Kari's Confessions

About Kari's Confessions

Serving the nonprofit sector is a privilege. Leading a nonprofit organization is, (in my opinion), one of life's greatest joys. And one of life's greatest sources of heartburn. Where else can you both provide a critical service to your community and fill a key need in your market? While, simultaneously, be asked to work miracles on a shoestring budget and perform the roles of CEO and chief bottle washer. Leading a nonprofit is fulfilling, satisfying and more. It's also lonely and isolating. Many leaders come into the role with limited onboarding, marginal orientation, and no manual to refer to as to "how to do the work". You're charged with leading this important organization, and not sure whom you can talk to when you need a an "offline" ear, or where to turn to ask for help. Join me, Kari Anderson, as I share my take on the nonprofit sector. In my 20+ years serving as a nonprofit Executive Director, I saw just about everything, and didn't think I could be surprised. From bad board behavior to fundraising successes, well-meaning donors to entitled staff, no-show volunteers to successful community partnerships…I've got a story to tell! I love our sector – the "third" sector. I want to create a space where you feel welcome. Where you can breathe. A place where you can laugh and see yourself continuing this good work. Consider our time together a recipe comprised of the following ingredients: one part story, one part therapy, one part self-help and one part kick in the pants!

Publisher

Kari Anderson

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Oct 2023

Latest episode

11 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

38 of 82 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   11 Oct 2026TRANSCRIPT

   The Year End Campaign Checklist

   Nonprofit Executive Kari Anderson shares a streamlined approach to building a successful year-end fundraising campaign by focusing on five key decisions.

2. 

   4 Oct 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Annual Giving Calendar

   Kari Rae Anderson, a nonprofit leadership expert, guides listeners through a practical annual giving calendar to build a sustainable fundraising rhythm.

3. 

   27 Sept 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Succession Planning: Mission-Critical, Not Optional

   Kari Anderson explains why nonprofit succession planning is crucial and provides a six-step framework to ensure mission continuity during leadership transitions.

Inside a recent episode

The Year End Campaign Checklist

Published 11 Oct 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] Next, set a goal grounded in your own numbers. Look at last year's year-end revenue, gift count, average gift, major gifts, and what came through mail and email. If your list grew or your program changed, factor that in. Then choose whether this is a steady goal, a stretch, or a genuine step change. Give the team one primary dollar goal and perhaps one or two useful supporting measures, such as renewed donors or new monthly supporters. Let's raise a lot is a wish. Let's raise 80 grand, including 25 grand from personal conversations is a plan that you can actually manage. And set the campaign window. […]

Podcast Authority Score: 52 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

75

Social presence

91

YouTube

0

Engagement

27

Contact Kari's Confessions

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Kari's Confessions