The Nonprofit Show

The Senior Product and Marketing Manager at Bloomerang, Lisa Gonzalez, gives amazing insights into donor engagement, setting the stage for a dynamic discussion on the nuances of cultivating generous donors with actionable strategies. Lisa kicks off the conversation by breaking down the concept of identifying generous donors into three key components: readiness, willingness, and ability. She elaborates on the importance of engaging donors who are not only financially capable but also actively involved and inclined to give. Gonzalez reminds us that wealth alone does not guarantee generosity, advocating for a holistic approach to donor segmentation that considers both engagement and giving history. Quoting Lisa, "Just because someone's wealthy doesn't mean they're generous. And just because they're not giving a lot doesn't mean they're not willing." This sentiment underscores the need for nonprofits to focus on donors who demonstrate a combination of engagement and generosity, rather than solely relying on wealth screening. The lively chat also the significance of personalization and segmentation in donor outreach, with Lisa highlighting the potential of targeting diverse donor segments, including prospective patrons and passionate volunteers, who may not fit the traditional donor profile but possess untapped potential for support. In Lisa’s words, she emphasizes, "It's about those people who have influence about the people around them. They're kind of the go-to person when you want to know something. They have the opportunity, or they have the charisma to galvanize the people around them.", underscoring the value of identifying and leveraging influential supporters within donor networks. The conversation also touched on the role of technology, with details on Bloomerang's innovative approach to predictive giving insights. By combining engagement ratings with generosity metrics, Bloomerang's CRM empowers nonprofits to identify and prioritize high-value donors efficiently. Furthermore, Lisa sheds light on the pitfalls of solely focusing on wealth screening, stressing the importance of considering donors' giving history and engagement levels whilst adopting a data-driven approach that goes beyond superficial wealth indicators to nurture meaningful donor relationships. Learn more from Bloomerang.com Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3wfeS6uFind 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

Abby Wilkymacky, founder of MindFlower Studio, joins us to shed light on the role of professional facilitators in nonprofit organizations. As an advocate for mindful facilitation, Abby provides wise perspectives on the importance of bringing in external facilitators to guide key discussions and strategic processes. Abby highlights the essence of facilitation, emphasizing its role in easing processes, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation within nonprofit settings. She describes her role as a graphic facilitator, utilizing visuals to aid understanding and navigate complex conversations, thereby enhancing problem-solving and strategic planning efforts. One key insight Abby shares is regarding the neutrality of external facilitators. She emphasizes how their impartiality brings fresh perspectives and enables them to guide discussions without biases or preconceptions, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and productive environment. Throughout the interview, Abby addresses various aspects of facilitation, from navigating diverse personalities within boards and staff to adapting to the evolving landscape of virtual meetings. She underscores the importance of setting a conducive culture for engagement, whether in-person or digital, and provides tips for maximizing participation and collaboration. In discussing the financial aspect of hiring facilitators, Abby highlights the wide range of costs associated with facilitation services, emphasizing the need for customized solutions tailored to each organization's unique needs and goals, and shares words about the potential for funding support from foundations and other sources, making facilitation accessible to nonprofits of all sizes. Abby's passion for empowering organizations through facilitation is evident throughout the interview, as she leaves with a compelling message: "Facilitation is not just about getting back to business; it's about how we do business." Abby's dedication to mindful facilitation serves as a beacon for nonprofits looking to navigate complexity, foster collaboration, and achieve their mission-driven goals. Learn more at mindflowerstudio.com Watch on video: https://youtu.be/NNx-GgvXA_4Find 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

Deb Nelson, a partner and nonprofit industry leader at EideBailly, introduces the ‘Resourcefullness Award’! This award, now in it’s 12th year, was conceived to recognize and celebrate nonprofits' innovative revenue-generating initiatives. The award has evolved to a national scale, offering a single $50,000 unrestricted grant to the winning organization, allowing them to allocate funds as they see fit. Deb outlines the importance of sustainability, creativity, impact, implementation, and overall impression in the judging criteria. With over 430 applications from nearly all states in 2023, the Resourcefullness Awards have become a prestigious recognition for nonprofits of all sizes and ages. The 2023 winner, Project Chimps, exemplified creativity by developing a hiking trail through their sanctuary for retired research chimpanzees, leveraging their community for support and revenue generation. Judges, external thought leaders in the nonprofit sector, assess applications and determine the winner based on the outlined criteria. Deb extends an invitation to nonprofits to apply for the 2024 awards, with the application period opening on July 11th and closing on August 9th. She speaks about clarity and conciseness in applications, sharing that the process aims to be non-burdensome for applicants. Additionally, a webinar on February 27th will provide insights into past winners' experiences and offer inspiration for prospective applicants. Finally, EideBailly plans to host a nonprofit-focused week in October, providing further opportunities for engagement and support within the nonprofit community. Deb also explained that EideBailly, as a top 25 CPA firm, provides services beyond auditing and taxes, including outsourced accounting and technology needs for nonprofits. Watch on Video: https://youtu.be/MfXNUaKE-48Find 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

Host Jarrett Ransom and Guest LaShonda Williams dig deep, eagerly tackling questions submitted by nonprofits, demonstrating their passion for supporting and empowering organizations in the sector. The conversation kicks off with a focus on community engagement, as LaShonda advises a nonprofit leader on the savvy idea of leveraging board members to facilitate introductions to key community leaders. Emphasizing the need for swift action, she recommends accelerating the timeframe to maximize the impact of these networking efforts. Moving on to donor management, LaShonda and Jarrett provide valuable insights into the ideal number of donors in a development officer's portfolio. Stressing the importance of quality over quantity, they explore strategies for effectively balancing workload and personalization in donor relationships. They also discuss the merits of collaboration within development teams, advocating for regular meetings to strategize and optimize portfolio management. The conversation extends to organizational challenges, such as navigating leadership transitions and ethical dilemmas. LaShonda offers thoughtful guidance on maintaining confidentiality and fostering transparent communication in sensitive situations involving board members and CEOs. The duo also explores the concept of milestone marketing, celebrating organizations' anniversaries as an opportunity to showcase achievements, recognize supporters, and attract new donors. They illuminate the potential of milestone events to generate awareness and engagement, even on a modest budget. Towards the end of the episode, LaShonda and Jarrett shine a spotlight on the upcoming Cultivate conference, organized by Fundraising Academy. They invite listeners to participate in this enriching event, which promises to offer valuable insights, networking opportunities, and practical strategies for nonprofit professionals. LaShonda Williams, MPA and CFRE, and trainer at Fundraising Academy, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the discussion. She highlights the importance of equipping professionals with essential tools to establish and sustain meaningful relationships with donors, ultimately enhancing their organizations' impact. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/48bRofJFind 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 recent episode welcomes Mitch Stein, head of strategy at Chariot, to discuss the impact of Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) on nonprofit fundraising. Mitch introduces Chariot, a platform dedicated to helping nonprofits maximize their fundraising potential from DAFs. He emphasizes the growing significance of DAFs in philanthropy, citing staggering figures—$230 billion in DAFs across over 1100 funds in the U.S., with contributions and grants increasing at an average rate of over 20% annually. Mitch breaks down the diverse landscape of DAF donors into three categories: "tubs," "tanks," and "towers." These distinctions reflect the varied approaches donors take to managing their philanthropy through DAFs, from recurring contributions to one-time large donations or even as alternatives to private foundations. One of the key takeaways is the accessibility of DAFs beyond just the wealthiest individuals. Mitch highlights that over 3 million people utilize DAFs, and the average DAF account holder makes nearly 12 gifts per year, with an average value significantly higher than traditional online credit card donations. The conversation digs into strategies for nonprofits to engage DAF donors effectively. Mitch stresses the importance of education and awareness within the sector, as well as the need to identify and communicate with existing DAF donors within an NPO’s network. He also emphasizes the significance of making the donation process as seamless as possible, with tools like Chariot's DAFpay simplifying the giving experience. Moreover, compliance and ethical considerations are highlighted as critical factors to navigate, particularly as legislation around DAFs evolves. Organizations must ensure they adhere to regulations to maintain their 501(c)(3) status and protect against potential risks. As the conversation wraps up, Mitch provides insights into how nonprofits can integrate DAFpay into their fundraising strategies, stressing the importance of prioritizing DAF giving and making resources readily available to donors. He also touches on the emerging trend of companies offering DAFs as employee benefits, further underscoring the importance of incorporating DAFs into nonprofit fundraising strategies. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/499ruKQFind 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 jump into the exciting realm of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for securing grant funding with the insightful Margit Brazda Poirer, the CEO of Grants4Good.com. Margit gives us a wealth of information on how NPO’s can utilize AI to streamline their grant application processes and increase their chances of securing funding. As Margit starts, "We're in a whole new AI age." With the advent of AI technologies like ChatGPT and Google Bard, nonprofits have an unprecedented opportunity to revolutionize their grant writing workflows. Margit details the ease of use of these AI platforms, likening them to a virtual assistant that can generate grant narratives, letters of inquiry, and even social media posts within seconds. One key takeaway is the importance of understanding how to harness AI ethically and effectively. Margit emphasizes the need for caution when it comes to data privacy and urges users to avoid inputting confidential information into AI prompts. Instead, she recommends using AI as a tool to enhance productivity and creativity while still maintaining the integrity of the organization's voice and mission. Margit debunks the notion that AI will render professional grant writers obsolete. While AI can certainly assist with tasks like drafting documents and researching funders, the nuanced art of grant writing still requires human expertise and understanding of the grant-seeking process. Margit's insights shed light on the transformative potential of AI in the nonprofit sector, offering a glimpse into a future where grant writing is more accessible and efficient for organizations of all sizes. In Margit's words, "I think more and more people can do this grant writing on their own, and frankly, I think that's fantastic." With the right tools and knowledge, nonprofits can leverage AI to unlock new opportunities and advance their missions in the ever-evolving landscape of philanthropy. Watch this episode and learn more! Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3w6uf0VFind 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

Dr. Bre Gentile, the CEO and founder of Doctor G's Lab, who holds a PhD, discusses the importance of engaging young people for social change and shares her wisdom about amplifying the voices of youth in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the need for adults to actively support and collaborate with young people to drive meaningful social change. Dr. G starts with her thoughts on the significance of youth involvement in social impact initiatives and emphasizes how young people often initiate positive change. She provides examples like Greta Thunberg, who started her climate activism as a teenager, and Sunflower in Thailand, a youth-led organization combating human trafficking. Dr. G's optimism about the passion, awareness, and open-mindedness of today's youth will inspire you! She states, "Our youth are thinking, they're aware, their eyes are open, and they're caring, and that is hope for me as an adult." The conversation covers the role of youth in various social sectors and touches on their desire to be part of meaningful initiatives, and how they are changing the landscape, particularly through the power of social media. Dr. G brings up the importance of creating safe spaces for youth to express themselves and suggests that adults should be more open to sitting with discomfort and uncertainty, mirroring the resilience and determination displayed by young people. The hosts ask about the influence of social media and technology on youth engagement and activism and Dr. G discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by these platforms, emphasizing the need for careful facilitation and adult guidance. The fast-paced chat touches on the evolving landscape of higher education, with young people seeking more information and insights into their choices, particularly regarding college and career paths. Dr. G highlights the importance of providing platforms for young individuals to connect with college students and professionals who can offer guidance. As the interview concludes, the hosts ask about the concept of youth-led initiatives and the challenges they face as they age out of their roles. Dr. G replies how adults can play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability of youth-led initiatives by offering mentorship and support. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3weKokRFind 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

You'll enjoy this discussion about the need for nonprofits to approach automation with careful planning, clear objectives, and a thorough understanding of their processes and data. Ellen Owens Karcsay, advisor at KarcsayGroup.com, shares guidance for nonprofits looking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of automation and digital tools. As the discussion unfolds, one of the key takeaways from Ellen's insights is the need for nonprofits to pause and assess their automation potential before diving in. She emphasizes, "What are we really trying to do here? What are our objectives? What are our goals with quote unquote automation and embedding this into our day-to-day?", pointing out the need to consider whether the processes being automated are effective and efficient in the first place. She stresses that organizations must understand their capacity and be prepared for the time and resources required for successful automation projects. Regarding the initiation of automation, the discussion highlights the tendency for organizations to be lured by shiny new tools and platforms. Ellen cautions against blindly following trends and urges nonprofits to evaluate whether a particular tool aligns with their unique processes and goals. She emphasizes, "The idea of the potential and ideating, giving your teams the opportunity to innovate and ideate about what can be." The conversation also touches on the timeline and budgeting aspects of automation projects and Ellen recommends dedicating more time to the assessment process, acknowledging that implementation timelines often extend beyond initial estimates. She stresses that automation should be part of a broader organizational strategy. The discussion shifts to understanding where data originates and its importance in automation. Ellen makes a particular point about the need for a single source of truth and highlights the impact of clean data on the success of automation processes. She shares her approach of mapping processes using “old school” sticky notes and involving cross-functional teams to uncover inefficiencies and redundancies. The conversation covers not only financial costs but also the human impact, as Ellen advises nonprofits to plan ahead and allocate budget for implementation and ongoing maintenance, underscoring the significance of considering the people side of automation and managing change within the organization. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3SljO12Find 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 The Nonprofit Show, it's Ask and Answer Day, and we've got viewers from all over the world sending in their questions. We have Muhi Khwaja, a trainer from Fundraising Academy and CFRE, here to help us answer those burning questions. Our first question is about whether it's a good idea to use season tickets to major sports events for entertaining high net worth donors. Muhi begins with a definete ‘Yes’, sharing examples of how sports tickets can be a fantastic cultivation tool for donors who are fans of specific teams, illustrating the potential for connecting donors to the mission. Host Julia Patrick and Muhi dive deeper into the topic, highlighting how professional sports organizations often have philanthropic arms and the importance of using such opportunities to move the donor closer to the organization's mission. They discuss the benefits of team-building activities and how it can contribute to staff retention, going beyond just "whining and dining." Next up is a question from an attendee in Houston, wondering about taking time off during gala seasons. Muhi emphasizes that it's entirely reasonable to compensate for weekend and evening work by taking time off during the week. He suggests making it a corporate policy to ensure fairness and encourages open communication with supervisors. Then, they explore the intricacies of balancing faith and politics, especially for faith-based nonprofits. Muhi shares insights into how philanthropy and government spending intersect and affect the sociopolitical climate. The conversation shifts to evaluating banking relationships, with Roberto from Miami expressing concerns about their current bank's lack of commitment to sponsorships. Muhi advises exploring options with banks that have philanthropic initiatives and stressing the importance of clear communication about expectations. Lastly, a viewer from Denver seeks advice on the best social media platform for nonprofit marketing in 2024. Muhi recommends considering the target audience's demographics and conducting surveys to determine the most effective platform for reaching donors. Throughout the episode, Muhi Khwaja's expertise and insights shine brightly, offering valuable guidance to nonprofits navigating various challenges. Learn more about Fundraising Academy. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/49kwFaxFind 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 high-energy and informative interview, investigative reporter Jason Wolf sheds light on the world of athletes and their sports foundations. Wolf's extensive experience in sports reporting and investigative journalism has allowed him to uncover critical issues in the NFL and player philanthropy. Wolf's journey through journalism spans two decades, starting with small community papers and culminating in his current position as a sports investigative reporter for the Arizona Republic and USA TODAY Network. His unique perspective from covering various cities, fan bases, and NFL teams sets the stage for his impactful journalism. The interview explores the ways many athletes create foundations without fully understanding nonprofit management, often relying on marketers and management companies. Wolf's reporting uncovered instances where these third-party organizations took substantial portions of funds intended for charitable purposes, raising questions about the efficiency and impact of these athlete-led nonprofits. Wolf's groundbreaking reporting has had a significant influence on the sports philanthropy landscape. The conversation delves into the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, its significance, and the importance of recognizing the efficient use of funds by athlete foundations. An exploration of grant funding from these foundations reveals their role as fundraising vehicles to support charitable causes. Wolf also discusses the prevalence of signed memorabilia as auction items in fundraising events. The interview concludes by revealing Wolf's upcoming work, and he briefs us on www.SportforImpact.org, a new organization founded by Anquan and Dionne Boldin, aimed at improving fiscal responsibility in athlete philanthropy. The launch of this organization represents a promising step toward more effective and accountable athlete-led foundations. You will learn a lot from this discussion about Jason Wolf's passionate investigative reporting and his dedication to shedding light on athlete philanthropy challenges. His work will leave a lasting impact on the sports world, encouraging positive change and accountability in the sector. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/47Z1u3IFind 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