If We Better Understood Motivation
I regularly find myself in situations where I get to make the case for a deeper understanding of humans for better organization and community outcomes.… Read More »If We Better Understood Motivation
Nancy Bacon
I work at the intersection of learning, nonprofits, and leadership. I am a teacher, instructional designer, and nonprofit person who has worn every hat possible. I regular write, speak, and consult on learning strategy, design, and leadership.
Learning That Sticks Fall Series
For Nonprofit Consultants, Facilitators, and Training Leaders A three-part series for consultants, facilitators, and trainers who want people to put learning into practice — not… Read More »Learning That Sticks Fall Series
A good training experience needs a plot
Once upon a time training meant slides, a breakout, and a checklist. Every day we call that “learning.” But one day I heard about the… Read More »A good training experience needs a plot
The Words We Didn’t Choose
We recently recorded an episode of the Nonprofit Radio Show about a common phrase in our sector: “We’re just a working board.” It’s often said… Read More »The Words We Didn’t Choose
What interim leaders and frontline workers have in common
Over the past few months, I had the opportunity to contribute to two very different publications. One explored interim leadership and nonprofit transitions for Nonprofit… Read More »What interim leaders and frontline workers have in common
Rethinking Advocacy Education for Nonprofits
Nonprofit advocacy is often framed as a binary. You either advocate or you don’t. You are political or you are not. You testify, organize, and… Read More »Rethinking Advocacy Education for Nonprofits
The Interference Problem
A client sent me a tool the other day. “Could we use something like this?” I could tell they were excited about it. I hesitated.… Read More »The Interference Problem
What If It Actually Makes Perfect Sense?
I recently encountered a word we don’t hear often in nonprofit work: counterfactual. The timing was interesting because I had been doing something similar in conversation—taking… Read More »What If It Actually Makes Perfect Sense?
From Stuck to Engaged: Why Engagement is a Design Problem
I went down a rabbit hole, and what an interesting rabbit hole it was. It started simply enough. Board leaders and executive directors asked for… Read More »From Stuck to Engaged: Why Engagement is a Design Problem
2026 is the year we go all in on nonprofit advocacy
Advocacy shouldn’t be a standalone topic, separate from the rest of running a nonprofit. It’s woven through leadership, governance, programs, finance, communications, and fundraising—whether we… Read More »2026 is the year we go all in on nonprofit advocacy
Conferences That Make a Difference: 2025 Edition Now Available
It’s Monday morning, and your inbox is full. Somewhere between a funding announcement and an invitation to take a survey sits an email announcing registration… Read More »Conferences That Make a Difference: 2025 Edition Now Available
The Slide Illusion
At the recent Washington Food Coalition conference, I presented four sessions. Each one had its own workbook with core content, fill-in-the-blank lines, and space for… Read More »The Slide Illusion