
Nonprofit Myth-busting with Mickey Desai
10/08/24 • 45 min
Are nonprofit organizations destined to be underfunded, overworked, and underpaid? Think again! In this myth-busting episode, Mickey Desai, founder of Nonprofit Snapshot and host of The Nonprofit SnapCast, joins Dolph to debunk some of the most common misconceptions about nonprofit work. From myths about volunteers being “free” to the dangers of relying on events for fundraising, Mickey and Dolph provide insights that will challenge the way you think about nonprofit management.
Learn why offering competitive salaries is a necessity and discover how nonprofit leaders can turn board members into active, engaged participants. If you’re tired of hearing the same old “rules”, this episode is packed with refreshing perspectives and practical solutions.
This episode answers the following questions:
- Why do nonprofits need to compete on pay?
- How should board members really contribute to my nonprofit’s success?
- Why is fundraising during a recession or election season not just possible, but essential?
- What are the true costs of working with volunteers?
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Nonprofit Snapshot – Learn more about Mickey’s nonprofit consulting work.
- Nonprofit Snapshot – Mickey’s podcast about board development, fundraising strategies, volunteer management, and more.
- The Thing About Cars Podcast – Mickey’s talk-show podcast about all things cars.
Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes:
- Ep 217: Time to Change the Way You Fundraise and Raise More Money with Jack Silverstein[Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]
- Ep 297: Volunteer Fundraisers Unleashed with Maura McDaniel Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]
Are nonprofit organizations destined to be underfunded, overworked, and underpaid? Think again! In this myth-busting episode, Mickey Desai, founder of Nonprofit Snapshot and host of The Nonprofit SnapCast, joins Dolph to debunk some of the most common misconceptions about nonprofit work. From myths about volunteers being “free” to the dangers of relying on events for fundraising, Mickey and Dolph provide insights that will challenge the way you think about nonprofit management.
Learn why offering competitive salaries is a necessity and discover how nonprofit leaders can turn board members into active, engaged participants. If you’re tired of hearing the same old “rules”, this episode is packed with refreshing perspectives and practical solutions.
This episode answers the following questions:
- Why do nonprofits need to compete on pay?
- How should board members really contribute to my nonprofit’s success?
- Why is fundraising during a recession or election season not just possible, but essential?
- What are the true costs of working with volunteers?
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Nonprofit Snapshot – Learn more about Mickey’s nonprofit consulting work.
- Nonprofit Snapshot – Mickey’s podcast about board development, fundraising strategies, volunteer management, and more.
- The Thing About Cars Podcast – Mickey’s talk-show podcast about all things cars.
Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes:
- Ep 217: Time to Change the Way You Fundraise and Raise More Money with Jack Silverstein[Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]
- Ep 297: Volunteer Fundraisers Unleashed with Maura McDaniel Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]
Previous Episode

Recharge Your Energy: The Power of Small Habits with Francesca Mereu
Do you feel constantly overstretched, running on empty while trying to keep up with the demands of work and life? You're not alone! This week’s guest, Francesca Giulia Mereu, is here to help you recharge your energy and improve your well-being through small, impactful habits.
Francesca, a coach with over 25 years of experience, shares her framework for managing energy through the "five batteries"—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social. Discover how simple actions, from mindful breaks to managing screen time, can help you regain control of your energy levels. Her insights are drawn from her coaching of overstretched leaders, including humanitarian negotiators working in war zones. If you're feeling drained, this episode will equip you with actionable strategies to help you thrive.
This episode answers the following questions:
- What are the key habits to manage and recharge energy?
- How can I avoid burnout?
- How can I improve my decision-making and performance?
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Francesca’s Online Energy Check – A 10-minute, no-email tracking assessment to evaluate your energy levels and identify mini-habits.
- Recharge Your Batteries – Francesca's book, now revised with new techniques.
Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes:
- Ep 215: Take a Deep Breath with Jay Johnson[Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]
- Ep 177: The Secret to Low Stress & High Efficiency with Susie Hayman [Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]
Next Episode

Becoming a Causie: Elevate Your Nonprofit Board with Rob Acton
Do you have "Causies" on your board? Board members so passionate about your mission that they can’t stop championing your nonprofit?
In this episode, nationally recognized nonprofit governance expert Rob Acton shares insights from his new book Becoming a Causie: Champion Your Cause Through Nonprofit Board Leadership. Rob discusses how to attract, onboard, and inspire board members who are true champions of your mission. From navigating the tightrope between board governance and staff management; mastering the art of board fundraising; and more!
Rob’s approach will help you develop a board filled with engaged, passionate members who fundraise, strategize, and lead with confidence. Whether you're an executive director or a board member, Rob’s advice is actionable, inspiring, and geared toward creating a cause-driven nonprofit.
This episode answers the following questions:
- How do I find board members passionate about my cause?
- How do I keep my board from micromanaging me?
- How do I get my board members to fundraise?
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Rob Acton’s Website (book and speaking)
- Causies Website (board recruitment and leadership)
Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes:
- Ep 205: Find your next great Board member with Rob Acton[Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]
- Ep 212: The Supportive Board Chair with Monica Khant [Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]
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