Revolutionizing Volunteerism: The Power of Skills-Based Volunteering
Skills-based volunteering (SBV) is revolutionizing nonprofit support by channeling corporate talent into impactful missions. Rachel Hutchisson, CEO of Common Impact, explains how SBV connects companies with nonprofits to create sustainable change. As Rachel begins, “Generosity comes in all forms, and giving your time and skills is a hugely significant way to show generosity.”
This innovative conversation reveals how SBV moves beyond traditional volunteerism. Instead of simply painting fences, volunteers use professional skills—whether in marketing, HR, or technology—to solve critical nonprofit challenges. From helping organizations like Welsh Women’s Aid select the right CRM system to assisting North Texas nonprofits with financial forecasting, the focus is on lasting value. “Skills-based volunteering creates deeper, meaningful engagement,” Rachel shares with host Julia Patrick.
SBV also builds a symbiotic relationship between nonprofits and corporate teams. Rachel describes how, “It builds pride, longevity, and leadership skills among employees, while allowing nonprofits to stretch their limited resources.” Companies foster loyalty and brand alignment among employees, while nonprofits gain solutions that bolster their missions.
As you will see and hear, Rachel wisely advises, “Planning and relationship-building are essential. Nonprofits need to be ready to engage, while companies must align their CSR goals with meaningful opportunities.”
#SkillsBasedVolunteering #NonprofitImpact #CorporateSocialResponsibility Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
Strategic Nonprofit Forecasting: Top Trends to Watch in 2025
Planning for an uncertain future is daunting. Nonprofits must prepare not just to react but to lead. Jennifer Alleva, CEO of Your Part-Time Controller, highlights the necessary steps for nonprofit leaders. Jennifer shares her expertise, addressing workforce challenges to leveraging strategic planning, and emphasizing a proactive approach rooted in mission-driven leadership.
Jennifer starts with clarity; “Focus on your purpose and mission… collectively we will get through these uncertain times together.” Whether it’s adapting to shifts in tax law, addressing workforce challenges, or leveraging technology without losing the human connection, shares advice for organizations to anchor themselves to their values and goals. She also underlines the value of leadership: “Develop power skills for everybody in your organization. Treat all staff members as leaders.” Her perspective reframes professional growth as a cornerstone for navigating challenges such as staffing shortages and technological evolution.
With host Julia Patrick, the duo discuss how nonprofits must prepare for upcoming trends, like donor-advised funds, changing tax laws, and the growing importance of data visualization. A tested method of communication, she adds, “Tell your story in the best way possible… combine data and visuals to communicate impact effectively.”. This can not only simplify complex financial info, but also strengthen connections with funders and other stakeholders.
You’ll gain a lot from this enlightening conversation–helping you prepare your nonprofit for 2025 and further. Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
Leadership Wisdom On Trends Impacting Nonprofits
The most pressing issues and trends that shaped the nonprofit sector in 2024. With a blend of expertise and passion, Jennifer Alleva, CEO of Your Part-Time Controller, unpacks the year’s most impactful topics, including strategic planning, AI integration, cybersecurity, and the ongoing challenges in nonprofit staffing and financial management.
Jennifer opens this energizing conversation, hosted by Julia Patrick, with an inspiring reflection on strategic planning, emphasizing its importance even in uncertain times. “A plan is like charting your way to the moon; you may never get there, but it guides your direction,” she says, advocating for alignment between leadership, staff, and the mission. She reveals how YPTC embraced a collaborative process involving their entire senior management team to create a robust five-year strategic plan—a model any nonprofit can follow.
On the role of AI, Jennifer strikes a balance between innovation and humanity. She explains how YPTC established an AI Solutions and Training department led by a dedicated expert, ensuring ethical and effective use of AI tools. “Use AI to speed our work, but never forget the human side of things,” she advises, urging nonprofits to adopt this transformative technology responsibly to enhance efficiency and tackle staffing shortages.
Cybersecurity, another hot topic, takes center stage as Jennifer points to the growing risks nonprofits face in protecting sensitive donor & organizational data. “Your reputation is at major risk if you have a security breach,” she warns, advocating for multi-factor authentication, regular backups, and robust staff training to mitigate threats.
Jennifer inspires nonprofit leaders to embrace change, adopt innovative solutions, and prepare for the future while . . . . . . . . .
Grant Writing and Grant Readiness: Insiders Secrets!
The world of grants for nonprofits, with Julia Patrick and Tony Beall, in a dynamic Fundraisers Friday learning episode, “Grant Writing and Readiness.” Packed with actionable and powerful takeaways, this informative conversation is your gateway to mastering the art and science of grant writing, regardless of your nonprofit’s size.
Julia kicks off with a wise reminder: “Grant writers are amazing human beings—they’re the oil in the machine of nonprofit success.” From there, Tony, aka “Mr. Nonprofit Consultancy,” shares his expertise on navigating grant cycles, taking some of the mystery out of the intimidating grant process, and showing how to leverage those relationships for long-term success. He offers up, “A grant is the perfect combination of style and substance. It needs to tell a story and evoke an emotion while delivering hard data and measurable outcomes.”
Key points thoughout the conversation include understanding the importance of grant cycles, the benefits of digitized grant portals, and how to handle rejection with grace and determination. Tony speaks to the value of collaboration: “Funders are looking for solutions that make the most impact—building relationships and collaborating with other organizations can open doors you never anticipated.”
Whether you’re crafting your first grant application or refining your strategy, this episode offers insights to transform your approach. Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
#NonprofitGrants #FundraisingFriday #GrantWritingTips
Hero, Villain, and Impact: The Essentials of Nonprofit Video Storytelling
This is a roadmap for nonprofits aiming to elevate their storytelling, create more lasting connections with audiences and boost their impact.
You’ll unlock the power of storytelling through video with Kalei Beamon of Lanakila Productions! In this high level learning session, Kalei, a video producer with decades of experience, shares the secrets to impactful video storytelling tailored for nonprofits. Kalei emphasizes that planning is everything, stating, “A great story is based on having an emotional connection.” She outlines strategies for finding the human element in every story—whether it’s highlighting a beneficiary, showcasing a volunteer’s journey, or spotlighting the community impact.
Kalei also covers the importance of shot variety, from wide shots to intimate close-ups, to keep viewers engaged. “The more specific you can get with a story, the more memorable it becomes,” she says, stressing the role of details in forging emotional connections. For nonprofits, video is not a one-shot wonder; it’s a versatile tool. Kalei explains how-to leverage footage for year-end sizzle reels, PSAs, and even long-form fundraising campaigns.
Host Julia Patrick describes some of the challenges nonprofits face, like making guests feel comfortable on camera. Kalei’s approach? Build trust and reassure them: “We’ll edit it to highlight your best self,” she promises.
If you’ve been struggling with the quality of your video work, pay close attention to Kalei’s words of wisdom. Learn more about Kalei: https://VideoStorytellingForNonprofits.com
#VideoStorytelling #Nonprofitmarketing Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
Giving Tuesday Myths Debunked – What Every Nonprofit Needs to Know
“You have to stand out on Giving Tuesday!” This dynamic conversation with Brian Kochheiser, Senior Account Executive at Bloomerang.com, dives into strategies that nonprofits can use to maximize their #GivingTuesday campaigns and drive year-end success. Whether it’s crafting impactful, donor-specific messaging or segmenting outreach for targeted engagement, Brian walks us through techniques that resonate. He begins with the importance of starting early: “The communication for Giving Tuesday really needs to start two to three weeks prior to the day.”
Brian also champions leveraging peer-to-peer fundraising, calling it an effective strategy to acquire new donors and energize existing supporters. “About 40% of Americans will give to a nonprofit because a family member or a friend asks them to,” he shares, which boosts the ripple effect of community-driven giving.
Don’t miss his call to action to thank donors promptly: “Block some time out to pick up the phone and thank those that supported you. That’s going to go a long way.”
This learning session is packed with actionable advice, from using data-driven insights to streamline donor communication to ensuring your donation process is frictionless. You’ll transform your nonprofit’s Giving Tuesday work into a launchpad for long-term donor engagement. Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
#GivingTuesday #NonprofitFundraising #DonorEngagement
Inside the Eide Bailly ResourceFULLness Award: A Game-Changer for Nonprofits!
We highlight the incredible impact of the Eide Bailly ResourceFULLness Award, a unique grant that celebrates creative problem-solving among nonprofits. Host Meico Marquette Whitlock speaks with Deb Nelson from Eide Bailly and Alyssa Golob, Executive Director of Helping Paws of Minnesota, to discuss the transformative impact of this award on organizations like 2024 winner Helping Paws, which trains and places service dogs with individuals in need.
Deb explains the award’s goal and how winners are selected: “We created this award to showcase nonprofits that think outside the box—it’s about mining your diamonds, finding what you already have, and making it work for you.” She speaks to the importance of clear, compelling communication, sharing that organizations who excel in storytelling and impact often resonate most with judges.
2024 Award winner, HelpingPaws.org, Alyssa Golob, shares the journey of Helping Paws’ “More Dogs, More Impact” campaign, which aims to quadruple the number of service dogs placed annually. “Our waiting list for a service dog is two-and-a-half years. With this campaign, we’re aiming to reduce that significantly, allowing us to match more dogs to people who need them.” She reveals how they creatively involved donors in the campaign with a unique challenge that inspired significant community support.
Through this conversation, we learn that strategic fundraising, social media storytelling, and genuine engagement with community members are keys to success. The discussion amongst the trio also highlights the evolving role of social media in nonprofit storytelling, with past winners using digital platforms to effectively amplify their messages and impacts. Find out more about the award and the application process: . . . . . . . . .
Monthly Giving Plans: Game-Changer or Just Another Fundraising Fad?
Are monthly giving plans a stable, sustainable revenue source for nonprofits?
Explore the options and issues with cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall. These plans, often overlooked, are essential for building consistent support and cultivating a pipeline of engaged donors. Julia kicks off by noting, “I think this is the secret sauce to a lot of really successful organizations.” Monthly giving allows organizations to focus on donor engagement without the intense efforts required for one-time donations.
Tony elaborates on the evolution of giving methods, observing, “The core values and foundation of this work haven’t changed, but technology has transformed how we approach it.” From the early days of pledge cards to today’s seamless online options, technology has empowered even small organizations to implement effective monthly giving programs.
As the discussion progresses, they highlight the critical role of stewardship in maintaining donor relationships. Tony explains, “You tend to have as much as 85 to 90% retention with robust programs.” This high retention underscores the importance of making monthly donors feel valued and part of a community. Whether by offering project-based updates or mission-centered communication, nonprofits can maintain engagement and encourage future involvement, potentially elevating monthly givers to major contributors.
Both cohosts agree that supporting staff, board members, and volunteers in promoting these programs can further strengthen results. With creative incentive programs, nonprofits can foster a team-driven approach, making monthly giving a core part of fundraising strategy.
#MonthlyGiving #DonorEngagement Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
The Big Mistakes in Nonprofit’s Give or Get Policies Revealed!
Sherry Quam Taylor, CEO of Quam Taylor, discusses the nuances and challenges of nonprofit board “Give or Get” policies. Sherry challenges the common practice of requiring board members to either donate a set amount or “get” equivalent donations from their networks, arguing that this approach can hinder true relational fundraising and overall organizational growth. She begins with, “If my board member is going to give an hour or two outside of that monthly meeting, I actually want it to be things that are building that network and the relationship with people who have the ability to be a mid or major level donor.”
Show Host Julia Patrick and Sherry look deep into the unintended consequences of the give/get policy, like perpetuating a transactional mindset rather than fostering deep connections. Sherry explains, “We want every donor giving their best gift… that goes for board members too.” By creating policies that make it easier for board members to give their “best gift,” boards can drive sustainable funding, while making board service more inclusive and meaningful. This lively and sometimes funny conversation emphasizes rethinking board contributions, embracing relational fundraising, and even “offering scholarship” seats to diversify and cultivate future leaders. Julia offers up, “This is a super cool way to get that next-gen leadership coming in.”
Key takeaways you’ll find:
1. Fundraising should prioritize relationships, not transactions.
2. Rethink “give/get” requirements to encourage board diversity.
3. Empower board members with relational, impactful ways to contribute.
#NonprofitLeadership #BoardDevelopment Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
Social Sector Hero Award: $20,000 for Nonprofits Creating Real Change!
The innovative Social Sector Hero Award celebrates organizations that are making measurable improvements in their communities through impact-driven initiatives. The Social Sector Hero Award offers over $20,000 in prizes to organizations that embody eight principles. Adam Luecking, CEO of ClearImpact.com, who has dedicated 18 years to supporting public sector and philanthropic organizations, shares details about the award and provides insights on the importance of measurement in driving meaningful change. “At the end of the day, we need to help people bring precision to their passion,” he says, promoting the need for data-driven accountability in nonprofit work. Nominees don’t have to be clients of Clear Impact—they just need to demonstrate a commitment to improving lives. “We want to build champions who can articulate these concepts to others in their organization,” Adam says–highlighting the award’s mission to foster leadership and measurable growth within the sector. Learn more about applying for the award at SocialSectorHero.com
Host Julia Patrick asks Adam to share how Clear Impact is revolutionizing the way organizations measure success. Through their work, Clear Impact supports nonprofits by offering practical tools like the Scorecard—a free tool that lets organizations track their progress in real time. This tool helps nonprofits align their efforts with measurable outcomes, ensuring that every step taken is purposeful and impactful. Adam comments, “The only way to bring precision to your passion is through measurement.”
Adam’s emphasis on marrying narrative with data is transformative for the sector, blending the emotional appeal of storytelling with the power of transparent, measurable results. “Transparency creates trust,” Adam goes on to explain as . . . . . . . . .
Building High-Performance Teams in Nonprofits: Clarity, Community, Consistency
In today’s fast-paced nonprofit world, building and maintaining high-performance teams is crucial for success. James Misner, founder of the Kipos Group, shares powerful insights into what it takes to cultivate and sustain winning teams. As the nonprofit sector faces immense challenges, the importance of clarity, community, and consistency within teams is more evident than ever.
James begins with the idea that leadership is about more than just meeting financial goals—it’s about creating conditions where people thrive. He reminds us, “Teamwork is so rare and powerful, it provides the ultimate competitive advantage.” This speaks to the fact that nonprofits, often facing resource limitations, can still succeed when their teams are united and driven by a shared purpose and mission.
A big takeaway from this engaging conversation is the necessity of clarity. James emphasizes that without a clearly defined goal, a team cannot operate effectively: “How can they be high-performing if everyone is running in different directions?” This clarity allows teams to align and consistently achieve outstanding results, turning abstract goals into tangible outcomes.
Building a strong sense of community is equally important. Nonprofits thrive when individuals feel supported and valued, and as James says, “High-performance teams are ones that learn, and learning often comes through mistakes.” Leaders must foster an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth, not failure.
Finally, James touches on the significance of consistency in leadership. Whether celebrating wins or addressing challenges, maintaining consistent processes builds trust and strengthens team dynamics. Leaders who prioritize their team’s well-being will see long-term success, as they nurture an environment where staff feels both . . . . . . . . .
Why Adoption Matters: Lessons from the Dave Thomas Foundation
We explore the transformative power of adoption with Rita L. Soronen, President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Rita shares insights into how foster care adoption can change the lives of children who are seeking permanence and stability. As we celebrate National Adoption Month, we are reminded of the critical need to support vulnerable children. Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s, understood this deeply from his own life experiences, and in 1992 he created the foundation to advocate for children in foster care. As Rita explains, “These children are not someone else’s responsibility. They are our responsibility.”
Rita emphasizes the Foundation’s mission to increase adoptions and the ongoing commitment to expanding efforts, not just in the U.S. and Canada, but potentially in Mexico. The Foundation’s partnership with the Wendy’s Company and its many programs, like National Adoption Day, highlights the importance of celebrating and uplifting the stories of families formed through adoption. “We’re not just raising awareness,” Rita says, “We are walking families through each step of the adoption process.” This message serves as a powerful call to action for individuals, communities, and organizations to step forward and support children in need of a forever family.
Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
#NationalAdoptionMonth #FosterCareAdoption #AdoptionAwareness