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Nonprofit's Questions Of The Week
Muhi Khwaja, a trainer at Fundraising Academy and co-founder of the American Muslim Community Foundation helps Jarrett Ransom, as they provide advice on questions about advisory boards, social media management, donor relationships, and donor recognition.
The first question is about setting up an advisory board or task force for an upcoming capital campaign with a limited time frame. Muhi and Jarrett discuss the benefits of involving influential people who can open doors to potential supporters. They also recommend creating various committees for different aspects of fundraising, such as event planning or finance.
The second question asks whether it's appropriate to have an administrative assistant handle the CEO's social media presence. Jarrett and Muhi suggest ensuring that the communication aligns with the CEO's approval and considering tools like Hootsuite for scheduling posts. They also recommend having regular conversations between the CEO and the administrative assistant to discuss the direction of social media efforts.
Another question asks whether it's acceptable to switch development professionals responsible for a donor if there is no personal connection between them. Muhi emphasizes focusing on the common goal of supporting the organization and suggests making a warm handoff to another team member who might be a better fit for the donor's social style.
The last question is about posting a blog article to honor a large donor who recently passed away. Muhi and the co-host agree that it's appropriate to acknowledge the impact of a significant donor, as long as it's done with respect and class. They suggest focusing on the positive impact the donor had and considering additional gestures like sending flowers or a card to the family.
In the closing remarks, Muhi shares some end-of-fiscal-year tips, including reaching out to lapsed donors, conducting performance reviews, and assessing portfolio management. The co-host adds that focusing on the commonalities with donors is crucial.
Nonprofit Mergers And Alliances
Two nonprofit sector champions, Nora Hannah and Carrie Harlow, share their expertise on nonprofit mergers and alliances, shedding light on the complexities, opportunities, and insights and adding their experiences which emphasize the importance of collaboration, setting realistic expectations, and engaging skilled facilitators to navigate the process successfully. Nora Hannah is the director of Arizona Together for Impact, a collaboration of funders that supports nonprofits in their efforts to collaborate. Carrie Harlow is the director of the Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative, a pooled fund supported by local foundations that invests in nonprofit resiliency during moments of transition.
The conversation begins with an exploration of the spectrum of partnerships in the nonprofit sector, including alliances, joint programs, shared services, and integrations of organizations. The guests emphasize that collaboration is a broad concept and that mergers represent only a small portion of the partnerships they fund. They highlight the value of engaging in collaborative efforts to leverage resources and have a greater impact.
Host Julia Patrick asks whether organizations typically approach them for help or if they proactively identify potential partnerships. The guests explain that while they encourage organizations to see collaboration as a strategic tool, it is crucial for the relationships to start authentically among nonprofit leaders and board members. They emphasize the importance of balance and caution against overly prescriptive matchmaking by funders, as outcomes are often better when relationships develop naturally.
The discussion then shifts into the process of effective partnerships and collaborations. Carrie Harlow outlines a chronological approach, starting with getting buy-in from the board and conducting organizational assessments. She emphasizes the importance of identifying what each organization brings to the partnership and what they seek, considering factors such as revenue streams, programming models, and target populations. The guests also stress the need for an environmental scan to identify potential partners strategically.
The conversation explores challenges and considerations in collaborative efforts. The guests acknowledge the emotional aspect and power struggles that can arise during the process. They emphasize the importance of facilitators who can navigate these challenges, build trust, and keep the focus on the larger goal of serving the community. They also address the potential challenges of integrating boards, particularly when founder syndrome or resistance to change is present.
Julia raises the question of setting expectations and highlights that many organizations do not invest in the necessary theoretical conversations before seeking partnerships. The guests stress the importance of realistic expectations, acknowledging that collaborations take time and trust-building. They recommend engaging a consultant with expertise in this field to guide organizations through the process and help set appropriate expectations.
The conversation concludes by addressing the profile of a consultant who can facilitate these partnerships. The guests note that while legal expertise may be required at certain stages, the facilitator's primary role is to create a robust due diligence process that addresses power dynamics and other potential challenges. They mention the national network called Sustained Collaboration Network, which provides training and support for consultants in this field.
The Power Of A Philanthropy Facilitator!
Claire Axelrad, a leader in the nonprofit sector, discusses the role of a philanthropy facilitator and the importance of shifting the focus from fundraising to philanthropy. She explains that philanthropy, which means "love of humankind," involves leading donors on a transformative journey towards self-actualization. Claire emphasizes the need for engagement experts in the nonprofit sector who can guide donors and help them find meaning in their philanthropic endeavors.
The conversation digs into the negative connotations associated with traditional fundraising and highlights the importance of building relationships with donors based on trust, dignity, and respect. Claire suggests that nonprofit organizations should adopt a gratitude mindset and focus on emotionally moving donors by acknowledging their impact and expressing genuine appreciation. She encourages organizations to develop formal gratitude programs and donor love and loyalty plans to foster long-term relationships with donors.
The interview emphasizes the significance of listening to donors and understanding their individual journeys. Claire stresses the value of curiosity and asks generative questions to uncover donors' motivations and passions. By doing so, nonprofits can align their purpose with that of the donors, creating a symbiotic relationship where both parties feel fulfilled and empowered to make a difference.
Claire also discusses the need for ease and convenience in the giving process, highlighting the importance of user-friendly websites and mobile-responsive platforms. She encourages nonprofits to put themselves in donors' shoes and ensure that the giving experience is seamless and accessible.
The interview concludes with a reminder that philanthropy facilitation consists of two parts: embracing the love of humankind and making the process easy and accessible. By embodying these principles and prioritizing gratitude and engagement, nonprofits can create meaningful connections with donors and inspire them to continue supporting their causes.
Quotes from the Show:
"I often call development people engagement sherpas... Sometimes you need a tour guide. Sometimes you need somebody who stands by your side, gently guides and supports you."
"The best fundraisers are these engagement experts... You imagine strategies that are going to influence donors to stick with you, to join that journey."
"If it's not good for them, the donors, it's not good for you. And conversely, if it means a lot to them, it will mean a lot to you."
"You have to understand that fundraising mostly is about the donors. It's not about the money."
"Asking somebody to invest in a cause that they really believe in, that is going to really help them feel good about themselves, is the biggest gift that you can give someone."
"Effective donor acknowledgement and philanthropy facilitation emotionally move your donor, making them feel like they are more important to you than they even thought they were."
"You have to energetically do the woo... You gotta keep wooing the donors."
Summer Staffing At Nonprofits
Dana Scurlock, from StaffingBoutique.org, discusses summer staffing opportunities for nonprofits, providing valuable insights into the challenges nonprofits face in hiring during this time by emphasizing the importance of managing expectations, utilizing technology, and maintaining effective communication to ensure a successful hiring process.
The conversation begins with a discussion about the fast-paced nature of the current world and how technology has played a role in increasing the speed of communication. This can sometimes lead to challenges in managing expectations, especially in the hiring process where candidates often expect quick responses and decisions.
The focus then shifts to the impact of vacations and summer schedules on the hiring process. Dana explains that with the shift towards more collaborative decision-making in organizations, there are often multiple stakeholders involved in the hiring process. Juggling the schedules of all these individuals, especially during the summer when people take vacations or have family commitments, can pose a challenge. Dana emphasizes the importance of managing expectations and communication to keep the hiring process on track.
Jarrett and Dana then explore how technology has facilitated the hiring process, particularly during the pandemic. With the widespread adoption of virtual interviews and communication tools like Zoom, it has become easier to keep the hiring process going even when schedules are hectic. They also discuss the importance of maintaining consistent communication with candidates to keep them engaged and informed throughout the process.
The conversation touches on the cultural differences between the nonprofit and corporate sectors when it comes to the speed of decision-making. Nonprofits, driven by their mission and often operating with limited resources, tend to move at a slower pace. However, there is a growing push to bring the nonprofit sector into the future by adopting faster and more efficient processes that align with the expectations of younger generations entering the workforce.
The episode concludes with a discussion about the impact of fiscal year-end, which occurs at the end of June for many nonprofits. Dana highlights the importance of planning ahead, setting clear expectations for hiring timelines, and the need for consistent communication and touchpoints with candidates throughout the process.
Creating A Content Strategy
In this Thought Leader episode of the nonprofit show, Anne McAuley Lopez, an SEO content expert at AgencyContentWriter.com, shares valuable insights on creating a content strategy for your nonprofit or charity. The discussion revolves around the importance of identifying categories and target audiences when planning content creation. Anne emphasizes the need for a cohesive plan that covers various platforms such as podcasts, blogs, newsletters, and social media. By focusing on specific audiences and goals, nonprofits can tell their stories effectively without overwhelming themselves or their readers.
Starting with the knowns, which include newsletters, podcasts, and blogs that the organization plans to create, Anne suggests considering different audiences and their interests throughout the year. For example, sharing articles on the health benefits of volunteering can resonate with volunteers on social media. Anne advises being strategic and selecting specific topics for each platform to avoid overwhelming the audience.
The conversation also touches upon the role of team members and volunteers in content creation. Anne recommends engaging individuals with writing skills or an interest in marketing from various departments, including finance. Their unique perspectives can contribute to content creation and make it more diverse. Anne suggests using available resources, such as Evergreen content that can be repurposed and reposted. This approach saves time and ensures consistent engagement with the audience.
To effectively manage content creation, Anne suggests creating a content calendar using spreadsheets or existing platforms like Airtable. The calendar should be organized, color-coded, and adaptable to changes. Anne emphasizes the importance of simplicity and starting small. Even a basic spreadsheet can serve as a useful tool for tracking and managing content.
Hashtags and headlines play a crucial role in increasing visibility and search engine optimization. Anne advises using keywords in headlines and incorporating relevant hashtags to attract more viewers. Tools like ChatGPT and headline analyzers can assist in generating effective headlines and hashtags.
Live! From CULTIVATE 2023!
The Nonprofit Show co-hosts, Julia Patrick and Jarrett Ransom, broadcast from the Cultivate 2023 Conference in San Diego. The live broadcast captures the excitement and purpose behind this inaugural Cultivate Conference, highlighting the focus on relationships, knowledge, and impact in the nonprofit sector.They are joined by special guests Tony Beall, the director of the Fundraising Academy, and Lashonda Williams, a presenter at the conference. The conference, organized by the Fundraising Academy at National University, is aimed at providing valuable and relevant content to attendees in the nonprofit sector.
Tony Beall explains that the idea for the conference came about after realizing the need for a dedicated event specifically for the Fundraising Academy. They wanted to create an event that would be meaningful for various stakeholders, including emerging fundraisers, board members, volunteers, and executive directors. The conference features different tracks, including a general fundraising track and an executive leadership track, to cater to the diverse needs of attendees.
Jarrett Ransom highlights the three pillars of the conference: relationships, knowledge, and impact. The conference aims to foster meaningful relationships, provide valuable knowledge and insights, and empower attendees to make a significant impact in their organizations. The speakers at the conference come from various areas of the nonprofit sector, and there is a strong focus on engagement and interaction, with dedicated time for Q&A sessions.
The co-hosts discuss the importance of cultivating relationships in fundraising and how the conference aligns with the concept of cultivation. They emphasize that cultivation is an ongoing process, similar to tending to crops in a garden, and it requires continuous effort and engagement. The conference aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to cultivate relationships effectively and make a lasting impact.
They also mention the significance of metrics and measurement in fundraising success. Jarrett Ransom will be presenting a session on key performance indicators (KPIs) for nonprofit development teams. They stress the need for organizations to define metrics of success and measure progress to ensure effectiveness and efficiency in fundraising efforts.
Fractional Executives For Nonprofits!
In this episode of The Nonprofit Show, host Jarrett Ransom and co-host Julia Patrick interview Cindy Wagman, the President and CEO of TheGoodPartnership.com. Cindy discusses the concept of fractional executives and how they can benefit nonprofit organizations. She explains that fractional executives are hired at an executive level for a fraction of their time and cost compared to full-time hires. This allows organizations to stretch their budgets and hire higher-level expertise. Fractional executives are not employees but rather consultants who are paid a monthly retainer. They become part of the team and provide strategic oversight and implementation.
Cindy shares her experience of starting as a fractional fundraiser in 2015 and growing a team to provide fractional fundraising services. She emphasizes the importance of implementation for small organizations and how fractional executives can provide consistent and meaningful results. They offer a proven roadmap for organizations and allow executive directors to focus on their core responsibilities without the stress of managing inexperienced staff.
The discussion expands to different types of fractional executives, including CFOs, HR professionals, marketing experts, and evaluators. Cindy explains that if a role is not core to program delivery, there is likely a fractional executive available for that position. The hosts discuss the importance of understanding and embracing fractional leadership as a strategic move, rather than being hesitant or uncertain about it.
When it comes to budgeting, Cindy suggests comparing the cost of hiring a junior full-time employee in the same role to get a starting point for the budget. The cost of a fractional executive varies depending on factors such as location and position, but it is important to consider the full cost of hiring someone, including benefits. Cindy also mentions the variability of workload for fractional executives, which can fluctuate based on the organization's needs.
Towards the end of the interview, Cindy addresses individuals interested in becoming fractional leaders. She mentions her Fractional Fundraiser Academy and offers coaching services for those looking to start their consulting businesses. She highlights the flexibility and control that fractional leadership offers, particularly for individuals with young families or those seeking a different work-life balance.
The hosts conclude the interview by discussing the changing landscape of labor, the benefits of fractional leadership for both organizations and individuals, and the need to embrace this concept as a progressive and effective approach to nonprofit leadership.
Inside Successful Corporate Sponsorships!
An excellent primer underscoring the shift towards partnership-focused relationships between nonprofits and corporate sponsors. Heather Nelson, President and Lead Consultant at BridgeRaise.com, shares insights on successful corporate sponsorship strategies. She emphasizes the importance of building value-aligned and relationship-based partnerships with corporate sponsors.
Nelson highlights the shift from purely transactional sponsorships to more purpose-led partnerships. While marketing elements still play a role, companies are increasingly focused on making a joint impact with nonprofits and engaging employees. She encourages nonprofits to ask questions and understand what sponsors are looking for, as it can vary from company to company.
The conversation also delves into the significance of long-term sponsorships and the challenges of budget uncertainties, suggesting setting up multi-year agreements with a base commitment and adding on additional elements annually. The key is to establish a strong relationship and align business goals to make multi-year partnerships more appealing to companies.
The discussion touches on the value add that corporations seek from their partnerships, including employee engagement opportunities and a “frictionless relationship” with the nonprofit. Nelson advises nonprofits to simplify their mission and impact to make it easier for sponsors to understand and engage with.
This episode also explores the topic of exclusivity in partnerships, elaborating on how exclusivity clauses can work in certain situations, but it is essential to consider the intentionality and specifics of each case. Being transparent and finding ways to give each partner a unique experience can help navigate exclusivity concerns.
Heather makes a particular emphasis on the importance of year-round communication with corporate partners, rather than just focusing on the event or campaign. Regular conversations provide opportunities for additional collaboration and better-informed proposals. She also highlights the value of nonprofits' logos and credibility for companies' marketing efforts and encourages nonprofits to recognize their own worth in partnerships.
Engaging Donors Where They Are Now!
Matt Nash, the Executive Director of the Blackbaud Giving Fund, discusses the importance of engaging donors "where they are now". The Blackbaud Giving Fund is a 501(c)(3) sponsor of a donor-advised fund that supports workplace giving and peer-to-peer fundraising. They distribute funds to nonprofits based on donor recommendations.
This Show provides valuable insights into engaging donors effectively, adapting to changing donor attitudes, and leveraging technology and data to improve donor communication and relationships.
Nash highlights the need for nonprofits to be more intentional in their approach to donors. He explains that donors today want to be more involved and understand the organizations they support on a deeper level. They are looking for alignment with their values and want to have a meaningful impact, presenting both an opportunity and a challenge for nonprofits to effectively communicate and connect with donors.
The discussion also touches on the issue of donor contact and communication. Nash suggests that nonprofits should be where their donors are, whether it's through physical or virtual platforms and emphasizing the importance of telling impactful stories and providing information about the purpose, outcomes, and impacts of nonprofit work. Nash also mentions the use of technology platforms and databases to identify and target specific groups of donors, allowing for more personalized and effective communication.
The conversation then shifts to the attitudes and behaviors of the next generation of donors and how younger donors amplify the existing trends seen among donors today. They are even more interested in getting engaged and want to know more about the causes they support. Nash highlights the potential of these younger donors in terms of their passion, ability to mobilize groups, and their increasing financial power due to the transfer of wealth.
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