Affordable And Creative Nonprofit Donor Stewardship!
Too many nonprofits prioritize acquiring new donors and overlook nurturing the ones they already have. The key to retaining donors? Consistent, multi-channel communication. It’s not enough to rely solely on emails and social media. The CEO of Productive Fundraising, Chad Barger, leads this captivating primer on donor stewardship. Chad emphasizes the power of nonprofits using physical mail, especially personalized die-cut postcards, which will stand out from the crowd at the mailbox and create memorable experiences for donors.
Board members also play a crucial role in stewardship. Chad suggests involving every board member, regardless of their fundraising comfort level, in this process. He shares brilliant strategies, like assigning board members to thank donors during events or having them make donor thank-you calls, which can lead to a significant 39% increase in future donations.
Chad’s advice doesn’t stop there. He encourages organizations to take donors behind the scenes, offering immersive experiences to connect them with the cause. Whether it’s a tour or hands-on involvement, these experiences create powerful connections.
Lastly, for donors who are more challenging to engage, Chad recommends using the power of our smartphones. He provides a fun example of personalized video messages directly from staff members which can be a game-changer in making donors feel appreciated and involved.
So, the key message: Don’t worry about being too small; worry about being silent when it comes to donor stewardship. Get creative, involve your board members, and use every tool at your disposal to delight your donors.
More Nonprofit Questions! (Nonprofit tech for boards)
From donor’s worries, nonprofit board service requirements, and fundraisers confidence, to board tech failures, Julia Patrick and guest host Muhi Khwaja CFRE from Fundraising Academy, tackle a range of questions that shed light on unusual issues nonprofits face:
Bridging the Technology Gap: The conversation began with a common dilemma – older board members struggling with meeting technology. Muhi Khwaja suggests a hands-on approach, emphasizing the importance of patiently guiding members through the tech landscape. The key takeaway: making the user experience easier is vital for technology adoption.
Navigating Donor’s Alarming Declaration: The pair offer guidance on handling concerns about donors whose values may not align with the nonprofit’s mission. Their approach involves thanking concerned donors for their input, investigating the issues raised, and making decisions consistent with the organization’s core principles. A very interesting situation. . . .
Expressing Board Service Requirements: The hosts addressed a question about enforcing board service requirements. Their advice emphasizes the need for clear agreements, proactive communication, and the role of board liaisons in tracking and managing these requirements effectively.
Building Confidence in Fundraising: Asked by a viewer about his confidence as a fundraiser, Muhi shares his personal journey. He credited mentors, role models, and a variety of experiences as contributing factors. His key message was the importance of continuous learning and seeking guidance throughout one’s career.
Turning Nonprofit’s Volunteers Into Donors
The topic of turning nonprofit volunteers into donors within the nonprofit sector by building meaningful connections with volunteers and using storytelling effectively with James Goalder, Partnerships Manager at Bloomerang. James begins by highlighting a surprising statistic: volunteers donate 10 times more than those who do not volunteer. He explains this phenomenon by emphasizing that volunteers directly witness the impact of nonprofit organizations in action. Their hands-on involvement creates a strong connection with the organization’s mission, making it easier to transition them into monetary donors. This connection is already established, eliminating the need for extensive persuasion.
The conversation dives into the motivations behind volunteering, highlighting various factors that drive individuals to offer their time and support. James discusses emotional, mental, and physical benefits, as well as the desire to give back to the community and fulfill civic duties. He encourages nonprofits to understand these motivations to better engage and thank volunteers, ultimately encouraging their continued participation.
Jarrett and James explore the concept of segmenting volunteers to tailor engagement strategies more effectively. They suggest categorizing volunteers based on factors such as donation history and capacity to give. By addressing these groups differently, nonprofits can successfully engage both volunteers who have not yet donated and potential major donors.
The importance of storytelling in volunteer and donor engagement is a key focus of the interview. James draws a parallel between the power of well-developed characters in stories and the impact of personal stories within nonprofit contexts. He encourages organizations to incorporate relatable characters and their experiences to enhance connection and engagement.
Nonprofit Associations And Your Nonprofit!
Nonprofit Associations play a crucial role in bringing people together and supporting various professional groups. They use technology, such as association management software, to manage membership, events, and other aspects of their operation efficiently.
Teresa Henderson, the Association Specialization Leader at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), discusses the unique challenges and innovations focusing on associations.
Teresa emphasizes that associations are adapting to changing times by combining in-person and remote activities. They are also looking to engage younger members and expand their reach, considering the regional and cultural differences in their approach.
To find the right association for your nonprofit, Teresa suggests looking for associations that align with your needs and values, and most importantly, assess their value proposition before joining.
Don’t forget to visit yptc.com for more resources !
Unlocking Digital Success At Nonprofits!
Harmonizing nonprofit’s technology with human behavior, fostering collaborations, setting targeted goals, and nurturing a culture of curiosity for nonprofits to effectively leverage technology for their missions, with Tim Lockie, the CEO of The Human Stack, discussing the intersection of technology and nonprofit organizations. The interview underscores the significance of Tim’s expertise revolves around helping nonprofits optimize their use of technology for meaningful outcomes and his engaging storytelling and relatable analogies make the intricate intersection of technology and nonprofit work accessible and actionable.
Tim introduces the concept of the “human stack,” emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between humans and technology to create a greater societal impact. He underlines that technology isn’t merely about the technical aspects but encompasses the behavior and culture of the people using it. Tim’s perspective is grounded in the understanding that while the technology stack relies on zeros and ones, the human stack’s foundation is built on the principles of belonging and social connection.
The conversation journeys into the challenges faced by nonprofits in adopting and navigating technology. Tim sheds light on the need for strategic leadership and tactical execution, likening it to a race where a strategic leader and a tactical driver must collaborate effectively to succeed. He emphasizes that the key is to align the energies and roles of these two individuals within the organization.
A central theme throughout the interview is the necessity of cultivating curiosity and adopting a learning mindset when approaching technology. Tim emphasizes that tech experience alone isn’t enough; fostering curiosity and creating a feedback loop are vital elements in driving positive change.
The discussion is punctuated by . . . . . . . . .
Planned Giving Trends You Need To Know!
Planned giving trends and issues that nonprofit organizations need to be aware of. The conversation, with Aquanetta Betts, the Director of Planned Giving at George Mason University, provides insights for nonprofit professionals and leaders looking to build more robust fundraising strategies.
Here are some of the key take-aways Aquanetta shares on this fast-paced episode include:
Planned giving is a process that involves three parties: the donor, the organization, and another entity (such as an advisor or attorney) working together to facilitate a gift. This type of giving often involves more complex transactions than regular donations and can be a significant source of sustainable funding for nonprofits.
Baby Boomer Impact: The great wealth transfer from baby boomers presents a huge opportunity for planned giving efforts due to the substantial assets involved.
Age Segmentation: Focus on age groups 60-75 for targeted planned giving efforts, as these individuals are considering retirement and financial planning.
Stewardship and Legacy Societies: Stewardship is crucial for maintaining relationships with planned giving donors. Legacy societies provide ongoing engagement for confirmed planned gift supporters.
Engaging Professional Advisors: Collaborating with financial planners, estate planning attorneys, and other advisors strengthens planned giving strategies.
Board Members’ Role: Engage board members in advocating for planned giving and possibly making their own planned gifts.
Asking for Planned Gifts: Initiate conversations about planned giving, making soft asks and repeating the message over time.
Bequest Intention Forms: Create simple forms for donors to indicate their intention to include the nonprofit in their wills, gathering key information.
Regular Communication: Maintain periodic communication with donors who expressed planned giving intentions.
The Keys To Nonprofit’s Investing! (Financial Stewardship)
Nonprofit’s investing and financial stewardship with Phil Waara, COO and Investment Advisor at GetEcio.com. The conversation covers a range of topics related to nonprofit investment strategies, the importance of having an investment policy, engaging stakeholders, and the need for financial transparency. Phil emphasizes the potential for nonprofits of all sizes to engage in investment planning, whether through board participation, specialized advisors, or cultivating a solid investment policy. He discusses the significance of aligning investments with the organization’s mission and how having a well-defined investment plan can help nonprofits secure their financial future and navigate unexpected challenges. Phil also touches on the value of donor engagement in investment planning, as well as addressing common misconceptions and concerns about investment complexity and fees. Throughout the conversation, it becomes clear that there is a considerable opportunity for nonprofits to explore investment strategies and plan for sustainable growth, even if they currently lack substantial assets. The conversation highlights the importance of education, collaboration, and forward-thinking in the realm of nonprofit investing.
Nonprofit Employee Wellness And Mental Health
Insights into the business benefits of prioritizing nonprofit’s employee well-being. Reducing burnout and absenteeism directly impacts the bottom line, and nonprofit organizations that fail to address these concerns risk losing valuable talent. We take a look into the need for a holistic approach to mental health in the nonprofit sector. Sentari Minor is a recognized figure in the nonprofit sector. His organization, EvolvedMD.com, focuses on integrating behavioral health into primary care, enhancing access to therapy and counseling services.
Sentari stresses the significant impact managers have on employee mental health, citing a Forbes article stating that, for nearly 70% of people, a manager’s influence on their mental health rivals that of therapists or doctors. He underlines the need for managers to be intentional in supporting their teams’ well-being and fostering open communication.
The discussion goes on to address the challenges of shifting from a “workaholic” mindset, where long hours are seen as a badge of honor. Sentari encourages a shift toward setting healthy boundaries and practicing self-care, describing the “human giver syndrome” prevalent in the nonprofit sector, and how it can lead to burnout and compassion fatigue. He speaks to the stigma associated with mental health and the importance of normalizing conversations around it. He encourages employees to seek help when needed and highlights that over 41% of US adults have experienced mental health challenges at some point.
Sentari adds practical advice for taking care of oneself, even in challenging environments. He talks about setting healthy boundaries, prioritizing activities that energize you, spending time with supportive people, and considering professional help, such as therapy.
Is Your Nonprofit Digitally Inclusive? (Disability awareness)
The complexities of digital inclusivity at nonprofits and charities, shedding light on ways to address them, centering around the crucial need for nonprofits to embrace technology and ensure digital accessibility for all, particularly individuals with disabilities.
The conversation commences with Ellen Owens-Karcsay, from KarcsayGroup.com, elaborating on the concept of digital accessibility and its significance, particularly during a time when organizations are rapidly adopting digital solutions without adequately considering accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Addressing the question of how people with disabilities use technology, Ellen provides comprehensive insights into the various ways individuals with disabilities access technology, including screen readers, screen magnifiers, specialized mouse or keyboard devices, and more. She emphasizes the importance of website and application coding to ensure compatibility with assistive technologies. The discussion continues with an exploration of the three primary concerns regarding digital accessibility: 1. Business case 2. legal compliance 3. brand equity, and Ellen underscores that organizations should consider the broad impact on their business, the legal implications, and the importance of building equity, and an inclusive brand.
The conversation touches on the roles of organizations like the American Foundation for the Blind and the National Council for Independent Living in advocating for digital accessibility.
Questions arise about timelines for implementation and funding opportunities for digital accessibility initiatives. Ellen Owens-Karcsay emphasizes that organizations should educate themselves about digital accessibility and integrate it into their day-to-day processes. Regarding funding, she notes that although funding opportunities exist, digital accessibility is often an overlooked component in proposals. However, she believes that increasing awareness and advocacy can lead to more funding allocations for digital inclusivity efforts.
The . . . . . . . . .
Vetting Nonprofit Staff Candidates (Background checks and more)
Guidance for charity and nonprofit hiring managers and NPO’s looking to navigate the complexities of recruitment related to vetting job candidates, with Dana Scurlock, the Director of Recruitment at StaffingBoutique.org. She provides a unique insider’s view of staffing practices in the nonprofit sector.
Dana begins with an emphasis on the importance of background checks for positions that involve access to sensitive information. She discusses concerns about the depth of some background checks, particularly those involving personal information like credit checks, which could be viewed as discriminatory. Dana also points out how the legal landscape around background checks is changing, especially with the legalization of marijuana in many states, adding complexity to the process.
The conversation continues with the issue of drug testing, which is influenced by various factors such as insurance, federal grants, and state laws. Dana highlights the challenges of drug testing in a rapidly evolving legal environment, especially with remote hiring across different states. She emphasizes the need for risk assessment and considering insurance implications when formulating drug testing policies.
The final topic revolves around personal references and the interview concludes with Dana sharing a professional statement which can be used when a reference request is made for a less than positive situation.
The Critical Needs Of Smaller Nonprofits!
The challenges faced by smaller nonprofits, emphasizing the importance of assessing their current state and setting realistic goals for the future, the significance of self-awareness, strategic planning, and building strong partnerships where NGO’s, nonprofits, and charities thrive, with Elizabeth Woolfe, the principal of Intuition Consulting. She introduces the concept of “growth” and how it’s not always about becoming bigger but rather about building strength and sustainability with the need to stay focused on the organization’s purpose, mission, and impact.
The episode highlights the unique challenges leaders face, including loneliness and a lack of support, the narrow leadership pipeline and the high turnover rates in the nonprofit sector, stressing the importance of board members supporting and appreciating their nonprofit leaders to boost morale.
The high energy discussion touches on the significance of strategic thinking and capacity building for smaller nonprofits. Elizabeth encourages organizations to understand their ecosystem, collaborate with other nonprofits, and prioritize effective partnering. She discusses using tools like the “SOAR” (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Recommendations) rubric for assessments and strategic planning.
Nonprofit’s Communications Best Strategies!
Creating a robust communication strategy for nonprofits, with communications expert Nickelina Noel . The discussion lists five essential tips that nonprofits can use to improve their communication efforts.
Noel starts by emphasizing the importance of setting measurable objectives for a communication strategy. She defines a communication strategy as a comprehensive outline of outcomes an organization aims to achieve. To create these objectives, she suggests using the “5W’s” approach (Who, What, When, Where, and Why) commonly used by journalists to answer crucial questions about the target audience, message, timing, channels, and purpose. Additionally, Noel introduces the concept of “SMART” objectives, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
The next tip centers around identifying the target audience. Noel highlights the need to create audience profiles based on factors like donor segments, volunteers, advocates, and corporate partners. By understanding their preferences and behavior, nonprofits can better tailor their messages to resonate with different groups effectively.
Crafting compelling messages comes next on the agenda. Noel explains that messages should be clear, consistent, and reinforce the organization’s mission and values. Tailoring messages to different audiences allows nonprofits to engage effectively with their diverse stakeholders.
Moving on to the channels, Noel recommends a mix of traditional and digital platforms. Nonprofits should consider their target audience’s preferences and behaviors when choosing channels for communication. Measuring engagement rates on various platforms, such as social media and email marketing, can help fine-tune the strategy.
The Show concludes with a discussion of the importance of regularly measuring and fine-tuning the communication strategy. Noel emphasizes the significance of monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) beyond just . . . . . . . . .