The Nonprofit Show

LaMichelle Hecht, CEO of Overhead Solutions Group and CPA, discusses the challenges faced by Black women in accounting, emphasizing the need for diversity and inclusion. She highlights systemic barriers, the importance of youth outreach in accounting careers, and strategies for promoting diversity in the nonprofit sector.

The positive impact of adoption-friendly workplace policies for nonprofits, with insights from Mary Ellen Smalley, Director of Brand and Cause Awareness at the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. This fast-paced learning episode explores the Foundation's Top 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplace list for 2024, showcasing organizations leading the charge in supporting adoptive and foster parents through robust benefits and inclusive environments. You’ll hear about resources and guidance for implementing adoption-friendly policies tailored to your nonprofit organization's size and structure, ensuring inclusivity and support for employees considering adoption.  Mary Ellen and the cohosts offer heartwarming stories illustrating the profound impact of these adoption and fostercare policies on families and children. More and more nonprofits are creating foster care and adoption policies for their staff.  As Mary Ellen states, "We're just seeing the trends going up, and we see more and more companies participating...it's all good." Mary Ellen's insights detail the significance of adoption-friendly policies, explaining their role in creating inclusive environments for employees considering adoption. She outlines the diverse range of benefits offered by both for profit and non-profit organizations, ranging from financial reimbursement to generous paid leave policies, tailored to support various adoption paths, including foster care adoption. Mary Ellen lifts the veil on the Dave Thomas Foundation's Top 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplace list for 2024. This list not only recognizes companies for their exemplary adoption policies but also serves as a benchmarking tool for organizations aspiring to enhance their support for adoptive parents. Through Mary Ellen's detailed explanation, you will learn how implementing adoption-friendly policies can vary in complexity depending on the size and structure of the organization.  The Foundation has links to resources and guidance, such as toolkits and surveys, to assist organizations at every stage of policy development.Watch on Video!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 Cultivate 2024 conference for nonprofits, from San Diego, proved to be an electrifying and insightful event, showcasing the passion and dedication of professionals in the nonprofit sector. The two-day gathering of nonprofit professionals from around the country, hosted by Fundraising Academy, boasted a packed schedule of sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. The conference, now in its second year, witnessed significant growth and interest. Keynote speaker Jason Champion set the tone with his enthusiastic address, emphasizing the importance of cultivating relationships in the nonprofit world. Attendees found themselves engaged in hands-on workshops, such as those focused on event planning and fundraising strategies, led by industry experts like Jack Alotto and Jared Williams. Moreover, the conference facilitated meaningful connections, with attendees eager to share experiences and viewpoints. Panel discussions on leadership development, sustainable growth strategies, and trends in technology provided valuable knowledge for professionals at all levels. What truly set Cultivate apart was its focus on professionalizing fundraising and treating nonprofits as businesses. LaShonda Williams, a trainer at National University, emphasized the importance of equipping fundraisers with the necessary skills and resources to succeed in their careers. Pearl Hoeglund, the director of Fundraising Academy, highlighted the conference's mission to provide accessible and immediately applicable strategies for attendees. The intimate setting fostered authentic engagement and encouraged lifelong learning among participants. Looking ahead to future editions of Cultivate, organizers aim to maintain the event's intimate atmosphere while accommodating the growing interest from across the country. The focus remains on fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and empowering professionals to drive meaningful impact in their communities.Watch on Video!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 founder of Sara's Society for Animal Rescue and Adoption, Tracy Frank, shares her inspiring journey of dedication and compassion spanning nearly three decades, with Show host Mitch Stein.  SaraSanctuary.org, located in Seguin, TX, stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to saving animals from abandonment and providing them with a loving sanctuary. She reflects, "No matter how hard this is on its worst day, it's still the best thing I've ever experienced. Starting this sanctuary has given me a fulfillment that I never had in my life before." Tracy's story began during her teaching years, where she witnessed the plight of animals left abandoned on roadsides and by fellow teachers. Fueled by her passion, she founded SaraSanctuary.org, driven by the belief that every animal deserves a chance at life. Rejecting the conventional shelter model of euthanasia, Tracy was inspired by organizations like Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, which affirmed her mission of providing refuge without compromise. Throughout the interview, Tracy reflects on the challenges of fundraising, highlighting the constant struggle to meet the sanctuary's $75,000 monthly budget. From grassroots efforts like sending letters to leveraging unconventional methods like partnering with adult websites for donations, Tracy's resourcefulness knows no bounds. Her dedication to securing funds underscores her unwavering commitment to the animals under her care. Tracy's sanctuary is not limited to traditional pets like dogs and cats; it embraces animals of all kinds. With over 700 residents, including 350 pigs, horses, cows, and even ducks, Sara's Society stands as a haven for creatures great and small. Tracy's decision to rescue a diverse range of animals reflects her belief in the inherent worth of all living beings, regardless of species or background. The conversation also covers Tracy's successful partnerships with other rescue organizations, facilitating exchanges of animals to find them suitable homes. Tracy points to the importance of vetting potential partners to ensure alignment in values and practices, underscoring her commitment to the welfare of the animals entrusted to her care. Despite the emotional toll of her work, Tracy remains resilient, drawing strength from her dedicated team and her profound sense of purpose. She candidly shares her coping mechanisms, including medication and a strong work ethic, acknowledging the importance of prioritizing mental health in an often-challenging field. Tracy Frank's journey exemplifies the transformative power of compassion and determination. Through Sara's Society, she continues to make a profound impact on the lives of countless animals, embodying the belief that every creature deserves love, care, and a second chance. As Tracy's story illustrates, the path to creating a better world for animals begins with a single act of kindness.  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 topic of nurturing and advancing Superstar talent within nonprofit organizations, featuring Miriam Dicks from 180 Management Group. Miriam describes the challenges and strategies surrounding nonprofit’s talent management, particularly in mission-driven spaces like nonprofits. With a decade of experience, Miriam starts with the importance of recognizing and stewarding hidden gems within organizations, ensuring that talent is retained and supported effectively. She points to the necessity of intentional leadership development, which, unfortunately, tends to be lacking in many nonprofit settings. The conversation highlights the significance of identifying superstars through clear job expectations and performance evaluations, fostering a culture of growth, and championing employees' professional development. As Miriam aptly says, "When you can identify those characteristics, those qualities that you would see in a person who is successful in your organization, then you can really identify the superstars because those people, the superstars, are going to excel beyond others in those areas, right?" Miriam advocates for regular check-ins to prevent burnout and stresses the need for leaders to model the behavior they wish to see in their teams. Additionally, she discusses the importance of creating upward mobility opportunities and not being afraid to let superstars move on if it aligns with their career growth. Her insights on this fast-paced learning segment offer actionable steps for organizations to create environments where talent thrives!Watch on Video!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 a whole new dimension of nonprofit storytelling. The potential of nonprofit organizations writing books. We uncover the transformative power of storytelling through the lens of publishing, with host Julia Patrick and guest, Ben Gioia, author of "Influence With A Heart". Ben's journey, from facing mortality in India to a galvanized commitment to serve, forms the backdrop of his message. As he shares, "Influence With A Heart is the ongoing invitation to offer someone to say yes to you," encompassing communication, leadership, and impact. In this fast-paced learning episode, they highlight the unique challenges and opportunities nonprofits face, especially in a global context where structures vary widely. As Ben puts it, "The nonprofit sector is a remarkable thing, drawing from cultures worldwide, each with its legislative nuances." The conversation expands to the nuts and bolts of book creation. Ben shares a process, emphasizing collaboration with a coach and publisher. From concept to publication, he outlines a strategic timeline, pointing to the importance of leveraging the book before and after its release. Touching on the role of AI in storytelling and it’s potential as a tool for research and organization, Ben warns against using it as a writing substitute, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of authentic human voice in storytelling. On the economics of book creation, Ben provides his insights into costs and timeframes. He demystifies the process, describing a streamlined approach that can yield a manuscript in as little as 5 to 13 weeks, depending on collaboration and dedication. The conversation concludes with reflections on the journey of nonprofit storytelling through books, with Julia sharing anecdotes of nonprofits commemorating milestones and evolving narratives.  The wisdom from this interview transcends the mere act of publishing a book; it's about crafting a narrative that resonates, inspires, and mobilizes communities. From Ben’s guidance, you can unlock the full potential of your nonprofits story!Watch on Video!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 into the complexities of labor and executive recruitment (aka headhunting or poaching) within the nonprofit sector. Led by Katie Warnock, CEO and founder of Staffing Boutique. Host Julia Patrick sets the stage by reflecting on the tumultuous changes the nonprofit workforce is witnessing, describing it as "incredibly diverse" and almost "schizophrenic." Katie echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the drastic transformation from the past to the present, wondering if the nonprofit labor force will ever return to its previous state. Katie highlights a significant shift in work ethic, noting that prioritizing mental health, family, and home has become a cross-generational trend, challenging traditional notions of commitment and consistency in the corporate world. As she puts it, "People do not care, and it doesn't matter what age you're at." This observation leads to a discussion about the challenges faced by both employers and staffing firms like Staffing Boutique in navigating this landscape. The conversation transitions to the topic of headhunting, a crucial aspect of executive recruitment, particularly in the nonprofit sector. Katie provides a look  into the process, emphasizing the importance of industry-specific expertise and confidentiality, especially when replacing key leadership positions. She sheds light on the fee structure of headhunting services, outlining the typical payment model based on a percentage of the hired candidate's first-year salary. Watch on Video!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 key insights from "10 Epic Fundraising Fails – Part 2".  Unpacking the most common mistakes in nonprofit fundraising.  Practical advice on how to avoid common pitfalls in fundraising, ensuring your nonprofit can engage donors effectively and secure essential funding. Host Julia Patrick and fundraising expert Jack Alotto discuss donor presentations, the importance of making the ask, mastering donor stewardship, maintaining ethical standards, and developing a personal fundraising philosophy. Failure to Tailor Presentations to Donors: Jack emphasizes the importance of customizing fundraising pitches to align with the interests and motivations of potential donors. He shares a personal anecdote where he mistakenly offered to name a building after a major donor who preferred anonymity, highlighting the need for understanding donor preferences to effectively engage and secure support. Failure to Ask: A significant challenge in fundraising is the reluctance or fear of asking for donations. Jack stresses that donors are not mind readers; fundraisers must make explicit asks. He argued that asking for a donation should be viewed not just as a transaction but as an invitation to the donor to join in the organization’s mission. Failure in Stewardship: After securing a donation, the relationship management (stewardship) that follows is crucial.  Jack criticizes the common error of neglecting this phase, which should involve thanking donors and showing the impact of their contributions. Effective stewardship reinforces the donor's decision to support the cause and sets the stage for future contributions. Failure to Understand the Importance of Ethical Fundraising: Ethics in fundraising was highlighted as critical. Jack points out how fundraisers often handle sensitive information about donors. Maintaining a high ethical standard, respecting donor privacy, and being transparent about the organization's goals and challenges are essential to build trust. Failure to Develop a Personal Theory of Fundraising: Finally, Jack discusses the importance of fundraisers developing a personal approach to their work, informed by their own values and experiences. This personal theory should guide their actions and interactions with donors, ensuring that their fundraising practice is not just a job but a reflection of their commitment to making a positive impact.Watch on Video!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

Are you ready to dig into the world of nonprofit fundraising failure?  We uncover the top ten fundraising failures and how to sidestep them. We're joined by the brilliant Jack Alotto CFRE, a seasoned expert from the Fundraising Academy at National University. In this part one of a two-part series, we explore embracing strategic planning, crafting compelling narratives, understanding donor motivations, and prioritizing stewardship. Jack begins with comments on the importance of strategic planning, stating, "Failure to have a strategic development and marketing plan is a recipe for disaster." He underscores the significance of a strategic plan as the foundation for future fundraising endeavors, followed by a development plan to outline funding strategies and a marketing plan to communicate with stakeholders effectively. Continuing, Jack stresses the critical role of a compelling case for support, describing it as the "rationale for philanthropic support." He highlights the versatility of a well-crafted case for support, which can be repurposed across various fundraising initiatives, from annual campaigns to grant proposals, amplifying its impact on donor engagement. When it comes to prospect research, Jack advocates for a multi-pronged approach, leveraging existing networks, volunteers, and strategic questioning techniques. He points to the value of building relationships with donors, citing volunteers as potential major donors and emphasizing the need for open-ended questioning to uncover donor motivations. Jack's shares specific insights on donor motivations, emphasizing the diversity of factors driving philanthropic giving, from shared values to emotional connections and societal impact. He emphasizes the importance of understanding donor motivations to tailor fundraising approaches effectively, dispelling the notion that donor size equates to commitment. Lastly, Jack describes the significance of stewardship in the donor lifecycle, stating, "Making the ask is a small part; stewardship is the bigger part." He advocates for engaging volunteers in fundraising efforts and stresses the importance of learning from mistakes.Watch on Video!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

Five years ago, Derrick Young, Jr. embarked on a mission to address the lack of diversity in advanced education, particularly in fields like law, medicine, and STEM. Despite facing challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and shifts in corporate support, the nonprofit he founded, Leadership Brainery , has emerged as a beacon of hope for underrepresented communities seeking access to higher education.  Co-hosts Julia Patrick and Mitch Stein welcome back Derrick for an insightful discussion on the organization's journey and impact. Young's personal experiences as one of the few men of color in his graduate programs fueled his passion to create change. He emphasizes, "Leadership Brainery increases access to masters and doctoral degrees so that underrepresented communities can establish wealth for themselves and prosperity for their families, but then reinvest back in their communities." This mission is underscored by the organization's commitment to fostering diversity at leadership levels, ensuring marginalized voices are heard in decision-making processes. The conversation dives into the challenges faced by nonprofit leaders like Young, including the need to educate funders about the importance of advanced education and navigating the complexities of HR and finance as a small but growing team. Despite these obstacles, LeadershipBrainery.org has achieved significant milestones. Through strategic alliances with other nonprofits, they've expanded their reach to over 50,000 students, guiding them towards educational opportunities beyond college. The organization's adoption of project management tools like Asana has revolutionized their operations, streamlined workflows and enhanced productivity. With a budget of $1.2 million and the support of over 850 individual donors, Leadership Brainery is making tangible strides in creating pathways to success for underrepresented talent. Thoughout this fast-paced conversation, Young's optimism and resilience shine through as he reflects on the organization's achievements and the transformative impact it's having on individuals and communities. For those inspired to learn more, Leadership Brainery's website offers a comprehensive look into their programs and impact, showcasing the power of education to drive meaningful change in society.Watch on Video!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