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Nonprofit succession planning strategy isn’t just a governance exercise—it’s a core risk management function that directly impacts mission delivery. Joan Brown (Third Sector Company) and Erick Seelbach break down how nonprofits can proactively prepare for leadership transitions without creating fear or disruption.

Too often, succession planning is treated as a reactive process—something triggered by a resignation or crisis. But as Joan explains, “A succession plan is a set of shared understandings and activities…that ensures we have the right people in the right places to deliver on our mission.” When embedded into organizational culture, succession planning becomes a stabilizing force—not a threatening one.

This important convo draws a clear distinction between succession planning and transition planning—two concepts frequently confused but critically different. Succession planning focuses on long-term leadership continuity across the organization, while transition planning addresses the tactical steps when a specific role changes hands.

The reality is sobering: fewer than 35% of nonprofits have a formal succession plan, and only 13% have plans for board leadership. At the same time, 86% of executive directors report they would leave for better professional development opportunities. That combination creates significant organizational vulnerability.

Erick emphasizes the importance of shifting mindset: “We make better decisions when we’re not in the emotional response to a crisis.” By integrating succession planning into performance reviews, strategic planning, and talent development, nonprofits can reduce risk while strengthening retention.

Key takeaways include:

Why succession planning should be position-based, not person-based

How to build an emergency leadership plan immediately

The role of professional development in retaining top talent

How to align succession planning with strategic goals

This is not about replacing people—it’s about protecting your mission!

00:00:00 Introduction to Succession Planning
00:02:00 What Is a Nonprofit Succession Plan?
00:03:15 Should Succession Planning Be Transparent?
00:04:40 Position-Based vs Person-Based Planning
00:06:00 Overcoming Fear in Leadership Planning
00:07:00 Succession Planning as Risk Management
00:09:10 Succession vs Transition Planning Explained
00:10:30 Building Transition Plans for Every Role
00:12:00 Connecting Talent Development to Succession
00:14:00 Why Leaders Leave: The Professional Development Gap
00:16:00 What Goes Inside a Succession Plan
00:20:00 How to Start Without Overwhelming Your Team
00:24:00 Emergency Planning and Interim Leadership

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Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PT

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Nonprofit accounting system redesign is the key to unlocking faster reporting, clearer insights, and stronger decision-making across your organization. If your team is struggling to pull reports, track grants, or explain financial impact, this conversation will challenge how you think about your systems.

In this episode, Christine Chacko from Your Part-Time Controller explains why many nonprofit accounting systems fail—not because of the software, but because of how they are structured. When data is difficult to access or requires manual work outside the system, it signals a deeper design issue that limits your organization’s ability to operate effectively.

As Christine shares, “If it is difficult to get the data and the reports that you need out of your accounting system, it’s time for a redesign.” That redesign is not just a finance exercise—it’s a strategic, organization-wide initiative that impacts programs, fundraising, and leadership decisions.

This discussion highlights how poor system design prevents nonprofits from telling their financial story and demonstrating impact. When reporting is fragmented, teams rely on assumptions instead of data. But when systems are designed correctly, organizations can achieve near “one-click reporting,” giving leaders immediate visibility into program performance, funding streams, and financial health.

Equally important, this episode emphasizes that technology alone is not the solution. “Slapping an app” onto a broken process will not fix communication gaps or unclear goals. Instead, nonprofits must start with clear objectives—reducing manual work, improving reporting, and building systems that scale with growth.

This is a practical, business-focused conversation about aligning finance, programs, and development teams around shared data and shared outcomes. When done right, your accounting system becomes a strategic asset—not a daily frustration!

00:00:00 Introduction to System Design in Nonprofits
00:03:00 Tech-Forward but Human-Centered Finance
00:04:00 What Is an Accounting System Redesign?
00:05:30 Why Poor Systems Kill Reporting and Insight
00:07:30 Data Challenges and Decision-Making Gaps
00:10:00 Setting Goals Before Changing Systems
00:12:00 Reducing Manual Work and Improving Reporting
00:14:00 Breaking Down Silos Across Teams
00:16:00 Why Technology Alone Doesn’t Fix Processes
00:18:00 Good vs Poor Accounting System Design
00:21:00 When and How to Implement a Redesign
00:23:00 Planning, Buy-In, and Organizational Readiness

#TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFinance

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Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PT

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Nonprofit volunteer management strategy is no longer about filling shifts—it’s about building long-term supporters who fuel your mission. Let’s see how nonprofits can turn volunteer engagement into a long-term donor pipeline through smarter systems, timing, and strategy.

In this episode, Chloe Boonstra of Bloomerang breaks down how nonprofits can rethink volunteer engagement as a strategic growth engine rather than a transactional activity. Instead of focusing on short-term staffing needs, organizations must design systems that turn initial interest into sustained commitment.

As Chloe explains, “We want to get away from the mindset of just filling a shift… and instead set the tone for a long-term partnership.” That shift in thinking unlocks new opportunities—not only for retention, but for deeper engagement across your entire organization.

A major barrier? Friction. Complicated onboarding processes, excessive paperwork, and disconnected systems all reduce participation. This episode highlights how tools like volunteer portals can streamline engagement, reduce administrative burden, and improve the experience for both staff and volunteers.

But the real opportunity lies in connecting volunteer and donor data. Too often, these systems operate in silos. Chloe challenges that thinking with a powerful insight: “A donor and a volunteer is the same person—they’re just speaking a different language of generosity.”

You’ll learn:

How to design a volunteer onboarding process that increases retention

Why simplicity drives participation and repeat engagement

When and how to introduce giving opportunities to volunteers

How to identify “peak moments” for deeper engagement

Why integrating CRM and volunteer systems is critical for growth

This conversation reframes volunteerism as a core business strategy—one that drives loyalty, engagement, and long-term sustainability.

00:00:00 Volunteer Strategy vs Filling Shifts
00:05:00 Why Mindset Drives Volunteer Retention
00:07:00 How Portals Improve Volunteer Experience
00:09:00 Eliminating Friction in Onboarding
00:11:30 Turning One-Time Volunteers Into Repeat Supporters
00:14:30 What Data Should You Collect From Volunteers
00:16:00 Volunteer-to-Donor Conversion Strategy
00:18:00 Breaking Down Organizational Silos
00:20:30 Creating a Full Engagement Lifecycle
00:23:00 Using Data to Identify Engagement Timing

Find us Live daily on YouTube!

Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!

Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_Show

Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PT

Send us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.com
Visit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show