Strategies That Engage Youth!
Dr. Bre Gentile, the CEO and founder of Doctor G’s Lab, discusses engaging young people for social change and shares her wisdom about amplifying the voices of youth in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the need for adults to actively support and collaborate with young people to drive meaningful social change.
Dr. G starts with her thoughts on the significance of youth involvement in social impact initiatives and emphasizes how young people often initiate positive change. She provides examples like Greta Thunberg, who started her climate activism as a teenager, and Sunflower in Thailand, a youth-led organization combating human trafficking. Dr. G’s optimism about the passion, awareness, and open-mindedness of today’s youth will inspire you! She states, “Our youth are thinking, they’re aware, their eyes are open, and they’re caring, and that is hope for me as an adult.”
The conversation covers the role of youth in various social sectors and touches on their desire to be part of meaningful initiatives, and how they are changing the landscape, particularly through the power of social media. Dr. G brings up the importance of creating safe spaces for youth to express themselves and suggests that adults should be more open to sitting with discomfort and uncertainty, mirroring the resilience and determination displayed by young people.
The hosts ask about the influence of social media and technology on youth engagement and activism and Dr. G discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by these platforms, emphasizing the need for careful facilitation and adult guidance.
The fast-paced chat touches on the evolving landscape of higher education, with young people seeking more . . . . . . . . .
Wait! Before You Automate Your Nonprofit!
A discussion about the need for nonprofits to approach automation with careful planning, clear objectives, and a thorough understanding of their processes and data. Ellen Owens Karcsay, advisor at KarcsayGroup.com, shares guidance for nonprofits looking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of automation and digital tools.
As the discussion unfolds, one of the key takeaways from Ellen’s insights is the need for nonprofits to pause and assess their automation potential before diving in. She emphasizes, “What are we really trying to do here? What are our objectives? What are our goals with quote unquote automation and embedding this into our day-to-day?”, pointing out the need to consider whether the processes being automated are effective and efficient in the first place. She stresses that organizations must understand their capacity and be prepared for the time and resources required for successful automation projects.
Regarding the initiation of automation, the discussion highlights the tendency for organizations to be lured by shiny new tools and platforms. Ellen cautions against blindly following trends and urges nonprofits to evaluate whether a particular tool aligns with their unique processes and goals. She emphasizes, “The idea of the potential and ideating, giving your teams the opportunity to innovate and ideate about what can be.”
The conversation also touches on the timeline and budgeting aspects of automation projects and Ellen recommends dedicating more time to the assessment process, acknowledging that implementation timelines often extend beyond initial estimates. She stresses that automation should be part of a broader organizational strategy.
The discussion shifts to understanding where data originates and its importance in automation. Ellen makes . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit’s Questions of the Week!
Nonprofit’s questions: Treating high value donors | Gala scheduling | Faith and philanthropy | Nonprofit bankers.
Our first question is about whether it’s a good idea to use season tickets to major sports events for entertaining high net worth donors. Muhi begins with a definete ‘Yes’, sharing examples of how sports tickets can be a fantastic cultivation tool for donors who are fans of specific teams, illustrating the potential for connecting donors to the mission.
Host Julia Patrick and Muhi dive deeper into the topic, highlighting how professional sports organizations often have philanthropic arms and the importance of using such opportunities to move the donor closer to the organization’s mission. They discuss the benefits of team-building activities and how it can contribute to staff retention, going beyond just “whining and dining.”
Next up is a question from an attendee in Houston, wondering about taking time off during gala seasons. Muhi emphasizes that it’s entirely reasonable to compensate for weekend and evening work by taking time off during the week. He suggests making it a corporate policy to ensure fairness and encourages open communication with supervisors.
Then, they explore the intricacies of balancing faith and politics, especially for faith-based nonprofits. Muhi shares insights into how philanthropy and government spending intersect and affect the sociopolitical climate.
The conversation shifts to evaluating banking relationships, with Roberto from Miami expressing concerns about their current bank’s lack of commitment to sponsorships. Muhi advises exploring options with banks that have philanthropic initiatives and stressing the importance of clear communication about expectations.
Lastly, a viewer from Denver seeks advice on the best social media platform . . . . . . . . .
Athletes And Their Sports Foundations
Investigative reporter Jason Wolf sheds light on the world of athletes and their sports foundations. Wolf’s extensive experience in sports reporting and investigative journalism has allowed him to uncover critical issues in the NFL and player philanthropy.
Wolf’s journey through journalism spans two decades, starting with small community papers and culminating in his current position as a sports investigative reporter for the Arizona Republic and USA TODAY Network. His unique perspective from covering various cities, fan bases, and NFL teams sets the stage for his impactful journalism.
The interview explores the ways many athletes create foundations without fully understanding nonprofit management, often relying on marketers and management companies. Wolf’s reporting uncovered instances where these third-party organizations took substantial portions of funds intended for charitable purposes, raising questions about the efficiency and impact of these athlete-led nonprofits. Wolf’s groundbreaking reporting has had a significant influence on the sports philanthropy landscape.
The conversation delves into the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, its significance, and the importance of recognizing the efficient use of funds by athlete foundations. An exploration of grant funding from these foundations reveals their role as fundraising vehicles to support charitable causes. Wolf also discusses the prevalence of signed memorabilia as auction items in fundraising events.
The interview concludes by revealing Wolf’s upcoming work, and he briefs us on “Sport for Impact.org,” a new organization founded by Anquan and Dionne Boldin, aimed at improving fiscal responsibility in athlete philanthropy. The launch of this organization represents a promising step toward more effective and accountable athlete-led foundations.
You will learn a lot from . . . . . . . . .
Leading Well By Living Well!
Kishshana Palmer, the CEO of Managemint, Inc., brings her energy to leadership and work-life balance for nonprofits, highlighting this frothy discussion emphasizing the significance of self-care, fun, and personal growth in effective organizational leadership. Her approach to addressing common challenges in the nonprofit charitable sector and beyond offers a refreshing perspective on balancing work and life while achieving professional success.
Cohost Julia Patrick starts by praising Kishshana on how she navigates important conversations in a world that has undergone significant changes due to the global health crisis, civil unrest, economic shifts, and demographic changes. She posed the age-old question: “Is it possible to lead well and live well?”
Kishshana responds emphatically, stating, “It’s the age-old question, and I’m going to have to give a resounding yes.” She highlights the importance of self-care, drawing parallels between the feeling of well-being after self-indulgence (like a facial or deep cleaning) and the daily routines and rituals that can provide a sense of everyday luxury. She emphasized the need to prioritize oneself and treat oneself well to be an effective leader.
The cohosts add in that being busy doesn’t equate to productivity. Kishshana offers advice on breaking away from the constant grind, distractions, and deadlines that often overwhelm us, and introduces the concept of business being a trauma response, explaining that being busy can serve as a way to avoid dealing with personal issues. She stressed that slowing down and focusing on self-care is essential for effective leadership.
The conversation then shifted towards creating a thriving team, pointing to the importance of modeling behavior and fostering a work environment that encourages both . . . . . . . . .
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 . . . . . . . . .