Trauma And Work In Nonprofits
The Senior VP and General Counsel at the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Melinda Haggerty, Esq. shares her personal journey and how her background as an adopted individual who grew up in the foster care system informs her perspective and commitment to the foundation’s cause. This Nonprofit Power Week episode highlights the significance of recognizing one’s own boundaries, the value of self-care, and the importance of diverse perspectives from individuals with lived experiences in the nonprofit sector. Melinda’s openness and authenticity in sharing her story serve as a powerful example of how personal experiences can inform and inspire meaningful work in the nonprofit world.
During the conversation, Melinda discusses her upbringing, being the oldest of five children with parents struggling with mental health and addiction issues. She highlights the disparities in how the system responds to her and her 12-year-old sister, who ends up in the juvenile justice system. This early experience leads her to a deep understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable children.
She emphasizes the importance of permanency for youth in the child welfare system and how her own adoption at the age of 18 provides her with stability and support.
The co-hosts ask about her role as General Counsel at the Dave Thomas Foundation, where she manages legal and policy aspects. She also discusses the challenges of disclosing her personal experience, setting boundaries, and balancing her lived experience with her professional role. She explained, “I never want to make a decision because of my lived experience because I would be missing the lived experience of everyone else in the child welfare . . . . . . . . .
Changing Attitudes With Research! Power Week Episode One
How nonprofits use research effectively to drive positive change in attitudes and behaviors. Julianne Nichols, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, shares an inside look on how their foundation’s approach can serve as a compelling example. The emphasis is on the importance of continuous, strategic, and multi-channel efforts to change attitudes and drive action. Julianne emphasizes the long-term commitment needed to shift public perceptions about foster care adoption and the critical role of storytelling in this process.
Julianne begins by emphasizing the importance of research in shaping public perceptions and attitudes towards foster care adoption. She cites several examples, such as their Adoption and Foster Care Attitude Survey, which reveals that 30% of the public believe that teenagers in foster care can fend for themselves without the support of a permanent family. This finding drives the organization to leverage storytelling through public service announcements and other channels to humanize the issue and challenge misconceptions.
An important quote from Julianne highlights the power of storytelling: “What we have really found is that a storytelling approach is among the most powerful tools in your toolbox.” She explains how sharing personal stories of adopted children and adoptive parents changes minds and inspires action.
Additionally, she discusses how research informs the development of programs like Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, which demonstrates through rigorous evaluation that children referred to the program are up to three times more likely to be adopted, leading to the scaling of this initiative.
This lively fast-paced conversation also touches on the cost and time associated with research, highlighting that it varies . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit’s Questions (From CEO tenure to donor portfolios)
This weeks advice about nonprofits; Donor portfolio management, Major gift officer strategies, CEO involvement in fundraising, Nonprofit CEO tenure advice, Professional development in fundraising, with guest cohost LaShonda Williams from Fundraising Academy. The first question comes from a board committee in Detroit, regarding the short tenure of CEOs in their resumes. LaShonda advises not to worry about this trend and suggests that shorter CEO tenures are often due to the nature of the job, which involves making substantial changes in a short time. Instead, she emphasizes the value of diverse experiences CEOs can bring and recommends checking references during the vetting process, adding that employee fit and happiness are crucial, and how it’s essential to adapt to the changing times for the benefit of the NPO.
The second question asks about the ideal number of donors in a donor portfolio. LaShonda advises considering factors like the organization’s size, available time, and resources. She recommends creating a priority list based on gift history, interest, and capacity. In an ideal scenario, a smaller portfolio of around 60 donors is ideal, but in reality, 80 to 100 donors might be more practical.
Julia asks about major gift officers and their portfolio sizes. LaShonda adds-in that the size of the portfolio depends on the organization’s size and resources. She emphasizes the importance of manageability and quality over quantity in donor relationships.
The conversation then turns to the CEO’s role in securing major donations. LaShonda suggests involving other team members in donor visits and introducing them into the circle of potential donors. She highlights the importance of support staff in . . . . . . . . .
Funding At A Glance! Master Class
In this Master Class on nonprofit fundraising, Jarrett Ransom, the CEO of the Rayvan Group, discusses the importance of understanding fundraising data and using it strategically to achieve nonprofit goals.
Jarrett emphasizes the significance of passion and commitment in the nonprofit sector and highlights the need for diverse thought and actions, as she discusses the challenges nonprofits face, especially at year-end when they’re uncertain about meeting their goals.
Jarrett works with organizations and individuals to help them navigate their fundraising challenges. She begins with the idea of understanding where an organization stands at any given point in time and how data can help guide their efforts.
Jarrett mentions the importance of analyzing data points related to revenue goals, donor databases, year-over-year data, and the impact of historical events like the pandemic and presidential campaigns on fundraising efforts and then touches on the concept of major gifts, emphasizing the need for organizations to define their major gift levels and adapt them as needed.
The discussion then turns to the relevance of direct mail in the digital age, with Jarrett highlighting the value of direct mail campaigns, particularly for donor retention and acquisition.
The discussion wraps up with words about the use of a dashboard and data analysis in nonprofit fundraising, emphasizing the need for organizations to set clear goals and strategies based on data. Jarrett shares a physical document that can be used as a dashboard for tracking key fundraising metrics
Strategies That Fire Up Nonprofit Boards!
Strategies for motivating nonprofit board members with Christal Cherry, the President of TheBoardPro.com, highlighting practical strategies for energizing nonprofit boards, fostering a positive board culture, and improving board engagement in fundraising efforts.
Christol starts by explaining her motivation for founding TheBoardPro.com, emphasizing her desire to help nonprofit boards thrive. She stresses the importance of recruiting the right board members by conducting a thorough vetting process, like a job search, to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities and align with the organization’s mission.
The conversation then jumps into building a positive board culture, as Christol advocates for creating an environment of open communication, respect, and camaraderie among board members. She recommends setting a clear culture statement that outlines the expected behaviors and values.
The lively chat also touches on the topic of staff members attending board meetings. Christol emphasizes that traditional hierarchies are being questioned, and some organizations are now open to staff participation in board meetings, especially when staff members have valuable insights or achievements to share.
Regarding fundraising, Christol shares her approach, emphasizing that board members should make a personal donation to demonstrate commitment and then providing them with a toolkit to equip them for fundraising efforts. She encourages board members to tell compelling stories about the organization rather than feeling like they are begging for money.
Lastly, Christol discusses the importance of recognizing board members who bring in funds or donations through their efforts, even if they don’t make a personal financial contribution.
Learn more at TheBoardPro.com
Nonprofit Recruiting Tips: CEO’s And Exec. Directors
An important conversation on the intricate process of recruiting nonprofit CEOs and executive directors with Katie Warnock, CEO of Staffing Boutique,. Her insights emphasize the importance of careful planning, setting realistic expectations, and how the role of professional interims at nonprofits can ensure a smooth leadership transition. Katie shares all these insights on recruiting tips, beginning with, as she aptly put it, “Allow for time, but be proactive.”
She begins by highlighting the significance of thoroughly assessing the nonprofit’s needs before starting the search. This involves evaluating the organization’s current state, its successes and shortcomings, and where it envisions itself in the future.
Katie stresses the importance of forming a search committee, particularly for organizations lacking HR departments. She suggests appointing a search chair who can handle the administrative work involved in the hiring process effectively. Additionally, she discusses the necessity of creating a realistic and accurate job description that outlines the CEO’s responsibilities and expectations.
The conversation also touches on the value of professional interim CEOs in the transition period. Katie points out that having an interim CEO can help manage the organization during the search process and provide a fresh perspective. She mentions that interims can play a significant role in handling the emotional aspects of staff and board members during transitions.
When it came to the overall current job market, Katie updates us and notes that there’s an unusual quietness in the sector, even after a strong year for philanthropy. Watch as she describes it’s sense of uncertainty, with many organizations and professionals waiting to see what changes might come.
Book Projects For Nonprofits!
The benefits of creating a book related to your nonprofit’s mission and achievements, In this nonprofit Thought Leader episode, Anne McAuley Lopez begins with, “Everybody has a story. Every business has a story. Yours just needs to be told.” She highlights the various storylines that nonprofits can explore, including their origin stories, impact milestones, and personal stories of founders and beneficiaries.
Anne also discusses the process of working with a ghostwriter and the importance of maintaining the organization’s authentic voice. She assures, “It’s not that it’s simple; it’s still a book and it’s still a project. But you could take pieces of chapters from your book and put them on your blog,” encouraging nonprofits to repurpose existing content like blogs and interviews for various marketing purposes.
Throughout the episode, Anne’s expertise in content creation shines through, offering several innovative insights for nonprofit leaders considering the idea of writing a book to boost their organization’s impact and elevate their funding success. Learn more about Agency Content Writer.
Nonprofit’s Asked! (LYBUNT or SLYBUNT)
A lively Q&A session about: Nonprofit development director strategies, Pro-bono branding for charities, Effective board liaison roles, Donor retention reports, and leveraging NPO board members to raise money, hosted by Jarrett Ransom and joined by Muhi Khwaja, a trainer at Fundraising Academy.
The first question, sent in anonymously from Nashville, TN, concerned the pressure faced by a nonprofit’s Development Director due to board expectations. Jarrett advised setting boundaries between the board and the Development Director and ensuring that the board understands the director’s role and responsibilities. She also suggested aligning the board’s suggestions with the organization’s strategic plan.
Moving on to the second question, the topic shifted to branding. . . . . .how to find an advertising agency or marketing firm willing to work pro bono. Jarrett cautioned that while pro bono work might be available, it’s essential to budget for branding. She recommended looking for community events or co-working spaces that offer pro bono services and emphasized the importance of a well-thought-out branding strategy.
The third question came from a viewer in Dayton, OH, who wanted to know the best person to serve as a board liaison for a nonprofit. Muhi Khwaja joined the discussion at this point and shared that the executive assistant to the CEO or executive director often serves as a board liaison. They help manage board schedules and communication. Alternatively, a third-party person can be hired for this role. Muhi emphasized the importance of board liaisons in improving board coordination.
The conversation then delved into the concept of LYBUNT and SLYBUNT reports. Muhi explained that these reports . . . . . . . . .
The ROI Of Nonprofit’s Brand Building!
The role of brand building in a nonprofit’s success, with guest expert Eric Ressler. He encourages NPO’s to maintain a clear brand identity, engage with their communities, and strategically use their expertise to drive real-world change and revenue growth. As he aptly put it, “The brand is not something you just do and then it’s done. It requires constant building, curation, and attention.”
Host Jarrett Ransom had the pleasure of speaking with Eric Ressler, the founder and Creative Director of Design by Cosmic, a social impact creative agency. Eric shared valuable insights on the importance of brand building for nonprofits and its impact on achieving real-world action and revenue generation.
Eric highlights the essence of understanding a nonprofit‘s unique niche within the social impact landscape, emphasizing the need to focus on specific strengths and avoid mission creep. He points out that organizations should consider their brand as a dynamic relationship between the community and the organization, not just a logo or visual identity. Eric affirms that building and nurturing this relationship is an ongoing process that requires attention and consistent efforts.
He also addressed the fear some nonprofits have about taking a stance on divisive issues, acknowledging the challenges of navigating politically charged topics, and emphasizing that organizations should engage in issues within their expertise and advocate for what aligns with their mission and values.
How Nonprofit’s Fully Engage With Corporate Sponsors!
Insights into the art of nonprofit engagement with corporate sponsors, with expert Lori Zoss Kraska, from Growth Owl. Lori begins this lively learning session by emphasizing the power of brevity, stating, “The power of brevity is being able to make a connection with a corporate decision maker through brevity and just understanding that the goal of that first e-mail is just to have enough interest from the decision maker to get a second conversation to get moving right.” Her words underscored the importance of conciseness and clarity when nonprofits are initiating communication with corporate decision-makers. She stresses that the initial email should not overwhelm with excessive details but rather aim to establish a compelling connection.
Lori debunks the misconception that corporate sponsors expect advertising pitches. Instead, she advocates for a more valuable approach, stating, “I think the biggest scare I hear from folks is they think that they’re going to come in and do an advertising pitch. But again, they really understand that they need to come in and be a thought leader and talk about something of value to the people that are at your gala or at your conference that is going to provide synchronicity for everybody.” Her words highlight the importance of positioning sponsors as thought leaders and contributors of value, rather than mere advertisers.
Throughout the discussion, Lori’s insights amplify on the significance of diligent research, engagement with corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, and the need for specificity in requests. These principles can serve as a roadmap for nonprofits seeking successful partnerships with corporate sponsors, ensuring they stand out amidst the . . . . . . . . .
Traditional vs Modern CFO/CEO Relationships At Nonprofits
The evolving role of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) in the nonprofit sector. The hosts welcome Andrew Miller, Director of Your Part-Time Controller, to discuss the changing of nonprofit financial leadership. Andrew eagerly explores the topic of traditional versus modern CFO-CEO relationships in the nonprofit world.
Andrew begins with discussing the traditional role of a CFO, which primarily focused on accounting accuracy, regulatory compliance, risk management, and historical financial reporting.
Andrew then jumps into the transformation of the CFO role in the modern age, highlighting the shift towards forward-facing financial forecasting, leveraging technology for efficiency, and embracing change management. Andrew emphasizes the importance of the modern CFO’s role in providing strategic analysis and fostering a partnership with the CEO, and he also stressed the importance of leadership, strategic planning, and change management skills for modern CFOs.
Employee Retention Credits For Nonprofits
The Federal Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and its application to nonprofit organizations. The ERC is a valuable financial opportunity for nonprofit organizations to consider, and it’s not too late to explore. Learn more from Victoria Beck, General Counsel for Regulatory Compliance at EZ-ERC, as she provides key insights into this credit program.
The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) was introduced as part of the CARES Act in March 2020 and was designed to reward employers, including nonprofits, for retaining employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers organizations a significant opportunity to inject cash back into their programs and services.
Victoria emphasizes that many nonprofits mistakenly believe they are ineligible for the ERC, but the CARES Act explicitly includes 501(c)(3) organizations as eligible recipients. She also clarifies how there are two main routes to eligibility for nonprofits: a significant decline in gross receipts or demonstrating operational changes due to governmental orders related to the pandemic.
The discussion touches on the timeline for applying for the ERC, with Victoria explaining that it depends on how quickly an organization can provide the required documentation, but it’s crucial for all stakeholders to sign off before filing.
Regarding costs, Victoria describes how nonprofits to be cautious of firms charging exorbitant fees, suggesting that a reasonable fee is more appropriate. She also warns against companies promising eligibility within minutes without proper evaluation, as the ERC application process is nuanced and requires a thorough understanding of each organization’s unique situation.
Victoria stressed that the ERC can be beneficial for organizations of all sizes, even those with a small number of employees, as it can provide much-needed . . . . . . . . .