Athletes Influence In Philanthropy (The power of sports and nonprofits!)
The transformative intersection of professional sports and philanthropy with Joanne Pasternack, President at Oliver Rose. This high-speed interview starts with Joanne’s personal journey highlighting the power of sports. Her work with athletes and nonprofits challenges the one-size-fits-all view of athlete involvement in philanthropy, advocating for strategic, authentic engagements between athletes and causes. Her efforts with Athletes Voices and emphasis on athlete activism showcases the evolving landscape of sports figures as influencers for nonprofit missions and social change. Watch, as Joanne outlines collaborative partnerships between athletes, nonprofits, and corporate sponsors, stressing the value of alignment and mutual appreciation. Through authenticity, strategic matchmaking, and collaboration, her insights reveal the vast potential of athlete influence on meaningful philanthropic endeavors and social impact.
Navigating Nonprofit Financial Anxiety
The origins of financial fear for nonprofits, how to ask for crucial information tied to impact, and the importance of aligning financial data with the nonprofit’s organizational missions. Featuring guest Jacqueline Tiso, the CEO of JMT Consulting. With an emphasis on innovation and strategic anticipation, this conversation provides actionable insights for nonprofit leaders seeking to navigate financial challenges.
Nonprofit organizations often grapple with financial anxiety. Jackie is recognized for her expertise in nonprofit financial management. She’ll highlight the need to address the roots of financial fear and adopt a proactive approach to financial decision-making. She emphasizes the importance of aligning financial strategies with organizational objectives on impact, urging leaders to embrace innovation.
Jackie amplifies on the critical role of the finance department as a service provider within the organization, noting, “The Finance Office is a service department for the rest of an organization. The customers of that finance department are the program managers, the grant managers, the CEO, board members, funders, everyone… The information has to be understandable for who you’re delivering it to.”
Moreover, Jackie describes the necessity of leveraging technology to streamline financial processes and enhance decision-making. She says, “Our poor organizations, they’re in a rowboat when it comes to technology. When you want to be forward-focused, you can’t do this stuff in Excel… You just can’t make it happen in Excel unless you had one or two people, and that’s all they did all day long.”
By incorporating Jackie’s insights into your operations, it will help cultivate a culture of transparency, efficiency, and strategic planning, ensuring sustainable growth and impactful outcomes for . . . . . . . . .
Hiring Nonprofit Staff On A Tight Budget
The intricacies of nonprofit staffing operating on tight budgets with guest Patrick Gnehm, the CEO and founder of Talent Sync. Patrick speaks to the challenges nonprofits face in hiring staff. With a focus on strategic growth, Patrick outlined the unique approach his firm takes to assist nonprofits in building their talent pipelines effectively.
Patrick begins with pointing to aligning organizational needs with strategic outreach efforts, stating, “When you’re looking at building a nonprofit pipeline, we need to think about defining our needs and strategically reaching out to potential candidates.” He highlights the significance of engaging existing volunteers and promoting from within to foster a culture of growth and development within organizations.
Patrick describes the often-overlooked aspect of succession planning within nonprofits, urging organizations to invest in their employees’ professional development to mitigate the costly repercussions of high turnover rates. He says, “It’s more affordable to invest resources in existing employees to help them grow and mature within the organization rather than constantly replacing departing staff members.”
The fast-paced conversation peeks into the evolving landscape of remote work and its implications for nonprofit staffing with Patrick discussing the merits of both in-person and remote work setups, acknowledging the diverse needs and preferences of nonprofit organizations.
Nonprofit’s Asked! (Exploring Ramadan and Philanthropy)
With Ramadan, we construct the link between this sacred month and philanthropy, shedding light on its significance and impact on nonprofits, with insights into how Muslims observe Ramadan and engage in charitable giving (Zakat), offering a unique perspective on this spiritual practice. Host Julia Patrick welcomes Muhi Khwaja, a trainer from Fundraising Academy and co-founder of the American Muslim Community Foundation.
In a thought-provoking dialogue, Julia and Muhi engage in a deep look into the connection between faith and philanthropy, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. Muhi explains, “Ramadan is a time of fasting, spiritual reflection, increasing worship, and good deeds.” He emphasizes the diversity of experiences within Ramadan, shaped by cultural influences and family practices.
Addressing the intricacies of charitable giving during Ramadan, Muhi elaborates on the Islamic concept of zakat, highlighting its significance in the faith. He explains, “Muslims like to increase their charitable giving in Ramadan because of the additional blessings involved.” This principle of giving back is deeply ingrained in Islamic teachings, with zakat being one of the five pillars of Islam.
Julia probes further, seeking clarity on the administration and distribution of zakat. Muhi describes that while in Muslim-majority countries, there may be government programs, individuals in the United States calculate and distribute zakat independently. He emphasizes the importance of adhering to the eight categories outlined in the Quran, ensuring that charitable contributions reach those in need.
Transitioning to practical considerations, Julian asks about the timing and frequency of charitable giving during Ramadan. Khwaja details various approaches, from weekly contributions to leveraging technology for daily transactions, especially during the holier . . . . . . . . .
Selling Nonprofit Event Sponsorships (What Corporate Sponsors Really Want!)
How to find corporate and event sponsorships for nonprofit and charity events and galas. The guest and host elaborate on the misconception that nonprofit’s corporate partnership’s revolve solely around events, pointing out the broader ecosystem encompassing various elements beyond just the event itself. The American Nonprofit Academy CEO, Julia Patrick, begins with, “It’s about all the other things that go on… the nonprofit’s event is one part on the dial, but it’s really an entire ecosystem of your nonprofit, it’s mission and the partnership with the corporations.”
Julia stresses the importance of long-term value and community connectivity for corporate partners, stating, “They want to be associated with a cause or a mission… they want to be perceived more as a community partner and involved with the nonprofit’s success.”, going on to highlight the role of marketing departments in sponsorship decisions and the goal of organizations becoming associated with particular causes that complement them.
Julia further elaborates on strategies for maximizing exposure through media partnerships, emphasizing the value of pre, during, and post-event coverage across print, broadcast, and digital platforms. She notes the growing significance of new media, highlighting the need for nonprofits to drive their online presence and content creation for social media platforms.
The lively conversation shifts to ad includes innovative sponsorship tactics such as stage introductions, where corporate representatives receive FaceTime without the pressure of delivering a formal speech. Julia also touches upon the importance of quantifying nonprofit outreach and impact numbers, as well as expressing gratitude to sponsors in annual reports, reinforcing the ongoing relationship beyond individual events.
This learning episode underscores the . . . . . . . . .
Licensing Nonprofit’s Programs (Reduce your fundraising)
Nonprofits are increasingly exploring innovative revenue streams, and the Children’s Treehouse Foundation offers a compelling case study in leveraging specialized programs for financial sustainability. In this video featuring Gregor Debruhl, Executive Director of the Foundation, the conversation centers on the strategic licensing of their signature program, CLIMB, to hospitals and institutions. This model not only expands the program’s reach but also generates vital revenue for the nonprofit.
Gregor Debruhl outlines the significance of the CLIMB program, designed to support children and families navigating the emotional turmoil of a cancer diagnosis within the family. “CLIMB is a six-week art-based, evidence-based program designed to help children and their families build communication and develop positive coping strategies,” Debruhl explains.
This fast-paced discussion sheds light on the practical aspects of licensing nonprofit programs. Debruhl stresses the importance of aligning such initiatives with the organization’s mission and capabilities. “For me, it was really important to focus on philosophically why we want to do this. I wanted to escape fundraising… but that’s not really enough of a reason to jump into this,” Debruhl shares, referencing the need for a deeper strategic fit rather than purely financial motivations.
The licensing model presents both challenges and opportunities for nonprofits. On the technical side, establishing a successful licensing framework involves creating and managing infrastructure, marketing, developing pricing strategies, and negotiating contracts. Debruhl’s insights into navigating these complexities, coupled with his emphasis on the philosophical alignment of licensing initiatives, provides valuable lessons for other nonprofits considering similar paths.
This licensing approach necessitates a delicate balance between financial sustainability and maintaining program integrity. Debruhl outlines . . . . . . . . .
The Millennium Nonprofit Show! (Our 1,000th episode)
The millennium episode of The Nonprofit Show! Celebrating one thousand broadcasts with cohosts Jarrett Ransom and Julia Patrick reflecting on the journey of The Nonprofit Show. Jarrett begins with reflecting on the power of consistency in nonprofit success, highlighting the importance of sticking to plans despite challenges, while Julia shares a poignant lesson learned about passion not always guaranteeing success in the nonprofit sector, focusing on the significance of effective management and structure.
In this celebratory episode, Jarrett and Julia discuss finding opportunities by returning to basics, mapping out procedures, integrating new systems, and leveraging technology for effective nonprofit management. The cohosts look back and forward on challenging topics like mindset, self-care, and addressing social injustices within the sector, showcasing their commitment to growth and learning, plus touching on the vital role of nonprofits during crises like pandemics, emphasizing the sector’s frontline impact and the need for continuous education in nonprofit management.
This 1,000th broadcast of the show encapsulates a journey of growth, reflection, and dedication to advancing the nonprofit sector. The hosts, their staff, and the Partners who have supported The Nonprofit Show and the entire nonprofit sector, send their thanks.
Revving-Up A Unique Nonprofit (Car donation app for nonprofits)
Fundraising through vehicle and real estate donations. Howard Pearl, the CEO of careasy.org, an organization dedicated to charitable adult rides and services describes how they provide a turnkey solution for nonprofits of all sizes, ensuring they receive support tailored to their needs, serving both major organizations like the American Red Cross and smaller local charities with equal dedication.
Howard discusses the “On the Go” program, which offers transportation services for seniors and other communities with transportation barriers. This program addresses crucial needs within aging populations, emphasizing the significance of maintaining dignity and independence for individuals as they age.
Throughout the chat, with our host Jarrett Ransom, Howard emphasizes his organization’s commitment to supporting nonprofits and communities, sharing how their teams are setup for attracting donors, including leveraging marketing efforts and conducting wealth screenings to identify potential supporters.
Howard offers thoughtful words on the privilege of serving diverse nonprofits and communities, highlighting the NPO’s focus on promoting the missions of their partner organizations rather than their own brand. As Howard aptly put it, “It’s a privilege to do this job. You’re not helping one organization or one person. You’re helping so many of them.”
He encouraged listeners to explore careasy.org to learn more about their impactful work and how they can get involved in supporting various causes.
Nonprofit’s Questions (From DEI accusations to a board chair mutiny)
Questions from nonprofits about DEI accusations, donor tour etiquette, a potential Board Chairman mutiny and missing the mark on marketing. Julia Patrick and guest cohost LaShonda Williams engage in this fast-paced candid discussion.
The first question tackled a sensitive issue involving an accusation of racism within the workplace. LaShonda emphasizes the importance of active listening and fostering authentic conversations to address such allegations. She recommends seeking HR training or reaching out to board members for assistance, stressing the need for professional development to navigate cultural differences and interpretations.
They go on to address a query regarding hosting a high-profile donor at the organization’s cafeteria. LaShonda encourages embracing authenticity and meaningful experiences, suggesting that the donor might appreciate the opportunity to engage with the organization’s community in a different setting.
The conversation then shifts to improving board meeting effectiveness. LaShonda highlights the significance of annual retreats for board members to clarify roles and responsibilities, while also suggesting the inclusion of a parliamentarian to ensure smooth meeting operations.
Lastly, they discuss the challenge of aligning fundraising and marketing efforts. LaShonda proposes joint meetings to facilitate collaboration and mutual understanding between development and marketing teams, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and reaching donors effectively.
Each week these questions bring forth meaningful points to learn from in operating your nonprofit or charitable organization. Enjoy!!
Community-Centered Fundraising (Bringing the donor inside)
A look into the nuanced differences between donor-centric fundraising and community-centric fundraising, shedding light on the need for evolved donor engagement. Frank Velasquez, Jr., from 4daHood.com, begins with the historical approach to fundraising, which often prioritized donors’ desires and overlooked the respect owed to the clients or communities served. Sharing his personal experience, Frank points to the significance of language in fundraising practices. He discusses how terms like “at risk” or “in poverty” can unintentionally marginalize and disrespect clients, illustrating the need for a shift towards more respectful and uplifting language that honors the dignity of the individuals served, sharing, “When you start using descriptive language that ends up not honoring or uplifting, then that’s when it doesn’t respect the clients.”
Frank leads us to the essence of community-centric fundraising, where the focus is not solely on donors but on centering the entire community, including donors, as active participants in the mission. He details the importance of storytelling and fostering a sense of belonging to deepen connections and inspire transformative change.
Throughout the conversation, Frank stresses the importance of aligning internal language and messaging to ensure consistency across all organizational levels.
Throughout, Frank speaks to the impact of small changes, such as incorporating pronouns or adopting trust-based philanthropy, in attracting donors who align with the organization’s values. He encourages organizations to embrace evolving language and practices as a means of authentically representing their mission and fostering meaningful connections with donors and communities alike. Reflecting on the effect of language shifts, he adds , “That little simple change had this effect, and people outside the organization . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit Budgeting Tips That Count
Nonprofit organizations are given ‘Hot Tips’ to improve their budgeting processes , emphasizing principles of inclusivity, evidence-based decision-making, and proactive planning, with our guest, Justine Townsend, Manager at Your Part Time Controller.
Justine begins with the critical importance of laying the groundwork for success before embarking on the budgeting process, ensuring that the budget remains usable and effective throughout its entire lifecycle. She directs us on the need for inclusivity by involving all relevant stakeholders in the budgeting discussions, including program managers and those responsible for smaller financial decisions. Justine humorously shares “A budget should be like a camel, created by committee,” highlighting the collaborative nature of the process and the importance of leveraging diverse perspectives to create a good financial plan.
She explores the significance of basing budgets on historical data, especially during uncertain times such as post-COVID recovery, suggesting using comparable years to inform budgeting decisions, which may yield a more accurate foundation for financial planning. Justine’s advice to “dig into historical data” reflects her resolve for evidence-based budgeting practices, which enhance the accuracy and reliability of any financial projections.
Documenting assumptions and pre-planning pivots emerge as crucial strategies advocated by Justine to navigate budgetary challenges more effectively. By transparently communicating assumptions and contingency plans, organizations can create a framework for adaptive decision-making. Justine’s shares, “When you plan your pivots, you create a permission structure where you’re allowed to not make budget,” which fosters a culture where deviations from the budget are viewed as “opportunities for problem-solving” rather than failures.
Justine spends time on the reasoning behind converting budgets to accrual-based financial statements . . . . . . . . .
Overcoming The ‘Burnout Barrier’ For Nonprofits
Advice on self-care and burnout with the idea, “It’s not selfish to put your mask on first because your asset is your mind, and without those natural elements like oxygen feeding your mind, you won’t be in a position to help the helpless.”, with a senior leadership consultant at 180 Management Group.
Anthony A. Dicks, Jr. recently discussed overcoming the burnout barrier in the nonprofit sector, sharing that experiencing burnout can actually be a sign of exceptional leadership and maximizing one’s capacity. He stated, “If you have reached your capacity, then that means you still have an opportunity to grow and do some more.” This perspective reframes burnout as a signal to reassess and adjust one’s approach rather than a failure.
With his energetic and insightful approach, Anthony shed light on the importance of recognizing burnout early and implementing strategies for self-care and sustainable performance.
In the conversation, Anthony emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to self-care rather than waiting until burnout becomes inevitable. He shares the mission of 180 Management Group, a consulting firm specializing in organizational transformation for nonprofits, focusing on operations, leadership, and strategic planning.
Anthony elaborates on the importance of developing rituals for rest, reset, and recovery across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions. He introduces us to the concept of “right, read, run, rest, review, repeat” as a systematic approach to maintaining optimal performance and avoiding burnout. By scheduling regular periods for reflection and self-care, individuals can effectively manage their energy levels and sustain their impact in the long term.
Anthony also points out the significance of using data, such as . . . . . . . . .