Modern Resumes For Nonprofit’s Digital Age!
Peering into the intricacies of modern resumes in the 2024 digital age within the nonprofit sector, shedding light on resume crafting in today’s job market, with Dana Scurlock, the Director of Recruitment at Staffing Boutique.
Dana begins by emphasizing the importance of adapting resumes to the digital era, highlighting the shift from traditional paper-based formats to dynamic, content-rich digital resumes. As she puts it, “I think it’s great that everything’s digital now. What that lends itself to, though, is that we don’t have to confine ourselves to just one page.”
One key takeaway from Dana’s expertise is the significance of quality over quantity. She explains the importance of tailoring resumes to specific job opportunities rather than adopting a blanket approach. “I would rather send out five really high quality, well thought out, tailored resumes to the particular job you’re applying to,” Dana notes, “than if you’re able to crank out 20-25 in a week just to get 20-25 out.”
Furthermore, Dana provides a look into the role of platforms like LinkedIn in the recruitment process. While acknowledging the utility of LinkedIn profiles, she cautions against solely relying on them in place of traditional resumes. “I think where it can become tricky is when people are utilizing LinkedIn in place of an actual CV or resume,” Dana remarks, advocating for alignment between LinkedIn profiles and formal resumes.
Throughout the conversation, Dana details the importance of clear, concise formatting and the strategic incorporation of relevant experiences, skills, and accomplishments. Her emphasis on reverse chronological resumes and the inclusion of comprehensive job descriptions resonated deeply with our audience.
What Nonprofit’s Wanted To Know This Week!
Insightful responses to questions from nonprofits on various topics, focusing primarily on regional differences in fundraising approaches, performance bonuses for development team members, remote work policies, the significance of the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation, and academic choices for aspiring nonprofit professionals, with Guest host Muhi Khwaja, a trainer with Fundraising Academy and Co-founder of the American Muslim Community Foundation.
Muhi Khwaja begins with a question about considering regional and cultural differences when fundraising outside one’s city center. Drawing from personal experience, he highlighted variations in dress code and meeting styles across different regions, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the local setting while maintaining organizational standards, with advice to fundraisers to ask open-ended questions and seek guidance from local colleagues to navigate cultural nuances effectively.
A question is addressed about performance bonuses for development team members. Muhi discusses his experience at the Red Cross, where bonuses were tied to fundraising goals and regional targets. He also talks about additional incentives such as extra days off or work-from-home privileges, highlighting the importance of clear expectations and communication between employees and management to avoid misunderstandings.
On the topic of remote work policies, Muhi expresses his support for flexibility, advocating for a hybrid model that allows employees to work remotely while also facilitating in-person meetings and team gatherings. He stresses the value of having in place responsive and effective communication tools to maintain productivity in a remote environment.
Muhi describes the significance of the CFRE designation, noting its potential benefits in terms of career advancement and credibility in the nonprofit sector. While donors may not always inquire . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit Storytelling With Fundraising
Nonprofit organizations continue to navigate the evolving landscape of fundraising and storytelling, and we found out how platforms like StoryRaise are poised to revolutionize the way they engage with donors and communities.
We just hosted Josh Kligman and Jeff Rum, the dynamic duo behind StoryRaise.com, and peeked into the exciting intersection of storytelling and fundraising. With over 20 years of combined experience in marketing and a shared passion for nonprofit work, they’re revolutionizing how organizations communicate their impact.
Josh Kligman, CEO of StoryRaise, introduced the platform as a solution tailored for nonprofits to craft compelling digital reports and campaigns. He emphasized the importance of storytelling and its ability to bridge the gap between donors and organizations, drawing from his extensive background in nonprofit marketing.
Jeff Rum, StoryRaise’s CMO, brought his wealth of experience from running his own agency to the table. His insights underscored the need for unity between marketing and fundraising efforts, stressing the significance of aligning storytelling with donor expectations, stating, “We’re really trying to help organizations save time and money… it’s got to be authentic to who the organization is… use [AI] as a tool rather than as a crutch.”
In this fast –paced chat they discuss nonprofit marketing, shining a light on their recent research findings. Jeff elaborates on the pivotal role of authenticity and transparency in donor engagement, revealing that donors are more likely to support organizations that regularly update them with impactful stories.
Josh echoed this sentiment, re-affirming the value of AI in streamlining storytelling processes for nonprofits. He introduced StoryRaise Campaigns, a cutting-edge tool designed to generate comprehensive . . . . . . . . .
Top 10 Questions Donors Will Ask – Part Two
Meredith Terrian strikes a balance between addressing donors’ unspoken questions and conveying practical strategies for fundraisers in this second part of ‘Questions Donors Will Ask’. She reminds us about the importance of understanding the underlying concerns donors may have, even if they don’t explicitly voice them. Meredith acknowledges that while donors may not directly ask certain questions, such as “How much time will this take?” or “Why should I trust you?”, these considerations are nevertheless crucial in their decision-making process.
Throughout the conversation, Meredith intertwines insights into donors’ perspectives with actionable preparations fundraisers can take before they meet with donors. As she details each key question, she also shares interesting anecdotes and experiences to illustrate the significance of honesty, transparency, and consistency in fundraising interactions. By doing so, she underscores the need for fundraisers to anticipate and address donors’ concerns proactively, building trust and credibility over time.
Enjoy this learning opportunity, focusing on the idea that effective fundraising requires a deep understanding of donors’ motivations and reservations. By authentically addressing these concerns while maintaining integrity, fundraisers can cultivate meaningful relationships and secure vital support for their organizations.
Top 10 Questions Donors Will Ask – Part One
We dissect the top 10 questions that potential donors often ponder but may not always vocalize. Meredith Terrain, from Fundraising Academy, takes us into the nuances of donor inquiries, shedding light on the critical yet unspoken questions that shape people’s philanthropic decisions. This part one covers the first five questions.
Meredith kicks off the discussion by emphasizing the paramount importance of truly understanding what your organization does. She explains, “It is not just about reciting a mission statement; donors seek to comprehend the tangible impact and the demographic served.” Throughout the conversation, Meredith emphasizes the worthiness of crafting a compelling case statement that encapsulates both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the nonprofit’s work.
The hosts and Meredith navigate through various donor concerns, ranging from the time commitment expected from donors to the transparency surrounding financial contributions, underscoring the need for honesty and transparency in communicating the anticipated time investment, as well as the intention to solicit financial support.
As the conversation progresses, intricate layers of donor psychology are revealed, delving into questions surrounding the uniqueness of the organization’s mission. Meredith points to the importance of articulating what sets the nonprofit apart, employing emotional appeals, logical reasoning, and credible evidence to bolster the case.
In a conclusion that will make you really think, Meredith reflects on the multifaceted nature of donor inquiries, acknowledging the broader implications for funders, policymakers, and prospective board members. These first five questions will give you a great start to your conversations with donors. Part two will help fill your basket to the top.
Answers To Nonprofit’s Questions!
In this sparkling episode with special guest Meredith Terrian from the Fundraising Academy, a range of compelling questions from nonprofits are tackled with enthusiasm and expertise.
Meredith, an experienced trainer at Fundraising Academy, brought her wealth of knowledge to the table, addressing questions ranging from ethical dilemmas to marketing strategies.
The conversation kicks off with a sensitive question about potential misuse of funds by a nonprofit CEO, highlighting the importance of transparency and proper reporting procedures. Meredith emphasizes the necessity of whistleblower policies and suggests avenues for reporting such incidents while also urging caution to avoid making unfounded accusations.
Moving on, the discussion touches upon data security concerns when letting go of a development officer, underlining the significance of revoking access promptly and conducting exit interviews to reinforce confidentiality obligations.
The conversation shifts to the frequency of in-person meetings with donors, with both hosts concurring on the importance of face-to-face interactions for fostering relationships, especially with major donors and prospects. They stress the value of personalized communication alongside meetings.
The topic of brand consistency across digital and print marketing materials is then explored, with Meredith advocating for maintaining consistent color schemes to enhance brand recognition, professionalism, and message reinforcement. Jarrett adds a perspective on incorporating occasional variations to keep messaging fresh.
Lastly, the conversation wraps up with a discussion on board size and composition, highlighting the importance of skill diversity and strategic alignment when considering board expansion.
Tool Banks! How They Work For Nonprofits
A riveting conversation with Patty Russart, the CEO of Tool Bank USA. Amidst the backdrop of connecting innovation with leadership, Patty unveils the workings of Tool Banks, showcasing their profound utility for nonprofits!
Patty begins by describing how Tool Bank functions as a “business to business” entity, catering exclusively to nonprofits and charitable organizations. She details the seamless process wherein nonprofits can easily access a huge array of tools for their projects, by borrowing tools online and picking them up from the closest Tool Bank location at a fraction of the normal cost.
Throughout the interview, Patty focuses on the multifaceted nature of Tool Banks, dispelling the notion that they merely offer conventional tools like hammers and shovels. With over 900 different tool types in their inventory, including event equipment and sophisticated machinery like mulchers, Tool Bank USA transcends traditional limitations. As Patty says, “I think currently we have just over 900 different tool types in our inventory…it’s not just your traditional hammer, wheelbarrow, ladder…we’re starting to get more sophisticated tools…one of the biggest things is…we are getting a very large mulcher for our disaster services program.”
A key aspect of Tool Bank’s growth strategy involves fostering community engagement and collaboration, and Patty describes the role of local initiatives, such as Birmingham’s Magic City Tool Bank, which secured funding through a city grant, showcasing the grassroots support essential for expansion.
Patty also shed light on Tool Bank’s disaster services program, showcasing its pivotal role in providing essential tools and resources during crises.
The conversation also digs into the operational mechanics behind establishing Tool Bank affiliates in new . . . . . . . . .
Falling In Love With A Generous Donor!
The Senior Product and Marketing Manager at Bloomerang, Lisa Gonzalez, gives amazing insights into donor engagement, setting the stage for a dynamic discussion on the nuances of cultivating generous donors with actionable strategies.
Lisa kicks off the conversation by breaking down the concept of identifying generous donors into three key components: readiness, willingness, and ability. She elaborates on the importance of engaging donors who are not only financially capable but also actively involved and inclined to give. Gonzalez reminds us that wealth alone does not guarantee generosity, advocating for a holistic approach to donor segmentation that considers both engagement and giving history.
Quoting Lisa, “Just because someone’s wealthy doesn’t mean they’re generous. And just because they’re not giving a lot doesn’t mean they’re not willing.” This sentiment underscores the need for nonprofits to focus on donors who demonstrate a combination of engagement and generosity, rather than solely relying on wealth screening.
The lively chat also the significance of personalization and segmentation in donor outreach, with Lisa highlighting the potential of targeting diverse donor segments, including prospective patrons and passionate volunteers, who may not fit the traditional donor profile but possess untapped potential for support.
In Lisa’s words, she emphasizes, “It’s about those people who have influence about the people around them. They’re kind of the go-to person when you want to know something. They have the opportunity, or they have the charisma to galvanize the people around them.”, underscoring the value of identifying and leveraging influential supporters within donor networks.
The conversation also touched on the role of technology, with details on Bloomerang’s innovative approach to . . . . . . . . .
How Nonprofits Can Use Facilitators!
Abby Wilkymacky, founder of MindFlower Studio, joins us to shed light on the role of professional facilitators in nonprofit organizations. As an advocate for mindful facilitation, Abby provides wise perspectives on the importance of bringing in external facilitators to guide key discussions and strategic processes.
Abby highlights the essence of facilitation, emphasizing its role in easing processes, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation within nonprofit settings. She describes her role as a graphic facilitator, utilizing visuals to aid understanding and navigate complex conversations, thereby enhancing problem-solving and strategic planning efforts.
One key insight Abby shares is regarding the neutrality of external facilitators. She emphasizes how their impartiality brings fresh perspectives and enables them to guide discussions without biases or preconceptions, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and productive environment.
Throughout the interview, Abby addresses various aspects of facilitation, from navigating diverse personalities within boards and staff to adapting to the evolving landscape of virtual meetings. She underscores the importance of setting a conducive culture for engagement, whether in-person or digital, and provides tips for maximizing participation and collaboration.
In discussing the financial aspect of hiring facilitators, Abby highlights the wide range of costs associated with facilitation services, emphasizing the need for customized solutions tailored to each organization’s unique needs and goals, and shares words about the potential for funding support from foundations and other sources, making facilitation accessible to nonprofits of all sizes.
Abby’s passion for empowering organizations through facilitation is evident throughout the interview, as she leaves with a compelling message: “Facilitation is not just about getting back to business; it’s about how we do business.” Abby’s dedication . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit’s Questions Of The Week!
Our hosts eagerly tackle questions about Nonprofit community engagement, donor management strategies, organizational challenges solutions and milestone marketing for nonprofits.
The conversation kicks off with a focus on community engagement, as LaShonda advises a nonprofit leader on the savvy idea of leveraging board members to facilitate introductions to key community leaders. Emphasizing the need for swift action, she recommends accelerating the timeframe to maximize the impact of these networking efforts.
Moving on to donor management, LaShonda and Jarrett provide valuable insights into the ideal number of donors in a development officer’s portfolio. Stressing the importance of quality over quantity, they explore strategies for effectively balancing workload and personalization in donor relationships. They also discuss the merits of collaboration within development teams, advocating for regular meetings to strategize and optimize portfolio management.
The conversation extends to organizational challenges, such as navigating leadership transitions and ethical dilemmas. LaShonda offers thoughtful guidance on maintaining confidentiality and fostering transparent communication in sensitive situations involving board members and CEOs.
The duo also explores the concept of milestone marketing, celebrating organizations’ anniversaries as an opportunity to showcase achievements, recognize supporters, and attract new donors. They illuminate the potential of milestone events to generate awareness and engagement, even on a modest budget.
Towards the end of the episode, LaShonda and Jarrett shine a spotlight on the upcoming Cultivate conference, organized by Fundraising Academy. They invite listeners to participate in this enriching event, which promises to offer valuable insights, networking opportunities, and practical strategies for nonprofit professionals.
LaShonda Williams, MPA and CFRE, and trainer at Fundraising Academy, brings a wealth of experience . . . . . . . . .
Engaging Donor Advised Funds In Fundraising!
The head of strategy at Chariot, discusses the impact of Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) on nonprofit fundraising. Mitch Stein introduces Chariot, a platform dedicated to helping nonprofits maximize their fundraising potential from DAFs. He emphasizes the growing significance of DAFs in philanthropy, citing staggering figures—$230 billion in DAFs across over 1100 funds in the U.S., with contributions and grants increasing at an average rate of over 20% annually.
Mitch breaks down the diverse landscape of DAF donors into three categories: “tubs,” “tanks,” and “towers.” These distinctions reflect the varied approaches donors take to managing their philanthropy through DAFs, from recurring contributions to one-time large donations or even as alternatives to private foundations.
One of the key takeaways is the accessibility of DAFs beyond just the wealthiest individuals. Mitch highlights that over 3 million people utilize DAFs, and the average DAF account holder makes nearly 12 gifts per year, with an average value significantly higher than traditional online credit card donations.
The conversation digs into strategies for nonprofits to engage DAF donors effectively. Mitch stresses the importance of education and awareness within the sector, as well as the need to identify and communicate with existing DAF donors within an NPO’s network. He also emphasizes the significance of making the donation process as seamless as possible, with tools like Chariot’s DAFpay simplifying the giving experience.
Moreover, compliance and ethical considerations are highlighted as critical factors to navigate, particularly as legislation around DAFs evolves. Organizations must ensure they adhere to regulations to maintain their 501(c)(3) status and protect against potential risks.
As the conversation wraps up, Mitch provides insights . . . . . . . . .
Increasing Grant Funding With AI
Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for securing grant funding with Margit Brazda Poirer, the CEO of Grants4Good.com. Margit gives us a wealth of information on how nonprofit’s can utilize AI to streamline their grant application processes and increase their chances of securing funding.
As Margit starts, “We’re in a whole new AI age.” With the advent of AI technologies like ChatGPT and Google Bard, nonprofits have an unprecedented opportunity to revolutionize their grant writing workflows. Margit details the ease of use of these AI platforms, likening them to a virtual assistant that can generate grant narratives, letters of inquiry, and even social media posts within seconds.
One key takeaway is the importance of understanding how to harness AI ethically and effectively. Margit emphasizes the need for caution when it comes to data privacy and urges users to avoid inputting confidential information into AI prompts. Instead, she recommends using AI as a tool to enhance productivity and creativity while still maintaining the integrity of the organization’s voice and mission.
Margit debunks the notion that AI will render professional grant writers obsolete. While AI can certainly assist with tasks like drafting documents and researching funders, the nuanced art of grant writing still requires human expertise and understanding of the grant-seeking process.
Margit’s insights shed light on the transformative potential of AI in the nonprofit sector, offering a glimpse into a future where grant writing is more accessible and efficient for organizations of all sizes. In Margit’s words, “I think more and more people can do this grant writing on their own, and frankly, I think that’s fantastic.” With . . . . . . . . .