Agents of Nonprofit

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, we're joined by superhero Miriam Dicks, a management consultant specializing in operational cultures within nonprofits. Miriam shares her insights on creating effective operational processes and discusses the importance of assessing pain points, involving stakeholders, and aligning systems and structures to support growth and goals.Topics We Cover:The role of assessments in identifying pain points and providing tailored recommendations.The significance of involving leaders and staff in the assessment and decision-making process.Addressing cultural aspects alongside operational improvements.Real-life examples highlighting the consequences of organizational imbalances.The impact of clear job descriptions, performance evaluations, and structured processes.Exploring the seven archetypes of operational culture.Considering the implications and ethical concerns of incorporating AI in nonprofit work.To Learn More and Connect With Miriam:LinkedIn180 Management GroupSupport the show

In this episode, we're joined by Michael Compton, the creator of the CSC Innovation Lab at Denison University, to explore the realm of customer experience (CX) within the nonprofit sector. Michael shares his insights on understanding and improving CX through journey mapping, persona building, and operational frameworks. He emphasizes the significance of empathizing with customers and aligning organizational operations to create meaningful experiences. The conversation also touches on channel management, labels for customers, and prioritizing individual versus community experiences.Topics We Cover:The distinction between customer experience and user experience in the nonprofit sector.The methodology of persona building, journey mapping, and creating an operational framework for CX improvement.Determining the optimal number of personas to create, considering diversity and inclusion.The importance of channels and channel management in CX for nonprofits.Coordinating resources and avoiding overextension in the digital space.Sensitivity to labels for customers and alternatives to the term "customer" in the nonprofit context.Balancing individual customer experience with community experience and engagement.To Learn More and Connect With Michael:CX Innovation Lab at Denison UniversityMichael Compton on LinkedInContact Michael by E-MailSupport the show

 In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, we're joined by Watt Hamlett, a Salesforce consultant specializing in nonprofits. Watt shares his journey in the nonprofit technology space and discusses his role in assisting organizations with Salesforce evaluations, troubleshooting, and long-term planning. The conversation highlights the significance of consultants in the nonprofit sector and offers valuable advice on selecting the right consulting partner for successful Salesforce implementation.Topics We Cover:Watt Hamlett's background and experience in working with nonprofits and Salesforce.The role of a Salesforce consultant in helping nonprofits during the pre-purchase phase.Key considerations when evaluating Salesforce as a technology solution for nonprofits.Troubleshooting and roadmapping for nonprofits already using Salesforce.The importance of consultants in driving technology goals and collaborating with nonprofits and consulting partners.Preparing for a Salesforce implementation: Insights and suggestions for nonprofitsWatt's List: A comprehensive directory connecting nonprofits with Salesforce consultants, including filters and search criteria to find the right match.To Learn More and Connect with Watt:Watt's ListWatt Hamlett ConsultingWatt Hamlett on LinkedInSupport the show

In this engaging episode, we're joined by Jess Campbell, a nonprofit consultant and storyteller, about the importance of storytelling in the nonprofit sector. Jess shares her personal journey into the nonprofit world and explains how storytelling can be a powerful tool for creating impact and rallying support. She emphasizes the significance of compelling storytelling and shares her expertise on fundraising, relationship building, and mobilizing resources within nonprofit organizations.The conversation also delves into the decision to transition a community for nonprofit consultants into a paid model, exploring the positive outcomes and challenges associated with this shift.Topics We Cover:Jess Campbell's superhero origin story and her passion for serving families with critically ill children.The role of storytelling in invoking emotions, engaging donors, and making a bigger impact in nonprofits.Jess's expertise in fundraising, relationship building, and mobilizing resources for nonprofit organizations.The concept of connectors and Jess's role as a natural link between people and information.Jess's current focus on optimizing her business and dedicating time to organizational tasks.Transitioning a community for nonprofit consultants into a paid model and the positive outcomes that emerged.Challenges and considerations in moderating and managing the community effectively, including time investment and aligning values and goals of participants.To Learn More & Connect With Jess:LinkedInJessCampbell.coInstagramSupport the show

In this episode of the Agents of Nonprofit podcast, we're joined by Nathan Chappell to discuss the world of AI and its impact on fundraising for nonprofits. Nathan provides an overview of AI, highlighting subsets such as machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI. The discussion focuses on the concept of hallucinations in AI models, drawing parallels to human interpretations and emphasizing the role of AI as a tool to augment human thought processes rather than replace them.We explore the role of AI in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the decreasing cost of computing and the need for nonprofits to embrace AI to create efficiency and meet donor demands. Privacy and security concerns are discussed, highlighting the delicate balance between sharing data for beneficial results and maintaining privacy.Topics We Cover:An introduction to AI and its subsets: machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI.The concept of hallucinations in AI and its relation to human interpretations.Challenges of training AI models: bias, ethics, and the responsibility of AI companies.The role of AI in the nonprofit sector: affordability, efficiency, and meeting donor expectations.Privacy and security concerns in utilizing AI for nonprofits.Responsible AI practices: trust, privacy, security, ethics, and equity in data.Addressing the decline in nonprofit donations through precision and personalization with AI.To Learn More and Connect with Nathan:Nathan Chappell on LinkedInFundraising.AIFundraising.AI on LinkedInSupport the show

In this episode of the Agents of Nonprofit podcast, host Alexander Lapa interviews data archiving and retention expert Deanna Mollett. Deanna shares her insights on the importance of data management for organizations, emphasizing the role of data governance in implementing effective data retention and archiving practices.Deanna discusses the differences between data retention and archiving, highlights the compliance and risk factors that make data retention crucial for nonprofits, and explains the benefits of data migration projects in reviewing and cleaning up data.Topics We Cover:Understanding the role of data governance in data retention and archivingDifferentiating between data retention and archivingCompliance and risk factors driving the need for data retention in nonprofitsOver-retention and its impact on costs and legal implicationsEstablishing clear roles and responsibilities for data retention policiesThe importance of maintaining clean and usable data for productivityTrends in data management: machine learning and cloud adoptionTo Learn More & Connect with Deanna:E-MailLinkedInSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, host Alexander Lapa interviews Mike Johnston, a seasoned expert in the nonprofit sector, as they delve into the world of innovation and fundraising. Join them as they explore the transformative power of technology and its impact on nonprofit organizations, sharing insights on best practices, overcoming challenges, and personalizing donor experiences. Discover how to leverage the latest trends in fundraising to make a lasting difference and foster donor loyalty.As they discuss the challenges nonprofits face when adopting technology, Mike emphasizes the need for accessible and user-friendly platforms. The conversation expands to explore the concept of omnichannel marketing, highlighting its effectiveness in increasing engagement and donations. They further delve into strategies for donor loyalty, emphasizing the power of personalized communication and the potential of technology to enhance donor experiencesTopics We Cover:Mike's journey in the nonprofit sector and the passion that drives him.The transition from direct mail to digital fundraising and the role of technology.The democratization of technology and its impact on nonprofits.Exploring the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models in fundraising.Overcoming the fear and hesitation around technology in the nonprofit sector.The need for affordable IT and technology experts in nonprofit organizations.Understanding the concept of omnichannel marketing and its effectiveness.Studies on the positive impact of combining channels in fundraising efforts.Balancing donor loyalty and acquiring new donors based on organizational priorities.Harnessing technology and design thinking to create personalized donor experiences and improve loyalty.To Learn More and Connect with Mike:LinkedInHJC WebsiteDigital Outlook ReportLinks Mentioned:MappingFood Bank TrendsDirect MailSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, Alexander Lapa sits down with Ben Duncombe, a Salesforce recruiter from Australia, to delve into the world of Salesforce and Salesforce recruiting. Join them as they uncover the global reach of Salesforce, its impact on individuals' careers, and the rewarding opportunities it presents. Ben shares his own journey, insights from successful Salesforce professionals, and the expanding role of Salesforce in Australia and beyond.Together, they explore the vast possibilities offered by Salesforce, the diverse range of individuals who can thrive within its ecosystem, and the impact it has on their careers. They discuss the global phenomenon of Salesforce, debunking misconceptions and shedding light on its far-reaching influence. From sharing inspiring stories to examining recruitment strategies, Ben provides valuable insights into the world of Salesforce and its potential for personal growth and professional success.Topics We Cover:The global nature of Salesforce and its impact beyond North America and EuropeHow Salesforce acts as a passport to opportunity for professionals worldwideThe flexibility of working remotely as a digital nomad within the Salesforce ecosystemBen's transition from SAP recruitment to specializing in Salesforce recruitingThe accessibility and ease of setting up orgs, learning, and getting certified in SalesforceInspiring stories and achievements from successful Salesforce professionals on Ben's podcastThe rewarding aspects of finding Salesforce jobs for individuals worldwideThe variety of backgrounds and professions that can find a place within the Salesforce ecosystemExploring the Certified Technical Architect (CTA) certification and its impact on careers and salariesSalary and employment model differences between countries and the demand for Salesforce contractorsThe needs of Salesforce clients and challenges faced by not-for-profit organizations in recruitmentTrends in Salesforce career paths, barriers to entry, and the importance of continuous learningTo Learn More and Connect with Ben:Talent HubLinkedInTalent Hub TVTalent Hub PodcastSupport the show

Join host Alexander Lapa in this episode of "Agents of Nonprofit" as he interviews Ansley Fender, the founder of Grantcycle, a groundbreaking software solution for post-award grant management. Ansley shares her inspiring journey into nonprofit management, her decision to create Grantcycle, and her insights into specialized software for grant management. Discover how Ansley's accidental involvement with nonprofits led her to develop a powerful tool that streamlines financial processes, improves accountability, and maximizes the impact of nonprofit organizations.Topics We Cover:Ansley's background and accidental entry into the nonprofit sector.The motivation behind starting Grant Cycle and its evolution from financial consulting to grant management.The role of low-code technology in Ansley's journey and the advantages of using Bubble.Key features of Grantcycle: program finances, budgeting, outcome metrics, project management, document storage, and reporting.Ansley's approach to software integration and the importance of specialized tools for different functions.Pros and cons of specialized software versus all-in-one solutions for nonprofits.The significance of accounting in grant management and its integration with Grantcycle.Best practices for nonprofits in managing grants and understanding grant conditions and reporting requirements.Capacity building and the need for strong financial controls and management software.Tracking and reporting impact: documenting every dollar spent, meeting reporting requirements, and showcasing impact through storytelling and impact dashboards.The value of transparency and admitting failure in the nonprofit sector, and the changing perspectives of funders in the post-COVID era.Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights from Ansley Fender and learn how Grantcycle is transforming grant management for nonprofit organizations, enabling them to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in fulfilling their missions.To learn more and connect with Ansley:Grantcycle WebsiteLinkedInSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, our guest Kismet Saglam sheds light on the intricacies of the nonprofit Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Kismet emphasizes the need for discretion and privacy in certain situations, acknowledging that publicizing an RFP can attract unwanted attention and distractions.By maintaining a controlled communication approach, organizations can focus on the task at hand without unnecessary inquiries. Kismet also discusses the challenges of managing an overwhelming number of responses, highlighting the importance of specialized services and the natural process of elimination that occurs when targeting specific vendors.Topics We Cover:The need for privacy and controlled communication in the RFP processStrategies for managing an influx of responses and filtering applications effectivelyVarious platforms for communicating RFPs, including websites, LinkedIn, listservs, and RFP portalsPreparing internal discussions, stakeholder buy-in, and assessing resources before initiating an RFPThe significance of allocating dedicated personnel to ensure smooth RFP execution and implementationThe role of budget considerations in shaping RFPs and adjusting projections based on vendor proposalsBalancing the factors of scope, timeline, and budget during the RFP process and potential adjustmentsFostering transparency and collaboration between nonprofits and vendors for a mutually beneficial partnershipThe ethical approach of providing guidance to vendors without influencing the final decision-making processJoin us in this insightful episode as we dive into the world of nonprofit RFPs and gain valuable insights from Kismet Saglam, an expert in navigating the complex landscape of nonprofit procurement.To Learn More and Connect with Kismet:LinkedIn Email: kismet.associationconsulting@gmail.comSupport the show