The Fundraiser’s Self-care Approach
Insights on nonprofit fundraising staff management and the transformative power of technology in fundraising. Our guest explains the importance for fundraisers to pursue work-life balance as an “ebb and flow” rather than a strict equilibrium, and emphasizing the importance of personal well-being alongside professional effectiveness, to meet the challenges in building a sustainable and humane fundraising environment.
In this lively exchange, hosted by Wendy Adams and Julia Patrick, Micah James, a Senior Platform Coach at Bloomerang.com, shares a look at what truly resonates with those involved in nonprofit management and fundraising.
Micah and the team at Bloomerang have been instrumental in helping organizations transition from traditional methods like Excel and Google Sheets to more sophisticated customer relationship management (CRM) tools offered by Bloomerang. She delightfully notes the “aha moments” experienced by clients when they realize the efficiencies gained through automation. Micah explains, “One of my favorite moments is when clients realize they don’t have to do things manually anymore. It’s about seeing those fundraising practices come to life, and technology come alongside fundraising.”
The chat steps into the crucial topic of work-life balance within the nonprofit sector. Micah introduces a refreshing perspective on the concept of balance, emphasizing it as more of an “ebb and flow” rather than a strict equilibrium. She believes that it’s unrealistic to expect a 50/50 balance daily and suggests that a more fluid understanding is needed to maintain both personal well-being and professional effectiveness.
She continues, stressing the value of sustaining not just financial resources but also the well-being of those who lead nonprofits. She acknowledged how the shift to digital . . . . . . . . .
Turning To Consulting Practices
Guest Julia Devine shares her unique journey and perspectives on navigating the nonprofit sector and transitioning to a consulting practice.
As with many in the nonprofit sector, Julia’s shift to consulting was influenced by the desire for greater flexibility and reduced stress. This led her and a colleague to found their consulting firm, leveraging their deep sector knowledge to aid nonprofit professionals in adapting to new working modalities.
Host Meico Marquette Whitlock shares surprise from the significant statistic that 74% of nonprofit employees are considering job changes, underscoring a widespread desire for better work conditions and alternatives to traditional roles. Julia attributedsthis trend partly to the seismic shifts in work dynamics brought about by the pandemic, which have reshaped expectations around flexibility and remote work.
Julia continues by emphasizing the potential of consulting as a strategic career move for nonprofit professionals seeking autonomy. She notes that consulting could provide a more satisfying work-life balance while still contributing significantly to the sector. Moreover, Julia advises that nonprofits can benefit from engaging consultants to optimize resource allocation and harness specialized skills without the overhead associated with full-time positions.
Julia’s message is that with a mutual benefit structure for both nonprofits and potential consultants: organizations can achieve more with specialized, flexible talent, and professionals can find fulfillment and balance by defining their work terms. Julia’s story is a great example of how adaptive strategies and openness to non-traditional roles can enrich both individual careers and the nonprofit sector at large.
The New AI Methods For Strategic Planning
How AI can significantly enhance the efficiency and inclusivity of strategic planning processes for nonprofits. Mike Burns, CEO of StratSimple, shares his innovative approach to strategic planning through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI).
Mike starts with the point that one of the primary challenges facing nonprofits in strategic planning is the considerable time and financial resources required. Addressing this, he introduces his AI-driven solution designed to streamline and economize the planning process, making it accessible to more nonprofit organizations. His approach utilizes AI to facilitate comprehensive stakeholder engagement by rapidly and efficiently gathering insights from a broad spectrum of participants, exemplified by one client who interactively surveys 4,000 clients. Mike describes the value. . . “Imagine if you were doing that the traditional way and you had to interview each of those people. How long would that take? I don’t even know that it would be possible.”
The lively conversation highlights the fast-changing capability of AI in capturing and synthesizing vast amounts of data to identify key themes and insights. This process not only saves time but also enhances the depth of analysis available to decision-makers. MIke shares his enthusiasm for AI’s potential, stating, “Economists out there say AI is going to have a bigger impact on the economy than electricity. The more you work with it, the more you realize that this is changing everything.”
Co-hosted by Tony Beall and Julia Patrick, the episode explores the implications of AI in the realm of nonprofit governance, where strategic planning often involves complex layers of input from various stakeholders including funders, clients, team members, and board . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit’s Questions of the Week
Hosted by Meico Marquette Whitlock and featuring guest host Muhi Khwaja from the Fundraising Academy at National University, a series of pertinent questions from nonprofit professionals across the USA are addressed. The session begins with a discussion about managing underperforming board members, prompted by a nonprofit dealing with a board member who fails to attend meetings and meet fundraising obligations. Khwaja emphasizes the importance of initial conversations to understand the underlying reasons for the board member’s lack of participation before taking any steps to potentially remove them. Whitlock supports this by highlighting the value of dialogue to prevent making assumptions about the individual’s circumstances and to clarify expectations.
Another query involves setting personal fundraising goals and understanding donor attrition. Khwaja provides insights on calculating donor loss and stresses the importance of using historical data to anticipate and mitigate donor attrition. Whitlock adds the perspective of seeking advice and strategies from peers in similar roles to better manage and utilize such data.
The discussion also touches on managing pro bono services from a mid-size ad agency, with concerns about the potential lack of commitment due to the non-financial nature of the contract. Both hosts suggest establishing clear expectations and regular communication to ensure accountability and effective collaboration. They advise being proactive in managing the relationship to ensure the nonprofit remains a priority for the agency.
Lastly, the hosts tackle a question from Rafael in San Diego about allocating a budget for personal development to retain employees. Khwaja proposes that employees decide if and how they want to use their development funds, suggesting that unused . . . . . . . . .
Fundraising And Nonprofit’s Self-esteem
A compelling discussion into the intriguing territory of self-esteem within nonprofit organizations, with Peter Heller, CEO of Heller Fundraising Group. Drawing on his extensive experience in fundraising consultancy, Peter articulates how intrinsic self-esteem is to a nonprofit organization’s ability to effectively raise funds and make an impact.
Peter starts by emphasizing the importance of an “abundance mindset” to create and sustain prosperity within nonprofits and the communities they serve. He says, “We believe it’s really important to try to address [challenges] from an abundance mindset,” indicating how this philosophy influenced the very logo of his company—a symbol of infinite money flowing from an infinity sign, representing endless possibilities and financial sustainability.
The key insight from Peter revolves around the concept of nonprofit self-esteem, which he believes is often overlooked yet vital for organizational success. He shares, “Underneath why a particular organization can or can’t raise the money it needs… somewhere is self-esteem of your organization—where do you think you are in the spectrum of things. Do you matter?” This notion reflects his belief in the foundational role self-esteem plays not just in personal realms but in organizational contexts as well.
He also shares compelling anecdotes demonstrating how organizations diminish their own value by comparing themselves unfavorably to larger, more well-known entities. He powerfully advised one such group by stating, “Look at your database and your annual report. You actually do raise money, and you people around the table are giving money, so it’s not true that nobody’s going to support you because you actually already are.”
Continuing, he touches upon the broader implications of self-esteem during . . . . . . . . .
The Power of Nonprofit Branding
The essentials of effective nonprofit branding, with Catherine Alonzo from Javelina Consulting, emphasizing that a nonprofit’s brand extends beyond visual elements like logos, as it encapsulates the organization’s personality and core values. The conversation digs into common branding mistakes nonprofits make and highlights the value of authentic, relevant, and consistent messaging to truly resonate with audiences and support organizational missions. This engaging discussion with Catherine, cohosted by Mitch Stein and Julia Patrick, offers practical insights for nonprofits aiming to enhance their brand strategy and impact.
Catherine begins by explaining how a brand is much more than just a logo or a color palette—it’s the organization’s personality. This includes how the nonprofit behaves, its values, and its engagement style, rather than just its visual identity. She points out a common pitfall among nonprofits: becoming bored with their brand and mistakenly believing a logo change can solve deeper issues. Catherine and Mitch discuss the importance of starting with the core identity and messaging of the brand, rather than superficial changes, to truly resonate with the nonprofit’s audiences and represent their mission authentically.
This lively discussion also covers the common misconception that rebranding alone can solve all organizational challenges. Catherine stresses that while branding is crucial, it should not be seen as a panacea. Instead, it should be approached as a comprehensive strategy that includes clear messaging, consistent communication, and alignment with the nonprofit’s core mission and values.
Catherine also elaborates on the tactical aspects of branding, such as ensuring that all communications are authentic, relevant, and consistent. She notes the importance of understanding the organization’s core identity—why . . . . . . . . .
Embracing Change In The Nonprofit Sector
This conversation is a call to action for nonprofits to courageously innovate and adapt, to ensure their actions always align with their missions and the expectations of those they serve.
The Nonprofit Show cohost Wendy F. Adams shares her optimistic perspective on the evolving dynamics within the nonprofit sector amidst ongoing challenges. With infectious enthusiasm, Wendy emphasized the sector’s increasing embrace of hope and progress, highlighting a shift towards inclusivity and the sheer joy of reconnecting in person. She insightfully noted that the landscape of gatherings is transforming people, such that they are now prioritizing meaningful interactions over mere attendance, reflecting a deeper appreciation for community and connection forged through shared experiences rather than through isolation.
Wendy, in speaking with fellow host Julia Patrick, also addressed the innovative approaches being adopted in event planning, advocating for a blend of creativity and strategic risk-taking to enhance engagement. She discussed her own experiences with reimagining traditional formats, like hosting a breakfast-for-dinner event, which not only delighted attendees but also deeply resonated with the event’s theme, engaging vulnerable families by centering children’s preferences. This approach not only enlivened the event but also stood as a testament to the power of thoughtful, unconventional planning.
Continuing, Wendy eloquently links the concept of risk with the trust clients place in organizations. By acknowledging the mutual risk involved in these relationships, she points to the importance of nonprofits not only to recognize but to honor this trust by continually innovating and responding to the needs and expectations of their communities.
Wendy’s words served as a reminder that in times of change, the most impactful organizations . . . . . . . . .
Advocating For Veteran’s Futures (Bob Woodruff Foundation)
Anne Marie Dougherty, CEO of the Bob Woodruff Foundation, discusses the foundation’s mission to support U.S. veterans and their families in this recent interview. She highlights the foundation’s origins, sparked by journalist Bob Woodruff’s injuries in Iraq, and its commitment to connecting veterans with essential resources through the “Got Your Six” network. Dougherty describes their data-driven approach to expand reach and efficacy, underlining the foundation’s evolution and adaptability in meeting veterans’ needs over 18 years.
In this insightful interview on the Nonprofit Show, Anne Marie outlines the foundation’s origins, tracing back to a critical moment in 2006 when Bob Woodruff, a journalist for ABC News, was severely injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq. His family’s firsthand experiences of the gaps in support during his recovery inspired the creation of the foundation.
Anne Marie describes the foundation’s approach, which leverages a vast network to connect veterans to necessary resources and support. She explains how the foundation operates on principles of gratitude and generosity, deeply rooted in the ethos of the organization. “Everything we do is infused with the generosity of spirit and an ethos of gratitude,” she remarks, illustrating the foundation’s commitment to authentically serving those who have served the nation.
Under Anne Marie’s leadership, the foundation has not only sustained but expanded its mission over 18 years, adapting to the evolving needs of veterans through initiatives like the “Got Your Six” network. This particular program focuses on creating accessible, local connections to services for veterans, addressing both the visibility and availability of support covering all 50 states and nearly all veterans in the country.
Anne Marie . . . . . . . . .
Answering Nonprofit’s Questions!
In response to questions from nonprofits across the country, from Fundraising Academy, LaShonda Williams CFRE, provides nuanced insights into managing nonprofit boards, aligning donor management strategies with organizational goals, and some best practices toward the involvement of high-level executives in fundraising efforts. Her wise responses offer savvy guidance on maintaining integrity and strategic focus for those involved in nonprofit management.
Addressing a query from Colorado Springs about the appropriateness of personal questions in a board diversity questionnaire, LaShonda emphasizes the value of aligning these types of inquiries with the organization’s mission and goals. She suggests that discomfort with the questions should prompt a deeper discussion about the true meaning and necessity of diversity within the board.
LaShonda, with the help of host Tony Beall, respond to a viewer from Omaha, who was concerned about managing a donor portfolio that didn’t feel like the right fit for her. LaShonda advises involving potentially more suitable colleagues in meetings to better assess and cultivate relationships, thereby emphasizing the core role of relationship-building in fundraising. She keys in on the importance of collaborative efforts which can help the management of donor relationships too.
LaShonda and Tony respond to an interesting question about involving CEOs in donor meetings, pointing out the need to strategically use the CEO’s time, especially concerning large gifts. LaShonda goes on to propose setting thresholds for CEO involvement based on the organization’s definition of major and principal gifts and suggests that alternative representatives like board members could also effectively engage major donors.
You’ll get alot out of this rapid-fire session addressing worries and issues nonprofits are . . . . . . . . .
Corporate Engagement And Nonprofits (Soles4Souls.org)
Discover how a nonprofit organization transforms unwanted shoes and clothing into tools for empowerment, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability, as they share insights into the impactful partnerships and volunteer activities that drive community service and corporate engagement, emphasizing the transformative effects of programs across global communities. In this engaging interview with Robin Witczak, VP of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Soles4Souls, you’ll learn about their mission to extend the lifecycle of goods and make a tangible difference in the world.
Robin describes Soles4Souls’ transformative approach to repurposing unwanted shoes and clothing into tools for relief, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability. “We take unwanted shoes, clothes, and accessories and we turn them into opportunity by keeping them from going to waste and really putting them to good use,” she explains. This is achieved through their core programs focused on providing new shoes for people in crisis, creating job opportunities through the distribution of shoes, and empowering children across the US with new athletic shoes.
Central to this lively discussion, with cohosts Wendy Adams and Tony Beall, was the impact of corporate partnerships on Soles4Souls’ mission. Witczak points to the importance of these collaborations, emphasizing that they go beyond transactions to foster genuine partnerships. “I don’t want this to be a transaction. I want this to truly be a partnership,” she offers, underscoring the strategic role these relationships play in enhancing volunteer engagement and community impact. She also details the significant environmental impact of their initiatives, noting the organization’s commitment to preventing premature disposal of usable goods and extending their lifecycle.
Continuing, Robin shares compelling stories about . . . . . . . . .
Connecting To Donors With Your Voice (Removing voice masks)
Voice coach Tracy Goodwin explores the critical role of voice in nonprofit communication. She introduces the concept of “voice masks”—invisible barriers we create with our voice due to insecurities—and discusses how these affect authenticity and connection. Tracy shares her unique journey into voice coaching and offers practical advice for using one’s true voice to enhance engagement and impact in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing that the voice is a powerful tool for genuine connection.
Tracy ‘s path to becoming a voice coach was both unconventional and compelling. Despite growing up in a household where children were seen and not heard, her natural inclination and skill in vocal expression led her into acting and directing. It was here that she discovered her gift for coaching voices, describing her entry into the field as “kicking and screaming” due to her familial conditioning. This background uniquely positions her to understand the unspoken nuances of voice and how they can be pivotal in representing or misrepresenting one’s true self.
You’ll discover one of Tracy’s key insights during the show is the idea of “voice masks,” a concept she describes with clarity and passion: “Voice masks are like Halloween masks. They are meant to hide our identity but they’re invisible. They’re just an armor of sound that we pick up and put on in certain circumstances.” This analogy strikingly captures how individuals often modify their voice in professional settings or due to insecurities, impacting authentic communication.
Tracy goes on to passionately argue that these masks and altered vocal expressions often prevent genuine connections. She illustrates this with an example of a man who . . . . . . . . .
Amplify Your Nonprofit’s Marketing Message
Our guest introduces a nine-part “marketing sound system” that includes a compelling story framework and strategies for amplifying nonprofit messaging effectively. His insights emphasize the importance of clarity, consistency, and the power of storytelling in engaging nonprofit donors and standing out in the crowded and competitive nonprofit sector. This episode provides valuable strategies for nonprofits looking to boost their marketing and communications efforts.
Anthony Dicks, Jr., from 180 Management Group, begins the discussion by metaphorically describing marketing as akin to handling a sound system—a complex yet essential tool for amplifying messages in a noisy environment. Drawing from his childhood experience assisting his preacher father with church sound systems, Anthony points to the key to understanding and managing various elements of a sound system to enhance communication effectiveness. He offers a nine-part “marketing sound system” that includes components like a compelling story framework, a sounding board for idea validation, amplifiers to boost signal, equalizers to balance message delivery, and speakers to clearly issue calls to action.
Anthony encapsulates the essence of his marketing philosophy: “A whole lot of marketing is like managing a sound system. First, you want to overcome the noise that’s already in the market, but in order to do that, you need a sound system. And by sound system, I just don’t mean the mixer. I mean a system that is sound in how you generate your messages, how you release those messages, how you manage those messages really contribute to how it is you amplify that message.”
Anthony goes on to elaborate on the need for nonprofits to craft a marketing strategy . . . . . . . . .