The Nonprofit Show

Advocating for a cultural shift within nonprofits, one that embraces investment in talent, technology, and development systems. To elevate the sector, nonprofits must adopt a mindset of abundance and growth rather than scarcity and restriction. This involves educating boards and stakeholders about the true value and impact of investing in their organization’s capacity to fundraise and operate efficiently. Watch on video!Host Julia Patrick welcomes Claire Axelrad, a seasoned expert in the nonprofit sector with over 30 years of experience. Drawing from her extensive background as a director of development and now a consultant, Claire begins by reminding us that nonprofits often perceive themselves merely as cost centers rather than potential profit centers. This mindset, she argues, limits their growth and impact. She goes on to challenge this view by suggesting that fundraising should be seen as an investment with substantial returns, both socially and financially. She offers, “Fundraising has a remarkable return on investment (ROI). If you spend $0.10, you get $0.90 back. That’s a 900% ROI. Businesses with such returns would be turning cartwheels.” The sparkling conversation looks into the prevalent issue of nonprofits undervaluing their work and underinvesting in their infrastructure. Claire points out that this is partly due to the sector's focus on minimizing overhead costs, which is often seen as a badge of honor but is counterproductive. She comments to Julia, “Inferior investments lead to inferior results. If you spend more on fundraising effectively, you enlarge the pie substantially, allowing you to achieve more with greater resources.” One of the big challenges discussed is changing the perception of donors and board members about overhead costs and investments in the organization’s capacity. Claire suggests, “Stop touting our low cost of overhead because that just perpetuates the myth. Instead, bring in businesspeople to talk about how they invest in marketing, sales, and development.” Claire Axelrad’s insights call for a rethinking of how nonprofits operate and present themselves. By viewing fundraising as a critical investment and fostering a culture of philanthropy, nonprofits can enhance their impact and sustainability. This shift requires ongoing education and communication within the sector and with donors, promoting a mindset that values and supports growth and effectiveness.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 learning segment will give you empowering insights into how to overcome nonprofit donor’s objections to donating by fostering more genuine relationships, transparency, and finding opportunities for mutual understanding.Watch on video! Co-hosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall begin with emphasizing the importance of addressing the pain points of fundraisers. Tony highlights the significance of viewing objections as opportunities, setting a positive tone for the conversation. Tony shares insights from his professional development experience at the Museum of Tolerance, where he learned the importance of reframing information and taking a moment before responding. Julia appreciates this approach, noting that it helps shift the mindset from stress to opportunity. Tony talks about the “necessity of intentionality” in understanding and responding to objections, emphasizing how important authenticity and transparency is in donor interactions. A big part of the presentation revolves around the difference between objections and concerns. Tony explains that objections often stem from underlying concerns, and the key is in how these are received and addressed. He stresses the importance of not always having an immediate answer but rather acknowledging the question and promising to follow up. This approach, he notes, maintains the trust built with the nonprofit donor and really emphasizes the value of listening actively. Julia reflects on her experiences and the pressure to have all the answers, expressing relief at Tony's advice to embrace authenticity and transparency. Tony reassures her that “not knowing all the answers does not equate to failure”, as the relationship and process are the things that matter. The two also touch on the nuances of navigating sensitive topics, especially in politically or socially charged environments, with Tony suggesting staying away from initiating controversial topics unless the donor brings them up, focusing rather on shared values you might have and the mission of the organization. This, he suggests, helps maintain a positive and productive dialogue. Tony's key quote encapsulates the session's theme: "You don't always have to have the answer. Lean into authenticity and transparency."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 lively discussion is packed with insights and practical tips for job seekers looking to make a powerful impact with their resumes in today's digital landscape. Host Julia Patrick welcomes Katie Warnock, the visionary founder and CEO of Staffing Boutique, to explore the cutting-edge strategies for crafting resumes in the nonprofit sector. Watch on video!Katie dives right into the seismic shift from traditional paper resumes to digital formats, shedding light on how this evolution is revolutionizing the job application process. "Digital resumes are huge," Katie declares, describing that while digital formats offer the flexibility to include more information, it’s crucial to keep resumes concise and focused. She advocates for limiting resumes to one or two pages, even in the digital realm, to maintain clarity and relevance. Attention to detail is the theme as Katie shares her experiences with resume templates and the common pitfalls candidates encounter, such as inconsistent fonts and misaligned bullet points. "If you don't pay attention to detail on that, and then you have someone looking at your resume who is meticulous about detail, they are going to disregard your resume even if the fonts are different," she explains. The conversation heats up as they tackle the controversial topic of headshots on resumes. While more common internationally, Katie advises against this practice in the U.S. nonprofit sector, citing potential discrimination and the unnecessary complexity it adds to applicant tracking systems. "There really shouldn't be a headshot," Katie says, championing rather a clean, straightforward format that prioritizes content over aesthetics. The use of keywords and their pivotal role in the digital hiring process take center stage next. Katie explains how applicant tracking systems heavily rely on keywords to filter and sort resumes. She advises candidates to include specific terminology related to their field and relevant software skills to boost their visibility. "It's so important that the font and format come over correctly," she emphasizes, pointing to the need for resumes to be easily parsed by these digital scanning systems. Katie also details the importance of having a physical copy of your resume for in-person interviews, even in this digital age. This preparedness not only demonstrates professionalism but also ensures that all interviewers can get a copy of the resume, especially in multi-person, and face-to-face, interview scenarios. Keeping resumes current is another critical point Katie drives home. She urges job seekers to update their resumes regularly, listing new promotions, new skills, and volunteer experiences, which makes the resume a more dynamic document that reflects ongoing career progression. For those grappling with resume creation, Katie suggests considering professional resume writing services. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who find it challenging to effectively articulate their experiences. Katie insights durinFind 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 conversation exploring pressing financial trends and emerging challenges impacting the nonprofit sector, with Tanya Pal, Regional Director for Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), the nation's largest nonprofit accounting services firm. Watch on video!Host Julia Patrick begins by briefly reflecting on her early experiences on a nonprofit board and the importance of understanding financial trend lines. This sets up the stage for a deep dive into the key trends facing nonprofits today.  One of the significant trends they discuss is the increasing importance of “trust in philanthropy”. Tanya cites a recent survey by the Independent Sector and Edelman Data & Intelligence, revealing that public trust in nonprofits has increased post-pandemic. The study emphasizes that "public trust is the currency of the nonprofit sector.", which points directly to the need for nonprofits to maintain transparency, adhere to ethical principles, and demonstrate the impact of donations. Tanya notes, "If you want to keep that trust and maintain that increase, nonprofits need to see continued greater financial transparency and adhere to best practices." This fast-paced discussion then shifts to the evolving labor laws affecting nonprofits, specifically the recent changes to overtime rules. Tanya explains that new regulations from the U.S. Department of Labor are extending overtime protections, potentially impacting millions of workers. Nonprofits must adapt to these changes, ensuring compliance and preparing for potential financial implications. Julia and Tanya also touch on updated IRS uniform guidance rules, highlighting adjustments that could significantly impact nonprofit financial management. These updates, aimed at improving transparency and reducing administrative burdens, reflect the changing nonprofit ecosystem post-COVID. A particularly interesting topic is the rise of cryptocurrency donations. Tanya describes this as the "modern Wild West," noting that while crypto donations offer new opportunities, they also pose challenges related to donor anonymity and regulatory uncertainties. She shares, "The first recorded crypto donation in 2017 opened the door, and the space has grown significantly, with forecasts predicting it could reach $10 billion in the next decade." Finally, the discussion addresses the sobering reality of nonprofits closing due to the end of COVID funding. Recent news highlights an organization, even one that received substantial funding, shuttering due to strategic missteps. Tanya emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and financial stewardship, stating, "Money is not the solution to everything; how you steward that money is just as important." The session concludes with a call for nonprofits to stay informed about trends and prepare for future challenges. Tanya's insights provide valuable guidance for nonprofit leaders navigating the complex financial landscape.  Learn more about YPTC.com. . . . . They support small to medium-sized nonprofits by managing their accounting and financial reporting needs, eFind 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 comprehensive overview of how nonprofits can innovate effectively by combining creativity with disciplined processes. By understanding and addressing core needs, fostering consensus, and maintaining a structured approach to innovation, nonprofits can overcome the challenges posed by a scarcity mindset and achieve sustainable growth and impact. Stewart Severino, the Head of Innovation at The Navigators, discusses the concept of "disciplined innovation" in the nonprofit sector.  Watch on video!Co-host Julia Patrick opens the conversation by expressing her enthusiasm about discussing disciplined innovation, emphasizing how important it is for nonprofits to balance creativity with structured processes. Stewart shares his background from the for-profit sector to the nonprofit world and highlights the similarities in challenges both sectors face. He notes, “The nonprofit sector is currently grappling with inefficiencies and a scarcity mindset that limits their potential impact.” One of the key points Stewart makes is the prevalence of a scarcity mindset among nonprofits, which often leads to a reluctance to take risks. This mindset, he argues, hampers innovation.  Co-host Tony Beall echoes this sentiment, stating, “Nonprofits are not risk takers, and when you think of innovation, you think of the need to be able to take risks in order to test innovation.”, which is a problem for many nonprofits: the fear of failure and the perceived lack of resources to experiment and innovate. Stewart also emphasizes the value of understanding the core needs of the target audience. He explains that many nonprofit initiatives fail because they do not accurately identify or agree on the core needs they aim to address. This lack of consensus can lead to wasted resources and ineffective solutions. He puts it this way, saying, “We cannot afford to sustain throwing things against the wall and seeing what sticks. It’s just not a good financial stewardship move.” This lively conversation then shifts to practical strategies for fostering disciplined innovation. Stewart suggests a structured approach beginning with some research to identify the core needs, followed by ideation and brainstorming, and finally, testing and refining the developed solutions. This disciplined process ensures that innovations are not only creative but also practical and sustainable. This session amplifies on the need for a clear, concise understanding of the organization's mission and the specific needs it aims to meet. Stewart gives us a valuable framework for achieving this consensus, using what he terms a "job statement," which clearly defines the verb, object, and clarifying statement of the organization's mission. This framework helps ensure that all team members are aligned and working towards the same goals.  Watch and learn more!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

Exploring the challenges and triumphs faced by emerging leaders in the nonprofit sector, from the fresh perspectives that Generation Z brings to the table, with guests Anum Qadir and Christian Celeste Tate from the Bridgespan Group. Watch on video!Host Julia Patrick kicks off this eye-opening chat by acknowledging the frequent exclusion of young leaders from critical discussions about the future. "It's just a bunch of old people like me yammering on and not engaging our next-gen leaders," she remarks, setting the stage for this thought-provoking dialogue. Christian Celeste Tate, who co-hosts Bridgespan's "Dreaming in Color" podcast, shares key takeaways from their recent season, which focuses on elevating leaders of color within the social sector. "One of the most powerful messages for me personally comes from Michael Tubbs," Christian says, referencing the former mayor of Stockton, CA. Tubbs emphasizes the importance of identifying not just what we want to succeed for but what we are willing to fail for. "That measure is such a different bar that really requires you to reflect on what's important to you and what you're willing to go out on a limb for." Anum Qadir, also from the Bridgespan Group, speaks on the necessity of embracing risk, particularly for young leaders who might feel intimidated by the possibility of failure. She highlights the different forms that risk can take and emphasizes the importance of pushing boundaries. "You can't even imagine what's possible unless you're willing to try and push those boundaries," Anum states, drawing from her own experiences and those of her colleagues. The trio dig into the importance of celebrating success as a form of activism. Anum shares insights from a conversation with Arlan Hamilton of Backstage Capital, who proposes that celebrating success not only sustains individuals but also serves as a model for others. "Success is a form of activism. It helps us see that even when things get hard, there is progress being made," Anum quotes, which points out the dual benefit of personal and communal upliftment. Christian and Anum touch on the necessity of creating inclusive and supportive environments. Christian notes that building a new world involves risk and requires bold, imaginative steps. "When we're building a world that doesn't exist today, there's no way forward that doesn't involve risk," he says, advocating for a mindset that embraces both success and failure as part of the journey. Continuing, about the dynamics of leadership, in relation to gender and cultural expectations, Anum reflects on her own upbringing in a South Asian household and the cultural nuances that influence one's approach to leadership. She emphasizes the values of listening to and integrating diverse perspectives, saying that true progress comes from acknowledging and harnessing the full potential of a group's collective brilliance. The episode ends with a reflection on the concept of radical love in leadership. Christian and Anum agree that embodying the values we strive for in ouFind 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 pressing issue within the nonprofit sector: why Development Directors often leave their positions after an average of just 19 months. The conversation, with cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall, is both eye opening and spirited, deliberating about the various factors contributing to this high turnover rate and offering practical solutions to improve retention. Watch on video!Tony Beall, known for his expertise and passion in nonprofit consultancy, shares that one of the main reasons for this rapid turnover is the lack of adequate resources and support provided to Development Directors. He emphasizes that organizations often bring in fundraising professionals without equipping them with the necessary tools, such as up-to-date technology and sufficient budgets for travel and networking. This lack of support can lead to frustration and burnout, pushing talented individuals to seek opportunities elsewhere. Julia echoes Tony's concerns and highlights an often-overlooked aspect: the time it takes for a new employee to fully integrate into a role. She recalls an HR expert's insight that it typically takes about 12 months for someone to acclimate to a new job, learning the organization's culture, processes, and expectations. If Development Directors are leaving shortly after this period, it means they barely have enough time to make a significant impact before moving on, which can be detrimental to the organization's stability and growth. Tony also addresses the unrealistic expectations placed on Development Directors. He explains that many organizations fail to understand the complexities of fundraising and the time required to build relationships and secure donations. This disconnect often leads to undue pressure on fundraising professionals, causing them to feel undervalued and unsupported. A pointed quote from Tony encapsulates the core of the issue: "There is a runway that we should expect new employees, and development folks specifically, to travel on before we start seeing the kind of results that you might like to see from that sort of professional." This statement drives home the value of patience and realistic expectations in retaining talented Development Directors. In addition to discussing the challenges, Tony and Julia explore potential solutions. They advocate for creating a culture of philanthropy within organizations, where everyone understands and participates in the fundraising process. Celebrating small successes along the way and ensuring that development professionals feel supported and valued can make a significant difference. Moreover, they touch on the importance of flexible incentives beyond financial compensation, e.g. tailoring rewards to individual preferences, such as additional time off or the ability to work remotely, can boost morale and loyalty among staff.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 importance of volunteers in your nonprofit’s ecosystem with specific actionable insights for organizations to better manage and nurture their volunteers.  An informative chat with Jared Throneberry from Bloomerang.  By valuing volunteers' contributions and strategically engaging them, nonprofits can build a loyal and motivated volunteer base that is crucial for their success. Watch on video!Jared shares his unique journey from an IT and business analyst background to his current role at Bloomerang, and shares his insights into volunteer management highlighting the need for strategic engagement and thoughtful placement of volunteers. One key Jared emphasizes is the importance of matching the right volunteer with the right task. He illustrates this with an example from his experience: "If a volunteer doesn't feel like they're being useful or helpful in a particular area, it's probably because that's the thing they don't need to be doing. You need to find the other person who enjoys that,  that will enjoy and appreciate it." This approach ensures that tasks are completed efficiently and fosters a sense of fulfillment and purpose among volunteers, plus it encourages them to return and remain engaged. With host Julia Patrick, the two dig into the often-overlooked aspect of treating volunteers with the same respect and appreciation as donors. Jared notes, "Thank you for donating your time and your energy. You're helping to support our mission." This mindset shift from seeing volunteers as free labor to recognizing them as integral parts of the mission is vital for building long-term relationships and encouraging repeat volunteerism. Continuing, Jared shares practical strategies for engaging volunteers, such as providing impactful feedback and showing appreciation through follow-up communication. He recounts a memorable volunteering experience with a customer who provided shower systems for homeless populations. The experience was enriched by a pre-volunteering briefing that detailed the mission and impact of the work, followed by hands-on, gritty tasks like cleaning showers. Despite the nature of the work, the thorough orientation and clear communication of the mission made it a fulfilling experience for Jared and his colleagues. Julia highlights the parallel between customer retention in the business world and volunteer retention in nonprofits. Just as restaurants thrive on repeat customers, nonprofits must cultivate long-term relationships with volunteers. Jared suggested simple yet effective practices like sending personalized follow-up surveys and sharing the tangible impacts of volunteer efforts to keep the engagement strong.  If your nonprofit finds volunteer support and management challenging, this is a great primer for you!!!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 innovative concept of peer-to-peer fundraising intertwined with corporate social responsibility (CSR), showcasing how businesses can drive meaningful impact in their communities, with Steve Lausch, the Director of Product Marketing at One Cause and Managing Director of #IndyTechGives. Watch on video!Steve starts by taking us back to 2019, the inception year of Indy Tech Gives, a pioneering initiative born from a simple yet profound question: "What might happen if we were to give our peer-to-peer fundraising software away to local Indiana businesses at no cost?" This question led to the creation of a five-week social giving program that unites Indianapolis’s tech community to support various nonprofits. One of the key highlights of this fun conversation, with host Julia Patrick, is the seamless integration of competitive and community giving. Steve elaborates, "We talk a lot about community giving and competitive giving, and they are two beautiful sides of the same coin." This dual approach has spurred a vibrant engagement among employees and tech companies, driving significant fundraising outcomes. The competitive spirit is evident as teams and individuals participate in unique fundraising activities, from shaving heads to hosting yoga sessions in public parks, all to rally support for their chosen nonprofits. The pandemic's onset in 2020 posed a significant challenge, but it also brought to light the adaptability and resilience of the initiative. As Steve recalls, "People don't know where north is on the compass, and we need to rethink this." Despite initial uncertainties, the program not only continued but thrived, proving the power of digital engagement in times of crisis. Julia and Steve dig into the benefits corporations reap from participating in such initiatives. The boost in employee morale, the enhancement of CSR efforts, and the alignment of corporate values with community impact are profound. Steve emphasizes the importance of engaging employees early in the process, allowing them to voice their preferences and rally around causes they genuinely care about. As the two wrap up, Steve shares the impressive milestones achieved by Indy Tech Gives. Over six years, the initiative has seen participation from 30 businesses and raised over $325,000, impacting numerous central Indiana nonprofits. This success story is a testament to the potential of combining technology with philanthropy, creating a ripple effect of positive change within the community.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

Award-winning sports reporter Jason Wolf sheds light on the intricate and often misunderstood world of professional athletes and their nonprofit organizations. Wolf, known for his investigative prowess with the Arizona Republic and the USA TODAY Network, describes his findings in the mismanagement and inefficiencies that plague many athlete-founded charities, despite the athletes' noble intentions. Watch on video!Wolf's journey into this niche field began serendipitously while covering star NFL player Delaney Walker. He recalls, “I had known enough to know that 990 is that the federal tax returns were public records and that I could get my hands on them. But once I printed them out, I had no idea what I was looking for.”, which marked the start of his deep look into the financial and operational workings of nonprofits, culminating in a groundbreaking series of reports. His investigation, notably the “Mismanagement of the Year” project, scrutinized the nonprofits founded by Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award winners. This prestigious award, given annually since 1970, recognizes NFL players for their philanthropy and community service. Wolf explains, “My investigation into the efficiency of the nonprofits founded by these esteemed men reveals that many of them are far more inefficient than even the athletes themselves realize.” The investigation uncovered alarming trends, such as significant portions of donated funds being consumed by administrative costs rather than directly supporting charitable causes. Wolf shared a startling example: “My investigation in Buffalo showed that the for-profit nonprofit management company that ran Andy Dalton's nonprofit was contractually entitled to... a quarter of every dollar donated. So when Bills fans donated it was $442,000 to Andy Dalton's nonprofit. This for-profit company took 100 grand off the top.” The primary issue, according to Wolf, is the involvement of marketers rather than nonprofit professionals in managing these charities. This is resulting in poor financial oversight and operational inefficiencies. Wolf’s findings have garnered numerous accolades and have sparked meaningful changes within the sports philanthropy landscape. One of the most impactful outcomes of his work is the formation of Sport for Impact, co-founded by former NFL star Anquan Boldin. This organization aims to educate players and their families about responsible sports philanthropy. Wolf proudly comments, “The most wonderful thing that has come out of this work has been Anquan Boldin co-founding Sport for Impact... the Jacksonville Jaguars are the first NFL team to provide them with a grant.” Because of his thorough investigations and dedication to uncovering the truth, Jason Wolf has illuminated the need for greater transparency and efficiency in athlete-run nonprofits. His work continues to inspire change, urging athletes to adopt best practices and ensure that their charitable endeavors truly benefit those in need.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