The Nonprofit Show

Send us Fan MailOur co-hosts welcome Christal Cherry, the President of TheBoardPro.com, and explore strategies for motivating nonprofit board members. Christal highlights practical strategies for energizing nonprofit boards, fostering a positive board culture, and improving board engagement in fundraising efforts. Christol starts by explaining her motivation for founding TheBoardPro.com, emphasizing her desire to help nonprofit boards thrive. She stresses the importance of recruiting the right board members by conducting a thorough vetting process, like a job search, to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities and align with the organization's mission. The conversation then jumps into building a positive board culture, as Christol advocates for creating an environment of open communication, respect, and camaraderie among board members. She recommends setting a clear culture statement that outlines the expected behaviors and values. The lively chat also touches on the topic of staff members attending board meetings. Christol emphasizes that traditional hierarchies are being questioned, and some organizations are now open to staff participation in board meetings, especially when staff members have valuable insights or achievements to share. Regarding fundraising, Christol shares her approach, emphasizing that board members should make a personal donation to demonstrate commitment and then providing them with a toolkit to equip them for fundraising efforts. She encourages board members to tell compelling stories about the organization rather than feeling like they are begging for money. Lastly, Christol discusses the importance of recognizing board members who bring in funds or donations through their efforts, even if they don't make a personal financial contribution. Learn more at TheBoardPro.com Watch on video:  https://bit.ly/49uZLEWFind 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 Mail An important conversation with Katie Warnock, CEO of Staffing Boutique, shedding light on the intricate process of recruiting nonprofit CEOs and executive directors. Her insights emphasize the importance of careful planning, setting realistic expectations, and how the role of professional interims can ensure a smooth leadership transition. Katie shares all these insights on recruiting tips, beginning with, as she aptly put it, "Allow for time, but be proactive." She begins by highlighting the significance of thoroughly assessing the nonprofit's needs before starting the search. This involves evaluating the organization's current state, its successes and shortcomings, and where it envisions itself in the future. Katie stresses the importance of forming a search committee, particularly for organizations lacking HR departments. She suggests appointing a search chair who can handle the administrative work involved in the hiring process effectively. Additionally, she discusses the necessity of creating a realistic and accurate job description that outlines the CEO's responsibilities and expectations. The conversation also touches on the value of professional interim CEOs in the transition period. Katie points out that having an interim CEO can help manage the organization during the search process and provide a fresh perspective. She mentions that interims can play a significant role in handling the emotional aspects of staff and board members during transitions. When it came to the overall current job market, Katie updates us and notes that there's an unusual quietness in the sector, even after a strong year for philanthropy. Watch as she describes it’s sense of uncertainty, with many organizations and professionals waiting to see what changes might come. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3sgIeQrFind 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 Thought Leader episode, Anne McAuley Lopez elaborates on the benefits of creating a book related to your nonprofit's mission and achievements, stating, "Everybody has a story. Every business has a story. Yours just needs to be told." She highlights the various storylines that nonprofits can explore, including their origin stories, impact milestones, and personal stories of founders and beneficiaries. Anne also discusses the process of working with a ghostwriter and the importance of maintaining the organization's authentic voice. She assures, "It's not that it's simple; it's still a book and it's still a project. But you could take pieces of chapters from your book and put them on your blog," encouraging nonprofits to repurpose existing content like blogs and interviews for various marketing purposes. Throughout the episode, Anne's expertise in content creation shines through, offering several innovative insights for nonprofit leaders considering the idea of writing a book to boost their organization's impact and elevate their funding success.   More about AgencyContentWriter.comWatch on video: https://bit.ly/471VHuvFind 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 lively Q&A session on the "Nonprofit Show," host Jarrett Ransom welcomed questions from viewers and was later joined by Muhi Khwaja, a trainer at Fundraising Academy. The first question, sent in anonymously from Nashville, TN, concerned the pressure faced by a nonprofit's Development Director due to board expectations. Jarrett advised setting boundaries between the board and the Development Director and ensuring that the board understands the director's role and responsibilities. She also suggested aligning the board's suggestions with the organization's strategic plan. Moving on to the second question, the topic shifted to branding. . . . . .how to find an advertising agency or marketing firm willing to work pro bono. Jarrett cautioned that while pro bono work might be available, it's essential to budget for branding. She recommended looking for community events or co-working spaces that offer pro bono services and emphasized the importance of a well-thought-out branding strategy. The third question came from a viewer in Dayton, OH, who wanted to know the best person to serve as a board liaison for a nonprofit. Muhi Khwaja joined the discussion at this point and shared that the executive assistant to the CEO or executive director often serves as a board liaison. They help manage board schedules and communication. Alternatively, a third-party person can be hired for this role. Muhi emphasized the importance of board liaisons in improving board coordination. The conversation then delved into the concept of LYBUNT and SLYBUNT reports. Muhi explained that these reports help identify donors who haven't given in the current year, making them valuable targets for retention efforts. Jarrett and Muhi discussed the importance of monitoring these reports and leveraging board members to connect with lapsed donors. 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 MailEric Ressler's insights underscore the critical role of brand building in a nonprofit's success. He encourages NPO’s to maintain a clear brand identity, engage with their communities, and strategically use their expertise to drive real-world change and revenue growth. As he aptly put it, "The brand is not something you just do and then it's done. It requires constant building, curation, and attention." Host Jarrett Ransom had the pleasure of speaking with Eric Ressler, the founder and Creative Director of Design by Cosmic, a social impact creative agency. Eric shared valuable insights on the importance of brand building for nonprofits and its impact on achieving real-world action and revenue generation. Eric highlights the essence of understanding a nonprofit's unique niche within the social impact landscape, emphasizing the need to focus on specific strengths and avoid mission creep. He points out that organizations should consider their brand as a dynamic relationship between the community and the organization, not just a logo or visual identity. Eric affirms that building and nurturing this relationship is an ongoing process that requires attention and consistent efforts. He also addressed the fear some nonprofits have about taking a stance on divisive issues, acknowledging the challenges of navigating politically charged topics, and emphasizing that organizations should engage in issues within their expertise and advocate for what aligns with their mission and values. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3MtwiBsFind 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 MailLori Zoss Kraska, the founder and CEO of Growth Owl, shares insights into the art of engaging corporate sponsors. Lori begins this lively learning session by emphasizing the power of brevity, stating, "The power of brevity is being able to make a connection with a corporate decision maker through brevity and just understanding that the goal of that first e-mail is just to have enough interest from the decision maker to get a second conversation to get moving right." Her words underscored the importance of conciseness and clarity when initiating communication with corporate decision-makers. She stresses that the initial email should not overwhelm with excessive details but rather aim to establish a compelling connection. Lori debunks the misconception that corporate sponsors expect advertising pitches. Instead, she advocates for a more valuable approach, stating, "I think the biggest scare I hear from folks is they think that they're going to come in and do an advertising pitch. But again, they really understand that they need to come in and be a thought leader and talk about something of value to the people that are at your gala or at your conference that is going to provide synchronicity for everybody." Her words highlight the importance of positioning sponsors as thought leaders and contributors of value, rather than mere advertisers. Throughout the discussion, Lori's insights amplify on the significance of diligent research, engagement with corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, and the need for specificity in requests. These principles can serve as a roadmap for nonprofits seeking successful partnerships with corporate sponsors, ensuring they stand out amidst the competition for funding and support. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3FHQ6xlFind 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 Mail In a spooktacular Halloween episode of the Nonprofit Show, the hosts welcome Andrew Miller, Director of Your Part-Time Controller, to discuss the evolving role of CFOs in the nonprofit sector. Enjoy this fun and insightful discussion shedding light on the changing of nonprofit financial leadership. Julia and Jarrett set the stage with a warm welcome, acknowledging the Halloween spirit and introducing Andrew, who eagerly explores the topic of traditional versus modern CFO-CEO relationships in the nonprofit world. Andrew begins with discussing the traditional role of a CFO, which primarily focused on accounting accuracy, regulatory compliance, risk management, and historical financial reporting. Andrew then jumps into the transformation of the CFO role in the modern age, highlighting the shift towards forward-facing financial forecasting, leveraging technology for efficiency, and embracing change management. Andrew emphasizes the importance of the modern CFO's role in providing strategic analysis and fostering a partnership with the CEO, and he also stressed the importance of leadership, strategic planning, and change management skills for modern CFOs.  Learn more from YPTC.comWatch on video: https://bit.ly/46KesSZFind 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 Mail The Federal Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and its application to nonprofit organizations. The ERC is a valuable financial opportunity for nonprofit organizations to consider, and it's not too late to explore. Learn more from Victoria Beck, General Counsel for Regulatory Compliance at EZ-ERC, as she provides key insights into this credit program. The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) was introduced as part of the CARES Act in March 2020 and was designed to reward employers, including nonprofits, for retaining employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers organizations a significant opportunity to inject cash back into their programs and services. Victoria emphasizes that many nonprofits mistakenly believe they are ineligible for the ERC, but the CARES Act explicitly includes 501(c)(3) organizations as eligible recipients. She also clarifies how there are two main routes to eligibility for nonprofits: a significant decline in gross receipts or demonstrating operational changes due to governmental orders related to the pandemic. The discussion touches on the timeline for applying for the ERC, with Victoria explaining that it depends on how quickly an organization can provide the required documentation, but it's crucial for all stakeholders to sign off before filing. Regarding costs, Victoria describes how nonprofits to be cautious of firms charging exorbitant fees, suggesting that a reasonable fee is more appropriate. She also warns against companies promising eligibility within minutes without proper evaluation, as the ERC application process is nuanced and requires a thorough understanding of each organization's unique situation. Victoria stressed that the ERC can be beneficial for organizations of all sizes, even those with a small number of employees, as it can provide much-needed financial support during challenging times. She also confirmed that EZ-ERC serves nonprofits across the United States, not limited to specific regions. The deadline for the 2020 quarters of the ERC program is April 15, 2024, while the 2021 quarters have a deadline of April 15, 2025. Learn more; Ez-Erc.com Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3FBM2OWFind 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 MailFrom interim CEO’s to annual reviews, host Julia Patrick and guest co-host Tony Beall, tackle this week's questions from nonprofits: Interim CEO or Board Member: A board in Palo Alto is facing a CEO retirement without a replacement. They're debating whether to hire an interim CEO or have a board member step in. Tony advises going for an interim CEO if the budget allows. He suggests a minimum of six months for the interim role and emphasizes clear expectations to avoid too many changes during this transition period. Volunteer NDAs: Charlie from San Antonio, TX, running a Human Services shelter, wonders if requiring volunteers to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) might discourage them. Tony suggests integrating NDAs into the volunteer application process for convenience. He highlights that NDAs can be vital to protect the organization's interests. Donor Perspective on Other Nonprofits: An anonymous submission from Chicago describes a major donor asking about donating to another nonprofit. Tony encourages embracing the trust implied by the donor's question. He advises encouraging the donor to seek similar qualities in the other nonprofit while expanding their philanthropic footprint. CEO's Annual Review: An anonymous question from Columbus, OH, addresses who should conduct the CEO's annual review and how to do it. Tony recommends that the board chair lead the process and suggests forming a smaller committee for efficiency. He emphasizes the importance of a CEO self-appraisal and a committee review to ensure a thorough evaluation. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3Sfeii0Find 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 MailBarbara O'Reilly, CFRE, the founder of Windmill Hill Consulting, shares her insights on the challenges nonprofits face in navigating declining donor rates, serving as a valuable resource for nonprofits striving to create more meaningful connections with their supporters. Her insights are a reminder that, by prioritizing the donor experience and utilizing available technology, nonprofits can better engage with their donors and ultimately make a more significant impact in their communities. She begins by emphasizing the significance of donor retention rates and the troubling statistic that, on average, 80% of first-time donors do not return. O'Reilly stressed the importance of prioritizing the donor experience, likening it to the customer service provided in the hospitality and retail industries. She explained how personalized communication, onboarding, and a focus on creating a strong partnership can significantly impact donor retention. Furthermore, Barbara points out the critical role of data, automation, and artificial intelligence in understanding donors and providing tailored experiences. She highlights how industries like retail and hospitality excel in using customer data to enhance user experiences and suggested that nonprofits could benefit from a similar approach. One of the key takeaways from this insightful conversation was the need for nonprofits to rethink their donor communication strategies. Barbara encourages organizations to conduct regular audits of their communications to ensure they convey a sense of impact and transformation through compelling stories, rather than overwhelming donors with statistics. In her own words, Barbara highlights the importance of this shift in mindset: "We've got to think our mindset around these donors so that it keeps them around longer." Learn more: Whillconsulting.com Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3Q91ZkNFind 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