Nonprofit Annual Reports That Engage!
The dynamics of nonprofit annual reports, emphasizing the importance of donor-centric storytelling, personalization, and strategic use of these reports to engage and retain donors effectively with Diana Otero from Bloomerang.
Diana emphasizes the importance of understanding what donors want to hear. She highlights that donors want to know how their contributions have made a difference and that their support is essential for the organization’s success. This message should be at the core of any nonprofit annual report.
The conversation also digs into the idea of using annual reports strategically. Diana suggests that nonprofits should view annual reports as more than just a summary of activities; they should be used to tell compelling stories about the organization’s impact, engaging donors on a deeper level.
Personalization at scale is another trend discussed. Diana predicts that nonprofits will expand their tools that can tailor their communications to individual donors based on their interests and preferences. This personalization can lead to more meaningful donor relationships.
Ethics In Nonprofit Fundraising – Part Two
The critical aspects of ethics in nonprofit fundraising, in this two-part series, Lashonda Williams, a trainer at Fundraising Academy, highlights the fundamental role of transparency, honesty, and truthfulness in maintaining ethical standards in fundraising. Donors trust nonprofits with their resources, both financially and timely, and she amplifies on how it is crucial for fundraisers to uphold their responsibility by adhering to ethical guidelines in managing these resources.
The discussion continues about the ethical implications of personal social media usage by fundraising professionals, emphasizing that their online presence reflects on the organization, how Fundraisers should consider how their social media posts might affect the organization’s reputation and values.
The conversation also touches on the importance of donor communication and transparency in reporting the allocation of funds and keeping them informed about how their contributions are being used, including the percentage allocated to operational expenses versus program impact.
Regarding donor relationships, Lashonda emphasizes that relationships formed on behalf of the organization belong to the organization itself. When fundraisers transition to other roles or organizations, they must respect donor privacy and not solicit them on behalf of their new organization.
The discussion also addresses the role of watchdog groups and accountability in the nonprofit sector. Maintaining accurate reporting and adhering to state and local laws are essential for nonprofit organizations, as LaShonda highlights the significance of monitoring and addressing any discrepancies or concerns on charitable giving websites to maintain the organization’s reputation.
The sparkling conversation concludes with a re-focus from part one of this series on five essential questions that fundraisers should consider when evaluating the ethical implications . . . . . . . . .
Ethics In Nonprofit Fundraising – Part One-
Focusing on ethics in fundraising, LaShonda Williams, CFRE, provides practical insights and ways to build trust with donors and within the organization. The conversation focuses on a five-question fundraising ethics checklist:
Is it legal?
Is it ethical?
Would I want someone to act this way with me?
How would I explain my actions to someone else?
How will it make me feel about myself?
LaShonda emphasizes the significance of staying within legal boundaries and understanding state laws and regulations, as well as adhering to IRS policies and donor Bill of Rights when it comes to fundraising activities. She stresses the importance of maintaining transparency, truthfulness, and accountability in all interactions with donors and within the organization.
LaShonda also underscores the idea that ethics should not be limited to fundraising professionals but should be part of the entire organizational culture, with everyone within the organization being responsible for upholding ethical standards, ensuring respect, transparency, and honesty.
The checklist she details encourages individuals to consider how their actions reflect their personal reputation and the organization’s reputation. It highlights the need for proactive ethical decision-making rather than reacting to ethical dilemmas.
Ethical Storytelling Using Consent
Ethical storytelling in nonprofit marketing and the importance of informed consent and a client-centric approach to safeguard nonprofit clients’ privacy, dignity, and overall well-being during the storytelling process, with Diana Farias Heinrich, CEO of Habra Marketing.
Diana shares a personal experience where she unknowingly put a client at risk by sharing their story without fully considering the potential consequences. This experience drove her to establish a four-step process for informed consent conversations at nonprofits and charities:
Prep: Understand the intended end product and vet clients before approaching them for interviews.
Conducting the Interview: Build trust with clients, make them feel comfortable, and ensure they know they can say no at any point.
Stakeholder Test: Examine how the client and their community might react to the story when shared publicly.
Pass Back the Mic: After crafting the story, give clients the opportunity to review, make revisions, or reject it if they feel uncomfortable.
Diana also addresses the challenge of reusing old stories from the “vault” and suggests that organizations should establish an intentional storytelling rhythm while involving clients in the decision-making process.
This Best Practices discussion wraps up with a few words about revolutionizing storytelling by incorporating principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Diana advocates for changing the language used to describe people and being mindful of how words can impact individuals and communities.
Throughout the lively conversation, Diana underscores the necessity of a considerate, client-centered approach to storytelling in the nonprofit sector. She emphasizes the importance of informed consent and ethical practices to safeguard both clients and the reputation of organizations. She encourages nonprofits to embrace these best . . . . . . . . .
What Nonprofit’s Asked!
Nonprofit topics covered: Donor personality matching. CFRE designations. Starting a Young professionals board at nonprofits. Nonprofit leadership training.
Host Julia Patrick and birthday celebrant Jack Alotto, CFRE, reunite for another engaging episode of the nonprofit show, tackling pressing questions from the world of nonprofits, touching on donor relations, professional development, board engagement, and organizational culture.
One critical question revolves around donor relationships and social styles. A nonprofit professional from Los Angeles seeks advice on handling a donor where the “vibe” doesn’t seem quite right. Jack emphasizes the importance of recognizing different social styles and tailoring communication accordingly. He points the viewers to MyLearningPortal.org with webinars on social styles to enhance flexibility and create meaningful connections with donors.
The conversation then shifts to the value of the Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) accreditation. Jack passionately advocates for CFRE, highlighting its role in showcasing fundraising knowledge and ethical practices. He shares compelling statistics demonstrating how CFRE enhances professional opportunities, boosts confidence, and promotes recommendation among peers. Jack also provides details into the cost and time investment required to pursue CFRE, making it accessible to those interested in furthering their fundraising careers.
They move on to discuss the concept of setting up a junior or young professionals board within a nonprofit. While acknowledging the potential benefits, they caution against ageism and stress the need for clear goals and benefits for members.
Finally, Judy from Portland seeks advice on convincing leadership to invest in fundraising training for the entire team.
Watch and learn more!
How A.I. Amplifies Impact For Nonprofits!
How artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the nonprofit sector, supercharging its efforts to make a positive impact. Zach Brown, a tech expert describes the potential AI holds for nonprofit organizations, stating “As a tool that we can employ in various industries to streamline processes, AI has already made waves in big tech and for-profit sectors. However, there’s a wealth of untapped potential within the nonprofit realm. AI equips nonprofits with an invaluable edge, enabling them to enhance efficiency, achieve more with limited resources, and make well-informed, data-driven decisions.”
Zach emphasizes that AI isn’t exclusive to large corporations; it holds immense promise for nonprofits seeking to optimize their operations, overcome challenges like resource constraints, and meet growing demands.
Furthermore, he provides valuable guidance on how nonprofits can embark on their AI journey, saying “Beginning with modest AI implementations and gradually expanding is the prudent approach. Rather than attempting a full-scale AI overhaul from the outset, start small and learn as you go. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing are fundamental. By pooling our collective experiences in AI adoption, we can ensure responsible and ethical utilization of this technology.”
Zach and NonprofitsHQ’s insights underscore the importance of accessibility and responsible AI adoption within the nonprofit sector. They are paving the way for nonprofits to harness the potential of AI effectively, offering a brighter future where technology and compassion harmonize to drive meaningful change. The possibilities for amplifying nonprofit’s impact appear limitless.
How The Nonprofit Sector Fared In 2023!
Changes in the nonprofit sector in 2023. The CEO of Your Part-Time Controller, helps us learn by reflecting on the transformative changes taking place within nonprofit organizations, exploring the significance of technology, transparency, and internal controls as nonprofits navigate present and future challenges.
Jennifer outlines the pivotal role that technology, particularly generative AI, is playing in reshaping the nonprofit landscape. She discusses the profound impact of ChatGPT and other generative AI products, emphasizing their ability to enhance donor interactions, boost website engagement, and facilitate data analysis. Jennifer passionately encourages nonprofits to embrace these cutting-edge technologies to revolutionize their operations.
A central theme that emerges is the imperative for greater transparency within the nonprofit sector. Jennifer points out that many donors harbor reservations about trusting charities, which is why nonprofits should proactively provide comprehensive information regarding their financial management and programmatic activities. She passionately states, “Transparency is key. It’s all about building trust.”
Jennifer also digs into the pressing issue of staffing shortages within the nonprofit sector, particularly in the realm of financial management. She suggests that nonprofits can tackle this challenge by investing in technology and utilizing fractional team members to fill the gaps.
As the conversation unfolds, Jennifer shares a compelling story about the Brett Favre case in Mississippi, underscoring the critical importance of internal controls and proper segregation of duties in financial management. She emphasizes the need for vigilance, stating, “Internal controls are crucial to prevent such situations.”
When asked by host Jarrett Ransom of changes for their firm in 2024, Jennifer expresses her enthusiasm about the ongoing growth and innovation at Your Part-Time . . . . . . . . .
Leading Foundations. An Inside View!
A discussion about the inner workings of foundations. The executive director at the TW Lewis Foundation sheds light on the Foundation’s mission, values, and commitment to making a positive impact on the community. He begins by explaining how his path led him to the TW Lewis Foundation through his involvement in education advocacy and school choice initiatives.
Tom Lewis, the founder of the TW Lewis Foundation, created the organization in 2000 with a focus on providing scholarships to students going to college. Over time, the foundation has expanded its scope, supporting various nonprofit organizations locally and nationally. The primary mission of the foundation is to assist children and families in need, with a strong emphasis on Christian education, civic-minded causes, and strengthening America.
When asked about the grant cycle, Steve Smith explains that they work closely with their grantees to ensure alignment with their mission and values. The foundation seeks to help organizations become self-sustaining, not just provide one-time financial assistance.
Steve emphasizes the foundation’s nationwide reach, with a focus on both local and national causes. They partner with various organizations and carefully evaluate grant requests to make impactful decisions.
The foundation has maintained a very positive image, driven by its founder’s strong reputation and commitment to helping the community. They leverage social media and traditional media platforms to raise awareness about their initiatives and encourage others to get involved.
Looking ahead to 2024, Steve’s crystal ball reveals the growing importance of K12 education initiatives and alternative learning options. The foundation plans to focus on K12 education efforts, including Christian education, to address the evolving needs of . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit’s Questions!
Questions sent in by viewers: Nonprofit Mission Moments at meetings. Nonprofit recruiting from other nonprofits. Moving from programming to fundraising. A $250,000 charity fundraising guffaw!
One of the key questions discussed in this episode is the importance of starting a board meeting with a “mission moment.” Guest co-host Muhi Khwaja explains that a mission moment is a way to share when a board member or staff member witnessed the organization’s mission in action, like volunteering at a food bank or participating in a community project. He suggests that mission moments can be valuable for both board and staff meetings as they boost morale and help people connect with the organization’s mission.
Another question is about recruiting talent from other nonprofits. Muhi advises that offering competitive compensation and benefits is important when trying to persuade someone to join your organization. He emphasizes keeping the door open for potential candidates who might be a good fit and highlights the value of networking and referrals.
The final question discusses whether someone from the programming side of a nonprofit can successfully transition into a fundraising role. Muhi believes that having a deep understanding of the organization’s programs can make a fundraiser successful. He emphasizes that success in fundraising is more about personality and relationship-building skills rather than just experience. He also suggests introducing programmatic staff to donors during various stages of the donor relationship to deepen the connection.
The episode concludes with a humorous anecdote about a fundraising event involving a mistaken 0,000 donation made through a mobile app. Muhi discusses the importance of event management and technology oversight to avoid . . . . . . . . .
Giving Circles and Group Philanthropy
Demystifying the concept of giving circles to bring proactive giving into focus by empowering members to collectively decide where to allocate funds, with two remarkable guests: Kim Tarnopolski and Laurie Richter, who share insights about giving circles and group philanthropy. Kim Tarnopolski, the Chief Community Builder of 100 Plus Women Who Care Valley of the Sun, shares her inspirational journey from a 20-year career as an HR executive to becoming deeply involved in philanthropy. She emphasizes the inclusivity of giving circles, saying, “Anybody can be a philanthropist. You don’t have to give $1,000,000 to be a philanthropist.” Laurie Richter, Co-founder of 100 Who Care Alliance, hailing from Chicago, reflects on her transition into philanthropy after retirement and her role in founding a giving circle in North Suburban Chicago, now in its 11th year. She adds, “It’s just a way of collecting resources and pooling resources to have a bigger impact.”
The conversation centers on demystifying the concept of giving circles. Kim shares that giving circles bring proactive giving into focus by empowering members to collectively decide where to allocate funds. Laurie describes giving circles as “getting a group of people together so that they can pull their resources to have a bigger impact than they could have on their own.” Both highlight the transformative effect of turning reactive giving into a more intentional and impactful process.
Kim and Laurie share the remarkable results achieved by their giving circles. Kim’s group in Phoenix, with three sister groups, donated close to $1.2 million to local charities over nine years. Laurie’s suburban Chicago circle raises around $17,000 to $18,000 . . . . . . . . .
Being Leadership or Doing Leadership at Nonprofits?
Leadership issues in the nonprofit sector. A sparkling discussion portraying the need for leaders to inspire their teams on a deeper and more humane level, with leadership coach, Derek Mulhern. Derek’s insights highlight authentic leadership, transparent communication, and personal growth in the nonprofit sector, with a focus on the evolving dynamics and challenges faced by nonprofit organizations and their leaders.
Derek begins with, “I just see a huge need within the nonprofit space for us to really develop leaders that have the capacity to show up in a way that inspires other people on a deeper level on a more humane level because we’re doing all this humane work right, we’re all trying to create bigger change.”
He also addresses the misconception of creating a “family culture” within nonprofits and how it often leads to caretaking rather than empowering employees. Derek advocates for transparency, communication, and allowing employees to make their own choices and learn from their mistakes.
Another important point he discusses is the evolving expectations of leaders in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the need for leaders to be empathetic and coach-like. He relates this to the impact of personal life experiences on leadership style and how individuals’ unique backgrounds shape their leadership approaches.
This discussion is sure to spark your thinking on your own leadership style. Learn more at DerekMulhern.com
Low-cost Holiday High Jinks For Staff’s!
Creative ways to enhance employee retention and satisfaction at nonprofits during the holiday season with Dana Scurlock, Director of Recruitment at Staffing Boutique. Some low-cost holiday ideas that can bring joy and camaraderie to the workplace. The ultimate goal is to create a supportive and engaging work environment that encourages employees to stay committed to their nonprofit organizations, particularly during the holiday season and beyond.
Dana begins by emphasizing the significance of employee retention, considering the substantial costs and resource investments involved in hiring and training new staff. She suggests that organizations take steps to make their office environments more appealing, starting with some of these simple but effective ideas.
One suggestion is to offer employees extra break time for shopping and holiday preparations. This not only eases their stress but also allows coworkers to bond while planning their holiday activities.
Another idea is to introduce an internal lottery or game, where employees have the chance to win cash prizes during the holiday season. This adds an element of excitement and festivity to the workplace, boosting morale.
Dana also encourages organizations to consider the power of live music during the holiday season. Whether it’s hosting a choir or hiring musicians to perform festive tunes, live music can transform the atmosphere and create a joyful ambiance in the office.
To foster teamwork and participation, Dana proposes organizing a fun cookie exchange and decorating party. Employees can come together to decorate cookies, fostering a sense of togetherness and adding a festive touch to the workplace.
Recognizing and emphasizing the value of personal touch, Dana suggests personalized gift cards with heartfelt . . . . . . . . .