The Nonprofit Show

Thinking 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

In 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.

What happens when a PTA president-turned-techie disrupts the nonprofit auction world? You get Roger Devine, co-founder of SchoolAuction.net, a man on a mission to make fundraising events both profitable and meaningful. In this fast-moving conversation with host Julia Patrick, Roger doesn’t just talk events—he redefines them.From live auctions and paddle raises to the fine art of keeping silent auctions out of the ballroom, Roger offers a field-tested guide to modern event strategy. “I want to treat a fundraiser as if it is a fundraiser—I expect to make money,” Roger declares. And he means it.But this isn’t just about money—it’s about momentum. Events aren’t just financial tools; they’re culture-building machines. Roger explains how strategic gatherings can cultivate younger donors, lift staff morale, recognize unsung heroes (like teachers and mission staff), and pull entire communities back into connection after years of distraction.He makes a compelling case for fixed-price purchases (think raffles, gift cards, and sign-up parties), lowering barriers to entry, and offering dignity and opportunity to every guest—whether they’re dropping $25 or $25,000.Oh, and about those paddle raises? Roger’s advice is clear: don’t wing it with your local news anchor. A trained benefit auctioneer is essential—not just for showmanship, but because they can drive up to 50% of your total event revenue. Skip this at your peril.Watch and you'll also learn:·        How hybrid and virtual fundraising have evolved (spoiler: most aren't fun anymore)·        How to smartly integrate consignment travel packages (hint: only if Bob Bigshot’s coming)·        Why accessibility matters—and how a volunteer ticket swap can make all the differenceWhether you're planning your first gala or overhauling your tenth, this episode will shake up your thinking. Because fundraising events shouldn't be a chaotic night of stress—they should be joyful, purposeful, and yes, wildly effective!Join the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow 00:00:00 Welcome and guest introduction 00:01:26 How a PTA president became a tech founder 00:03:12 Pandemic event trends and hybrid strategies 00:04:43 Events must be profitable—not break-even 00:05:49 Events as morale boosters and donor reminders 00:06:33 Cultivating younger donors through events 00:07:48 Small orgs teaching big ones how it’s done 00:09:00 Recognizing mission-driven staff at events 00:13:01 Accessibility tips: pricing, swaps, fixed-price options 00:15:55 Paddle raise strategy and auctioneer ROI 00:19:10 Why virtual paddle raises have fizzled 00:21:07 Make live elements event-exclusive for maximum impact 00:22:24 What are sign-up parties and why they work 00:26:12 The pros and cons of consignment auction items #EventFundraising #FundraisingAuctionsFind 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

Are you still chasing a “low overhead” badge of honor? Gregg Indictor, Director at Your Part-Time Controller, confronts one of the nonprofit sector’s most persistent misinterpretations: the overhead myth. With cohosts Julia Patrick and Meico Marquette Whitlock, the conversation unpacks what "overhead" actually represents, why it’s often misunderstood, and how nonprofits can more accurately reflect their financial stewardship.Gregg begins by demystifying overhead as merely the administrative costs necessary to support any organization’s operations—nonprofit or for-profit, saying, “There is no correct overhead ratio for any organization,” noting that effectiveness should be measured by mission impact, not accounting percentages.This fast episode fully explores cost allocation, the process of categorizing and reporting expenses across functions—such as program services, management, and fundraising. Gregg walks through the Schedule of Functional Expenses found in audits and IRS Form 990, and explains how misallocating indirect costs can produce distorted financial portraits. His emphasis on methodology—such as time and effort tracking for personnel, or square footage for facility expenses—underscores the importance of reasonable and consistent cost assignment.Gregg highlights a powerful metric: for most nonprofits, 80–85% of expenses stem from personnel and facilities. Yet not all of those costs are necessarily “overhead”—they could very well contribute directly to mission delivery, depending on how they are allocated.One of the key moments involves Gregg’s perspective on restricted vs. unrestricted funds. He cautions against well-meaning development practices that inadvertently solicit restricted gifts, reducing an organization’s flexibility to cover essential functions. A simple shift in donor language—from “choose your program” to “support our mission”—can dramatically improve financial resilience.As the trio discuss transparency and internal communication, Gregg advocates for cross-departmental access to financial information, encouraging organizations to present timely reports not just to leadership, but also to program and fundraising teams. This transparency supports better decision-making and breaks down operational silos.00:00:00 Welcome and guest introduction 00:03:08 What is nonprofit overhead and why it matters 00:05:29 The problem with restricted funding 00:07:36 Understanding cost allocation 00:11:02 How overhead ratios are calculated 00:13:44 80–85% of expenses: what that really means 00:16:21 Allocating costs accurately and fairly 00:18:38 Why everyone in a nonprofit should understand finance 00:20:17 Internal transparency and financial reporting 00:22:06 Overhead myths vs. operational reality 00:24:20 Contributed vs. earned revenue 00:27:02 Changing the donor messaging to support sustainabilityFind 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

Explore the intersection of philanthropy, data science, and the evolving tools shaping nonprofit fundraising, with our guest, Scott Brighton, CEO of Bonterra.  Bonterra, a software company serving both nonprofits and funders, processes nearly 10% of all U.S. philanthropic activity outside government sources. This scale gives Scott and his team a uniquely comprehensive vantage point to identify what truly drives growth and effectiveness in today’s nonprofit landscape.The episode centers on Bonterra’s newly released ‘2025 Impact Report’, which identifies strategic patterns and technologies used by high-performing nonprofits. Scott explains, “We’re not just looking at the growth of philanthropy; we’re looking at what successful organizations are doing differently.” Key among those behaviors is fundraising diversification—no longer a suggestion but a necessity, especially in light of sudden disruptions like cuts to federal funding. Scott shares that some Bonterra clients saw 90% of their federal funding evaporate overnight, a stark reminder that relying on a single funding stream is risky.Technology, and specifically AI, is positioned as the great equalizer. Scott introduces tools like “Optimized Ask,” which uses behavioral data to recommend the right donation amount for each donor, improving average donor yield by 11%. This innovation, he explains, enables nonprofits to effectively engage their long-tail donors without additional staff—something that was previously out of reach for most organizations.Another key point Scott shares is the local nature of nonprofit growth. Despite a doubling of registered U.S. nonprofits over the last decade (now nearing two million), 90% operate with budgets under $5 million. Rather than viewing this as a challenge, Scott sees it as a feature: these hyper-local organizations are ideally positioned to address complex societal issues with intimate community knowledge. Bonterra is facilitating cross-sector collaboration among these small players to help large funders feel confident investing significant resources.The conversation wraps with Bonterra’s bold internal campaign: “3% by 2033.” The goal is to raise the nation’s charitable giving from 2% to 3% of GDP in under a decade. Scott is optimistic—not because of software alone, which he candidly says requires more resources than many nonprofits can spare—but because of the promise of agentic AI: autonomous systems that act on data insights without human micromanagement. “The future of fundraising isn’t just emotional—it’s intellectual,”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

In an era marked by organizational strain and evolving workplace expectations, leadership must move beyond traditional fixes and embrace systemic transformation.  Patrick Farran, PhD, MBA, co-founder of Ad Lucem Group, joins host Julia Patrick to dissect the true nature of burnout, succession, and sustainable engagement in nonprofit leadership.Patrick challenges the prevailing assumption that burnout stems solely from overwork. “The number one cause of burnout is not overwork—it’s the loss of agency,” he explains, arguing that without autonomy, even meaningful work becomes draining. Rather than defaulting to micromanagement during times of stress, Patrick advocates for building cultures rooted in trust, purpose alignment, and shared responsibility.Drawing from decades of executive coaching and organizational consulting, Patrick offers a framework built on three pillars: personal legacy, building others, and systems thinking. His advice is clear—leaders must be deliberate about cultivating capability in others and embedding processes that outlast any individual. This approach not only fortifies the organization but reduces the high failure rate of executive transitions.He also introduces the concept of “job crafting,” citing research on hospital janitors who redefined their roles around meaning rather than task lists. This practice, when applied in nonprofit settings, can create clear pipelines for succession and foster resilience.Another key theme is the embrace of constructive conflict. Patrick quotes Adam Grant: “The absence of conflict is not harmony—it’s apathy.” Healthy disagreement, he argues, is not a threat but a catalyst for innovation. Nonprofits should harness this energy to align purpose, improve communication, and prepare for inevitable turbulence.Finally, Patrick outlines how appreciative inquiry—a strength-based framework—can transform leadership conversations and shift organizations away from crisis reactivity. By examining moments of excellence, teams can uncover hidden systems of success and replicate them in difficult times.From strategic succession planning to reframing burnout and conflict, this episode is packed with research-backed guidance, timely analogies, and field-tested leadership philosophy. It’s a must-watch for nonprofit leaders dealing with today’s pressures.00:00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Patrick Farran 00:02:40 What Does Ad Lucem Group Do 00:05:20 Misconceptions About Burnout in Nonprofits 00:10:15 The Role of Agency and Trust in Staff Retention 00:15:40 How Leaders Unintentionally Cause Disengagement 00:21:10 Tools for Succession and Internal Growth 00:26:05 Job Crafting as a Path to Leadership 00:31:40 Constructive Conflict vs Apathy 00:36:50 Appreciative Inquiry and Strength-Based Leadership 00:41:10 Preparing for Turbulent Times Without Panic 00:45:20 About the New Book: The Intentional Executive #NonprofitLeadership #BurnoutRecovery #ExecutiveSuccessionFind 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

How much should a fundraiser make—and why is it still taboo to ask?Cohosts Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall tackle the longstanding silence around nonprofit salary transparency. “There isn’t a whole lot of trust around this topic,” says Tony, “and it’s good for us to start talking about it.” What unfolds on this Fundraiser’s Friday episode is a candid, layered discussion about job titles, compensation expectations, and the complicated politics behind who earns what—and why.Fundraising jobs are not one-size-fits-all. As Tony explains, “There are assistant positions, manager roles, directors, officers—each with its own accountability level, not just a paycheck.” But the sector’s tendency to obscure salaries makes it difficult for professionals to map their advancement. Julia adds, “Talking about salary used to be grounds for dismissal—higher up than reporting abuse. Think about that.”The duo explore the overlap and confusion between job titles—director vs. officer—especially across healthcare, higher ed, and arts institutions. While some roles sound loftier than others, Tony argues that “titles are often interchangeable,” driven less by function and more by organizational type.Experience doesn’t always translate to higher pay either. “Ten years in doesn’t mean a pay jump if you’re not at the right org,” says Tony. Instead, professional development, certifications, and even microlearning now influence compensation more than tenure. The hosts underscore how nonprofits are slow to reward results: even fundraisers who exceed goals may still hit salary ceilings unless they leave for a new organization.And it’s happening often—turnover is the sector’s open secret. With development staff staying an average of just 19 months, organizations are hemorrhaging talent due to stagnant pay structures and institutional inertia. “You can prove you’re worth it, hit all your metrics—and it still might not matter,” Tony warns.Remote work has added fuel to the fire. Salaries are increasingly influenced by where you live, not where your nonprofit is based. “You may be doing New York-level work from Omaha—but don’t expect New York pay,” says Julia. It’s an unspoken recalibration that’s forever altered the labor equation.For fundraisers at any stage in their career, this episode doesn’t just demystify nonprofit salaries—it demands that we start having these conversations openly and often.00:00:00 Welcome and intro 00:02:00 Why salary talk is still taboo 00:03:30 Fundraising job title levels 00:05:15 Accountability vs. salary 00:07:00 Director vs. Officer roles 00:08:45 Career advancement limitations 00:11:00 Should salaries be posted? 00:14:00 Location-based salary differences 00:17:00 Experience vs. skillset 00:20:30 Education and certifications 00:22:00 Proving value through metrics 00:26:00 Who pays the most in the sector? 00:27:30 Passion vs. paycheck 00:28:50 How to keep the salary convo goingFind 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

Is your nonprofit planning a gala, auction, or bingo night? Before you book the venue or sell that first ticket, there’s one essential step you may be skipping—looping in your accounting team. In this eye-opening conversation Dan Tritch, Director at Your Part-Time Controller, issues a clear directive to fundraisers: “Talk to your accountants before you plan your fundraising event—every time.”Dan doesn’t just talk shop—he brings real consequences to light. From misclassifying revenue to unknowingly triggering tax liabilities, organizations that treat finance as an afterthought in event planning can wind up with costly surprises. Fundraising isn’t just about generating revenue—it’s about how that revenue is earned, tracked, and reported.Dan breaks fundraising activities into three financial stages: 1) procurement, 2) day-of-event, and 3) post-event. He warns that mishandling sponsor agreements, mislabeling advertising, or ignoring unrelated business income tax (UBIT) can derail even the most successful-looking event. That free week in a beach condo or donated diamond necklace? It may be worth more in red tape than revenue—unless properly accounted for.And then there's gaming. Raffles, casino nights, and even simple bingo games carry serious regulatory implications that vary by state and can prompt IRS attention. Dan urges nonprofits to consult their tax accountants and state gaming authorities before launching any game-based campaign.The episode also tackles the misperception that all earned income equals fundraising. Not so, says Dan. Ticket sales, service fees, and campaign contributions each carry distinct accounting requirements. Getting it wrong can distort financial statements and complicate audits.Dan’s insights go beyond warnings—they’re a roadmap for success. He outlines best practices such as separating earned income from contributions, issuing accurate receipts, tracking in-kind donations, and deferring revenue until the event occurs. His message is clear: solid financial planning empowers smarter fundraising, not just safer bookkeeping. 00:00:00 Welcome and intro with Dan Tritch 00:04:45 Why fundraising events are misunderstood financially 00:05:59 What truly counts as fundraising (and what doesn’t) 00:07:41 The accounting implications of special events 00:10:08 The legal complexity of gaming-based events 00:14:13 Three financial stages of an event 00:15:01 Sponsorship vs. advertising: know the difference 00:20:30 Ticket revenue: earned income vs. contribution 00:22:58 Best practices for event accounting and receipting 00:24:13 How in-kind gifts complicate auction accounting 00:25:54 Are fundraising events even worth the effort? 00:27:32 Final advice: ask early, plan smart #NonprofitFinance #FundraisingEvents  #NonprofitAccounting 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

“Cybersecurity used to be the Department of ‘No’. Today, it's about enablement—how we help people work securely without getting in the way.”Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a trust issue. Michael Nouguier, Partner at Richey May’s Cybersecurity Services, joins us to discuss how nonprofits can better protect donor data, assess third-party platforms, and prepare for the inevitable breach.Michael opens with a striking truth: “Cybersecurity is about risk—what we choose to accept, and what we work to prevent.” From this lens, this episode offers a detailed breakdown of today’s most pressing cybersecurity concerns, especially as they relate to data collection, donor privacy, and evolving threats like AI-driven attacks.The conversation kicks off with the importance of identifying and documenting what data your organization actually collects—not just donor information, but client data, health records, payment details, and beyond. Michael stresses the danger of overlooking third-party vendors, who may have weak security protocols but still process sensitive data on your behalf.Julia Patrick, host, presses Michael on how access control works in today’s remote-first world. His response is practical: build systems around role-based access and restrict data visibility by “need to know.” Whether you're a 5-person nonprofit or a national organization, overly broad permissions are a recipe for disaster.Michael shares real-world examples of organizations undermining their own security—like contractors blocking ChatGPT integrations due to risk, prompting staff to email data to themselves for off-system use. It’s not just about locking systems down—it’s about enabling safer, smarter workflows that employees will actually use.The episode wraps-up with a powerful call for scenario planning. Just like fire drills, “tabletop exercises” around cybersecurity incidents can build organizational muscle memory, reduce financial loss, and preserve your nonprofit’s reputation when—not if—a breach occurs.If you think this topic is too technical to matter to your mission, think again. This conversation makes clear: cybersecurity is mission-critical because your donors expect trust, your clients deserve privacy, and your organization can’t afford the fallout of avoidable mistakes. 00:00:00 Welcome and introduction to Michael Nouguier 00:02:06 Why Richey May expanded into cybersecurity 00:04:11 What data are you collecting and why it matters 00:05:35 Understanding third-party data responsibilities 00:07:59 How to evaluate vendor security 00:10:15 Remote work and role-based access control 00:13:18 Does organization size change the approach? 00:16:01 Enabling staff without compromising security 00:19:22 What really happens in a data breach 00:21:24 The importance of practicing breach response 00:23:01 Tabletop exercises and insider risks 00:26:38 Is there hope for cybersecurity progress? #NonprofitCybersecurity  #DonorTrustFind 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