Mergers & Acquisitions in the Nonprofit Sector: A Conversation with Tim Davis of Glick Davis & Associates In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, host Chris Looney sits down with Tim Davis, President of Glick Davis & Associates, to explore one of the most misunderstood and transformative topics in nonprofit leadership: mergers and acquisitions. Tim draws on more than two decades of experience helping organizations navigate complex transitions with both strategy and humanity. Together, Chris and Tim unpack: Why mergers and alliances are becoming more common across the nonprofit landscape How leaders can tell the difference between a short-term financial fix and a true long-term strategy The human side of mergers—trust, culture, and communication What a well-run merger process really looks like, from early conversations to board approval and implementation How partnerships can preserve mission, protect staff, and expand community impact Whether you’re leading a nonprofit that’s thriving, struggling, or simply evolving, this episode will help you think differently about collaboration, sustainability, and the future of impact. 🎧 Subscribe to The Nonprofit Edge wherever you get your podcasts. 💡 If conversations like this help you lead better, connect with the community shaping the future of the sector at Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership.

In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, host Chris Looney sits down with Chad Paris, CEO and Creative Director of Parisleaf, to unpack one of the most misunderstood elements of major fundraising efforts: campaign communications.

Whether your organization is planning a billion-dollar university campaign, a hospital expansion, or a large-scale nonprofit initiative, how you tell your story matters. Chad shares how powerful communications can unify people around a common vision, inspire donor confidence, and transform campaigns from transactional to transformational.

Together, Chris and Chad explore:

• Why campaign communications are the heartbeat of a successful fundraising effort

• How to integrate communications early in campaign planning—ideally during readiness and feasibility studies

• The value of co-creation and collaboration between fundraising counsel and creative partners

• How to balance institutional and campaign branding for consistency and inspiration

• The power of authentic storytelling that connects the head and the heart

• Strategies to maintain momentum and keep communications fresh through long campaigns

• How AI and new tools are shaping the future of nonprofit storytelling

This is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and communicators preparing to launch or strengthen a major campaign.

🎧 Listen now to learn how to build alignment, spark emotion, and tell the story that will move your donors to act.

The Nonprofit Edge: Growth Mindset, Culture, and Team Alignment with Stuart Wachs

In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, host Chris Looney sits down with Stuart Wachs, Founder and CEO of Impact Group, to explore what it truly takes to lead and grow a thriving nonprofit in today’s complex environment.

Stuart shares insights on cultivating a growth mindset, building a strong organizational culture, and aligning teams around a shared vision of impact. Drawing from his experience leading large nonprofit organizations and advising executive teams across the country, Stuart offers practical strategies for balancing mission with operational excellence — treating a nonprofit like a business without losing sight of purpose.

Tune in to learn how mindset, culture, and alignment can transform not just your organization’s results, but the experience of everyone who’s part of it.

🎧 Listen now to gain actionable leadership lessons and inspiration for your own journey in nonprofit leadership.

Episode Title: Gift Planning vs. Planned Giving: Shifting from Transactions to Transformations with Dave Smith of Heaton Smith Group

In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, host Chris Looney sits down with Dave Smith, President and CEO of the Heaton Smith Group, to unpack the critical difference between planned gifts and gift planning. While many organizations focus on securing specific instruments like bequests or trusts, Dave explains why the real opportunity lies in gift planning—a donor-centered process that aligns philanthropic intent with financial and estate goals.

Listeners will learn how to move beyond transactional fundraising to build deeper, values-driven relationships that result in more meaningful and sustainable support. Dave shares practical strategies for starting the conversation, integrating planned giving into your overall development approach, and cultivating legacy donors who give with both purpose and confidence.

If your nonprofit wants to strengthen long-term donor relationships and unlock transformational gifts, this episode offers insights you can immediately apply.

In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, I’m joined by Neil Shah, Founder of Altruva.ai and a seasoned nonprofit CFO who has partnered with more than 100 organizations across the sector. Neil blends deep financial expertise with a forward-thinking approach to technology—helping nonprofits harness AI to make smarter financial decisions, improve efficiency, and stay mission-focused in a rapidly changing world. 💡 In this episode, Neil shares: ✅ Where to start with AI in your finance function ✅ Common pitfalls to avoid ✅ How CEOs can prepare their teams for an AI-driven future ✅ Why leadership mindset and culture matter more than ever If you’ve been wondering what AI really means for nonprofit finance, this conversation will give you a clear, practical roadmap. 🎧 Tune in for “AI and the Future of Nonprofit Finance: What Every CEO Needs to Know” #NonprofitLeadership #Finance #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation #NonprofitEdgePodcast #FulcrumLeadership

Today on the Nonprofit Edge Podcast, we welcome Jeffrey R. Wilcox, CEO of Third Sector Company and Founder of the Interim Executives Academy. Jeffrey is a nationally recognized expert in nonprofit leadership transitions and the art of interim executive management. Through his work, he has guided countless organizations through critical periods of change, helping them not only bridge leadership gaps but also emerge stronger and more strategically aligned. His insights into interim leadership, governance, and development management have shaped the field and inspired leaders across the sector. This conversation is a master class on why and when organizations need interim leadership, what makes a leader successful in that role, and why it's important to consider interim leadership at the appropriate moments to move a nonprofit forward in new and exciting ways.

Welcome to The Nonprofit Edge: A Podcast to Promote Purpose in Practice. Each week The Nonprofit Edge features an extraordinary individual that provides valuable and impactful services, helping to transform the capabilities of their nonprofit clients. Join us as we explore a variety of topics, all vital to the success of nonprofit organizations. Learn and grow from the experience and expertise of our featured guests. Today on The Nonprofit Edge Podcast, we’re joined by Jeff Kliewer, founder of Viewspark—a platform helping nonprofits engage with their donors and supporters in more meaningful, personalized, and lasting ways. Jeff brings years of experience at the intersection of technology and philanthropy, and he’s passionate about equipping nonprofits with the right tools to deepen relationships, spark authentic engagement, and ultimately drive more impact. His work with Viewspark focuses on reimagining how organizations move beyond transactions and into truly transformative donor relationships. Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership, the producer of this webinar series, exists to raise up the most effective nonprofit leaders and we invite you to learn more by visiting us on the web at www.fulcrumleader.com.

Welcome to The Nonprofit Edge: A Podcast to Promote Purpose in Practice. Each week The Nonprofit Edge features an extraordinary individual that provides valuable and impactful services, helping to transform the capabilities of their nonprofit clients. Join us as we explore a variety of topics, all vital to the success of nonprofit organizations. Learn and grow from the experience and expertise of our featured guests. This week The Nonprofit Edge features Nathan Chappell, a leading expert in AI and philanthropy, for a discussion about how AI can help nonprofit leaders achieve greater heights in their leadership. Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership, the producer of this webinar series, exists to raise up the most effective nonprofit leaders and we invite you to learn more by visiting us on the web at www.fulcrumleader.com.