Understanding Change At Nonprofits!
A refreshing perspective on understanding change at nonprofit organizations with Ingrid Kirst, the CEO of Ingrid Kirst Consulting. She highlights the importance of differentiating between change and transition, using the Bridges model developed by William Bridges. Ingrid begins with the point that, for nonprofits and charities, change represents external events, such as leadership changes or relocations, while transition involves the internal process of how individuals perceive and adapt to those changes. “Just because something changed doesn’t mean we were ready for it mentally.” This quote encapsulates the central theme, highlighting the significance of managing the emotional and mental aspects of transitions within nonprofit organizations.
Ingrid elaborates on the three stages of the Bridges model:
Endings: Organizations need to acknowledge what is ending and give everyone the opportunity to process their feelings and concerns about the change.
Neutral Zone: This is the in-between phase where individuals begin to adapt to the new reality. It’s a time for creativity, brainstorming, and preparing for the new beginnings.
New Beginnings: The final stage involves embracing the change, setting new goals, and involving everyone in shaping the future of the organization.
The fast-paced discussion covers the importance of effective communication throughout the change process, with Ingrid highlighting the need for consistency in conveying information. She stresses how over-communication can be beneficial, ensuring that staff and NPO stakeholders are well-informed about the ongoing changes and the organization’s plans.
As the interview concludes, Ingrid makes a prediction for the nonprofit sector, stating that more organizations are becoming open to discussing and preparing for change and transition. She emphasizes that proactive planning and communication can ultimately . . . . . . . . .
Questions From Nonprofits
Topics: Bringing board members to fundraising asks. Touring nonprofit’s facilities. Joint board meetings for NPO’s. Mental health for charity staff.
Nonprofit Show host Jarrett Ransom is joined by Jack Alotto, a CFRE from Fundraising Academy at National University, as they address questions from nonprofit professionals.
They dive right into answering questions from nonprofit professionals:
Raul from Houston seeks advice on whether to bring a board member or a staff person to a presentation to a funder. Jack advises choosing someone based on their connection and relationship-building potential with the prospective donor. He also emphasizes the importance of safety when meeting donors in remote locations.
Shelby from Oklahoma inquires about the idea of touring other nonprofit organizations post-COVID to learn from them and build relationships. Jack and Jarrett both express their support for the idea, highlighting the benefits of collaboration and sharing best practices within the nonprofit sector.
Nyla from Detroit wants to know if having joint board meetings with another nonprofit from the same sector is a good idea and how to go about it. Jack mentions the benefits of learning from each other and collaborating but also warns about potential downsides. They stress the importance of defining the purpose and goals of such meetings.
An anonymous question from Des Moines addresses a staff member’s concern about the mental health of a fellow employee. Jack recommends immediate action, including reaching out to local mental health resources and crisis intervention lines. He also advocates for changing the language surrounding mental health to reduce stigma.
Throughout the conversation, Jack and Jarrett emphasize the importance of empathy, collaboration, . . . . . . . . .
Trends In Nonprofit Auctions 2024!
The current trends in nonprofit auctions, emphasizing the importance of benefit auctioneers in creating successful fundraising events with Bobby D. Ehlert, a benefit auctioneer specialist at CallToAuction.com,. He describes the three types of auctioneers: free auctioneers, commercial auctioneers, and benefit auctioneers, elaborating on the significance of benefit auctioneers in nonprofit and charity events, as they understand the unique dynamics of fundraising events and focus on creating memorable experiences for donors.
You’ll appreciate his important point more fully, regarding the difference between commercial auctioneers and fundraising auctioneers . . . . . . . “Fundraising auctioneers understand the process of a fundraising event. They’re not just up there to talk fast. They’re there to help cultivate and identify those relationships with the donors.”
He highlights the shift towards more highly produced events that focus on storytelling and creating impactful experiences for donors. Bobby D. also shares insights into the changing donor landscape, the popularity of unique experiences as auction items, and the growing trend of paddle raise-only events. Join us in this informative discussion as we explore the evolving world of charity auctions and fundraising events.
Corporate Giving Mindsets Growing Success!
The importance embracing corporate philanthropy and its potential to drive business success, improve employee engagement and loyalty, is revealed by Randy Molland, the Chief Giving Officer of Give Big Strategies. He highlights how businesses, NGO’s, charities and nonprofits can collaborate to create win-win scenarios.
Molland emphasizes that companies should start incorporating giving to nonprofits and charities into their purpose from the very beginning, as waiting until they are more successful may hinder their ability to develop a giving mindset. He compares giving to building a muscle, where even small gestures of generosity can lead to a stronger commitment to making a positive impact.
This fast-paced interview also explores how businesses can engage their staff in philanthropic efforts with nonprofits. Randy shares a story about a sales company that successfully motivated its employees by connecting sales goals to their charitable giving through their profits. This approach created a sense of purpose and unity among the staff, leading to increased morale and sales.
Randy stresses that it’s not about the mission itself but the passion behind it, explaining that effectively communicating the reasons behind supporting a particular cause can make all the difference in how consumers perceive a brand’s philanthropic efforts.
One key statistic discussed during the interview was how 89% of consumers are more likely to buy from a company with a giving initiative, reflecting the shift in consumer behavior to a growing desire to support businesses that make a positive impact on society.
Nonprofit’s Questions Of The Week!
Nonprofits Questions Answered: Accounting for Estate gifts, leaving money to charity, fundraising team goals, nonprofit board policy reviews.
Host Julia Patrick and guest expert Muhi Khwaja from Fundraising Academy, tackle nonprofit’s questions sent in this week.
The first question comes from San Francisco, asking how to account for requests for estate gift promises. Muhi explains that different organizations may handle this differently, and when he works at the Red Cross, they have a separate planned giving team that manages such requests.
Julia and Muhi chat about how to handle situations where a donor casually mentions leaving a gift in their will or trust. Muhi suggests having a conversation with the donor to clarify the nature of the gift and whether it’s part of a trust, which would likely involve the planned giving team.
Next, a question if it’s a good idea to have all members of the development team’s goals reported to the group. Muhi shares his experience at the Red Cross, where they track and share these numbers nationally and regionally. He emphasizes that sharing this information can promote collaboration and help team members understand each other’s challenges and successes.
The conversation shifts to the topic of board members and their roles. They discuss whether it’s important to have board members re-sign policies annually, especially when there have been no document changes. Muhi and Julia agree that it’s beneficial to reinforce these commitments yearly, even if the content remains the same.
Finally, the episode concludes with a unique question about whether an institution, such as a trust, can serve as a board member. Julia and Muhi find . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit Annual Reports That Engage!
The dynamics of nonprofit annual reports, emphasizing the importance of donor-centric storytelling, personalization, and strategic use of these reports to engage and retain donors effectively with Diana Otero from Bloomerang.
Diana emphasizes the importance of understanding what donors want to hear. She highlights that donors want to know how their contributions have made a difference and that their support is essential for the organization’s success. This message should be at the core of any nonprofit annual report.
The conversation also digs into the idea of using annual reports strategically. Diana suggests that nonprofits should view annual reports as more than just a summary of activities; they should be used to tell compelling stories about the organization’s impact, engaging donors on a deeper level.
Personalization at scale is another trend discussed. Diana predicts that nonprofits will expand their tools that can tailor their communications to individual donors based on their interests and preferences. This personalization can lead to more meaningful donor relationships.
Ethics In Nonprofit Fundraising – Part Two
The critical aspects of ethics in nonprofit fundraising, in this two-part series, Lashonda Williams, a trainer at Fundraising Academy, highlights the fundamental role of transparency, honesty, and truthfulness in maintaining ethical standards in fundraising. Donors trust nonprofits with their resources, both financially and timely, and she amplifies on how it is crucial for fundraisers to uphold their responsibility by adhering to ethical guidelines in managing these resources.
The discussion continues about the ethical implications of personal social media usage by fundraising professionals, emphasizing that their online presence reflects on the organization, how Fundraisers should consider how their social media posts might affect the organization’s reputation and values.
The conversation also touches on the importance of donor communication and transparency in reporting the allocation of funds and keeping them informed about how their contributions are being used, including the percentage allocated to operational expenses versus program impact.
Regarding donor relationships, Lashonda emphasizes that relationships formed on behalf of the organization belong to the organization itself. When fundraisers transition to other roles or organizations, they must respect donor privacy and not solicit them on behalf of their new organization.
The discussion also addresses the role of watchdog groups and accountability in the nonprofit sector. Maintaining accurate reporting and adhering to state and local laws are essential for nonprofit organizations, as LaShonda highlights the significance of monitoring and addressing any discrepancies or concerns on charitable giving websites to maintain the organization’s reputation.
The sparkling conversation concludes with a re-focus from part one of this series on five essential questions that fundraisers should consider when evaluating the ethical implications . . . . . . . . .
Ethics In Nonprofit Fundraising – Part One-
Focusing on ethics in fundraising, LaShonda Williams, CFRE, provides practical insights and ways to build trust with donors and within the organization. The conversation focuses on a five-question fundraising ethics checklist:
Is it legal?
Is it ethical?
Would I want someone to act this way with me?
How would I explain my actions to someone else?
How will it make me feel about myself?
LaShonda emphasizes the significance of staying within legal boundaries and understanding state laws and regulations, as well as adhering to IRS policies and donor Bill of Rights when it comes to fundraising activities. She stresses the importance of maintaining transparency, truthfulness, and accountability in all interactions with donors and within the organization.
LaShonda also underscores the idea that ethics should not be limited to fundraising professionals but should be part of the entire organizational culture, with everyone within the organization being responsible for upholding ethical standards, ensuring respect, transparency, and honesty.
The checklist she details encourages individuals to consider how their actions reflect their personal reputation and the organization’s reputation. It highlights the need for proactive ethical decision-making rather than reacting to ethical dilemmas.
Ethical Storytelling Using Consent
Ethical storytelling in nonprofit marketing and the importance of informed consent and a client-centric approach to safeguard nonprofit clients’ privacy, dignity, and overall well-being during the storytelling process, with Diana Farias Heinrich, CEO of Habra Marketing.
Diana shares a personal experience where she unknowingly put a client at risk by sharing their story without fully considering the potential consequences. This experience drove her to establish a four-step process for informed consent conversations at nonprofits and charities:
Prep: Understand the intended end product and vet clients before approaching them for interviews.
Conducting the Interview: Build trust with clients, make them feel comfortable, and ensure they know they can say no at any point.
Stakeholder Test: Examine how the client and their community might react to the story when shared publicly.
Pass Back the Mic: After crafting the story, give clients the opportunity to review, make revisions, or reject it if they feel uncomfortable.
Diana also addresses the challenge of reusing old stories from the “vault” and suggests that organizations should establish an intentional storytelling rhythm while involving clients in the decision-making process.
This Best Practices discussion wraps up with a few words about revolutionizing storytelling by incorporating principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Diana advocates for changing the language used to describe people and being mindful of how words can impact individuals and communities.
Throughout the lively conversation, Diana underscores the necessity of a considerate, client-centered approach to storytelling in the nonprofit sector. She emphasizes the importance of informed consent and ethical practices to safeguard both clients and the reputation of organizations. She encourages nonprofits to embrace these best . . . . . . . . .
What Nonprofit’s Asked!
Nonprofit topics covered: Donor personality matching. CFRE designations. Starting a Young professionals board at nonprofits. Nonprofit leadership training.
Host Julia Patrick and birthday celebrant Jack Alotto, CFRE, reunite for another engaging episode of the nonprofit show, tackling pressing questions from the world of nonprofits, touching on donor relations, professional development, board engagement, and organizational culture.
One critical question revolves around donor relationships and social styles. A nonprofit professional from Los Angeles seeks advice on handling a donor where the “vibe” doesn’t seem quite right. Jack emphasizes the importance of recognizing different social styles and tailoring communication accordingly. He points the viewers to MyLearningPortal.org with webinars on social styles to enhance flexibility and create meaningful connections with donors.
The conversation then shifts to the value of the Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) accreditation. Jack passionately advocates for CFRE, highlighting its role in showcasing fundraising knowledge and ethical practices. He shares compelling statistics demonstrating how CFRE enhances professional opportunities, boosts confidence, and promotes recommendation among peers. Jack also provides details into the cost and time investment required to pursue CFRE, making it accessible to those interested in furthering their fundraising careers.
They move on to discuss the concept of setting up a junior or young professionals board within a nonprofit. While acknowledging the potential benefits, they caution against ageism and stress the need for clear goals and benefits for members.
Finally, Judy from Portland seeks advice on convincing leadership to invest in fundraising training for the entire team.
Watch and learn more!
How A.I. Amplifies Impact For Nonprofits!
How artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the nonprofit sector, supercharging its efforts to make a positive impact. Zach Brown, a tech expert describes the potential AI holds for nonprofit organizations, stating “As a tool that we can employ in various industries to streamline processes, AI has already made waves in big tech and for-profit sectors. However, there’s a wealth of untapped potential within the nonprofit realm. AI equips nonprofits with an invaluable edge, enabling them to enhance efficiency, achieve more with limited resources, and make well-informed, data-driven decisions.”
Zach emphasizes that AI isn’t exclusive to large corporations; it holds immense promise for nonprofits seeking to optimize their operations, overcome challenges like resource constraints, and meet growing demands.
Furthermore, he provides valuable guidance on how nonprofits can embark on their AI journey, saying “Beginning with modest AI implementations and gradually expanding is the prudent approach. Rather than attempting a full-scale AI overhaul from the outset, start small and learn as you go. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing are fundamental. By pooling our collective experiences in AI adoption, we can ensure responsible and ethical utilization of this technology.”
Zach and NonprofitsHQ’s insights underscore the importance of accessibility and responsible AI adoption within the nonprofit sector. They are paving the way for nonprofits to harness the potential of AI effectively, offering a brighter future where technology and compassion harmonize to drive meaningful change. The possibilities for amplifying nonprofit’s impact appear limitless.
How The Nonprofit Sector Fared In 2023!
Changes in the nonprofit sector in 2023. The CEO of Your Part-Time Controller, helps us learn by reflecting on the transformative changes taking place within nonprofit organizations, exploring the significance of technology, transparency, and internal controls as nonprofits navigate present and future challenges.
Jennifer outlines the pivotal role that technology, particularly generative AI, is playing in reshaping the nonprofit landscape. She discusses the profound impact of ChatGPT and other generative AI products, emphasizing their ability to enhance donor interactions, boost website engagement, and facilitate data analysis. Jennifer passionately encourages nonprofits to embrace these cutting-edge technologies to revolutionize their operations.
A central theme that emerges is the imperative for greater transparency within the nonprofit sector. Jennifer points out that many donors harbor reservations about trusting charities, which is why nonprofits should proactively provide comprehensive information regarding their financial management and programmatic activities. She passionately states, “Transparency is key. It’s all about building trust.”
Jennifer also digs into the pressing issue of staffing shortages within the nonprofit sector, particularly in the realm of financial management. She suggests that nonprofits can tackle this challenge by investing in technology and utilizing fractional team members to fill the gaps.
As the conversation unfolds, Jennifer shares a compelling story about the Brett Favre case in Mississippi, underscoring the critical importance of internal controls and proper segregation of duties in financial management. She emphasizes the need for vigilance, stating, “Internal controls are crucial to prevent such situations.”
When asked by host Jarrett Ransom of changes for their firm in 2024, Jennifer expresses her enthusiasm about the ongoing growth and innovation at Your Part-Time . . . . . . . . .