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 . . . . . . . . .
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 . . . . . . . . .