Hiring Nonprofit Accountants? (Where are they?)
The shortage of accountants in the nonprofit sector is discussed with Jerilyn Dressler, Director of Strategic Partnerships at YPTC.com (Your Part-Time Controller). Jerilyn highlighted the challenges nonprofits face in hiring and retaining accounting professionals, especially those with CPA (Certified Public Accountant) qualifications. She pointed out that many CPAs are nearing retirement age, and there’s a shortage of students majoring in accounting.
The conversation covers the differences between accountants and CPAs, with Jerilyn explaining that while CPAs handle annual financial statements, audits, and regulatory filings, accountants work with organizations throughout the year. She stressed the importance of having professionals with nonprofit-specific expertise, as nonprofit accounting involves unique rules and regulations not found in for profit accounting.
Jerilyn also shared statistics from the American Institute of CPAs, indicating that 75% of CPAs reached retirement age in 2020, contributing to the shortage. Additionally, she discussed efforts to attract younger talent to the accounting profession by highlighting the potential for technological advancements and AI adoption in accounting roles.
The conversation emphasizes the critical role of finance and accounting teams in nonprofit organizations, as they are involved in every aspect and decision-making process. Jerilyn encourages NPO’s to bridge communication gaps between departments and leverage their tech to streamline processes and attract and retain accounting talent.
This quick episode ends with Jerilyn sharing her personal journey into accounting, highlighting the versatility of an accounting career, suggesting it’s an attractive option for those considering a career change or just entering college.
The $25 Donor Experience Experiment! (Nonprofit failure?)
The experiment aimed to explore how nonprofit organizations interact with donors who make small $25 donations. The conversation highlights the importance of providing a positive donor experience to retain and engage supporters, offering insights and actionable recommendations for NPO’s and NGO’s to enhance their donor interactions, with James Goalder, the Partnerships Manager at Bloomerang.
James begins by explaining the research was initiated by a friend and colleague, who used to donate $25 to various organizations and track their responses. James decided to conduct a similar experiment but focused on national accounts, including Feeding America, Humane Society, Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, Free Clinics, and Meals on Wheels.
The experiment involved James donating to 50 organizations in each category, across all states. He assessed the online donation process, including the ease of finding the donate button and the functionality of the donation forms. After donating, he evaluated the thank-you process, which led to several noteworthy findings.
James revealed that the donor experiences varied significantly among organizations. Some had streamlined and user-friendly processes, while others had broken links and frustrating experiences. He emphasized the importance of organizations reviewing their online donation process from a donor’s perspective and fixing any issues.
One significant discovery was that only 10% of organizations offered payment options other than credit cards, such as ACH bank draft, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or Venmo. James highlighted the importance of diversifying payment options to accommodate donors who may not have credit cards.
Furthermore, James discussed the impact of landing pages after donations. About 58% of organizations redirected donors to third-party pages, which . . . . . . . . .
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.