People Of Color And Nonprofit Fundraising!
The vital topic of people of color in nonprofit fundraising, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities in this field. An insightful conversation with Jeff Shaw, the Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Harris Stowe State University.
Jeff shares his unique journey into the world of fundraising, which began with a background in crisis counseling and IT. His experience highlights the importance of active listening and connecting with people’s passions in the fundraising process.
Harris Stowe State University has a diverse donor portfolio, stemming from its rich history as an institution. Jeff discusses the university’s transition to an HBCU (Historically Black College or University) in 1987 and the varied backgrounds of their donors.
The discussion extends to the changing landscape of fundraising and the impact of recent social and racial justice movements on philanthropic efforts. Jeff emphasizes the need to view donors as partners rather than transactions and nurturing long-term relationships with them.
Jeff also addresses the challenge of recruiting young people of color into the fundraising sector. He emphasizes the importance of demystifying fundraising, showcasing its potential for positive change, and inviting young professionals into a rewarding career focused on fulfilling people’s passions.
Key Issues For Nonprofit Start-ups!
Learn how to build a solid financial foundation for your nonprofit and understand essential aspects like tracking revenue, transactions, and the importance of tax returns (Form 990). Watch this insightful interview with Chris Bavolack, Director of Finance and Operations at Chazin and Company, as he shares invaluable guidance for new nonprofit startups. We explore key issues, including wise resource utilization, informed decision-making, compliance, transparency, and more. This is a ‘Don’t miss’ informative discussion for anyone embarking on a nonprofit journey or seeking to enhance their organization’s financial management.
RAISE! One Cause Conference
In an electrifying kick-off to the 2023 annual One Cause ‘Raise’ Conference in Nashville, Nonprofit Show host Jarrett Ransom helped welcome enthusiastic nonprofit professionals from around the country to this epic two-day event. With the city’s rich musical history as the backdrop, the conference set the stage for a memorable experience of connecting and learning.
Jarrett Ransom, CEO of the Rayvan Group and your self-proclaimed “nonprofit nerd,” shares the Day 1 experience—with a live broadcast from the event.
Emily Newberry, Vice President of National Accounts at OneCause.com, joined Jarrett on the broadcast stage, sharing her 12-year journey with the organization. She described how the Raise Conference has grown exponentially since its inception seven years ago in Washington, DC, with this year boasting over 600 attendees.
The theme of innovation was buzzing throughout the event. Emily noted that nonprofits and fundraisers are embracing technology and innovation more than ever before, driven by the expectations of both donors and the evolving landscape, especially in the wake of COVID-19.
Barbara O’Reilly, founder of Windmill Hill Consulting, and LaShonda Williams from the Fundraising Academy at National University added to the conference’s dynamic atmosphere. Barbara and LaShonda both lead sessions on the age-old debate of “Old School vs. New School” fundraising, highlighting the importance of integrating technology effectively into fundraising strategies.
Throughout the conference, attendees are soaking up knowledge, connecting with industry leaders, and discovering innovative tools and strategies to boost their organizations’ impact. The palpable energy in the air, coupled with Nashville’s vibrant culture, has created an unforgettable experience for all.
Don’t miss tuning in for Day Two, as the One . . . . . . . . .
Reaching Nonprofit’s Clients With Mobile Produce Trucks!
In this delicious interview, CEO and founder Frederic Laforge of “The Farmers Truck” joins host Jarrett Ransom to discuss their mission and impact.
Discover how this innovative organization is transforming communities by addressing food insecurity through mobile produce markets–from the history of how it all began to the social impact they’re making.
Learn how The Farmers Truck’s mobile markets are bringing fresh, nutritious food to underserved areas, improving community health, and fostering social connections.
Find out about the thoughtfully designed trucks, their rental options, and the commitment required to launch a program in your community.
Like a juicy red apple, you’ll enjoy this conversation and hear more about the inspiring work being done to combat food deserts and create healthier, more connected communities. Visit their website at TheFarmersTruck.com to learn more about this incredible initiative.
Why Nonprofits Need NICRA! (Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreements)
NICRA stands for Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. It is a federal U.S. concept related to helping nonprofits document their indirect costs and how they are allocated. Indirect costs are crucial for organizations to understand because they help determine which programs are covering their costs and which are not, as it’s essential to know if additional resources are needed to cover shortfalls. Costs associated with running programs can vary depending on the geographic location.
In this Nonprofit Power Week episode, Hatsy Cutshall from Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC) talks about Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreements, in the context of nonprofit organizations. Here are the key points you will want to pay attention to as you watch this valuable conversation:
It’s important to involve finance and accounting departments, and the Board, from the beginning, especially when applying for federal funding. Often, departments within organizations fail to include indirect costs in their budgets, which can lead to financial challenges later.
You can negotiate with government agencies when it comes to indirect cost rates. Agencies have program officers or grants officers who are willing to help and answer questions. They prefer organizations to reach out directly for clarification rather than making incorrect assumptions.
Building relationships with agency representatives is crucial. Start developing a rapport with them as soon as you receive funding, as these relationships can make the negotiation process smoother.
NICRA is not a one-time effort. Organizations must regularly review and update their rates to ensure they reflect their current financial situations and program needs, and this conversation emphasizes the value of open communication with agency representatives and the benefits of . . . . . . . . .
FOUNDATIONS 101 – What Nonprofits Need To Know!
Explainations of the different types of foundations, such as family foundations, community foundations, corporate and independent foundations with Susan Wagoner, from Your Part-Time Controller. The ins and outs of nonprofits working with foundations. She highlights the significance of aligning your nonprofit’s mission with the foundation’s mission when seeking funding and emphasizes the importance of effective communication and relationship-building in this process.
The discussion digs deeper into the distinctions between corporate and independent foundations, highlighting the trend of corporations establishing their own foundations as both a philanthropic endeavor and a marketing tool.
Co-hosts Jarrett and Julia raise questions about the timing of approaching foundations for funding, and Susan emphasizes the importance of doing research and building connections early on. She suggests using resources like Candid.org and the Foundation Directory to gather information on potential funders.
The conversation also touches on the fluidity of foundation focus areas and how they may change over time, prompting nonprofits to stay informed about shifting priorities. Susan stresses the significance of building strong relationships with foundations, whether through phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings. They discuss strategies for effective communication and outreach, emphasizing the need to be genuine and respectful of the foundation’s time and priorities.
You’ll also hear a personal success story of how a simple email led to securing a grant for a school’s garden project, highlighting the positive impact of proactive communication.
This episode wraps-up with a reminder that foundations exist to do good and help nonprofits fulfill their missions, and building partnerships and relationships is key to successful collaboration.
Nonprofit Success With Automation! (Doing the Due Diligence)
Alicia Eastvold elaborates on the need for nonprofits to do due diligence when selecting automation tools, including security considerations, and encourages organizations to assess and reassess their automation strategies regularly. The conversation underscores the transformative potential of technology in the nonprofit sector and the importance of adapting to stay efficient and effective in achieving missions. You’ll Learn more as they explore the benefits, such as time and cost savings, and highlighting the importance of staying updated with technology changes.
Throughout the episode, Alicia takes the opportunity to clarify the immediate benefits of nonprofits’ automation: saving time and reducing costs, particularly crucial for nonprofits with limited resources. The conversation explores how automation can bridge the gap between departments like finance and fundraising within nonprofits.
Alicia emphasizes that automation also reduces the mental burden of repetitive tasks. This, in turn, allows nonprofit professionals to focus on strategic decision-making and impactful work rather than getting bogged down in manual processes. She highlights the importance of taking precautions and staying informed about cybersecurity practices to navigate this digital age securely, emphasizing the need for thorough vetting of tools, checking for industry certifications, and seeking advice from experts who have hands-on experience with these tools.
For more nonprofit insights and information, visit yptc.com and explore Alicia’s story on their website.
Letting The Community Know What Your Nonprofit Does!
The importance of nonprofits effectively communicating their missions and activities to the community, underscoring the importance to build awareness, foster collaborations, and secure support with Julia Patrick, CEO of the American Nonprofit Academy. The conversation looks into the reasons behind this need for improved communication and practical steps to achieve it, which ultimately promotes the nonprofit’s mission.
Julia explained that her motivation to address this issue arose from her experiences in distributing prestigious funding opportunities. She found that seasoned nonprofit professionals often lacked a comprehensive understanding of what various nonprofits were doing in their community, even though they acknowledged their positive impact. Co-host Jarrett Ransom adds that missions and programs can change over time, making it crucial for organizations to keep their communities informed about their evolving roles.
Julia introduced the concept of a “leadership list” – a curated database of stakeholders, opinion makers, community leaders, partners, vendors, and more. This list serves as an asset for marketing and communication, helping nonprofits stay connected with key figures in their community and share their stories effectively.
The interview also explored the role of board members and executive leaders in promoting the organization’s mission within the community. Julia encouraged the nomination of these individuals for community awards to raise the profile of the nonprofit and attract potential donors and collaborators.
Additionally, Julia discussed the significance of a fact sheet summarizing key impact metrics and fast facts about the organization. This sheet can be shared digitally, posted on the website, or distributed in print to help control the narrative and ensure accurate information reaches the community.
In a surprising twist, . . . . . . . . .
All Things Nonprofit Accounting! (Advantages of remote accountants)
Valuable insights into the evolving landscape of nonprofit accounting, covering costs, innovations, assessment, and the challenges and opportunities it presents.
Andi Fanelli McGunnigle is the Vertical Specialization Director at YPTC.com, where they assemble specialized teams to support over 1,400 nonprofits in 30 sectors. This Nonprofit Power Week episode begins with an intro to remote accounting and its impact on safety and security. Andi highlights the advantages of remote accounting, such as reduced physical vulnerabilities and secure digital tools like bill.com.
The conversation moves on to innovations in accounting, with Andi dispelling the notion that accounting hasn’t evolved. She emphasizes the role of technology in enhancing transactional work and providing transformational insights, and how nonprofits are increasingly embracing technology to improve their financial processes and data visualization, making information more accessible and user-friendly.
Next, they explore the costs associated with remote accounting and discuss different models, from fully remote to hybrid approaches. Andi explains that cost-effectiveness depends on the setup and level of personalization. They also touch on the importance of flexibility in staffing and how hybrid models allow for more client interaction, fostering better relationships.
This is an informative episode for nonprofits evaluating their accounting needs and wants. It concludes with a brief discussion on how remote accounting firms can effectively communicate with nonprofit boards. Andi suggests that having a knowledgeable representative from the accounting and finance department present at board meetings, either virtually or in person, can address detailed questions and ensure fiscal responsibility and highlight the importance to the board members understanding their fiduciary responsibility and ensuring they are aware of their . . . . . . . . .
Cost-benefit Analysis At Nonprofits
A discussion on cost-benefit analysis at nonprofits, highlighting the need for nonprofits to modernize their blueprints and adapt to the changing landscape by leveraging data and tech, directed by Angela D. Barnes, MBA, CFRE, the interim vice chancellor at Indiana University East. This insightful episode offers a fresh perspective on time management and cost-benefit analysis within NPO’s and charities, encouraging transparency and data-driven decision-making.
Angela emphasizes the importance of analyzing how individuals and teams spend their time. She suggests starting by listing tasks, categorizing them, and recording the hours spent on each. This exercise helps identify where time is being invested and whether it aligns with the organization’s goals.
The lively conversation jumps into how data can reshape decision-making within nonprofits. Angela shares a powerful example of an employee who discovered they were dedicating an excessive amount of time to an event that contributed insignificantly to their fundraising goals. Armed with data, this employee was able to advocate for change within the organization.
Angela provides practical advice on creating a task assessment spreadsheet, including columns for tasks, categories, hours spent, and recommended hours, which can help individuals and teams evaluate their work and pinpoint areas for improvement.
The episode touches on the benefits of automation, simplification, and integration in streamlining tasks and achieving greater efficiency. Angela suggests that organizations should consider conducting these assessments regularly and even provide data insights to new team members to help them navigate their roles effectively.
Hiring Nonprofit Accountants? (Where are they?)
The shortage of accountants in the nonprofit sector is discussed with Jerilyn Dressler, Director of Strategic Partnerships at YPTC.com (Your Part-Time Controller). Jerilyn highlighted the challenges nonprofits face in hiring and retaining accounting professionals, especially those with CPA (Certified Public Accountant) qualifications. She pointed out that many CPAs are nearing retirement age, and there’s a shortage of students majoring in accounting.
The conversation covers the differences between accountants and CPAs, with Jerilyn explaining that while CPAs handle annual financial statements, audits, and regulatory filings, accountants work with organizations throughout the year. She stressed the importance of having professionals with nonprofit-specific expertise, as nonprofit accounting involves unique rules and regulations not found in for profit accounting.
Jerilyn also shared statistics from the American Institute of CPAs, indicating that 75% of CPAs reached retirement age in 2020, contributing to the shortage. Additionally, she discussed efforts to attract younger talent to the accounting profession by highlighting the potential for technological advancements and AI adoption in accounting roles.
The conversation emphasizes the critical role of finance and accounting teams in nonprofit organizations, as they are involved in every aspect and decision-making process. Jerilyn encourages NPO’s to bridge communication gaps between departments and leverage their tech to streamline processes and attract and retain accounting talent.
This quick episode ends with Jerilyn sharing her personal journey into accounting, highlighting the versatility of an accounting career, suggesting it’s an attractive option for those considering a career change or just entering college.
The $25 Donor Experience Experiment! (Nonprofit failure?)
The experiment aimed to explore how nonprofit organizations interact with donors who make small $25 donations. The conversation highlights the importance of providing a positive donor experience to retain and engage supporters, offering insights and actionable recommendations for NPO’s and NGO’s to enhance their donor interactions, with James Goalder, the Partnerships Manager at Bloomerang.
James begins by explaining the research was initiated by a friend and colleague, who used to donate $25 to various organizations and track their responses. James decided to conduct a similar experiment but focused on national accounts, including Feeding America, Humane Society, Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, Free Clinics, and Meals on Wheels.
The experiment involved James donating to 50 organizations in each category, across all states. He assessed the online donation process, including the ease of finding the donate button and the functionality of the donation forms. After donating, he evaluated the thank-you process, which led to several noteworthy findings.
James revealed that the donor experiences varied significantly among organizations. Some had streamlined and user-friendly processes, while others had broken links and frustrating experiences. He emphasized the importance of organizations reviewing their online donation process from a donor’s perspective and fixing any issues.
One significant discovery was that only 10% of organizations offered payment options other than credit cards, such as ACH bank draft, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or Venmo. James highlighted the importance of diversifying payment options to accommodate donors who may not have credit cards.
Furthermore, James discussed the impact of landing pages after donations. About 58% of organizations redirected donors to third-party pages, which . . . . . . . . .