A SHORTLIST OF REALLY GOOD NONPROFIT RESOURCES
Updated 13 June 2024
I put this list together for a colleague who asked what tools I use to keep current with nonprofit issues. This shortlist helps me be a better nonprofiteer every day. It’s not exhaustive, but I hope it might inspire you to learn about some new media and people doing amazing things in social impact.
If you have additional recommendations, send me a note! Anytime I refresh the list I’ll update the date above.
WEBSITES, BLOGS & THINGS
Especially over the past few years, the number of online spaces built for improving nonprofits and social impact has boomed. There’s no way to include them all, so the following are focused around actionable (and entertaining) resources.
Yes, you read that right. NonprofitAF is the blog of industry favorite Vu Le. A former executive director, Vu now (as he has for a while) blogs, speaks, and leads our sector towards good, equitable practices. With a ton of wisdom and levity, he explores important topics like fair pay, human rights, and board governance, and is also known to call out funders for crappy fundraising practices — which you can follow on Twitter or LinkedIn. (Although I don’t know how involved he is with the latter.)
If you’re unfamiliar with the name, Candid is the entity that houses a ton of great industry resources you’ve probably used, namely Philanthropy News Digest (PND), GuideStar, and Foundation Directory. PND features a blog with excellent current advice, as well as job postings, RFPs, and other industry-wide news.
Social Impact Staff Retention Project
The Social Impact Staff Retention project (SISR) is the brainchild of myself and Michelle Flores Vryn. (Read all about Michelle below!) SISR launched in 2024 and collects data on nonprofit worker engagement. Nonprofit employees are asked whether or not they are looking for new jobs, the reasons why, and other helpful details meant to inform improvements in staff retention.
The brainchild of Tasha Van Vlack and Dave Norris, The Hive is one of the coolest things to hit the social sector. It’s a free, weekly, 30-minute, virtual chat. When you’re in, you get matched with another nonprofiteer from somewhere in the world to talk about experiences, challenges, best (or good) practices, and how to improve the sector. Currently the chats take place on Thursdays and you’re prompted to sign up a few days before via email.
Stanford Social Innovation Review
SSIR is one of the more academic resources on this list, though don’t let the university title fool you — it’s full of excellent content for anyone floating in and around the social sector. Both a print magazine and online resources, the topics you can explore are nearly endless and the writing is superb. (I spend most of my time in the organizational development section.)
Community-Centric Fundraising
Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) is a movement Vu Le (above) inspired. CCF’s blog, The Hub, features excellent articles by industry leaders, and its very active Slack channel is full of eager, equity-minded nonprofiteers who are open to supporting our entire sector.
Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy
Good philanthropy is good philanthropy no matter where you are in the world. I say this because, unlike most of the spaces herein, the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy is based in the United Kingdom. Two of their fine minds, Drs. Jen Shang and Adrian Sargeant, might be familiar names around the nonprofit sector for their thought leadership — Dr. Chang was also a guest on the Build Good podcast below. You’ll want to explore their content and research on philanthropic psychology, which centers largely around donor identity.
PODCASTS
There are a lot of nonprofit podcasts out there. A lot. I lost count scrolling past 250 of them on Spotify. So many of them are excellent and the following is only a snapshot of the ones I listen to regularly. I believe they are the most useful and impactful.
The team at media company, We Are For Good, have released over 500 episodes (!) of their prodigious podcast. With so many episodes to choose from — and two of the best hosts in the business with Becky Endicott and Jon McCoy — every nonprofiteer will find something insightful and heart-warming to enjoy. I find the most inspiration in listening to episodes that fall outside my wheelhouse. Beyond the podcast, they also host a free (!) online community with 1,000+ nonprofit enthusiasts, as well as a reasonably priced membership network, We Are For Good PRO.
Nonprofit Leadership Podcast
Rob Harter's show centers on two of my obsessions — leadership and nonprofits, as evidenced by the title. The conversations are timely, spirited, and full of practical advice for those who seek to influence goodness in the social sector. Rob somehow cuts right to the chase with his interviews while being kind in a way that will draw you in as a listener.
Nonprofiteers will likely be familiar with Ted Vaughn and Mark Miller, perhaps from their best-selling book, Culture Built My Brand. Through their agency, Historic, they’ve launched one of the most interesting social impact-centric podcast yet. I love that the episodes are brief while packing a major punch.
Alexander Lapa’s show is a lot of fun — and that’s not simply because of my propensity for anything that tips a hat to the Marvel universe. The conversations are enlightening and tend to feature a hint of technology goodness — a nod to his leading work around Salesforce. One of my favorite episodes? Explaining What is a CRM to a 13 Year Old, because, let’s face it, many times I am that 13-year-old.
In my view, this podcast is specifically useful for those interested in practical advice from tacticians in the field, evidenced further by each episode’s “five-minute fundraising fix,” which is exactly what it sounds like — something implementable you can learn in 300 seconds. Host Mike Duerksen also has an active LinkedIn presence where he shares snippets from the podcast and other general bits of wisdom. The Build Good podcast is an extension of the company with the same name — if you’re looking for support to boost your fundraising.
I dare you to listen to one episode of Rhea Wong’s podcast and not be smitten. Not only does Rhea bring a ton of real-world, practical experience to the fore, she welcomes fabulous guests on her show. If that weren’t enough, her Fundraising Accelerator helps fundraisers bolster their philanthropic prowess, and her new book, Get That Money, Honey!, shares extra wisdom.
If you’re not familiar with WTF, you may be familiar with its host, Mallory Erickson — not the least for her insightful LinkedIn presence. The podcast promises “real and raw conversations,” and Mallory delivers on that in every episode with warmth and approachability.
Confessions With Jess and Cindy
Lots of nonprofiteers leave full-time work to be consultants. While many of them aren’t very good, Jess Campbell and Cindy Wagman are. And rather than simply existing as good consultants, they decided to “[pull] back the curtain on what goes into running a nonprofit consulting and coaching business.”
PEOPLE
Like the podcasts above, there are so many amazing nonprofiteers doing great work. The folks below are ones I consistently learn from — either directly or indirectly — whose presence is worth following.
Tim Lockie
I’ll be the first to admit that any conversation around technology in our sector scares me. But, knowing Tim Lockie for a few years has made me less afraid. You might know Tim from, well, many places, but his work with The Human Stack stands out. Having done a ton of interesting things in and around nonprofits, he saw firsthand how system deficiencies led to missed opportunities (at best) and damaged relationships (at worst). Follow Tim’s expert — and more importantly accessible — wisdom on LinkedIn.
Michelle Flores Vryn
I’m admittedly biased having Michelle on this list, because she’s not simply a nonprofit friend, she’s a real-life friend. The benefit for me — and countless other — is how generous she is with her seemingly infinite wisdom on all-things-nonprofit. From fundraising to communications to talent management and beyond, Michelle embodies the kind of future thinking this sector needs. Her LinkedIn is your place for consistent inspiration and sound advice. (We also co-created the Social Impact Staff Retention project.)
Christina Martin Kenny
Like so many on this list, Christina came into my orbit through LinkedIn. I was impressed by the way she contributes to — and questions — the social sector, and she has powerful thoughts on improving the lot for working parents. (As a new-ish parent myself, Christina’s fresh, honest perspectives are worth following and sharing!)
Bonnie Dilbert
There are very few non-nonprofit things on this shortlist. Bonnie is one. (Although she did spend some of her career on our side of the fence.) She calls herself an “advocate for job seekers” though that’s the understatement of the year. Bonnie’s advice (on LinkedIn, webinars, etc.) for those looking for a new/next work adventure cuts through the noise with great wisdom on resumes, interviews, and general good organizational behavior.
Veronica LaFemina
If the thought of strategic planning for your organization creates fear, glazed eyes, or any other visceral reaction, then you need to know Veronica. Heck, even if strategic planning is your forte and you know all there is to know, you should still know Veronica. She is brilliant on LinkedIn, and you can learn more about her world of strategic offerings on her website.
T. Clay Buck
Clay is simply a delightful human. What I (and others) love about him is the ease and kindness he offers in his work, and the breadth of experience he has from being a theater student to an overall nonprofit fundraising master. You can follow him on Twitter, LinkedIn, or through his consulting website.
Megan Whitney
I learned about Megan from a virtual event hosted by Tasha (from The Nonprofit Hive, above). Since then I’ve come to know her as much more than a nonprofiteer at Feeding America — she’s a serious force for mindfulness, meditation, and self care. A mindfulness whisperer, if you would. Like so many folks on this list, her LinkedIn is a place to be if you’re looking for inspirational people saying good things about how to really take care of yourself.
Kishshana Palmer
There’s no great way to describe Kishshana that would do her justice. You have to… experience Kishshana. I learned about her through a small network of nonprofit consultants, but her work is much more expansive than that. Kishshana is a coach, talent shaker, TEDx/keynote speaker, and more. Her energy is wildly infectious and her wisdom — especially on LinkedIn — is worth your attention.
Jess Campbell
I got to know Jess, virtually, through her Make It Happen online conference for nonprofit consultants and coaches; it was awesome. But there’s so much more to Jess. Her primary business, Out in the Boons, might be a consultancy on the surface, but you’ll find tons of wisdom pearls on her blogand LinkedIn. (And she’s the “Jess” from “Confessions With Jess and Cindy” podcast above.)
Tony Albrecht
If you’re familiar with any of the folks above on LinkedIn, you’ve probably also seen Tony’s posts on there. Though not necessarily a nonprofiteer, he writes a lot of inspiring creative content on how to be an inspiring creative. His book, In The Creative Arena builds on all that — at an insanely affordable price. Get yourself a copy and follow Tony’s work.
BOOKS
Book publishing may feel like a lost or dying art to the uninitiated. But with my own book* recently published, I realize the field is alive and very well. Check out some of these new-ish releases, all written by fantastic thought leaders.
The Generosity Crisis: The Case for Radical Connection to Solve Humanity’s Greatest Challenges
Nathan Chappell and Brian Crimmins’ book has received a ton of attention since its publication — and with good reason. It may be one of the best reviews of the current state of philanthropy, with an eye on how those of us in (and around) the sector can make it better with radical connection. An added bonus? The authors are the nicest humans you’ll meet, and very giving of their time and energy for the betterment of our sector.
A fundraising leader by trade, Shanna (rhymes with “Donna”) Hocking spins her experience into tangible, useful knowledge for readers. I may not be the immediate target audience (based on the book’s subtitle) but I still enjoyed it thoroughly. Hocking walks readers through bold things from various perspectives, acknowledging that boldness isn’t always a big, huge act. It’s the kind of book women (and men and everyone else) will wish they had earlier in their careers.
Rituals Roadmap: The Human Way to Transform Everyday Routines into Workplace Magic
While not explicitly for nonprofits, Erica Keswin explores different companies who bring their “A Game” to the fore with myriad rituals. One such business, DoSomething (yes, a nonprofit), passes around a stuffed penguin “for no good reason other than as a way of celebrating individuals and honoring relationships.” This is a great read if you’re thinking about boosting the quality of your organization’s culture.
Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity
Another non-nonprofit book you need is Kim Scott’s courageous compendium on clear communication. On the subject, it’s second to none. And nonprofiteers especially should drill into her expert guidance on giving and receiving feedback, whether or not they’re managers. I’ve gifted more copies of this book than I can remember and will probably continue doing so until it’s out of print.
If you know me, you know I’m a firm subscriber to Robert Greenleaf’s philosophy of servant-leadership. More an essay than a book, The Servant as Leader launched Greenleaf’s idea into the fore 50+ years ago. In the pages it describes every behavior nonprofiteers purport to embody: listening, empathy, healing, building community, and so much more. You won’t walk away with a lot of practical advice but I believe you’ll be chemically changed — for the better.
* My book, The Nonprofiteer’s Fundraising Field Guide is the first-ever deep dive into fundraising through the lens of servant-leadership. It inspires readers to take fast action by exploring the ten core behaviors of servant-leaders — behaviors like listening, empathy, healing, building community, and more. Heartfelt stories from social impact leaders fill the pages, demonstrating exactly what is possible for everyday nonprofiteers.