Creating impactful training programs for nonprofit teams takes more than good intentions; it takes strategy.

In this episode of Learning for Good, we’re diving deep into the hidden and high costs of getting training wrong. From budget overruns to burnout, I’m breaking down what nonprofit leaders risk when they don’t start with the right diagnosis—and how to get it right.

This conversation is especially critical for leaders focused on nonprofit leadership development, staff training and development, and building a culture of learning that drives mission impact. Whether you're exploring learning and development strategies or already implementing instructional design in nonprofit organizations, this episode gives you a practical lens for avoiding costly missteps.

▶️ Key Points:

01:52 Training doesn't always work

02:31 Wasted resources

06:32 Hidden costs

08:20 Missed impact

09:21 How to ensure you don't build the wrong thing

You care deeply about your people.
You invest in training because you want staff to perform better, lead better, and move your mission forward. But what happens when training doesn’t deliver?

The truth is, the cost of building the wrong thing goes far beyond the budget line. And that’s what dive into on episode 156 of Learning for Good.

Bad Training Wastes Resources

Whether you’re creating a self-paced course or a multi-day in-person retreat, training isn’t cheap. Between design, facilitation, software, travel, and materials, the cost can range from $5,000 for a short virtual workshop to $250,000 for a multi-day event with travel and outside facilitators.

And that doesn’t include staff salaries for the staff attending the training or the staff filling in for them at work.

It’s a huge investment, especially when it doesn’t result in behavior change.

Bad Training Impacts Morale

When training misses the mark, staff walk away confused or disengaged. They lose trust in leadership and in the process.

Each “new initiative” feels like another burden rather than a meaningful opportunity to grow. That’s a hidden cost that often goes untracked, but it’s one of the most damaging.

Bad Training Results in Missed Impact for Nonprofits

Every dollar spent on ineffective training is a dollar not spent on programs, communities, and impact. That’s why every learning investment has to work.

Because when it does, the ripple effect—on performance, engagement, and mission outcomes—is huge.

How to Build Training that Delivers Value

To make sure training delivers real value:

Start with diagnosis, not design; ask whether it’s truly a training problem.
Use root cause analysis to uncover what’s really driving the performance gap.
Consider non-training solutions: process fixes, clearer expectations, coaching, better tools.
Anchor every learning investment to behavior change and organizational goals.
Pilot and test before scaling—small experiments save big costs later.

If you need support building the right thing so you can avoid wasted resources, low morale, and missed impact, apply to work with us.

In the nonprofit world, training is too important to get wrong. It’s not about spending less; it’s about spending wisely. Because when you get it right, training doesn’t just build skills. It builds capacity, confidence, and lasting impact.

To learn more about the real costs of building the wrong thing - including more numbers, tune into episode 156 of the Learning for Good podcast.

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