Activate Your Board When Your Nonprofit Needs It Most

Activate Your Board When Your Nonprofit Needs It Most

Author: Katie Spencer April 1, 2025 Duration: 54:53

Nonprofit leaders are navigating one of the most uncertain times we’ve ever seen—funding challenges, shifting policies, and increasing community needs. In times like these, you can’t afford an unengaged board.


In this episode of Next Era Nonprofit, I sit down with Hardy Smith, author of Stop the Nonprofit Blame Game, to discuss why now—more than ever—your board must be fully engaged and actively helping you lead. We cover:

✔️ The biggest reasons boards disengage—and how to fix it

✔️ How to create a culture of accountability and shared leadership

✔️ What nonprofit leaders can do to activate their board during uncertain times

✔️ How to get your board to step up, contribute, and help drive strategy forward


Your board isn’t just there to approve budgets and attend meetings—it should be a powerful asset in leading your nonprofit through change and uncertainty.


Connect with Hardy on LinkedIn, and get his book, Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game!


Katie Spencer has spent more than fifteen years working inside the non-profit world, and she’s familiar with the unique frustrations that can leave even the most passionate leaders feeling stalled. In her Next Era Non-Profit podcast, she moves beyond abstract theory to tackle the very real, systemic habits that hold organizations back from their full potential. Each conversation is built on a simple, powerful idea: creating greater social impact shouldn’t come at the cost of burning out your team or yourself. Instead, Katie focuses on practical, manageable shifts that leaders can implement without adding more chaos to an already demanding role. You’ll hear honest discussions about operational pitfalls, funding myths, and the cultural changes that can unlock a new chapter of effectiveness. This isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter, with clarity and strategy. Tune in for grounded advice that translates directly into daily practice, helping you achieve more meaningful results while actually reclaiming some sanity in the process. The aim is to make the path forward feel less daunting and more doable, one actionable step at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 25

Next Era Non-Profit
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