How To Vet Job Candidates (For nonprofits)
Best practices for vetting new prospective nonprofit staff, with the CEO of Staffing Boutique, Katie Warnock. Katie, with 20 years of experience in nonprofit recruitment, shares her candid thoughts on what it takes to identify the right candidates, emphasizing the importance of practical judgment over traditional HR methods.
Katie begins by explaining her unconventional approach to recruitment, noting how her extensive experience in staffing gives her a more grounded perspective on what works. Katie’s honesty about the limitations of traditional hiring tools sets the tone for the conversation, pushing listeners to think critically about common vetting practices.
The informative conversation also touches on the controversial practice of reviewing candidates’ social media activity. Katie stresses the importance of being mindful about online presence during a job search. “We are going to search you. We’re going to do Google searches… tighten up those sources, regardless of who you are or what you’re posting,” she advises. Her point reinforces the reality that, in today’s digital age, employers will almost certainly examine a candidate’s online footprint, making discretion essential.
Throughout the episode with host Julia Patrick, Katie’s advice challenges the status quo, encouraging nonprofits to focus more on practical evaluations of potential staff. Her perspective is a refreshing reminder that, in the nonprofit sector, the human element is often as important as formal credentials.
Questions Nonprofits Asked Us! (Financial Leadership)
Responses to important questions about nonprofit finance and accounting, with Deanna Peterson, director at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), and host Julia Patrick. This episode caps off a dynamic Nonprofit Power Week, that covered insightful thinking, key issues, and actionable suggestions about financial management within the nonprofit sector. This conversation kicks off with Julia and Deanna exploring several significant questions that reflect common concerns among nonprofit leaders today. One of the first questions addressed is the consideration of shifting to a contracted CFO role as a current CFO plans retirement. Deanna outlines how the decision largely hinges on the specific needs of the organization, suggesting that the size and lifecycle stage of the nonprofit play critical roles in determining whether a full-time or fractional CFO is necessary. Another topic the two chat about revolves around the security implications of remote bookkeeping. In an era where digital transactions are becoming the norm, concerns about fraud and data security are prevalent. Deanna discusses the advanced financial technologies YPTC employs to ensure robust security measures are in place, and how they not only safeguard financial data but also streamline processes, making operations more efficient and less prone to human error. Cost considerations of employing a remote financial team also take center stage. Deanna speaks to the potential savings from reduced need for physical office space and traditional employee benefits, which can be significant. However, she goes on to describe that the true cost-effectiveness of such a setup depends on the organization’s operations and the service model of the financial team. YPTC’s model, which involves billing based . . . . . . . . .
The JOY’s Of Nonproft Budgeting. . .. Really!
Expert insights on transforming budgeting at your nonprofit from a necessary evil into a strategic tool for growth and sustainability. In this lively Nonprofit Show Power Week episode, cohosts Julia Patrick and Wendy Adams are joined by Ariella Reiss, from Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC). She turns the often-dreaded topic of budgeting into an empowering conversation for nonprofits. . . . with wit, wisdom, and a touch of inspiration.
Budgeting, as Ariella explains, is not just about balancing the books—it’s about dreaming big and setting your organization up for success. “The budget process is the one moment that you have all year to dream big… plan for a surplus,” she says, flipping the script on the traditional nonprofit mindset. Rather than approaching budgeting with fear and scarcity, Ariella encourages nonprofits to plan for a financial cushion—a rainy-day fund—that can help them thrive, not just survive.
And it’s not just about numbers. Ariella passionately advocates for involving staff in the budgeting process, calling for a bottom-up approach where team members are invited to share their insights. “Involve as many staff members as practical…make them feel like the subject matter experts,” she says. By doing so, nonprofits can build a budget that not only reflects their immediate needs but also fuels long-term growth and transforming the budget process into a collaborative, empowering experience that fosters buy-in and excitement across the organization.
What truly sets this episode apart is the zest Ariella brings to what can often be a mundane topic. With such a refreshing perspective, she emphasizes the importance of balancing optimism with realism—setting ambitious goals but doing . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit’s Financial Best Practices
A comprehensive look at how integrating financial best practices can empower a nonprofit to achieve its goals more effectively, encourage nonprofit leaders to foster collaboration between finance and program teams, that leads to a more well-rounded approach to financial management. Shannon Poll, Director for the North Carolina market at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), shares her expertise on nonprofit financial best practices with host Julia Patrick.
Shannon starts by addressing a common misconception that financial best practices are solely technical. She highlights the emotional and mission-driven aspects of financial stewardship in nonprofits, saying, “When we talk about best practices, we’re talking about making sure that you have stewardship over your nonprofit. There’s so much extra care and nonprofits that we need to take.” She speaks to the need for finance teams not only to possess technical skills but also to understand and support the organization’s mission, ensuring that financial decisions reflect the organization’s core values.
Continuing, Shannon discusses with Julia the importance of building a strong finance team that goes beyond credentials. Her advice, “You’re going to get a finance team that understands your people, understands your stakeholders, understands the why behind the figures, and that is really all part of it.” By focusing on the alignment between finance professionals and the organization’s mission, nonprofits can foster a more cohesive and engaged team.
Shannon also shares thoughts on other key areas such as internal controls, financial statement audits, and educating boards on fiduciary responsibilities. She stresses the necessity of transparency and communication within organizations, pointing out that finance teams need to communicate with other . . . . . . . . .
How Tech Is Nonprofit’s True Financial Tool
Embracing technological innovation in accounting and finance in the nonprofit sector, especially as it lags behind other industries in adopting these tools. Nonprofits can reduce errors, mitigate fraud, and make more strategic decisions, ensuring their long-term sustainability. Host Julia Patrick interviews Ben Hays, a manager with Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), during Nonprofit Power Week, on the evolving role of technology as a financial tool in the nonprofit sector. The conversation points to how data and technology are transforming financial processes, creating new efficiencies, and providing nonprofit organizations with the insights they need to thrive.
Ben begins by boasting about the value of data, noting that it is “like gold” for nonprofits. He outlines a three-step process crucial for leveraging data: gathering it, applying ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) methods to manage it, and finally delivering the information to decision-makers in an accessible format. He encourages nonprofits to embrace technology rather than fear it, underscoring how automation can streamline mundane tasks and allow the staff to focus on strategic analysis. As Ben advises, “Don’t be afraid of technology. A lot of times people say, ‘oh, technology, that’s evil, it can’t be trusted,’ just lean in. It’s time to accept that technology is here and it’s here to make those mundane tasks easier.”
Ben also touches on the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial processes. AI, he explains, can automate repetitive tasks like invoice processing and provide insightful financial analysis. By comparing financial trends with similar organizations, nonprofits can identify opportunities for growth and efficiency. However, he cautions against blind reliance on AI: “You . . . . . . . . .
Reducing Audit Stress For Nonprofits
A fresh perspective on how nonprofit organizations can embrace a proactive approach to audit preparation, in this Nonprofit Power Week session with Justine Townsend, a seasoned manager at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC). With her unique blend of expertise and passion for nonprofit finance, Justine gives us not just technical advice, but a mindset shift, inviting NPO’s to rethink how they approach audits as an opportunity for growth and reflection, rather than a source of anxiety.
Audits, she explains, are often met with dread, but they don’t have to be. “It’s always a freak out time. It doesn’t have to be,” Justine begins. At the heart of her strategy is the importance of consistent financial hygiene—maintaining regular, thorough month-end closings throughout the year. In doing so, nonprofits can stay “audit-ready,” removing the stress of last-minute scrambles and turning the audit process into what she describes as “just a part of the cycle.”
One of Justine’s big messages is reframing the auditor’s role, reminding us that auditors aren’t there to solve operational problems but to issue a professional opinion on the financial statements. “Their whole job is just to issue an opinion…all you’re paying for is that opinion,” she says. By focusing on material accuracy rather than micromanaging financial details, nonprofits can streamline their approach to audits and empower their boards with better understanding.
Justine’s creative solution to reducing audit stress is rooted in building a year-round culture of preparedness, where monthly financial practices mirror the heightened rigor needed at audit time. This idea not only prevents last-minute panic but also strengthens decision-making processes. “Month-end close is . . . . . . . . .
Diversifying Revenues (For Nonprofits)
How to diversify revenue for nonprofits, with advice centering on being strategic, assessing the market and the organization’s capacity, and ensuring the board and leadership are aligned on the goals of diversification. Cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall talk about the significant pressure fundraisers face, not only in securing donations but also in ensuring that funds are received. This ongoing challenge is compounded when nonprofits rely too heavily on one source of funding, such as a single donor or government grants, which creates vulnerability if those funds suddenly decrease or disappear.
Julia and Tony discuss the practical side of diversification, illustrating the dangers of relying on a singular revenue stream. Tony recounts a story of a nonprofit that faced a sudden 40% cut in state funding, forcing the organization to scramble for new funding sources. He reminds the audience that diversification isn’t just about spreading out revenue sources evenly, but about planning for sustainability and reducing risk.
The informative (and fun) conversation touches on various avenues of diversification, from special events and major gifts to peer-to-peer giving and recurring donations. Tony explains that nonprofits should assess their team’s strengths and existing data to decide which methods to pursue. While certain channels might offer high returns, like a successful annual gala, others—such as small events—can serve as an important introduction to the organization. Tony also speaks to the importance of cultivating relationships with event attendees beyond the event itself, ensuring that nonprofits leverage the opportunity to engage and steward donors.
This practical thinking session reminds nonprofits to plan ahead, avoid over-reliance on any one source, and . . . . . . . . .
Latest Report On Generational Giving To Nonprofits
The Generational Giving Report! Melaina Chromy, from Bloomerang, explores the findings of their latest detailed report on how different age groups engage in philanthropy and the implications for nonprofit fundraising.
Melaina begins with the importance of this research, stating that Bloomerang’s goal is to “share this valuable information with the sector,” regardless of whether organizations are clients, and highlighting how generational giving data is essential for understanding donor behavior, saying, “If we are able to tailor our communications to a donor’s interest, we are likely to have better fundraising outcomes.”
One of the report’s key findings is the impending wealth transfer from the baby boomer generation, estimated at $87 trillion over the next 30 years. Melaina explains, to host Julia Patrick, that nonprofits need to start “nurturing and engaging donors of the next generation” to prepare for this shift. She also draws attention to significant differences in donor preferences, such as how “younger generations place less importance on organizational overhead costs” and focus more on digital presence, while “baby boomers value transparency around overhead.”
The conversation also reveals several unexpected findings, including the fact that Gen Z is “very active in volunteering” and prefers in-person fundraising events, which challenges assumptions about their digital-only engagement. They tend to prioritize digital engagement. She shares, “Gen Z places the least importance on organizational overhead and instead looks for an up-to-date social media presence and website.” This generation is also notably active, with volunteer participation rates that outpace both millennials and baby boomers.
In contrast, baby boomers exhibit traditional values, with a strong focus on transparency and organizational overhead. She . . . . . . . . .
Taking Risks. Making Big Impact!
A remarkable journey of risk-taking and transformation. From her illustrious career in journalism to a leadership role in higher education, and now as president of Bear Fruit, a consulting firm dedicated to helping nonprofits amplify their impact, Emmy award-winning broadcaster Vanessa Ruiz’s story is an inspiring testament to embracing change and pursuing purpose.
Vanessa candidly discusses the pivotal moments in her career where she chose to step into the unknown, trusting her skills and instincts. Her leap from journalism to higher education and, eventually, to the nonprofit sector was not without challenges. However, her consistent drive to make a meaningful difference provided the motivation to continue evolving. She talks about the importance of taking risks in order to grow, saying, “Take the risk, because otherwise, you will regret what you didn’t do versus what you did do.” This guiding philosophy has been at the core of Vanessa’s professional shifts, leading her to success in vastly different industries.
A large part of this motivating conversation is the sense of purpose that Vanessa has carried through each of her roles. Whether it was providing access to crucial information as a journalist or helping nonprofits secure funding through Bear Fruit, her motivation has always been about creating opportunities for others. Reflecting on her journey, Vanessa states, “For me, my passion in life has been about providing access for others… in journalism, it was access to information; now it’s access to funds and resources so we can do more good in the world.”
Throughout the conversation, with co-hosts Julia Patrick and Wendy Adams, Vanessa’s message is clear: calculated risks, . . . . . . . . .
Scaling Nonprofit’s Impact With Technology!
Ryan O’Donnell, founder of GetSunlight.org, brings forward powerful insights on the intersection of technology and social good, particularly in foster care. His deep experience in both the tech and nonprofit sectors, especially as a foster parent, enriches his approach to building systems that support vulnerable children. Ryan’s vision for Sunlight—improving America’s broken social safety net—accentuating his mission to modernize outdated structures and ensure that people can access the help they need more efficiently.
The foster care segment is a cornerstone of this varied discussion with Show host Julia Patrick. Ryan poignantly highlights the flaws in the child welfare system, from archaic tools like paper notebooks and fax machines to the inefficiencies in helping families stay together. He shares his personal journey as a foster parent, emphasizing how the lack of communication and outdated systems left him unable to provide clear answers to his foster son about reunification with his biological family. His emotional connection drives his commitment to developing technology that puts children and families at the center of the solution.
Sunlight’s case plan tool aims to streamline communication among the many parties involved in foster care, such as social workers, attorneys, foster parents, and biological families. By introducing a digital platform, Sunlight is working to replace the fragmented and bureaucratic systems with an intuitive app that enables secure, real-time messaging, document uploads, and better collaboration. This innovation, Ryan believes, can help expedite the process of reuniting families and prevent children from languishing in the system.
Ryan’s approach is not just about leveraging technology for the sake of efficiency but about using it to foster . . . . . . . . .
The Intersection of Medical Technology and Nonprofits
This informative conversation, featuring Dr. Daniel Donoho, explores the powerful intersection of technology and the nonprofit sector, showcasing the groundbreaking work being done by his organization, Surgical Data Science Collective (SurgicalVideo.io). As a pediatric and adult neurosurgeon, Dr. Donoho applies his expertise in surgical procedures to develop technologies that enhance patient care on a global scale. His organization brings together surgeons, computer scientists, and global health advocates, all working toward one mission: improving surgical outcomes through innovative use of data.
One of the key big topics discussed, with co-hosts Wendy Adams and Julia Patrick, is the lack of accessible “game tape” for surgeons to review post-operation. Dr. Donoho likens this to how athletes review game footage to improve performance, lamenting that “surgeons actually have great difficulty in getting that game tape, despite the fact that it can literally be life-saving for their upcoming patients.” This statement describes the gap in current medical practices and the potential for data-driven tools to revolutionize surgical training and patient safety.
Dr. Donoho continues, pointing to the importance of maintaining trust, privacy, and security when integrating technology into medical practice, a challenge that historically slows the adoption of these tools in healthcare. He notes, “We know how powerful it is…and particularly in this age of increasing computational techniques, algorithms and software…it’s really imperative that we start to find sensitive, privacy-preserving, secure ways of understanding these critical events.” His team’s approach prioritizes patient confidentiality while harnessing the power of data to improve surgical care.
This informative session demonstrates how nonprofit organizations, especially those leveraging technology, drive social change by overcoming systemic . . . . . . . . .
Wellness For Fundraisers (Body and mind)
From the pressures of meeting goals to the high-stress demands of fundraising, this conversation centers on how important it is to integrate wellness into the culture of nonprofit organizations. Cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall look into an essential topic that’s often overlooked in the nonprofit sector: the wellness of fundraisers!
Julia kicks off the discussion with a candid reflection on how a short holiday break can sometimes feel more like an extra burden than a relief, saying, “Sometimes I feel like that day off just creates, like, two days more of work and stress.” This observation sets the stage for an informative conversation about the mental and physical wellness challenges that fundraisers face, especially when their schedules get jam-packed with both external demands and personal expectations.
Tony speaks about the growing recognition of the need for wellness initiatives in the workplace, stating, “Folks, employers, employees are willing to look at ways to invest in our wellness both body and mind.” He points to the shift happening in organizations where wellness is becoming not just a perk but a priority.
As they continue, Julia mentions a significant issue: fundraisers are often left out of wellness conversations, leading to burnout and turnover, commenting, “We don’t talk about this enough with our fundraisers. And then we wonder why they’re burned out and leaving.”
Tony adds that wellness should be part of professional development, not an afterthought. He offers, “It does start at the top, and it is something that is super important.” Leadership’s role in fostering a culture where wellness is prioritized is pivotal, and Tony goes on to encourage . . . . . . . . .