The Nonprofit Show

Ingrid Kirst, the CEO of Ingrid Kirst Consulting, brings a refreshing perspective on understanding change at nonprofit organizations. She highlights the importance of differentiating between change and transition, using the Bridges model developed by William Bridges. Ingrid begins with the point that change represents external events, such as leadership changes or relocations, while transition involves the internal process of how individuals perceive and adapt to those changes. "Just because something changed doesn't mean we were ready for it mentally." This quote encapsulates the central theme, highlighting the significance of managing the emotional and mental aspects of transitions within nonprofit organizations. Ingrid elaborates on the three stages of the Bridges model: Endings: Organizations need to acknowledge what is ending and give everyone the opportunity to process their feelings and concerns about the change. Neutral Zone: This is the in-between phase where individuals begin to adapt to the new reality. It's a time for creativity, brainstorming, and preparing for the new beginnings. New Beginnings: The final stage involves embracing the change, setting new goals, and involving everyone in shaping the future of the organization. The fast-paced discussion covers the importance of effective communication throughout the change process, with Ingrid highlighting the need for consistency in conveying information. She stresses how over-communication can be beneficial, ensuring that staff and NPO stakeholders are well-informed about the ongoing changes and the organization's plans. As the interview concludes, Ingrid makes a prediction for the nonprofit sector, stating that more organizations are becoming open to discussing and preparing for change and transition. She emphasizes that proactive planning and communication can ultimately lead to more resilient and stable nonprofit organizations. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3tFgSE5Find 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 Show host Jarrett Ransom is joined by Jack Alotto, a CFRE from Fundraising Academy at National University, as they address questions and offer advice to nonprofit professionals. They dive right into answering questions from nonprofit professionals: Raul from Houston seeks advice on whether to bring a board member or a staff person to a presentation to a funder. Jack advises choosing someone based on their connection and relationship-building potential with the prospective donor. He also emphasizes the importance of safety when meeting donors in remote locations. Shelby from Oklahoma inquires about the idea of touring other nonprofit organizations post-COVID to learn from them and build relationships. Jack and Jarrett both express their support for the idea, highlighting the benefits of collaboration and sharing best practices within the nonprofit sector. Nyla from Detroit wants to know if having joint board meetings with another nonprofit from the same sector is a good idea and how to go about it. Jack mentions the benefits of learning from each other and collaborating but also warns about potential downsides. They stress the importance of defining the purpose and goals of such meetings. An anonymous question from Des Moines addresses a staff member's concern about the mental health of a fellow employee. Jack recommends immediate action, including reaching out to local mental health resources and crisis intervention lines. He also advocates for changing the language surrounding mental health to reduce stigma. Throughout the conversation, Jack and Jarrett emphasize the importance of empathy, collaboration, and caring for the well-being of nonprofit staff and volunteers. They encourage nonprofit organizations to prioritize mental health support and create a culture of understanding and compassion. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3H3HUrXFind 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 fun episode about trends in charity auctions, Bobby D. Ehlert, a benefit auctioneer specialist at CallToAuction.com, chats about the latest trends in nonprofit auctions, emphasizing the importance of benefit auctioneers in creating successful fundraising events. He describes the three types of auctioneers: free auctioneers, commercial auctioneers, and benefit auctioneers, elaborating on the significance of benefit auctioneers in nonprofit events, as they understand the unique dynamics of fundraising events and focus on creating memorable experiences for donors. You’ll appreciate his important point more fully, regarding the difference between commercial auctioneers and fundraising auctioneers . . . . . . . "Fundraising auctioneers understand the process of a fundraising event. They're not just up there to talk fast. They're there to help cultivate and identify those relationships with the donors." He highlights the shift towards more highly produced events that focus on storytelling and creating impactful experiences for donors. Bobby D. also shares insights into the changing donor landscape, the popularity of unique experiences as auction items, and the growing trend of paddle raise-only events. Join us in this informative discussion as we explore the evolving world of charity auctions and fundraising events. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3GXixb8Find 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

Randy Molland, the Chief Giving Officer of Give Big Strategies, explains the importance of corporate philanthropy and its potential to drive business success and lead to improved employee engagement and customer loyalty. He highlights how businesses and nonprofits can collaborate to create win-win scenarios. Molland's journey began in real estate investing, but burnout and a desire for more purposeful business practices led him to embrace the idea of giving back. He states, "If you want to make $1,000,000 a year, build a business that does $2,000,000, give $1,000,000 away, and you'll be the happiest millionaire on the planet." Molland emphasizes that companies should start incorporating giving into their purpose from the very beginning, as waiting until they are more successful may hinder their ability to develop a giving mindset. He compares giving to building a muscle, where even small gestures of generosity can lead to a stronger commitment to making a positive impact. This fast-paced interview also explores how businesses can engage their staff in philanthropic efforts. Randy shares a story about a sales company that successfully motivated its employees by connecting sales goals to their charitable giving through their profits. This approach created a sense of purpose and unity among the staff, leading to increased morale and sales. Randy stresses that it's not about the mission itself but the passion behind it, explaining that effectively communicating the reasons behind supporting a particular cause can make all the difference in how consumers perceive a brand's philanthropic efforts. One key statistic discussed during the interview was how 89% of consumers are more likely to buy from a company with a giving initiative, reflecting the shift in consumer behavior to a growing desire to support businesses that make a positive impact on society. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/489YylJFind 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

An Ask and Answer session of the Nonprofit Show, host Julia Patrick and guest expert Muhi Khwaja from Fundraising Academy, tackle questions sent in this week. The first question comes from San Francisco, asking how to account for requests for estate gift promises. Muhi explains that different organizations may handle this differently, and when he works at the Red Cross, they have a separate planned giving team that manages such requests. Julia and Muhi chat about how to handle situations where a donor casually mentions leaving a gift in their will or trust. Muhi suggests having a conversation with the donor to clarify the nature of the gift and whether it's part of a trust, which would likely involve the planned giving team. Next, a question if it's a good idea to have all members of the development team's goals reported to the group. Muhi shares his experience at the Red Cross, where they track and share these numbers nationally and regionally. He emphasizes that sharing this information can promote collaboration and help team members understand each other's challenges and successes. The conversation shifts to the topic of board members and their roles. They discuss whether it's important to have board members re-sign policies annually, especially when there have been no document changes. Muhi and Julia agree that it's beneficial to reinforce these commitments yearly, even if the content remains the same. Finally, the episode concludes with a unique question about whether an institution, such as a trust, can serve as a board member. Julia and Muhi find this to be an unusual concept and discuss the challenges and complexities of such an arrangement. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3RUKczZFind 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

Diana Otero from Bloomerang, sheds light on the evolving landscape of nonprofit annual reports, emphasizing the importance of donor-centric storytelling, personalization, and strategic use of these reports to engage and retain donors effectively. Boomerang's commitment to elevating the sector and providing innovative solutions further supports nonprofits in achieving their goals. Diana emphasizes the importance of understanding what donors want to hear. She highlights that donors want to know how their contributions have made a difference and that their support is essential for the organization's success. This message should be at the core of any annual report. The conversation also digs into the idea of using annual reports strategically. Diana suggests that nonprofits should view annual reports as more than just a summary of activities; they should be used to tell compelling stories about the organization's impact, engaging donors on a deeper level. Personalization at scale is another trend discussed. Diana predicts that nonprofits will expand their tools that can tailor their communications to individual donors based on their interests and preferences. This personalization can lead to more meaningful donor relationships. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3trn7eAFind 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 two-part series on ethics in fundraising, Lashonda Williams, a trainer at Fundraising Academy, joins host Julia Patrick on a drill-down of the critical aspects of ethics in nonprofit fundraising. LaShonda highlights the fundamental role of transparency, honesty, and truthfulness in maintaining ethical standards in fundraising. Donors trust nonprofits with their resources, both financially and timely, and she amplifies on how it is crucial for fundraisers to uphold their responsibility by adhering to ethical guidelines in managing these resources. The discussion continues about the ethical implications of personal social media usage by fundraising professionals, emphasizing that their online presence reflects on the organization, how Fundraisers should consider how their social media posts might affect the organization's reputation and values. The conversation also touches on the importance of donor communication and transparency in reporting the allocation of funds and keeping them informed about how their contributions are being used, including the percentage allocated to operational expenses versus program impact. Regarding donor relationships, Lashonda emphasizes that relationships formed on behalf of the organization belong to the organization itself. When fundraisers transition to other roles or organizations, they must respect donor privacy and not solicit them on behalf of their new organization. The discussion also addresses the role of watchdog groups and accountability in the nonprofit sector. Maintaining accurate reporting and adhering to state and local laws are essential for nonprofit organizations, as LaShonda highlights the significance of monitoring and addressing any discrepancies or concerns on charitable giving websites to maintain the organization's reputation. The sparkling conversation concludes with a re-focus from part one of this series on five essential questions that fundraisers should consider when evaluating the ethical implications of their actions, including whether their actions are legal and how they would explain their actions to others. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3RycbnlFind 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

Focusing on ethics in fundraising, LaShonda Williams, CFRE, and a trainer with the Fundraising Academy at National University, provides practical insights and ways to build trust with donors and within the organization. The conversation focuses on a five-question fundraising ethics checklist: Is it legal? Is it ethical? Would I want someone to act this way with me? How would I explain my actions to someone else? How will it make me feel about myself? LaShonda emphasizes the significance of staying within legal boundaries and understanding state laws and regulations, as well as adhering to IRS policies and donor Bill of Rights when it comes to fundraising activities. She stresses the importance of maintaining transparency, truthfulness, and accountability in all interactions with donors and within the organization. LaShonda also underscores the idea that ethics should not be limited to fundraising professionals but should be part of the entire organizational culture, with everyone within the organization being responsible for upholding ethical standards, ensuring respect, transparency, and honesty. The checklist she details encourages individuals to consider how their actions reflect their personal reputation and the organization's reputation. It highlights the need for proactive ethical decision-making rather than reacting to ethical dilemmas. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3TxKk9DFind 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

Diana Farias Heinrich, CEO of Habra Marketing, sheds light on the significance of ethical storytelling in nonprofit marketing. She stresses the importance of informed consent and a client-centric approach to safeguard clients' privacy, dignity, and overall well-being during the storytelling process. Diana shares a personal experience where she unknowingly put a client at risk by sharing their story without fully considering the potential consequences. This experience drove her to establish a four-step process for informed consent conversations: Prep: Understand the intended end product and vet clients before approaching them for interviews. Conducting the Interview: Build trust with clients, make them feel comfortable, and ensure they know they can say no at any point. Stakeholder Test: Examine how the client and their community might react to the story when shared publicly. Pass Back the Mic: After crafting the story, give clients the opportunity to review, make revisions, or reject it if they feel uncomfortable. Diana also addresses the challenge of reusing old stories from the "vault" and suggests that organizations should establish an intentional storytelling rhythm while involving clients in the decision-making process. This Best Practices discussion wraps up with a few words about revolutionizing storytelling by incorporating principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Diana advocates for changing the language used to describe people and being mindful of how words can impact individuals and communities. Throughout the lively conversation, Diana underscores the necessity of a considerate, client-centered approach to storytelling in the nonprofit sector. She emphasizes the importance of informed consent and ethical practices to safeguard both clients and the reputation of organizations. She encourages nonprofits to embrace these best practices to create impactful and responsible storytelling campaigns. As she aptly puts it, "It's doing the right thing." Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3NxfHgBFind 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 Julia Patrick and birthday celebrant Jack Alotto, CFRE, reunite for another engaging episode of the nonprofit show, tackling pressing questions from the world of nonprofits, touching on donor relations, professional development, board engagement, and organizational culture. One critical question revolves around donor relationships and social styles. A nonprofit professional from Los Angeles seeks advice on handling a donor where the "vibe" doesn't seem quite right. Jack emphasizes the importance of recognizing different social styles and tailoring communication accordingly. He points the viewers to MyLearningPortal.org with webinars on social styles to enhance flexibility and create meaningful connections with donors. The conversation then shifts to the value of the Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) accreditation. Jack passionately advocates for CFRE, highlighting its role in showcasing fundraising knowledge and ethical practices. He shares compelling statistics demonstrating how CFRE enhances professional opportunities, boosts confidence, and promotes recommendation among peers. Jack also provides details into the cost and time investment required to pursue CFRE, making it accessible to those interested in furthering their fundraising careers. They move on to discuss the concept of setting up a junior or young professionals board within a nonprofit. While acknowledging the potential benefits, they caution against ageism and stress the need for clear goals and benefits for members. Finally, Judy from Portland seeks advice on convincing leadership to invest in fundraising training for the entire team. Watch on video:  https://bit.ly/3uVtTtoFind 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