
Unpacking the nonprofit overhead myth with Susan Kahan
About this episode
In this podcast episode, Carol Hamilton and Susan Kahan discuss the importance of donor trust and nonprofit accountability. They challenge misconceptions about fundraising, such as the focus on overhead costs and the belief that it is a necessary evil. They argue for reframing negative attitudes towards fundraising in order to build confidence. The conversation also addresses the "overhead myth" in the nonprofit sector and emphasizes the need to invest in staff and create a healthy organizational culture. They discuss the challenges of asking for larger donations and stress the value of building relationships and learning from others in the field. They also highlight the importance of building a culture of philanthropy within nonprofit organizations and using donor feedback to improve programs. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for effective fundraising strategies and the importance of transparency and accountability.
Highhlights:
(00:00:01) Donor Trust and Nonprofit Accountability
(00:06:05) The Overhead Myth
(00:12:19) Building Confidence in Fundraising
(00:18:07) Building Relationships in Fundraising
(00:24:13) Building a Culture of Philanthropy
(00:30:47) The Challenges of Nonprofit Fundraising
Be in Touch:
✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting
💻 Give us feedback on the show
📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact
👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend
🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review.
😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn
Get every episode summarized
Each time Nonprofit Mission: Impact publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Nonprofit Mission: Impact

Is nonprofit leadership burnout a given? Rethinking the sector's culture
Nonprofit Mission: Impact

Nonprofit Strategic Planning for Clarity, Alignment, and Focus in a Turbulent Wo...
Nonprofit Mission: Impact

Strategic podcasting for nonprofits with Andrea Klunder
Nonprofit Mission: Impact

Podcasthon 2026: Nonprofit Sector Under Pressure: Why It Matters More Than Ever
Nonprofit Mission: Impact
