Building a Career in Fundraising: From Challenges to Triumphs!
Exploring the nuances of what it takes to succeed as a nonprofit fundraiser, especially in an evolving sector that is increasingly professionalized. In this Fundraisers Friday episode, Julia Patrick and Tony Beall chat about the rewarding yet challenging world of professional fundraising. Julia sets the beginning tone with a meaningful reminder in light of today’s tumultuous times. . . . “We’re going to need professional fundraisers now more than ever.”
Tony shares that nonprofit work wasn’t always viewed as a career path; rather, “a lot of us just kind of stumbled into this work.” Now, nonprofit professionals can earn a solid wage and receive specialized education. Both hosts emphasize the importance of core competencies—like ethical integrity, relationship building, and data analysis—to excel in this field. Tony comments, “To be a successful fundraiser, you have to have a high level of integrity and just, you know, ethics beyond question.”
A key part of their conversation is the value of persistence in a role known for its high turnover. Julia points out that many fundraisers only stay in one job for an average of 18-19 months, yet Tony reassures aspiring fundraisers with a can-do spirit, saying, “I believe all things are possible when we communicate in a way that ensures all things are possible.”
These two don’t just provide advice; it’s a call to action for fundraisers to be adaptable, passionate, and resilient in an often-demanding role. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned pro, this discussion will reenergize your commitment to making a difference.
Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
#NonprofitLife #FundraisingSuccess #ProfessionalFundraiser
Why Mindfulness is the Ultimate AI Tool for Nonprofits!
In this insightful and playful Halloween episode of The Nonprofit Show, Julia Patrick and Edwin Harvey dive into how “Mindfulness is the New Tech,” bridging cutting-edge AI with mindful workplace practices. Although Edwin donned a giraffe costume on his toddler’s advice, he offered profound wisdom from his role as AI Solutions leader at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC). Edwin highlights that adopting AI tools responsibly isn’t just about technological advancement but about cultivating a mindful approach.
Edwin’s view on mindfulness brings clarity to using AI in the workplace: “The more clear we are about what we want to do and why, the more willing we are to explore tools that support those goals.” He explains that technology can foster collaboration, not isolation, in increasingly digital spaces.
For AI to serve nonprofits effectively, Edwin suggests using it as a “junior coworker” – it’s competent yet needs guidance. He shares, “AI may not replace us, but rather support us to thrive if we approach it responsibly.” This mindful approach empowers nonprofits to be transparent about AI’s role with employees, stakeholders, and donors.
Mindfulness, he adds, isn’t only about clarity but self-awareness. When engaging with #AI, Edwin emphasizes, “Understand your emotions around tech – it’s okay to be hesitant; just stay engaged.” His ideas will inspire you to try AI through simple tasks, from content creation to strategic planning.
As #AI continues to evolve, Julia and Edwin’s Halloween-themed episode brings a reassuring perspective for nonprofit professionals navigating the digital landscape. Embracing AI as an ally in achieving organizational purpose and missions begins with awareness and responsibility – making technology work for . . . . . . . . .
Letting Nonprofit Staff Go: The Right Way to Handle Termination
Unearthing the challenges of terminating staff, a responsibility often untrained and rarely discussed among managers. Dana Scurlock from Staffing Boutique stresses the importance of preparation, from access management to the timing and transparency of communication. “The termination conversation should be very straightforward and concise,” Dana says, emphasizing the value of proactive planning. With host Julia Patrick, they explore managing emotional impacts, ensuring fair compensation, and securing digital access to avoid issues. This conversation is an essential guide for any manager needing a clear framework to handle terminations professionally and compassionately.
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#NonprofitLeadership #StaffManagement #EmployeeWellbeing
Mindset, Message, Method: A Roadmap to Nonprofit Fundraising Success
A winning fundraising strategy requires nonprofits to align their mindset, clarify their message, and consistently apply methods that prioritize donor engagement and community impact. Fundraising expert Peter Heller joins co-hosts Julia Patrick and Sherry Quam Taylor, to explore the essential “Three M’s for Fundraising Wins”: Mindset, Message, and Method. Peter, CEO and Founder of Heller Fundraising Group, emphasizes the importance of mindset in fundraising, beginning with, “If you don’t think your nonprofit is worth it, then it’s time to pack up or get a new job.” According to Peter, nonprofit teams often struggle with self-doubt and limiting beliefs that can dampen their fundraising potential. Sherry adds that, “Mindset isn’t 80% of the battle—it’s everything.”
The trio then explore the “Message” aspect. Peter advises nonprofits to focus on the positive future they aim to create for their community, rather than portraying themselves as the hero of the story. This strategy, he explains, fosters deeper donor engagement. He says, “Your nonprofit is simply the catalyst or vehicle for positive community change.” Finally, the 3 discuss the “Method,” where Peter advocates for a structured, year-long approach to fundraising. He stresses the importance of diverse fundraising methods, saying, “It’s not about just one big gala or campaign but engaging major donors consistently every month.” This organized approach allows nonprofits to maximize their impact while avoiding common pitfalls, like over-relying on event planning instead of donor relationships. Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
How to Build a Nonprofit During Tough Times: The MVP Journey
Christine Sakdalan and Miguel Valentin of MVP (mvpoc.org) dive into the complexities of sustaining a nonprofit in a challenging funding environment. MVP’s mission to empower young leaders from underserved communities is met with enthusiasm and grounded insight from both leaders. Christine emphasizes the organization’s goal: “If we could only help one person, it would all have been worth it.” For Miguel, it’s about sustaining momentum: “When you’re wishing you could do more, it’s important to step back and celebrate what’s been accomplished.”
Miguel and Christine describe strategies like diversifying revenue streams, engaging in creative fundraising, and, crucially, maintaining board and volunteer engagement. They stress that successful nonprofits need not just dedication but also clarity on mission, expectations, and resilience, a sentiment echoed in Christine’s reflection: “We need transparency and accountability. That’s the winning combination.
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#NonprofitLeadership #YouthEmpowerment #SustainableImpact
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.”
Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
#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.”
Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
#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.
Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
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 . . . . . . . . .