Nonprofit Blogs and Podcasts Worth Following
Staying current in the nonprofit sector requires choosing better sources. The following blogs, podcasts, and news outlets consistently offer insight nonprofit leaders can actually use.
These are not trend chasers. They focus on leadership, fundraising, communications, and the realities of running organizations with limited time and resources.
Podcasts Nonprofit Leaders Should Be Listening To
1. Nonprofits Are Messy (Podcast & Blog)
Host: Joan Garry
Joan Garry remains one of the most relatable voices in the sector. Her content centers on the human side of nonprofit work: board dynamics, leadership challenges, and organizational tension.
Why listen: It feels like practical coaching for leaders who are in the middle of difficult decisions, not theoretical strategy from a distance.
2. The Smart Communications Podcast
Host: Farra Trompeter (Big Duck)
This show focuses on how nonprofits communicate clearly and ethically in a changing digital world. Topics range from rebrands and messaging strategy to responsible use of AI in communications.
Why listen: They translate complex branding and marketing concepts into guidance that small and mid-sized teams can realistically apply.
Host: Tony Martignetti
Nonprofit Radio has remained current by tackling emerging challenges like zero-click marketing, donor behavior shifts, and the impact of automation on fundraising operations.
Why listen: The show is built for organizations that need smart strategy without enterprise-level budgets.
Hosts: Jonathan McCoy and Becky Endicott
We Are For Good blends optimism, community, and practical leadership insight. Content emphasizes human-centered fundraising and culture-driven growth.
Why listen: Especially helpful for leaders who want both inspiration and tactical direction.
Host: Jess Birken
Charity Therapy tackles nonprofit law, governance, and leadership challenges in plain language. Episodes focus on real questions nonprofit leaders face: board conflict, compliance, and fundraising ethics.
Why listen: It’s practical and grounded, especially for executive directors who don’t have in-house legal counsel.
Host: Julia Campbell
Nonprofit Nation focuses on digital marketing, online fundraising, and community engagement. Julia consistently addresses social media strategy, donor communications, and audience growth.
Why listen: Ideal for nonprofits growing fundraising through online channels.
Host: Nathan Chappell and Scott Rosenkrans
Fundraising.ai helps nonprofits navigate the ethical landscape of nonprofit fundraising and artificial intelligence.
Why listen: Keep up with technology trends in philanthropy and learn how to implement responsible AI.
Blogs, Research & News Sources Worth Following
8. Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR)
Source: Stanford University
SSIR continues to provide research-informed reporting on the systems behind social change. Their recent work looks at climate resilience, networked leadership, and the future of philanthropy.
Why follow: It helps leaders zoom out and understand the forces shaping the sector beyond day-to-day fundraising.
9. The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Source: Independent newsroom
This is one of the most reliable news sources for nonprofit and philanthropic trends. Their recent reporting has focused on donor confidence, nonprofit finance, and public trust.
Why follow: When there’s a major policy shift or funding trend, it’s usually covered here first.
Source: Independent nonprofit journalism outlet
NPQ publishes frequent articles on governance, equity, organizational strategy, and sector trends. Their reporting connects current events to nonprofit operations and leadership realities.
Why follow: It combines news with thoughtful analysis, helping leaders understand why changes matter — not just that they’re happening.
11. TechSoup
TechSoup provides software discounts, product comparisons, webinars, and digital capacity guidance for nonprofits.
Why follow: It helps organizations make smart technology decisions without overspending — especially useful for small and mid-sized teams navigating CRMs, cybersecurity, and AI tools.
12. The Blackbaud ENGAGE Blog
Source: Blackbaud
This blog focuses on fundraising, finance, leadership, and nonprofit technology. It consistently publishes guidance on donor engagement, financial sustainability, and operational efficiency.
Why follow: It’s especially useful for development and operations teams looking for near-term improvements.
Choosing the right sources to learn from is one step. Building a strategy that fits your organization is another. Do you want support translating insight into action? Talk with Strat Labs to help you think through what comes next.