Nonprofit Mission: Impact is the podcast for nonprofit leaders who want to build a better world without becoming a martyr to the cause.
Interviews of nonprofit experts explore how to make your organization more effective and innovative for greater mission impact.
Hosted by Carol Hamilton, principal, Grace Social Sector Consulting, nonprofit strategic planning and evaluation design consultant.
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Tribute: Fundraising Without Fear: Building Relationships That Fuel Your Nonprofit Mission with Sabrina Walker-Hernandez
In this episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton gives a tribute to nonprofit consulting star and nonprofit governance and fundraising expert Sabrina Walker Hernandez, President & CEO of Building Better Boards, by re-releasing their conversation from 2021. Ms. Hernandez passed away in July 2025 after a long battle with cancer.
Building psychological safety in nonprofit organizations with Michael Randel
In episode 128 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Michael Randel joins Carol to explore how psychological safety—often dismissed as a “soft” concept—plays a critical role in nonprofit team performance, learning, and innovation.
From Guilt to Responsibility: A white nonprofit leaders journey into equity work with Cat Lazaroff
In episode 127 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton speaks with Cat Lazaroff. They talk about her work around engaging white-led and majority-white organizations in meaningful culture change to more inclusive, diverse and equitable cultures.
They explore:
how nonprofit leaders, especially white leaders, can begin and sustain their own equity learning journeys.
Privilege, identity, conflict, organizational culture, and the necessity of holding multiple truths.
how culture transformation isn’t about quick fixes, but rather long-term commitments, courageous relationships, and collective learning.
Navigating Nonprofit Careers with Matt Hugg
In episode 126 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Matt Hugg discuss the unique landscape of nonprofit careers.
Together, they explore:
what makes nonprofit work meaningful and distinctive, including the opportunities and challenges for those transitioning into or advancing within the sector.
how nonprofit professionals can align their skills and passions,
how to navigate career shifts, and maintain their connection to mission-driven work.
This conversation offers nonprofit leaders practical wisdom on supporting their teams and nurturing their own professional journeys.
Beyond the Ask: Building nonprofit board champions with Michele Walls
In episode 125, of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with Michele Walls. Michele shares her deep well of experience in nonprofit fundraising, communications, and strategic development. They explore:
the importance of thoughtful relationship-building, patience, and team collaboration in securing sustainable funding.
how fundraising is a team effort and a long game.
how to move from reactive panic to strategic action—even amid uncertainty and funding contractions.
Embodied leadership for nonprofits with LeeAnn Mallorie
In episode 124 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and LeeAnn Mallorie discuss navigating leadership from a place of embodiment, resilience, and grace. They explore:
how tuning into the body can help leaders make better choices, weather organizational turbulence, and come through crisis with renewed purpose.
How our effectiveness and influence are deeply tied to how we relate to ourselves—and that honoring our inner wisdom is not a luxury, but a necessity in today’s climate of uncertainty and change.
Using AI for better nonprofit fundraising with Josh Hirsch
In episode 123 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Josh Hirsch discuss using AI in fundraising and donor engagement.
They explore:
The evolution of AI, and its potential to enhance how organizations connect with donors.
How to train AI tools effectively, leveraging data responsibly, and using AI to enhance—rather than replace—human-driven strategy.
Why nonprofit leaders who embrace AI thoughtfully do not need to fear the technology
Building community through nonprofits with James Young
In episode 122 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and James Young discuss the role of community, social innovation, and problem-solving in nonprofit leadership. They explore
how organizations can foster meaningful collaboration,
move beyond traditional silos, and embrace an interdisciplinary approach to tackling complex challenges.
the importance of balancing expertise with curiosity,
strengthening both bonding and bridging social capital, and designing intentional community experiences that drive impact.
Together, they reflect on how associations and nonprofits can evolve to meet the shifting needs of their members and society at large.
Ethical video storytelling for nonprofits with Rachel Jellinek
In episode 121 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Rachel Jellinek discuss the power of video storytelling for nonprofits. They talk about:
how nonprofits can use video effectively to connect with their audiences,
How to maintain ethical storytelling practices.
the importance of focusing on strengths rather than deficits, ensuring those sharing their stories have agency, and balancing emotional impact with authenticity.
The conversation also explores common mistakes nonprofits make when creating videos and best practices for incorporating video storytelling into their communications strategy.
Innovation for nonprofits with Leah Kral
In episode 120 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Leah Kral discuss how to foster innovation within nonprofits.
Scenario planning for nonprofits + Podcastathon with Carol Hamilton
In episode 119 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol explores scenario planning and its importance for nonprofits facing increased uncertainty. She highlights how it enables organizations to shift from feeling overwhelmed to taking proactive steps.
Holistic communications for nonprofits with Meghan Speer
In episode 118 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with Meghan Speer about the concept of holistic communication within nonprofit organizations.
Grounded presence for nonprofit leaders in chaotic times with Danielle Marshall
In episode 117 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol and Danielle Marshall collaborate on another “learning out loud” episode. They discuss the challenges nonprofit leaders face in these chaotic, uncertain and threatening times.
Project management for nonprofits with Jami Yazdani
In episode 116 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton interviews Jami Yazdani, a nonprofit project management expert specializing in helping organizations achieve their goals effectively.
Strategic thinking for nonprofits with Michael Butera
In episode 115 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Michael Butera dive into the challenges and opportunities facing associations as they adapt to 21st-century realities.
![[Re-release] Five steps to nonprofit strategic planning](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66ed856b5f9ebb5299550dbc/1740085483508-HRX84VC3H63Z4IR30UIH/E90+Updated+Graphics.png)
[Re-release] Five steps to nonprofit strategic planning
In episode 114 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton re-releases a favorite from last year that delves into the intricacies of strategic planning for nonprofits. The episode clarifies what strategic planning encompasses and what it does not, offering a foundational understanding crucial for any organization.
Gift basket for nonprofit leaders
In episode 113 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton curates and shares a collection of "permission slips" for nonprofit leaders.
Permission slips for nonprofit leaders
In episode 112 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol shares several guests perspectives on the question: “what permission slip they would give to nonprofit leaders or what they would invite them to consider, to avoid being a martyr to the cause and as they work towards cultivating a healthier organizational culture.”
From Peer to Leader: Navigating Nonprofit Leadership Transitions with Asila Calhoun
In episode 111 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol and Asila Calhoun discuss the challenges nonprofits face in staff transitioning to leadership roles, the importance of managing difficult conversations as a vital leadership skill, and effective leadership strategies for remote environments.
Who needs to be involved in Nonprofit Strategic Planning?
In episode 110 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton discusses who should be involved in a nonprofit strategic planning process.