How A Nonprofit’s Branding Increases Fundraising!
“Your branding is more than a flashy logo and tagline. It’s about how your messaging connects with your community and builds trust over time.”, says Tony Beall, with cohost Julia Patrick.
Their discussion explores the holistic nature of nonprofit branding, emphasizing that a strong brand is about more than just a flashy logo or a catchy tagline—it’s about creating genuine, long-lasting trust with the community and potential investors.
Tony makes it clear that nonprofit branding must resonate deeply with the communities being served. This connection is crucial for fundraisers, who are often the face of the organization, and are on the front lines engaging with donors, investors, and community members. The conversation shines a light on the understanding that brand credibility is built not only through visuals but through the entire organizational culture, ethics, and consistent, transparent storytelling.
The two also touch on the role of internal collaboration in branding. Tony advocates for including fundraisers and frontline workers in branding decisions, as their daily interactions with the community offer invaluable insight into the organization’s image and impact. The pair also highlight milestone marketing—celebrating organizational achievements like anniversaries—as a powerful way to underscore trust and show longevity and success in service.
You’ll appreciate how and why branding in the nonprofit world must be multi-dimensional, touching every part of an organization’s operations and outreach. The goal is not just to be seen but to be trusted, and that requires thoughtful, ongoing effort across all communications and actions.
Nonprofit’s Thriving With Modern Corporate Partnerships
In the speedy world of nonprofit-corporate partnerships, the game is changing—and those who want to thrive need to evolve with it. Host Julia Patrick sits down with Zach Leverenz, the visionary CEO of SEED SPOT, to uncover strategies that not only land corporate partnerships but make them sustainable, high-impact relationships that transform communities.
Zach doesn’t hold back. He shares powerful insights into how nonprofits must move beyond the old model of simply asking for charitable donations. “More and more, what we’ve seen is that getting really targeted and intentional about how the nonprofit understands the incentives and value they can provide to a corporate partner…is something that’s overlooked oftentimes by nonprofit leaders,” he explains. It’s a subtle shift, but one that unlocks immense opportunities for nonprofit organizations willing to think big.
At SEED SPOT, Zach and his team master the art of forging partnerships that deliver mutual benefits. One standout example is their collaboration with Humana Foundation and Volunteers of America. Together, they tackle health equity in underserved communities—an initiative that perfectly aligns the mission of each partner. Zach describes, “This is a case where we’re not compromising at all. In fact, we’re amplifying and accelerating the impact we can have through a more intentional look at how corporate sponsors think about their own goals.”
The key to building these powerhouse partnerships? Communication and trust. Zach stresses that successful partnerships aren’t one-off transactions—they’re deeply relational, requiring ongoing dialogue and shared vision. “Good partnerships are relational, they’re not transactional. We are all humans, and we communicate and trust and build relationships with each other,” he says, offering . . . . . . . . .
How Nonprofit’s Can Lobby Legally (Advocating for Policies)
A comprehensive guide for nonprofits navigating the world of policy, advocacy, and grassroots efforts, illustrating how nonprofits can and should engage in the political sphere. Host Julia Patrick engages in a dynamic conversation with advocacy expert Amy Showalter, CEO of the Showalter Group, to demystify nonprofit involvement in public policy and advocacy. Amy’s deep expertise shines as she clarifies myths and offers practical guidance for nonprofits looking to influence policy while remaining compliant with regulations.
One of the key myths addressed by Amy is the misconception that nonprofits are prohibited from engaging in advocacy or lobbying. She exhorts, “It’s a myth that nonprofits can’t engage in advocacy, or even use the word lobbying. They’re allowed to engage in those activities.” Amy explains that while there are financial limitations and specific guidelines, the IRS encourages nonprofits to make their voices heard in policy matters, particularly those that align with their mission.
She highlights the importance of nonprofits not just raising awareness but also focusing on achieving measurable results. “Awareness is not the metric. That’s a step in the influence process, but it’s not the result. The result is, are you changing hearts and minds of elected officials or the public,” she underscores, urging organizations to have clear objectives and success metrics in place.
The discussion also explores the potential advantages and challenges of forming coalitions with like-minded organizations. While such collectives can amplify a nonprofit’s influence, Amy points out that they can also introduce complexity regarding decision-making and credibility. She advises organizations to weigh these pros and cons carefully.
You’ll come away realizing grassroots advocacy is a powerful . . . . . . . . .
How Professional Development Impacts Your Nonprofit Career
Feel like you’re in a career rut? In the realm of nonprofit work, personal and professional development stands as the foundation of success and longevity.
Jack Alotto, a seasoned expert in nonprofit training and a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) lends host Julia Patrick his insights into the importance of a structured professional development plan. You’ll see how it can be both practical and inspiring. He advocates for a methodical and reflective approach to career growth, suggesting that nonprofit professionals should meticulously design their career trajectories much like preparing for a certification exam. “You’ve got to have a study plan. You have to have a goal at the end of the study plan to pass the CFRE test, and you have to work backwards from your test date,” Jack exhorts as he speaks to the significance of proactive career planning.
His enthusiasm for nurturing talent is clear as he discusses the transformative impact of professional development on individual careers and broader organizational success. “When fundraisers raise more money, Julia, all boats rise. Our lives are better,” Jack states, demonstrating the collective benefits of one’s individual advancement and serving as a rallying cry for professionals within the sector.
Throughout the energized chat, Jack stresses the necessity of having a clear vision and concrete steps towards achieving professional goals. He encourages viewers to gather resources, seek mentorship, and continuously assess and adapt their plans. His strategic outlook extends beyond immediate tasks to focus on long-term career objectives that might fulfill personal aspirations and advance organizational missions.
Continuing, Jack’s holistic view of professional development includes personal well-being, emphasizing the value of . . . . . . . . .
How To Vet Job Candidates (For nonprofits)
Best practices for vetting new prospective nonprofit staff, with the CEO of Staffing Boutique, Katie Warnock. Katie, with 20 years of experience in nonprofit recruitment, shares her candid thoughts on what it takes to identify the right candidates, emphasizing the importance of practical judgment over traditional HR methods.
Katie begins by explaining her unconventional approach to recruitment, noting how her extensive experience in staffing gives her a more grounded perspective on what works. Katie’s honesty about the limitations of traditional hiring tools sets the tone for the conversation, pushing listeners to think critically about common vetting practices.
The informative conversation also touches on the controversial practice of reviewing candidates’ social media activity. Katie stresses the importance of being mindful about online presence during a job search. “We are going to search you. We’re going to do Google searches… tighten up those sources, regardless of who you are or what you’re posting,” she advises. Her point reinforces the reality that, in today’s digital age, employers will almost certainly examine a candidate’s online footprint, making discretion essential.
Throughout the episode with host Julia Patrick, Katie’s advice challenges the status quo, encouraging nonprofits to focus more on practical evaluations of potential staff. Her perspective is a refreshing reminder that, in the nonprofit sector, the human element is often as important as formal credentials.
Questions Nonprofits Asked Us! (Financial Leadership)
Responses to important questions about nonprofit finance and accounting, with Deanna Peterson, director at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), and host Julia Patrick. This episode caps off a dynamic Nonprofit Power Week, that covered insightful thinking, key issues, and actionable suggestions about financial management within the nonprofit sector. This conversation kicks off with Julia and Deanna exploring several significant questions that reflect common concerns among nonprofit leaders today. One of the first questions addressed is the consideration of shifting to a contracted CFO role as a current CFO plans retirement. Deanna outlines how the decision largely hinges on the specific needs of the organization, suggesting that the size and lifecycle stage of the nonprofit play critical roles in determining whether a full-time or fractional CFO is necessary. Another topic the two chat about revolves around the security implications of remote bookkeeping. In an era where digital transactions are becoming the norm, concerns about fraud and data security are prevalent. Deanna discusses the advanced financial technologies YPTC employs to ensure robust security measures are in place, and how they not only safeguard financial data but also streamline processes, making operations more efficient and less prone to human error. Cost considerations of employing a remote financial team also take center stage. Deanna speaks to the potential savings from reduced need for physical office space and traditional employee benefits, which can be significant. However, she goes on to describe that the true cost-effectiveness of such a setup depends on the organization’s operations and the service model of the financial team. YPTC’s model, which involves billing based . . . . . . . . .
The JOY’s Of Nonproft Budgeting. . .. Really!
Expert insights on transforming budgeting at your nonprofit from a necessary evil into a strategic tool for growth and sustainability. In this lively Nonprofit Show Power Week episode, cohosts Julia Patrick and Wendy Adams are joined by Ariella Reiss, from Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC). She turns the often-dreaded topic of budgeting into an empowering conversation for nonprofits. . . . with wit, wisdom, and a touch of inspiration.
Budgeting, as Ariella explains, is not just about balancing the books—it’s about dreaming big and setting your organization up for success. “The budget process is the one moment that you have all year to dream big… plan for a surplus,” she says, flipping the script on the traditional nonprofit mindset. Rather than approaching budgeting with fear and scarcity, Ariella encourages nonprofits to plan for a financial cushion—a rainy-day fund—that can help them thrive, not just survive.
And it’s not just about numbers. Ariella passionately advocates for involving staff in the budgeting process, calling for a bottom-up approach where team members are invited to share their insights. “Involve as many staff members as practical…make them feel like the subject matter experts,” she says. By doing so, nonprofits can build a budget that not only reflects their immediate needs but also fuels long-term growth and transforming the budget process into a collaborative, empowering experience that fosters buy-in and excitement across the organization.
What truly sets this episode apart is the zest Ariella brings to what can often be a mundane topic. With such a refreshing perspective, she emphasizes the importance of balancing optimism with realism—setting ambitious goals but doing . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit’s Financial Best Practices
A comprehensive look at how integrating financial best practices can empower a nonprofit to achieve its goals more effectively, encourage nonprofit leaders to foster collaboration between finance and program teams, that leads to a more well-rounded approach to financial management. Shannon Poll, Director for the North Carolina market at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), shares her expertise on nonprofit financial best practices with host Julia Patrick.
Shannon starts by addressing a common misconception that financial best practices are solely technical. She highlights the emotional and mission-driven aspects of financial stewardship in nonprofits, saying, “When we talk about best practices, we’re talking about making sure that you have stewardship over your nonprofit. There’s so much extra care and nonprofits that we need to take.” She speaks to the need for finance teams not only to possess technical skills but also to understand and support the organization’s mission, ensuring that financial decisions reflect the organization’s core values.
Continuing, Shannon discusses with Julia the importance of building a strong finance team that goes beyond credentials. Her advice, “You’re going to get a finance team that understands your people, understands your stakeholders, understands the why behind the figures, and that is really all part of it.” By focusing on the alignment between finance professionals and the organization’s mission, nonprofits can foster a more cohesive and engaged team.
Shannon also shares thoughts on other key areas such as internal controls, financial statement audits, and educating boards on fiduciary responsibilities. She stresses the necessity of transparency and communication within organizations, pointing out that finance teams need to communicate with other . . . . . . . . .
How Tech Is Nonprofit’s True Financial Tool
Embracing technological innovation in accounting and finance in the nonprofit sector, especially as it lags behind other industries in adopting these tools. Nonprofits can reduce errors, mitigate fraud, and make more strategic decisions, ensuring their long-term sustainability. Host Julia Patrick interviews Ben Hays, a manager with Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), during Nonprofit Power Week, on the evolving role of technology as a financial tool in the nonprofit sector. The conversation points to how data and technology are transforming financial processes, creating new efficiencies, and providing nonprofit organizations with the insights they need to thrive.
Ben begins by boasting about the value of data, noting that it is “like gold” for nonprofits. He outlines a three-step process crucial for leveraging data: gathering it, applying ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) methods to manage it, and finally delivering the information to decision-makers in an accessible format. He encourages nonprofits to embrace technology rather than fear it, underscoring how automation can streamline mundane tasks and allow the staff to focus on strategic analysis. As Ben advises, “Don’t be afraid of technology. A lot of times people say, ‘oh, technology, that’s evil, it can’t be trusted,’ just lean in. It’s time to accept that technology is here and it’s here to make those mundane tasks easier.”
Ben also touches on the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial processes. AI, he explains, can automate repetitive tasks like invoice processing and provide insightful financial analysis. By comparing financial trends with similar organizations, nonprofits can identify opportunities for growth and efficiency. However, he cautions against blind reliance on AI: “You . . . . . . . . .
Reducing Audit Stress For Nonprofits
A fresh perspective on how nonprofit organizations can embrace a proactive approach to audit preparation, in this Nonprofit Power Week session with Justine Townsend, a seasoned manager at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC). With her unique blend of expertise and passion for nonprofit finance, Justine gives us not just technical advice, but a mindset shift, inviting NPO’s to rethink how they approach audits as an opportunity for growth and reflection, rather than a source of anxiety.
Audits, she explains, are often met with dread, but they don’t have to be. “It’s always a freak out time. It doesn’t have to be,” Justine begins. At the heart of her strategy is the importance of consistent financial hygiene—maintaining regular, thorough month-end closings throughout the year. In doing so, nonprofits can stay “audit-ready,” removing the stress of last-minute scrambles and turning the audit process into what she describes as “just a part of the cycle.”
One of Justine’s big messages is reframing the auditor’s role, reminding us that auditors aren’t there to solve operational problems but to issue a professional opinion on the financial statements. “Their whole job is just to issue an opinion…all you’re paying for is that opinion,” she says. By focusing on material accuracy rather than micromanaging financial details, nonprofits can streamline their approach to audits and empower their boards with better understanding.
Justine’s creative solution to reducing audit stress is rooted in building a year-round culture of preparedness, where monthly financial practices mirror the heightened rigor needed at audit time. This idea not only prevents last-minute panic but also strengthens decision-making processes. “Month-end close is . . . . . . . . .
Diversifying Revenues (For Nonprofits)
How to diversify revenue for nonprofits, with advice centering on being strategic, assessing the market and the organization’s capacity, and ensuring the board and leadership are aligned on the goals of diversification. Cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall talk about the significant pressure fundraisers face, not only in securing donations but also in ensuring that funds are received. This ongoing challenge is compounded when nonprofits rely too heavily on one source of funding, such as a single donor or government grants, which creates vulnerability if those funds suddenly decrease or disappear.
Julia and Tony discuss the practical side of diversification, illustrating the dangers of relying on a singular revenue stream. Tony recounts a story of a nonprofit that faced a sudden 40% cut in state funding, forcing the organization to scramble for new funding sources. He reminds the audience that diversification isn’t just about spreading out revenue sources evenly, but about planning for sustainability and reducing risk.
The informative (and fun) conversation touches on various avenues of diversification, from special events and major gifts to peer-to-peer giving and recurring donations. Tony explains that nonprofits should assess their team’s strengths and existing data to decide which methods to pursue. While certain channels might offer high returns, like a successful annual gala, others—such as small events—can serve as an important introduction to the organization. Tony also speaks to the importance of cultivating relationships with event attendees beyond the event itself, ensuring that nonprofits leverage the opportunity to engage and steward donors.
This practical thinking session reminds nonprofits to plan ahead, avoid over-reliance on any one source, and . . . . . . . . .
Latest Report On Generational Giving To Nonprofits
The Generational Giving Report! Melaina Chromy, from Bloomerang, explores the findings of their latest detailed report on how different age groups engage in philanthropy and the implications for nonprofit fundraising.
Melaina begins with the importance of this research, stating that Bloomerang’s goal is to “share this valuable information with the sector,” regardless of whether organizations are clients, and highlighting how generational giving data is essential for understanding donor behavior, saying, “If we are able to tailor our communications to a donor’s interest, we are likely to have better fundraising outcomes.”
One of the report’s key findings is the impending wealth transfer from the baby boomer generation, estimated at $87 trillion over the next 30 years. Melaina explains, to host Julia Patrick, that nonprofits need to start “nurturing and engaging donors of the next generation” to prepare for this shift. She also draws attention to significant differences in donor preferences, such as how “younger generations place less importance on organizational overhead costs” and focus more on digital presence, while “baby boomers value transparency around overhead.”
The conversation also reveals several unexpected findings, including the fact that Gen Z is “very active in volunteering” and prefers in-person fundraising events, which challenges assumptions about their digital-only engagement. They tend to prioritize digital engagement. She shares, “Gen Z places the least importance on organizational overhead and instead looks for an up-to-date social media presence and website.” This generation is also notably active, with volunteer participation rates that outpace both millennials and baby boomers.
In contrast, baby boomers exhibit traditional values, with a strong focus on transparency and organizational overhead. She . . . . . . . . .