggets of audio goodness are a great way to stay informed, inspired, and entertained all at the same time.
I’ve rounded up eight podcasts for nonprofits that are sure to tickle your fancy—and make you a better nonprofit leader/worker. From interviews with industry experts to fun discussions, these podcasts offer something for everyone in the nonprofit world.
But first, why podcasts? Don’t you have enough on your plate? Where would you find the time to listen to yet another thing?
Sure, podcasts can seem like just another thing to add to your already busy schedule. However, they can actually be a convenient way to learn while multitasking. Unlike reading an article or watching a video, you can listen to a podcast while doing other things such as commuting, exercising, or completing tasks that don't require your full attention. Okay, I believe in the studies that say we shouldn’t multitask. Consider listening to podcasts (add music and audiobooks to the mix) an exception.
What’s more, podcasts can provide a fresh perspective and a break from the usual daily grind. They often feature industry experts, engaging conversations, and new ideas that can help you improve your skills and stay motivated.
Ready to discover your next listen?
I did some digging for you and curated 10 podcasts for nonprofits (including leaders, staff, and anyone who has a heart for service). These podcasts cover a wide range of topics and are not limited to nonprofits. Some tackle related topics such as leadership, marketing, and fundraising.
So, here are 10 podcasts for nonprofits, in no particular order.
WHO: Joan Garry hosts this podcast. She is a well-known nonprofit consultant, author, and speaker who has worked with numerous nonprofit organizations throughout her career. She has served as the Executive Director of GLAAD, a national LGBTQ advocacy organization, and as the founding Executive Director of the New York State Thruway Authority Foundation.
WHAT: Nonprofits Are Messy focuses on the challenges and complexities of running a successful nonprofit organization. Each episode features interviews with nonprofit leaders, experts, and professionals who share their insights and experiences. Topics covered include fundraising, board management, leadership, and navigating difficult issues in the nonprofit sector.
WHY (Listen to this podcast): This is a great way to learn from other people's experiences and get some practical tips. Listening to this podcast can help you deal with challenges and achieve your organization's goals. Not to mention that Joan Garry is a legend in the nonprofit world. ✨
WHERE: Website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify
WHO: Host Kimberly Holmes is the founder of Black America Cares, which is a nonprofit organization that aims to inspire and empower Black communities.
WHAT: This podcast focuses on giving a platform to Black-Owned/Black-Led Nonprofit Organizations and Businesses. It provides Nonprofit Leaders and Business Owners a unique opportunity to share their work and how it impacts their communities. By featuring the stories behind these business owners, listeners can discover the information they need to access available resources and assistance.
WHY (Listen to this podcast): Discover and celebrate black nonprofits and businesses and learn about social justice, community building, and empowerment.
WHERE: Website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify
WHO: Kia Croom is the founder and host of the Black Fundraisers podcast. She is an experienced fundraiser and nonprofit professional who has worked with a range of organizations in the sector.
WHAT: This podcast brings attention to the difficulties that Black fundraisers encounter in their professional settings and how they manage to stay motivated despite these obstacles.
WHY (Listen to this podcast): The podcast explores issues such as exclusion, workplace racial trauma, and anti-Blackness, which are crucial to understanding the experiences of Black professionals in the fundraising industry
WHERE: Spotify
WHO: Rhea Wong is the CEO of RALLY, a consulting firm that specializes in advocacy, public affairs, and communications for nonprofits and social impact organizations. Rhea has over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and management, and she has worked with a wide range of organizations, from grassroots groups to international NGOs.
WHAT: Get practical advice and insights, especially if you are a nonprofit leader or manager. The podcast tackles topics related to nonprofit management, including board governance, fundraising, marketing and communications, program design and evaluation, and leadership development.
WHY (Listen to this podcast): Rhea interviews nonprofit experts and leaders and encourages listeners to adopt effective and innovative strategies for achieving their organizational goals. Practical is the word.
WHERE: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
WHO: Hosted by Valerie F. Leonard, a community and organizational development pro
WHAT: The Nonprofit Utopia podcast used to be called Nonprofit "U”, and is like an online hangout for people who are new to leading nonprofits. They chat about all the latest stuff happening in the sector, and how they can make their work better for their clients and communities.
WHY (Listen to this podcast): Topics include nonprofit management, community development, capacity building, and organizational development—and the way the show tackles them makes it a must-listen for nonprofit leaders. (It hasn’t published new episodes lately, but there is plenty to listen to!)
WHERE: Website, Apple Podcasts. Spotify
WHO: Elayne Fluker is a journalist, author, and entrepreneur. She was a senior-level magazine editor and writer for publications such as Essence, People, and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. She is also the author of the book "Get Over 'I Got It'," which aims to help women entrepreneurs overcome the fear of asking for help and support.
WHAT: The podcast features conversations with successful women entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators. It aims to inspire and empower women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, create successful businesses, and live fulfilling lives. Each episode features insights and advice on topics such as leadership, mindset, marketing, branding, and more, with the goal of helping women entrepreneurs build their confidence, connections, and community.
WHY (Listen to this podcast): They got me at the title, but if you need more, let’s just say that if you want to light a fire within you, listen to this podcast! (The last episode is also more than a year ago, but what’s there is worth your time.)
WHERE: Website, Apple Podcasts
WHO: Jay Jones Jay, the founder of Black Entrepreneur Blueprint, is a seasoned serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience. He has successfully established 17 businesses, with a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience ranging from nearly losing everything twice to creating two multi-million dollar ventures.
WHAT: Top-notch resources that can assist you in building a thriving and sustainable business, and reduce the amount of time and money you need to invest in the learning process
WHY (Listen to this podcast): It’s not nonprofit-focused, but Executive Directors will learn a lot about running a business, marketing, and revenue-generating ideas.
WHERE: Website
WHO: Saving the best for last…Yours truly! 🙌🏾 If you’re new to my space, I have 30+ years of experience in the nonprofit sector, and I share all that I’ve learned in my podcast.
WHAT: My podcast focuses on teaching you how to start, build, and sustain a nonprofit. From stage zero to success, I break down difficult concepts so that you can build a sustainable nonprofit and truly make a difference in your community.
WHY: Step-by-step guides, strategic plans, and actionable tips is what I’m about. I also spread the love and highlight nonprofits who are making an impact in their communities.
Podcasts offer a convenient and engaging way to learn, especially for busy nonprofit leaders who struggle to find time to stay informed and motivated. We looked at podcasts for nonprofits, all of which cover a wide range of topics, from leadership to fundraising and online marketing.
Listening to podcasts can be a great way to multitask, learn from others’ experiences, and gain a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations. With the information and insights provided by these podcasts, you can better navigate the complexities of running a successful nonprofit and achieve your organization's goals.
So, grab your headphones, tune in to your favorite podcast, and get ready to laugh, learn, and love the nonprofit world even more!