The Truth About Building a Successful Nonprofit

Passion can inspire a nonprofit, but it takes strong relationships, practical skills, collaboration, and the right team to make it sustainable. In this episode of the Startup Sandwich Podcast, host Rick Phillips speaks with Leia J. Hoffman about building a successful nonprofit, developing meaningful connections with donors and community leaders, hiring for culture and energy, avoiding founder burnout, and knowing when to ask for support. Leia also shares how she turned her passion for people into a career connecting nonprofits and philanthropists, why genuine relationships matter more than contact lists, and how continuous learning has helped her grow as an entrepreneur. Topics include: • How to turn passion into sustainable impact • Building relationships with donors and philanthropists • Growing a nonprofit through collaboration • Hiring for culture, energy, and potential • Creating a strong board and support network • Preventing burnout as a nonprofit founder • Learning the business skills needed to grow • Using AI and new tools in the nonprofit sector The Startup Sandwich Podcast is powered by YEDI, the York Entrepreneurship Development Institute, supporting entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders through education, mentorship, resources, and community. Subscribe for more conversations about entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, business growth, fundraising, and building organizations that create meaningful impact.