Top 10 Issues Nonprofit Boards Must Monitor (Part 1 of 2)
From nonprofit expert Ellie Hume–the critical responsibilities of nonprofit boards. Part one of two. Discover the five key areas that boards must diligently monitor: mission statement clarity, robust governance, financial oversight, active involvement in fundraising, and strict management of conflicts of interest. Learn why continuous education and open dialogue are vital for board members to effectively uphold their duties and ensure organizational success.
In the latest episode of “The Nonprofit Show,” Ellie Hume from YPTC gives a look into the vital aspects that nonprofit boards must consistently monitor. The discussion, hosted by Julia Patrick, highlights the importance of continual engagement and education for board members, especially in understanding their roles and responsibilities. Ellie begins by explaining that board members often don’t realize the depth of their responsibilities and the importance of not taking their roles for granted. . . .saying, “You have to assume [board members] really don’t know, and they’re afraid to ask questions.”
A key point Ellie makes is the importance of board members being fully aware and articulate about the organization’s mission statement, suggesting that every board meeting should start with the mission statement being read and discussed, to reinforce its importance and ensure all members are aligned with the mission.
Governance was another significant topic. Ellie points out how boards must not only understand their legal responsibilities but actively ensure the nonprofit adheres to its mission and governance standards. This involves regular reviews and updates, as she directs that governance is not a one-time discussion but an ongoing dialogue.
Financial oversight is critical, as Ellie highlights a common issue: board members often . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit’s Questions of the Week
A lively talk about maintaining a culture of philanthropy within nonprofits, covering the importance of communication, transparency, and ethical practice in all fundraising efforts. This engaging Ask & Answer episode highlights the evolving nature of nonprofit fundraising and the ongoing commitment to ethical practices within the sector.
Jack Alotto, a seasoned expert in nonprofit fundraising, shares his enthusiasm about the increasing participation in his CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) training programs, noting that the numbers remain high with classes reaching around 170 participants. He describes a new initiative tailored for Muslim-affiliated nonprofits, reflecting the inclusive approach of the training sessions.
This enjoyable learning episode focuses mainly on the ethical dilemmas fundraisers often face. Jack emphasizes the importance of adhering to ethical standards, especially when dealing with competitive situations between nonprofits, advising against disparaging other organizations, stressing that the goal should be to enhance the entire community’s well-being rather than focusing solely on individual success. This approach aligns with the AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) code of ethics, which promotes integrity and respect among fundraising professionals.
One of Jack’s statements from the episode encapsulates his philosophy on this issue: “I am reluctant to engage in a conversation which would disparage another nonprofit… we should continue to talk about the benefits of giving to our organization and the importance of making a gift to advance our mission. It’s OK if they also want to give to another organization doing similar work. It just makes the whole community much better.”
With input from host Julia Patrick, the episode explores the role of ethics in donor relations, with Jack advocating for the inclusion . . . . . . . . .
Planning A Volunteer Appreciation Event (Honoring Volunteers)
Expert strategies for planning successful volunteer appreciation events with advice from Melissa Pinard, Head of Product Management at Bloomerang Volunteer. Learn how to effectively recognize and engage your volunteers, seamlessly integrate them into your donor campaigns, and use data-driven approaches to highlight their impact. This comprehensive discussion offers best practices on organizing appreciation events that honor and support volunteers’ dedication and foster deeper connections within your non-profit. Improve your volunteer management techniques and celebrate your volunteers in a way that boosts retention and encourages their ongoing contribution to your cause.
Melissa, having a decade-long experience in volunteer management, discussed the often-overlooked potential of volunteers as crucial donors to their causes, given their established commitment and passion.
Melissa describes how volunteers frequently transition into donors because they are already deeply connected to the cause, a point often missed in non-profit management. “Statistics show volunteers give more because they’re already passionate about the cause that they are giving their time to; a majority of them are actually already giving their dollars too,” she noted, highlighting a big opportunity for non-profits to nurture these dual-role contributors.
During the interview, Melissa outlines best practices for integrating volunteer and donor management, suggesting that volunteers should not be excluded from fundraising campaigns. She points out the importance of recognizing volunteers not only for their time but also for their potential financial contributions. “There’s no reason why you should exclude them from the email campaigns, in that sense as well,” Melissa explains, advocating for inclusive communication strategies that engage volunteers across all organizational activities.
The fast-paced discussion also digs into the . . . . . . . . .
Top 3 Issues Facing Fundraisers (With CEO of AFP)
A vibrant conversation with Mike Geiger, President and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). You’ll discover how Geiger’s career, marked by unexpected opportunities and strategic pivots, exemplifies the dynamic nature of nonprofit leadership. Learn about AFP’s huge role in enhancing fundraising practices, its commitment to ethical standards, and its proactive approach to addressing the quickly evolving needs of fundraisers and philanthropy. Mike shares valuable perspectives on embracing technological changes and preparing for future trends in giving.
Mike’s career trajectory, sprinkled with serendipitous turns, highlights a journey not guided by a rigid plan but by grabbing opportunities that aligned with his ethos. He amusingly recounted, “I wasn’t planning on getting my MBA, but then I did,” illustrating how unplanned paths often lead to fulfilling destinations.
Mike, who also holds a CPA, points us to the importance of flexibility and openness in professional growth. He pointed out, “Being open, having a growth mindset, and when there’s opportunities that fit into what your life ethos is, then you take those.” This mindset has seen him evolve from pursuing advanced degrees to dedicating his career to the nonprofit sector, demonstrating an adaptive journey fueled by unexpected yet welcome shifts.
At the heart of this discussion is AFP’s role as a cornerstone in the fundraising community, boasting nearly 30,000 members and around 200 chapters globally. Mike proudly explained the organization’s mission, “We provide education on best practices, we focus on improving the skills that our members have in the fundraising area but also in other areas.” He stresses the multifaceted roles fundraisers often play, whilst highlighting the critical . . . . . . . . .
Accessible Transportation (Impact on Nonprofits)
Ron Brooks, CEO of Accessible Avenue, shares his personal and professional journey in advocating for accessible transportation, sharing insights on the specific challenges faced by people with disabilities and calling for a systemic approach to inclusivity in nonprofit operations and services. Ron, who is blind, brings a unique perspective as someone who directly experiences the challenges he advocates against, emphasizing the importance of lived experience in the nonprofit sector.
Ron’s organization, Accessible Avenue, consults with transportation agencies and technology developers to improve services for people with disabilities. It also educates community advocates on navigating the complex public transportation industry to effectively champion accessibility improvements.
Throughout the interview, Ron emphasizes the transformative power of transportation in his life. He recounts his transition from a vision-impaired child in Indiana to a key player in the transportation sector. His personal struggles with mobility and public transportation fueled his passion for making these systems more inclusive for people with disabilities. Ron’s narrative illustrates the broader impact of transportation accessibility on individuals’ independence and quality of life.
Ron encapsulates his view: “I don’t have to figure out my ‘why’ in terms of these issues, these issues affect every day that I walk around on planet Earth. I’m living the reality that I’m in.” This statement highlights his intrinsic motivation and commitment to improving transportation access, rooted in his daily experiences.
Ron continues on the broader implications of transportation accessibility for nonprofits. He points out that about 19% to 25% of the U.S. population has a disability that affects their mobility and access to traditional transportation means. He stresses that accessibility issues are . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit Board Succession Planning
Discover practical tips on managing board transitions effectively, ensuring diversity, and communicating strategically to maintain continuity and build future leadership. This conversation provides valuable guidance for organizations aiming to navigate the complexities of board succession smoothly and sustainably.
We explore the often-intimidating realm of board succession planning with Yvonne Evers, founder and CEO of Succession app. As they explore this crucial topic, Yvonne sheds light on her extensive experience in this field, emphasizing that board succession planning is not a new concept but a necessary strategic process that organizations should have embraced long ago.
Yvonne Evers highlights the evolving dynamics of board membership, particularly the shift towards shorter terms for younger board members compared to the decades-long commitments of past members. She states, “This isn’t the only time we need succession planning. Starting in 2010, about 10,000 people a day were turning 65, a silver tsunami,” indicating the ongoing and significant demographic shifts that necessitate proactive succession strategies.
Her approach to board succession planning is rooted in her comprehensive background as an HR consultant and board member. She narrates how her firsthand experiences led to the creation of the Succession app: “I started with an Excel and Word-based system before deciding to develop a software solution to help boards manage their succession planning more efficiently,” revealing the organic evolution of her business model in response to a clear market need.
One key aspect of Yvonne’s methodology is ensuring that current board members do not feel threatened by the planning process. She explains, “When we talk about competencies, we’re not trying to push current members out. It’s . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit’s Questions of the Week! (Board Topics)
Nonprofit’s questions and expert’s answers about nonprofit board engagement, fundraising expectations of board members, financial literacy among nonprofit board members, and the confidentiality of professional coaching paid for by organizations. Host Meredith Terrian shares the microphone with Muhi Khwaja, from the National University Fundraising Academy and co-founder of the American Muslim Community Foundation.
Regarding board engagement, Muhi starts with the importance of full board participation in fundraising efforts, suggesting various ways for board members to contribute, such as making financial commitments or leveraging their networks. He advocates for clear expectations and training for board members to interpret financial reports effectively.
On a question from a viewer about professional coaching, Muhi points to the need for confidentiality in coaching contracts, highlighting the importance of privacy for effective coaching sessions.
The conversation also touches on setting board policies, including term limits and age limits. Muhi supports term limits as a means to prevent founder syndrome and promote fresh perspectives on the board. However, he advises caution regarding age limits, emphasizing the value of diverse perspectives and experiences regardless of age. As Muhi Khwaja aptly summarizes, “There’s a lot of value in age as well.”
Host Meredith Terrian echoes Muhi’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of clear policies and training for board members to ensure effective governance and decision-making within nonprofit organizations.
This dynamic conversation amplifies several best practices for nonprofit board governance, fundraising, financial literacy, and professional development, as is the nature of nonprofit management.
Seven Mistakes Nonprofit Executive Directors Make!
The Nonprofit Fixer goes deep into the ‘seven mistakes nonprofit executive directors make’ and offers valuable strategies to avoid these blunders. Whether you’re a current nonprofit leader or aspiring to be one, this learning episode is packed with essential tips and firsthand experiences to help you navigate the role of Executive Director! Sean Kosofsky, with his three decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, passionately shares his insights, having observed numerous nonprofit leaders navigating their roles with limited support, Sean has tailored his career towards enhancing executive director leadership through specialized coaching and consulting.
As Sean details these frequent missteps, he begins with the importance of employment contracts for nonprofit leaders, distinguishing them as crucial for job security and organizational commitment. He explains, “In the private sector, having an employment contract is standard, especially if you’re an executive. But in the nonprofit sector, what I’ve found is that most nonprofit leaders do not have them unless you’re at like, three million, four million, five million or larger size budget organizations.” . . .. amplifying the disparity between the sectors and the vulnerabilities executive directors face without contractual protections.
Continuing, Sean discusses other vital areas where executive directors often stumble, such as financial oversight before starting a role, building rapport with the board chair, and the imperative of being involved in fundraising. He stresses that understanding and actively participating in fundraising is non-negotiable for effective leadership.
This lively discussion, with Host Meredith Terrian, also touches on the significance of having a robust relationship with the board chair, managing team dynamics effectively, and the strategic importance of . . . . . . . . .
Aligning Nonprofit’s Mission, Vision, and Operations!
The specific action of aligning mission, vision, operations, and strategic planning enables nonprofits to thrive and fulfill their missions effectively. We learn more, led by Jennifer Drago, a seasoned strategy and governance expert with Peak to Profit Consultants. Her work spans nonprofit strategic planning, governance, and board development, recognizing the pivotal role of boards in providing strategic direction to organizations. Throughout the discussion, Jennifer articulates a clear roadmap for effective strategic planning. She emphasizes the need to start with a comprehensive vision of the organization’s future, moving away from static vision statements to dynamic, descriptive narratives. Jennifer advocates for a collaborative process, involving boards, leadership teams, and staff to craft a shared vision that serves as a guiding beacon for the organization. A key takeaway from Jennifer’s insights is the importance of active engagement with the strategic plan beyond its creation. She points to the need for ongoing visibility and accountability, advocating for regular review sessions to track progress and address challenges. Jennifer shares practical tools like clear dashboards and performance assessments tied to strategic goals to ensure alignment and accountability at all levels of the organization. Jennifer continues, commenting on the critical role of boards in governance, highlighting common challenges such as outdated structures and lack of succession planning. She stresses the need for intentional governance practices, including board recruitment, term limits, and CEO succession planning, to strengthen organizational resilience and competitiveness.
Black Women and Nonprofit Finance (Representation realignment needs)
Exploring the topic of representation in the finance and accounting sectors, particularly within the nonprofit industry, with LaMichelle Hecht, CPA, and CEO of Overhead Solutions Group. LaMichelle shares her insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by Black women in accounting, highlighting the need for increased diversity and inclusion. From addressing systemic barriers to entry to advocating for greater support for Black-owned businesses and professionals, LaMichelle’s expertise offers up actionable strategies for any organization to foster inclusivity and drive positive change.
LaMichelle, who established her practice in late 2020, began by addressing the stark reality that less than 2% of all CPAs are Black, with an even smaller percentage owning CPA firms. LaMichelle expressed optimism about the future, citing initiatives like the National Association of Black Accountants’ (NABA) efforts to introduce accounting to high school students through programs like ACAP. She emphasized the importance of increasing awareness among young people about the viability and potential of accounting careers.
The discussion touches on systematic barriers to entry, notably the financial burden of obtaining the necessary qualifications, such as the 150 credit hours required for CPA licensure. LaMichelle highlighted the impact of student loan debt, which disproportionately affects individuals from underprivileged backgrounds, hindering their pursuit of accounting careers.
Focusing on the unique role of accounting in the nonprofit sector and addressing the need for greater diversity in leadership roles, LaMichelle outlined strategies for nonprofits to engage with and support Black-owned businesses and professionals.
Host Julia Patrick mentions mentorship and community support, and LaMichelle describes the value of networking platforms like social media groups and professional organizations such as . . . . . . . . .
Adoption Friendly Workplaces (Adoption and foster care policies for nonprofits)
The positive impact of adoption-friendly workplace policies for nonprofits, with insights from Mary Ellen Smalley, Director of Brand and Cause Awareness at the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. This fast-paced learning episode explores the Foundation’s Top 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplace list for 2024, showcasing organizations leading the charge in supporting adoptive and foster parents through robust benefits and inclusive environments. You’ll hear about resources and guidance for implementing adoption-friendly policies tailored to your nonprofit organization’s size and structure, ensuring inclusivity and support for employees considering adoption. Mary Ellen and the cohosts offer heartwarming stories illustrating the profound impact of these adoption and fostercare policies on families and children.
More and more nonprofits are creating foster care and adoption policies for their staff. As Mary Ellen states, “We’re just seeing the trends going up, and we see more and more companies participating…it’s all good.”
Mary Ellen’s insights detail the significance of adoption-friendly policies, explaining their role in creating inclusive environments for employees considering adoption. She outlines the diverse range of benefits offered by both for profit and non-profit organizations, ranging from financial reimbursement to generous paid leave policies, tailored to support various adoption paths, including foster care adoption.
Mary Ellen lifts the veil on the Dave Thomas Foundation’s Top 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplace list for 2024. This list not only recognizes companies for their exemplary adoption policies but also serves as a benchmarking tool for organizations aspiring to enhance their support for adoptive parents.
Through Mary Ellen’s detailed explanation, you will learn how implementing adoption-friendly policies can vary in complexity depending on the size and structure of . . . . . . . . .
CULTIVATE 2024! (Nonprofit’s Conference)
The Cultivate 2024 conference for nonprofits, from San Diego, proved to be an electrifying and insightful event, showcasing the passion and dedication of professionals in the nonprofit sector. The two-day gathering of nonprofit professionals from around the country, hosted by Fundraising Academy, boasted a packed schedule of sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities.
The conference, now in its second year, witnessed significant growth and interest. Keynote speaker Jason Champion set the tone with his enthusiastic address, emphasizing the importance of cultivating relationships in the nonprofit world. Attendees found themselves engaged in hands-on workshops, such as those focused on event planning and fundraising strategies, led by industry experts like Jack Alotto and Jared Williams.
Moreover, the conference facilitated meaningful connections, with attendees eager to share experiences and viewpoints. Panel discussions on leadership development, sustainable growth strategies, and trends in technology provided valuable knowledge for professionals at all levels.
What truly set Cultivate apart was its focus on professionalizing fundraising and treating nonprofits as businesses. LaShonda Williams, a trainer at National University, emphasized the importance of equipping fundraisers with the necessary skills and resources to succeed in their careers.
Pearl Hoeglund, the director of Fundraising Academy, highlighted the conference’s mission to provide accessible and immediately applicable strategies for attendees. The intimate setting fostered authentic engagement and encouraged lifelong learning among participants.
Looking ahead to future editions of Cultivate, organizers aim to maintain the event’s intimate atmosphere while accommodating the growing interest from across the country. The focus remains on fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and empowering professionals to drive meaningful impact in their communities.