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.
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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 . . . . . . . . .
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.