Bestselling Author

Igniting the Powder Keg: Seven Keys for Nonprofit Board Engagement

By Brian Becker

Transform your nonprofit board from passive to powerful. Discover seven proven keys to spark engagement, accountability, and mission impact.

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Leslie Biggins MollsenOwner/President, American City Bureau
Brian Becker’s Igniting the Powder Keg is a must-read for nonprofit leaders and fundraising professionals looking to transform disengaged boards into dynamic forces for impact. As a fundraising consultant, I found Becker’s insights on cultivating a culture of abundance and leveraging board engagement to be both inspiring and immediately applicable.
James BrooksDMin, MDiv. Chief Executive Officer, Lawndale Christian Health Center
Igniting the Powder Keg is a timely, practical guide for nonprofit leaders. As a CEO who knows how vital a strong partnership with the board truly is, I found this book both grounding and energizing. Brian blends real wisdom, honest stories, and actionable tools that help leaders turn potential into real momentum.
John Bouman, J.D.President – Shriver Center on Poverty Law (1996-2020), Executive Director – Legal Action Chicago
Brian Becker mines his extensive experience to offer valuable advice to nonprofit executive directors about how to generate an engaged board in an appealing and understandable way. It maps a path that can improve the experience, effectiveness, and enjoyment of nonprofit leadership and board service. This is a high-priority read for executive directors and board leaders alike.
Matt MillerPresident/CEO, Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis
Through a unique narrative storytelling format, Brian doesn’t just communicate principles of effective board engagement; he casts a vision of the potential that lies untapped in many organizations. As a new CEO, I found simple but profound questions and next steps that I believe will transform how I work with my board and ultimately how we resource churches and nonprofits for greater impact.
Dr. Donald ChristianPresident & CEO, Concordia University Texas, 2014-2024
Brian delivers practical solutions through great storytelling—an invaluable resource for nonprofit leaders at any stage. Drawing on his own real-world experience and the wisdom of top practitioners, he offers insights I wish I’d had early in my presidency
Meggan Hill-McQueeneyPresident & CEO, BraveHearts
Brian helped create a process for our organization’s Strategic Plan. He was able to help us build out a plan to support both our current and future operations. We are grateful for our time spent with Brian, learning and evolving. Brian’s deep sense of faith gave us great security in Brian being exactly the right person to help elevate our organization.
Barbara E. Reid, O.P.President Emerita, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, IL
This book is a gem, rich with wisdom accumulated over decades of experience. Told in an engaging, conversational style, it is a quick read for busy educators. It will be of great help to both mentors and those seeking guidance in leading an academic institution. In turbulent times, this book helps leaders lean into practices that can both calm the waters and stir up energy where it is needed
Dennis GorskiFounder & Co-Executive Director of Dynamis Ministries
In Igniting the Powder Keg, Brian Becker offers an immensely helpful resource for nonprofit boards and their leaders. His story-driven approach transforms complex concepts into practical, engaging exercises that foster real impact. Having served with Brian as our first board president, I recognize many of these ideas—and wish this book had been available then. I’ll certainly put it to use now

Early Praise for Igniting the Powder Keg

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Why Igniting the Powder Keg Matters Now!

Far too many nonprofit leaders know the frustration of disengaged boards: meetings that drag, fundraising that stalls, and governance that feels like a checklist.

Igniting the Powder Keg delivers the spark to change that. With real stories, practical tools, and seven proven keys, Brian Becker shows you how to ignite purpose and partnership around your board table.

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Your board is sitting on a powder keg of untapped energy.
 This book gives you the tools to ignite it—seven proven keys to transform passive boards into powerful partners.

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Trusted by Many

Organizations, corporations, conference audiences, and creative teams collaborate with Brian, creating engaging, high-impact workshops and retreats that invite learning, thoughtful conversation, and inspiration.

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Brian Becker consults with companies and nonprofits to improve their overall culture, quality and performance. He also provides leadership coaching to executives and aspiring leaders.

Brian helps nonprofit leaders build boards that lead with focus, impact, and generosity. Whether through my book, Igniting the Powder Keg: Seven Keys for Nonprofit Board Engagement, keynotes and workshops, or executive leadership coaching, Brian helps leaders and organizations create transformative, action-filled strategies with meaning, power, and hope.

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Practical insights on culture, leadership, and team performance. Ideas that strengthen results.

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Clear, actionable talks that challenge teams and drive measurable results at global scale.

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Leadership Coaching

Personal coaching for executives and emerging leaders ready to grow and lead with impact.

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Ready to Ignite Your Board’s Potential?

Stop settling for ordinary board (B.O.R.E.D.) behavior. Start unleashing extraordinary impact. Order Igniting the Powder Keg today and bring energy, clarity, and accountability to your next board meeting.

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