The Nonprofit Show

Insights on nonprofit fundraising staff management and the transformative power of technology in fundraising. Our guest explains the importance for fundraisers to pursue work-life balance as an "ebb and flow" rather than a strict equilibrium, and emphasizing the importance of personal well-being alongside professional effectiveness, to meet the challenges in building a sustainable and humane fundraising environment. Watch on video!In this lively exchange, hosted by Wendy Adams and Julia Patrick, Micah James, a Senior Platform Coach at Bloomerang, shares a look at what truly resonates with those involved in nonprofit management and fundraising.  Micah and the team at Bloomerang have been instrumental in helping organizations transition from traditional methods like Excel and Google Sheets to more sophisticated customer relationship management (CRM) tools offered by Bloomerang. She delightfully notes the "aha moments" experienced by clients when they realize the efficiencies gained through automation. Micah explains, "One of my favorite moments is when clients realize they don’t have to do things manually anymore. It’s about seeing those fundraising practices come to life, and technology come alongside fundraising." The chat steps into the crucial topic of work-life balance within the nonprofit sector. Micah introduces a refreshing perspective on the concept of balance, emphasizing it as more of an "ebb and flow" rather than a strict equilibrium. She believes that it's unrealistic to expect a 50/50 balance daily and suggests that a more fluid understanding is needed to maintain both personal well-being and professional effectiveness. She continues, stressing the value of sustaining not just financial resources but also the well-being of those who lead nonprofits. She acknowledged how the shift to digital platforms can be overwhelming for some but also opens new paths for operational efficiency and donor engagement. Micah shared her approach to management, focusing on the human aspects of her team members before business metrics. This, she argues, is essential to create a supportive work environment and improve staff retention, which is crucial given the typically high turnover in the sector. Micah ends with a statement on the intersection of sustainable fundraising and employee well-being, pointing to the need for organizations to recognize the multifaceted challenges their staff face and to cultivate an environment that supports long-term engagement and success. Micah’s words are a strong reminder of the human element in the too often mechanically perceived field of fundraising, echoing a need for empathy, understanding, and adaptability as nonprofit’s pursue their philanthropic goals.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

Guest Julia Devine shares her unique journey and perspectives on navigating the nonprofit sector and transitioning to a consulting practice.  As with many in the nonprofit sector, Julia's shift to consulting was influenced by the desire for greater flexibility and reduced stress. This led her and a colleague to found their consulting firm, leveraging their deep sector knowledge to aid nonprofit professionals in adapting to new working modalities. Host Meico Marquette Whitlock shares surprise from the significant statistic that 74% of nonprofit employees are considering job changes, underscoring a widespread desire for better work conditions and alternatives to traditional roles. Julia attributedsthis trend partly to the seismic shifts in work dynamics brought about by the pandemic, which have reshaped expectations around flexibility and remote work. Julia continues by emphasizing the potential of consulting as a strategic career move for nonprofit professionals seeking autonomy. She notes that consulting could provide a more satisfying work-life balance while still contributing significantly to the sector. Moreover, Julia advises that nonprofits can benefit from engaging consultants to optimize resource allocation and harness specialized skills without the overhead associated with full-time positions. Julia’s message is that with a mutual benefit structure for both nonprofits and potential consultants: organizations can achieve more with specialized, flexible talent, and professionals can find fulfillment and balance by defining their work terms. Julia's story is a great example of how adaptive strategies and openness to non-traditional roles can enrich both individual careers and the nonprofit sector at large.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

How AI can significantly enhance the efficiency and inclusivity of strategic planning processes for nonprofits. Mike Burns, CEO of StratSimple, shares his innovative approach to strategic planning through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). Watch on Video!Mike starts with the point that one of the primary challenges facing nonprofits in strategic planning is the considerable time and financial resources required. Addressing this, he introduces his AI-driven solution designed to streamline and economize the planning process, making it accessible to more nonprofit organizations. His approach utilizes AI to facilitate comprehensive stakeholder engagement by rapidly and efficiently gathering insights from a broad spectrum of participants, exemplified by one client who interactively surveys 4,000 clients. Mike describes the value. . .  "Imagine if you were doing that the traditional way and you had to interview each of those people. How long would that take? I don’t even know that it would be possible." The lively conversation highlights the fast-changing capability of AI in capturing and synthesizing vast amounts of data to identify key themes and insights. This process not only saves time but also enhances the depth of analysis available to decision-makers. MIke shares his enthusiasm for AI's potential, stating, "Economists out there say AI is going to have a bigger impact on the economy than electricity. The more you work with it, the more you realize that this is changing everything." Co-hosted by Tony Beall and Julia Patrick, the episode explores the implications of AI in the realm of nonprofit governance, where strategic planning often involves complex layers of input from various stakeholders including funders, clients, team members, and board members. During the discussion, Mike elaborates on the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the planning process, asserting that AI tools can help ensure every voice is heard, thereby fostering a more comprehensive and effective strategic plan. You’ll learn alot of what’s changing in the planning arena by watching. The cohosts and guest not only shed light on the transformative potential of AI in nonprofit strategic planning but also underscore the importance of technology in making strategic planning more manageable, cost-effective, and inclusive.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

Hosted by Meico Marquette Whitlock and featuring guest host Muhi Khwaja from the Fundraising Academy at National University, a series of pertinent questions from nonprofit professionals across the USA are addressed.  Watch on Video!The session begins with a discussion about managing underperforming board members, prompted by a nonprofit dealing with a board member who fails to attend meetings and meet fundraising obligations. Khwaja emphasizes the importance of initial conversations to understand the underlying reasons for the board member’s lack of participation before taking any steps to potentially remove them. Whitlock supports this by highlighting the value of dialogue to prevent making assumptions about the individual’s circumstances and to clarify expectations. Another query involves setting personal fundraising goals and understanding donor attrition. Khwaja provides insights on calculating donor loss and stresses the importance of using historical data to anticipate and mitigate donor attrition. Whitlock adds the perspective of seeking advice and strategies from peers in similar roles to better manage and utilize such data. The discussion also touches on managing pro bono services from a mid-size ad agency, with concerns about the potential lack of commitment due to the non-financial nature of the contract. Both hosts suggest establishing clear expectations and regular communication to ensure accountability and effective collaboration. They advise being proactive in managing the relationship to ensure the nonprofit remains a priority for the agency. Lastly, the hosts tackle a question from Rafael in San Diego about allocating a budget for personal development to retain employees. Khwaja proposes that employees decide if and how they want to use their development funds, suggesting that unused funds could be pooled for others to use. Whitlock recommends that nonprofits first assess what their employees truly need and want before implementing such programs, to ensure the funds are used effectively and align with the organization’s goals.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 discussion into the intriguing territory of self-esteem within nonprofit organizations, with Peter Heller, CEO of Heller Fundraising Group.  Drawing on his extensive experience in fundraising consultancy, Peter articulates how intrinsic self-esteem is to a nonprofit organization's ability to effectively raise funds and make an impact. Watch on Video!Peter starts by emphasizing the importance of an "abundance mindset" to create and sustain prosperity within nonprofits and the communities they serve. He says, "We believe it's really important to try to address [challenges] from an abundance mindset," indicating how this philosophy influenced the very logo of his company—a symbol of infinite money flowing from an infinity sign, representing endless possibilities and financial sustainability. The key insight from Peter revolves around the concept of nonprofit self-esteem, which he believes is often overlooked yet vital for organizational success. He shares, "Underneath why a particular organization can or can't raise the money it needs... somewhere is self-esteem of your organization—where do you think you are in the spectrum of things. Do you matter?" This notion reflects his belief in the foundational role self-esteem plays not just in personal realms but in organizational contexts as well. He also shares compelling anecdotes demonstrating how organizations diminish their own value by comparing themselves unfavorably to larger, more well-known entities. He powerfully advised one such group by stating, "Look at your database and your annual report. You actually do raise money, and you people around the table are giving money, so it's not true that nobody's going to support you because you actually already are." Continuing, he touches upon the broader implications of self-esteem during crises like COVID-19 and 9/11, suggesting that such periods should catalyze introspection and reaffirmation of an organization's essential role in humanity's future. He proposes that every individual within a nonprofit should be able to assert, "This nonprofit is crucial to the future of humanity," as a testament to its significance. You will find Peter’s insights not only highlight the nuanced challenges faced by nonprofits but also pertain to the transformative potential of fostering strong internal self-esteem. This thoughtful conversation, with host Julia Patrick, serves as a critical reminder of the dynamic interplay between self-perception and organizational efficacy in the nonprofit sector.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 essentials of effective nonprofit branding, with Catherine Alonzo from Javelina Consulting, emphasizing that a nonprofit’s brand extends beyond visual elements like logos, as it encapsulates the organization's personality and core values. The conversation digs into common branding mistakes nonprofits make and highlights the value of authentic, relevant, and consistent messaging to truly resonate with audiences and support organizational missions. This engaging discussion with Catherine, cohosted by Mitch Stein and Julia Patrick, offers practical insights for nonprofits aiming to enhance their brand strategy and impact.   Watch on Video!Catherine begins by explaining how a brand is much more than just a logo or a color palette—it's the organization's personality. This includes how the nonprofit behaves, its values, and its engagement style, rather than just its visual identity. She points out a common pitfall among nonprofits: becoming bored with their brand and mistakenly believing a logo change can solve deeper issues. Catherine and Mitch discuss the importance of starting with the core identity and messaging of the brand, rather than superficial changes, to truly resonate with the nonprofit’s audiences and represent their mission authentically. This lively discussion also covers the common misconception that rebranding alone can solve all organizational challenges. Catherine stresses that while branding is crucial, it should not be seen as a panacea. Instead, it should be approached as a comprehensive strategy that includes clear messaging, consistent communication, and alignment with the nonprofit’s core mission and values. Catherine also elaborates on the tactical aspects of branding, such as ensuring that all communications are authentic, relevant, and consistent. She notes the importance of understanding the organization's core identity—why they do, what they do, how they do it, who they serve, and what makes them unique. This foundation should be the basis for all strategic decisions, from marketing to employee engagement and beyond. Catherine’s insights will provide you a roadmap for your nonprofit to align their internal values with external perceptions, ensuring your branding efforts are both strategic and impactful. Her holistic approach to branding not only boosts organizational coherence but also strengthens those key connections with your community, donors, and other stakeholders.Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

This conversation is a call to action for nonprofits to courageously innovate and adapt, to ensure their actions always align with their missions and the expectations of those they serve. Watch on Video! The Nonprofit Show cohost Wendy F. Adams shares her optimistic perspective on the evolving dynamics within the nonprofit sector amidst ongoing challenges. With infectious enthusiasm, Wendy emphasized the sector's increasing embrace of hope and progress, highlighting a shift towards inclusivity and the sheer joy of reconnecting in person. She insightfully noted that the landscape of gatherings is transforming people, such that they  are now prioritizing meaningful interactions over mere attendance, reflecting a deeper appreciation for community and connection forged through shared experiences rather than through isolation. Wendy, in speaking with fellow host Julia Patrick, also addressed the innovative approaches being adopted in event planning, advocating for a blend of creativity and strategic risk-taking to enhance engagement. She discussed her own experiences with reimagining traditional formats, like hosting a breakfast-for-dinner event, which not only delighted attendees but also deeply resonated with the event's theme, engaging vulnerable families by centering children's preferences. This approach not only enlivened the event but also stood as a testament to the power of thoughtful, unconventional planning. Continuing, Wendy eloquently links the concept of risk with the trust clients place in organizations. By acknowledging the mutual risk involved in these relationships, she points to the importance of nonprofits not only to recognize but to honor this trust by continually innovating and responding to the needs and expectations of their communities.  Wendy's words served as a reminder that in times of change, the most impactful organizations are those that dare to think differently, fostering environments where creativity and community thrive.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

Anne Marie Dougherty, CEO of the Bob Woodruff Foundation, discusses the foundation's mission to support U.S. veterans and their families in this recent interview. She highlights the foundation’s origins, sparked by journalist Bob Woodruff's injuries in Iraq, and its commitment to connecting veterans with essential resources through the "Got Your Six" network. Anne Marie describes their data-driven approach to expand reach and efficacy, underlining the foundation’s evolution and adaptability in meeting veterans' needs over 18 years. Watch on Video!In this insightful interview on the Nonprofit Show, Anne Marie outlines the foundation's origins, tracing back to a critical moment in 2006 when Bob Woodruff, a journalist for ABC News, was severely injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq. His family's firsthand experiences of the gaps in support during his recovery inspired the creation of the foundation. Anne Marie describes the foundation's approach, which leverages a vast network to connect veterans to necessary resources and support. She explains how the foundation operates on principles of gratitude and generosity, deeply rooted in the ethos of the organization. "Everything we do is infused with the generosity of spirit and an ethos of gratitude," she remarks, illustrating the foundation's commitment to authentically serving those who have served the nation. Under Anne Marie’s leadership, the foundation has not only sustained but expanded its mission over 18 years, adapting to the evolving needs of veterans through initiatives like the "Got Your Six" network. This particular program focuses on creating accessible, local connections to services for veterans, addressing both the visibility and availability of support covering all 50 states and nearly all veterans in the country. Anne Marie also speaks about the importance of data-driven approaches in enhancing the foundation’s outreach and effectiveness. "We're able to slice and dice the data geographically... to arm our policymakers with information that's relevant to their district," she explains, then referencing the strategic use of data to influence policy and ensure targeted, impactful support. Cohosts Julia Patrick and Meredith Terrian engage with several questions  of Anne Marie, as she expresses a forward-thinking vision, emphasizing preparedness and adaptability as key to future successes. Reflecting on the foundation's trajectory and the ongoing needs of veterans, she reiterates the importance of readiness and strategic planning in navigating future challenges and recognizing opportunities.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

In response to questions from nonprofits across the country, from Fundraising Academy, LaShonda Williams CFRE, provides nuanced insights into managing nonprofit boards, aligning donor management strategies with organizational goals, and some best practices toward the involvement of high-level executives in fundraising efforts.  Her wise responses offer savvy guidance on maintaining integrity and strategic focus for those involved in nonprofit management. Watch on Video!Addressing a query from Colorado Springs about the appropriateness of personal questions in a board diversity questionnaire, LaShonda emphasizes the value of aligning these types of inquiries with the organization's mission and goals. She suggests that discomfort with the questions should prompt a deeper discussion about the true meaning and necessity of diversity within the board. LaShonda, with the help of host Tony Beall, respond to a viewer from Omaha, who was concerned about managing a donor portfolio that didn't feel like the right fit for her. LaShonda advises involving potentially more suitable colleagues in meetings to better assess and cultivate relationships, thereby emphasizing the core role of relationship-building in fundraising. She keys in on the importance of collaborative efforts which can help the management of donor relationships too. LaShonda and Tony respond to an interesting question about involving CEOs in donor meetings, pointing out the need to strategically use the CEO's time, especially concerning large gifts. LaShonda goes on to propose setting thresholds for CEO involvement based on the organization’s definition of major and principal gifts and suggests that alternative representatives like board members could also effectively engage major donors. You’ll get alot out of this rapid-fire session addressing worries and issues nonprofits are experiencing.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

Discover how a nonprofit organization transforms unwanted shoes and clothing into tools for empowerment, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability, as they share insights into the impactful partnerships and volunteer activities that drive community service and corporate engagement, emphasizing the transformative effects of programs across global communities. In this engaging interview with Robin Witczak, VP of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Soles4Souls, you’ll learn about their mission to extend the lifecycle of goods and make a tangible difference in the world.Watch on Video!Robin describes Soles4Souls' transformative approach to repurposing unwanted shoes and clothing into tools for relief, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability. "We take unwanted shoes, clothes, and accessories and we turn them into opportunity by keeping them from going to waste and really putting them to good use," she explains. This is achieved through their core programs focused on providing new shoes for people in crisis, creating job opportunities through the distribution of shoes, and empowering children across the US with new athletic shoes.Central to this lively discussion, with cohosts Wendy Adams and Tony Beall, was the impact of corporate partnerships on Soles4Souls' mission. Witczak points to the importance of these collaborations, emphasizing that they go beyond transactions to foster genuine partnerships. "I don't want this to be a transaction. I want this to truly be a partnership," she offers, underscoring the strategic role these relationships play in enhancing volunteer engagement and community impact. She also details the significant environmental impact of their initiatives, noting the organization's commitment to preventing premature disposal of usable goods and extending their lifecycle.Continuing, Robin shares compelling stories about the deep, personal connections people forge through volunteer activities associated with Soles4Souls. She recounts a fun anecdotal story of a senior volunteer that managed to collect thousands of shoes (spoiler alert. .. she turns out to be her inspiration and mother!).You’ll enjoy this illuminating chat about the powerful intersection of personal passion, corporate partnership, and community service, all centered around the transformative mission of Soles4Souls. . . . . . .a testament to the profound impact one organization can have on both local and global scales, driven by a commitment to sustainability, empowerment, and compassionate 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