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Practical tips for nonprofits on addressing outdated information, integrating board members into fundraising, managing remote teams, and the importance of board succession planning, with the helpful insights from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    Watch on video!--Addressing Outdated Information in Presentations-- A nonprofit professional asks how to manage a situation where a CEO presented outdated and incorrect data.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

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