Nonprofit Lowdown

Join me and my buddy Heather Malin as we talk about her transition from a dog-enthusiast to a major gift fundraiser.  We talk about some of the common mistakes of fundraisers, how to turn your board into your biggest fundraisers and advocates and why people wait too long to ask.  Need some inspiration to go ask for that $$?  Listen to this one!

Join me and my friend Benny Vasquez, long-time educator and current Chief Equity Officer at the KIPP Foundation, as we discuss what it means to be anti-racist on a personal and organizational level.  Benny offers his perspectives as a lifelong educator and passionate DEI activist.  In this conversation we discuss: The role of white people in dismantling racism. Specific tips for anti-racist hiring practices. The benefit of white affinity groups and why we don't have time for white fragility. Future visions of Black liberation, Black joy and transformation for all. To get in touch with Benny, check out his LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benny-vasquez-8749a73a/ Also, here is a helpful blog post: https://blog.kipp.org/teamandfamily/36-resources-to-help-with-complex-questions-about-race-and-racism-in-america/ Benny-recommended resources: Rubric of anti-racist organization continuum: https://www.aesa.us/conferences/2013_ac_presentations/Continuum_AntiRacist.pdf My Grandmother's Hands Emergent Strategy This Bridge Called My Back Anti-racist training: Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) Randy Clancy

Join me and my friend David Hoffman as he shares five ways that your nonprofit can up your media game.  He walks us through his engagement funnel and gives us the keys to creating media (video, photos) that grab your donor's attention and get results.  His advice is actionable and effective to make your message stand out from the crowd.  In this podcast, you'll understand the difference between being interesting and being boring.  Some other stand-out gems include lead with the heart, not with stats.  This episode is packed with value-bombs that will help you attract and engage your desired donor. For more about David, check out: https://citizenracecar.com/

Note: This episode contains some *adult* content so listener discretion is advised unless you want to have some very interesting conversations with your children. We know what being an ED or a nonprofit executive is tough.  We're called to work miracles on shoestring budgets.  Add COVID on top of that and it's a recipe for burn-out.  What happens when we let work take over our lives and forget our partners in all of it?  Join me and couples therapist Hollie Chambers to talk about self-care, making time for intimacy with your partner and new terminology like, "Thrupple."  You're welcome.  Carve out time to slowdance or give your partner a performance review (they'll LOVE that).  This podcast reminds us all that putting out fires at work isn't always the most important thing.  Do something nice for yourself and your bae today.  Bonus points: you can hear me blush over the sound waves. For more about Hollie: https://www.hollieschambers.us/

Organizing and documenting my business processes was about as high up on my list as scheduling a root canal.  Or writing the Great American Novel.  Yeah, yeah, totally one of my goals, but there are a million other things that get in the way.   Then, one day, you realize that it's mayhem and you're running ragged because "Nobody can do it like me!" or one of your key staff members has just given notice.   Don't be that person. Join me and Adi Klevit as we talk about the importance of and process to start documenting your systems, processes and procedures.  Want to get some time back in your life?  Want to scale?  You need to start doing this now.  It's like being on a diet--you start slow and steady and eventually you see the gains.  As the ancient Chinese proverb goes, "The best time to document your processes was 20 years ago.  The second best time is today."   We go through simple and actionable steps you can take today to set your nonprofit up for success so YOU are not at the center of your processes and you can bring on other people to get the work done. For more about Adi: https://www.bizsuccesscg.com/author/adi-klevit/ 

What does the future of NYC look like if we re-imagined it through the lens of equity and diversity?  Who's at the table and, more importantly, who isn't and why?  Join me and Dr. Rahsaan Harris, CEO of Citizens Committee for New York as we talk about our love of New York, Black philanthropy and how to build a more equitable New York after the twin pandemics have passed.  Listen in to two unapologetic New Yorkers and folx of color who have both had the experience of being the "onlies" in many rooms.  Rahsaan is thoughtful, insightful and doesn't pull punches. For more about Rahsaan, check out: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahsaanharris/

It's not often that my socks get knocked off, but believe me when I tell you Mike Kim knocked. My. Socks. Off.  In fact, I haven't even WORN socks since I recorded this episode. Realtalk: Mike drops value bombs aplenty about how to move prospective donors from zero awareness of your cause to becoming a donor (hint: it's a learnable framework), how to tell a memorable story (hint: it's a framework) and the three stories that all organizations must have.  Seriously, do not miss this one if you raise money, raise awareness or want to invite partners to your cause.  So, basically, everybody. You're welcome. I've been a long-time fan of Mike's: mikekim.com Follow his podcast: Brand You Podcast and the Fully Funded Podcast

What a week it's been.  For those of you looking to take a break and find a moment of calm, I invite you to listen to this interview with Phil Weinberg.  Phil, a lifelong teacher, principal and, most recently, the Deputy Chancellor for Teaching and Learning at the NY Department of Education, shares his thoughts and philosophies about leadership.  By taking an educator's approach to leadership, he talks about how we can create safe spaces of learning for students and adults, the paradoxes of leadership, and where he gets his best ideas.  Talking with Phil is like taking a deep breath. For more about Phil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-weinberg-aa6aa48/  

Join me and the Charity CFO, Tosha Anderson, to talk about all of the finances.  Though this may not be the most thrilling topic, being responsible for fiscal oversight is one of the most important jobs for a board member.  Tosha and I talk about the differences between for-profit and nonprofit accounting, how to get the board focused on the right things and at the right level and how to have those sticky conversations about fundraising.  We answer questions about what first-time board members should be asking and how to set up good financial systems from the start.  This is a must-listen for those of you who are not finance experts and need to make sure you are dotting your i's and crossing your t's. For more about Tosha: https://thecharitycfo.com/

Ah, strategic planning...a generative process an exercise in frustration or a little bit of both?  Join me on today's pod as we talk with expert strategic planning consultant Carol Hamilton about her perspectives on strategic planning.  What are some of the most common mistakes she's seen?  How do you know when an organization is ready for it?  How do you pick the right consultant?  And, most importantly, how much is it going to cost and how long will it take?  If you're planning to tackle strategic planning anytime soon, this is a good one to listen to. For more about Carol: http://www.gracesocialsector.com/