The Nonprofit Show

Answering nonprofit’s questions on how collaboration within the nonprofit sector can amplify impact, insights into working with military organizations, the challenges of compensating nonprofit board members and a few innovative solutions for maximizing year-end donations.  Watch on video!Meredith Terrian, with Fundraising Academy, kicks off by discussing her passion for strategic planning which gradually expanded to include intensive capital campaigns.  A significant portion of this lively discussion revolves around the importance of collaboration within the nonprofit sector. Meredith passionately shares, "I've worked with a number of military organizations and veterans' groups, mostly in fundraising, but it's given me a really unique understanding of the types of donors that are sympathetic to these missions and what really motivates them to give.", referring to the interconnectedness and mutual support that can enhance NPO’s efforts. The conversation also touches upon the sensitive topic of compensating nonprofit board members. Meredith expresses strong reservations about this trend, aligning with the traditional view that board members should primarily offer their time and expertise without financial incentives. This perspective is grounded in maintaining the altruistic essence of nonprofit governance and ensuring that donor funds are directed toward mission-centric activities. Continuing, Meredith and co-host Julia Patrick discuss the strategic implications of closing a nonprofit organization during the last week of December—a prime time for year-end giving. You’ll hear their wise words as they suggest alternatives like a rotating schedule to ensure staff availability to handle donations and maintain operational continuity. 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

Strategic planning and the importance of internal assessments in nonprofit organizational strategy. You’ll learn how a balanced approach to assessing both community needs, and internal capabilities can lead to more effective and actionable strategies, with Miriam Dicks, CEO of 180 Management Group, as she discusses key aspects of strategic planning, emphasizing the need for introspection in organizational nonprofit management to better assure your nonprofit’s resources align with your strategic goals. Watch on video!Miriam begins by pointing out the critical role of internal assessments in strategic planning. Her approach advocates for a dual focus—not only on the external community needs but significantly on internal capabilities. "We need to know what's in our house because at the end of the day, you can develop a strategy that you can't even pull off because you don't have the resources," Miriam remarks, amplifying on the value of a comprehensive understanding of an organization's current assets and needs before setting strategic goals. Continuing, Miriam discusses the value of embedding these assessments into the very fabric of an organization's operational strategies. She points out that many strategic plans fail because they overlook the internal component of strategy formulation. "It's usually external... We're wanting to know what everyone else needs, but we're not looking at ourselves," she notes. This insight calls for a balanced assessment that ensures an organization's strategy is both relevant to community needs and grounded in realistic internal capabilities. A significant part of the discussion, cohosted by Wendy Adams and Julia Patrick,  revolves around the practical steps of implementing such strategic insights. Miriam pushes for starting with small, manageable assessments, like employee engagement surveys, to gradually build a comprehensive strategy that is attuned to the real dynamics within an organization, which not only aligns with the nonprofit’s organizational goals but also enhances employee satisfaction and effectiveness. You’ll enjoy this fun and learned conversation on the often-overlooked internal aspects of strategy development, as it makes a compelling case for a more introspective approach to organizational management and planning.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 timely update about the current role of temporary labor in the nonprofit sector, detailing the operational complexities and significant impact of nonprofit staffing, with the CEO of Staffing Boutique.  Katie Warnock, deeply entrenched in nonprofit staffing since 2005, shares her sage views on the demands and benefits of temporary staffing, which includes roles such as grant writers, development assistants, and event coordinators. Watch on video! Katie opens up about her professional journey, saying, "I love doing staffing.  . . . I've paved my way making a business out of doing temp and temp to perm recruitment for the sector specifically," explaining her commitment and specialized focus. The fast-paced interview covers current trends in the labor market, with Katie observing, "I think we're very steady. I think that a lot of organizations are holding steady," which suggests a stable yet cautious approach in the context of an election year. She also notes the growing demand for flexible work arrangements, explaining that today’s job seekers prioritize positions that accommodate their lifestyle, including opportunities for remote work. Katie addresses a significant gap in public awareness regarding the nonprofit sector's viability as a professional path. She points to the lack of general knowledge about the diversity of professional roles within nonprofits, beyond volunteer positions, stressing the importance of increasing exposure and education about the sector. Katie also talks about the operational specifics of the staffing business, explaining how her firm can rapidly meet staffing needs, often activating placements within 24 hours. This capability highlights the agility and critical nature of specialized staffing agencies in the nonprofit world.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 launch of an insightful new book, "Building Board Champions"!  From Julia C. Patrick, CEO of American Nonprofit Academy, this nonprofit focused literature is more than just a manual; it is a catalyst for change, offering 36 activations that guide board members through varied scenarios ranging from mundane operational tweaks to tackling systemic issues within their organizations. Whether it’s dealing with a sluggish board during the summer or addressing more systemic toxic issues, the book equips leaders with tools to effect meaningful change.  Watch on video!Julia, an award-winning author and a seasoned professional in the nonprofit sector, shares her deep insights and experiences, which culminate in this comprehensive guide aimed at enhancing board effectiveness in nonprofit organizations. Julia’s choice to focus on board dynamics in her book stems from her extensive background in both the newspaper and publishing industries, combined with her frequent interactions and challenges presented by nonprofit boards. She mentions, “I believe that we can build board champions. I don’t think it’s just that one shining star that drops into your lap. There are things we can do as leaders in the sector to build board champions.” This belief is embedded throughout her book, which proposes practical strategies and activities—or "activations" as she calls them—for cultivating proactive and committed board members. The book is structured around the concept of 'activations,' practical steps that board members can take to improve their engagement and effectiveness. Host Tony Beall highlights the importance of a sturdy foundation for any organization, akin to building a home, and Julia’s book provides the blueprint. One of the key aspects Julia focuses on is the often challenging, yet crucial, board member dynamics and engagement. She states, “People come up to me asking about board issues… it’s always the questions about the board side of things.”  As an example point, Julia explains the concept of "dogfooding," a controversial yet powerful approach where board members experience firsthand the services their organization provides. This method fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of the nonprofit's mission and challenges, which in turn, helps their capacity to advocate and make better decisions. This transformative book for nonprofit leaders also serves as a reminder of the critical role board members play in the success and sustainability of their organizations. As Julia puts it succinctly, "I think there are things we can do as leaders in the sector to build board champions," a statement that encapsulates the book’s goal -----to empower and inspire nonprofit boards across the globe.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 compelling look into the sensitive topic of inappropriate behaviors exhibited by donors towards nonprofit organizations. Angela Barnes from Carter Global and Jack Alotto from Fundraising Academy explore the deep issues and emerging solutions within the nonprofit sector. Watch on video!  Angela vividly articulates the longstanding issue, noting that problematic donor behaviors, though historically discussed only behind closed doors, have begun to garner public attention. She describes the critical feedback they have received and the substantial progress being made in addressing these concerns. "It's a subject we're talking about, but it's gone on for decades within the sector," Angela says, pointing to the persistent nature of the problem. Jack adds historical context, referencing a study by AFP on sexual harassment that included not only donors but also board members and staff. This info sparked deeper considerations about the underlying causes of such behaviors. "It got me thinking about what's going on here and what we are maybe doing that is part of the cause,"  as  Jack describes his concern and  approach to the issue. A significant focus of this informative conversation is the proposal of a "donor code of ethics" as a structured response to these challenges. This initiative aims to establish clear expectations and boundaries between nonprofits and their donors, ensuring respectful and ethical interactions. Angela and Jack discuss the necessity of organizational documents that outline these boundaries and how they should be communicated through this donor code. As the conversation continues, it becomes clear that the nonprofit sector's reliance on donors sometimes complicates the response to inappropriate behaviors, with organizational leaders often hesitating to confront or alienate contributors. Jack and Angela argue for a balance between securing resources and maintaining ethical standards, pointing to the importance of respecting and protecting staff and organizational values over accepting donations. Angela and Jack provide a roadmap for nonprofits to empower themselves and redefine the dynamics with their donors, one that emphasizes ethics, respect, and mutual values.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

Practical tips for nonprofits on addressing outdated information, integrating board members into fundraising, managing remote teams, and the importance of board succession planning, with the helpful insights from Muhi Khwaja, CFRE and trainer from Fundraising Academy.    Watch on video!--Addressing Outdated Information in Presentations-- A nonprofit professional asks how to manage a situation where a CEO presented outdated and incorrect data. Muhi begins his response by emphasizing the importance of having updated talking points and literature. He suggests that marketing departments should create and regularly update a pitch deck with current statistics. Muhi also advises providing updated information electronically to correct any mistakes without embarrassing the CEO. --Integrating Board Members in Fundraising-- Another question comes from a CEO who wants to involve a passionate board member in fundraising, despite resistance from the development department. Muhi stresses that board members are integral to fundraising and should not be seen as outsiders. He advocates for development teams to work closely with CEOs to engage board members in fundraising, whether through thank-you calls, grant meetings, or personal donor visits. This integration can be managed effectively by having a development committee that includes board members. --Managing a Work-From-Anywhere Team-- Pat from Flagstaff, AZ, sought advice on managing a team spread across different time zones. Muhi shares his experience with a work-from-anywhere (WFA) structure, emphasizing the importance of scheduled meetings, time management tools like Calendly, and communication platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Slack. He highlights the flexibility and productivity benefits of WFA, saying that organizations should find a cadence that works for them and allow their teams to balance work and personal lives effectively. --Importance of Board Chair-Elect Positions--- Robert from Omaha, NE, asked about the necessity of having a board chair-elect. Muhi supports the idea, noting that having an elect position helps with continuity and ensures smooth transitions. He recommends updating bylaws to reflect this policy and having job descriptions to distinguish between the roles of the current chair and the chair-elect. This approach helps in maintaining organizational knowledge and stability. --Professional Development and CFRE Training-- Muhi and Julia discuss a recent initiative where they launched the first Muslim CFRE study group, in partnership with CFRE and AFP Global. This initiative aims to provide professional development opportunities for Muslim fundraisers, with plans to continue this annually. 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 fun conversation about simplifying the often-misunderstood world of Planned Giving for nonprofits, with Tony Martignetti, a former attorney turned planned giving consultant.  With his candid charm, Tony reveals his journey from despising his attorney gig to embracing the predictability and impact of planned giving, belaying a clear message that planned giving is not as complex as it seems. Watch on video!Tony begins by explaining, “Planned giving fundraising does not change that much. It would take a major overhaul of the estate tax law for planned giving to change significantly, and there hasn't been one of those in at least two decades.” This insight into the stability of planned giving will resonate with you if you’re looking for long-term fundraising strategies. At the heart of the discussion is the simplicity of starting a planned giving program. Tony emphasizes the most common and simplest form of planned giving: bequests. “Launching the dealing with the most basic, simplest, most common planned gift by far, just feels that's the place to launch your planned giving,” he states. This straightforward approach demystifies the process, making it accessible even to nonprofits just starting with planned giving. Tony then shares an inspiring statistic that underscores the profound impact of planned giving on donor relationships: “75% of people who leave a gift in their will, that will increase their other giving to your nonprofit.” This reveals how deepening donor engagement through planned gifts can enhance overall giving, a testament to the emotional and financial bonds that planned giving can forge between donors and nonprofits. Throughout the show, cohosted by Julia Patrick and Sherry Quam Taylor, Tony advocates for those making the ‘Asks’ to focus on life and sustainability rather than the morose topic of death, which many mistakenly associate with planned giving. His approach is life-affirming, emphasizing the ongoing impact of donor contributions well into the future. This perspective not only enriches the dialogue around planned giving but also aligns it closely with the core missions of nonprofits—sustaining and nurturing community life through enduring support. The episode wraps with a clear takeaway: start simple, think long-term, and engage deeply with your donors. Tony’s closing comments echo a call to action for nonprofits to embrace planned giving not as a daunting venture but as a natural extension of their existing donor relationships.  Learn more at TonyMartignetti.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

Sector leader Heather Hiscox on the "Pause for Change" initiative, advocates for a revolutionary approach to tackling social challenges in the nonprofit sector by emphasizing critical, collaborative thinking and a strategic pause before action.  You’ll learn how her framework transforms decision-making processes and aligns nonprofit strategies with funder expectations through a detailed, evidence-informed approach. Watch on video!In the lively chat hosted by Julia Patrick and Tony Beall, guest Heather Hiscox shares a compelling narrative about the genesis of this concept, Pause for Change, which stemmed from her observations of hastily approached solutions within organizations. She emphasizes the transformative power of pausing to critically and collaboratively think through problems before rushing into solutions, which she describes as, “We’re just operating under such urgency along with that scarcity. Go, go, go. Solve, solve, solve” and argues that “what I noticed in my work, that was most beneficial was to take those pause moments to really slow down." Heather’s explanation of the "Pause" framework offers a deep dive into its acronym-based methodology aimed at improving decision-making and solution-testing within nonprofits. Each letter stands for a specific step, such as "Packaging the challenge" and "Assessing uncertainty," culminating in an evidence-informed decision-making process. She passionately discusses how this structured approach can significantly shift the dynamics of problem-solving, moving away from crisis-driven reactions to a more intentional and thoughtful process. Continuing, Heather elaborates on the challenges of aligning nonprofit strategies with the interests and the realities of funders, advocating for a paradigm where organizations and funders engage in a continuous learning and testing cycle. This, she argues, not only mitigates risks but also enhances the potential impact of interventions. One of the profound statements she makes is: “We don’t have to be afraid of the punishment or retribution around, you know, not knowing certain information; we can actually celebrate it.” This learning episode will encourage rethinking traditional methods in the nonprofit sector, underscoring the necessity to unlearn certain ingrained behaviors and adopt new, evidence-based strategies. Heather’s insights serve as a clarion call for a more reflective and methodical approach to addressing social challenges, pushing for a shift from a scarcity and urgency mindset to one of abundance and deliberate action.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 strategic values of good website development for nonprofits, with Maiya Holliday, CEO of Mangrove-web.com .  You’ll discover insights on creating engaging, accessible websites that align with organizational goals and resonate with diverse audiences,  and the importance of inclusivity in digital spaces.  Watch on video!Maiya Holliday, with her two decades of experience in website development, outlines the importance of beginning with a strategic approach to web design. She explains how developing a website often becomes a soul-searching journey for organizations, revealing deeper questions about their purpose and goals. "There's definitely a bit of an identity crisis that I've seen through the website process, but it's also moving forward and really putting those things into action and putting them out into the world," she says, which begins to describe the transformative potential of this process. She elaborates on the strategic elements, discussing the importance of aligning website content with organizational objectives. This involves engaging with various stakeholders to create compelling narratives that resonate across diverse audience segments. "We work through all those steps with you in service of creating the website that satisfies your objectives," she explains. This approach ensures that the website not only looks appealing but also fulfills its role in furthering the organization’s mission. Accessibility was another key topic. Maiya passionately speaks about the necessity of making websites accessible to people with a range of abilities, aligning digital spaces with the inclusivity seen in physical environments. "Website accessibility ensures that there's a really wide range of usability on your site," says Maiya, speaking to inclusive design that benefits a broader audience while meeting legal requirements. Throughout the conversation, the theme of strategic planning recurres, with Maiya advocating for its crucial role in the early stages of website development. This planning not only guides the aesthetic and functional aspects of a nonprofit’s website but also ensures that it aligns with the broader goals of 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

Engaging perspectives on the nuances of nonprofit board structures and fundraising strategies, answering nonprofit’s questions and offering practical advice for nonprofit organizations. Questions covered; Establishing a young professionals board | Joint fundraising campaigns | Crafting appeals from NPO CEO’s | How to join the professional speaking circuit for nonprofit experts. Hosted by Tony Beall with guest expert Jack Alotto from Fundraising Academy.  Watch on video!The pair begin with answering a question about establishing a separate board for young professionals. Jack proposes instead that they should be integrated into the existing board structure. He questions the necessity of having two separate boards, highlighting the legal and logistical complexities involved. "Another board sounds really cumbersome. And I really don't know how that would work to have two boards," he you’ll hear him remark, which conveys his preference for simplicity and efficiency in board management. Jack also shares his thoughts on the potential benefits of creating young professionals' affinity groups instead of formal boards, which can provide the desired engagement without the formalities and responsibilities that come with board membership. This approach aligns with his broader vision of strategic nonprofit governance, where assessing the actual needs of the board through a thorough "board needs assessment" is crucial before making structural changes. You’ll love the wisdom and positive thinking these two bring to each question.  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