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 Jennifer continues, commenting on the critical role of boards in governance, highlighting common challenges such as outdated structures and lack of succession planning.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.
Managing Your Nonprofit’s Superstars!
The topic of nurturing and advancing Superstar talent within nonprofit organizations, featuring Miriam Dicks from 180 Management Group. Miriam describes the challenges and strategies surrounding nonprofit’s talent management, particularly in mission-driven spaces like nonprofits. With a decade of experience, Miriam starts with the importance of recognizing and stewarding hidden gems within organizations, ensuring that talent is retained and supported effectively. She points to the necessity of intentional leadership development, which, unfortunately, tends to be lacking in many nonprofit settings. The conversation highlights the significance of identifying superstars through clear job expectations and performance evaluations, fostering a culture of growth, and championing employees’ professional development. As Miriam aptly says, “When you can identify those characteristics, those qualities that you would see in a person who is successful in your organization, then you can really identify the superstars because those people, the superstars, are going to excel beyond others in those areas, right?” Miriam advocates for regular check-ins to prevent burnout and stresses the need for leaders to model the behavior they wish to see in their teams. Additionally, she discusses the importance of creating upward mobility opportunities and not being afraid to let superstars move on if it aligns with their career growth. Her insights on this fast-paced learning segment offer actionable steps for organizations to create environments where talent thrives!
The Power Of Nonprofit Storytelling Through Books
Exploring a whole new dimension of nonprofit storytelling. The potential of nonprofit organizations writing books. We uncover the transformative power of storytelling through the lens of publishing, with host Julia Patrick and guest, Ben Gioia, author of “Influence With A Heart,”.
Ben’s journey, from facing mortality in India to a galvanized commitment to serve, forms the backdrop of his message. As he shares, “Influence With A Heart is the ongoing invitation to offer someone to say yes to you,” encompassing communication, leadership, and impact.
In this fast-paced learning episode, they highlight the unique challenges and opportunities nonprofits face, especially in a global context where structures vary widely. As Ben puts it, “The nonprofit sector is a remarkable thing, drawing from cultures worldwide, each with its legislative nuances.”
The conversation expands to the nuts and bolts of book creation. Ben shares a process, emphasizing collaboration with a coach and publisher. From concept to publication, he outlines a strategic timeline, pointing to the importance of leveraging the book before and after its release.
Touching on the role of AI in storytelling and it’s potential as a tool for research and organization, Ben warns against using it as a writing substitute, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of authentic human voice in storytelling.
On the economics of book creation, Ben provides his insights into costs and timeframes. He demystifies the process, describing a streamlined approach that can yield a manuscript in as little as 5 to 13 weeks, depending on collaboration and dedication.
The conversation concludes with reflections on the journey of nonprofit storytelling through books, with Julia sharing anecdotes of nonprofits commemorating milestones . . . . . . . . .
Headhunting In Today’s Nonprofit Sector
Insights into the complexities of labor and executive recruitment (aka headhunting or poaching) within the nonprofit sector. Led by Katie Warnock, CEO and founder of Staffing Boutique. Host Julia Patrick sets the stage by reflecting on the tumultuous changes the nonprofit workforce is witnessing, describing it as “incredibly diverse” and almost “schizophrenic.” Katie echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the drastic transformation from the past to the present, wondering if the nonprofit labor force will ever return to its previous state.
Katie highlights a significant shift in work ethic, noting that prioritizing mental health, family, and home has become a cross-generational trend, challenging traditional notions of commitment and consistency in the corporate world. As she puts it, “People do not care, and it doesn’t matter what age you’re at.” This observation leads to a discussion about the challenges faced by both employers and staffing firms like Staffing Boutique in navigating this landscape.
The conversation transitions to the topic of headhunting, a crucial aspect of executive recruitment, particularly in the nonprofit sector. Katie provides a look into the process, emphasizing the importance of industry-specific expertise and confidentiality, especially when replacing key leadership positions. She sheds light on the fee structure of headhunting services, outlining the typical payment model based on a percentage of the hired candidate’s first-year salary.
Julia raises questions about the relevance of regional and sector-specific experience in executive recruitment, to which Katie offers nuanced perspectives. She emphasizes the significance of balancing familiarity with fresh perspectives and the challenges posed by board involvement in the recruitment process.
The discussion concludes with reflections on the current job market . . . . . . . . .
10 Epic Fundraising Failures (Part Two)
Discover key insights from “10 Epic Fundraising Fails – Part 2”. Unpacking the most common mistakes in nonprofit fundraising. Practical advice on how to avoid common pitfalls in fundraising, ensuring your nonprofit can engage donors effectively and secure essential funding. Host Julia Patrick and fundraising expert Jack Alotto discuss donor presentations, the importance of making the ask, mastering donor stewardship, maintaining ethical standards, and developing a personal fundraising philosophy.
Failure to Tailor Presentations to Donors: Jack emphasizes the importance of customizing fundraising pitches to align with the interests and motivations of potential donors. He shares a personal anecdote where he mistakenly offered to name a building after a major donor who preferred anonymity, highlighting the need for understanding donor preferences to effectively engage and secure support.
Failure to Ask: A significant challenge in fundraising is the reluctance or fear of asking for donations. Jack stresses that donors are not mind readers; fundraisers must make explicit asks. He argued that asking for a donation should be viewed not just as a transaction but as an invitation to the donor to join in the organization’s mission.
Failure in Stewardship: After securing a donation, the relationship management (stewardship) that follows is crucial. Jack criticizes the common error of neglecting this phase, which should involve thanking donors and showing the impact of their contributions. Effective stewardship reinforces the donor’s decision to support the cause and sets the stage for future contributions.
Failure to Understand the Importance of Ethical Fundraising: Ethics in fundraising was highlighted as critical. Jack points out how fundraisers often handle sensitive information about donors. Maintaining a high ethical . . . . . . . . .
10 Epic Fundraising Failures (part one)
Are you ready to dig into the world of nonprofit fundraising failure? We uncover the top ten fundraising failures and how to sidestep them. We’re joined by the brilliant Jack Alotto CFRE, a seasoned expert from the Fundraising Academy at National University. In this part one of a two-part series, we explore embracing strategic planning, crafting compelling narratives, understanding donor motivations, and prioritizing stewardship.
Jack begins with comments on the importance of strategic planning, stating, “Failure to have a strategic development and marketing plan is a recipe for disaster.” He underscores the significance of a strategic plan as the foundation for future fundraising endeavors, followed by a development plan to outline funding strategies and a marketing plan to communicate with stakeholders effectively.
Continuing, Jack stresses the critical role of a compelling case for support, describing it as the “rationale for philanthropic support.” He highlights the versatility of a well-crafted case for support, which can be repurposed across various fundraising initiatives, from annual campaigns to grant proposals, amplifying its impact on donor engagement.
When it comes to prospect research, Jack advocates for a multi-pronged approach, leveraging existing networks, volunteers, and strategic questioning techniques. He points to the value of building relationships with donors, citing volunteers as potential major donors and emphasizing the need for open-ended questioning to uncover donor motivations.
Jack’s shares specific insights on donor motivations, emphasizing the diversity of factors driving philanthropic giving, from shared values to emotional connections and societal impact. He emphasizes the importance of understanding donor motivations to tailor fundraising approaches effectively, dispelling the notion that donor size equates . . . . . . . . .
Empowering Underrepresented Communities through Advanced Education
Five years ago, Derrick Young, Jr. embarked on a mission to address the lack of diversity in advanced education, particularly in fields like law, medicine, and STEM. Despite facing challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and shifts in corporate support, the nonprofit he founded, Leadership Brainery, has emerged as a beacon of hope for underrepresented communities seeking access to higher education. Co-hosts Julia Patrick and Mitch Stein welcome back Derrick for an insightful discussion on the organization’s journey and impact.
Young’s personal experiences as one of the few men of color in his graduate programs fueled his passion to create change. He emphasizes, “Leadership Brainery increases access to masters and doctoral degrees so that underrepresented communities can establish wealth for themselves and prosperity for their families, but then reinvest back in their communities.” This mission is underscored by the organization’s commitment to fostering diversity at leadership levels, ensuring marginalized voices are heard in decision-making processes.
The conversation dives into the challenges faced by nonprofit leaders like Young, including the need to educate funders about the importance of advanced education and navigating the complexities of HR and finance as a small but growing team. Despite these obstacles, LeadershipBrainery.org has achieved significant milestones. Through strategic alliances with other nonprofits, they’ve expanded their reach to over 50,000 students, guiding them towards educational opportunities beyond college.
The organization’s adoption of project management tools like Asana has revolutionized their operations, streamlined workflows and enhanced productivity. With a budget of $1.2 million and the support of over 850 individual donors, Leadership Brainery is making tangible strides in creating pathways to success . . . . . . . . .
What Nonprofit’s Asked ( On Donor Engagement)
From including both spouses on nonprofit’s campus tours to the effectiveness of donor swag and the choice between upscale venues and authentic experiences for wealthy donors, LaShonda Williams and Julia Patrick share actionable insights on questions from viewers.
When a viewer asks about including both spouses on a campus tour for potential major donors, LaShonda points to the importance of involving both individuals in the relationship-building process. She stresses the need for alignment and engagement from both parties.
Julia prompts a discussion about the role of women in philanthropy, leading LaShonda to explore shifting dynamics in decision-making within families.
The fun discussion then turns to the value of offering swag to donors and potential donors. LaShonda pushes for meaningful and practical items that align with an organization’s brand and cater to donors’ daily lives, emphasizing strategic selection to maximize impact and steward resources effectively.
Next, LaShonda addresses the choice between hosting a donor cultivation event at a shelter versus a more upscale venue. Both Julia and LaShonda amplify the power of firsthand experiences in fostering connections with donors, advocating for authenticity over extravagance.
The episode concludes with insights into sharing enthusiasm and knowledge gained from conferences with colleagues, explaining the importance of maintaining enthusiasm and involving team members in conference planning to foster buy-in and collaboration.
Avoiding Nonprofit Scope Creep (Staying on Mission)
In the fast-changing world of nonprofits, staying true to mission while resisting the allure of scope creep can be a challenging dance. Miriam Dicks, founder and CEO of 180 Management Group, recently shed light on this topic during a riveting chat with hosts Mitch Stein and Sherry Quam Taylor.
Miriam begins by defining scope creep, drawing parallels to its militaristic synonym, mission creep. She shares the webster definition, “Mission creep is a gradual shift in objectives during the course of a military campaign, often resulting in unplanned long-term commitments.” She then links this definition to the nonprofit landscape, highlighting the challenges of altering objectives mid-campaign, akin to navigating the ever-changing battlefield of nonprofit work.
The interesting interview digs into the root causes of scope creep, with Miriam pinpointing changes in leadership, shifts in board perspectives, and the allure of diversifying revenue streams as common culprits. She points out the need for strategic planning and operationalization, stating, “Having an up-to-date strategic plan that has been operationalized is crucial. It provides teeth to your organization’s direction, ensuring everyone moves towards a common goal.”
Miriam’s insights on wrap-around services further illuminated the discussion. She shares a compelling example, illustrating how organizations must tread cautiously when expanding their services beyond their core expertise. “If you’re magnifying the voice that’s already there, that’s the same voice. But if you change your voice, the impact means people may not be able to hear you because that voice is unfamiliar coming from you,” she wisely notes.
Throughout, Miriam speaks to the importance of maintaining objectivity amidst the passion that drives nonprofit work. “Passion . . . . . . . . .