Investing In Donor Retention And Gratitude!
Viewing donor gratitude as an investment in nonprofit’s is the topic in this chat with the principal of Donor Relations Group. Lynne Wester joined us to share her insights on nonprofit donor retention and how gratitude plays a significant role in it.
Lynne starts the conversation by highlighting the power of gratitude and its various forms of expression, emphasizing that donors need to be thanked consistently and genuinely. She shares a personal anecdote about her upbringing and how her mother instilled gratitude in her from a young age, connecting it to her career in donor relations.
The hosts and Lynne review the misconception that gratitude is a seasonal gesture, particularly around the holidays, and how it should be a continuous practice embedded in an organization’s culture. Lynne stresses that “gratitude is a lifestyle choice”, which, when embraced, not only makes individuals happier but also encourages donors to remain loyal to an organization.
They touch base onto the question of whether gratitude is generational, with Lynne noting that it’s more about industry practices than generational differences. She emphasizes the need for nonprofits to prioritize gratitude and pointed out that treating donors with appreciation should precede building a culture of philanthropy.
Lynne goes on to say that gratitude should not be confined to specific seasons, calling for a shift in mindset, where nonprofits focus on fostering an “attitude of gratitude” before striving for a full-fledged culture of philanthropy, then pointing out that gratitude is one of the foundational elements of retaining donors, she shared the concept of “seven thank-you’s before an ask”, underscoring that donor retention is more . . . . . . . . .
The Value Of Virtual Assistants At Nonprofits!
Rene Lovecraft, a professional Virtual Assistant operations strategist, discusses the value of virtual assistants for executives at nonprofits. She highlights the flexibility of working remotely and the various communication channels she uses, such as Zoom, email, and text messages, to provide personal and efficient support, and emphasizes the importance of creative problem-solving in her role, leveraging her diverse knowledge across different organizations to find solutions to clients’ challenges.
She explains the cost-effectiveness of working with virtual assistants, offering various pricing models, including hourly rates, retainers, and subscription-based pricing. Rene also emphasizes the flexibility in scaling up or down based on clients’ needs and budget.
The interview digs into the role of virtual assistants in research and data analytics, showcasing how they can assist in gathering and analyzing data, translating it into actionable insights, and creating reports or presentations for decision-makers. This data-driven approach can help nonprofits make informed strategic decisions.
Rene also discusses event coordination support, which can be a significant challenge for nonprofits, especially in the post-pandemic era. She highlights her role in marketing, volunteer management, and ensuring a seamless end-user experience during events. Her experience in handling various event-related tasks, even stepping in when volunteers are unavailable, contributes to the success of nonprofit events.
The conversation emphasizes the value of an outside perspective and fresh ideas brought by virtual assistants. Rene’s expertise and adaptability in handling a wide range of tasks and challenges make her a valuable asset for nonprofit executives looking to streamline operations, leverage data effectively, and execute successful events, explaining, “I can take all these years of experience from so . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit’s Questions (Pushing donors | Salaries | Ethics)
Nonprofit topic’s: Stealing other Nonprofit’s ideas | Pushing donors to give | Ratting out my nonprofit. Jack Alotto, CFRE, a trainer from the Fundraising Academy, helps answer this week’s questions and offers scenarios related to nonprofit fundraising and management.
One of the key questions discussed is about a donor‘s request for information about the organization’s history and potential changes to its management. Jack elaborates on the importance of handling such questions carefully and suggests asking clarifying questions to understand the donor’s concerns better and adds how this coincides with the principles of Cause Selling.
Another question revolves around asking for a raise within a nonprofit organization. Jack advises the listener not to hesitate to discuss their financial concerns with their supervisor and suggests focusing on improving one’s work to make a stronger case for a raise.
The topic of attending another nonprofit’s gala event is also addressed. Jack highlights the importance of learning from other organizations and building collaborative relationships rather than viewing them as competitors. He emphasizes the ethical boundaries regarding donor information.
Lastly, the episode touches on increasing monthly donor contributions. Jack speaks strongly about the value of monthly donors and warns against arbitrarily increasing their donation amounts without proper justification, stating: “I wouldn’t risk any of those things for a CEO or a development officer who says to me, ‘Go out there and raise an additional average of $50 from your monthly donors. Don’t do it.'”
Watch and enjoy learning from the real experiences of other nonprofits.
Question topic’s: Stealing other Nonprofit’s ideas | Pushing donors to give | Ratting out my . . . . . . . . .
Tech-Curious Leadership At Nonprofits!
Jana London, the senior global program manager at AWS Global Healthcare and Nonprofit, shares the latest on the world of technology in nonprofits. The fast-paced conversation revolves around “Are you leading with innovation?” and the concept of tech-curious leadership.
The discussion kicks off by addressing the fear associated with tech disruption, attributing it to the fear of the unknown and resistance to change. Jana offers a key insight, stating, “I think it’s a fear of the unknown and the fear of change, right?”
One key point that emerges is the shift towards technology becoming an integral part of organizational strategy, which can be intimidating to some. Jana dives deep into the idea of a tech-curious mindset and culture, stressing the significance of being open to exploring and integrating technology into leadership. She encourages leaders to ask questions like, “How can we do this differently?”
The discussion offers valuable insights on how to approach problems with a tech-curious mindset and how organizations can foster this culture within their teams. Jana explores the readiness of organizations to adopt technology, highlighting indicators such as a culture of innovation, technology’s integration into the core strategy, and a willingness to start with the basics.
As the conversation unfolds, Jana introduces the Imagine Nonprofit Conference, an event dedicated to inspiring nonprofits to leverage cloud technology. The conference, set to take place on March 20th at Amazon HQ2 in Arlington, VA, provides a platform for nonprofits to learn from peers and leaders in the field.
This fun episode emphasizes that technology is for everyone, regardless of age or role, and encourages organizations to embrace change . . . . . . . . .
Hiring Temp Labor For Nonprofits!
Hiring temporary labor within nonprofit organizations is discussed with the CEO of StaffingBoutique.org. Temporary staffing can be a strategic choice, especially in uncertain times, but charitable and NPO’s must consider their unique circumstances when deciding between short-term and long-term staffing solutions.
Katie’s years of expertise in staffing for nonprofits provides valuable insights. She begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding when to hire temporary labor and what types of positions are suitable for temporary roles. Predictable situations like maternity or family leave, where a temporary replacement can be planned for, are ideal for hiring temps. However, she also points out that unexpected departures, especially for critical roles like database administrators, often lead organizations to rely on temp staffing to prevent workflow disruptions.
When it comes to assessing the costs associated with temporary labor, Katie advises organizations to consider factors such as the number of hours required, and the specific skill set needed for the position. Temporary roles can range from part-time administrative work to highly specialized tasks like grant writing. Katie’s agency takes care of all administrative aspects of temp employees, making the process seamless for clients.
The discussion also touched upon the management of temporary staff, where hiring managers play a crucial role in overseeing their performance and addressing any issues promptly. Looking at the long-term versus short-term benefits of temporary labor, Katie shares that in uncertain economic times, hiring temps can be a strategic choice. It allows organizations to get the work done without the commitment of offering benefits and long-term employment. However, she also points out that retaining talented temporary staff can be . . . . . . . . .
Strategic Planning Pitfalls!
A focus on nonprofit’s strategic planning pitfalls and the need to approach planning differently, with Emily Taylor, the principal of teenyBIG.com. Emily’s expertise lies in strategic listening to help nonprofits and charities make informed decisions and progress on their growth trajectory by providing a fresh perspective on planning, community listening, adaptability, and thoughtful decision-making.
Emily emphasizes the importance of listening to the community to gain clarity and make informed decisions, saying, “I hope organizations get clarity, and a lot of that is through listening to their community.”, underscoring the significance of community feedback in shaping an organization’s strategy.
She also highlights a crucial distinction, stating, “What we should do versus what we feel like we should do.” This differentiation between perceived obligations and genuine organizational needs is a key consideration when navigating the complexities of strategic planning.
Throughout the conversation, Emily addresses the challenges faced by nonprofits, the need for a reset in organizations, and the importance of aligning staff and boards to avoid “decision-making quicksand”. She emphasizes the value of taking a step back before diving into a strategic plan, especially in times of change and turmoil.
Emily encourages organizations to consider alternative approaches to traditional strategic planning, such as customized solutions that may not involve a lengthy strategic plan document. She also discusses the importance of aligning with funders’ expectations while finding the right approach for the organization’s unique needs.
End Of The Year With A 374 Percent Funding Increase!
A study of the success of a fundraising campaign at a nonprofit which garnered a remarkable 374% increase in fundraising compared to the previous year.
Jarrett Ransom begins by highlighting the importance of the end-of-year fundraising season where statistics show around 30% of fundraising dollars come in during these three months, with a significant portion coming in December.
The organization that conducted this campaign faced a major funding cut of over $400,000 in September, putting immense pressure on them.
The conversation digs into the challenges faced due to the funding cut, including the fear and stress it caused within the organization. Jarrett set a goal to raise $200,000 in 90 days by stressing the importance of consistency in messaging and branding across multiple platforms, using the multi-channel approach, including email communication, social media, and mail solicitations. They also segmented their donor list based on past giving behaviors, like “LYBUNT” (Last Year But Unfortunately Not This Year donors), “SYBUNT” (Some Year But Unfortunately Not This Year donors), and zero-dollar donors. Giving Tuesday was also strategically incorporated to engage donors and cultivate relationships.
This fast-paced case study style discussion also peeks into the personal touch aspect, such as gratitude videos, personal emails, and holiday cards with handwritten notes. Jarrett emphasizes the importance of thanking donors and reporting on how their contributions made a difference, plus how nonprofits can still appeal to donors by emphasizing tax deductions and credits.
Finally, they discuss the consistency of graphics and branding, with Jarrett planning to use the same imagery and color schemes for next year’s campaign.
Watch the entire episode and you will . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit’s Questions!
Certified Fundraising Executive designation value, managing donor meetings, age limits on nonprofit board members and missing fundraising goals are topics in this episode. Jarrett Ransom is joined by Muhi Khwaja, MPA, CFRM, and trainer at Fundraising Academy. They offer thoughtful, practical, and empathetic advice to nonprofit professionals facing challenging situations.
They jump right in to the first question from a viewer in Nevada, who asks about the value of earning a CFRE designation. Muhi shares his personal experience and emphasizes the importance of the certification for fundraisers, highlighting its credibility and professional benefits.
Next, they discuss the challenge of managing donor meetings when donors are not located in the same community. Muhi draws from his experience at the American Red Cross and offers strategies for effectively planning donor meetings during travel, both in-person and virtually. Jarrett adds insights about maximizing the opportunities during travel to build relationships.
The discussion then moves to a more complex topic brought up by a viewer, regarding adding an age limit for board members. Muhi and Jarrett both share their thoughts on the matter, expressing reservations about implementing such limits and suggesting alternative approaches to board composition and effectiveness.
Lastly, they tackle a sensitive question from an anonymous individual who suspects they might be terminated due to their nonprofit not meeting fundraising goals. Muhi advises focusing on personal growth and ethics and suggests considering other opportunities if necessary. Jarrett recommends keeping a success journal to document achievements and maintaining a positive perspective.
Throughout the lively back and forth, their enthusiasm for helping the nonprofit sector shines through, making this episode . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit’s Embracing Tech To Get Work Done!
Insights into how nonprofits can harness technology and automation to work more efficiently. From Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC.com), Christine Chacko describes a mindset shift towards automation and practical tips for implementation that will give you actionable strategies to improve your nonprofit’s operations and save time. As Christine aptly puts it, “The more detail they have, the less easy it is for them to engage. Make it as easy as possible for them to engage with what you need them to.”
Christine begins by emphasizing the importance of adopting a mindset that prioritizes automation and efficiency in daily operating tasks at the nonprofit. She explains how even small automation steps can significantly save time, allowing charities and NPO’s to focus more on people-centered work.
One key takeaway from the discussion is the idea that automation doesn’t necessarily require massive investments in new systems. Christine lists simple but effective tools like QuickBooks’ spreadsheet sync feature and Bill.com for payments, illustrating how these can streamline financial processes and save hours of manual work.
The conversation also addresses the importance of integrating technology for better communication within nonprofit teams, discussing project management software like Asana, Trello, and Microsoft Planner, which can help teams stay organized and collaborate efficiently, especially in a distributed workforce.
The co-hosts and Christine speak to the challenges of introducing technology to teams that may not be tech-savvy. Christine amplifies on the importance of starting small, providing training, and creating a low-pressure environment for adoption. Having a designated champion within the organization can also be instrumental in driving tech adoption.
Another important topic is the focus on board meetings . . . . . . . . .
Parental Leave Coverage at Nonprofits!
The importance of parental leave coverage for nonprofit staff and talent, with a focus on how this can impact employee burnout and turnover, with the founder of BalancedGood.com. She highlights the importance of creating policies that serve both employees and the charity and nonprofit organizations, fostering a healthier and more inclusive work environment for everyone.
Lacey Kempinski highlights the challenges faced by working parents in the nonprofit sector and the need for better support during the critical phase of parental leave and begins with a telling statement, “When we talk about working parents and working moms specifically, we can’t ignore the fact that there are millions of women in the nonprofit sector who are working moms. Unsupported parental leave is a factor in the turnover problem.”
The conversation also digs into the broader issue of how organizations can support working parents and create a more inclusive and flexible work environment. Lacey emphasizes the importance of autonomy, reduced working hours, and comprehensive benefits for all the nonprofit’s employees, not just parents.
The cohosts raise thought-provoking questions about how organizations can navigate the challenges of implementing parental leave policies and how to ensure that these policies benefit all team members, regardless of their parental status.
Funding Mental Health!
A thought-provoking discussion focusing on the mission of the Hope Mental Health Foundation, which aims to bridge the gap in therapy costs, address mental health issues in society, and provide mental health support to those who cannot afford it.
The conversation begins with a chat about the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and the challenges faced by individuals seeking therapy. Jennifer Hilderbrand, CEO, shares her personal journey of overcoming trauma through therapy, highlighting how it saved her life and inspired her to become a part of the foundation, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and open conversations about mental health.
The foundation’s unique origin story is discussed, emphasizing that it was founded by therapists who recognized the gap in affordable mental health services. Jennifer joined the board and worked on fundraising efforts to help the foundation fulfill its mission.
Show host Julia Patrick, and Jennifer, touch on the emotional connection donors have with the cause, as many are motivated by personal experiences or witnessing the struggles of loved ones, and they discuss the financial barriers to therapy and the foundation’s role in sponsoring therapy sessions for those in need.
Jennifer expresses her dream for the future, hoping that every person who seeks help will receive it. She describes the foundation’s five-year goals, which include establishing stability, expanding sponsorships, and helping individuals heal and thrive.
Nonprofit’s Are Asking!
Answers to nonprofit’s questions about; Fundraiser’s confidence, bonuses for fundraising staff, nonprofit branding and marketing, nonprofit career decisions. Jarrett Ransom and LaShonda Williams discuss the questions received related to fundraising and nonprofit work.
The first question came from an anonymous listener in Boston who was dealing with self-doubt after a colleague suggested they could have secured a higher donation from a specific donor. LaShonda’s response was compassionate and wise. She emphasized the importance of collaboration and not taking it personally, turning it into an opportunity for growth and learning.
Jarrett adds her perspective, suggesting open communication with the colleague whose comment hurt the listener’s feelings, pointing out the value of discussing and resolving such situations to maintain a healthy work environment.
Next, a question from Ben in New York addressed the topic of rewarding the development team with bonuses in the nonprofit sector. LaShonda provides a special response, highlighting alternatives to financial bonuses, such as additional remote days, priority in choosing vacation days, or leveraging partnerships for complimentary tickets to events, and the possibility of merit pay tied to performance evaluations.
The third question came from a board member dealing with a proposed logo change, which they considered a waste of money. LaShonda advised focusing the conversation on the organization’s mission, goals, and priorities. She makes a recommendation to engage constituents through focus groups to gather feedback on the logo change before making a decision. Jarrett echos the potential costs and complexities involved in rebranding and suggested forming a task force to thoroughly evaluate the situation.
The final question was from Samuel in Denver, Co, who inquired about the . . . . . . . . .