The Nonprofit Show

Explore the evolving dynamics of the "fundraising pie" and how nonprofits can carve out a larger slice by embracing innovation and thinking beyond traditional methods.  In a vibrant chat about the shifting landscape of nonprofit fundraising, host Julia Patrick sits down with Ben Erwin, CEO of Charity Buzz. Watch on video!Ben is a seasoned expert at the intersection of technology, entertainment, commerce, and charity, and he talks about the need for new approaches in fundraising. "The charity sector has so much growth in front of it," he begins. "It’s incumbent on all of us to figure out ways to incentivize innovation and raise more money." Charity Buzz stands out in this space by offering donors exclusive, money-can’t-buy experiences while raising funds for various charitable organizations. These experiences, ranging from intimate evenings with celebrities like George Clooney to luxury travel packages, appeal to a donor base eager for unique opportunities. Ben tells Julia, "What we do is increase the size of the pie by offering up customers, donors, and philanthropists really unique, in most cases, money-can’t-buy experiences—all in support of terrific charitable organizations." The informative conversation looks into the challenges nonprofits face in a crowded sector with limited resources. Ben points out that while the percentage of GDP donated to charity in the U.S. remains stagnant at around 2% for decades, the number of charities has skyrocketed. This situation makes it increasingly difficult for individual organizations to secure a meaningful portion of the available funds. "We need to think outside and innovate beyond just going out to our existing donor base every day, every week, every month," he says. "We clearly need to do more if we want to get that 2% to grow and adequately fund the charity sector." Ben’s views bring to light the importance of creativity and adaptability in fundraising. By leveraging technology and offering experiences that appeal to the modern donor, Charity Buzz is helping nonprofits reach new audiences and generate additional revenue streams. The key takeaway you’ll appreciate from this episode? Nonprofits must look at the whole pie, not just their piece, and innovate to grow their impact.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

The often-controversial topic of incentivizing fundraisers. A pointed discussion revealing the complexities and challenges nonprofits face in retaining top talent in fundraising roles, where turnover rates are alarmingly high, with the average tenure of a professional fundraiser lasting only 16 to 19 months. Hosted by Julia Patrick, CEO of the American Nonprofit Academy, and Tony Beall, a renowned thought leader in the nonprofit sector.Watch on video!Tony starts with the comment that before even considering incentives, organizations must establish clear policies, processes, and measurements for success. He metaphorically refers to incentives as "the icing on the cake," explaining that the foundational layers—such as well-defined job descriptions, performance metrics, and annual reviews—are critical to creating a meaningful incentive structure. Tony’s approach is rooted in practicality and experience, citing that incentives alone cannot solve the retention problem if these basic elements are missing. A key takeaway from this enlightening chat is Tony's focus on creating a "workplace of joy," a concept often overlooked in traditional discussions about incentives. He highlights the importance of fostering an environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and happy, which can be a powerful incentive in itself. As Tony puts it, "Creating this workplace and just a place of joy is a huge incentive for folks." The conversation also explores the broader impact of organizational culture on fundraising success. Julia reflects on the disconnect between the board's focus on revenue goals and the day-to-day realities of fundraisers, who are often judged solely on their ability to meet financial targets. This binary approach, where fundraisers either "win or lose," contributes to the high turnover and dissatisfaction in the field. Tony and Julia agree that a holistic approach is needed—one that includes both financial and non-cash incentives, such as time off, volunteer days, and professional development opportunities. They discuss the potential for personalized incentives, acknowledging that what motivates one individual may not work for another. The challenge, as Tony notes, is to find a balance that ensures equity and access across the organization.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 deeply personal and inspiring conversation with Alex Shwarzstein, a resilient nonprofit professional and cancer survivor. This conversation, titled "Working Through Cancer Treatment," highlights the incredible journey of Alex, who has faced cancer not once but three times, all while maintaining her professional life in the nonprofit sector. Watch on video!Co-host Julia Patrick opens the discussion by expressing gratitude for Alex's courage in sharing her story. "I think you're brave in just this part of your life. Just to actually witness to us what it's like," Julia remarks, setting the stage for an emotional and enlightening conversation. Alex, a seasoned fundraiser, recounts her journey into the nonprofit world. At just 23, she realized her passion for championing causes and raising funds, leading her to a career in development. However, her path took an unexpected turn when she was first diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare pediatric cancer, just shy of her 24th birthday. Despite the grueling treatment process, Alex's determination never wavered. "I didn't want to be treated like I was made of glass," she shares, emphasizing her desire to maintain a sense of normalcy and strength. The conversation takes a poignant turn as Alex discusses her subsequent cancer diagnoses in 2022 and 2023, and the transformative impact they had on her life and career. "I've come to a point where I've now accepted that cancer is an ongoing part of my life and, while at 24 I wanted it to have nothing to do with my identity, at this point in my life that is unavoidable and I'm just embracing it," Alex states, reflecting her profound resilience and acceptance. Alex shares the evolution of her approach to her illness and her work. Initially, she was very private about her cancer, but over time, she learned the power of vulnerability and community. "When you're vulnerable and you open yourself up to someone, you're building a connection and a bridge or strengthening a connection that was already there in a way that you really can't otherwise," Alex explains, pointing to the value of authentic relationships in her professional and personal life. Co-host Sherry Quam Taylor echoes the admiration for Alex's strength and authenticity. "I applaud you for owning every aspect of yourself and letting us see that and learn from you through this journey," she says, highlighting the inspirational nature of Alex's story. Alex reflects on the many things she learned and the astonishing empowerment she derived from such profound experiences, inspiring us all with her lessons on facing challenges with courage, determination and grace.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

Understanding and effectively managing leadership gifts can significantly impact a nonprofit's fundraising success. By leveraging digital tools and incorporating AI, organizations can foster deeper relationships with donors and enhance their overall fundraising strategy.  Host Julia Patrick has a conversation with Nick Fitz, Founder and CEO of Momentum. The discussion centered around the concept of leadership gifts in the nonprofit sector, particularly focusing on the strategies and nuances of leveraging these gifts for organizational growth and impact. Watch on video!Nick begins by introducing Momentum, a platform designed to manage donor relationships more effectively, which aids in planning and executing donor interactions, making it a valuable tool for various organizational roles, from development staff to C-Suite executives. Leadership gifts, as Nick explains, occupy a unique space between annual funds and major gifts. These gifts typically range between $1,000 to $10,000 for mid-sized organizations but can be significantly higher for larger institutions. Leadership gifts are characterized by their efficiency; though only 5-10% of donors might fall into this category, they can contribute 20-30% of the total funds raised.  Nick elaborates on the importance of identifying and prospecting potential leadership donors with the same rigor applied to major gift portfolios. He points out that while leadership donors might not require the same level of individualized attention as major donors, they still benefit from personalized and frequent interactions, saying, "It's worth doing a bunch of analysis basically on this, the fact that their last gift was 50K doesn't necessarily predict that they're going to be a major, major donor." The conversation also digs into the community aspect of leadership giving. Unlike major donors who often focus on their individual impact, leadership donors can be engaged collectively. Nick describes how creating events or opportunities that bring these donors together can enhance their sense of belonging and commitment to the cause. Another big topic the two discuss is the role of AI in fundraising, mentioned how AI can significantly enhance fundraising efforts by predicting donor behavior, drafting communications, and processing natural language to automate administrative tasks.  Learn more; GiveMomentum.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

You'll enjoy this rich conversation about the multifaceted challenges UK charities face, from funding and financial stability to technological adoption, data management, human-centered design, and labor issues, with Michael Wilkinson, Product Director of TorchBox.com. Michael brings a global perspective to the discussion, with host Julia Patrick, elaborating on the similarities and differences between nonprofits in the US and UK. Watch on video!One of the main challenges is the "mismatch between funding and project goals." Michael notes that many UK charities struggle to secure funding for new digital initiatives due to outdated funding sources that don’t align with modern digital needs. "A lot of charities get their funding from grants, trusts, and foundations, which haven't caught up with the needs of charities in the modern digital era," Michael says. This funding gap makes it hard for charities to support vital digital projects, exacerbated by funders' lack of understanding of digital outcomes and the non-fundability of back-office costs essential for digital service delivery. Another significant issue Michael speaks to is the "financial downturn" impacting charities' abilities to launch and sustain projects. The economic volatility has led to the pausing or cancellation of many initiatives. However, Michael remains optimistic, citing a recent survey where 75% of the UK public reported donating to a nonprofit in the last three months, indicating potential for recovery and growth in charitable giving. The struggle to keep up with technological changes is a universal challenge, but it’s particularly pronounced for UK charities with limited resources and leadership knowledge in emerging technologies like AI. Michael says, "Only half of UK charities say they have any kind of digital strategy, and only 14% feel it's embedded in their organization." This lack of strategic direction in digital adoption hampers their ability to innovate and stay relevant. Michael continues, saying that data privacy and security also present unique challenges in the UK, where stringent privacy laws limit how charities can use personal information. Michael contrasts this with the more lenient data usage practices in countries like Mexico, emphasizing the importance of responsible data management for UK charities. Human-centered design approaches are another area where UK charities are leading by example. Torch Box's focus to designing with the user in mind often results in better problem-solving. Michael shares, "When you do manage to persuade people to invest a little bit in researching the people and designing around their needs, the magic happens." Finally, labor issues, particularly post-pandemic flexible working policies, are reshaping the sector. UK charities embracing flexible working see increased interest from candidates, while those using traditional models face hiring challenges, plus the growing competition from socially progressive commercial companies makes it harder for charities to attract talent. 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 provocative session sheds light on the complexities of managing nonprofit organizations in a divided society and offering practical insights into fostering unity and channeling outrage towards constructive outcomes. Through her unconventional methods and business-oriented mindset, Deborah Cribbs, of GiveThemTen.org, demonstrates how even the most contentious issues amongst nonprofits can be tackled with innovation and collaboration.  Watch on video!Deborah starts by explaining the origins of her organization, Give Them Ten, which is dedicated to the health and safety of cats in Cincinnati. Despite the seemingly niche focus, her insights quickly reveal broader implications. "We are bankers, we're businesspeople. So, we approach the idea of cat welfare a little differently," Cribbs notes, highlighting how her team’s business acumen has influenced their strategies that support nonprofits.  The conversation moves towards the concept of the "outrage machine," a term that has become ubiquitous in today's polarized society. Deborah describes this phenomenon, pointing out, "Everybody's outraged about something. And right now, in this great nation, we're all outraged, kind of about the same thing, but on different sides of the fence." She connects this societal trend to her work with animal shelters, illustrating how initial resistance and entrenched competition among shelters were significant hurdles. The discussion intensifies as Deborah recounts the painstaking process of uniting disparate shelter groups into a cohesive coalition. "They saw each other as competitors. Everybody's fighting for the same donor dollar," she explains. Despite this, Deborah and her team managed to foster a spirit of collaboration by emphasizing mutual benefits and leveraging financial incentives. "Once they realized that others could help them solve their problems as an emergency, like kind of in crisis mode... that's the muscle memory that made it sustainable," she describes. The two also explore the role of social media in amplifying both outrage and positive change. Deborah points to the value of professional social media strategies in the nonprofit sector, stating, "It's the least expensive method of communication with the public, and it so happens to be the most effective." Towards the end of the conversation, Deborah addresses the challenge of overcoming fear and division within organizations. She candidly shares her approach: "I'm going to let you say your baggage one more time about each other. If you want to. And actually they did speak up... And then we said no more. We don't want to hear about it anymore." This fast-paced conversation will open your eyes to the possibilities that might be right in front of you already.   Enjoy!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

The balance of maintaining healthy donor relationships while being prepared to make tough decisions when necessary.  This robust conversation sheds light on the delicate balance between donor engagement and organizational integrity. Our cohosts talk about how to create comprehensive gift acceptance policies and to handle donor releases with respect and transparency. Watch on video!Cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall jump into a challenging topic: when is it okay to release a donor? Julia begins by recalling the concept of "bless and release," introduced to her by Terry Axelrod, which emphasizes letting go of donors who no longer align with the organization’s goals or values. Understanding the Concept of Releasing a Donor Tony Beall shares his thoughts on the subject, highlighting the importance of maintaining donor relationships but recognizing when it's necessary to part ways. "I'd like to think of it more as redirecting a donor than releasing a donor," Tony says. He emphasizes the importance of redirecting donors to other organizations where their interests and values might align better. Julia and Tony agree that parting ways with a donor should be handled with dignity and respect. Tony stresses, "When we talk about releasing a donor, it's important to do so with the highest level of dignity and respect for the individual." Scenarios That Might Lead to Releasing a Donor The conversation then shifts to specific scenarios that might necessitate releasing a donor. Tony points out that issues often arise with higher-level donors who may overstep their boundaries. "A high-level donor might want to make decisions around staffing or the direction of a program, which can blur the lines of their contribution," he explains. Julia adds an example from her community, where a major donor’s source of wealth conflicted with the organization’s values, leading to a refusal of a transformative gift. Handling Controversial Gifts The two touch on how organizations handle controversial gifts. Julia shares a story about a donor whose substantial gift was debated due to the nature of his business. The board ultimately decided against accepting the donation, despite its potential to transform the organization. Tony suggests that having a clear gift acceptance policy can prevent such conflicts. Donor Agreements and Ethical Considerations Tony and Julia discuss the value of donor agreements, particularly in naming rights and major gifts, to protect both the organization and the donor. Tony highlights, "Whenever I've been involved in naming anything, there has always been a donor agreement with clauses for various scenarios." Watch this episode now, before you might have to confront a situation!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

By focusing on quality assurance, building relationships with funders, and understanding funders' past behaviors, nonprofits can significantly enhance their chances of winning grants and achieving long-term sustainability.  Watch this informative conversation into the nuances of grant writing, the importance of quality assurance, and strategies to increase the likelihood of securing funding. Amanda Stonerock, CEO of StonerockMT.com, leads a team of experts scattered across the globe, providing grant writing, strategic planning, and fundraising services to nonprofits and small businesses. Her approach focuses on creating sustainability and structure within organizations to help them succeed in the competitive grant landscape. Watch on video!One of the critical aspects Amanda emphasizes is the importance of a "grant quality assurance review." She explains, “What I start to do is give me your information and show me what you have in your grants so that I can help you target your language and the story that adheres to the requirements of the grant application.” This process ensures that every detail aligns with the grantor's expectations, improving the chances of success. Amanda also points to the necessity of relationship building with funders. Despite the increasing digitalization of grant applications, she believes that personal connections remain crucial. She advises organizations to go beyond the portal submissions by picking up the phone and scheduling conversations with funders. She notes, “Picking up the phone and scheduling, you know, a Zoom or a Teams or some sort of online meeting is essential. Just having that verbal communication,  . . . .is important, even if there’s a portal.” Another key strategy Amanda discusses with host Julia Patrick,  is the importance of understanding the funder's past grant decisions. Amanda reveals her method of reviewing a funder's 990 forms to get insights into their funding history, which helps nonprofits align their proposals with the funder's priorities, again, increasing the likelihood of a positive response. Amanda's company boasts a success rate of 78 to 86% on grants, significantly higher than the industry average of 20 to 40%. This success is attributed to their thorough front-end work and ongoing relationship management with funders. She takes the time in this learning episode to explain the importance of targeting the right opportunities and avoiding the common mistake of trying to fit a nonprofit’s needs into a funder’s priorities without proper alignment.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

The role that Charity Watch plays in ensuring that nonprofit organizations operate with transparency, efficiency, and responsibility, with guest Laurie Styron, the CEO and Executive Director of Charity Watch, a watchdog organization dedicated to holding nonprofits accountable. Watch on video!Laurie begins by explaining the organization's mission to create a level playing field for charities. "We're the only truly independent charity watchdog organization in the United States," she states. "We deeply analyze the financial information of charities to ensure that resources are directed to those making the most significant impact." Charity Watch's rigorous methodology involves scrutinizing consolidated audited financial statements and tax filings. This thorough analysis helps to detect inaccuracies and ensure that charities cannot manipulate their reporting to appear more favorable. The organization publishes ratings on an A+ to F scale, helping donors understand how efficiently their contributions will be utilized. Additionally, Charity Watch provides metrics on governance and transparency, further aiding donors in making informed decisions. One of the standout parts of Charity Watch's work is its collaboration with journalists. Lauri outline the mutual benefits of this relationship, noting that journalists amplify Charity Watch's findings, while the organization supports investigative reporting. This partnership is crucial for uncovering and addressing issues within the nonprofit sector. "We don't have boots on the ground journalists here at Charity Watch. It's really, you know, working together, putting our resources together that this great reporting kind of comes to fruition," she explain. The discussion also covers the challenges faced by smaller nonprofits, which often struggle due to declining donor numbers and the concentration of large donations in a few prominent organizations. Laurie expresses high confidence in the sector's ability to overcome these challenges, describing the importance of educating the public about the needs of smaller charities. Laurie Styron's insights provided a compelling look into the vital role that charity watchdog organizations play in safeguarding the integrity of the nonprofit sector. Her expertise and dedication to accountability serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency and responsible stewardship in making the world a better place.  Learn more. . .CharityWatch.orgFind 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 many current board members approach retirement, understanding how to engage younger generations becomes increasingly vital for nonprofit organizations. In this master class episode of "The Nonprofit Show," Julia Patrick, author of "Building Board Champions," digs into the topic of recruiting and retaining next-gen board members. Julia begins by emphasizing the necessity of grasping what motivates the next generation. She describes that, unlike previous cohorts, today's younger leaders are heavily influenced by social media and come with high levels of education, often burdened with student debt. This demographic tends to marry and start families later, and many are deeply invested in psychological and environmental issues. Julia offers, “Understanding what is going to attract somebody to be engaged in your nonprofit is a first strategy, and it's a first starting point. It's probably one of the tougher things to figure out.” The second strategy she discusses is the need for data-driven impact reporting. Younger board members prioritize seeing the tangible effects of their contributions. Julia states, “Next Gen leaders are not going to come to you and work with you and support you and champion your nonprofit just because they feel charitable. They want to know their work and their mission is going to be rewarded with impact.” This means organizations must be prepared to provide regular updates and metrics to demonstrate progress. Julia also introduces the concept of mentoring and the "wisdom quotient" as the third strategy. Next-gen leaders, though enthusiastic and innovative, often lack board experience. Mentoring from emeritus board members or other experienced individuals can provide invaluable guidance and continuity, which not only helps new members acclimate but also fosters a deeper connection to the organization's history and mission. The fourth strategy revolves around using LinkedIn to recruit with specific expectations. By clearly defining the skills and expertise needed, organizations can tap into a professional network of potential board members who may not have been previously considered. This approach ensures that recruits are well-informed about their roles and the organization’s needs. Finally, Julia points to the importance of continuous training for all board members. This isn’t just for newcomers; ongoing education ensures everyone is up-to-date with the latest developments and strategies in the nonprofit sector. It also helps bridge generational gaps, promoting cohesion and preventing disengagement. “We often think about board training or board onboarding. I want to challenge you to think about this differently. And that's not just for the new folks. Sure, it's important, and you got to do it. But this is something that you can do with everyone.” Watch this episode and buy Julia’s book and it will help your nonprofit to attract, engage, and retain next-gen board members through understanding motivations, emphasizing data-driven impact, fostering mentorship, leveraging professional networks, and committing to continuous training.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