Sipping Tea with Sabrina

Join Sipping Tea with Sabrina, the podcast where we explore all things related to building and sustaining a thriving nonprofit organization. I'm your host, Sabrina, and for the past 25 years, I've worked as a nonprofit facilitator, coach, and consultant, helping organizations like yours reach their goals. Each episode, I'll be joined by expert guests from the nonprofit world, who will share their knowledge and experience in fundraising, board development, and marketing. We'll cover topics such as grant writing, donor cultivation, building a strong board of directors, effective messaging and branding, and much more. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit professional or just starting out, Sipping Tea with Sabrina is the perfect podcast for you. You'll learn practical tips and strategies that you can apply to your own organization, as well as hear inspiring stories of successful nonprofit ventures. So grab a cup of tea, sit back, and join me on this journey of building and sustaining a thriving nonprofit.

Creating Synergy in the Boardroom (Part 2) 06/02/2025

Creating Synergy in the Boardroom (Part 1) 05/26/2025

Black Men Entering and Remaining in the Development Advancement 05/19/2025

Asking for the Donation and What Gets in the Way (Part 2) 05/12/2025

Asking for the Donation and What Gets in the Way 05/05/2025

Board Recruitment in Small Towns 04/28/2025

Navigating Micromanagement From the Board 04/21/2025

Fundraising Pathways 04/14/2025

HOW TO DO A KICK-ASS SPECIAL EVENT 04/07/2025

New Year, New Board! 03/31/2025

How to work with an inherited board 03/24/2025

How to work with an inherited board Ever been handed the reins of an organization only to discover you've inherited a board member (or worse, a whole board!) that just…doesn't like you? In this candid and insightful episode, I'm sharing my hard-earned lessons as a CEO navigating that exact situation. I'm diving deep into the challenges, strategies, and essential takeaways for anyone leading a nonprofit or organization when the boardroom dynamics are less than ideal. Here's what you'll discover in this episode: The "Board Member Who Doesn't Like You" Scenario: We tackle the uncomfortable reality of personality clashes within the board and explore how to handle it professionally (even when it's personal). Building Your "Board Champions": Learn the critical importance of cultivating allies and advocates within the board who understand and support your vision. I'll share how to develop these relationships and empower them to be your voice in challenging situations. Protecting Your Organization's Reputation: Discover the do's and don'ts of venting, especially in public spaces. Understand how to address issues without damaging the organization or harming individuals. "Removing" Board Members with Dignity: Get a strategic overview of the process for addressing difficult board members and making necessary changes while minimizing disruption and maintaining respect. Learn the tactics that you can implement in order to facilitate change. The CEO's Role in Board Recruitment: I emphasize the absolutely crucial role of the CEO in the board recruitment and interview process. I will give the tips that you can use and how to use them strategically. I'll address the importance of having an informal veto. I will also dive into how to do a listening tour. Policy Changes as a Catalyst: Explore how implementing specific policies (like mandatory board giving or background checks) can be a strategic tool to address problematic situations and drive necessary change. The Power of the Board Matrix: Understand how to use a board matrix to identify gaps in skills and experience and proactively recruit board members who can fill those needs. Recap of Lessons Learned: As an executive, you will discover some lessons and strategies to improve on. This episode is for you if: You're a new CEO stepping into an organization with an existing board. You're dealing with difficult or disruptive board members. You want to proactively build a strong and supportive board. You're looking for strategies to lead with confidence and integrity in challenging boardroom dynamics. You're you want to strategically change an ineffective board. You want to improve the interviewing process. Don't forget to: Subscribe to my channel for more insights on nonprofit leadership and management. Share this podcast with fellow CEOs and board members who could benefit from these strategies. /episode/index/show/f0785042-dc41-4981-bc64-3d5284e3cf4c/id/35835105

Getting Grant Ready(Part 2) 03/17/2025

Getting Grant Ready(Part 2) In this powerful and insightful episode of Sipping Tea with Sabrina, host Sabrina Walker Hernandez, Dream Team Architect and expert in building elite nonprofit boards, welcomes grant writing expert Tarecka Brown to demystify the world of nonprofit funding. Tired of feeling overwhelmed by grant applications and unsure if your organization is truly "grant ready?" This episode is your ultimate guide! Sabrina and Tarecka dive deep into the essential components that funders look for, going beyond just having your 501(c)(3) status. They address the critical role of your board, the importance of a strong mission and vision, and the often-overlooked need for investing in professional development. Tarecka shares practical, actionable strategies that you can implement now to increase your organization's chances of success. She even gives her links and mentions resources at SourceHub Global. Here's what you'll discover in this episode: The Real Definition of "Grant Ready": Beyond the paperwork – what funders really want to see. The Power of a Giving Board: Why 100% board participation in financial contributions is crucial and how to make it happen (Tarecka and Sabrina discuss this in depth and Sabrina mentions the 4 quarters of funding). Knowing Your Mission and Vision: How to craft a compelling narrative that resonates with funders and aligns with your organization's long-term goals. Investing in Professional Development: Why training and skill-building for your team is a must-have in your budget and how it demonstrates your organization's commitment to excellence. Strategic Fundraising Beyond Major Grants: Tarecka's insights on how starting small and asking for "in-kind" donations can build your organization's brand, network, and credibility (and how to highlight those sponsors!) Board Member Responsibilities: Sabrina and Tarecka emphasize that who you list as your board has a direct impact on whether or not grants are approved. Subscribe to Sipping Tea with Sabrina for more insights, strategies, and inspiration for nonprofit leaders! Leave a review and share this episode with your network. Your mission matters – let's get it funded! /episode/index/show/f0785042-dc41-4981-bc64-3d5284e3cf4c/id/35716045

Getting Grant Ready(Part 1) 03/10/2025

Getting Grant Ready(Part 1) Are you a nonprofit leader, visionary entrepreneur, or passionate changemaker ready to take your organization to the next level? Do you dream of securing crucial funding to fuel your mission, but feel overwhelmed by the grant application process? Then grab your favorite brew and settle in for a transformative episode of Sipping Tea with Sabrina! This week, host Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Dream Team Architect and expert in building high-performing nonprofits, sits down with Terecka Brown, a seasoned grant consultant and owner of Melanin Solutions LLC, to spill the tea on everything you need to know to become "grant ready." In this can't-miss episode, you'll discover: The Fundamental Building Blocks: Learn the essential components (budget, business, plan) and criteria that grant-giving organizations look for before they even read your proposal. Strategic Planning Secrets: Understand the critical role strategic planning plays in crafting successful grant applications and aligning your organizational goals with funding opportunities. Storytelling that Sells: Master the art of weaving compelling narratives that resonate with funders' values, showcase your organization's impact, and tug at their heartstrings. Common Pitfalls to Avoid: Steer clear of costly mistakes that can derail your chances of securing funding, from rushing applications to neglecting your board's engagement. How to Make Yourself Knowledgeable as an Owner: Learning how to educate yourself in the grant process. Terecka Brown will share: How to ensure your legal and financial foundation is solid, from LLC status to EINs and bank accounts. The importance of crafting clear need statements and calls to action that compel funders to invest. Effective strategies for documenting your organization's impact through photos, videos, and engaging website content. Insider tips on creating an executive summary that grabs attention and compels grant reviewers to delve deeper. The truth about working with Grant Writers and how to understand how they can help and where you are failing in getting your grants. Plus, Terecka Brown provides actionable advice and real-world examples to empower you to approach grant applications with confidence and clarity. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock the secrets to securing the funding your organization deserves! Whether you're a grant writing novice or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with invaluable insights that will revolutionize your fundraising approach and propel your mission forward. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to transform your organization into a grant-winning powerhouse! /episode/index/show/f0785042-dc41-4981-bc64-3d5284e3cf4c/id/35595130

Courageous Leadership 03/03/2025

Why I like working with Board Members 02/24/2025

Why I like working with Board Members In this episode of Sipping Tea with Sabrina, we dive into the fascinating world of nonprofit boards and explore why Sabrina loves working with these dedicated individuals. Often seen as a necessary component, board members can be a source of immense strength and positive change for an organization. But how do we harness their potential and address common misconceptions that can hinder their effectiveness? Sabrina gets candid about the unique qualities that draw her to working with board members: their initial "yes" to serving, their commitment to the mission, and their willingness to contribute their time, talent, and treasure. However, she also acknowledges the challenges that can arise, stemming from a lack of proper training and preconceived notions about the nonprofit sector. In this episode, you'll discover: The Power of "Yes": Why the initial commitment of board members is so valuable and how to nurture their passion. Addressing Misconceptions: Unpacking common myths about nonprofit operations, fundraising, and the roles of board members vs. the CEO. The Importance of Education: Why ongoing board training is crucial to align expectations, build skills, and create a winning team. Succession Planning: How to build a strong succession plan for board leadership, fostering continuity and strategic growth. Creating a Winning Team: How to mold raw talent, invest in board member development, and establish clear roles and responsibilities. Fundraising and Financial Sustainability: Overcoming the misconception that nonprofits don't need to fundraise and exploring the importance of cash reserves and endowments. Coaching Leadership: Stepping into the mindset of a coach for board members. Sabrina shares practical advice for CEOs and board chairs on how to: Implement a thorough board recruitment process. Provide comprehensive board education. Address negative behaviors and establish clear boundaries. Foster a collaborative and strategic environment. This episode is a must-listen for any nonprofit leader looking to unlock the full potential of their board, cultivate a high-performing team, and achieve their organization's mission with greater impact. Tune in to learn how to transform your board from a potential challenge into your greatest asset! /episode/index/show/f0785042-dc41-4981-bc64-3d5284e3cf4c/id/35396335