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

Kishshana Palmer, the CEO of Managemint, Inc., brings her vibrant energy and thoughtful approach to leadership and work-life balance, highlighting this frothy discussion emphasizing the significance of self-care, fun, and personal growth in effective leadership. Her approach to addressing common challenges in the nonprofit sector and beyond offers a refreshing perspective on balancing work and life while achieving professional success. Cohost Julia Patrick starts by praising Kishshana on how she navigates important conversations in a world that has undergone significant changes due to the global health crisis, civil unrest, economic shifts, and demographic changes. She posed the age-old question: "Is it possible to lead well and live well?" Kishshana responds emphatically, stating, "It's the age-old question, and I'm going to have to give a resounding yes." She highlights the importance of self-care, drawing parallels between the feeling of well-being after self-indulgence (like a facial or deep cleaning) and the daily routines and rituals that can provide a sense of everyday luxury. She emphasized the need to prioritize oneself and treat oneself well to be an effective leader. The cohosts add in that being busy doesn't equate to productivity. Kishshana offers advice on breaking away from the constant grind, distractions, and deadlines that often overwhelm us, and introduces the concept of business being a trauma response, explaining that being busy can serve as a way to avoid dealing with personal issues. She stressed that slowing down and focusing on self-care is essential for effective leadership. The conversation then shifted towards creating a thriving team, pointing to the importance of modeling behavior and fostering a work environment that encourages both productivity and fun. Kishshana shares insights on how her company values fun, making laughter an integral part of their work culture, engaging managers to reward team members for bringing their personalities and interests into the workplace. The discussion also touches on the challenges of balancing work and personal life in a remote work environment. Kishshana outlines infusing creativity, fun, and play into remote team interactions, mentioning activities like book clubs, podcasts, and virtual lunch and learns, and reminding us that people have different energy needs. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3UsPHYlFind 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 importance of viewing donor gratitude as an investment in NPO’s is the topic in this lively chat with Lynne Wester, the principal and founder of Donor Relations Group. Lynne joined the hosts to share her insights on donor retention and how gratitude plays a significant role in it. Lynne starts the conversation by highlighting the power of gratitude and its various forms of expression, emphasizing that donors need to be thanked consistently and genuinely. She shares a personal anecdote about her upbringing and how her mother instilled gratitude in her from a young age, connecting it to her career in donor relations. The hosts and Lynne review the misconception that gratitude is a seasonal gesture, particularly around the holidays, and how it should be a continuous practice embedded in an organization's culture. Lynne stresses that “gratitude is a lifestyle choice”, which, when embraced, not only makes individuals happier but also encourages donors to remain loyal to an organization. They touch base onto the question of whether gratitude is generational, with Lynne noting that it's more about industry practices than generational differences. She emphasizes the need for nonprofits to prioritize gratitude and pointed out that treating donors with appreciation should precede building a culture of philanthropy. Lynne goes on to say that gratitude should not be confined to specific seasons, calling for a shift in mindset, where nonprofits focus on fostering an "attitude of gratitude" before striving for a full-fledged culture of philanthropy, then pointing out that gratitude is one of the foundational elements of retaining donors, she shared the concept of "seven thank-you’s before an ask", underscoring that donor retention is more critical than the amount of money raised. The discussion wraps up with an emphasis on tangible tools like thank-you notes and the long-lasting impact they can have on donors. Lynne also speaks about her podcast, "Fundraising is Funny," where she and her co-host humorously explore the quirks and challenges of the fundraising profession. Watch on  video: https://bit.ly/47Vzr4TFind 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

Rene Lovecraft, a professional Virtual Assistant operations strategist, discusses the value of virtual assistants for executives at nonprofits. She highlights the flexibility of working remotely and the various communication channels she uses, such as Zoom, email, and text messages, to provide personal and efficient support, and emphasizes the importance of creative problem-solving in her role, leveraging her diverse knowledge across different organizations to find solutions to clients' challenges. She explains the cost-effectiveness of working with virtual assistants, offering various pricing models, including hourly rates, retainers, and subscription-based pricing. Rene also emphasizes the flexibility in scaling up or down based on clients' needs and budget. The interview digs into the role of virtual assistants in research and data analytics, showcasing how they can assist in gathering and analyzing data, translating it into actionable insights, and creating reports or presentations for decision-makers. This data-driven approach can help nonprofits make informed strategic decisions. Rene also discusses event coordination support, which can be a significant challenge for nonprofits, especially in the post-pandemic era. She highlights her role in marketing, volunteer management, and ensuring a seamless end-user experience during events. Her experience in handling various event-related tasks, even stepping in when volunteers are unavailable, contributes to the success of nonprofit events. The conversation emphasizes the value of an outside perspective and fresh ideas brought by virtual assistants. Rene's expertise and adaptability in handling a wide range of tasks and challenges make her a valuable asset for nonprofit executives looking to streamline operations, leverage data effectively, and execute successful events, explaining, "I can take all these years of experience from so many different organizations and go, 'Okay, let's brainstorm because I've got some ideas right off the top that may be able to solve your problems.'" Learn more at LovecraftVA.com Watch on video: https://bit.ly/49eIDT2Find 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

Jack Alotto, CFRE, a trainer from the Fundraising Academy, helps answer this week’s questions received from Show viewers, and offers scenarios related to nonprofit fundraising and management. One of the key questions discussed is about a donor's request for information about the organization's history and potential changes to its management. Jack elaborates on the importance of handling such questions carefully and suggests asking clarifying questions to understand the donor's concerns better and adds how this coincides with the principles of Cause Selling. Another question revolves around asking for a raise within a nonprofit organization. Jack advises the listener not to hesitate to discuss their financial concerns with their supervisor and suggests focusing on improving one's work to make a stronger case for a raise. The topic of attending another nonprofit's gala event is also addressed. Jack highlights the importance of learning from other organizations and building collaborative relationships rather than viewing them as competitors. He emphasizes the ethical boundaries regarding donor information. Lastly, the episode touches on increasing monthly donor contributions. Jack speaks strongly about the value of monthly donors and warns against arbitrarily increasing their donation amounts without proper justification, stating: "I wouldn't risk any of those things for a CEO or a development officer who says to me, 'Go out there and raise an additional average of $50 from your monthly donors. Don't do it.'" Watch and enjoy learning from the real experiences of other nonprofits. Watch on video: https://bit.ly/3HEUTAoFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Our cohosts interview Jana London, the senior global program manager at AWS Global Healthcare and Nonprofit, as she shares the latest on the world of technology in nonprofits. The fast-paced conversation revolves around "Are you leading with innovation?" and the concept of tech-curious leadership. The discussion kicks off by addressing the fear associated with tech disruption, attributing it to the fear of the unknown and resistance to change. Jana offers a key insight, stating, "I think it's a fear of the unknown and the fear of change, right?" One key point that emerges is the shift towards technology becoming an integral part of organizational strategy, which can be intimidating to some. Jana dives deep into the idea of a tech-curious mindset and culture, stressing the significance of being open to exploring and integrating technology into leadership. She encourages leaders to ask questions like, "How can we do this differently?" The discussion offers valuable insights on how to approach problems with a tech-curious mindset and how organizations can foster this culture within their teams. Jana explores the readiness of organizations to adopt technology, highlighting indicators such as a culture of innovation, technology's integration into the core strategy, and a willingness to start with the basics. As the conversation unfolds, Jana introduces the Imagine Nonprofit Conference, an event dedicated to inspiring nonprofits to leverage cloud technology. The conference, set to take place on March 20th at Amazon HQ2 in Arlington, VA, provides a platform for nonprofits to learn from peers and leaders in the field. This fun episode emphasizes that technology is for everyone, regardless of age or role, and encourages organizations to embrace change and innovation. Collaboration between technology teams and other departments is a crucial element in finding effective solutions to the challenges faced by nonprofits in the modern digital landscape. Learn more: AWS.Amazon.com/NPO Watch on video: https://bit.ly/48MsTadFind 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