The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailJack Alotto, CFRE, a trainer from the Fundraising Academy, helps answer this week’s questions received from Show viewers, and offers scenarios related to nonprofit fundraising and management. One of the key questions discussed is about a donor's request for information about the organization's history and potential changes to its management. Jack elaborates on the importance of handling such questions carefully and suggests asking clarifying questions to understand the donor's concerns better and adds how this coincides with the principles of Cause Selling. Another question revolves around asking for a raise within a nonprofit organization. Jack advises the listener not to hesitate to discuss their financial concerns with their supervisor and suggests focusing on improving one's work to make a stronger case for a raise. The topic of attending another nonprofit's gala event is also addressed. Jack highlights the importance of learning from other organizations and building collaborative relationships rather than viewing them as competitors. He emphasizes the ethical boundaries regarding donor information. Lastly, the episode touches on increasing monthly donor contributions. Jack speaks strongly about the value of monthly donors and warns against arbitrarily increasing their donation amounts without proper justification, stating: "I wouldn't risk any of those things for a CEO or a development officer who says to me, 'Go out there and raise an additional average of $50 from your monthly donors. Don't do it.'" Watch and enjoy learning from the real experiences of other nonprofits. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3HEUTAoFind 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 MailOur cohosts interview Jana London, the senior global program manager at AWS Global Healthcare and Nonprofit, as she shares the latest on the world of technology in nonprofits. The fast-paced conversation revolves around "Are you leading with innovation?" and the concept of tech-curious leadership. The discussion kicks off by addressing the fear associated with tech disruption, attributing it to the fear of the unknown and resistance to change. Jana offers a key insight, stating, "I think it's a fear of the unknown and the fear of change, right?" One key point that emerges is the shift towards technology becoming an integral part of organizational strategy, which can be intimidating to some. Jana dives deep into the idea of a tech-curious mindset and culture, stressing the significance of being open to exploring and integrating technology into leadership. She encourages leaders to ask questions like, "How can we do this differently?" The discussion offers valuable insights on how to approach problems with a tech-curious mindset and how organizations can foster this culture within their teams. Jana explores the readiness of organizations to adopt technology, highlighting indicators such as a culture of innovation, technology's integration into the core strategy, and a willingness to start with the basics. As the conversation unfolds, Jana introduces the Imagine Nonprofit Conference, an event dedicated to inspiring nonprofits to leverage cloud technology. The conference, set to take place on March 20th at Amazon HQ2 in Arlington, VA, provides a platform for nonprofits to learn from peers and leaders in the field. This fun episode emphasizes that technology is for everyone, regardless of age or role, and encourages organizations to embrace change and innovation. Collaboration between technology teams and other departments is a crucial element in finding effective solutions to the challenges faced by nonprofits in the modern digital landscape. Learn more: AWS.Amazon.com/NPO Watch on video: https://bit.ly/48MsTadFind 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 MailThe CEO and founder of StaffingBoutique.org, Katie Warnock, discusses the world of hiring temporary labor within nonprofit organizations. Temporary staffing can be a strategic choice, especially in uncertain times, but organizations must consider their unique circumstances when deciding between short-term and long-term solutions. Katie's years of expertise in staffing for nonprofits provides valuable insights. She begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding when to hire temporary labor and what types of positions are suitable for temporary roles. Predictable situations like maternity or family leave, where a temporary replacement can be planned for, are ideal for hiring temps. However, she also points out that unexpected departures, especially for critical roles like database administrators, often lead organizations to rely on temp staffing to prevent workflow disruptions. When it comes to assessing the costs associated with temporary labor, Katie advises organizations to consider factors such as the number of hours required, and the specific skill set needed for the position. Temporary roles can range from part-time administrative work to highly specialized tasks like grant writing. Katie's agency takes care of all administrative aspects of temp employees, making the process seamless for clients. The discussion also touched upon the management of temporary staff, where hiring managers play a crucial role in overseeing their performance and addressing any issues promptly. Looking at the long-term versus short-term benefits of temporary labor, Katie shares that in uncertain economic times, hiring temps can be a strategic choice. It allows organizations to get the work done without the commitment of offering benefits and long-term employment. However, she also points out that retaining talented temporary staff can be a challenge, as they may actively seek permanent positions with benefits elsewhere. Katie offers thoughts on how her agency works closely with nonprofits at many levels, fostering their ability to gain insights into nonprofit organizations' inner workings. They work to engage in detailed conversations with clients, gaining a deep understanding of their challenges, from board dynamics to donor relations and recruitment. This unique perspective allows Staffing Boutique to offer tailored solutions to their clients, going beyond merely filling job openings. The agency specializes exclusively in staffing for the nonprofit sector, handling everything from temporary positions to permanent recruitment. They cover a wide range of roles within nonprofits, from administrative assistants to executive directors, CFOs, substitute teachers, fundraisers, database support, events coordinators, and more. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3tWtW8tFind 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 delightful chat with Emily Taylor, the principal of teenyBIG.com, the focus is on strategic planning pitfalls and the need to approach planning differently. Emily's expertise lies in strategic listening to help organizations make informed decisions and progress on their growth trajectory by providing a fresh perspective on planning, community listening, adaptability, and thoughtful decision-making. Emily emphasizes the importance of listening to the community to gain clarity and make informed decisions, saying, "I hope organizations get clarity, and a lot of that is through listening to their community.", underscoring the significance of community feedback in shaping an organization's strategy. She also highlights a crucial distinction, stating, "What we should do versus what we feel like we should do." This differentiation between perceived obligations and genuine organizational needs is a key consideration when navigating the complexities of strategic planning. Throughout the conversation, Emily addresses the challenges faced by nonprofits, the need for a reset in organizations, and the importance of aligning staff and boards to avoid “decision-making quicksand”. She emphasizes the value of taking a step back before diving into a strategic plan, especially in times of change and turmoil. Emily encourages organizations to consider alternative approaches to traditional strategic planning, such as customized solutions that may not involve a lengthy strategic plan document. She also discusses the importance of aligning with funders' expectations while finding the right approach for the organization's unique needs. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/494nFWXFind 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 MailJarrett R. Ransom, CEO of the Rayvan Group, discusses the success of a fundraising campaign at a nonprofit which garnered a remarkable 364% increase in fundraising compared to the previous year. Jarrett begins by highlighting the importance of the end-of-year fundraising season where statistics show around 30% of fundraising dollars come in during these three months, with a significant portion coming in December. The organization that conducted this campaign faced a major funding cut of over $400,000 in September, putting immense pressure on them. The conversation digs into the challenges faced due to the funding cut, including the fear and stress it caused within the organization. Jarrett set a goal to raise $200,000 in 90 days by stressing the importance of consistency in messaging and branding across multiple platforms, using the multi-channel approach, including email communication, social media, and mail solicitations. They also segmented their donor list based on past giving behaviors, like "LYBUNT" (Last Year But Unfortunately Not This Year donors), "SYBUNT" (Some Year But Unfortunately Not This Year donors), and zero-dollar donors. Giving Tuesday was also strategically incorporated to engage donors and cultivate relationships. This fast-paced case study style discussion also peeks into the personal touch aspect, such as gratitude videos, personal emails, and holiday cards with handwritten notes. Jarrett emphasizes the importance of thanking donors and reporting on how their contributions made a difference, plus how nonprofits can still appeal to donors by emphasizing tax deductions and credits. Finally, they discuss the consistency of graphics and branding, with Jarrett planning to use the same imagery and color schemes for next year's campaign. Watch the entire episode and you will agree with our ‘Three Cheers’ to Jarrett! Watch on video: https://bit.ly/4basQqnFind 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 MailJarrett Ransom is joined by Muhi Khwaja, MPA, CFRM, and trainer at Fundraising Academy. They offer thoughtful, practical, and empathetic advice to nonprofit professionals facing challenging situations. They jump right in to the first question from a viewer in Nevada, who asks about the value of earning a CFRE designation. Muhi shares his personal experience and emphasizes the importance of the certification for fundraisers, highlighting its credibility and professional benefits. Next, they discuss the challenge of managing donor meetings when donors are not located in the same community. Muhi draws from his experience at the American Red Cross and offers strategies for effectively planning donor meetings during travel, both in-person and virtually. Jarrett adds insights about maximizing the opportunities during travel to build relationships. The discussion then moves to a more complex topic brought up by a viewer, regarding adding an age limit for board members. Muhi and Jarrett both share their thoughts on the matter, expressing reservations about implementing such limits and suggesting alternative approaches to board composition and effectiveness. Lastly, they tackle a sensitive question from an anonymous individual who suspects they might be terminated due to their nonprofit not meeting fundraising goals. Muhi advises focusing on personal growth and ethics and suggests considering other opportunities if necessary. Jarrett recommends keeping a success journal to document achievements and maintaining a positive perspective. Throughout the lively back and forth, their enthusiasm for helping the nonprofit sector shines through, making this episode a valuable resource for those seeking guidance and inspiration in the nonprofit world. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3U6zkjWFind 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 MailOur cohosts welcome Christine Chacko, an associate at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC.com). Christine delivers insights into how nonprofits can harness technology and automation to work more efficiently. Her emphasis on a mindset shift towards automation and practical tips for implementation will give you actionable strategies to improve your NPO’s operations, save valuable time and manage donors. As Christine aptly puts it, "The more detail they have, the less easy it is for them to engage. Make it as easy as possible for them to engage with what you need them to." Christine begins by emphasizing the importance of adopting a mindset that prioritizes automation and efficiency in daily tasks. She explains how even small automation steps can significantly save time, allowing organizations to focus more on people-centered work. One key takeaway from the discussion is the idea that automation doesn't necessarily require massive investments in new systems. Christine lists simple but effective tools like QuickBooks' spreadsheet sync feature and Bill.com for payments, illustrating how these can streamline financial processes and save hours of manual work. The conversation also addresses the importance of integrating technology for better communication within nonprofit teams, discussing project management software like Asana, Trello, and Microsoft Planner, which can help teams stay organized and collaborate efficiently, especially in a distributed workforce. The co-hosts and Christine speak to the challenges of introducing technology to teams that may not be tech-savvy. Christine amplifies on the importance of starting small, providing training, and creating a low-pressure environment for adoption. Having a designated champion within the organization can also be instrumental in driving tech adoption. Another important topic is the focus on board meetings and how automation can improve presentations for board members. Christine advocates for simplifying data visualization, emphasizing that concise and clear messages are more effective than overwhelming board members with data, and the conversation concludes with a discussion on the need for periodic reviews of automation efforts. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3HrhLTWFind 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 MailLacey Kempinski, the founder of BalancedGood.com, discusses the importance of parental leave coverage for nonprofit staff and talent, with a focus on how this can impact employee burnout and turnover, and she highlights the importance of creating policies that serve both employees and organizations, fostering a healthier and more inclusive work environment for everyone. Lacey highlights the challenges faced by working parents in the nonprofit sector and the need for better support during the critical phase of parental leave and begins with a telling statement, "When we talk about working parents and working moms specifically, we can't ignore the fact that there are millions of women in the nonprofit sector who are working moms. Unsupported parental leave is a factor in the turnover problem." The conversation also digs into the broader issue of how organizations can support working parents and create a more inclusive and flexible work environment. Lacey emphasizes the importance of autonomy, reduced working hours, and comprehensive benefits for all employees, not just parents. The cohosts raise thought-provoking questions about how organizations can navigate the challenges of implementing parental leave policies and how to ensure that these policies benefit all team members, regardless of their parental status. 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 MailYou’ll gain so much from this thought-provoking discussion focusing on the mission of the Hope Mental Health Foundation, which aims to bridge the gap in therapy costs, address mental health issues in society, and provide mental health support to those who cannot afford it. The conversation begins with a chat about the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and the challenges faced by individuals seeking therapy. Jennifer Hilderbrand, CEO, shares her personal journey of overcoming trauma through therapy, highlighting how it saved her life and inspired her to become a part of the foundation, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and open conversations about mental health. The foundation's unique origin story is discussed, emphasizing that it was founded by therapists who recognized the gap in affordable mental health services. Jennifer joined the board and worked on fundraising efforts to help the foundation fulfill its mission. Show host Julia Patrick, and Jennifer, touch on the emotional connection donors have with the cause, as many are motivated by personal experiences or witnessing the struggles of loved ones, and they discuss the financial barriers to therapy and the foundation's role in sponsoring therapy sessions for those in need. Jennifer expresses her dream for the future, hoping that every person who seeks help will receive it. She describes the foundation's five-year goals, which include establishing stability, expanding sponsorships, and helping individuals heal and thrive. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3U2BzEDFind 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 MailJarrett welcomes LaShonda Williams to the nonprofit show, as they discuss various questions received related to fundraising and nonprofit work. LaShonda Williams, a trainer from the Fundraising Academy at National University, is the guest co-host, and her enthusiasm is contagious in this lively nonprofit question and answer session The first question came from an anonymous listener in Boston who was dealing with self-doubt after a colleague suggested they could have secured a higher donation from a specific donor. LaShonda's response was compassionate and wise. She emphasized the importance of collaboration and not taking it personally, turning it into an opportunity for growth and learning. Jarrett adds her perspective, suggesting open communication with the colleague whose comment hurt the listener's feelings, pointing out the value of discussing and resolving such situations to maintain a healthy work environment. Next, a question from Ben in New York addressed the topic of rewarding the development team with bonuses in the nonprofit sector. LaShonda provides a special response, highlighting alternatives to financial bonuses, such as additional remote days, priority in choosing vacation days, or leveraging partnerships for complimentary tickets to events, and the possibility of merit pay tied to performance evaluations. The third question came from a board member dealing with a proposed logo change, which they considered a waste of money. LaShonda advised focusing the conversation on the organization's mission, goals, and priorities. She makes a recommendation to engage constituents through focus groups to gather feedback on the logo change before making a decision. Jarrett echos the potential costs and complexities involved in rebranding and suggested forming a task force to thoroughly evaluate the situation. The final question was from Samuel in Denver, Co, who inquired about the value of obtaining the CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) designation for career development and financial rewards. LaShonda enthusiastically endorses the CFRE, emphasizing its prestige, knowledge base, and the global community it connects professionals with. She shared her personal journey of obtaining the CFRE and how it has positively impacted her career, and sharing valuable information about the availability of scholarships and resources for people of color in the sector. As LaShonda aptly puts it, "Invest in yourself because you are worth it." Watch on video: https://bit.ly/48wJEpBFind 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