The Nonprofit Show

A look into the nuanced differences between donor-centric fundraising and community-centric fundraising, shedding light on the need for evolved donor engagement. Frank Velasquez, Jr., from 4daHood.com, begins with the historical approach to fundraising, which often prioritized donors' desires and overlooked the respect owed to the clients or communities served. Sharing his personal experience, Frank points to the significance of language in fundraising practices. He discusses how terms like "at risk" or "in poverty" can unintentionally marginalize and disrespect clients, illustrating the need for a shift towards more respectful and uplifting language that honors the dignity of the individuals served, sharing, "When you start using descriptive language that ends up not honoring or uplifting, then that's when it doesn't respect the clients." Frank leads us to the essence of community-centric fundraising, where the focus is not solely on donors but on centering the entire community, including donors, as active participants in the mission. He details the importance of storytelling and fostering a sense of belonging to deepen connections and inspire transformative change. Throughout the conversation, Frank stresses the importance of aligning internal language and messaging to ensure consistency across all organizational levels.  Throughout, Frank speaks to the impact of small changes, such as incorporating pronouns or adopting trust-based philanthropy, in attracting donors who align with the organization's values. He encourages organizations to embrace evolving language and practices as a means of authentically representing their mission and fostering meaningful connections with donors and communities alike. Reflecting on the effect of language shifts, he adds , "That little simple change had this effect, and people outside the organization [started] understanding who you are and [that's] attracting those people, so that [was] a microcosm of what we're talking about."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

Nonprofit organizations are given 'Hot Tips' to improve their budgeting processes in 2024, emphasizing principles of inclusivity, evidence-based decision-making, and proactive planning, with our guest, Justine Townsend, Manager at Your Part Time Controller. Justine begins with the critical importance of laying the groundwork for success before embarking on the budgeting process, ensuring that the budget remains usable and effective throughout its entire lifecycle. She directs us on the need for inclusivity by involving all relevant stakeholders in the budgeting discussions, including program managers and those responsible for smaller financial decisions. Justine humorously shares "A budget should be like a camel, created by committee," highlighting the collaborative nature of the process and the importance of leveraging diverse perspectives to create a good financial plan. She explores the significance of basing budgets on historical data, especially during uncertain times such as post-COVID recovery, suggesting using comparable years to inform budgeting decisions, which may yield a more accurate foundation for financial planning. Justine's advice to "dig into historical data" reflects her resolve for evidence-based budgeting practices, which enhance the accuracy and reliability of any financial projections. Documenting assumptions and pre-planning pivots emerge as crucial strategies advocated by Justine to navigate budgetary challenges more effectively. By transparently communicating assumptions and contingency plans, organizations can create a framework for adaptive decision-making. Justine's shares, "When you plan your pivots, you create a permission structure where you're allowed to not make budget," which fosters a culture where deviations from the budget are viewed as “opportunities for problem-solving" rather than failures. Justine spends time on the reasoning behind converting budgets to accrual-based financial statements to facilitate more accurate assessments of financial performance, which in turn will aid scenario planning and forecasting, enabling organizations to proactively anticipate and respond to changing circumstances.Watch on video: https://youtu.be/nGJ02zFyH78Find 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

Anthony A. Dicks Jr., the senior leadership consultant at 180 Management Group, begins his advice on self-care and burnout with the idea,  "It's not selfish to put your mask on first because your asset is your mind, and without those natural elements like oxygen feeding your mind, you won't be in a position to help the helpless."  Anthony recently discussed overcoming the burnout barrier in the nonprofit sector, sharing  that experiencing burnout can actually be a sign of exceptional leadership and maximizing one's capacity. He stated, "If you have reached your capacity, then that means you still have an opportunity to grow and do some more." This perspective reframes burnout as a signal to reassess and adjust one's approach rather than a failure. With his energetic and insightful approach, Anthony shed light on the importance of recognizing burnout early and implementing strategies for self-care and sustainable performance. In the conversation, Anthony emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to self-care rather than waiting until burnout becomes inevitable. He shares the mission of 180 Management Group, a consulting firm specializing in organizational transformation for nonprofits, focusing on operations, leadership, and strategic planning. Anthony elaborates on the importance of developing rituals for rest, reset, and recovery across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions. He introduces us to the concept of "right, read, run, rest, review, repeat" as a systematic approach to maintaining optimal performance and avoiding burnout. By scheduling regular periods for reflection and self-care, individuals can effectively manage their energy levels and sustain their impact in the long term. Anthony also points out the significance of using data, such as wearables tracking stress levels, to inform organizational practices and support employee well-being. He underscores the need for leaders to model self-care behaviors and create a culture that prioritizes holistic health.Watch on video: https://youtu.be/mM8G4q5YQr0Find 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

We peer into the intricacies of modern resumes in the 2024 digital age with Dana Scurlock, the Director of Recruitment at Staffing Boutique. Dana's wealth of experience and insightful commentary within the nonprofit sector sheds light on resume crafting in today's job market. Dana begins by emphasizing the importance of adapting resumes to the digital era, highlighting the shift from traditional paper-based formats to dynamic, content-rich digital resumes. As she puts it, "I think it's great that everything's digital now. What that lends itself to, though, is that we don't have to confine ourselves to just one page." One key takeaway from Dana's expertise is the significance of quality over quantity. She explains the importance of tailoring resumes to specific job opportunities rather than adopting a blanket approach. "I would rather send out five really high quality, well thought out, tailored resumes to the particular job you're applying to," Dana notes, "than if you're able to crank out 20-25 in a week just to get 20-25 out." Furthermore, Dana provides a look into the role of platforms like LinkedIn in the recruitment process. While acknowledging the utility of LinkedIn profiles, she cautions against solely relying on them in place of traditional resumes. "I think where it can become tricky is when people are utilizing LinkedIn in place of an actual CV or resume," Dana remarks, advocating for alignment between LinkedIn profiles and formal resumes. Throughout the conversation, Dana details the importance of clear, concise formatting and the strategic incorporation of relevant experiences, skills, and accomplishments. Her emphasis on reverse chronological resumes and the inclusion of comprehensive job descriptions resonated deeply with our audience.Watch on video: https://youtu.be/IxiTk6uluLsFind 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

Insightful responses to questions from nonprofits on various topics, focusing primarily on regional differences in fundraising approaches, performance bonuses for development team members, remote work policies, the significance of the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation, and academic choices for aspiring nonprofit professionals, with Guest host Muhi Khwaja, a trainer with Fundraising Academy and Co-founder of the American Muslim Community Foundation. Muhi Khwaja begins with a question about considering regional and cultural differences when fundraising outside one's city center. Drawing from personal experience, he highlighted variations in dress code and meeting styles across different regions, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the local setting while maintaining organizational standards, with advice to fundraisers to ask open-ended questions and seek guidance from local colleagues to navigate cultural nuances effectively. A question is addressed about performance bonuses for development team members. Muhi discusses his experience at the Red Cross, where bonuses were tied to fundraising goals and regional targets. He also talks about additional incentives such as extra days off or work-from-home privileges, highlighting the importance of clear expectations and communication between employees and management to avoid misunderstandings. On the topic of remote work policies, Muhi expresses his support for flexibility, advocating for a hybrid model that allows employees to work remotely while also facilitating in-person meetings and team gatherings. He stresses the value of having in place responsive and effective communication tools to maintain productivity in a remote environment. Muhi describes the significance of the CFRE designation, noting its potential benefits in terms of career advancement and credibility in the nonprofit sector. While donors may not always inquire about the designation, Muhi explains its value in establishing professional credibility and expertise, and potentially giving the holder a “one-up” on their career. Finally, Muhi provides advice to a college freshman torn between pursuing a nonprofit management program or a business major, suggesting a broader undergraduate degree followed by a specialized master's program to gain versatility and expertise in both nonprofit and business contexts.Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3OZ6771Find 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

Nonprofit organizations continue to navigate the evolving landscape of fundraising and storytelling, and we found out how platforms like StoryRaise are poised to revolutionize the way they engage with donors and communities.  We just hosted Josh Kligman and Jeff Rum, the dynamic duo behind StoryRaise.com, and peeked into the exciting intersection of storytelling and fundraising. With over 20 years of combined experience in marketing and a shared passion for nonprofit work, they're revolutionizing how organizations communicate their impact. Josh Kligman, CEO of StoryRaise, introduced the platform as a solution tailored for nonprofits to craft compelling digital reports and campaigns. He emphasized the importance of storytelling and its ability to bridge the gap between donors and organizations, drawing from his extensive background in nonprofit marketing. Jeff Rum, StoryRaise's  CMO, brought his wealth of experience from running his own agency to the table. His insights underscored the need for unity between marketing and fundraising efforts, stressing the significance of aligning storytelling with donor expectations, stating, "We're really trying to help organizations save time and money... it's got to be authentic to who the organization is... use [AI] as a tool rather than as a crutch." In this fast –paced chat they discuss nonprofit marketing, shining a light on their recent research findings. Jeff elaborates on the pivotal role of authenticity and transparency in donor engagement, revealing that donors are more likely to support organizations that regularly update them with impactful stories. Josh echoed this sentiment, re-affirming the value of AI in streamlining storytelling processes for nonprofits. He introduced StoryRaise Campaigns, a cutting-edge tool designed to generate comprehensive social media, email, and direct mail campaigns with minimal effort, allowing organizations to focus on their mission without compromising authenticity. This conversation showcases the innovation driving StoryRaise and points us to the imperative for nonprofits to embrace technology as a catalyst for social impact.Watch on video: https://bit.ly/49ncM2VFind 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

Meredith Terrain strikes a balance between addressing donors' unspoken questions and conveying practical strategies for fundraisers in this second part of ‘Questions Donors Will Ask’. She reminds us about the importance of understanding the underlying concerns donors may have, even if they don't explicitly voice them. Meredith acknowledges that while donors may not directly ask certain questions, such as "How much time will this take?" or "Why should I trust you?", these considerations are nevertheless crucial in their decision-making process. Throughout the conversation, Meredith intertwines insights into donors' perspectives with actionable preparations fundraisers can take before they meet with donors. As she details each key question, she also shares interesting anecdotes and experiences to illustrate the significance of honesty, transparency, and consistency in fundraising interactions. By doing so, she underscores the need for fundraisers to anticipate and address donors' concerns proactively, building trust and credibility over time. Enjoy this learning opportunity, focusing on the idea that effective fundraising requires a deep understanding of donors' motivations and reservations. By authentically addressing these concerns while maintaining integrity, fundraisers can cultivate meaningful relationships and secure vital support for their organizations. Watch on video:  https://youtu.be/3EUFHmP4j6oFind 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

On this episode we dissect the top 10 questions that potential donors often ponder but may not always vocalize. Meredith Terrain, from Fundraising Academy, takes us into the nuances of donor inquiries, shedding light on the critical yet unspoken questions that shape people’s philanthropic decisions. This part one covers the first five questions. Meredith kicks off the discussion by emphasizing the paramount importance of truly understanding what your organization does. She explains, "It is not just about reciting a mission statement; donors seek to comprehend the tangible impact and the demographic served." Throughout the conversation, Meredith emphasizes the worthiness of crafting a compelling case statement that encapsulates both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the nonprofit's work. The hosts and Meredith navigate through various donor concerns, ranging from the time commitment expected from donors to the transparency surrounding financial contributions, underscoring the need for honesty and transparency in communicating the anticipated time investment, as well as the intention to solicit financial support. As the conversation progresses, intricate layers of donor psychology are revealed, delving into questions surrounding the uniqueness of the organization's mission. Meredith points to the importance of articulating what sets the nonprofit apart, employing emotional appeals, logical reasoning, and credible evidence to bolster the case. In a conclusion that will make you really think, Meredith reflects on the multifaceted nature of donor inquiries, acknowledging the broader implications for funders, policymakers, and prospective board members. These first five questions will give you a great start to your conversations with donors. Part two will help fill your basket to the top. Watch on video: https://youtu.be/b7ymR9ya71sFind 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 sparkling episode hosted by Jarrett Ransom, with special guest Meredith Terrian from the Fundraising Academy, a range of compelling questions from nonprofits are tackled with enthusiasm and expertise. Meredith, an experienced trainer at Fundraising Academy, brought her wealth of knowledge to the table, addressing questions ranging from ethical dilemmas to marketing strategies. The conversation kicks off with a sensitive question about potential misuse of funds by a nonprofit CEO, highlighting the importance of transparency and proper reporting procedures. Meredith emphasizes the necessity of whistleblower policies and suggests avenues for reporting such incidents while also urging caution to avoid making unfounded accusations. Moving on, the discussion touches upon data security concerns when letting go of a development officer, underlining the significance of revoking access promptly and conducting exit interviews to reinforce confidentiality obligations. The conversation shifts to the frequency of in-person meetings with donors, with both hosts concurring on the importance of face-to-face interactions for fostering relationships, especially with major donors and prospects. They stress the value of personalized communication alongside meetings. The topic of brand consistency across digital and print marketing materials is then explored, with Meredith advocating for maintaining consistent color schemes to enhance brand recognition, professionalism, and message reinforcement. Jarrett adds a perspective on incorporating occasional variations to keep messaging fresh. Lastly, the conversation wraps up with a discussion on board size and composition, highlighting the importance of skill diversity and strategic alignment when considering board expansion. Watch on video: https://youtu.be/vpLj6AK_IT4Find 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

Watch this riveting conversation with Patty Russart, the CEO of Tool Bank USA. Amidst the backdrop of connecting innovation with leadership, Patty unveils the workings of Tool Banks, showcasing their profound utility for nonprofits! Patty begins by describing how Tool Bank functions as a "business to business" entity, catering exclusively to nonprofits and charitable organizations. She details the seamless process wherein nonprofits can easily access a huge array of tools for their projects, by borrowing tools online and picking them up from the closest Tool Bank location at a fraction of the normal cost. Throughout the interview, Patty focuses on the multifaceted nature of Tool Banks, dispelling the notion that they merely offer conventional tools like hammers and shovels. With over 900 different tool types in their inventory, including event equipment and sophisticated machinery like mulchers, Tool Bank USA transcends traditional limitations. As Patty says, "I think currently we have just over 900 different tool types in our inventory...it's not just your traditional hammer, wheelbarrow, ladder...we're starting to get more sophisticated tools...one of the biggest things is...we are getting a very large mulcher for our disaster services program." A key aspect of Tool Bank's growth strategy involves fostering community engagement and collaboration, and Patty describes the role of local initiatives, such as Birmingham's Magic City Tool Bank, which secured funding through a city grant, showcasing the grassroots support essential for expansion. Patty also shed light on Tool Bank's disaster services program, showcasing its pivotal role in providing essential tools and resources during crises. The conversation also digs into the operational mechanics behind establishing Tool Bank affiliates in new communities. Patty outlined some of the criteria, including community need, warehouse space availability, and funding, emphasizing the organization's commitment to facilitating rapid expansion while maintaining sustainability. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3I1t3yFFind 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