The Nonprofit Show

You'll enjoy this celebratory interview with Tracy Vanderneck, a nonprofit thought leader and now a published author. The focus is on Tracy's newly released book, The 60-Minute Guide to Building the Infrastructure for Successful Nonprofit Fundraising. Tracy shares her journey of distilling years of nonprofit consulting into a practical guide that aims to demystify the complexities of fundraising infrastructure for organizations of all sizes. Watch on video!Show host Julia Patrick, acknowledging the monumental task of writing a book, especially one as vital as Tracy's, begins with asking about the significance of building a lasting fundraising infrastructure, particularly for small to mid-sized nonprofits, as well as those new to the sector. Tracy shares, "Even some mid-sized nonprofits who have been fundraising on a wing and a prayer all this time could benefit from actually going back and adding some of the infrastructural pieces to it." Throughout the conversation, the two talk about the disconnect that often exists within organizations about the role of fundraising. Julia points out that many people, from board members to staff, often have misconceptions about what fundraising entails, sometimes reducing it to just socializing and asking for money. Tracy points to the importance of educating all stakeholders about the strategic and infrastructural elements of fundraising, stating, "Fundraising isn't just going out to lunch or trying different things to see what would happen. There is an actual infrastructure and a strategy around how we go about fundraising to support nonprofit missions." Tracy's book is positioned as a manual for anyone in the nonprofit sector, offering practical tools and insights that can be implemented immediately. With its easy-to-follow structure and actionable advice, The 60-Minute Guide to Building the Infrastructure for Successful Nonprofit Fundraising will become an essential resource for nonprofit professionals, board members, and volunteers alike. The book will serve as a valuable tool for organizations to build and sustain effective fundraising programs that are both strategic and resilient.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 conversation centering on the importance of efficiency in nonprofit organizations that serves as a reminder for nonprofit leaders to prioritize operational efficiency, not only to improve internal processes but also to better serve their communities and stakeholders. As the guest, Dylan Bassett, CEO and founder of Department One Solutions puts it, “It's about making things better and faster so that more work can get done, and ultimately, more good can be delivered.” Watch on video!Dylan Bassett, whose consultancy specializes in aiding small, community-based nonprofits, talks about the need for operational transformation. He explains that many nonprofits, despite their dedication to their mission, often suffer from inefficiencies that limit their effectiveness. "Nonprofits sort of forget that they are businesses as well," he points out,  a common oversight in the sector. This neglect can lead to what he refers to as "tech debt," a situation where temporary solutions compound into bigger problems over time. Dylan shares his experience working with nonprofits that often tolerate inefficiencies, leading to a less effective use of resources. He mentions, "When nonprofits have strong operations, they have a higher capacity for work and thus mission delivery," which connects to the direct correlation between operational efficiency and mission success. This efficiency not only enhances productivity but also makes nonprofits more attractive to donors who want to invest in organizations that can deliver results effectively. The fast-paced conversation also covers the importance of ‘digital maturity’ and the need for nonprofits to adopt better processes and technology.  Dylan encourages nonprofits to view operational transformation as an ongoing process, rather than a one-time fix. He suggests starting with a thorough audit to identify pain points and areas for improvement, a process that can significantly enhance a nonprofit's ability to manage workloads and increase impact.  A great learning episode for NPO’s struggling to get things done!!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

Explore the nuances of maintaining and nurturing donor relationships, particularly when donors are geographically distant in this episode of "Fundraisers Friday," with cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall. Watch on video!Tony begins with his ideas on adapting communication strategies to align with donor preferences, whether through phone calls, video conferences, or digital communication like video clips and PDFs. He describes the importance of understanding how each donor prefers to communicate, with Julia agreeing that this understanding is essential for effective engagement. Julia also brings up the idea that video conferencing might offer a more personal connection compared to phone calls, especially in reading facial cues and emotions, which Tony supports. Julia and Tony both underline the value of affirmation in donor relationships, with Tony suggesting that recognizing and affirming donors’ contributions can empower them and strengthen their commitment to the organization. Julia builds on this by saying that such affirmation is crucial, especially in times when fundraisers might feel isolated or uncertain about their efforts. This fun chat between the two also digs into the evolving role of technology in fundraising. Julia and Tony  share a common thread in their openness about using tools like ChatGPT to explore new strategies, demonstrating a pro-active approach to learning and adapting. They go on to discuss how even simple digital content, like video clips, can have a profound impact on donor engagement by showing the real-time impact of their contributions. Julia raises point about engaging with donors on social media, cautioning that while some donors may enjoy public recognition, others might prefer a more private approach, stressing the need for fundraisers to be mindful of donor privacy and to tailor their communications accordingly.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 multifaceted challenges within nonprofit cultures and the threats that nonprofits face, particularly the dangers of siloed information and the reluctance to embrace change, with Sarah Quillen, Executive Director of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS), who has a background in fundraising and public relations. She shares the complexities of managing an organization focused on Lyme disease—a condition often misunderstood and underfunded, particularly in regions like the West where awareness is low. Watch on video!Sarah begins by educating us on Lyme disease, explaining its severe and often debilitating effects on patients. She highlights the challenges in diagnosing and treating Lyme disease, saying that many patients go years without proper diagnosis, leading to significant health and quality-of-life impacts. Organizations like ILADS support research and medical education and advocate for better understanding and treatment of this and associated diseases. This informative dialog then shifts to the concept of nonprofit culture. Sarah offers that nonprofits should be redefined as "for impact" organizations, which more descriptively amplifies the importance of strong infrastructure and strategic vision in fulfilling their missions. She notes that the nonprofit sector often operates under the misconception that minimal administrative spending is ideal, which can be detrimental to long-term success. “You exist to make an impact…when we all work together and all have one unified purpose, that is how we all succeed,” she says. Sarah then shares with host Julia Patrick her experiences in leading ILADS through a significant cultural shift, particularly after succeeding a long-serving executive director. She speaks candidly about the challenges of bringing together a team that was previously siloed and emphasizes the importance of collaboration, both within the organization and with external partners. You will see from this fast-paced conversation how fostering a more inclusive and open environment has helped ILADS grow stronger and more cohesive, even in the face of daunting 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

An eye-opening discussion about an innovative study that Bloomerang has conducted to help nonprofits improve their online fundraising strategies. The study involves donating $25 to 500 different nonprofits across the U.S. and closely monitoring the donation process from a donor’s perspective. The goal is to evaluate how well these organizations handle donations, acknowledge donors, and ultimately engage with them to encourage future contributions. Watch on video!Emily Kelly, National Accounts Manager at Bloomerang, shares their unique research approach, describing that the study is not about evaluating the organizations from a professional standpoint but rather from the perspective of an ordinary donor. This allows Bloomerang to identify areas for improvement in the donor experience with nonprofits. Emily points out that something as simple as ensuring the functionality of a "donate" button can make a significant difference. "The first thing that you can do when you go to your website is literally just hover your mouse over your donate button, make sure it works," she advises, highlighting a common issue where some nonprofits’ donate buttons are not functioning correctly. The results of the study reveal that many organizations have room for improvement in how they engage with donors after a donation is made. Emily notes that one of the most effective ways to retain donors is through personal engagement, such as a phone call within 24 to 48 hours of receiving a donation. She shares, "If you make a phone call to a first-time donor, they’re more likely to give another donation in the future... that likelihood increases by about 50%." By focusing on the donor’s experience, from the ease of making a donation to the acknowledgment and engagement that follows, organizations can significantly enhance donor retention and fundraising success. Emily's insights serve as a powerful reminder that every touchpoint with a donor is an opportunity to build a lasting relationship.   Learn more . .. www.Bloomerang.coFind 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 compelling discussion centering around the crucial need for nonprofits to adapt and remain flexible in an ever-changing environment.  . . . . . . a must-see for anyone involved in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, or board management, offering valuable takeaways on how to lead with purpose, adapt to challenges, and ultimately, make a lasting impact, with Amy Fass, the CEO and Executive Director of ShoesThatFit.org Watch on video.Amy Fass, with her deep expertise and passion for the nonprofit sector, shares her unique perspectives on leadership, board management, and the challenges of nonprofit fundraising. Amy begins by shedding light on the critical mission of Shoes That Fit, a nonprofit dedicated to providing brand-new, name-brand athletic shoes to children in need. She poignantly illustrates the impact of their work by stating, "Kids who don't have shoes can't go to school. They can't join sports teams. They tend to hide and not feel like they belong." This simple yet profound statement brings to life the real difference that ShoesThatFit.org makes in the lives of vulnerable children across the country. As the conversation progresses, Amy delves into the complexities of nonprofit leadership, particularly the delicate balance between managing a board and leading an organization. She candidly acknowledges the inherent challenges in this dynamic, emphasizing the value of clear communication and shared understanding. "The executive director needs to really firmly realize that they are in charge," she says, which shows the necessity for strong leadership and strategic vision in navigating these relationships. Another big focus of the conversation, with host Julia Patrick, is Amy's book, The Business of NonProfit-ing. The book challenges common misconceptions about the nonprofit sector and aims to educate business professionals on the realities of running a nonprofit organization. Amy reflects on the pervasive myths surrounding nonprofit work, such as the misguided notion that lower overhead equates to better management. Instead, she advocates for a shift in focus towards impact, stating, "You want to look at impact. You want to look at what the organization is accomplishing. Are they making a difference?" Throughout the talk, Amy's insights are both informative and empowering, encouraging nonprofit leaders to embrace flexibility, focus on impact, and foster healthy board dynamics.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

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