The Nonprofit Show

The 360-degree approach to nonprofit management. Erin McPartlin teaches us about nonprofit’s capacity building, strategic planning, and leadership development, from the useful lens of understanding all aspects of an organization. You’ll discover how Erin's comprehensive view fosters holistic leadership and better nonprofit management.  Watch on video!"Being a 360 leader is about understanding all of the different aspects and components of your organization," Erin begins. She highlights the necessity for leaders to possess a comprehensive view, even if they are not experts in every area. This perspective enables them to see how various parts of the organization impact each other, fostering a holistic approach to leadership. "It's not about being the person with every single answer," she continues, "it's asking, listening, and hearing, but also knowing that everything is going to have to flow through you." Erin’s concept of 360 leadership originates from a memorable strategic planning session where she physically stands in the middle of a circle of stakeholders, orchestrating discussions and decisions. This metaphorical and literal positioning helps her realize the significance of having a panoramic view of the organization’s operations and challenges. She recounts, "You said, you know, not just physically, that you're standing in the middle of the circle, but that you have this ability to see how this side affects that side and how the board sees that and how the staff sees that." A pivotal theme in Erin’s discussion with co-hosts Julia Patrick and Sherry Quam Taylor is the balance between macro and micromanagement. She cautions against the assumption that hiring experts absolves leaders of their responsibilities. Instead, leaders must have a clear understanding of what success looks like in each area to effectively guide their teams. "You don't want to micromanage," Erin advises, "but you need to macro manage so you understand all those different components that go into what success looks like for your organization." Erin’s insights into nonprofit management are both inspiring and practical. Her emphasis on the 360-degree approach focuses on the importance of a well-rounded perspective, continuous learning, and strategic foresight in nonprofit leadership. Erin’s consultancy focuses on enhancing relationships between board chairs and CEOs.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 nonprofit leadership, authenticity stands as a pillar for effective and transformative management. This is the crux of the engaging conversation with Jacki Davidoff, a principal at Davidoff Strategy. The dialogue offers deep insights into the nuances of authentic leadership within the nonprofit sector, emphasizing continuous self-improvement and emotional intelligence. Watch on video!Jacki, based in Chicago but working nationally, begins by outlining her firm's mission: helping organizations realize their untapped potential. She emphasizes, “We believe that all organizations have more capacity and we work in the nonprofit sector because there are so many missions that matter deeply to a lot of people and communities.” This belief forms the foundation of her approach to leadership development, which she describes as a journey rather than a fixed destination. Authentic leadership, according to Jacki, involves an ongoing process of self-awareness and deliberate action. She challenges the conventional understanding of authenticity as a static trait, suggesting instead that it is about making conscious choices in the moment. She offers “Leadership development is a moment-to-moment choice, making choices in the moment. As I said before, watching yourself start to want to say something in a meeting and shut it down because what if you don’t say it right.” as she emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and adaptability in leadership. The discussion, with host Julia Patrick,  also highlights the necessity of emotional intelligence in navigating the complexities of nonprofit work. Jacki goes on to explain that emotions like fear, anger, and sadness, often seen as negative, can be harnessed to drive positive outcomes. She states, “We teach and train and coach people to attune to one’s emotions, and we say, you know, there are five key emotions: hurt, anger, fear, joy, and sadness.” , which encourages leaders to view their emotions as valuable guides rather than obstacles. A big part of this fast-paced dialogue centers on the challenges faced by nonprofits due to leadership transitions and the evolving demographic landscape. With many seasoned leaders retiring, there's a pressing need to prepare the next generation, which keys to the importance of investing in people, advocating for creating a learning environment where emerging leaders can develop their skills. Jacki suggests that organizations need to foster cultures where feedback is honest and constructive, enabling continuous growth. Continuing, she touches on the impact of remote work on team dynamics and the importance of maintaining a strong sense of community even when working remotely. Jacki points out that creating spaces for open dialogue and shared experiences can significantly enhance team cohesion and effectiveness. Jacki’s emphasis on continuous self-improvement, emotional intelligence, and the creation of supportive learning environments offers a roadmap for leaders striving to make a meaningful impact. As she aptly puts it, “It’s that moment-to-mFind 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 look inside the journey of a leading and pioneering nonprofit, highlighting the importance of community involvement, education, and the ongoing efforts to combat stigma and enhance public health strategies. Watch on video! In this learning episode, we welcomed Stacey Jay Cavaliere, the executive director of Aunt Rita's Foundation, to discuss the ongoing challenges and initiatives related to HIV and AIDS. Stacey Jay shares his personal and professional journey with HIV, elaborating on the importance of community support and education in combating the epidemic. Stacey Jay Cavaliere, who joined Aunt Rita’s Foundation after a transformative personal experience with HIV, describes the evolution of the organization from its humble beginnings in 1988 during the height of the HIV crisis. He details how a grassroots movement born out of necessity led to the establishment of a vital community resource. Aunt Rita’s Foundation began as a local effort with bake sales and fundraisers in gay bars to support those affected by AIDS, eventually gaining nonprofit status in 2005. "Our first bake sale in 1988 raised over $5,000, which was extraordinary at that time. Those funds were crucial for covering rent, medication costs, and, unfortunately, some funeral costs as well," as Stacey Jay reflects on the early days. The conversation also peers into how Aunt Rita’s Foundation has adapted to the significant advancements in HIV medication and treatment. Stacey Jay shares the foundation's role in education and outreach, underscoring the shift from crisis response to long-term health management and prevention. "The good news is that there have been great advancements in medication, treatment, and outreach," he says, outlining the foundation's efforts to spread knowledge and resources across communities. With host Julia Patrick, the two also discuss the challenge of overcoming stigma, which remains a substantial barrier to HIV prevention and treatment. Stacey Jay points to the importance of continuous education and advocacy to change public perceptions and policies surrounding HIV and AIDS. "It's my duty now to give back to the community. To lift up those most marginalized and most affected," he shares. This episode showcases the historical and ongoing efforts of Aunt Rita's Foundation to tackle HIV and AIDS and serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of community-driven initiatives in addressing public health crises.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 important primer about the significance of cybersecurity for nonprofits, with Bart Holzer, CISO of Affinity Technology Partners. With over 25 years of experience, which includes two decades at the FBI, Bart provides insight into the changing landscape of cybersecurity threats and what they mean to nonprofits. Watch on video!Bart starts by addressing the myth that non-profit organizations are not likely to be victims of cybercrime. He states, "Totally false. We know they're going to go after nonprofits. Nonprofits are in the news every day either getting grants or having success in their programs, and we know most nonprofit funding goes to programming and not to security, and the bad guys know that too." This reality check brings home the critical need for nonprofits to prioritize cybersecurity as much as their for-profit counterparts. The conversation, with host Julia Patrick,  moves on to the threats that non-profit organizations face and how sophisticated modern cyber-criminals have become. Bart remarks, "We have seen where the excellent hackers have started selling their tools. So that proverbial kid into his mom's basement can buy sophisticated tools. So it's even worse than what we've seen in the past." This chilling revelation  points out the increasing accessibility of advanced hacking tools, making it imperative for nonprofits to stay vigilant. How nonprofits can start to build a robust cybersecurity program, Bart says, starts at the top: Executive leadership must make security a priority throughout and instill a culture of security. This top-down approach will ensure that everybody in the organization—employees, volunteers, contractors—understands and participates in following security protocols. He also proposes that resources should be harnessed from trusted organizations, such as the Center for Internet Security (CIS), which has free tools and frameworks to help nonprofits evaluate and uplift their cybersecurity condition. Time might be short, but there is a need for understanding and exerting basic “security hygiene”. When discussing the costs of all this, Bart suggests that nonprofit organizations spend 2% to 5% of their budget share on cybersecurity. The investment is not only to protect from financial loss but also to protect the reputation that a data breach can potentially cause to the organization, its stakeholders, and even its donors!   The session ends with practical advice on engaging with third-party vendors, as Bart describes how it is important for third-party vendors to have strong security practices, appropriate certifications, and data protection clauses in their contracts.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 strategic investments for nonprofit growth with Kiersten Hill from Fire Spring. Kiersten, who is the Director of Nonprofit Solutions at Fire Spring, shared her savvy knowledge on effectively communicating an organization's message and the importance of targeted operational investments. Watch on video!Kiersten begins by highlighting seven key areas where nonprofits should consider investing to stimulate growth: staff remuneration, fundraising tools, community engagement, branding updates, marketing collateral, strategic planning, and digital presence. She points out, "Reward them when they do good work, retain the ones that are doing that great work and that you want to keep," underscoring the valuing and retaining of effective staff members. A large part of this fun conversation, with co-hosts Sherry Quam Taylor and Julia Patrick, focuses on achieving quick wins to demonstrate the value of these investments to a nonprofit’s board. Kiersten says, "If you want to bring your board along and you want them to recognize the value of making those capacity-related investments, then we have to show wins." This strategy is a key for securing board buy-in and setting the stage for longer-term success. The three also touch on the need for nonprofits to adopt a more progressive and growth-oriented mindset, moving away from overly conservative approaches that can hinder development. This shift can enable nonprofits to embrace more ambitious projects and strategies, potentially leading to greater impact and effectiveness. Fire Spring operates as a full-service marketing communications company, notably engaged with nonprofits. Kiersten detailed how their services range from web development to branding and marketing, all tailored to the nonprofit sector. With her background in nonprofit management and fundraising, she brings a practical perspective to these services, emphasizing their utility in enhancing organizational outreach.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

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