Nonprofit Operational Efficiencies and Transformations
A conversation centering on the importance of efficiency in nonprofit organizations that serves as a reminder for nonprofit leaders to prioritize operational efficiency, not only to improve internal processes but also to better serve their communities and stakeholders. As the guest, Dylan Bassett, CEO and founder of Department One Solutions puts it, “It’s about making things better and faster so that more work can get done, and ultimately, more good can be delivered.”
Dylan Bassett, whose consultancy specializes in aiding small, community-based nonprofits, talks about the need for operational transformation. He explains that many nonprofits, despite their dedication to their mission, often suffer from inefficiencies that limit their effectiveness. “Nonprofits sort of forget that they are businesses as well,” he points out, a common oversight in the sector. This neglect can lead to what he refers to as “tech debt,” a situation where temporary solutions compound into bigger problems over time.
Dylan shares his experience working with nonprofits that often tolerate inefficiencies, leading to a less effective use of resources. He mentions, “When nonprofits have strong operations, they have a higher capacity for work and thus mission delivery,” which connects to the direct correlation between operational efficiency and mission success. This efficiency not only enhances productivity but also makes nonprofits more attractive to donors who want to invest in organizations that can deliver results effectively.
The fast-paced conversation also covers the importance of ‘digital maturity’ and the need for nonprofits to adopt better processes and technology. Dylan encourages nonprofits to view operational transformation as an ongoing process, rather than a one-time fix. He suggests . . . . . . . . .
Navigating Donor Relationships Long Distance
Explore the nuances of maintaining and nurturing donor relationships, particularly when donors are geographically distant in this episode of “Fundraisers Friday,” with cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall.
Tony begins with his ideas on adapting communication strategies to align with donor preferences, whether through phone calls, video conferences, or digital communication like video clips and PDFs. He describes the importance of understanding how each donor prefers to communicate, with Julia agreeing that this understanding is essential for effective engagement. Julia also brings up the idea that video conferencing might offer a more personal connection compared to phone calls, especially in reading facial cues and emotions, which Tony supports.
Julia and Tony both underline the value of affirmation in donor relationships, with Tony suggesting that recognizing and affirming donors’ contributions can empower them and strengthen their commitment to the organization. Julia builds on this by saying that such affirmation is crucial, especially in times when fundraisers might feel isolated or uncertain about their efforts.
This fun chat between the two also digs into the evolving role of technology in fundraising. Julia and Tony share a common thread in their openness about using tools like ChatGPT to explore new strategies, demonstrating a pro-active approach to learning and adapting. They go on to discuss how even simple digital content, like video clips, can have a profound impact on donor engagement by showing the real-time impact of their contributions.
Julia raises point about engaging with donors on social media, cautioning that while some donors may enjoy public recognition, others might prefer a more private approach, stressing the need for fundraisers to . . . . . . . . .
Creating Impactful Nonprofit Cultures
The multifaceted challenges within nonprofit cultures and the threats that nonprofits face, particularly the dangers of siloed information and the reluctance to embrace change, with Sarah Quillen, Executive Director of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Quillen, who has a background in fundraising and public relations. She shares the complexities of managing an organization focused on Lyme disease—a condition often misunderstood and underfunded, particularly in regions like the West where awareness is low.
Sarah begins by educating us on Lyme disease, explaining its severe and often debilitating effects on patients. She highlights the challenges in diagnosing and treating Lyme disease, saying that many patients go years without proper diagnosis, leading to significant health and quality-of-life impacts. Organizations like ILADS support research and medical education and advocate for better understanding and treatment of this and associated diseases.
This informative dialog then shifts to the concept of nonprofit culture. Sarah offers that nonprofits should be redefined as “for impact” organizations, which more descriptively amplifies the importance of strong infrastructure and strategic vision in fulfilling their missions. She notes that the nonprofit sector often operates under the misconception that minimal administrative spending is ideal, which can be detrimental to long-term success. “You exist to make an impact…when we all work together and all have one unified purpose, that is how we all succeed,” she says.
Sarah then shares with host Julia Patrick her experiences in leading ILADS through a significant cultural shift, particularly after succeeding a long-serving executive director. She speaks candidly about the challenges of bringing together a team that was previously siloed . . . . . . . . .
Going Digital With Donors (Donation research study)
An eye-opening discussion about an innovative study that Bloomerang has conducted to help nonprofits improve their online fundraising strategies. The study involves donating $25 to 500 different nonprofits across the U.S. and closely monitoring the donation process from a donor’s perspective. The goal is to evaluate how well these organizations handle donations, acknowledge donors, and ultimately engage with them to encourage future contributions.
Emily Kelly, National Accounts Manager at Bloomerang, shares their unique research approach, describing that the study is not about evaluating the organizations from a professional standpoint but rather from the perspective of an ordinary donor. This allows Bloomerang to identify areas for improvement in the donor experience with nonprofits. Emily points out that something as simple as ensuring the functionality of a “donate” button can make a significant difference. “The first thing that you can do when you go to your website is literally just hover your mouse over your donate button, make sure it works,” she advises, highlighting a common issue where some nonprofits’ donate buttons are not functioning correctly.
The results of the study reveal that many organizations have room for improvement in how they engage with donors after a donation is made. Emily notes that one of the most effective ways to retain donors is through personal engagement, such as a phone call within 24 to 48 hours of receiving a donation. She shares, “If you make a phone call to a first-time donor, they’re more likely to give another donation in the future… that likelihood increases by about 50%.”
By focusing on the donor’s experience, from the ease . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofits! Flex or Fade!
You’ll enjoy this compelling discussion centering around the crucial need for nonprofits to adapt and remain flexible in an ever-changing environment. . . . . . . a must-see for anyone involved in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, or board management, offering valuable takeaways on how to lead with purpose, adapt to challenges, and ultimately, make a lasting impact, with Amy Fass, the CEO and Executive Director of ShoesThatFit.org
Amy Fass, with her deep expertise and passion for the nonprofit sector, shares her unique perspectives on leadership, board management, and the challenges of nonprofit fundraising.
Amy begins by shedding light on the critical mission of Shoes That Fit, a nonprofit dedicated to providing brand-new, name-brand athletic shoes to children in need. She poignantly illustrates the impact of their work by stating, “Kids who don’t have shoes can’t go to school. They can’t join sports teams. They tend to hide and not feel like they belong.” This simple yet profound statement brings to life the real difference that ShoesThatFit.org makes in the lives of vulnerable children across the country.
As the conversation progresses, Amy delves into the complexities of nonprofit leadership, particularly the delicate balance between managing a board and leading an organization. She candidly acknowledges the inherent challenges in this dynamic, emphasizing the value of clear communication and shared understanding. “The executive director needs to really firmly realize that they are in charge,” she says, which shows the necessity for strong leadership and strategic vision in navigating these relationships.
Another big focus of the conversation, with host Julia Patrick, is Amy’s book, The Business of NonProfit-ing. The book . . . . . . . . .
Growing Your Piece Of The Fundraising Pie
Explore the evolving dynamics of the “fundraising pie” and how nonprofits can carve out a larger slice by embracing innovation and thinking beyond traditional methods. In a vibrant chat about the shifting landscape of nonprofit fundraising, host Julia Patrick sits down with Ben Erwin, CEO of Charity Buzz.
Ben is a seasoned expert at the intersection of technology, entertainment, commerce, and charity, and he talks about the need for new approaches in fundraising. “The charity sector has so much growth in front of it,” he begins. “It’s incumbent on all of us to figure out ways to incentivize innovation and raise more money.”
Charity Buzz stands out in this space by offering donors exclusive, money-can’t-buy experiences while raising funds for various charitable organizations. These experiences, ranging from intimate evenings with celebrities like George Clooney to luxury travel packages, appeal to a donor base eager for unique opportunities. Ben tells Julia, “What we do is increase the size of the pie by offering up customers, donors, and philanthropists really unique, in most cases, money-can’t-buy experiences—all in support of terrific charitable organizations.”
The informative conversation looks into the challenges nonprofits face in a crowded sector with limited resources. Ben points out that while the percentage of GDP donated to charity in the U.S. remains stagnant at around 2% for decades, the number of charities has skyrocketed. This situation makes it increasingly difficult for individual organizations to secure a meaningful portion of the available funds. “We need to think outside and innovate beyond just going out to our existing donor base every day, every week, every month,” he says. . . . . . . . . .
How To Incentivize Fundraising Staff
The often-controversial topic of incentivizing fundraisers. A pointed discussion revealing the complexities and challenges nonprofits face in retaining top talent in fundraising roles, where turnover rates are alarmingly high, with the average tenure of a professional fundraiser lasting only 16 to 19 months. Hosted by Julia Patrick, CEO of the American Nonprofit Academy, and Tony Beall, a renowned thought leader in the nonprofit sector
Tony starts with the comment that before even considering incentives, organizations must establish clear policies, processes, and measurements for success. He metaphorically refers to incentives as “the icing on the cake,” explaining that the foundational layers—such as well-defined job descriptions, performance metrics, and annual reviews—are critical to creating a meaningful incentive structure. Tony’s approach is rooted in practicality and experience, citing that incentives alone cannot solve the retention problem if these basic elements are missing.
A key takeaway from this enlightening chat is Tony’s focus on creating a “workplace of joy,” a concept often overlooked in traditional discussions about incentives. He highlights the importance of fostering an environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and happy, which can be a powerful incentive in itself. As Tony puts it, “Creating this workplace and just a place of joy is a huge incentive for folks.”
The conversation also explores the broader impact of organizational culture on fundraising success. Julia reflects on the disconnect between the board’s focus on revenue goals and the day-to-day realities of fundraisers, who are often judged solely on their ability to meet financial targets. This binary approach, where fundraisers either “win or lose,” contributes to the high turnover and dissatisfaction in the . . . . . . . . .
Working Through Cancer Treatment
A deeply personal and inspiring conversation with Alex Shwarzstein, a resilient nonprofit professional and cancer survivor. This conversation, titled “Working Through Cancer Treatment,” highlights the incredible journey of Alex, who has faced cancer not once but three times, all while maintaining her professional life in the nonprofit sector.
Co-host Julia Patrick opens the discussion by expressing gratitude for Alex’s courage in sharing her story. “I think you’re brave in just this part of your life. Just to actually witness to us what it’s like,” Julia remarks, setting the stage for an emotional and enlightening conversation.
Alex, a seasoned fundraiser, recounts her journey into the nonprofit world. At just 23, she realized her passion for championing causes and raising funds, leading her to a career in development. However, her path took an unexpected turn when she was first diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare pediatric cancer, just shy of her 24th birthday. Despite the grueling treatment process, Alex’s determination never wavered. “I didn’t want to be treated like I was made of glass,” she shares, emphasizing her desire to maintain a sense of normalcy and strength.
The conversation takes a poignant turn as Alex discusses her subsequent cancer diagnoses in 2022 and 2023, and the transformative impact they had on her life and career. “I’ve come to a point where I’ve now accepted that cancer is an ongoing part of my life and, while at 24 I wanted it to have nothing to do with my identity, at this point in my life that is unavoidable and I’m just embracing it,” Alex states, reflecting her profound resilience and . . . . . . . . .
Maximizing Your Nonprofit’s Leadership Gifts
Understanding and effectively managing leadership gifts can significantly impact a nonprofit’s fundraising success. By leveraging digital tools and incorporating AI, organizations can foster deeper relationships with donors and enhance their overall fundraising strategy. Host Julia Patrick has a conversation with Nick Fitz, Founder and CEO of Momentum. The discussion centered around the concept of leadership gifts in the nonprofit sector, particularly focusing on the strategies and nuances of leveraging these gifts for organizational growth and impact.
Nick begins by introducing Momentum, a platform designed to manage donor relationships more effectively, which aids in planning and executing donor interactions, making it a valuable tool for various organizational roles, from development staff to C-Suite executives.
Leadership gifts, as Nick explains, occupy a unique space between annual funds and major gifts. These gifts typically range between $1,000 to $10,000 for mid-sized organizations but can be significantly higher for larger institutions. Leadership gifts are characterized by their efficiency; though only 5-10% of donors might fall into this category, they can contribute 20-30% of the total funds raised.
Nick elaborates on the importance of identifying and prospecting potential leadership donors with the same rigor applied to major gift portfolios. He points out that while leadership donors might not require the same level of individualized attention as major donors, they still benefit from personalized and frequent interactions, saying, “It’s worth doing a bunch of analysis basically on this, the fact that their last gift was 50K doesn’t necessarily predict that they’re going to be a major, major donor.”
The conversation also digs into the community aspect of leadership giving. Unlike major donors . . . . . . . . .
Key Challenges at U.K. Charities
Watch this rich conversation about the multifaceted challenges UK charities face, from funding and financial stability to technological adoption, data management, human-centered design, and labor issues, with Michael Wilkinson, Product Director of TorchBox.com. Michael brings a global perspective to the discussion, with host Julia Patrick, elaborating on the similarities and differences between nonprofit organizations in the US and UK.
One of the main challenges highlighted is the “mismatch between funding and project goals.” Michael notes that many UK charities struggle to secure funding for new digital initiatives due to outdated funding sources that don’t align with modern digital needs. “A lot of charities get their funding from grants, trusts, and foundations, which haven’t caught up with the needs of charities in the modern digital era,” Michael says. This funding gap makes it hard for charities to support vital digital projects, further exacerbated by funders’ lack of understanding of digital outcomes and the non-fundability of back-office costs essential for digital service delivery.
Another significant issue Michael speaks to is the “financial downturn” impacting charities’ abilities to launch and sustain projects. The economic volatility has led to the pausing or cancellation of many initiatives. However, Michael remains optimistic, citing a recent survey where 75% of the UK public reported donating to a nonprofit in the last three months, indicating potential for recovery and growth in charitable giving.
The struggle to keep up with technological changes is a universal challenge, but it’s particularly pronounced for UK charities with limited resources and leadership knowledge in emerging technologies like AI. Michael says, “Only half of UK charities say they have . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit’s Defeating The Outrage Machine
Watch this provocative session shedding light on the complexities of managing nonprofit organizations in a divided society and offering practical insights into fostering unity and channeling outrage towards constructive outcomes. Through her unconventional methods and business-oriented mindset, Deborah Cribbs, of GiveThemTen.org, demonstrates how even the most contentious issues amongst nonprofits can be tackled with innovation and collaboration.
Deborah starts by explaining the origins of her organization, Give Them Ten, which is dedicated to the health and safety of cats in Cincinnati. Despite the seemingly niche focus, her insights quickly reveal broader implications. “We are bankers, we’re businesspeople. So, we approach the idea of cat welfare a little differently,” Cribbs notes, highlighting how her team’s business acumen has influenced their strategies that support nonprofits.
The conversation moves towards the concept of the “outrage machine,” a term that has become ubiquitous in today’s polarized society. Deborah describes this phenomenon, pointing out, “Everybody’s outraged about something. And right now, in this great nation, we’re all outraged, kind of about the same thing, but on different sides of the fence.” She connects this societal trend to her work with animal shelters, illustrating how initial resistance and entrenched competition among shelters were significant hurdles.
The discussion intensifies as Deborah recounts the painstaking process of uniting disparate shelter groups into a cohesive coalition. “They saw each other as competitors. Everybody’s fighting for the same donor dollar,” she explains. Despite this, Deborah and her team managed to foster a spirit of collaboration by emphasizing mutual benefits and leveraging financial incentives. “Once they realized that others could help them solve their problems as . . . . . . . . .
When Is It Okay To Release A Donor?
The balance of maintaining healthy donor relationships while being prepared to make tough decisions when necessary. This robust conversation sheds light on the delicate balance between donor engagement and organizational integrity. Our cohosts talk about how to create comprehensive gift acceptance policies and to handle donor releases with respect and transparency.
Cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall jump into a challenging topic: when is it okay to release a donor? Julia begins by recalling the concept of “bless and release,” introduced to her by Terry Axelrod, which emphasizes letting go of donors who no longer align with the organization’s goals or values.
Understanding the Concept of Releasing a Donor
Tony Beall shares his thoughts on the subject, highlighting the importance of maintaining donor relationships but recognizing when it’s necessary to part ways. “I’d like to think of it more as redirecting a donor than releasing a donor,” Tony says. He emphasizes the importance of redirecting donors to other organizations where their interests and values might align better.
Julia and Tony agree that parting ways with a donor should be handled with dignity and respect. Tony stresses, “When we talk about releasing a donor, it’s important to do so with the highest level of dignity and respect for the individual.”
Scenarios That Might Lead to Releasing a Donor
The conversation then shifts to specific scenarios that might necessitate releasing a donor. Tony points out that issues often arise with higher-level donors who may overstep their boundaries. “A high-level donor might want to make decisions around staffing or the direction of a program, which can blur the lines of their contribution,” . . . . . . . . .