The Nonprofit Show

Ryan O'Donnell, founder of GiveSunlight.org, brings forward powerful insights on the intersection of technology and social good, particularly in foster care. His deep experience in both the tech and nonprofit sectors, especially as a foster parent, enriches his approach to building systems that support vulnerable children. Ryan’s vision for Sunlight—improving America’s broken social safety net—accentuating his mission to modernize outdated structures and ensure that people can access the help they need more efficiently.Watch on video!The foster care segment is a cornerstone of this varied discussion with Show host Julia Patrick. Ryan poignantly highlights the flaws in the child welfare system, from archaic tools like paper notebooks and fax machines to the inefficiencies in helping families stay together. He shares his personal journey as a foster parent, emphasizing how the lack of communication and outdated systems left him unable to provide clear answers to his foster son about reunification with his biological family. His emotional connection drives his commitment to developing technology that puts children and families at the center of the solution.Sunlight’s case plan tool aims to streamline communication among the many parties involved in foster care, such as social workers, attorneys, foster parents, and biological families. By introducing a digital platform, Sunlight is working to replace the fragmented and bureaucratic systems with an intuitive app that enables secure, real-time messaging, document uploads, and better collaboration. This innovation, Ryan believes, can help expedite the process of reuniting families and prevent children from languishing in the system.Ryan’s approach is not just about leveraging technology for the sake of efficiency but about using it to foster empathy and better outcomes for children. His unique perspectives of personal experience and technological expertise positions him to create real, impactful change in a system that is crying out for innovation. This thoughtful intersection of mission and method holds great promise for transforming foster care in the U.S. and ensuring that more children find the stability and love they deserve.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

This informative conversation, featuring Dr. Daniel Donoho, explores the powerful intersection of technology and the nonprofit sector, showcasing the groundbreaking work being done by his organization, Surgical Data Science Collective (SurgicalVideo.io). As a pediatric and adult neurosurgeon, Dr. Donoho applies his expertise in surgical procedures to develop technologies that enhance patient care on a global scale. His organization brings together surgeons, computer scientists, and global health advocates, all working toward one mission: improving surgical outcomes through innovative use of data.Watch on video!One of the key big topics discussed, with co-hosts Wendy Adams and Julia Patrick, is the lack of accessible "game tape" for surgeons to review post-operation. Dr. Donoho likens this to how athletes review game footage to improve performance, lamenting that "surgeons actually have great difficulty in getting that game tape, despite the fact that it can literally be life-saving for their upcoming patients." This statement describes the gap in current medical practices and the potential for data-driven tools to revolutionize surgical training and patient safety.Dr. Donoho continues, pointing to the importance of maintaining trust, privacy, and security when integrating technology into medical practice, a challenge that historically slows the adoption of these tools in healthcare. He notes, "We know how powerful it is...and particularly in this age of increasing computational techniques, algorithms and software...it's really imperative that we start to find sensitive, privacy-preserving, secure ways of understanding these critical events." His team’s approach prioritizes patient confidentiality while harnessing the power of data to improve surgical care.This informative session demonstrates how nonprofit organizations, especially those leveraging technology, drive social change by overcoming systemic barriers like data privacy concerns. Dr. Donoho’s organization pioneers a new model for nonprofits, one that is not only mission-driven but also highly collaborative, striving to make surgery safer for future generations. The integration of technology into nonprofit work promises to become a fundamental way to foster trust, collaboration, and innovation in addressing global health challenges.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

From the pressures of meeting goals to the high-stress demands of fundraising, this conversation centers on how important it is to integrate wellness into the culture of nonprofit organizations. Cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall look into an essential topic that’s often overlooked in the nonprofit sector: the wellness of fundraisers!Watch on video!Julia kicks off the discussion with a candid reflection on how a short holiday break can sometimes feel more like an extra burden than a relief, saying, “Sometimes I feel like that day off just creates, like, two days more of work and stress.” This observation sets the stage for an informative conversation about the mental and physical wellness challenges that fundraisers face, especially when their schedules get jam-packed with both external demands and personal expectations.Tony speaks about the growing recognition of the need for wellness initiatives in the workplace, stating, “Folks, employers, employees are willing to look at ways to invest in our wellness both body and mind.” He points to the shift happening in organizations where wellness is becoming not just a perk but a priority.As they continue, Julia mentions a significant issue: fundraisers are often left out of wellness conversations, leading to burnout and turnover, commenting, “We don’t talk about this enough with our fundraisers. And then we wonder why they’re burned out and leaving.”Tony adds that wellness should be part of professional development, not an afterthought. He offers, “It does start at the top, and it is something that is super important.” Leadership's role in fostering a culture where wellness is prioritized is pivotal, and Tony goes on to encourage nonprofits to embrace low-cost wellness options, like mindfulness apps or group activities, that can still yield a high return on investment for both the team and the organization.In this fun and informative episode, the message is clear: wellness isn’t just about reducing stress occuring now or adding perks. It’s about creating a sustainable, supportive environment where fundraisers—and the entire team—can thrive. As Julia eloquently concludes, “Stay well, so you can do well.” It’s a call to action for nonprofit leaders to invest in the well-being of their teams, ensuring long-term success for both individuals and the causes they serve.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

Online fundraising has revolutionized the way nonprofits engage with donors and raise funds. As traditional in-person events face limitations, NPO’s are increasingly turning to digital platforms, such as online raffles, to expand their reach and efficiency. This evolution is exemplified by platforms like Chance2Win.org, which provides nonprofits a seamless way to host digital raffles, ensuring not only increased participation but also more organized and traceable results.Watch on video!Heather Hammons, a fundraising coach at Chance2Win, explains how online fundraising simplifies processes and improves the experience for nonprofits and their donors. She begins with. . ."With online fundraising, that ticket number is automatically generated for the customer, emailed directly to them, and put into reporting for you online,", eliminating the traditional hassle of managing paper tickets, so nonprofit staff no longer need to worry about lost tickets, duplicate numbers, or illegible handwriting.One of the big advantages of digital fundraising is its ability to expand an organization’s donor base. As Heather points out, sharing a unique raffle URL via social media, email campaigns, or text messages allows nonprofits to reach a much larger audience. Whether it's out-of-state family, distant supporters, or local community members who wouldn’t typically attend an event, everyone can now participate more easily from wherever they are.Heather also describes how the data management aspect of online raffles is a game-changer. Organizations gain access to valuable donor reports, including contact details, purchase history, and even how participants heard about the event. This lets nonprofits re-engage donors effectively and can connect future campaigns based on real-time insights versus traditional raffle methods that fail to capture donor information.With cohosts Wendy Adams and Julia Patrick, you’ll learn from Heather how digital fundraising not only simplifies operations but also opens the door to increased donor engagement and more fundraising 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

A treasure trove of insights for anyone involved in the world of nonprofit grant writing.  You’ll learn a lot from this vibrant conversation between host Julia Patrick and Libby Hikind, the founder and CEO of Grant Watch, affectionately known as the "Queen of Grants." Libby shares her revolutionary approach to grant writing, emphasizing the ‘role of passion’ in crafting compelling proposals.Watch on video!Libby discusses her book, which has quickly gained recognition, and reveals how the moniker "Queen of Grants" evolved from a podcast introduction to the title of her acclaimed book. As she begins her wisdom on grant writing, she says, "Your passion has to jump off the page and the reader has to buy in to what you're saying. If it's just clinical, right, if it's just these needs and a bunch of statistics, it's not engaging."Julia and Libby chat about the core principles of effective grant writing, highlighting Libby's innovative PMF approach—Passion, Maps, and Folders. Libby explains that while clinical data is important, it’s the infusion of passion that makes a grant proposal stand out. She insists, "Passion maps and folders say it all. Your grant is an elevator pitch. Your passion has to be in there, and all the extraneous stuff needs to be trimmed away."The discussion takes a pragmatic turn as Libby explains how to balance passion with precise data, using real-world examples and personal anecdotes. She points to the importance of aligning your grant proposal with the mission and vision of the funding source, saying, "If their mission and vision is not what you're interested in, why are you applying for the grant?" Libby also focuses on the need for consistency of communication across your nonprofit organization in order to avoid mismatches that could undermine your application’s effectiveness.As you watch, Libby offers invaluable advice on the significance of relationships in the grant-writing process. Her enthusiasm for success is contagious!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

Jen Boland, founder of Boland Solutions, talks about the strategic application of incremental testing to enhance nonprofit fundraising efforts. The discussion centers on how nonprofits can use data-driven approaches to optimize their marketing strategies, particularly by employing incremental and lift testing.Watch on video! Jen begins this engaging conversation, with host Julia Patrick, by explaining her background and the focus of her work, explaining how many organizations overvalue certain marketing channels, particularly those that are more about demand capture rather than demand generation. She stresses the importance of correctly interpreting data to ensure that fundraising efforts are effectively allocated. Jen says, "Overvaluing channels that really are demand capture channels and not demand generation channels... probably over investing in the wrong tactics and under investing in the right tactics."The conversation then explores the BEATS model, a framework Jen adapted from the for-profit sector, which stands for Business Financials, Experiments, Analytics, Technology, and Surveys. The model is designed to help nonprofits better understand the incremental value of their marketing efforts. A key part of the discussion is on the role of experiments, particularly lift testing, which involves testing different marketing strategies to determine their true incremental value. This is crucial because traditional metrics like last-click attribution can often be misleading. As Jen notes, "If we don’t test into higher spend, if we don’t test into different types of creative, we will never know the true incrementality of our marketing efforts."The talk between the two highlights the challenges nonprofits face in accurately measuring the effectiveness of their marketing channels. Jen speaks about the use of simple tools like Excel to conduct these tests, arguing that even smaller organizations can benefit from these insights. She encourages nonprofits to challenge their assumptions by conducting withholding tests, particularly on branded paid search ads, to see if these expenditures are truly necessary or if they could be better allocated to more effective channels.This informative episode provides nonprofit professionals with a comprehensive overview of how to apply incremental testing to their fundraising strategies. By adopting a data-driven approach, nonprofits can make more informed decisions that ultimately lead to more efficient and effective fundraising outcomes.  Learn more from Jen at BolandSolutions.comFind 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

Preparing for an annual performance review is pivotal, especially in the nonprofit sector. Setting clear goals early is vital for meaningful discussions. Documentation of achievements throughout the year helps highlight successes during the review. Open communication with supervisors enhances transparency, while self-advocacy ensures your contributions are recognized. Embracing challenges and viewing feedback positively fosters growth and aligns personal development with organizational goals. Continuous learning and mentorship are crucial for thriving in nonprofit careers.

A Case for Support is a vital tool for any nonprofit organization striving to clearly convey its mission and impact to donors and stakeholders. Investing time and effort into developing a thoughtful, well-structured Case for Support is a strategic move that pays dividends in the long run. It simplifies communication, strengthens donor relationships, and ultimately propels your organization’s mission forward. In this learning episode, nonprofit experts Julia Patrick and Sherry Quam Taylor, along with communications strategist Erin Straza, discussed the significance of creating a compelling Case for Support and the transformative role it can play. Watch on video!A Case for Support is more than just a document; it is a powerful narrative that tells the story of your nonprofit in a way that resonates deeply with donors. As Erin Straza so beautifully put it, "Your case for support is a narrative. It is telling your nonprofit's story for the donor, explaining why your work is essential and how their partnership makes a difference." This narrative acts as a foundation, from which all other communications and fundraising materials are built, ensuring a unified message that echoes across various platforms. A well-crafted Case for Support typically comprises 4 essential sections: Crisis or Problem Statement: This section paints a picture of the challenges your organization is dedicated to addressing. It outlines the urgency and relevance of these issues, grounding them in credible data and compelling stories. Erin highlights this section, noting that while some nonprofits worry about focusing too much on the negative, it is crucial to help donors understand the pressing nature of the problems at hand. Without this, donors may not fully grasp the necessity of their support. Solution and Approach: This part showcases your organization’s unique approach to solving the problems. It details the programs and strategies you’ve developed, demonstrating your expertise and your passion and commitment. Here, the story shifts from problem to solution, providing a sense of hope and direction that can inspire donors to become part of the change. Impact Evidence: Nothing speaks louder than results. This section connects the dots between donor contributions and real-world outcomes, illustrating how their support directly fuels positive change. By weaving in success stories and measurable impact, you help donors see the difference they are making, reinforcing their trust and engagement. As Erin wisely noted, "Providing donors that sense that when they give, something changes, helps them feel that their gift is not just needed, but that it is truly making a difference." Call to Action and Funding Needs: Finally, the Case for Support culminates in a clear and compelling call to action. This section lays out exactly how donors can contribute and what their funds will achieve. It’s where all the elements come together, encouraging immediate action and illustrating the potential for even greater impact through continued support. 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

This conversation gives a critical call to action for nonprofits to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their operations and donor relationships in the digital age. Host Julia Patrick engages with Jennifer Blasy from Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC.com) to explore the dangerous fraud risks associated with digital giving apps in the nonprofit sector. As nonprofits increasingly turn to digital platforms to facilitate donations, the conversation outlines the critical robust internal controls needed to mitigate fraud risks. Watch on video!Jennifer Blasy, who brings a wealth of experience as a forensic accountant and a consultant for numerous nonprofits, describes the vulnerabilities these organizations face as they adopt new digital fundraising tools. She points out that while digital giving apps offer convenience, they also open the door to potential fraud if not properly managed. "We want to encourage digital giving," Jennifer notes, "but it's crucial to tap the brakes and ensure that we are thoughtful about how we're accepting money and protecting both the organization and its donors." One of the big challenges discussed is the use of cash apps for donations, particularly at off-site events or through personal devices. Jennifer highlights the value of using organizational accounts for such transactions to maintain the validity of tax deductions and avoid mismanagement. She explains, "You may have multiple different people using these apps if they're off-site, and you want to ensure they are using company devices, not their own personal devices, to prevent any mishandling of funds." The two also dig into the alarming practice of fraudsters using nonprofit websites to test stolen credit cards. Nonprofits are often targeted because credit card companies are less likely to flag donations as fraudulent, giving scammers more time to exploit the stolen information. Jennifer offers, "Nonprofits can be on the hook for returning the gifts and transaction processing fees, which can be a significant financial burden, especially if thousands of transactions are involved." As the discussion concludes, Jennifer shares a poignant reminder: "The best advice we can give is to make yourself a hard target. If things take a little longer or seem more complicated, most fraudsters are going to abandon you and move on to someone a lot easier."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

Innovative approaches to strategic planning in the nonprofit sector using artificial intelligence (AI). The discussion, with guest Mike Burns, co-founder and CEO of StratSimple,   introduces StratSimple as a tool designed to simplify strategic planning through the use of AI, with the goal to make strategic planning more accessible and less intimidating for nonprofits. Mike starts with "about half of nonprofits don't have any strategic plan at all," a statistic that amplifies the need for simpler, more efficient planning processes. Watch on video! The informative discussion begins with assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led many organizations to abandon or reconsider traditional long-term strategic plans, with Mike commenting that "a three to five-year planning cycle just doesn't work nowadays,"  as he advocates instead for a more dynamic, one-year planning approach with a long-term vision. A big part of the discussion is the use of AI in strategic planning. Mike explains, "We use AI in a couple of major places. We use it to do our actual interviews and for coaching to set goals." However, he describes that while AI can automate many aspects of planning, the human element remains crucial, particularly in areas like facilitation and negotiation. Mike, and host Julia Patrick, also talk about the concept of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), a goal-setting framework that shifts focus from activities to outcomes. Mike describes OKRs as "a complete cultural game changer," noting how they empower teams by allowing them to figure out how to achieve the desired results rather than simply following a predefined checklist. This is a very informative session on the importance of strategic planning in driving nonprofit success. Mike ends with encouraging organizations to embrace new methods that are more adaptable to the fast-paced changes in today’s environment, aptly putting it, "Strategy is about saying no to the right things so that you're focused on the few."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