Connecting The Arts To Social Justice
The connections between the arts and social justice, addressing the challenges and opportunities in connecting the arts to diverse communities, with leadership consultant, Jarrod Williams. Jarrod, also a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and Director of Leadership Giving at the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, brings his passion and expertise to the conversation.
Jarrod looks into the deep-rooted issues faced by performing arts organizations in promoting diversity and inclusion. He emphasizes that the performing arts have long grappled with the struggle between producing risk-taking artistic works and those that merely sell tickets. Performances that are considered “risky” or showcase diversity, often centered around African American or marginalized experiences, face significant barriers in the performing arts community.
This interview reveals how social justice is inextricably linked to the arts, providing a powerful platform for human expression, offering everyone the opportunity to convey emotions and stories that build empathy and create meaningful connections. Consequently, the arts play a crucial role in addressing social issues like systematic racism, voter suppression, and inequity.
One of the most pressing concerns highlighted by Jarrod is the lack of representation in both the audience and on the stage. For the performing arts to thrive and adapt to the post-COVID world, it is essential to nurture the next generation of artists and audiences by ensuring diversity and inclusion. Jarrod stresses that seeing role models and representations of oneself on stage fosters inspiration and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in the arts.
Addressing the root of the problem, Jarrod called for a transformative shift in the arts sector, where boards and leadership are committed . . . . . . . . .
Volunteer Management Best Practices!
Best Practices for managing nonprofit volunteers, emphasizing the significance of job descriptions, volunteer appreciation, orientation, goal setting, and budgeting with the Head of Product Management at Bloomerang Volunteer, Melissa Pinard. This discussion sheds light on the critical aspects of volunteer management, ultimately helping organizations build successful volunteer programs.
Melissa emphasizes the importance of creating detailed job descriptions for volunteers, enabling them to self-screen and have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. This helps eliminate administrative challenges and ensures a strong volunteer fit. She suggested including information such as hours, frequency, qualifications, and reporting structure in the descriptions.
Melissa also stresses the significance of valuing volunteers and fostering strong relationships with them. She highlighted the need for continuous appreciation and recognition, which can be done through various strategies such as thank-you notes, public acknowledgments, certificates, tracking and communicating their impact, and hosting appreciation events.
This fun episode also covered the importance of providing volunteer orientation, both in-person and digitally. Melissa explains that orientations help volunteers feel more comfortable and prepared for their roles, reduce disorganization, and address important issues such as safety and compliance.
Defining goals and measuring success was another key aspect discussed. Melissa emphasizes the need to set clear goals and metrics for volunteer programs, which may include volunteer satisfaction ratings, attendance rates, recruitment efforts, retention rates, and turnover analysis.
Melissa and the co-hosts explored the importance of creating a budget for managing volunteers, emphasizing that even though they offer their time for free, there are typically costs to consider, such as volunteer management systems, recruitment and training materials, background checks, and even volunteer . . . . . . . . .
Federal Grant And Award Insights (Nonprofit focus)
Advice on Federal Grants. A rapid-fire discussion on communicating with federal agencies and grantors, the importance of monthly grant spending reviews, and the benefits of negotiating federally approved indirect cost rates, with Denzel Blount, a CPA and manager at the nonprofit accounting firm “Your Part Time Controller” (YPTC). He shares his expertise on federal grants and awards.
Denzel emphasizes the significance of establishing communication with federal grant agencies as soon as an award is received. He suggests building rapport with the grant officer to create a more supportive and collaborative environment, stressing that agencies are willing to help nonprofits navigate compliance issues and provide specific answers to grant-related questions.
The hosts inquire about the hesitancy some organizations have in contacting federal agencies. Denzel believes this reluctance may stem from the misconception that the federal government is an overwhelming compliance entity that penalizes mistakes. However, he reiterates that agencies aim to support nonprofits in their community programs and encourage open communication.
The conversation also covers the topic of monthly grant spending reviews, where Denzel advises organizations to regularly track financial and non-financial requirements, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about spending to avoid compliance issues. Denzel suggests involving accounting, finance, operations, and program teams in the review process to ensure comprehensive understanding and collaboration.
The discussion moves to negotiating federally approved indirect cost rates. Denzel explains that the federal government assumes a 10% indirect rate on all grants but encourages nonprofits to negotiate their rates to recoup more indirect costs. By submitting a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA), organizations can present their rate calculation . . . . . . . . .
Understanding Self-care For Nonprofit Teams
Recognizing stress within oneself and the team, and the importance of understanding warning signs to address burnout before it escalates within nonprofit organizations. Beth Napleton, CEO of Beth Napleton Consulting, emphasizes the need for leaders to be more observant and proactive in fostering a culture that supports well-being.
The conversation touches on the gender dynamics of discussing self-care. Beth notes that women may talk more openly about their stress and well-being, while men may be less vocal about it. However, the landscape is evolving, and more male leaders are becoming open about their mental health and self-care.
Beth introduces the idea of defining self-care within the organization and discusses its importance in promoting well-being. It involves understanding what activities rejuvenate each team member and finding cost-effective ways to support those activities. Budgeting for self-care need not be expensive, and simple gestures like giving time off or checking in with team members can make a significant difference.
Beth also talks about her self-care calendar available on her website for those interested in implementing a practical tool to track and prioritize self-care.
Recruiting GenZ Strategies For Nonprofits
This conversation sheds light on the unique characteristics of Generation Z and provides valuable insights for nonprofit organizations seeking to attract, retain, and effectively engage this generation of workers. Katie Warnock, the CEO of Staffing Boutique, opens the door on recruiting Generation Z and their unique characteristics and preferences. The conversation revolves around understanding and attracting the Gen Z labor force in the nonprofit sector.
Katie highlights the key characteristics of Generation Z, emphasizing their strong affinity for technology and their expectation of instant gratification. She discusses the importance of leveraging social media and digital platforms to capture their attention and engage them effectively.
The hosts and Katie delve into the interests of Gen Z in the nonprofit sector. Katie mentions that Gen Z individuals are increasingly drawn to the nonprofit sector due to its branding efforts and the desire to make a social impact. Social justice, education equality, and healthcare are areas that particularly attract Gen Z’s interest.
The conversation touches on the qualifications and skill sets of Gen Z employees. While they may not have extensive professional experience, their technological proficiency is considered a significant asset. They bring digital skills and knowledge that can benefit organizations, such as content strategy and social media engagement.
Retention of those hired is also a topic of discussion. Katie shares insights into Gen Z’s priorities and preferences, including work-life balance, professional development, and flexibility. The hosts explore strategies for retaining Gen Z employees, such as job rotation programs, volunteer time off (VTO), and fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.
Cause Selling Nonprofit Power Week – Day 2
The Cause Selling Cycle for nonprofit fundraising, with Tony Beall, the Senior Director of the National University Academies Relationship Center. The Cause Selling Cycle is a three-phase, eight-step process that begins with prospecting and concludes with stewarding donor relationships. The hosts and Tony emphasize formalizing the fundraising process and tracking progress through the cycle. They discuss the significance of making a good first impression during the approach phase and highlight different approaches that can be used depending on the donor’s interests and preferences. They also stress the need for cultivation and stewardship during events, where board members and volunteers can play a role in engaging potential donors.
The interview moves on to Step 3, which focuses on approaching prospective donors. Tony explains that the approach is about capturing the interest of prospects and making a positive impression. He emphasizes the need to personalize the approach based on what has been learned about the donor’s passions and interests.
The conversation then shifts to Step 4, the needs discovery phase, which is considered the “heart of the Cause Selling Cycle”. This step involves active listening and understanding the donor‘s readiness to commit, their passions, and aligning their ethics with the organization’s. Tony highlights the importance of questioning techniques and listening skills during this phase to gather critical information about the donor.
Next, Step 5 is discussed—the presentation phase. The hosts and Tony explain that this step involves preparing and delivering a presentation tailored to the donor’s interests and preferences. They emphasize the power of personalization and creativity in creating meaningful experiences for potential donors. Props and . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit Cause Selling Success Stories
The Cause Selling fundraising program will enhance your fundraising success. The tools provided within the extensive educational resource aim to help nonprofits raise money and advance their fundraising strategies.
Jack Alotto, CFRE, highlights the value of following the Cause Selling cycle, consisting of three phases and eight steps. He emphasized that by focusing on each module of the cycle, fundraisers can effectively lead up to the “ASK” phase, making the solicitation process easier and more natural. The key is to invest time and effort in every step, including need discovery, listening, asking open-ended questions, presentation style, and handling objections.
When asked about donor’s objections, Jack advised fundraisers not to take it personally. He emphasized the need to broaden the definition of success, attract more donors than necessary, and understand that rejection is a common experience in fundraising. By forgiving oneself, engaging in positive self-talk, and reflecting on missed opportunities, fundraisers can learn and improve their approach. He mentioned the unique strategy of overcoming objections and the concept of donation signals. These tools help fundraisers gauge donor interest and engagement, enabling them to tailor their presentations accordingly.
To gain proficiency with the Cause Selling cycle, Jack suggests continuously reviewing the model and understanding each module’s purpose. He recommends leveraging the resources available in the free online fundraising portal, which offers blogs, videos, webinars, and training programs.
Is AI Coming For Your Nonprofit Job?
The applicability of artificial intelligence (AI) for nonprofits and how AI can revolutionize fundraising efforts and improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of nonprofit organizations, with Shawn Olds, co-founder of Boodle.ai. The conversation revolves around Shawn emphasizes that AI is not a replacement for human interaction but a powerful tool to support and enhance nonprofit work. He encourages nonprofits to embrace AI and leverage its capabilities to improve their fundraising and engagement efforts.
Shawn begins by explaining the genesis of Boodle.ai, highlighting the need to bring data science and machine learning to the nonprofit sector in an easily consumable manner. He emphasizes that AI will primarily take over the time-consuming and mundane tasks in analytics, data collection, and data processing, allowing nonprofits to focus on building relationships and engaging with donors.
The conversation touches upon the challenges faced by nonprofits in understanding and utilizing the data they collect. Shawn points out that many organizations seek more data without a clear understanding of how they will use it effectively. Boodle.ai addresses this by providing a platform that can perform identity resolution and enrich nonprofit data with third-party data, enabling organizations to better understand their donors and build effective fundraising strategies.
The interview also looks at the importance of personalized outreach and engagement in fundraising. Shawn dispels the misconception that technology, including AI, hampers personalization. Instead, he highlights that AI is a tool that enhances the fundraising process by enabling nonprofits to analyze large amounts of data and generate personalized communications based on donor profiles and past campaign successes.
The conversation further explores the . . . . . . . . .
Crisis Communications For Nonprofits (Disaster prep)
Crisis communications and the importance of being prepared for potential crises in the nonprofit sector. Lauri Hennessy, the Pacific Northwest Executive Director of One Love, a national foundation focused on promoting healthy relationships, discusses the need for preparedness, transparency, and proactive communication to maintain trust and effectively manage crises. With a well-developed nonprofit crisis communication plan and a focus on building relationships with stakeholders and the media, nonprofits can navigate crises successfully and emerge stronger.
Lauri emphasizes that crises are not a matter of “if,” but “when.” Every organization will face a crisis at some point, and it is crucial to have a plan in place to handle it effectively. She highlights the need for transparency and proactive communication during times of duress, as crises can erode public trust and support for an organization. The primary goal of crisis communication is issuing a sincere and timely apology. Lauri stresses the importance of 1) apologizing quickly, 2) taking accountability, and 3) outlining the steps the organization will take to rectify the situation or prevent it from happening again.
The interview also covers the significance of the internal audience in crisis communication. Lauri believes that the internal audience, including staff, board members, and volunteers, is the most critical during a crisis. Their support and advocacy are instrumental in mitigating damage and maintaining public trust.
The discussion continues with a focus on key stakeholders, such as funders, donors, government contractors, and elected officials and how to create a matrix that outlines these stakeholders and their priorities, ensuring that communication efforts are targeted and well-coordinated. Lauri recommends developing a detailed . . . . . . . . .
Civil Discourse In Divided Communities
Milan Kordestani, the author of a new book called “I’m Just Saying”, is interviewed about his fresh views on civil discourse in divided communities– with the aim of fostering understanding and meaningful conversations beyond preconceived notions. Milan explains that many conversations today result in division and frustration because people focus on proving their own points rather than building relationships or finding common ground. He believes that social media and digital communication have contributed to the challenges in effective communication and connection.
The conversation touches on the importance of finding commonalities and building relationships, even in the face of disagreement. Milan shares his perspective that civil discourse has been impacted by social media and the fear of voicing dissenting opinions. He emphasizes the need for active listening and reflection as tools for productive conversations, urging people to ask “why” and understand different perspectives. The goal is to empathize with others and connect with them, rather than simply agreeing to disagree.
The hosts discuss the current state of civil discourse and the challenges posed by technology and social media platforms that curate content based on users’ preferences. They also touch upon the role of advertising and marketing in civic discourse, highlighting both the positive and negative impacts.
The conversation shifts to the importance of evolving and being open to learning and growth. Milan emphasizes the willingness to be wrong and change one’s opinions when presented with new information. He believes that teaching these values in schools and inspiring others through personal examples can help shift the paradigm of civil discourse.
The thought provoking episode concludes with a discussion on the . . . . . . . . .
Transitioning Affinity Into Philanthropy!
The role of stewardship through affiliation in fostering alumni philanthropy, and the long-term benefits of engaging alumni beyond graduation, with Lashonda Williams, as the Associate Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving at South Texas College of Law Houston. LaShonda describes the significance of building relationships with students during their academic journey, highlighting the value of maintaining communication with students during their time at the school and mentions the successful implementation of a student giving day and senior gift challenge to encourage philanthropy among students. She also shares the value of stewardship by connecting scholarship recipients with their donors, creating meaningful experiences, and cultivating relationships that extend beyond graduation.
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LaShonda further explains that fostering student engagement is the foundation for building a productive alumni donor base. She mentions the role of student organizations and individual connections in the philanthropic space. LaShonda emphasizes the importance of making students aware of the significance of philanthropy and how it supports their education. She discusses the impact of scholarships and the need to connect scholarship recipients with their donors to foster stewardship, gratitude, and mentorship.
LaShonda mentions the importance of starting the alumni relationship while students are still attending the institution and collecting updated contact information. She suggests delivering alumni SWAG as a recognition of their first gift and other ways to create opportunities for alumni to provide feedback on their priorities and interests.
The hosts, Julia Patrick and Jarrett Ransom, also give a “Tip of the Hat” to the South Texas College of Law’s centennial celebration and the achievement of reaching 100 years as the oldest law school . . . . . . . . .
GivingUSA Report Highlights (Giving Trends)
Trends and insights from GivingUSA, a comprehensive report on charitable giving in the United States, from Ann Fellman, Chief Marketing Officer of Bloomerang. Ann highlights the importance of understanding the data in the context of the nonprofit sector and shares some surprising findings, plus ways for organizations to adapt and optimize their fundraising strategies while keeping a realistic perspective on the current economic climate.
One notable trend is the growth of foundations in charitable giving. Foundations now account for 21% of the total giving, a significant increase from 5% in 1980. Ann emphasizes the need for nonprofits to consider the evolving landscape and the transfer of wealth from Baby Boomers to Millennials.
Ann also addresses concerns about the decrease in overall giving in 2022. She advises nonprofits not to panic but to use the data as a benchmark and compare their organization’s performance to the broader trends. She suggests recognizing the challenging economic environment and making appeals that acknowledge the impact of current events.
The discussion highlights the resilience of American generosity and the importance of online giving strategies. Ann encourages nonprofits to leverage digital platforms and provide a seamless donor experience. She emphasizes the need for organizations to make their case for support without assuming donors’ ability or willingness to give.
The interview concludes with a mention of the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) and Bloomerang’s participation in supporting research across the nonprofit sector..