Nonprofit Fundraising Learning
Unleash the power of your fundraising with our curated collection of training video courses, designed for nonprofits. Step into the expansive and changing world of raising funds effectively, navigating through the proven strategies and innovative techniques that Top Nonprofit Experts shared. These videos will lead you on a journey to discover the art and science of persuasive storytelling, engaging donors, and mastering grant writing – to name just a few topics. Whether you are starting a new nonprofit or looking to advance an already robust fundraising program, these learning segments are packed with actionable insights and practical tools to help you reach your goals for your charity, nonprofit, or NGO.
Our host welcomes James Goalder, the Partnerships Manager at Bloomerang, to discuss an intriguing topic: the $25 donor experience experiment. The experiment aimed to explore how nonprofit organizations interact with donors who make small $25 donations. The conversation highlights the importance of providing a positive donor experience to retain and engage supporters, offering insights and actionable recommendations for NPO’s and NGO’s to enhance their donor interactions.
James begins by explaining the research was initiated by a friend and colleague, who used to donate $25 to various organizations and track their responses. James decided to conduct a similar experiment but focused on national accounts, including Feeding America, Humane Society, Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, Free Clinics, and Meals on Wheels.
The experiment involved James donating $25 to 50 organizations in each category, across all states. He assessed the online donation process, including the ease of finding the donate button and the functionality of the donation forms. After donating, he evaluated the thank-you process, which led to several noteworthy findings.
James revealed that the donor experiences varied significantly among organizations. Some had streamlined and user-friendly processes, while others had broken links and frustrating experiences. He emphasized the importance of organizations reviewing their online donation process from a donor's perspective and fixing any issues.
One significant discovery was that only 10% of organizations offered payment options other than credit cards, such as ACH bank draft, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or Venmo. James highlighted the importance of diversifying payment options to accommodate donors who may not have credit cards.
Furthermore, James discussed the impact of landing pages after donations. About 58% of organizations redirected donors to third-party pages, which can be disorienting and reduce the chances of engagement. James stressed the value of keeping donors on the organization's website after a donation, making it easy for them to explore further.
Regarding post-donation engagement, James found that less than 1% of organizations followed up with invitations to volunteer or attend events. He suggested that organizations should take advantage of these opportunities to engage and retain donors.
In terms of thanking donors, James observed that less than 20% of organizations sent hard copy thank-you letters. He encouraged organizations to implement a purposeful and diverse communication strategy, involving emails, personalized messages, and thank-you phone calls.
Finally, James recommends that organizations periodically review their donor communication cadence and seek feedback from donors to improve their processes. He emphasizes that this evaluation should happen whenever new technology tools are introduced or at least on an annual basis.
Susan Wagoner, from Your Part-Time Controller, discusses the ins and outs of working with foundations on this Nonprofit Power Week episode. Susan begins by explaining the different types of foundations, such as family foundations, community foundations, corporate and independent foundations. She highlights the significance of aligning your nonprofit's mission with the foundation's mission when seeking funding and emphasizes the importance of effective communication and relationship-building in this process.
The discussion digs deeper into the distinctions between corporate and independent foundations, highlighting the trend of corporations establishing their own foundations as both a philanthropic endeavor and a marketing tool.
Co-hosts Jarrett and Julia raise questions about the timing of approaching foundations for funding, and Susan emphasizes the importance of doing research and building connections early on. She suggests using resources like Candid.org and the Foundation Directory to gather information on potential funders.
The conversation also touches on the fluidity of foundation focus areas and how they may change over time, prompting nonprofits to stay informed about shifting priorities. Susan stresses the significance of building strong relationships with foundations, whether through phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings. They discuss strategies for effective communication and outreach, emphasizing the need to be genuine and respectful of the foundation's time and priorities.
You’ll also hear a personal success story of how a simple email led to securing a grant for a school's garden project, highlighting the positive impact of proactive communication.
This episode wraps-up with a reminder that foundations exist to do good and help nonprofits fulfill their missions, and building partnerships and relationships is key to successful collaboration.
In this Nonprofit Power Week episode, Hatsy Cutshall from Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC) talks about NICRA, which stands for Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, in the context of nonprofit organizations. Here are the key points you will want to pay attention to as you watch this valuable conversation:
NICRA stands for Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. It is a federal U.S. concept related to helping nonprofits document their indirect costs and how they are allocated. Indirect costs are crucial for organizations to understand because they help determine which programs are covering their costs and which are not, as it’s essential to know if additional resources are needed to cover shortfalls. Costs associated with running programs can vary depending on the geographic location.
It's important to involve finance and accounting departments, and the Board, from the beginning, especially when applying for federal funding. Often, departments within organizations fail to include indirect costs in their budgets, which can lead to financial challenges later.
You can negotiate with government agencies when it comes to indirect cost rates. Agencies have program officers or grants officers who are willing to help and answer questions. They prefer organizations to reach out directly for clarification rather than making incorrect assumptions.
Building relationships with agency representatives is crucial. Start developing a rapport with them as soon as you receive funding, as these relationships can make the negotiation process smoother.
NICRA is not a one-time effort. Organizations must regularly review and update their rates to ensure they reflect their current financial situations and program needs, and this conversation emphasizes the value of open communication with agency representatives and the benefits of building relationships throughout the nonprofit sector.
We're at day two of the 'Raise' One Cause Conference in Nashville, where over 600 nonprofit professionals have gathered to discuss nonprofit strategies and fundraising. Host Jarrett Ransom welcomes special guest Shawn Olds, co-founder and Co-CEO of Boodle.AI, who discusses how they leverage artificial intelligence and generative AI to help nonprofits engage donors more effectively and efficiently.
Shawn emphasizes the importance of not getting myopically focused on one AI tool and encourages nonprofits to experiment with different technologies to find what works best for their specific needs.
Next, we hear from Kevin Spikerman of Charity Buzz, an impact marketplace that connects charities with high-net-worth bidders for unique experiences and items. Kevin shares a remarkable success story involving a lunch with Julia Roberts, which sold for $140,000, highlighting the potential of their platform to raise funds for nonprofits.
Finally, we chat with Taylor Shanklin, founder of Barlele and Creative Shizzle, who discusses her podcast, "Talking Shizzle," focused on helping small businesses and nonprofits tackle marketing challenges. Taylor emphasizes the importance of breaking down challenges and implementing data-driven strategies to better communicate with donors.
These insightful interviews reveal the collaborative and innovative spirit of the Raise One Cause Conference and offer valuable takeaways for nonprofits looking to enhance their fundraising efforts and engagement strategies.
In an electrifying kick-off to the 2023 annual One Cause 'Raise' Conference in Nashville, Nonprofit Show host Jarrett Ransom helped welcome enthusiastic nonprofit professionals from around the country to this epic two-day event. With the city's rich musical history as the backdrop, the conference set the stage for a memorable experience of connecting and learning.
Jarrett Ransom, CEO of the Rayvan Group and your self-proclaimed "nonprofit nerd," shares the Day 1 experience—with a live broadcast from the event.
Emily Newberry, Vice President of National Accounts at OneCause.com, joined Jarrett on the broadcast stage, sharing her 12-year journey with the organization. She described how the Raise Conference has grown exponentially since its inception seven years ago in Washington, DC, with this year boasting over 600 attendees.
The theme of innovation was buzzing throughout the event. Emily noted that nonprofits and fundraisers are embracing technology and innovation more than ever before, driven by the expectations of both donors and the evolving landscape, especially in the wake of COVID-19.
Barbara O'Reilly, founder of Windmill Hill Consulting, and LaShonda Williams from the Fundraising Academy at National University added to the conference's dynamic atmosphere. Barbara and LaShonda both lead sessions on the age-old debate of "Old School vs. New School" fundraising, highlighting the importance of integrating technology effectively into fundraising strategies.
Throughout the conference, attendees are soaking up knowledge, connecting with industry leaders, and discovering innovative tools and strategies to boost their organizations' impact. The palpable energy in the air, coupled with Nashville's vibrant culture, has created an unforgettable experience for all.
Don’t miss tuning in for Day Two, as the One Cause Raise Conference continues to inspire nonprofit professionals to revolutionize the world of philanthropy!
Nonprofit Show host, Jarrett Ransom, engages in an insightful conversation with Jeff Shaw, the Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Harris Stowe State University. They delve into the vital topic of people of color in nonprofit fundraising, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities in this field.
Jeff shares his unique journey into the world of fundraising, which began with a background in crisis counseling and IT. His experience highlights the importance of active listening and connecting with people's passions in the fundraising process.
Harris Stowe State University has a diverse donor portfolio, stemming from its rich history as an institution. Jeff discusses the university's transition to an HBCU (Historically Black College or University) in 1987 and the varied backgrounds of their donors.
The discussion extends to the changing landscape of fundraising and the impact of recent social and racial justice movements on philanthropic efforts. Jeff emphasizes the need to view donors as partners rather than transactions and nurturing long-term relationships with them.
Jeff also addresses the challenge of recruiting young people of color into the fundraising sector. He emphasizes the importance of demystifying fundraising, showcasing its potential for positive change, and inviting young professionals into a rewarding career focused on fulfilling people's passions.
This Show episode looks into the mysteries of Community Foundations, one of the most impactful philanthropic structures in the US. Featuring Jill McElroy, a philanthropic advisor at the Arizona Community Foundation, this discussion uncovers the ins and outs of building strong relationships with Community Foundations.
As someone who transitioned from the nonprofit sector, Jill offers unique insights into understanding the Community Foundation landscape. She emphasizes that these foundations are not only funders but essential partners for nonprofits in various capacities. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of how Community Foundations operate within the philanthropic ecosystem, their various types of funds, services offered, and the vital role they play in supporting nonprofits.
Jill and Julia also explore the dynamics of donor-advised funds, nonprofit funds, and fiscal sponsorship provided by Community Foundations. They emphasize the importance of effective communication, transparency, and education for nonprofits seeking to engage with Community Foundations. By sharing real-life anecdotes and practical advice, this conversation aims to demystify the Community Foundation system and empower nonprofits to forge meaningful connections with these impactful institutions.
Discover how Community Foundations can become invaluable allies for nonprofit organizations, offering resources, expertise, and support that contribute to the growth and success of the nonprofit sector. Watch this episode to gain a clearer understanding of Community Foundations and learn how to navigate these relationships to benefit your nonprofit's mission.
Get ready to dive into the dynamic world of accounting for arts and cultural nonprofits in this exciting interview with CPA extraordinaire, Justine Townsend from Your Part-Time Controller, in an episode with a unique blend of financial expertise and creative energy.
Justine's journey from theatre performance to accounting brings a fresh perspective to the arts community. Discover how her background in performing arts and improv has uniquely shaped her accounting career. She explains how the skills of listening, flexibility, and adaptability gleaned from her acting days have been invaluable in her role as a CPA with YPTC.com
Justine and Julia discuss the untapped revenue streams within arts organizations. It's not just about selling tickets anymore – they dig into the world of venue rentals, coworking spaces, collaborative partnerships, and even renting out costumes and sets to boost income creatively. Their insights into nurturing annual patron memberships and creating unforgettable artistic experiences for donors are pure gold.
Ever wondered about endowments and investment returns for arts nonprofits? Justine's wisdom shines through as she explores the benefits of building endowments, from sustainability to achieving "immortality." She outlines key steps, from legacy gifts to strategic investment, that can help your organization secure its future.
This episode offers insights that resonate with everyone who believes in the transformative power of the arts. Don't miss it – hit play and join the Show!
Show host Jarrett Ransom welcomes James Goalder, Partnerships Manager at Bloomerang, to discuss the topic of turning volunteers into donors within the nonprofit sector by building meaningful connections with volunteers and using storytelling effectively.
James begins by highlighting a surprising statistic: volunteers donate 10 times more than those who do not volunteer. He explains this phenomenon by emphasizing that volunteers directly witness the impact of nonprofit organizations in action. Their hands-on involvement creates a strong connection with the organization's mission, making it easier to transition them into monetary donors. This connection is already established, eliminating the need for extensive persuasion.
The conversation dives into the motivations behind volunteering, highlighting various factors that drive individuals to offer their time and support. James discusses emotional, mental, and physical benefits, as well as the desire to give back to the community and fulfill civic duties. He encourages nonprofits to understand these motivations to better engage and thank volunteers, ultimately encouraging their continued participation.
Jarrett and James explore the concept of segmenting volunteers to tailor engagement strategies more effectively. They suggest categorizing volunteers based on factors such as donation history and capacity to give. By addressing these groups differently, nonprofits can successfully engage both volunteers who have not yet donated and potential major donors.
The importance of storytelling in volunteer and donor engagement is a key focus of the interview. James draws a parallel between the power of well-developed characters in stories and the impact of personal stories within nonprofit contexts. He encourages organizations to incorporate relatable characters and their experiences to enhance connection and engagement.
Aquanetta Betts, the Director of Planned Giving at George Mason University, discusses important trends and issues related to planned giving that nonprofit organizations need to be aware of. The conversation provides insights for nonprofit professionals and leaders looking to build more robust fundraising strategies.
Here are some of the key take-aways Aquanetta shares on this fast-paced episode include:
Planned giving is a process that involves three parties: the donor, the organization, and another entity (such as an advisor or attorney) working together to facilitate a gift. This type of giving often involves more complex transactions than regular donations and can be a significant source of sustainable funding for nonprofits.
Baby Boomer Impact: The great wealth transfer from baby boomers presents a huge opportunity for planned giving efforts due to the substantial assets involved.
Age Segmentation: Focus on age groups 60-75 for targeted planned giving efforts, as these individuals are considering retirement and financial planning.
Stewardship and Legacy Societies: Stewardship is crucial for maintaining relationships with planned giving donors. Legacy societies provide ongoing engagement for confirmed planned gift supporters.
Engaging Professional Advisors: Collaborating with financial planners, estate planning attorneys, and other advisors strengthens planned giving strategies.
Board Members' Role: Engage board members in advocating for planned giving and possibly making their own planned gifts.
Asking for Planned Gifts: Initiate conversations about planned giving, making soft asks and repeating the message over time.
Bequest Intention Forms: Create simple forms for donors to indicate their intention to include the nonprofit in their wills, gathering key information.
Regular Communication: Maintain periodic communication with donors who expressed planned giving intentions.
We're diving deep into a conversation about the mindset of nonprofit fundraisers. This discussion isn't just about fundraising; it's about instilling a powerful mindset that transforms challenges into opportunities. From the personal stories to the practical insights, Sam Alpert, President of BearFruit.co, and Julia Patrick guide us on a journey that redefines how we approach nonprofit fundraising.
Julia kicks things off by highlighting the unique challenges in the nonprofit space, and how mindset plays a pivotal role in maintaining self-care amidst the chaos. Sam Alpert talks about the culmination of his experiences in Bear Fruit, where he focuses on grant writing, marketing strategies, and donor research to empower nonprofits to make a greater impact.
The conversation takes insightful turns as Sam discusses the alignment of vision and execution in the nonprofit space. He emphasizes the importance of processes and detail-oriented approaches, supported by a well-rounded team with diverse skill sets. Sam acknowledges that change and adaptability are key to staying afloat in the constantly evolving landscape.
Sam's wisdom shines bright as he talks about the long-term mindset. He urges us to remember the depth of impact that nonprofits can have and how the road to success is built on relationships, patience, and persistence.
As the conversation deepens, Sam reflects on the changing nature of nonprofits, highlighting how the pandemic has accelerated the need for flexibility and innovation. He advocates for an abundance mindset and a shift away from the scarcity mentality that has often plagued the sector. He emphasizes the reciprocal nature of relationships, making it clear that fundraising isn't just about money, but about making meaningful connections and changing lives.
Show host Julia Patrick welcomes Jane Wales, Vice President of the Aspen Institute, and Co-chair of the GenerosityCommission.org, to discuss their Insight Report on changing giving trends. The report explores the decline in everyday giving and volunteering over the years and its potential impact on society. Jane describes the Commission's purpose as “A group of 17 leaders from across the social sector, ranging from private sector perspectives to nonprofit leaders. Our goal is to understand the declining trends in giving and volunteering, and how it affects our society and democracy”.
The report emphasizes the importance of understanding generosity in a broader context, beyond just giving to nonprofits, as there is an increase in direct, unmediated giving and volunteering through digital platforms and mutual aid networks. Jane also highlights how social connectedness through giving and volunteering can lead to greater societal resilience and emphasized the need to redefine what an everyday giver and volunteer means, going beyond financial wealth and focusing on community engagement. Amplifying on their findings of a connection between prosocial behavior and civic engagement Jane explains “Our research found that people who engage in prosocial behavior, such as volunteering or serving on a jury, are more likely to register to vote for the first time. This suggests that one act of social connectedness leads to others, and it is essential to encourage civic engagement."
The Commission aims to stimulate an ongoing national conversation on this topic and encourages people to visit their website for more information and future updates on their research.
This is an enlightening interview with the esteemed grant writing expert, Dr. Beverly A. Browning, affectionately referred to as Doctor Bev. The highly anticipated conversation digs deep into the intricacies of grants and the entangled web of myths and bad advice that often plague the nonprofit sector.
Doctor Bev's vast experience and portfolio, includes her popular book "Grant Writing for Dummies."
The interview looks into the transparency in grant-seeking and management. Doctor Bev's emphasis on the essentiality of financial prudence, strict adherence to grant agreements, and meticulous reporting should be helpful to any nonprofit.
With a nod to the costs associated with accepting and implementing grants, Doctor Bev's advice will help you understand the significance of including evaluation expenses, data input, and technological support in grant budgets, underscoring the need for a meticulous and comprehensive approach.
The interview concludes with a discussion about the changing landscape of philanthropy during and after the pandemic, underscoring the significance of maintaining strong relationships with funders and staying abreast of their guidelines.
Need advice on Federal Grants? Denzel Blount, a CPA and manager at the nonprofit accounting firm "Your Part Time Controller" (YPTC), shares his expertise on federal grants and awards. Hosts Jarrett Ransom and Julia Patrick engage Denzel in a rapid-fire discussion about effective communication with federal agencies and grantors, the importance of monthly grant spending reviews, and the benefits of negotiating federally approved indirect cost rates.
Denzel emphasizes the significance of establishing communication with federal grant agencies as soon as an award is received. He suggests building rapport with the grant officer to create a more supportive and collaborative environment, stressing that agencies are willing to help nonprofits navigate compliance issues and provide specific answers to grant-related questions.
The hosts inquire about the hesitancy some organizations have in contacting federal agencies. Denzel believes this reluctance may stem from the misconception that the federal government is an overwhelming compliance entity that penalizes mistakes. However, he reiterates that agencies aim to support nonprofits in their community programs and encourage open communication.
The conversation also covers the topic of monthly grant spending reviews, where Denzel advises organizations to regularly track financial and non-financial requirements, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about spending to avoid compliance issues. Denzel suggests involving accounting, finance, operations, and program teams in the review process to ensure comprehensive understanding and collaboration.
The discussion moves to negotiating federally approved indirect cost rates. Denzel explains that the federal government assumes a 10% indirect rate on all grants but encourages nonprofits to negotiate their rates to recoup more indirect costs. By submitting a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA), organizations can present their rate calculation to the agency and potentially receive approval for a higher reimbursement rate. Having a NICRA also enhances negotiating power with other agencies.
Denzel's expertise on federal grants and his emphasis on effective communication will provide you with valuable guidance for your organization as you seek financial support and compliance toward your mission.
The Cause Selling fundraising program will enhance your fundraising success. The tools provided within the extensive educational resource aim to help nonprofits raise money and advance their fundraising strategies.
Jack Alotto, CFRE, highlights the value of following the Cause Selling cycle, consisting of three phases and eight steps. He emphasized that by focusing on each module of the cycle, fundraisers can effectively lead up to the "ASK" phase, making the solicitation process easier and more natural. The key is to invest time and effort in every step, including need discovery, listening, asking open-ended questions, presentation style, and handling objections.
When asked about donor’s objections, Jack advised fundraisers not to take it personally. He emphasized the need to broaden the definition of success, attract more donors than necessary, and understand that rejection is a common experience in fundraising. By forgiving oneself, engaging in positive self-talk, and reflecting on missed opportunities, fundraisers can learn and improve their approach. He mentioned the unique strategy of overcoming objections and the concept of donation signals. These tools help fundraisers gauge donor interest and engagement, enabling them to tailor their presentations accordingly.
To gain proficiency with the Cause Selling cycle, Jack suggests continuously reviewing the model and understanding each module's purpose. He recommends leveraging the resources available in the free online fundraising portal, which offers blogs, videos, webinars, and training programs.
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