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..
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 . . . . . . . . .