Maximizing Your Nonprofit’s Leadership Gifts
Understanding and effectively managing leadership gifts can significantly impact a nonprofit’s fundraising success. By leveraging digital tools and incorporating AI, organizations can foster deeper relationships with donors and enhance their overall fundraising strategy. Host Julia Patrick has a conversation with Nick Fitz, Founder and CEO of Momentum. The discussion centered around the concept of leadership gifts in the nonprofit sector, particularly focusing on the strategies and nuances of leveraging these gifts for organizational growth and impact.
Nick begins by introducing Momentum, a platform designed to manage donor relationships more effectively, which aids in planning and executing donor interactions, making it a valuable tool for various organizational roles, from development staff to C-Suite executives.
Leadership gifts, as Nick explains, occupy a unique space between annual funds and major gifts. These gifts typically range between $1,000 to $10,000 for mid-sized organizations but can be significantly higher for larger institutions. Leadership gifts are characterized by their efficiency; though only 5-10% of donors might fall into this category, they can contribute 20-30% of the total funds raised.
Nick elaborates on the importance of identifying and prospecting potential leadership donors with the same rigor applied to major gift portfolios. He points out that while leadership donors might not require the same level of individualized attention as major donors, they still benefit from personalized and frequent interactions, saying, “It’s worth doing a bunch of analysis basically on this, the fact that their last gift was 50K doesn’t necessarily predict that they’re going to be a major, major donor.”
The conversation also digs into the community aspect of leadership giving. Unlike major donors . . . . . . . . .
Key Challenges at U.K. Charities
Watch this rich conversation about the multifaceted challenges UK charities face, from funding and financial stability to technological adoption, data management, human-centered design, and labor issues, with Michael Wilkinson, Product Director of TorchBox.com. Michael brings a global perspective to the discussion, with host Julia Patrick, elaborating on the similarities and differences between nonprofit organizations in the US and UK.
One of the main challenges highlighted is the “mismatch between funding and project goals.” Michael notes that many UK charities struggle to secure funding for new digital initiatives due to outdated funding sources that don’t align with modern digital needs. “A lot of charities get their funding from grants, trusts, and foundations, which haven’t caught up with the needs of charities in the modern digital era,” Michael says. This funding gap makes it hard for charities to support vital digital projects, further exacerbated by funders’ lack of understanding of digital outcomes and the non-fundability of back-office costs essential for digital service delivery.
Another significant issue Michael speaks to is the “financial downturn” impacting charities’ abilities to launch and sustain projects. The economic volatility has led to the pausing or cancellation of many initiatives. However, Michael remains optimistic, citing a recent survey where 75% of the UK public reported donating to a nonprofit in the last three months, indicating potential for recovery and growth in charitable giving.
The struggle to keep up with technological changes is a universal challenge, but it’s particularly pronounced for UK charities with limited resources and leadership knowledge in emerging technologies like AI. Michael says, “Only half of UK charities say they have . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit’s Defeating The Outrage Machine
Watch this provocative session shedding light on the complexities of managing nonprofit organizations in a divided society and offering practical insights into fostering unity and channeling outrage towards constructive outcomes. Through her unconventional methods and business-oriented mindset, Deborah Cribbs, of GiveThemTen.org, demonstrates how even the most contentious issues amongst nonprofits can be tackled with innovation and collaboration.
Deborah starts by explaining the origins of her organization, Give Them Ten, which is dedicated to the health and safety of cats in Cincinnati. Despite the seemingly niche focus, her insights quickly reveal broader implications. “We are bankers, we’re businesspeople. So, we approach the idea of cat welfare a little differently,” Cribbs notes, highlighting how her team’s business acumen has influenced their strategies that support nonprofits.
The conversation moves towards the concept of the “outrage machine,” a term that has become ubiquitous in today’s polarized society. Deborah describes this phenomenon, pointing out, “Everybody’s outraged about something. And right now, in this great nation, we’re all outraged, kind of about the same thing, but on different sides of the fence.” She connects this societal trend to her work with animal shelters, illustrating how initial resistance and entrenched competition among shelters were significant hurdles.
The discussion intensifies as Deborah recounts the painstaking process of uniting disparate shelter groups into a cohesive coalition. “They saw each other as competitors. Everybody’s fighting for the same donor dollar,” she explains. Despite this, Deborah and her team managed to foster a spirit of collaboration by emphasizing mutual benefits and leveraging financial incentives. “Once they realized that others could help them solve their problems as . . . . . . . . .
When Is It Okay To Release A Donor?
The balance of maintaining healthy donor relationships while being prepared to make tough decisions when necessary. This robust conversation sheds light on the delicate balance between donor engagement and organizational integrity. Our cohosts talk about how to create comprehensive gift acceptance policies and to handle donor releases with respect and transparency.
Cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall jump into a challenging topic: when is it okay to release a donor? Julia begins by recalling the concept of “bless and release,” introduced to her by Terry Axelrod, which emphasizes letting go of donors who no longer align with the organization’s goals or values.
Understanding the Concept of Releasing a Donor
Tony Beall shares his thoughts on the subject, highlighting the importance of maintaining donor relationships but recognizing when it’s necessary to part ways. “I’d like to think of it more as redirecting a donor than releasing a donor,” Tony says. He emphasizes the importance of redirecting donors to other organizations where their interests and values might align better.
Julia and Tony agree that parting ways with a donor should be handled with dignity and respect. Tony stresses, “When we talk about releasing a donor, it’s important to do so with the highest level of dignity and respect for the individual.”
Scenarios That Might Lead to Releasing a Donor
The conversation then shifts to specific scenarios that might necessitate releasing a donor. Tony points out that issues often arise with higher-level donors who may overstep their boundaries. “A high-level donor might want to make decisions around staffing or the direction of a program, which can blur the lines of their contribution,” . . . . . . . . .
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. . . . . . . . . .