The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailThis fast episode plants more than a few seeds—it digs deep into the fertile soil of fundraising tech and AI, showing nonprofit leaders how to embrace new tools without fear or being overwhelmed.Co-host Julia Patrick opens with her signature energy: “It’s always a good day when I get to work with my cohost Tony Beall,” . . .and what follows is an energizing discussion around modernizing fundraising practices. The duo tackles AI not as a villain, but as a brilliant assistant. As Tony puts it: “AI is a tool, not a takeover.”From predictive analytics to donor segmentation, Tony outlines how AI empowers fundraisers to work smarter—not harder. He reminds us that AI “creates a tremendous opportunity for prospecting,” especially now that tools like ChatGPT are as common as Google searches.Julia reflects on how her organization embraced AI early on. “It has revolutionized the way we do business,” she says, underscoring (not literally!) how prompts, personas, and platform features help tailor messaging to diverse donor groups.Tony speaks to how “ChatGPT can help you refine messaging for different donor sets… it’s still your words, but it’s helping you shape the message.” He urges fundraisers to treat the tech as an editor—not a ghostwriter.They also dig into CRM evolution, with Julia commenting, “What we get today is not what we’ll have tomorrow.” Tony shares how CRM vendors are racing to integrate AI and support their users.The conversation rounds out with a focus on multi-generational training, acknowledging that not every team member shares the same comfort with digital tools. Tony adds that leaders must explain “why we’re doing this” so that staff can buy in, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.This episode isn’t just about tech—it’s about change, mindset, and purpose.#FundraisingTech #TheNonprofitShowFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailLeadership meets lived experience as Eric Wilson, Director at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), unpacks the long-standing tension between nonprofit finance and programming. With warmth, wit, and real-world clarity, Eric takes us into the heart of the issue—how two departments with the same mission often work in silos, risking confusion, inefficiency, and financial misalignment.From discussing budget misunderstandings to the implications of restricted funds, this episode challenges nonprofit leaders to ask themselves: “Are we communicating with intention—or just reacting when problems arise?”Eric shares, “You don’t want people afraid to bring you a problem… I'd rather have a small problem early than a big problem later.” That mindset—proactive, people-first, and rooted in accountability—is the call to action for every executive, finance officer, and program manager tuning in.Together with host Julia Patrick, they explore:·        Why many nonprofit staff don’t fully understand the true cost of programs·        How miscommunication around restricted funding can sabotage outcomes·        Why monthly check-ins between finance and programming are more than a best practice—they’re essential·        How fear creates silence and silence breeds mistakes·        What emotional intelligence and mutual education mean for modern nonprofit cultureThis learning session is a leadership masterclass in creating cross-departmental unity through intention, clarity, and relationship-building. Whether you're a new program manager, seasoned CFO, or executive director trying to align teams—you’ll walk away with practical tools and a fresh mindset! 00:00:00 Welcome and topic introduction 00:01:13 Eric Wilson’s role at YPTC and regional insight 00:02:40 Finance meets programming—at home and work 00:04:17 What does the finance team actually do? 00:06:10 Why communication breakdowns happen 00:08:25 True cost vs. perceived cost in programming 00:10:53 Budget expectations and common disconnects 00:13:18 Restricted funds and organizational risk 00:17:01 How often should teams check in? 00:19:22 Finance as educator and mutual learning 00:21:33 Prevention vs. crisis mode 00:23:04 Addressing fear and improving collaboration 00:26:01 Remote work and new communication habits 00:28:14 Final leadership insights and takeaways #NonprofitLeadership #FinanceAndProgramming #TheNonprofitShowFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailWhen a cyberattack hits your nonprofit, do you know what to do? Cybersecurity expert Michael Nouguier, Partner at Cybersecurity Services at Richey May, walks us through the essential steps every nonprofit must take—before, during, and after a cyber event. As host Julia Patrick notes, it's not a matter of if, but when, and being unprepared is no longer an option.From clarifying what cyber insurance actually covers to practicing realistic incident response exercises, Michael offers a pragmatic and step-by-step guide tailored for nonprofit leaders. He points out, “Failure to plan is planning to fail,” and urges organizations to move beyond hope and into action.The conversation dissects misconceptions, such as thinking IT alone can handle a breach or believing cyber insurance is a comprehensive solution. Instead, Michael recommends building internal resilience with tabletop exercises that include the board, C-suite, legal, and communications staff. These scenario-based run-throughs help teams build muscle memory and prevent panic when disaster strikes.Third-party vendors—often a hidden weak spot—are addressed in detail. Michael reminds us, “You are the trusted data collector,” meaning nonprofits must ensure their vendors share the same security culture, including notification clauses and accountability.What if the worst happens? Michael stresses calm, communication, and preservation of evidence. “Don’t delete anything,” he cautions, as doing so can sabotage forensic investigations and potential fund recovery. He also reminds leaders to report incidents to local authorities and the FBI’s IC3.gov, reinforcing the legal and ethical responsibility to act swiftly and transparently.Perhaps one of the most human insights is around fostering a blame-free culture. Employees fearing punishment won’t report mistakes, making things worse. “Everyone—even me—has clicked a phishing link,” Michael admits, highlighting the importance of openness and psychological safety within teams.This is a call to action for NPO leaders to shift from avoidance to preparedness. Cyberattacks are not just technical disruptions—they can financially and operationally dismantle an organization. With the right mindset, strategy, and comms plan, your nonprofit can weather the storm!00:00:00 Welcome and Episode Overview  00:02:00 The Evolution of Richie May's Cybersecurity Services  00:04:00 What Cyber Insurance Really Covers  00:08:00 Third-Party Vendor Risks and Due Diligence  00:12:00 Real-World Impact of Cyberattacks on Nonprofits  00:15:00 Why Response Planning Beats Hoping for the Best  00:17:00 Tabletop Exercises: Practicing Incident Response  00:20:00 Who to Call When a Breach Happens  00:23:00 First Response Steps: Breathe, Engage, Preserve Evidence  00:26:00 Creating a Culture Where Mistakes Are Reported  00:29:00 Episode Recap and Takeaway Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailA clear message: “Generosity is not dead—it’s transforming”, says Ann Fellman, Chief Marketing Officer at Bloomerang. As headlines churn out fatigue-inducing stories of donor decline and uncertainty, Ann injects much-needed optimism rooted in data and strategy.“We are in it now,” Ann declares about the $70 trillion wealth transfer, urging nonprofits to act instead of waiting for the perfect moment. Drawing from the latest Giving USA 2024 findings, she reminds us that individual giving reached a staggering $592.5 billion, with 66% of that coming directly from individuals. “Individual Americans are ready and willing to support,” she tells us.This recent conversation navigates beyond donor behavior into practical strategy. Ann challenges fundraisers to rethink short-term vs. long-term planning and ‘get real about programming priorities: What must be done, what should be done, and what would be nice to do?’ She lays out a compelling scenario-based approach to planning for revenue shifts, especially in a landscape threatened by grant losses and funding uncertainty.She also makes a strong case for recurring giving. “Would you rather have a one-time $100 gift or $10 a month for years?” she asks. Despite the low adoption rate, recurring programs offer sustainable, predictable revenue and are easy to implement with today’s tech. She even floats the bold concept of creating a “monthly giving officer”—a role few, if any, nonprofits have embraced but one that could radically improve outcomes.Transparency, too, is no longer optional. Citing data from Bloomerang’s Mission: Retainable report, Ann points out that while 65% of donors crave regular impact updates, only 36% of nonprofits actually deliver them. In an era when trust is easily eroded, communicating funding gaps and showing how you're responding builds confidence and inspires donors to act.As Ann beautifully puts it: “There is generosity. It’s alive and well.”00:00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Ann Fellman00:02:30 What Bloomerang Actually Does for Nonprofits00:04:15 How Tech + People = Better Fundraising00:06:15 The Truth About American Generosity00:08:30 Giving USA 2024 Highlights: $592B Raised!00:10:00 Generational Wealth Transfer: $70 Trillion Opportunity00:13:00 Donor Communication Gaps and Impact Reports00:15:00 Monthly Giving—The Most Underrated Strategy00:20:00 Scenario Planning: Must Do, Should Do, Nice to Do00:24:00 How Transparency Builds Donor Trust00:27:00 Highlighting Funding Gaps Without Fear00:30:00 Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Discouraged, Generosity Is AliveFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailJeffrey Wilcox (President) and Joan Brown (COO) of the Interim Executives Academy unpack the harsh realities of nonprofit leadership turnover—and the game-changing role of interim executives.Jeffrey starts this lively session with. . .  “Interim leaders aren’t temps—they’re bees, cross-pollinating wisdom to prepare organizations for their next leader.” Joan Brown backs it up, revealing why first-time nonprofit CEOs crash and burn—often due to unclear job expectations, chaotic HR structures, and boards that operate like secret societies instead of partners.This bouyant conversation with host Julia Patrick, gets real fast:HR disasters are the #1 reason leaders get fired—think vague job roles, favoritism, and financial denial.Boards scare new execs by locking them out of meetings instead of mentoring them.Interims aren’t just placeholders—they’re strategic fixers who spend 9–12 months prepping orgs for long-term success.Looking ahead, Jeffrey and Joan warn nonprofits: “If you’re only relevant to yourself, you’re already dying.” The future demands sustainable leadership, emotional intelligence, and ditching outdated board modelsthat hold orgs back. 00:00:00 Intro: Why Leadership Turnover is Crisis 00:02:33 Why First-Time Nonprofit CEOs Fail 00:06:00 HR Disasters Killing Organizations 00:10:45 How Interims Fix Toxic Cultures 00:15:38 Interim Leaders: Bees, Not Band-Aids 00:19:45 Future of Nonprofit Leadership 00:22:55 Relevancy or Bust for Nonprofits 00:27:09 Free Training Announcement #TheNonprofitShowFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailHow do you win the hearts—and hands—of Gen Z donors? According to Emily Tisdale, West Coast Manager for Team for Cures at the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (TheMMRF.org), you stop seeing them as “the future” and start engaging them right now.In this lively session, Julia C. Patrick explores Gen Z’s philanthropic behavior with Emily, who’s on the frontlines of volunteer and donor engagement across three major markets. Emily doesn’t mince words: “This generation is not transactional. They want to be part of the change.” That means showing up, speaking out, and yes—expecting organizations to be transparent and impact-driven.Emily explains how COVID-era isolation shaped Gen Z’s digital-first instincts, but also fueled a hunger for purpose. Whether it’s advocacy via Instagram, fundraising through peer networks, or attending real-life charity walks, Gen Zers are ready to get involved—when the mission speaks to them. “They don’t want to just cut a check and sit back,” she adds. “They want action.”Julia challenges common assumptions about younger donors being flaky or too young to matter. Emily pushes back with stories of college students becoming long-term supporters, and volunteers maturing into major funders. “We need to meet them where they are today,” she says. “Because where they’re going is powerful.”The conversation covers everything from social media strategies to cross-generational mentorship. One standout idea? Pair Gen Z volunteers with seasoned ones to create a mutual growth loop. “Our high-impact volunteers can become our highest-impact donors,” Emily points out.Whether you’re building out a peer-to-peer campaign or rethinking how you cultivate loyalty, this episode offers a smart, real-world roadmap for tapping into Gen Z’s energy and values.00:00:00 Welcome and introduction to Emily Tisdale  00:01:36 What MMRF does and why it matters  00:03:55 Who is Gen Z? Understanding this generation  00:05:52 Gen Z is already here—don’t wait to engage  00:07:28 Advocacy and action: Gen Z’s passion points  00:09:40 IRL vs. digital: How Gen Z shows up  00:12:02 Gen Z in peer-to-peer fundraising events  00:14:25 Strategies to keep Gen Z engaged  00:17:02 Content planning that actually works  00:19:01 Mentorship and cross-generational collaboration  00:22:28 What the future looks like for Gen Z donors  00:27:16 Real-life examples of Gen Z’s donor journey#GenZPhilanthropy #DonorEngagement #TheNonprofitShowFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailIn a whirlwind of nonprofit questions from viewers, Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall splash into the world of fundraising mysteries.  "We need to diversify our funding streams," Tony begins, setting the tone for a conversation that's part strategy session, part confessional. From the complex dance of fundraising committees to the cutting-edge world of cryptocurrency donations, these nonprofit mavens dissect the industry's most pressing questions with surgical precision and infectious enthusiasm.How do fundraising committees work with board members?    Committees can serve as talent pipelines and engagement platforms, with board members actively recruiting committee members.Should nonprofits accept cryptocurrency donations?  Yes, but carefully evaluate organizational readiness, donor demographics, and infrastructure.What's the typical fundraising performance ratio?    Generally 1:5 to 1:10 for development officers, varying by specific role and organization.Are printed annual reports still relevant?  Offer both print and digital versions, tailoring to donor preferences and organizational resources.How should fundraisers demonstrate their value?    Beyond monetary metrics, highlight pipeline development, donor retention, and mission impact.00:00:00 Show Introduction and Sponsors00:02:08 Fundraising Committees Deep Dive 00:07:51 Cryptocurrency and Donor Advised Funds 00:14:29 Annual Report Strategies 00:19:07 Fundraiser Performance Metrics 00:28:25 Closing Remarks and Gratitude #TheNonprofitShow #FundraisingInnovation #NonprofitStrategyFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailThinking of opening a nonprofit thrift store? Before you dust off those donation bins, take a lesson from Kate Thoene, CEO of New Life Center., as she gives us a masterclass in turning a pile of secondhand shoes into sustainable impact. Spoiler: It’s not as easy as slapping a price tag on old lamps and hoping for the best.At Hope’s Closet, the social enterprise Kate oversees, “we don’t take anything that makes you ask, ‘Should I donate this or toss it?’” That tough-love clarity is part of what keeps their thrift shop not just afloat—but thriving. From curated donation bins and strategic store layouts to voucher programs for survivors of domestic violence, Kate walks us through how her organization uses retail to empower recovery, generate unrestricted revenue, and build community loyalty.She breaks down staff structure (a mix of full-time employees and 1,000+ volunteers), donation flow (“you need new items hitting the floor daily”), and even how color-coded tags help them cycle out stale inventory. Plus, we learn about their fruitful partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters—where unsellable items are bought by the pound, keeping the store clutter-free and the landfill grateful.Don’t miss how this 5,000-square-foot shop became a community engine, churning out real, trackable impact. Kate shares insights on metrics, bonus incentives, messaging at point-of-sale, and even the exciting possibility of store #2. And yes, there's a half-off sale where even the “rules” go on discount.If you’ve ever wondered whether charity shops are worth the effort, Kate answers that with a resounding yes—as long as you’re ready to think like a retailer, hustle like a startup, and lead with mission."The more we sell, the more we help survivors of domestic violence." — Kate Thoene00:00:00 Today’s topic: Are thrift stores worth it?00:01:55 What New Life Center does—and how Hope’s Closet began00:03:42 The donation overflow that started a social enterprise00:05:26 How vouchers empower survivors with dignity00:06:59 Tips for getting quality donations consistently00:10:03 Seasonal sales trends and revenue diversification00:11:45 Selling both on the floor and by the pound00:13:56 Staff, volunteers, and running a smooth thrift operation00:15:41 Production flow and the secret to a fresh sales floor00:17:14 Hiring, retail knowledge, and connecting sales to mission00:19:09 Leveraging POS tech and staff bonuses00:21:12 Sales strategy, color tags, and breaking the rules00:24:00 Exploring a second location and future growth #ThriftWithPurpose #thriftstores #TheNonprofitShowFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailIn this electric and occasionally uncomfortable conversation, Stephen Minix—VP of Community at UpMetrics—lays bare the myth that collaboration simply “happens” in the nonprofit sector. His assertion is sharp: “If I can cut the check, I can set the terms.” This statement cuts to the core of a sector that talks community but often operates in silos defined by funding power dynamics and compliance culture.What emerges in this conversation is a compelling argument for a wholesale reframe of how nonprofits and funders work together. Collaboration, Stephen insists, isn't a mood or a moment—it’s a skill set that demands communication, clarity, and most of all, pre-work. Too often, organizations show up to collaborate without knowing what they’re actually prepared to give up, or what success even looks like in shared terms. “You can't play social impact ping-pong by yourself,” he notes. “You need a partner to hit it back.”But this episode goes even deeper. Stephen challenges the performative elements of both philanthropy and nonprofit operations—conferences, reports, retreats—suggesting they often mask the hard reality: without time, trust, and aligned incentives, collaboration is nothing more than theater.He offers practical alternatives. Funders should meet nonprofits in their spaces. Trust-based philanthropy, he says, doesn’t mean abandoning data—it means letting the nonprofit define what success looks like and equipping them with the tools to track and tell their story. It’s not about validation. It’s about learning.Perhaps most powerfully, Stephen reframes trust as a proxy for risk tolerance. Real trust means relinquishing control—something many funders still find difficult. “We don’t wait till the end of the year to decide if our kids can read,” he says. “So why do we wait to evaluate nonprofit impact in annual reports?”This episode doesn’t offer easy answers—but it does offer a framework for harder, more authentic conversations. It’s a must-watch for anyone tired of sugarcoated collaboration and ready to commit to real change.#TheNonprofitShow #TrustBasedPhilanthropy #CollaborativeLeadership Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Greg Warner, CEO of MarketSmart and creator of the Fundraising Report Card, joins the conversation to unveil the gems hidden within nonprofit donor data. He emphasizes the shift from gut feelings to insightful metrics, urging organizations to harness this information for better donor engagement. Warner introduces his innovative tools that allow for critical peer comparisons, making fundraising strategies more relevant. The discussion also highlights the interplay between emotional narratives and quantifiable data, making a compelling case for a data-driven approach in the nonprofit sector.