Breaking the Taboo: Discussing Nonprofit Salaries and Benefits
The delicate and often overlooked subject of compensation for nonprofit fundraisers! With hosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall. The Fundraiser’s Friday duo highlight the wide spectrum of pay scales in the sector, ranging from entry-level salaries of $40,000 to executive roles reaching $180,000, with Tony emphasizing the importance of transparency. He says, “We’re seeing more organizations list salary ranges in job postings, and that transparency saves everyone time.” This transparency, he suggests, could aid nonprofits in attracting talent and cultivating a healthy work environment, especially as the labor market tightens.
The enlightening chat also digs into the benefits nonprofit organizations can offer to attract and retain talent, such as flexible work arrangements and reduced dress code expenses for remote employees. Julia reflects, “We have these nickel-and-dime expenses, like dry cleaning and transportation, that working from home can alleviate.” And Tony speaks about the sector’s shift towards professionalism and equity: “If you want the best talent, you need to offer packages that meet people where they are in life.”
#NonprofitCompensation #FundraisersFriday #NonprofitTransparency
Nonprofit Wellness Secrets: The Benefits of Being Giveful
Pat Shea, founder of BeingGiveful.com, opens our thinking about the wellness practice of being mindful and giving in the nonprofit world. Pat shares her unique journey, from leading nonprofits to co-founding a tech startup, and reflects on the life-changing concept that “those who give, receive.” Her philosophy of being “Giveful” is about more than just financial giving; it involves small, everyday acts of kindness and openness to receiving.
With host Julia Patrick, Pat reflects on her experiences with amazing women who embody the idea of giving. One moving story she shares is of a woman who built a school in India and, when asked what she received in return, broke down in tears, saying, “I did it to honor my parents who passed away when I was a teenager.” This powerful connection between giving and receiving is at the heart of Pat’s message. She emphasizes the importance of awareness, action, and acceptance in practicing this philosophy. As she puts it, “Being Giveful is the continuous, conscious, creative practice of giving of yourself to others while being open to receiving.”
#GivefulLiving #WellnessForNonprofits #NonprofitLeadership
Inside the World of Interim Nonprofit Leadership: Myths vs. Reality
A robust look at the interim profession, not just as a stopgap solution during executive changes, but as a strategic period for reflection, capacity building, and meaningful change in nonprofit organizations.
Guests Joan Brown and Erick Seelbach, from Third Sector Company, explore the evolving role of interim leadership in nonprofit organizations, highlighting its potential for transformative change. This sparkling chat, with host Julia Patrick, dispels the common misconception that interim leaders are simply “seat warmers” and emphasizes their critical role in steering organizations through transitions with strategic intent.
Joan begins by explaining the essence of the interim profession, saying “We don’t just bring in the mail and keep the lights on. What are the things we can do during this next period of time to move these organizations forward?”, –pointing to the importance of interim leaders as proactive agents of change, using specialized skills to prepare nonprofits for their next phase of leadership, rather than just maintaining the status quo.
Erick echoes this sentiment, sharing his own experience: “I went into my first interim gig thinking I would just keep the seat warm, but I left with a much broader perspective.” Erick’s reflection highlights how interim roles can transcend mere crisis management and become an opportunity for organizational growth and stability, often bringing a fresh perspective and creating a foundation for better leadership.
The trio discuss how boards often misunderstand the role of interims, believing them to be temporary placeholders. However, as Joan comments, “Every interim engagement should begin with an organizational assessment. Are we all on the same page?”, an approach ensuring . . . . . . . . .
A Legacy of Planned Giving Gets Personal (Teaching Nonprofits)
An emotional and thought-provoking episode with our guest, co-host, and friend, Wendy F. Adams. Wendy bravely shares her deeply personal story of gift legacies and the challenges of managing estates after significant family losses. Wendy, a seasoned nonprofit professional herself and now a consultant to nonprofit leaders, discusses the heart-wrenching reality of being both a fundraiser and someone navigating the death of loved ones–uncovering critical lessons about donor stewardship and the importance of recognizing consistent donors. Wendy lost several family members in quick succession, including her mother, and was tasked with managing their estates. As someone who had dedicated her career to fundraising and nonprofit leadership, she found herself on the other side of the desk—grieving, making difficult phone calls, and uncovering truths about the ways organizations steward their donors. “By the time I got to the third call, I said, ‘OK, this is not someone who’s just young in the field and doesn’t know.’ We’ve got a breakdown,” Wendy recounted. Her mother, a dedicated nurse and a longtime donor, had been supporting several nonprofits for over 15 years, often giving $60 a month to at least seven different organizations, adding up to tens of thousands of dollars. Despite her consistent generosity, when Wendy called to inform these nonprofits of her mother’s passing, she was met with polite condolences but no recognition of the impact her mother had made. “I was floored and amazed to actually do the math myself,” she shared, “but what floored me in not a good way was the response I received when I called…there was not a word to . . . . . . . . .
Fundraiser’s Certifications (Your Nonprofit Career Booster)
We’re discovering a flexible and accessible fundraising training program, designed to empower fundraisers at any stage of their careers. Our host is joined by Pearl Hoeglund from the Fundraising Academy at National University. As a Director, Pearl shares with our host Julia Patrick, and you as a viewer, her passion for nurturing the next generation of fundraising leaders. She calls upon the importance of learning, collaboration, and long-term career sustainability, that help nonprofit professionals thrive in a field that requires both skill and heart.
The Fundraising Academy offers a certification pathway that emphasizes relationship-driven fundraising, focusing on building authentic connections with donors. Pearl shares her personal journey through the program, noting how it transformed her approach. After completing the certificate, she said, “I approached donors confidently with excitement. I knew how to build authentic relationships with them and align them with the cause that they care about.” This confidence and strategy are key elements of the Academy’s curriculum, which equips fundraisers with the skills to secure major gifts and sustain long-term relationships—crucial for avoiding burnout.
What makes the program particularly compelling is its flexibility. With self-paced, modular courses, participants can dive into specific areas such as stewardship or donor outreach, then move on to other topics. The program culminates in a capstone project where fundraisers create a customized development plan for their organization, with guidance from a mentor. Pearl points to the real-world application of this training: “You leave the capstone with a fundraising development plan that you can bring back to your organization that can actually be activated!”
The certification is also highly . . . . . . . . .
Fundraisers Friday | Turning a Donor Frown Upside Down
How to handle unhappy donors and turn their dissatisfaction into renewed support, with Fundraisers Friday co-hosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall. Whether it’s over-solicitation, poor communication, or shifting priorities, understanding why donors frown and how to respond is crucial for every nonprofit.
Tony Beall shares key insights on identifying and addressing donor concerns, emphasizing, “We hope to develop that kind of relationship where a donor can call, text, or even send a carrier pigeon to let us know when they’re not happy.” Julia Patrick reflects on the importance of feedback, admitting, “I don’t think I’ve ever been queried or asked for feedback as a donor. It’s shocking when you think about it.”
Watch as as we explore how nonprofits can proactively prevent donor dissatisfaction and maintain strong, transparent relationships.
Telling Your Nonprofit’s Story – But Better!
This is a must-watch for anyone in the nonprofit world looking to refine their messaging and build stronger relationships with their supporters. Tune in on this candid discussion on how to stay mission-focused, engage your audience, and share a story that’s truly worth telling.
We dive deep into the importance of storytelling for nonprofits, featuring the wisdom of Robert Wheeler, CEO of Mission Clarity, and co-hosts, Wendy F. Adams, CFRE, cofounder of Cultivate for Good, and Julia Patrick–revolving around one central question: Is your nonprofit’s story worth telling?
Robert brings his years of experience to the table, focusing on the importance of clarifying a nonprofit’s mission, particularly in times of crisis. In a world where nonprofits are constantly called forward during moments of upheaval—be it natural disasters or economic shifts—the ability to tell a compelling and clear story is essential.
Wendy adds her expertise, outlining how many organizations struggle to define and stay true to their mission. As she puts it, “If you don’t know what your mission is, there’s no way to stay on it.” This is a common pitfall for many nonprofits that get caught in what she refers to as the “drift,” losing sight of the very essence of why they exist.
The trio explore how to strike the delicate balance between authenticity and vulnerability without slipping into victimhood. Robert underscores this balance, saying: “When you portray yourself as vulnerable without being a victim, you breed collaboration. But when you drift into victimhood, you breed competition.” This powerful statement reinforces the need for nonprofits to tell their . . . . . . . . .
Bored with Your Board? 3 Key Traits for a Successful Nonprofit Board
Expert’s takeaways for anyone involved with nonprofit boards, offering fresh perspectives on how to inspire board members to think big, act boldly, and stay focused on the long-term success of their organizations!
From two seasoned experts who recently wrote books about nonprofit boards, Julia Patrick, CEO of the American Nonprofit Academy, and Sherry Quam Taylor, CEO of QuamTaylor, dive deep into the challenges and dynamics of nonprofit boards.
Sherry and Julia explore the importance of understanding how nonprofit boards operate and how each member’s expertise can either enhance or hinder the organization’s progress.
A major focus of the conversation is Sherry’s “Build a Better Board Member” guide, where she outlines three often-overlooked characteristics that contribute to board success: being a learner, staying in your lane, and being financially bold and creative. Sherry argues that many board members are expected to contribute based on their expertise but lack crucial skills in areas like fundraising. She stresses the importance of board members being willing to learn and adapt to these areas, especially as nonprofit organizations seek to scale and grow.
Julia adds depth to the conversation by discussing her book, Building Board Champions, where she shares actionable strategies for engaging boards more effectively. Together, they explore how communication and trust between the executive team and the board are essential for nonprofit success. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, they unpack the challenges many nonprofit leaders face in aligning board members with the mission and financial goals of the organization.
How Nonprofit Volunteers Can Become Donors
Unlock the powerful connection between volunteers and donors. James Goalder, Partnerships Manager at Bloomerang, makes a compelling case: Volunteers and donors aren’t separate groups—they’re driven by the same passion to make a difference, and nonprofits should engage them accordingly.
“The reason people volunteer and the reason they donate are often pretty similar… If you’re not appealing to them for both, you’re missing out on a way to really cement that relationship,” James begins. This shift in mindset could be a game-changer, breaking down traditional silos and unlocking new opportunities for deeper engagement and support.
James also tackles the sector’s current challenges head-on. With donor and volunteer numbers on the decline since the pandemic, nonprofits are increasingly leaning on major donors to keep things afloat. But he warns, “If the donor universe has dropped but the dollars have stayed relatively the same, that means we’re going back to the same major donors again and again… and eventually, they’re going to get tired.” This ‘donor fatigue’ threatens sustainability unless nonprofits start thinking differently—by engaging volunteers as donors and showing how both time and money make an impact.
The key? Storytelling. James details how effective communication, filled with emotional narratives and impact-driven stories, keeps supporters inspired. When volunteers see the value of their time and donors understand how every dollar makes a difference, the relationship deepens. “Whether they stuff envelopes or write a check, both contributions matter,” he offers.
This sparkling conversation will fire up nonprofits to rethink their engagement strategies. It’s not just about separating donors and volunteers—it’s about recognizing the overlap, nurturing those . . . . . . . . .
AI In Nonprofits: Questions Nonprofits Asked!
Host Meico Marquette Whitlock, and special guest Jeff Hensel from Eide Bailly, summarize the Nonprofit Power Week covering artificial intelligence and it’s role in the nonprofit sector. This conversation centers around answering viewers questions about practical concerns and considerations from nonprofits.
The duo begin with comments about the shared responsibility between humans and AI within nonprofits. While AI can automate tasks and provide valuable insights, human oversight remains essential. Validating AI-generated content, ensuring data accuracy, and making informed decisions based on AI outputs are all critical steps in maximizing AI’s benefits while mitigating its risks.
One listener question focused on the use of personal devices and public AI platforms for work purposes. Jeff acknowledges the allure of readily accessible AI tools like ChatGPT but cautions against the use of sensitive data on such platforms. “The tech contractor is accurate in saying you shouldn’t do that,” Jeff explains, referring to the practice of inputting proprietary data into public AI models
He advocates for a more controlled approach, leveraging platforms that prioritize data security and responsible AI usage.
Another crucial point raised is the ongoing nature of AI implementation. Jeff pushes for a measured approach, starting small and iteratively expanding AI usage as the organization gains experience and comfort. He draws an analogy to training an intern, highlighting the need for continuous learning and refinement. “AI learns,” he explains, “but we have to teach it what it needs to know”
The understanding you’ll get from this lively chat is the importance of viewing AI as a powerful tool that, when used responsibly, can significantly enhance nonprofit operations.
How To Start Using AI In Your Nonprofit
AI is not just for tech giants—it is accessible, and with the right approach, it can empower nonprofits to achieve their missions more effectively. In the nonprofit world, staying current with technology is essential for efficiency and growth. In this Nonprofit Power Week episode, Jeff Hensel, a director at Eide Bailly, highlights the importance of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into nonprofit operations. AI offers a wealth of opportunity, but as Jeff points out, it’s essential to adopt it thoughtfully.
“AI is completely possible in your organization, but you need to be ready for it before you start using it,” Jeff begins. Nonprofits need to assess their current processes, secure their systems, and ensure leadership and staff are aligned in their understanding of the technology.
The fascinating conversation touches on AI’s potential for streamlining time-intensive tasks, like data management, freeing staff for more strategic work. As an example, Jeff describes how robotic process automation (RPA) reduced one client’s workload by 70%, allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks. Such automation, he suggests, can be a game-changer, especially for smaller organizations with limited resources.
While the fear of AI replacing jobs is a common concern, Jeff describes to host Julia Patrick, that AI, when implemented correctly, enhances productivity without diminishing the human element. It’s about improving processes, not eliminating roles.
This video treatise with Jeff, is that nonprofits, regardless of size, are encouraged to start small—perhaps with automating content creation or donor communications—and build from there. This gradual integration allows teams to see immediate benefits, reducing fears and fostering a culture of innovation. Ultimately, the key . . . . . . . . .
Winning The Tech Game At Your Nonprofit!
Enjoy this buzzing conversation about the cutting-edge world of artificial intelligence (AI) in the nonprofit sector. The theme? Winning the Tech Game! Jeff Hensel, a tech expert from Eide Bailly, with a background at Microsoft, brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the conversation, sharing game-changing insights on how nonprofits can harness the power of AI. “At the end of the day, AI is going to become pervasive,” he says. . . . . .Whether you’re a chemist, an accountant, or a nonprofit leader, the future is clear: AI will be integrated into nearly every aspect of work. The question is, how can nonprofits stay ahead of the curve?
A key theme of this discussion, with cohosts Julia Patrick and Meico Marquette Whitlock, is the gradual, mindful implementation of AI. As Jeff describes, “It’s a process…you don’t want to go too big in terms of your scope.” He emphasizes the value of starting small, especially with manageable tasks like content generation or HR processes, to build momentum and achieve quick wins. This cautious yet proactive approach helps nonprofit organizations avoid the pitfalls of rushing into AI adoption without a solid foundation in place.
The trio also talk about the human element of technological change. Meico suggests how a successful AI integration depends heavily on people’s buy-in and engagement, saying “From a psychological perspective…it’s actually healthy in terms of being able to support long-term change,” adding that employees need to see tangible short-term results to maintain momentum and alleviate fears about AI displacing jobs. And Jeff goes on to concur, stressing that . . . . . . . . .