Budgeting is one of the biggest challenges in nonprofit work—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Health Nonprofit Digital Marketing, Spencer Brooks talks with Jim Carroll, CEO of The diaTribe Foundation, about the biggest nonprofit budgeting misconceptions, how different revenue models shape financial decisions, and strategies for securing more funding. If you’re leading an organization, raising funds, or making the case for more marketing resources, this episode is packed with practical insights. Check it out now: https://lnkd.in/exBDvgkZ #NonprofitMarketing #Budgeting #Fundraising #HealthNonprofitMarketing
Founder @ Brooks Digital, the only web agency for health nonprofits. Host of the Health Nonprofit Digital Marketing podcast.
Most nonprofit professionals misunderstand budgeting. Are you one of them? Many people think of a budget as permission to spend, but that’s not how it actually works. In reality, budgets are unpredictable, shaped by shifting priorities, unexpected funding changes, and new opportunities that arise throughout the year. In the latest episode of Health Nonprofit Digital Marketing, I sat down with Jim Carroll, CEO of The diaTribe Foundation, to demystify nonprofit budgeting and share practical strategies to help leaders, fundraisers, and marketers navigate financial planning with confidence. Here are some of the biggest takeaways from our conversation: - Budgets are a map, not a spending authorization. Many professionals assume a budget means guaranteed money, but it's more of a roadmap that requires flexibility and adjustments along the way. - Revenue diversity is key to financial stability. Nonprofits that rely too heavily on one funding source (such as a single major donor or government grants) put themselves at risk. Expanding revenue streams can create more predictable funding. - Budgeting is political. Decision-making isn’t just about logic—it also involves internal negotiations, organizational priorities, and leadership dynamics. Understanding this can help you make a stronger case for funding. - Plan for change. No matter how well you budget, unexpected events will happen. The best nonprofit leaders build flexibility into their financial plans so they can respond effectively when things shift. - Transparency builds trust. Sharing financial data regularly with your team helps them make informed decisions, avoid surprises, and stay aligned with the organization's goals. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the budgeting process in your nonprofit, this episode will give you a fresh perspective and practical tips to navigate it more effectively. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/exA_EGsS