Key Elements To Winning Grants (for nonprofits)
By focusing on quality assurance, building relationships with funders, and understanding funders’ past behaviors, nonprofits can significantly enhance their chances of winning grants and achieving long-term sustainability. Watch this informative conversation into the nuances of grant writing, the importance of quality assurance, and strategies to increase the likelihood of securing funding.
Amanda Stonerock, CEO of StonerockMT.com, leads a team of experts scattered across the globe, providing grant writing, strategic planning, and fundraising services to nonprofits and small businesses. Her approach focuses on creating sustainability and structure within organizations to help them succeed in the competitive grant landscape.
One of the critical aspects Amanda emphasizes is the importance of a “grant quality assurance review.” She explains, “What I start to do is give me your information and show me what you have in your grants so that I can help you target your language and the story that adheres to the requirements of the grant application.” This process ensures that every detail aligns with the grantor’s expectations, improving the chances of success.
Amanda also points to the necessity of relationship building with funders. Despite the increasing digitalization of grant applications, she believes that personal connections remain crucial. She advises organizations to go beyond the portal submissions by picking up the phone and scheduling conversations with funders. She notes, “Picking up the phone and scheduling, you know, a Zoom or a Teams or some sort of online meeting is essential. Just having that verbal communication, . . . .is important, even if there’s a portal.”
Another key strategy Amanda discusses with host Julia Patrick, is the importance of . . . . . . . . .
Charity Watchdog At Work (How nonprofit ratings work)
The role that Charity Watch plays in ensuring that nonprofit organizations operate with transparency, efficiency, and responsibility, with guest Laurie Styron, the CEO and Executive Director of Charity Watch, a watchdog organization dedicated to holding nonprofits accountable.
Laurie begins by explaining the organization’s mission to create a level playing field for charities. “We’re the only truly independent charity watchdog organization in the United States,” she states. “We deeply analyze the financial information of charities to ensure that resources are directed to those making the most significant impact.”
Charity Watch’s rigorous methodology involves scrutinizing consolidated audited financial statements and tax filings. This thorough analysis helps to detect inaccuracies and ensure that charities cannot manipulate their reporting to appear more favorable. The organization publishes ratings on an A+ to F scale, helping donors understand how efficiently their contributions will be utilized. Additionally, Charity Watch provides metrics on governance and transparency, further aiding donors in making informed decisions.
One of the standout parts of Charity Watch’s work is its collaboration with journalists. Lauri outline the mutual benefits of this relationship, noting that journalists amplify Charity Watch’s findings, while the organization supports investigative reporting. This partnership is crucial for uncovering and addressing issues within the nonprofit sector. “We don’t have boots on the ground journalists here at Charity Watch. It’s really, you know, working together, putting our resources together that this great reporting kind of comes to fruition,” she explain.
The discussion also covers the challenges faced by smaller nonprofits, which often struggle due to declining donor numbers and the concentration of large donations in a few prominent organizations. . . . . . . . . .
Courting Next-Gen Board Members
As many current board members approach retirement, understanding how to engage younger generations becomes increasingly vital for nonprofit organizations. In this master class episode of “The Nonprofit Show,” Julia Patrick, author of “Building Board Champions,” digs into the topic of recruiting and retaining next-gen board members. Julia begins by emphasizing the necessity of grasping what motivates the next generation. She describes that, unlike previous cohorts, today’s younger leaders are heavily influenced by social media and come with high levels of education, often burdened with student debt. This demographic tends to marry and start families later, and many are deeply invested in psychological and environmental issues. Julia offers, “Understanding what is going to attract somebody to be engaged in your nonprofit is a first strategy, and it’s a first starting point. It’s probably one of the tougher things to figure out.”
The second strategy she discusses is the need for data-driven impact reporting. Younger board members prioritize seeing the tangible effects of their contributions. Julia states, “Next Gen leaders are not going to come to you and work with you and support you and champion your nonprofit just because they feel charitable. They want to know their work and their mission is going to be rewarded with impact.” This means organizations must be prepared to provide regular updates and metrics to demonstrate progress.
Julia also introduces the concept of mentoring and the “wisdom quotient” as the third strategy. Next-gen leaders, though enthusiastic and innovative, often lack board experience. Mentoring from emeritus board members or other experienced individuals can provide invaluable guidance and continuity, which not . . . . . . . . .
Do Nonprofits Think Too Small?
Advocating for a cultural shift within nonprofits, one that embraces investment in talent, technology, and development systems. To elevate the sector, nonprofits must adopt a mindset of abundance and growth rather than scarcity and restriction. This involves educating boards and stakeholders about the true value and impact of investing in their organization’s capacity to fundraise and operate efficiently.
Host Julia Patrick welcomes Claire Axelrad, a seasoned expert in the nonprofit sector with over 30 years of experience. Drawing from her extensive background as a director of development and now a consultant, Claire begins by reminding us that nonprofits often perceive themselves merely as cost centers rather than potential profit centers. This mindset, she argues, limits their growth and impact. She goes on to challenge this view by suggesting that fundraising should be seen as an investment with substantial returns, both socially and financially. She offers, “Fundraising has a remarkable return on investment (ROI). If you spend $0.10, you get $0.90 back. That’s a 900% ROI. Businesses with such returns would be turning cartwheels.”
The sparkling conversation looks into the prevalent issue of nonprofits undervaluing their work and underinvesting in their infrastructure. Claire points out that this is partly due to the sector’s focus on minimizing overhead costs, which is often seen as a badge of honor but is counterproductive. She comments to Julia, “Inferior investments lead to inferior results. If you spend more on fundraising effectively, you enlarge the pie substantially, allowing you to achieve more with greater resources.”
One of the big challenges discussed is changing the perception of donors and board members about . . . . . . . . .
Overcoming Nonprofit Donor’s Objections
This learning segment will give you empowering insights into how to overcome nonprofit donor’s objections to donating by fostering more genuine relationships, transparency, and finding opportunities for mutual understanding.
Co-hosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall begin with emphasizing the importance of addressing the pain points of fundraisers. Tony highlights the significance of viewing objections as opportunities, setting a positive tone for the conversation.
Tony shares insights from his professional development experience at the Museum of Tolerance, where he learned the importance of reframing information and taking a moment before responding. Julia appreciates this approach, noting that it helps shift the mindset from stress to opportunity. Tony talks about the “necessity of intentionality” in understanding and responding to objections, emphasizing how important authenticity and transparency is in donor interactions.
A big part of the presentation revolves around the difference between objections and concerns. Tony explains that objections often stem from underlying concerns, and the key is in how these are received and addressed. He stresses the importance of not always having an immediate answer but rather acknowledging the question and promising to follow up. This approach, he notes, maintains the trust built with the nonprofit donor and really emphasizes the value of listening actively.
Julia reflects on her experiences and the pressure to have all the answers, expressing relief at Tony’s advice to embrace authenticity and transparency. Tony reassures her that “not knowing all the answers does not equate to failure”, as the relationship and process are the things that matter.
The two also touch on the nuances of navigating sensitive topics, especially in politically or socially charged . . . . . . . . .
Modern Resume Strategies (In the nonprofit sector)
This lively discussion is packed with insights and practical tips for job seekers looking to make a powerful impact with their resumes in today’s digital landscape. Host Julia Patrick welcomes Katie Warnock, the visionary founder and CEO of Staffing Boutique, to explore the cutting-edge strategies for crafting resumes in the nonprofit sector.
Katie dives right into the seismic shift from traditional paper resumes to digital formats, shedding light on how this evolution is revolutionizing the job application process. “Digital resumes are huge,” Katie declares, describing that while digital formats offer the flexibility to include more information, it’s crucial to keep resumes concise and focused. She advocates for limiting resumes to one or two pages, even in the digital realm, to maintain clarity and relevance.
Attention to detail is the theme as Katie shares her experiences with resume templates and the common pitfalls candidates encounter, such as inconsistent fonts and misaligned bullet points. “If you don’t pay attention to detail on that, and then you have someone looking at your resume who is meticulous about detail, they are going to disregard your resume even if the fonts are different,” she explains.
The conversation heats up as they tackle the controversial topic of headshots on resumes. While more common internationally, Katie advises against this practice in the U.S. nonprofit sector, citing potential discrimination and the unnecessary complexity it adds to applicant tracking systems. “There really shouldn’t be a headshot,” Katie says, championing rather a clean, straightforward format that prioritizes content over aesthetics.
The use of keywords and their pivotal role in the digital hiring process take center stage next. . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit Trends You Need To Know Now!
A conversation exploring pressing financial trends and emerging challenges impacting the nonprofit sector, with Tanya Pal, Regional Director for Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), the nation’s largest nonprofit accounting services firm.
Host Julia Patrick begins by briefly reflecting on her early experiences on a nonprofit board and the importance of understanding financial trend lines. This sets up the stage for a deep dive into the key trends facing nonprofits today.
One of the significant trends they discuss is the increasing importance of “trust in philanthropy”. Tanya cites a recent survey by the Independent Sector and Edelman Data & Intelligence, revealing that public trust in nonprofits has increased post-pandemic. The study emphasizes that “public trust is the currency of the nonprofit sector.”, which points directly to the need for nonprofits to maintain transparency, adhere to ethical principles, and demonstrate the impact of donations. Tanya notes, “If you want to keep that trust and maintain that increase, nonprofits need to see continued greater financial transparency and adhere to best practices.”
This fast-paced discussion then shifts to the evolving labor laws affecting nonprofits, specifically the recent changes to overtime rules. Tanya explains that new regulations from the U.S. Department of Labor are extending overtime protections, potentially impacting millions of workers. Nonprofits must adapt to these changes, ensuring compliance and preparing for potential financial implications.
Julia and Tanya also touch on updated IRS uniform guidance rules, highlighting adjustments that could significantly impact nonprofit financial management. These updates, aimed at improving transparency and reducing administrative burdens, reflect the changing nonprofit ecosystem post-COVID.
A particularly interesting topic is the rise of cryptocurrency donations. Tanya describes . . . . . . . . .
Using Disciplined Innovation at Nonprofits
A comprehensive overview of how nonprofits can innovate effectively by combining creativity with disciplined processes. By understanding and addressing core needs, fostering consensus, and maintaining a structured approach to innovation, nonprofits can overcome the challenges posed by a scarcity mindset and achieve sustainable growth and impact. Stewart Severino, the Head of Innovation at The Navigators, discusses the concept of “disciplined innovation” in the nonprofit sector.
Co-host Julia Patrick opens the conversation by expressing her enthusiasm about discussing disciplined innovation, emphasizing how important it is for nonprofits to balance creativity with structured processes. Stewart shares his background from the for-profit sector to the nonprofit world and highlights the similarities in challenges both sectors face. He notes, “The nonprofit sector is currently grappling with inefficiencies and a scarcity mindset that limits their potential impact.”
One of the key points Stewart makes is the prevalence of a scarcity mindset among nonprofits, which often leads to a reluctance to take risks. This mindset, he argues, hampers innovation. Co-host Tony Beall echoes this sentiment, stating, “Nonprofits are not risk takers, and when you think of innovation, you think of the need to be able to take risks in order to test innovation.”, which is a problem for many nonprofits: the fear of failure and the perceived lack of resources to experiment and innovate.
Stewart also emphasizes the value of understanding the core needs of the target audience. He explains that many nonprofit initiatives fail because they do not accurately identify or agree on the core needs they aim to address. This lack of consensus can lead to wasted resources and ineffective solutions. . . . . . . . . .
Learning From Next-Gen Leaders
Exploring the challenges and triumphs faced by emerging leaders in the nonprofit sector, from the fresh perspectives that Generation Z brings to the table, with guests Anum Qadir and Christian Celeste Tate from the Bridgespan Group.
Host Julia Patrick kicks off this eye-opening chat by acknowledging the frequent exclusion of young leaders from critical discussions about the future. “It’s just a bunch of old people like me yammering on and not engaging our next-gen leaders,” she remarks, setting the stage for this thought-provoking dialogue.
Christian Celeste Tate, who co-hosts Bridgespan’s “Dreaming in Color” podcast, shares key takeaways from their recent season, which focuses on elevating leaders of color within the social sector. “One of the most powerful messages for me personally comes from Michael Tubbs,” Christian says, referencing the former mayor of Stockton, CA. Tubbs emphasizes the importance of identifying not just what we want to succeed for but what we are willing to fail for. “That measure is such a different bar that really requires you to reflect on what’s important to you and what you’re willing to go out on a limb for.”
Anum Qadir, also from the Bridgespan Group, speaks on the necessity of embracing risk, particularly for young leaders who might feel intimidated by the possibility of failure. She highlights the different forms that risk can take and emphasizes the importance of pushing boundaries. “You can’t even imagine what’s possible unless you’re willing to try and push those boundaries,” Anum states, drawing from her own experiences and those of her colleagues.
The trio dig into the importance of celebrating success as a form . . . . . . . . .
Development Directors; 19 Months and Gone!
The pressing issue within the nonprofit sector: why Development Directors often leave their positions after an average of just 19 months. The conversation, with cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall, is both eye opening and spirited, deliberating about the various factors contributing to this high turnover rate and offering practical solutions to improve retention. Tony Beall, known for his expertise and passion in nonprofit consultancy, shares that one of the main reasons for this rapid turnover is the lack of adequate resources and support provided to Development Directors. He emphasizes that organizations often bring in fundraising professionals without equipping them with the necessary tools, such as up-to-date technology and sufficient budgets for travel and networking. This lack of support can lead to frustration and burnout, pushing talented individuals to seek opportunities elsewhere. Julia echoes Tony’s concerns and highlights an often-overlooked aspect: the time it takes for a new employee to fully integrate into a role. She recalls an HR expert’s insight that it typically takes about 12 months for someone to acclimate to a new job, learning the organization’s culture, processes, and expectations. If Development Directors are leaving shortly after this period, it means they barely have enough time to make a significant impact before moving on, which can be detrimental to the organization’s stability and growth. Tony also addresses the unrealistic expectations placed on Development Directors. He explains that many organizations fail to understand the complexities of fundraising and the time required to build relationships and secure donations. This disconnect often leads to undue pressure on fundraising professionals, causing them to feel undervalued . . . . . . . . .
Creating Nonprofit ‘Go To’ Volunteers!
The importance of volunteers in your nonprofit’s ecosystem with specific actionable insights for organizations to better manage and nurture their volunteers. An informative chat with Jared Throneberry from Bloomerang. By valuing volunteers’ contributions and strategically engaging them, nonprofits can build a loyal and motivated volunteer base that is crucial for their success.
Jared shares his unique journey from an IT and business analyst background to his current role at Bloomerang, and shares his insights into volunteer management highlighting the need for strategic engagement and thoughtful placement of volunteers.
One key Jared emphasizes is the importance of matching the right volunteer with the right task. He illustrates this with an example from his experience: “If a volunteer doesn’t feel like they’re being useful or helpful in a particular area, it’s probably because that’s the thing they don’t need to be doing. You need to find the other person who enjoys that, that will enjoy and appreciate it.” This approach ensures that tasks are completed efficiently and fosters a sense of fulfillment and purpose among volunteers, plus it encourages them to return and remain engaged.
With host Julia Patrick, the two dig into the often-overlooked aspect of treating volunteers with the same respect and appreciation as donors. Jared notes, “Thank you for donating your time and your energy. You’re helping to support our mission.” This mindset shift from seeing volunteers as free labor to recognizing them as integral parts of the mission is vital for building long-term relationships and encouraging repeat volunteerism.
Continuing, Jared shares practical strategies for engaging volunteers, such as providing impactful feedback and showing appreciation . . . . . . . . .
Driving Corporate Responsibility (#IndyTechGives)
The innovative concept of peer-to-peer fundraising intertwined with corporate social responsibility (CSR), showcasing how businesses can drive meaningful impact in their communities, with Steve Lausch, the Director of Product Marketing at One Cause and Managing Director of IndyTechGives.
Steve starts by taking us back to 2019, the inception year of Indy Tech Gives, a pioneering initiative born from a simple yet profound question: “What might happen if we were to give our peer-to-peer fundraising software away to local Indiana businesses at no cost?” This question led to the creation of a five-week social giving program that unites Indianapolis’s tech community to support various nonprofits.
One of the key highlights of this fun conversation, with host Julia Patrick, is the seamless integration of competitive and community giving. Steve elaborates, “We talk a lot about community giving and competitive giving, and they are two beautiful sides of the same coin.” This dual approach has spurred a vibrant engagement among employees and tech companies, driving significant fundraising outcomes. The competitive spirit is evident as teams and individuals participate in unique fundraising activities, from shaving heads to hosting yoga sessions in public parks, all to rally support for their chosen nonprofits.
The pandemic’s onset in 2020 posed a significant challenge, but it also brought to light the adaptability and resilience of the initiative. As Steve recalls, “People don’t know where north is on the compass, and we need to rethink this.” Despite initial uncertainties, the program not only continued but thrived, proving the power of digital engagement in times of crisis.
Julia and Steve dig into the benefits corporations reap . . . . . . . . .