Federal Grant And Application Insights!
Federal grants and the application process for nonprofits, emphasizing the importance of having a compelling story and a clear understanding of why your organization deserves funding, with the leader of government funding at Your Part-Time Controller, Derick Dreher. He highlights that successful applicants often have a track record of implementing impactful programs and managing finances effectively. Additionally, Derick advises nonprofits to be mindful of their budget size, as there is a sweet spot that appeals to federal agencies.
Derick discusses the readiness factors for applying for federal grants, emphasizing the significance of both programmatic and financial track records. He encourages organizations to demonstrate their ability to implement programs successfully and manage funds responsibly. Derick also addresses the topic of fiscal sponsorship, stating that while it may pose certain challenges, smaller organizations can still apply for federal grants tailored to their size.
The conversation delves into grants.gov, the official website where federal agencies announce grant opportunities. Derick provides insights on navigating the platform, including narrowing down searches and setting up personalized alerts. He also recommends signing up for newsletters from federal agencies as a valuable source of information.
The discussion touches on the dos and don’ts of grant applications. Derick emphasizes the importance of following application instructions carefully and submitting only the requested documents. He advises applicants to reach out to program officers for guidance and clarifications, as they are there to assist and provide insights. Derick also stresses the significance of proofreading applications and ensuring that budgets align with narrative descriptions.
Derick’s expertise and enthusiasm for the grant application process provide clarity . . . . . . . . .
People Of Color And Next Gen Leadership!
People of color and their impact on the next generation of leadership in the nonprofit sector, with Mohan Sivaloganathan, CEO of Our Turn . Mohan’s organization focuses on training young people to be effective change makers in order to create a more equitable education system. They emphasize the power of storytelling to inspire change and the need for young people to have a voice in decision-making processes.
Mohan highlights the challenges faced by young leaders of color, who often encounter obstacles and boundaries that limit their access and opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of allies and sponsors who can support and advocate for these emerging leaders. Mohan believes that young people should not have to conform to a specific mold and should be encouraged to bring their authentic selves to the table.
The conversation delves into the discomfort that some individuals may feel when discussing issues of race and diversity. Mohan suggests that focusing on fairness, opportunity, and access can help make these conversations more approachable. He also discusses the need for organizations to support people of color in leadership roles by recognizing and amplifying their unique strengths and characteristics.
The hosts and Mohan touch on the resurgence of personality profiling and labels in the workplace, expressing their concerns about putting individuals into boxes. They advocate for a more individualized approach to leadership development and support.
The interview emphasizes the importance of nurturing and empowering the next generation of leaders, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Mohan encourages organizations to embrace the strengths and perspectives that people of color bring and to create a culture of support and inclusivity
Why Nonprofit’s Strategies Fail (Lost at CEO)
The reasons why nonprofit strategies often fail and flounder. We are joined by Carl J. Cox, author, and CEO of 40Strategy.com. His book,”Lost at CEO”, follows the journey of a character named Jack, who is stuck in a difficult situation. Carl emphasizes that strategies should be simple and can help guide nonprofit organizations from an original point to a new destination. He explains that the book takes a different approach than most business texts by incorporating emotion and storytelling to engage readers on a deeper level.
The discussion begins with acknowledging the limited time and attention given to strategic planning in nonprofits. Carl reveals that only about 40 hours per year are typically spent on strategic planning, which includes retreats, plan development, and quarterly review meetings. He highlights the need to shift this approach by incorporating modern research and tools to make the most out of the limited time available.
The conversation then explores the topic of habits and the challenge of changing behaviors. Carl explains that facts alone do not necessarily change behaviors, as people often engage in actions, they know are not beneficial. He stresses the importance of emotional connection and buy-in from staff members to drive successful strategy implementation. By involving staff in the strategic planning process and allowing them to contribute to the solution, they feel a sense of ownership and commitment, resulting in greater engagement and positive outcomes.
Carl introduces the concept of 10-week sprints, which involve working on small tactics each week to ensure progress towards strategic goals. These sprints allow for adjustments and iteration along . . . . . . . . .
The Power Of A Philanthropy Facilitator!
Claire Axelrad, a leader in the nonprofit sector, discusses the role of a philanthropy facilitator and the importance of shifting the focus from fundraising to philanthropy. She explains that philanthropy, which means “love of humankind,” involves leading donors on a transformative journey towards self-actualization. Claire emphasizes the need for engagement experts in the nonprofit sector who can guide donors and help them find meaning in their philanthropic endeavors.
The conversation digs into the negative connotations associated with traditional fundraising and highlights the importance of building relationships with donors based on trust, dignity, and respect. Claire suggests that nonprofit organizations should adopt a gratitude mindset and focus on emotionally moving donors by acknowledging their impact and expressing genuine appreciation. She encourages organizations to develop formal gratitude programs and donor love and loyalty plans to foster long-term relationships with donors.
The interview emphasizes the significance of listening to donors and understanding their individual journeys. Claire stresses the value of curiosity and asks generative questions to uncover donors’ motivations and passions. By doing so, nonprofits can align their purpose with that of the donors, creating a symbiotic relationship where both parties feel fulfilled and empowered to make a difference.
Claire also discusses the need for ease and convenience in the giving process, highlighting the importance of user-friendly websites and mobile-responsive platforms. She encourages nonprofits to put themselves in donors’ shoes and ensure that the giving experience is seamless and accessible.
The interview concludes with a reminder that philanthropy facilitation consists of two parts: embracing the love of humankind and making the process easy and accessible. By embodying these . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit Mergers And Alliances
Expertise on nonprofit mergers and alliances, shedding light on the complexities, opportunities, and insights and adding their experiences which emphasize the importance of collaboration, setting realistic expectations, and engaging skilled facilitators to navigate the process successfully with two nonprofit sector champions, Nora Hannah and Carrie Harlow . Nora Hannah is the director of Arizona Together for Impact, a collaboration of funders that supports nonprofits in their efforts to collaborate. Carrie Harlow is the director of the Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative, a pooled fund supported by local foundations that invests in nonprofit resiliency during moments of transition.
The conversation begins with an exploration of the spectrum of partnerships in the nonprofit sector, including alliances, joint programs, shared services, and integrations of organizations. The guests emphasize that collaboration is a broad concept and that mergers represent only a small portion of the partnerships they fund. They highlight the value of engaging in collaborative efforts to leverage resources and have a greater impact.
Host Julia Patrick asks whether organizations typically approach them for help or if they proactively identify potential partnerships. The guests explain that while they encourage organizations to see collaboration as a strategic tool, it is crucial for the relationships to start authentically among nonprofit leaders and board members. They emphasize the importance of balance and caution against overly prescriptive matchmaking by funders, as outcomes are often better when relationships develop naturally.
The discussion then shifts into the process of effective partnerships and collaborations. Carrie Harlow outlines a chronological approach, starting with getting buy-in from the board and conducting organizational assessments. She emphasizes the importance of identifying . . . . . . . . .
Fractional Executives For Nonprofits!
The concept of fractional executives and how they can benefit nonprofit organizations. An interview of Cindy Wagman, the President and CEO of TheGoodPartnership.com. She explains that fractional executives are hired at an executive level for a fraction of their time and cost compared to full-time hires. This allows organizations to stretch their budgets and hire higher-level expertise. Fractional executives are not employees but rather consultants who are paid a monthly retainer. They become part of the team and provide strategic oversight and implementation.
Cindy shares her experience of starting as a fractional fundraiser in 2015 and growing a team to provide fractional fundraising services. She emphasizes the importance of implementation for small organizations and how fractional executives can provide consistent and meaningful results. They offer a proven roadmap for organizations and allow executive directors to focus on their core responsibilities without the stress of managing inexperienced staff.
The discussion expands to different types of fractional executives, including CFOs, HR professionals, marketing experts, and evaluators. Cindy explains that if a role is not core to program delivery, there is likely a fractional executive available for that position. The hosts discuss the importance of understanding and embracing fractional leadership as a strategic move, rather than being hesitant or uncertain about it.
When it comes to budgeting, Cindy suggests comparing the cost of hiring a junior full-time employee in the same role to get a starting point for the budget. The cost of a fractional executive varies depending on factors such as location and position, but it is important to consider the full cost of hiring . . . . . . . . .
Creating A Content Strategy For Nonprofits
Anne McAuley Lopez, a content expert at AgencyContentWriter.com, shares valuable insights on creating a content strategy for your nonprofit or charity. The discussion revolves around the importance of identifying categories and target audiences when planning content creation. Anne emphasizes the need for a cohesive plan that covers various platforms such as podcasts, blogs, newsletters, and social media. By focusing on specific audiences and goals, nonprofits can tell their stories effectively without overwhelming themselves or their readers.
Starting with the knowns, which include newsletters, podcasts, and blogs that the organization plans to create, Anne suggests considering different audiences and their interests throughout the year. For example, sharing articles on the health benefits of volunteering can resonate with volunteers on social media. Anne advises being strategic and selecting specific topics for each platform to avoid overwhelming the audience.
The conversation also touches upon the role of team members and volunteers in content creation. Anne recommends engaging individuals with writing skills or an interest in marketing from various departments, including finance. Their unique perspectives can contribute to content creation and make it more diverse. Anne suggests using available resources, such as Evergreen content that can be repurposed and reposted. This approach saves time and ensures consistent engagement with the audience.
To effectively manage content creation, Anne suggests creating a content calendar using spreadsheets or existing platforms like Airtable. The calendar should be organized, color-coded, and adaptable to changes. Anne emphasizes the importance of simplicity and starting small. Even a basic spreadsheet can serve as a useful tool for tracking and managing content.
Hashtags and headlines play a crucial . . . . . . . . .
Forging Strong Foundation And NPO Relationships!
Rachel DeMatteo, a Director at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), discusses the importance of forging strong relationships between nonprofit organizations (NPOs) and foundations with effective communication, understanding, and collaboration. YPTC is a company that provides financial services to nonprofits and has recently launched a foundations vertical to specialize in working with foundations.
DeMatteo highlights the significance of being audit-ready for nonprofits. She explains the difference between external reports, such as audits and 990 forms, and internal reports. Foundations often request audits and 990 forms to gain confidence in the financial information provided by nonprofits. Dematteo suggests that foundations should consider the capacity of nonprofits and the level of financial information they can provide. She encourages foundations to have open conversations with grantees to better understand their financial practices and explore ways to support them in improving their back-office operations.
The discussion also focuses on the challenges nonprofits face when dealing with grant requirements and templates. Dematteo acknowledges that foundations use templates to ensure consistency but warns about the potential for errors and the need for interpretation. She suggests that foundations consider using the categories from the 990 form, which is a more universal language for financial reporting in the nonprofit sector.
The interview touches upon the changing landscape of philanthropy and the increasing emphasis on trust-based relationships between foundations and nonprofits. Dematteo mentions that some foundations are reevaluating their grant requirements and seeking feedback from grantees to streamline the application process and make it more cohesive. Both the foundations and nonprofits are encouraged to have open communication and build partnerships to achieve their . . . . . . . . .
Engaging Donors Where They Are Now! (Blackbaud Giving)
The Blackbaud Giving Fund is a 501(c)(3) sponsor of a donor-advised fund that supports workplace giving and peer-to-peer fundraising. They distribute funds to nonprofits based on donor recommendations. Matt Nash, the Executive Director of the Blackbaud Giving Fund, discusses the importance of engaging donors “where they are now”, with insights into engaging donors effectively, adapting to changing donor attitudes, and leveraging technology and data to improve donor communication and relationships.
Nash highlights the need for nonprofits to be more intentional in their approach to donors. He explains that donors today want to be more involved and understand the organizations they support on a deeper level. They are looking for alignment with their values and want to have a meaningful impact, presenting both an opportunity and a challenge for nonprofits to effectively communicate and connect with donors.
The discussion also touches on the issue of donor contact and communication. Nash suggests that nonprofits should be where their donors are, whether it’s through physical or virtual platforms and emphasizing the importance of telling impactful stories and providing information about the purpose, outcomes, and impacts of nonprofit work. Nash also mentions the use of technology platforms and databases to identify and target specific groups of donors, allowing for more personalized and effective communication.
The conversation then shifts to the attitudes and behaviors of the next generation of donors and how younger donors amplify the existing trends seen among donors today. They are even more interested in getting engaged and want to know more about the causes they support. Nash highlights the potential of these younger donors . . . . . . . . .
Inside Successful Corporate Sponsorships!
An excellent primer underscoring the shift towards partnership-focused relationships between nonprofits and corporate sponsors. Heather Nelson, President and Lead Consultant at BridgeRaise.com, shares insights on successful corporate sponsorship strategies. She emphasizes the importance of building value-aligned and relationship-based partnerships with corporate sponsors.
Nelson highlights the shift from purely transactional sponsorships to more purpose-led partnerships. While marketing elements still play a role, companies are increasingly focused on making a joint impact with nonprofits and engaging employees. She encourages nonprofits to ask questions and understand what sponsors are looking for, as it can vary from company to company.
The conversation also delves into the significance of long-term sponsorships and the challenges of budget uncertainties, suggesting setting up multi-year agreements with a base commitment and adding on additional elements annually. The key is to establish a strong relationship and align business goals to make multi-year partnerships more appealing to companies.
The discussion touches on the value add that corporations seek from their partnerships, including employee engagement opportunities and a “frictionless relationship” with the nonprofit. Nelson advises nonprofits to simplify their mission and impact to make it easier for sponsors to understand and engage with.
This episode also explores the topic of exclusivity in partnerships, elaborating on how exclusivity clauses can work in certain situations, but it is essential to consider the intentionality and specifics of each case. Being transparent and finding ways to give each partner a unique experience can help navigate exclusivity concerns.
Heather makes a particular emphasis on the importance of year-round communication with corporate partners, rather than just focusing on the event . . . . . . . . .