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

Voice coach Tracy Goodwin explores the critical role of voice in nonprofit communication. She introduces the concept of "voice masks"—invisible barriers we create with our voice due to insecurities—and discusses how these affect authenticity and connection. Tracy shares her unique journey into voice coaching and offers practical advice for using one's true voice to enhance engagement and impact in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing that the voice is a powerful tool for genuine connection. Watch on Video!Tracy 's path to becoming a voice coach was both unconventional and compelling. Despite growing up in a household where children were seen and not heard, her natural inclination and skill in vocal expression led her into acting and directing. It was here that she discovered her gift for coaching voices, describing her entry into the field as "kicking and screaming" due to her familial conditioning. This background uniquely positions her to understand the unspoken nuances of voice and how they can be pivotal in representing or misrepresenting one's true self. You’ll discover one of Tracy’s key insights during the show is the idea of "voice masks," a concept she describes with clarity and passion: "Voice masks are like Halloween masks. They are meant to hide our identity but they're invisible. They're just an armor of sound that we pick up and put on in certain circumstances." This analogy strikingly captures how individuals often modify their voice in professional settings or due to insecurities, impacting authentic communication. Tracy goes on to passionately argue that these masks and altered vocal expressions often prevent genuine connections. She illustrates this with an example of a man who altered his voice to prove his worth, inadvertently creating barriers in his business relationships. This invisible armor, she explained, can cost us dearly in terms of connection and authenticity. She also introduces you to the concept of "voice stories," the subconscious scripts that dictate our vocal expressions from a young age, influenced by our environments and experiences.  Tracy’s approach is to unearth these stories, helping individuals reconnect with their true vocal identity and thereby enhance their communicative impact. This revealing discussion is not just theoretical; it is full of practical implications, especially for the nonprofit sector, where communication plays a crucial role in fundraising and community engagement.  You’ll find Tracy’s advice clear and actionable, nudging you to embrace your own authentic voices rather than conform to perceived expectations.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

Our guest introduces a nine-part "marketing sound system" that includes a compelling story framework and strategies for amplifying nonprofit messaging effectively. His insights emphasize the importance of clarity, consistency, and the power of storytelling in engaging nonprofit donors and standing out in the crowded  and competitive nonprofit sector. This episode provides valuable strategies for nonprofits looking to boost their marketing and communications efforts. Watch on Video!Anthony Dicks, Jr., from 180 Management Group, begins the discussion by metaphorically describing marketing as akin to handling a sound system—a complex yet essential tool for amplifying messages in a noisy environment. Drawing from his childhood experience assisting his preacher father with church sound systems, Anthony points to the key to understanding and managing various elements of a sound system to enhance communication effectiveness. He offers a nine-part "marketing sound system" that includes components like a compelling story framework, a sounding board for idea validation, amplifiers to boost signal, equalizers to balance message delivery, and speakers to clearly issue calls to action. Anthony encapsulates the essence of his marketing philosophy: "A whole lot of marketing is like managing a sound system. First, you want to overcome the noise that's already in the market, but in order to do that, you need a sound system. And by sound system, I just don't mean the mixer. I mean a system that is sound in how you generate your messages, how you release those messages, how you manage those messages really contribute to how it is you amplify that message." Anthony goes on to elaborate on the need for nonprofits to craft a marketing strategy that resonates clearly and consistently with their target audience. He stresses the importance of frequency and clarity in messaging, noting that clear, consistent messages more effectively penetrate market noise and resonate with intended audiences. Additionally, he underscores the power of storytelling in marketing, advocating for narratives that feature a hero overcoming significant obstacles, thereby providing hope and inspiration to potential donors and stakeholders. This lively conversation also touches upon the strategic use of digital platforms and media to reach specific demographics, emphasizing the importance of aligning message delivery channels with the preferences and habits of the target audience.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 this lively edition of "Ask and Answer Friday", nonprofit experts Meico Marquette Whitlock and Muhi Khwaja bring forward their insightful answers to questions about nonprofit management and operating strategies.  Watch on Video!  Topics covered include; Marcus from Minneapolis opens the dialogue by asking for strategies to encourage a program officer from a large funder to visit their campus, aiming to forge a stronger relationship. The response focuses on ways to enhance engagement with the funder, suggesting that understanding the funder’s hesitations and exploring various methods of showcasing the campus, including virtual tours, could be effective. Maya from Dallas questioned the effectiveness of traditional snail mail campaigns versus digital approaches for their next holiday season fundraising efforts. The hosts debate the merits of each method, with suggestions to blend digital and physical outreach methods effectively to maximize donor engagement and response rates. Shania from Oklahoma City brought up concerns about the relevance of continuing an "Employee of the Month" program in a now predominantly work-from-home environment. The conversation veered towards the value of maintaining recognition and morale in remote settings, suggesting steps to personalize acknowledgments and maintaining the essence of appreciation regardless of the medium. Ramon from Miami seeks advice on how nonprofit boards could advocate for children's mental health without jeopardizing their 501C3 status. The hosts elaborate on the importance of educating rather than lobbying state legislators, stressing the importance of forming relationships and utilizing educational outreach as a primary tool for advocacy. An anonymous question from Oakland describes a sensitive issue regarding a CEO's request for employees to donate to their nonprofit to show 100% employee participation. The hosts debate the ethical considerations and practical implications of such requests, emphasizing the need to balance organizational goals with respect for individual financial circumstances.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

Key strategies for nonprofit fundraising during election cycles. Highlighting data from past elections, Shanna Birky, VP with Classy.org, reassures nonprofits that fundraising can thrive even amid the political frenzy. Shanna outlines the importance of adapting communication and event timing to avoid clashing with major political events, advocating for rapid response strategies and proactive donor engagement to capitalize on increased public interest during elections. Her expert advice encourages nonprofits to maintain confidence in their missions and strategically navigate the heightened media landscape to boost donor outreach and impact. Watch on Video!With over 15 years at Classy, a platform supporting digital fundraising for nonprofits, Shanna offered deep insights into navigating fundraising strategies during election cycles, a period typically viewed with trepidation by nonprofit organizations. Shanna spoke to the resilience of fundraising activities during election years, noting that data from the past eight election cycles, excluding the Great Recession period, showed consistent growth in fundraising. This historical perspective helps alleviate the fear that elections might stifle donor contributions. She describes that while elections might dominate media attention, nonprofits should not shy away from their missions. Instead, they should adjust their communication strategies and timing to maintain donor engagement. A key aspect of Shanna’s discussion centered on the tactical adjustments nonprofits might consider during election years. She advises avoiding launching major campaigns or events close to election dates due to the intense competition for public attention. Instead, she suggests focusing on periods less cluttered with political events, potentially leveraging the heightened public engagement for positive impact. Shanna also introduced the concept of "rapid response strategies" which are crucial during high-visibility periods like elections. These strategies enable organizations to quickly mobilize resources and capture the surge in public interest that elections often generate. Such responsiveness ensures that nonprofits remain relevant and effective in their missions, despite the external noise. Another key strategy discussed was addressing the shifts in donor behavior during elections. Nonprofits might observe that donors allocate funds differently, splitting between charitable causes and political contributions. Early and ongoing engagement with donors, especially high net worth individuals, is crucial to securing their support before they commit funds elsewhere. Shanna encapsulated her message with a powerful quote: "It's so important to still feel confident in your message. But maybe even go a step further. How are you communicating that impact? What is that story that you are telling?" . . . . .underscoring the need for nonprofits to communicate effectively and compellingly during politically charged times, ensuring their message resonates deeply with both existing and potential donors.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

True strategic leadership at nonprofits extends beyond having a mission statement; it involves setting clear priorities, effectively communicating these to the team, and ensuring actions align with organizational goals. Watch on Video!  Learn more about the critical importance of strategic leadership in nonprofit organizations, with Beth Larsen, Vice President of Client Experience at JMT Consulting, as she highlights the necessity of being consumer-focused and responsive to the shifting demands of the environment in which nonprofits operate. This quick tempo interview offers actionable insights on integrating strategic priorities into daily operations, which can enhance your nonprofit’s effectiveness and boost the alignment with the needs of those you are serving. Beth begins with a fundamental concern that resonates across the sector: "There is almost exclusively more demand than there is resource and capacity to meet that demand.", pointing to the challenge faced by nonprofits — balancing limited resources with ever-expanding needs. Beth describes how strategic leadership is not solely about planning or vision-setting; it is about integrating these plans into daily operations and ensuring that every team member understands their role in moving the organization forward. She speaks to the importance of having a "clear common purpose" and the ability to articulate what success looks like for the team, which can dramatically shift how each member contributes to 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