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

You'll love this master class on the untapped power of volunteerism—with a call to rethink how we attract, support, and retain volunteers—led by guest expert Kirsten Wantland, Manager of Customer Best Practices and Enablement at Bloomerang,Kirsten, who holds credentials as a Certified Nonprofit Consultant and Certified Development Executive, brings both frontline and strategic expertise. With her deep background in fundraising and nonprofit leadership, she makes a bold case for managing volunteers with the same intentionality as donors. Her rallying cry? “Recognize behaviors over capacity.”Too many nonprofits still treat volunteer management as an afterthought—focused on day-of logistics or generic thank-yous. But Kirsten argues for a proactive, data-informed approach that starts well before a volunteer steps foot on site. From setting clear expectations in role descriptions to acknowledging service hours as contributions worth over $34.79 per hour, this learning session delivers some super strategies that can translate into real organizational value for your NPO.Volunteers aren’t just a feel-good bonus; they are a form of human capital that, when properly stewarded, can evolve into loyal donors and long-term advocates. “If you think of someone donating 10 hours,” Kirsten explains, “you’re looking at the equivalent of nearly $350 in economic impact. How many of your donors give that much in a single gift?”She encourages nonprofits to:·        Communicate expectations clearly and respectfully.·        Track volunteer hours just like financial contributions.·        Plan intentional follow-ups after service.·        Use personalized recognition—by name, by role, by impact.·        Share volunteer stories in annual reports and community messaging.Kirsten also addresses a long-standing sector taboo: asking volunteers to give financially. Her advice? Let the volunteer decide. Many already feel deeply connected to the mission and are primed for deeper engagement if offered meaningful opportunities.This is a must-watch for anyone building or revamping a volunteer program. 00:00:00 Welcome and guest intro 00:01:40 Kirsten’s credentials and new role at Bloomerang 00:03:00 The impact of formal nonprofit education 00:06:20 Defining volunteer clarity and role expectations 00:09:30 Orientation and onboarding strategies 00:11:00 Recognizing volunteers effectively 00:14:20 Tracking volunteer hours and value 00:16:30 Volunteers as non-monetary donors 00:20:00 Creating a follow-up plan post-volunteering 00:22:00 Should volunteers be asked for donations? 00:24:00 Personalized engagement based on behavior 00:27:00 Volunteer storytelling and long-term commitmentFind 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

As remote work settles into the nonprofit landscape, what does the future of flexible staffing really look like? Dana Scurlock, Director of Recruitment at Staffing Boutique, returns to unpack this pressing issue—and she doesn’t shy away from the complexity.Dana brings clarity to the evolution of work-from-home (WFH) culture. Initially a crisis response, WFH has now become a defining workplace feature—but not without its complications. “There's that last 20% that is still kind of missing when I have every one of my staff working from home,” she notes, identifying a growing tension between productivity and presence. Her insight? A hybrid future, tailored to roles and individuals, is the most sustainable path.“People realized how much work could actually be done from home—and how much they saved on commuting. But now the challenge is recapturing the good moments from the office without giving up the freedom we’ve gained.”Dana highlights the value of defining expectations early in the recruitment process, especially in a labor market where job candidates expect flexibility—and employers risk losing top talent if they can't deliver. She shares how Staffing Boutique remains nimble in supporting nonprofit clients with both temporary and direct-hire roles, ensuring cultural fit, skills alignment, and strategic placement.The conversation peers into overlooked topics: professionalism in Zoom culture, generational challenges in remote onboarding, and the need for virtual branding consistency. Dana encourages nonprofits to take remote work as seriously as in-office dynamics: “Maybe as an organization, everybody has the same background… there’s no reason branding can’t extend to Zoom.”Dana’s expertise shines in offering practical solutions: shared in-office days for hybrid teams, clear time zone and availability protocols, and setting up accountability systems before remote work begins. And she makes a compelling case for investing in younger or less experienced hires who may lack foundational office experience.Dana leaves us with a new lens on what it means to manage talent, connection, and output in a decentralized world. If your nonprofit is still navigating remote staffing, this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.00:00:00 Welcome and guest intro 00:02:00 What Staffing Boutique does for nonprofits 00:04:30 Nonprofit-specific recruiting: temp vs. permanent 00:06:45 Hiring in a crisis vs. planning ahead 00:08:00 How WFH reshaped staffing needs 00:10:20 The missing 20% of productivity 00:12:30 Why hybrid might be the best compromise 00:14:30 Who thrives in remote work—and who struggles 00:18:00 Structuring roles for remote success 00:20:00 Zoom professionalism and expectations 00:23:00 Branding consistency in remote meetings 00:26:45 Final tips for managing remote teams #NonprofitWorkforce #RemoteManagement #HybridStaffingFind 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

If setting fundraising goals gives you a headache, this episode of Fundraisers Friday is the relief you didn’t know you needed. Our cohosts unpack the complexities of data-informed goal setting with a mix of practicality, good humor, and insight born from the frontlines of nonprofit leadership.Right from the start, Tony Beall shares his signature "Magic 3" approach: “Three years of past performance is the sweet spot. Go further back, and the trends get stale.” It's not about choosing arbitrary numbers or crossing fingers for a miracle. It's about examining actual fundraising performance across all your revenue channels—events, major gifts, recurring donations—and understanding what those data points mean for the future.“Don’t just pick a number and yell ‘Bingo!’” Tony quips, debunking the idea that fundraising targets are about gut feelings or guesswork. Instead, he offers a framework where budget goals are built from pipeline reality, retention rates, and channel-specific growth capacity.Julia Patrick adds, “A lot of boards still think in binary—hit the number, you're a hero; miss it, you’re out. But it's so much more layered than that.” The two discuss how capacity building (staffing, tech, infrastructure) is too often overlooked in budgeting—even though it's the engine that powers results.The show also digs into predictive metrics, the future of AI tools in analysis, and the shifting cultural values around growth for growth’s sake—and packed with actionable advice, real-world insight, and a fresh reminder that data isn’t dry—it’s your path to smarter, saner fundraising.00:00:00 Welcome 00:01:31 Why fundraising goals cause stress 00:02:10 The “Magic 3” years: smarter goal planning 00:04:22 Breaking fundraising into revenue lanes 00:06:28 Identifying and solving fundraising gaps 00:08:48 The post-pandemic data reset 00:13:55 Capacity building vs program growth 00:22:01 Boards, ambition, and goal realism #DataDrivenFundraising #NonprofitGoals #CapacityBuildingFind 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

Auctions are far from obsolete—and the data proves it. We sit down with Karrie Wozniak, Chief Marketing Officer at OneCause, and Sarah Sebastian, Director of Corporate Communications, to dive into their comprehensive “State of Nonprofit Auctions” report. Backed by responses from over 1,000 donors and nonprofit professionals, this conversation might transform how you perceive auctions in today’s fundraising landscape.The core takeaway? Nonprofit auctions are not only surviving—they're thriving. According to the report, 77% of nonprofits saw consistent or increased auction revenue last year, and 90% expect that growth to continue. “Auction donors are some of the most generous people we see,” Karrie shares. “The average donation per auction donor is $529—more than double that of social donors.” That stat alone reframes the perceived value of auctions!!Even more compelling: the donor experience is changing. Gift cards, not fine art or rare collectibles, top the list of most bid-on items. “People want tangible, usable items,” adds Sarah. “Less than 20% of attendees are even interested in collectibles.” Their findings challenge long-held assumptions and provide a roadmap for curating auction items that attract a wide donor demographic.Technology, not surprisingly, is a game-changer. From outbid notifications to AI-style item suggestions, Gen Z and millennial donors are raising the bar. 65% of younger donors want real-time text updates, and 60% favor “Buy It Now” options. “These digital-first behaviors can’t be ignored,” Sarah says. “They signal expectations nonprofits need to meet to stay competitive.”The impact doesn’t end when the auction closes. The long-term data speaks volumes: 83% of attendees said they became annual donors, 64% would give monthly, and 91% said they’d make another one-time donation within the year. “This isn’t just about one night,” Karrie describes. “It’s a strategy for lifelong donor engagement.”From shifting generational preferences to the rise of hybrid events, this lively episode delivers useable ideas and data that will leave fundraisers rethinking their auction playbooks.00:00:00 Intro and Guest Welcome  00:01:28 What OneCause Does  00:03:54 Evolution of Auction Technology  00:06:22 Origins of the Auction Research  00:08:05 Do Auctions Still Work?  00:09:43 Auction Donors Are More Generous  00:13:05 Top Auction Items by Popularity  00:16:24 Everyday Donors and Item Accessibility  00:18:33 Virtual Auctions and Broader Reach  00:20:08 Long-Term Donor Engagement from Auctions  00:24:11 Generational Differences in Auction Behavior  00:26:47 How Many Items Should You Include?#NonprofitFundraising #AuctionStrategy #DonorBehaviorFind 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

We chat with Jeff Young, Senior Vice President at First Bank, about why your nonprofit absolutely needs a good banker—and it's probably not for the reasons you think. Jeff breaks down exactly why banks see nonprofits as desirable clients and how having a strong relationship with your banker can open doors to some unexpected benefits.Jeff shared that banks don't just see nonprofits as checking and savings accounts; they genuinely want to support organizations doing good in their communities. Surprisingly, there's even federal encouragement under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), where banks get ratings for their community engagement—so working with nonprofits actually helps banks, too. "Good banks want to do good for their communities," Jeff explains, "and what better way to do that than support the organizations that actually have boots on the ground?"But how do you make sure you're getting the most out of your banking relationship? Jeff emphasized asking the right questions—especially whether your bank has experience specifically working with nonprofits and if they offer special products like discounted fees and preferred rates. Also crucial is finding someone at the bank who genuinely believes in your mission. Jeff mentioned that bankers who truly connect with your organization's purpose will become internal advocates, helping secure better deals and even promoting your cause within their network.Should your banker join your nonprofit's board? It's possible, Jeff says, but proceed carefully. He highlights the importance of maintaining clear boundaries to avoid conflicts of interest, especially when it involves lending and financial incentives. A better practice might be for the banker to provide advice while another team member handles specific transactions.Jeff also clarified the roles of various financial professionals on nonprofit boards, explaining that accountants look at historical financials and compliance, investment professionals focus on asset management, and bankers are forward-looking, helping nonprofits strategically plan growth and manage risk. Having these diverse perspectives ensures stronger decision-making.Lastly, Jeff gives practical advice for organizations looking to deepen their banking relationships. Start with your local branch manager, ask about nonprofit-specific services, and leverage LinkedIn to find bankers already active in your community. He also encourages tapping your current board's network, as existing members often have strong banking relationships that can benefit your organization.The conversation wraps up with an engaging look at best practices for nonprofit financial management, highlighting that proactive, relationship-based banking is always better than reactive scrambling when problems arise. By building solid relationships with bankers early, nonprofits can secure more than just financial support—they gain committed partners who are truly invested in their success.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