Investigating The Nonprofits Of Professional Athletes
Award-winning sports reporter Jason Wolf sheds light on the intricate and often misunderstood world of professional athletes and their nonprofit organizations. Wolf, known for his investigative prowess with the Arizona Republic and the USA TODAY Network, describes his findings in the mismanagement and inefficiencies that plague many athlete-founded charities, despite the athletes’ noble intentions.
Wolf’s journey into this niche field began serendipitously while covering star NFL player Delaney Walker. He recalls, “I had known enough to know that 990 is that the federal tax returns were public records and that I could get my hands on them. But once I printed them out, I had no idea what I was looking for.”, which marked the start of his deep look into the financial and operational workings of nonprofits, culminating in a groundbreaking series of reports.
His investigation, notably the “Mismanagement of the Year” project, scrutinized the nonprofits founded by Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award winners. This prestigious award, given annually since 1970, recognizes NFL players for their philanthropy and community service. Wolf explains, “My investigation into the efficiency of the nonprofits founded by these esteemed men reveals that many of them are far more inefficient than even the athletes themselves realize.”
The investigation uncovered alarming trends, such as significant portions of donated funds being consumed by administrative costs rather than directly supporting charitable causes. Wolf shared a startling example: “My investigation in Buffalo showed that the for-profit nonprofit management company that ran Andy Dalton’s nonprofit was contractually entitled to… a quarter of every dollar donated. So when Bills fans donated it was . . . . . . . . .
From Military To Civilian Life (VETLIFE nonprofit)
An inspiring conversation with Joshua and Cortnie Parish, the passionate founders of VET Life, to discuss the journey from military to civilian life. Their personal story and their nonprofit’s story are a testament to the power of family, community, and unwavering support in the transition process.
Joshua begins by sharing his military background, painting a vivid picture of his life on a Native American reservation in Michigan. From an early age, a sense of family and purpose is ingrained in him. However, after serving in Iraq during the initial invasion in 2003, Joshua faced the harsh reality of adjusting to civilian life. “One thing they don’t tell you when you get home from combat is you can’t turn that off,” he says. This sentiment speaks to the ongoing struggle many veterans face upon returning home.
Cortnie, with her background in organizational leadership, speaks about the crucial role families play in this transition. “Families often in their own way, face deployments as well,” she says, addressing the importance of including the entire family in their events and programs. This holistic approach sets VET Life apart from other organizations, recognizing that the challenges of reintegration extend beyond the individual veteran.
The Parishes’ dedication to their mission is evident in their innovative approaches, such as the creation of Vet Fest. This event not only provides resources but also creates a fun, inclusive environment for veterans and their families. Joshua proudly shares, “In 2023, the VA reaches out and asks if they could replicate our Vet Fest on a national model.”, recognizing the impact of their nonprofit’s work and their commitment . . . . . . . . .
Is ‘Selling’ A Dirty Word In The Nonprofit Sector?
The nuanced topic of “selling” within the nonprofit sector, shedding light on common misconceptions, presented by co-hosts Tony Beall and Julia Patrick.
Julia kicks off the show by introducing the new Fundraisers Friday initiative. “We think that this concept, this epic task that fundraisers have, deserves its own day,” she declares, whilst Tony Beall, renowned for his expertise in the nonprofit world, adds a touch of humor and big picture clarity to the conversation.
The focus of this episode revolves around the idea of “cause selling,” a term Tony introduced to Julia years ago. “In fact, we are all selling and we are all selling all the time,” Tony explains, emphasizing that in the nonprofit context, selling involves promoting solutions, ideas, and community needs to passionate supporters. This approach, he argues, is integral to successful fundraising. Julia concurs, sharing her personal experience. “If I had been educated on this process when I was a young community leader… I would have raised millions more for my community,” she admits.
Tony elaborates on the cause selling curriculum from the Fundraising Academy at National University, noting its efficacy. “We had folks that would come out of that program… raising a lot more money for their organization,” he states, which ties into the importance of professional development in enhancing fundraising outcomes.
The conversation also looks at the stigma associated with the term “selling” in the nonprofit world. “No one wants to feel like they’re working in transaction mode,” Tony acknowledges. However, he stresses that many aspects of fundraising, from OKRs to KPIs, inherently align with sales principles, advocating for a shift . . . . . . . . .
Disability Advocacy and Mindset (Meet a Trailblazer)
Community Options empowers individuals with disabilities through innovative programs, person-first language, and meaningful employment opportunities. Learn about the transformative impact of inclusive living environments and the future potential of people with disabilities in the workforce with Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options, as he shares insights on disability advocacy and inclusive housing solutions in this enlightening interview.
Robert begins by sharing the compelling journey and mission of Community Options, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to developing housing and employment for people with disabilities.
Community Options, founded in 1989, arose from the pressing need to provide sustainable living solutions for individuals with disabilities who were either living in institutions or with aging parents unable to care for them. Robert explains, “We saw a need for this because there were so many thousands and thousands of people with disabilities living in institutions and living with mom and dad. And now mom and dad are getting older. They’re no longer able to care for them, and they didn’t know where to turn.” This mission drives the organization’s innovative approach of buying small homes and creating inclusive living environments where individuals with disabilities can lead independent lives, equipped with the necessary skills and support.
Robert reflects on the progress made over the years in disability advocacy. “I think we’ve made tremendous progress, but we still have a long way to go,” he states. Highlighting the importance of evolving language and societal attitudes, he emphasizes the shift from labels like “the disabled” to “people with disabilities,” underscoring the importance of person-first language.
The conversation, with host Julia Patrick, digs into . . . . . . . . .
Strengthening Nonprofit Leadership
From the author of “Aha Moments: Unlocking the Secrets of Effective Nonprofit Leadership.”, discover key strategies for strengthening nonprofit leadership, tackling challenges in board governance, staff development, and innovative fundraising. Michael D. Dozier’s extensive experience managing large organizations will five you actionable insights to inspire and lead your nonprofit team effectively.
Michael shares his journey from leading large organizations managing a staff of over 300 with a budget of $14 million, providing a rich backdrop for the conversation. He begins with emphasizing the importance of leadership development and fundraising as critical areas for nonprofit success. “One thing that motivated me to write this book was the variety of challenges nonprofit leaders face, from board governance issues to staff development,” Michael explains. “Sharing practical tips can help others avoid the mistakes I made and navigate their paths more smoothly.”
With host Julia Patrick, the two dig into the evolution of nonprofit management resources. Reflecting on the past, Michael notes, “When I started, there weren’t many resources available. It was a baptism by fire. Nowadays, leaders have access to so much more information and training opportunities.” This access to resources is a game-changer for current and future nonprofit leaders.
A large part of this rapid-fire conversation focuses on the challenges and dynamics of leadership in the nonprofit sector, highlighting the importance of adapting to new fundraising strategies and technologies. Michael points out, “Young people bring fresh ideas to the table, especially with technology. They are more inclined to use platforms like social media for fundraising, which can be incredibly effective.” He also stresses the key value of continuous learning . . . . . . . . .
The 360 Approach To Nonprofit Management
The 360-degree approach to nonprofit management. Erin McPartlin teaches us about nonprofit’s capacity building, strategic planning, and leadership development, from the useful lens of understanding all aspects of an organization. You’ll discover how Erin’s comprehensive view fosters holistic leadership and better nonprofit management.
“Being a 360 leader is about understanding all of the different aspects and components of your organization,” Erin begins. She highlights the necessity for leaders to possess a comprehensive view, even if they are not experts in every area. This perspective enables them to see how various parts of the organization impact each other, fostering a holistic approach to leadership. “It’s not about being the person with every single answer,” she continues, “it’s asking, listening, and hearing, but also knowing that everything is going to have to flow through you.”
Erin’s concept of 360 leadership originates from a memorable strategic planning session where she physically stands in the middle of a circle of stakeholders, orchestrating discussions and decisions. This metaphorical and literal positioning helps her realize the significance of having a panoramic view of the organization’s operations and challenges. She recounts, “You said, you know, not just physically, that you’re standing in the middle of the circle, but that you have this ability to see how this side affects that side and how the board sees that and how the staff sees that.”
A pivotal theme in Erin’s discussion with co-hosts Julia Patrick and Sherry Quam Taylor is the balance between macro and micromanagement. She cautions against the assumption that hiring experts absolves leaders of their responsibilities. Instead, leaders must have . . . . . . . . .
Are You An Authentic Leader?
In nonprofit leadership, authenticity stands as a pillar for effective and transformative management. This is the crux of the engaging conversation with Jacki Davidoff, a principal at Davidoff Strategy. The dialogue offers deep insights into the nuances of authentic leadership within the nonprofit sector, emphasizing continuous self-improvement and emotional intelligence.
Jacki, based in Chicago but working nationally, begins by outlining her firm’s mission: helping organizations realize their untapped potential. She emphasizes, “We believe that all organizations have more capacity and we work in the nonprofit sector because there are so many missions that matter deeply to a lot of people and communities.” This belief forms the foundation of her approach to leadership development, which she describes as a journey rather than a fixed destination.
Authentic leadership, according to Jacki, involves an ongoing process of self-awareness and deliberate action. She challenges the conventional understanding of authenticity as a static trait, suggesting instead that it is about making conscious choices in the moment. She offers “Leadership development is a moment-to-moment choice, making choices in the moment. As I said before, watching yourself start to want to say something in a meeting and shut it down because what if you don’t say it right.” as she emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and adaptability in leadership.
The discussion, with host Julia Patrick, also highlights the necessity of emotional intelligence in navigating the complexities of nonprofit work. Jacki goes on to explain that emotions like fear, anger, and sadness, often seen as negative, can be harnessed to drive positive outcomes. She states, “We teach and train and coach people to . . . . . . . . .
HIV And AIDS Still Need To Be Addressed (Nonprofit change management)
A look inside the journey of a leading and pioneering nonprofit, highlighting the importance of community involvement, education, and the ongoing efforts to combat stigma and enhance public health strategies.
In this learning episode, we welcomed Stacey Jay Cavaliere, the executive director of Aunt Rita’s Foundation, to discuss the ongoing challenges and initiatives related to HIV and AIDS. Stacey Jay shares his personal and professional journey with HIV, elaborating on the importance of community support and education in combating the epidemic.
Stacey Jay Cavaliere, who joined Aunt Rita’s Foundation after a transformative personal experience with HIV, describes the evolution of the organization from its humble beginnings in 1988 during the height of the HIV crisis. He details how a grassroots movement born out of necessity led to the establishment of a vital community resource. Aunt Rita’s Foundation began as a local effort with bake sales and fundraisers in gay bars to support those affected by AIDS, eventually gaining nonprofit status in 2005. “Our first bake sale in 1988 raised over $5,000, which was extraordinary at that time. Those funds were crucial for covering rent, medication costs, and, unfortunately, some funeral costs as well,” as Stacey Jay reflects on the early days.
The conversation also peers into how Aunt Rita’s Foundation has adapted to the significant advancements in HIV medication and treatment. Stacey Jay shares the foundation’s role in education and outreach, underscoring the shift from crisis response to long-term health management and prevention. “The good news is that there have been great advancements in medication, treatment, and outreach,” he says, outlining the foundation’s efforts to spread . . . . . . . . .
Cybersecurity For Nonprofits (Protecting the nonprofit)
An important primer about the significance of cybersecurity for nonprofits, with Bart Holzer, CIO of Affinity Technology Partners. With over 25 years of experience, which includes two decades at the FBI, Bart provides insight into the changing landscape of cybersecurity threats and what they mean to nonprofits.
Bart starts by addressing the myth that non-profit organizations are not likely to be victims of cybercrime. He states, “Totally false. We know they’re going to go after nonprofits. Nonprofits are in the news every day either getting grants or having success in their programs, and we know most nonprofit funding goes to programming and not to security, and the bad guys know that too.” This reality check brings home the critical need for nonprofits to prioritize cybersecurity as much as their for-profit counterparts.
The conversation, with host Julia Patrick, moves on to the threats that non-profit organizations face and how sophisticated modern cyber-criminals have become. Bart remarks, “We have seen where the excellent hackers have started selling their tools. So that proverbial kid into his mom’s basement can buy sophisticated tools. So it’s even worse than what we’ve seen in the past.” This chilling revelation points out the increasing accessibility of advanced hacking tools, making it imperative for nonprofits to stay vigilant.
How nonprofits can start to build a robust cybersecurity program, Bart says, starts at the top: Executive leadership must make security a priority throughout and instill a culture of security. This top-down approach will ensure that everybody in the organization—employees, volunteers, contractors—understands and participates in following security protocols.
He also proposes that resources should be harnessed . . . . . . . . .
Areas to Invest for Your Nonprofit’s Growth!
Exploring strategic investments for nonprofit growth with Kiersten Hill from Fire Spring. Kiersten, who is the Director of Nonprofit Solutions at Fire Spring, shared her savvy knowledge on effectively communicating an organization’s message and the importance of targeted operational investments.
Kiersten begins by highlighting seven key areas where nonprofits should consider investing to stimulate growth: staff remuneration, fundraising tools, community engagement, branding updates, marketing collateral, strategic planning, and digital presence. She points out, “Reward them when they do good work, retain the ones that are doing that great work and that you want to keep,” underscoring the valuing and retaining of effective staff members.
A large part of this fun conversation, with co-hosts Sherry Quam Taylor and Julia Patrick, focuses on achieving quick wins to demonstrate the value of these investments to a nonprofit’s board. Kiersten says, “If you want to bring your board along and you want them to recognize the value of making those capacity-related investments, then we have to show wins.” This strategy is a key for securing board buy-in and setting the stage for longer-term success.
The three also touch on the need for nonprofits to adopt a more progressive and growth-oriented mindset, moving away from overly conservative approaches that can hinder development. This shift can enable nonprofits to embrace more ambitious projects and strategies, potentially leading to greater impact and effectiveness.
Fire Spring operates as a full-service marketing communications company, notably engaged with nonprofits. Kiersten detailed how their services range from web development to branding and marketing, all tailored to the nonprofit sector. With her background in nonprofit management and fundraising, . . . . . . . . .
Answering Nonprofit’s Questions
Answering nonprofit’s questions on how collaboration within the nonprofit sector can amplify impact, insights into working with military organizations, the challenges of compensating nonprofit board members and a few innovative solutions for maximizing year-end donations.
Meredith Terrian, with Fundraising Academy, kicks off by discussing her passion for strategic planning which gradually expanded to include intensive capital campaigns.
A significant portion of this lively discussion revolves around the importance of collaboration within the nonprofit sector. Meredith passionately shares, “I’ve worked with a number of military organizations and veterans’ groups, mostly in fundraising, but it’s given me a really unique understanding of the types of donors that are sympathetic to these missions and what really motivates them to give.”, referring to the interconnectedness and mutual support that can enhance NPO’s efforts.
The conversation also touches upon the sensitive topic of compensating nonprofit board members. Meredith expresses strong reservations about this trend, aligning with the traditional view that board members should primarily offer their time and expertise without financial incentives. This perspective is grounded in maintaining the altruistic essence of nonprofit governance and ensuring that donor funds are directed toward mission-centric activities.
Continuing, Meredith and co-host Julia Patrick discuss the strategic implications of closing a nonprofit organization during the last week of December—a prime time for year-end giving. You’ll hear their wise words as they suggest alternatives like a rotating schedule to ensure staff availability to handle donations and maintain operational continuity.
Find out more about Fundraising-Academy.org
First Steps to Planning Anything at a Nonprofit
Strategic planning and the importance of internal assessments in nonprofit organizational strategy. You’ll learn how a balanced approach to assessing both community needs, and internal capabilities can lead to more effective and actionable strategies, with Miriam Dicks, CEO of 180 Management Group, as she discusses key aspects of strategic planning, emphasizing the need for introspection in organizational nonprofit management to better assure your nonprofit’s resources align with your strategic goals.
Miriam begins by pointing out the critical role of internal assessments in strategic planning. Her approach advocates for a dual focus—not only on the external community needs but significantly on internal capabilities. “We need to know what’s in our house because at the end of the day, you can develop a strategy that you can’t even pull off because you don’t have the resources,” Miriam remarks, amplifying on the value of a comprehensive understanding of an organization’s current assets and needs before setting strategic goals.
Continuing, Miriam discusses the value of embedding these assessments into the very fabric of an organization’s operational strategies. She points out that many strategic plans fail because they overlook the internal component of strategy formulation. “It’s usually external… We’re wanting to know what everyone else needs, but we’re not looking at ourselves,” she notes. This insight calls for a balanced assessment that ensures an organization’s strategy is both relevant to community needs and grounded in realistic internal capabilities.
A significant part of the discussion, cohosted by Wendy Adams and Julia Patrick, revolves around the practical steps of implementing such strategic insights. Miriam pushes for starting with small, manageable assessments, like . . . . . . . . .