The Nonprofit Show

In this Fundraisers Friday conversation, hosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall answer viewers questions, but also explore the vital importance of joy and authenticity within the nonprofit sector. Starting the fast-paced chat, the talk about the growing challenge of burnout, particularly among fundraising professionals, they offer up some strategies for stress management and maintaining personal authenticity amidst external pressures."There is a lot of joy in this work, despite the challenges," Tony says, in talking about the necessity of personal well-being in achieving sustainable success. Julia points to a notable trend: nonprofit leaders actively seeking joy by disengaging from stressful media, stepping away from negative news and crime dramas, and gravitating towards humor and fulfilling personal activities.Tony also introduces the powerful concept of fostering joy through intentional community gatherings, describing his local AFP chapter's decision to host events free of agendas or speakers, purely aimed at fostering genuine connections. Julia concurs, predicting that this innovative approach "is going to serve its members maybe better than they've ever served."Further into the conversation, they tackle the debated "Give or Get" board policy. Tony critically comments that true altruism from board members shouldn't require formal mandates, advocating instead for universal financial participation at any level. Julia offers a more nuanced viewpoint, acknowledging the potential limitations of such policies, quoting Sherry Quam Taylor who argues, "You leave money on the table" by setting strict minimum contributions.Throughout the discussion, Julia and Tony encourage fundraisers to thoughtfully define growth targets. They advise setting realistic, yet ambitious donor goals by assessing internal strengths and strategically leveraging them to maximize opportunities. Transitioning to skills crossover from for-profit to nonprofit sectors, Tony describes his support for sales professionals moving into fundraising, provided they have a passion for social impact, reinforcing that relationship-building remains pivotal across both spheres.Finally, addressing career progression, the duo explore the rising importance of the CFRE designation in the nonprofit fundraising space. Tony shares that CFRE is becoming increasingly expected as a professional standard, noting its role in elevating fundraisers' credibility. He humorously yet insightfully captures the trend: "More and more fundraisers see CFRE behind other people’s names and think, 'I'm missing out if I don't do this also.”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

Nonprofits face inevitable financial technology changes—often with fear and resistance. In this vibrant discussion, Co-Hosts Julia Patrick and Sherry Quam Taylor welcome Buu-Linh Tran, Senior Vice President of Financial Solutions at JMT Consulting, to demystify this daunting process. Buu-Linh emphasizes adopting a phased approach to make fintech transitions manageable and successful: "It’s always easier to swallow when you break it down into phases," she starts, reinforcing the necessity for gradual implementation to foster greater team acceptance.Buu-Linh describes how "your system is a continuous improvement," explaining how launching new technology is just the beginning. Ongoing adaptations, updates, and training are vital for maximizing a system’s effectiveness. This process isn’t limited solely to technology—it encompasses organizational policies, procedures, and even culture. She also addresses the critical step of the "cutover"—transitioning data from old systems to new—which must be methodically planned to minimize downtime and disruptions.A key challenge nonprofits encounter is communication between departments, particularly finance and fundraising. Systems integration is essential here. As Buu-Linh explains, seamless integration between donor management software and financial systems prevents discrepancies that confuse stakeholders, especially board members, who rely on unified dashboards that clearly show both financial performance and mission outcomes.Speaking to the timing concern for system transitions, Buu-Linh realistically acknowledges, "There's really no good time to change," but stresses the importance of choosing a period of least disruption. Her practical insights guide nonprofits on strategically scheduling changes to avoid peak periods, audits, budgeting, or major events.This informative conversation also highlights JMT Consulting’s Innovate 2025 conference, a dynamic annual gathering designed specifically for nonprofit finance professionals. Scheduled to be held in Nashville, it promises networking, technical training, and crucial thought leadership—creating powerful learning and collaborative opportunities."You really do need to get started," Buu-Linh urges us, encouraging nonprofits to proactively embrace fintech change as essential to organizational health and growth! #NonprofitTech #FinancialManagement #ChangeManagementFind 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

Learn how United Way leverages partnerships to annually reclaim tens of millions in refunds for San Diegans, dramatically impacting lives by providing stability, reducing stress, and fostering community strength.This lively chat with Nancy Sasaki, CEO of United Way of San Diego County, is about the transformative power of financial literacy. Nancy explains how United Way recognized financial stability as essential for community health. She begins with, “Financial security helps people feel stable and secure, and the pandemic clearly showed how critical this is.”Discussing their extraordinary collaborative effort through the Earned Income Tax Credit coalition with over 45 organizations, Nancy speaks to the surprising reality for underserved communities: “People who don't make much money often don’t think they'll get taxes back, but they absolutely can.”This enlightening conversation brilliantly connects community needs, financial empowerment, and nonprofit innovation.#FinancialLiteracy #CommunityImpact #UnitedWayFind 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

Cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall dig down into a topic that’s equal parts provocative and practical: the often chaotic intersection between nonprofit CEOs and fundraising.Right out of the gate, Julia sets the tone: “I've seen this occur and I continue to see it occur... the CEO position and fundraising chaos—it can be a little intense, right?” That word—chaos—rings true for many nonprofit leaders who juggle major gift asks, team oversight, and community expectations.But leave it to Tony to cut through the storm with clarity: “Initially, I would say... the CEO is not your primary fundraiser, but they are the one that has the ultimate accountability for the success of fundraising.” With that, the conversation takes off, weaving through structures, leadership styles, and evolving titles e.g. Chief Development Officer, all with real-world empathy and experience.Tony points to the need for strategic involvement: “Every donor is in your portfolio to some degree.” It’s not about micromanaging—it's about knowing when to step up and when to empower your team.And speaking of teams, Julia flags a common donor behavior that throws a wrench in delegation: “Higher level players want to meet with the decision-maker… they kind of discount the development people.” This dynamic often pressures CEOs to jump into ‘asks’, sometimes prematurely.Tony offers a smart fix: don’t surprise donors. “If we're bringing the CEO into the conversation, we need to do that before the ask.” It’s about future-focused cultivation, not last-minute theatrics.They also tackle a hot-button issue—bonuses. Tony doesn’t hold back: “My first reaction was: hell no.” But he tempers that with nuance, suggesting creative, non-cash incentives that support retention and morale.The episode also takes a heartful turn as Tony shares the trend of successful fundraisers being poached by the private sector: “They’ve moved into wealth management and financial advisor roles… that comparison is tough to compete with.”Packed with actionable thinking, reflective moments, and a dash of humor this convo is a must-watch for nonprofit teams assessing fundraising expectations. #NonprofitLeadership #FundraisingStrategy #CEOInsightsFind 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

When you think about finance in the nonprofit world, does your mind immediately jump to spreadsheets and budget reports? What if we told you that finance could be transformed into a compelling narrative—one that connects numbers to mission impact? That’s exactly what Neil Shah, an experienced interim CFO, is doing with nonprofit financial storytelling.Neil has spent years in the nonprofit sector, feeling the isolation that many CFOs experience. So, he took action, launching a nonprofit CFO roundtable where finance leaders could collaborate, share challenges, and gain insights from one another. “There aren’t a lot of opportunities for nonprofit CFOs to connect and learn from each other,” Neil shares. “I wanted to create a space where we could problem-solve together.”One of the biggest challenges in nonprofit finance? Helping leadership and boards understand financial data in a meaningful way. Too often, financial reports become a blur of numbers, leaving stakeholders disconnected from their organization’s financial reality. Neil argues that nonprofit CFOs must go beyond traditional reporting methods: “Financial storytelling is the blend of financial data and narrative—it’s about showing where an organization has been, where it is now, and where it’s going.”Neil talks about his methodology: By analyzing 10+ years of financial trends and utilizing AI tools, Neil helps organizations spot patterns that may be masked by one-time funding sources, such as PPP loans or emergency grants. Through clear charts, concise presentations, and a focus on only the most critical data points, he empowers nonprofit leaders to make informed strategic decisions.The magic happens when finance, development, and program teams work in sync, breaking down silos and aligning around a shared financial story. “Finance isn’t just about numbers—it’s about customer service within an organization,” Neil emphasizes. His approach transforms finance from a back-office function into a powerful tool for mission success.Want to shift how your organization communicates financial data? Check out Neil’s nonprofit CFO roundtable at cfogroups.com and start telling a financial story that inspires action!#NonprofitFinance #FinancialStorytelling #nonprofitboardsFind 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 a world often clouded by complexity, some journeys stand out as beacons of transformation and hope. This is the story of Andrea and Haril Kazindra, two young visionaries whose lives were forever changed by an internship and a friendship in Uganda, sparking the birth of Musana.org, an organization rewriting the rules of charitable giving.Andrea, just 20 and fresh from Colorado, found herself confronted with harsh realities in a Ugandan orphanage: children starving, stealing, and facing unimaginable hardships. Moved by the shocking discovery of corruption exploiting children's suffering for profit, she knew her path had changed forever. "I called my parents, I told them I'm not coming home—I'm staying to rescue these kids," Andrea shared passionately, and signifying the depth of her commitment.Meeting Andrea was transformative for Haril, too. He says, "Learning about her compassion and love for these children and wanting to fight for them to have a better life—that's what really touched me the most." Together, they uncovered a staggering truth: 80% of kids in orphanages worldwide aren't orphans but rather products of systemic poverty and exploitation.Realizing charity alone was insufficient, Andrea proffered, "Charity is not going to develop Africa. Business, enterprise, industry, investing in local people—that’s truly going to create impact.” This philosophy guided their innovative model that has now educated over 8,700 students and provided healthcare to hundreds of thousands of patients through community-built schools and hospitals, driven entirely by locally-generated income.Their story isn't just one of success—it's a profound reflection on humility and empowerment. Haril shares, "If people can overcome egos and pride, a lot can be accomplished," underscoring their approach of mutual respect, cultural exchange, and local empowerment.Now, Musana's radical mission addresses root causes of poverty by investing in sustainable enterprise, not dependency. Andrea powerfully re-affirms their core philosophy: "Charity has not developed any country—it’s business, enterprise, and industry that will create lasting change."The lessons from Musana challenge conventional philanthropy and call us to rethink our approach to global aid, emphasizing dignity, sustainability, and local ownership. #SocialEnterprise #CommunityEmpowerment #UgandaNonprofitsFind 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 conversation we speak with Marty Bird, Director of Marketing at JMT Consulting, about successful nonprofit conference marketing strategies. Marty reveals insights from 16 years of organizing "Innovate," a premier event bringing together nonprofit finance professionals.The conversation explores how JMT has strategically evolved its conference over time, leveraging partnerships and innovative marketing to position itself as a thought leader in nonprofit finance. This fast-paced dialog, with host Julia Patrick, provides a robust blueprint for nonprofits seeking to reinvigorate their event strategies post-pandemic.Emphasizing the importance of networking at in-person conferences, Marty shares, "The networking opportunities are endless...finance professionals can discuss personally with us or with their peers; they don’t feel so alone."Marty speaks to the significance of careful sponsor selection and the meticulous matching of clients with relevant sponsors, to enhance the experience for everyone involved. He also talks about the value of hiring experienced event planners and staying agile to adapt content to industry changes, saying, "We're giving them permission to talk to one another—to relate—and sometimes that's all it takes with introverted individuals."If you’re thinking or planning an ‘in-person’ event or conference, you’ll want to pay close attention to Marty’s savvy advice!#NonprofitEvents #ConferenceMarketing #nonprofitmarketingFind 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

Ever wonder what happens when creativity, heart, and savvy branding come together? Julia ‘Patrick’ and Kay ‘McDonald’ team up on Saint Patrick’s Day to deliver a spirited exploration of nonprofit cause marketing, shining a spotlight on the sparkling world of Charity Charms. As Julia quips, "What do you get when you have a McDonald and a Patrick coming together on Saint Patrick's Day? This is gonna be a barn burner!" True to her words, this conversation will ignite a spark of inspiration for you.Kay McDonald, founder and CEO of Charity Charms, ‘charmingly’ explains her innovative approach: turning nonprofit logos into wearable stories that connect supporters, nonprofits, and businesses. She highlights, "We encourage the charity to align with a corporation to underwrite their program," demonstrating the mutual benefits of purposeful collaboration. Julia adds, "As a business owner, we're always looking for ways we can align ourselves to things we believe in."From binary bracelets teaching STEM to young girls with the Dottie Rose Foundation, to empowering domestic violence survivors alongside Arizona Facial Plastics, Kay’s partnerships prove that branding can be both powerful and purposeful.Together, Julia and Kay dive into the essentials of strategic alignment, contracts, branding benefits, and the evolving expectation that businesses must contribute meaningfully to social good. Packed with humor, wit, and actionable insights, this session will charm anyone passionate about partnering business with social impact.#CauseMarketing #NonprofitInnovation #PurposeBrandingFind 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

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is becoming increasingly critical for both corporations and nonprofits. Our cohosts dig into the nuances and potential of CSR partnerships. Cohost Tony Beall begins by defining CSR as "what organizations commit to in terms of how they want to represent their brand to the community," encompassing environmental, ethical, social, philanthropic, and economic responsibilities.The duo discuss the strategic importance for fundraisers to understand these distinct CSR pillars to enhance their approaches. Cohost Julia Patrick admits, "I just lumped it all together," pointing to the common mistake nonprofits make. Tony expands on this concept, describing how nonprofits must align specifically with a company's CSR goals to effectively establish mutually beneficial relationships.The discussion explores the intersection between CSR and cause marketing. Tony differentiates the two clearly: "CSR is focused on doing good as part of the business operation…cause-related marketing is how you express what's happening, how you engage customers."Ethical alignment also becomes central in the conversation, citing the value for nonprofits to choose corporate partners whose activities align with their mission and values. Julia speaks to the weight of ethical decisions and the challenge when nonprofit leaders reject lucrative but misaligned partnerships. Tony concurs strongly, remarking, "You have to have those standards within your organization." The two also talk about the practical need for clearly articulated agreements through ‘Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs)’, described as a necessary "formal handshake". This formality, rather than inhibiting relationships, provides clarity and aligns expectations, further nurturing  a more sustainable corporate partnership. Finally, they emphasize relationship nurturing and the critical importance of asking corporate sponsors about their reporting and engagement preferences. Tony says powerfully: "It is so important that we understand what is valuable and important and motivates the individual donors and the corporate supporters."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

Nonprofits, the landscape is shifting under your feet, and the urgency to act has never been clearer. Hatsy Cutshall, Director of Government Awards Management at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), joined us to deliver an urgent message: communication and clarity are your best defense in these chaotic times. With executive orders rapidly reshaping your funding environment, understanding the roles of federal agencies such as the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is no longer optional—it's crucial for survival. Hatsy emphasizes, “Never assume that if you've got questions, don't assume one way or the other. Ask those questions because it's better to know up front.” The federal funding landscape is complex, and failure to act proactively can result in detrimental consequences.Hatsy highlights the critical importance of proactive communication with federal program officers, underscoring their role as partners rather than adversaries. Nonprofits should connect with these officers to clarify expectations, understand legal jargon in contracts, and adapt programs quickly in response to shifting circumstances. According to Hatsy, "Program officers are there to partner with you and help you succeed.”This chaotic environment doesn’t only affect nonprofits directly receiving federal funds. Hatsy clearly warns that the impact trickles down, influencing state and local funding channels. Every nonprofit is vulnerable. Ignoring the warning signs can lead to missed opportunities, funding losses, and compliance disasters. The time to engage is now. Reach out proactively, communicate clearly, and build strategic relationships with federal program officers who are your allies, not your adversaries!#NonprofitAlert #FederalFundingFind 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