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In the ever-evolving world of nonprofit leadership, one constant remains: the board meeting. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a new board member, mastering this essential component of governance can elevate your mission and impact. Cody Bender, Chief Product Officer at Boardable, joins us to unravel the practical strategies that make board meetings more efficient, inclusive, and effective.
With over a decade of experience leading tech product innovation, Cody begins with the importance of meeting preparation, record-keeping, and adapting to change. But more than that, he reminds us that streamlining meetings isn't just about saving time—it's about maximizing mission delivery.
“A well-crafted agenda is easier than you think,” Cody shares. “Structure it from moment one to moment two to moment three—and let your goals guide you.”
Cody’s key advice includes involving multiple stakeholders in creating agendas to line up expectations and foster engagement. He also points to the value of clear, clean formats over outdated templates and visual clutter.
For today’s nonprofits—where hybrid meetings & digital communication are the norm—accountability and access to records matter more than ever. “Don’t let form override function,” Cody tell us. “You can keep the greatest records in the world, but if you can’t get to them, you’re in no better position than if you didn’t do it at all.”
From embracing shared platforms to avoiding the pitfall of overloading your board with too many tools, this informative conversation will give you many actionable items you’re your nonprofit can use. And when you hear about Boardable’s origin story, rooted in the real frustrations of board service, Cody brings a grounded, user-focused lens to the technology.
Ready to transform your board meetings from mundane to mission-aligned? Watch this episode now and you’ll realize smarter, more supportive board practices.
#NonprofitLeadership #BoardManagement #DigitalGovernance
Branding powerhouse Lynn Wineman, President and Chief Strategist at KidGlov.com, explores one of the most misunderstood yet essential components of nonprofit success: branding.
Far from being just a logo or tagline, Lynn reframes branding as a dynamic, multi-layered ecosystem that can dramatically improve a nonprofit’s visibility, trustworthiness, and fundraising effectiveness. Her agency’s proprietary “brand pyramid” lays out the essential building blocks—starting with the organization’s name, followed by the logo, tagline, messaging, visual identity, and finally marketing and advertising execution, which helps leaders see branding as a strategic foundation rather than a cosmetic afterthought.
“Branding is one of very few things that can move the needle on everything you do,” Lynn says, emphasizing that a strong, consistent brand elevates all areas—from donor engagement to volunteer recruitment and even talent acquisition. She points to compelling data from NonProfit Pro showing that organizations with strong, consistent brands can increase their fundraising results by as much as 23%. That lift can be a game-changer!
Yet despite these benefits, many nonprofit leaders are hesitant or ill-equipped to embrace branding. Lynn shares that for most, “just about the time you are sick of something—like, ‘I can't see that logo on my coffee cup one more time’—that's when your audience is just starting to get it.” Her lesson: internal fatigue with brand elements is often a sign of needed consistency, not a call for change.
Lynn also introduces her upcoming book, ‘Untangling Spaghetti,’ which outlines KidGlov’s proven eight-step branding process. It's designed to demystify the process and give leaders a roadmap they can follow with or without agency support.
Throughout the lively discussion, with host Julia Patrick, Lynn talks about those common barriers to branding—including outdated board attitudes, confusion about messaging, and the nonprofit sector’s inclination to prioritize service delivery over strategic communications. But with the right tools and a clear roadmap, Lynn believes any organization can build a brand that reflects its mission, energizes its team, and drives lasting impact!
#NonprofitBranding #MissionDrivenMarketing #SocialImpactStrategy
In this Fundraisers Friday conversation, hosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall answer viewers questions, but also explore the vital importance of joy and authenticity within the nonprofit sector. Starting the fast-paced chat, the talk about the growing challenge of burnout, particularly among fundraising professionals, they offer up some strategies for stress management and maintaining personal authenticity amidst external pressures.
"There is a lot of joy in this work, despite the challenges," Tony says, in talking about the necessity of personal well-being in achieving sustainable success. Julia points to a notable trend: nonprofit leaders actively seeking joy by disengaging from stressful media, stepping away from negative news and crime dramas, and gravitating towards humor and fulfilling personal activities.
Tony also introduces the powerful concept of fostering joy through intentional community gatherings, describing his local AFP chapter's decision to host events free of agendas or speakers, purely aimed at fostering genuine connections. Julia concurs, predicting that this innovative approach "is going to serve its members maybe better than they've ever served."
Further into the conversation, they tackle the debated "Give or Get" board policy. Tony critically comments that true altruism from board members shouldn't require formal mandates, advocating instead for universal financial participation at any level. Julia offers a more nuanced viewpoint, acknowledging the potential limitations of such policies, quoting Sherry Quam Taylor who argues, "You leave money on the table" by setting strict minimum contributions.
Throughout the discussion, Julia and Tony encourage fundraisers to thoughtfully define growth targets. They advise setting realistic, yet ambitious donor goals by assessing internal strengths and strategically leveraging them to maximize opportunities. Transitioning to skills crossover from for-profit to nonprofit sectors, Tony describes his support for sales professionals moving into fundraising, provided they have a passion for social impact, reinforcing that relationship-building remains pivotal across both spheres.
Finally, addressing career progression, the duo explore the rising importance of the CFRE designation in the nonprofit fundraising space. Tony shares that CFRE is becoming increasingly expected as a professional standard, noting its role in elevating fundraisers' credibility. He humorously yet insightfully captures the trend: "More and more fundraisers see CFRE behind other people’s names and think, 'I'm missing out if I don't do this also.”
Nonprofits face inevitable financial technology changes—often with fear and resistance. In this vibrant discussion,Co-Hosts Julia Patrick and Sherry Quam Taylor welcome Buu-Linh Tran, Senior Vice President of Financial Solutions at JMT Consulting, to demystify this daunting process. Buu-Linh emphasizes adopting a phased approach to make fintech transitions manageable and successful: "It’s always easier to swallow when you break it down into phases," she starts, reinforcing the necessity for gradual implementation to foster greater team acceptance.
Buu-Linh describes how "your system is a continuous improvement," explaining how launching new technology is just the beginning. Ongoing adaptations, updates, and training are vital for maximizing a system’s effectiveness. This process isn’t limited solely to technology—it encompasses organizational policies, procedures, and even culture. She also addresses the critical step of the "cutover"—transitioning data from old systems to new—which must be methodically planned to minimize downtime and disruptions.
A key challenge nonprofits encounter is communication between departments, particularly finance and fundraising. Systems integration is essential here. As Buu-Linh explains, seamless integration between donor management software and financial systems prevents discrepancies that confuse stakeholders, especially board members, who rely on unified dashboards that clearly show both financial performance and mission outcomes.
Speaking to the timing concern for system transitions, Buu-Linh realistically acknowledges, "There's really no good time to change," but stresses the importance of choosing a period of least disruption. Her practical insights guide nonprofits on strategically scheduling changes to avoid peak periods, audits, budgeting, or major events.
This informative conversation also highlights JMT Consulting’s Innovate 2025 conference, a dynamic annual gathering designed specifically for nonprofit finance professionals. Scheduled to be held in Nashville, it promises networking, technical training, and crucial thought leadership—creating powerful learning and collaborative opportunities.
"You really do need to get started," Buu-Linh urges us, encouraging nonprofits to proactively embrace fintech change as essential to organizational health and growth!
#NonprofitTech #FinancialManagement #ChangeManagement
Learn how United Way leverages partnerships to annually reclaim tens of millions in refunds for San Diegans, dramatically impacting lives by providing stability, reducing stress, and fostering community strength.
This lively chat with Nancy Sasaki, CEO of United Way of San Diego County, is about the transformative power of financial literacy. Nancy explains how United Way recognized financial stability as essential for community health. She begins with, “Financial security helps people feel stable and secure, and the pandemic clearly showed how critical this is.”
Discussing their extraordinary collaborative effort through the Earned Income Tax Credit coalition with over 45 organizations, Nancy speaks to the surprising reality for underserved communities: “People who don't make much money often don’t think they'll get taxes back, but they absolutely can.”
This enlightening conversation brilliantly connects community needs, financial empowerment, and nonprofit innovation.
#FinancialLiteracy #CommunityImpact #UnitedWay
Cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall dig down into a topic that’s equal parts provocative and practical: the often chaotic intersection between nonprofit CEOs and fundraising.
Right out of the gate, Julia sets the tone: “I've seen this occur and I continue to see it occur... the CEO position and fundraising chaos—it can be a little intense, right?” That word—chaos—rings true for many nonprofit leaders who juggle major gift asks, team oversight, and community expectations.
But leave it to Tony to cut through the storm with clarity: “Initially, I would say... the CEO is not your primary fundraiser, but they are the one that has the ultimate accountability for the success of fundraising.” With that, the conversation takes off, weaving through structures, leadership styles, and evolving titles e.g. Chief Development Officer, all with real-world empathy and experience.
Tony points to the need for strategic involvement: “Every donor is in your portfolio to some degree.” It’s not about micromanaging—it's about knowing when to step up and when to empower your team.
And speaking of teams, Julia flags a common donor behavior that throws a wrench in delegation: “Higher level players want to meet with the decision-maker… they kind of discount the development people.” This dynamic often pressures CEOs to jump into ‘asks’, sometimes prematurely.
Tony offers a smart fix: don’t surprise donors. “If we're bringing the CEO into the conversation, we need to do that before the ask.” It’s about future-focused cultivation, not last-minute theatrics.
They also tackle a hot-button issue—bonuses. Tony doesn’t hold back: “My first reaction was: hell no.” But he tempers that with nuance, suggesting creative, non-cash incentives that support retention and morale.
The episode also takes a heartful turn as Tony shares the trend of successful fundraisers being poached by the private sector: “They’ve moved into wealth management and financial advisor roles… that comparison is tough to compete with.”
Packed with actionable thinking, reflective moments, and a dash of humor this convo is a must-watch for nonprofit teams assessing fundraising expectations.
#NonprofitLeadership #FundraisingStrategy #CEOInsights
When you think about finance in the nonprofit world, does your mind immediately jump to spreadsheets and budget reports? What if we told you that finance could be transformed into a compelling narrative—one that connects numbers to mission impact? That’s exactly what Neil Shah, an experienced interim CFO, is doing with nonprofit financial storytelling.
Neil has spent years in the nonprofit sector, feeling the isolation that many CFOs experience. So, he took action, launching a nonprofit CFO roundtable where finance leaders could collaborate, share challenges, and gain insights from one another. “There aren’t a lot of opportunities for nonprofit CFOs to connect and learn from each other,” Neil shares. “I wanted to create a space where we could problem-solve together.”
One of the biggest challenges in nonprofit finance? Helping leadership and boards understand financial data in a meaningful way. Too often, financial reports become a blur of numbers, leaving stakeholders disconnected from their organization’s financial reality. Neil argues that nonprofit CFOs must go beyond traditional reporting methods: “Financial storytelling is the blend of financial data and narrative—it’s about showing where an organization has been, where it is now, and where it’s going.”
Neil talks about his methodology: By analyzing 10+ years of financial trends and utilizing AI tools, Neil helps organizations spot patterns that may be masked by one-time funding sources, such as PPP loans or emergency grants. Through clear charts, concise presentations, and a focus on only the most critical data points, he empowers nonprofit leaders to make informed strategic decisions.
The magic happens when finance, development, and program teams work in sync, breaking down silos and aligning around a shared financial story. “Finance isn’t just about numbers—it’s about customer service within an organization,” Neil emphasizes. His approach transforms finance from a back-office function into a powerful tool for mission success.
Want to shift how your organization communicates financial data? Check out Neil’s nonprofit CFO roundtable at cfogroups.com and start telling a financial story that inspires action!
#NonprofitFinance #FinancialStorytelling #nonprofitboards
In a world often clouded by complexity, some journeys stand out as beacons of transformation and hope. This is the story of Andrea and Haril Kazindra, two young visionaries whose lives were forever changed by an internship and a friendship in Uganda, sparking the birth of Musana.org, an organization rewriting the rules of charitable giving.
Andrea, just 20 and fresh from Colorado, found herself confronted with harsh realities in a Ugandan orphanage: children starving, stealing, and facing unimaginable hardships. Moved by the shocking discovery of corruption exploiting children's suffering for profit, she knew her path had changed forever. "I called my parents, I told them I'm not coming home—I'm staying to rescue these kids," Andrea shared passionately, and signifying the depth of her commitment.
Meeting Andrea was transformative for Haril, too. He says, "Learning about her compassion and love for these children and wanting to fight for them to have a better life—that's what really touched me the most." Together, they uncovered a staggering truth: 80% of kids in orphanages worldwide aren't orphans but rather products of systemic poverty and exploitation.
Realizing charity alone was insufficient, Andrea proffered, "Charity is not going to develop Africa. Business, enterprise, industry, investing in local people—that’s truly going to create impact.” This philosophy guided their innovative model that has now educated over 8,700 students and provided healthcare to hundreds of thousands of patients through community-built schools and hospitals, driven entirely by locally-generated income.
Their story isn't just one of success—it's a profound reflection on humility and empowerment. Haril shares, "If people can overcome egos and pride, a lot can be accomplished," underscoring their approach of mutual respect, cultural exchange, and local empowerment.
Now, Musana's radical mission addresses root causes of poverty by investing in sustainable enterprise, not dependency. Andrea powerfully re-affirms their core philosophy: "Charity has not developed any country—it’s business, enterprise, and industry that will create lasting change."
The lessons from Musana challenge conventional philanthropy and call us to rethink our approach to global aid, emphasizing dignity, sustainability, and local ownership.
#SocialEnterprise #CommunityEmpowerment #UgandaNonprofits
In this conversation we speak with Marty Bird, Director of Marketing at JMT Consulting, about successful nonprofit conference marketing strategies. Marty reveals insights from 16 years of organizing "Innovate," a premier event bringing together nonprofit finance professionals.
The conversation explores how JMT has strategically evolved its conference over time, leveraging partnerships and innovative marketing to position itself as a thought leader in nonprofit finance. This fast-paced dialog, with host Julia Patrick, provides a robust blueprint for nonprofits seeking to reinvigorate their event strategies post-pandemic.
Emphasizing the importance of networking at in-person conferences, Marty shares, "The networking opportunities are endless...finance professionals can discuss personally with us or with their peers; they don’t feel so alone."
Marty speaks to the significance of careful sponsor selection and the meticulous matching of clients with relevant sponsors, to enhance the experience for everyone involved. He also talks about the value of hiring experienced event planners and staying agile to adapt content to industry changes, saying, "We're giving them permission to talk to one another—to relate—and sometimes that's all it takes with introverted individuals."
If you’re thinking or planning an ‘in-person’ event or conference, you’ll want to pay close attention to Marty’s savvy advice!
#NonprofitEvents #ConferenceMarketing #nonprofitmarketing
Ever wonder what happens when creativity, heart, and savvy branding come together? Julia ‘Patrick’ and Kay ‘McDonald’ team up on Saint Patrick’s Day to deliver a spirited exploration of nonprofit cause marketing, shining a spotlight on the sparkling world of Charity Charms. As Julia quips, "What do you get when you have a McDonald and a Patrick coming together on Saint Patrick's Day? This is gonna be a barn burner!" True to her words, this conversation will ignite a spark of inspiration for you.
Kay McDonald, founder and CEO of Charity Charms, ‘charmingly’ explains her innovative approach: turning nonprofit logos into wearable stories that connect supporters, nonprofits, and businesses. She highlights, "We encourage the charity to align with a corporation to underwrite their program," demonstrating the mutual benefits of purposeful collaboration. Julia adds, "As a business owner, we're always looking for ways we can align ourselves to things we believe in."
From binary bracelets teaching STEM to young girls with the Dottie Rose Foundation, to empowering domestic violence survivors alongside Arizona Facial Plastics, Kay’s partnerships prove that branding can be both powerful and purposeful.
Together, Julia and Kay dive into the essentials of strategic alignment, contracts, branding benefits, and the evolving expectation that businesses must contribute meaningfully to social good. Packed with humor, wit, and actionable insights, this session will charm anyone passionate about partnering business with social impact.
#CauseMarketing #NonprofitInnovation #PurposeBranding
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is becoming increasingly critical for both corporations and nonprofits. Our cohosts dig into the nuances and potential of CSR partnerships. Cohost Tony Beall begins by defining CSR as "what organizations commit to in terms of how they want to represent their brand to the community," encompassing environmental, ethical, social, philanthropic, and economic responsibilities.
The duo discuss the strategic importance for fundraisers to understand these distinct CSR pillars to enhance their approaches. Cohost Julia Patrick admits, "I just lumped it all together," pointing to the common mistake nonprofits make. Tony expands on this concept, describing how nonprofits must align specifically with a company's CSR goals to effectively establish mutually beneficial relationships.
The discussion explores the intersection between CSR and cause marketing. Tony differentiates the two clearly: "CSR is focused on doing good as part of the business operation…cause-related marketing is how you express what's happening, how you engage customers."
Ethical alignment also becomes central in the conversation, citing the value for nonprofits to choose corporate partners whose activities align with their mission and values. Julia speaks to the weight of ethical decisions and the challenge when nonprofit leaders reject lucrative but misaligned partnerships. Tony concurs strongly, remarking, "You have to have those standards within your organization."
The two also talk about the practical need for clearly articulated agreements through ‘Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs)’, described as a necessary "formal handshake". This formality, rather than inhibiting relationships, provides clarity and aligns expectations, further nurturing a more sustainable corporate partnership.
Finally, they emphasize relationship nurturing and the critical importance of asking corporate sponsors about their reporting and engagement preferences. Tony says powerfully: "It is so important that we understand what is valuable and important and motivates the individual donors and the corporate supporters."
Nonprofits, the landscape is shifting under your feet, and the urgency to act has never been clearer. Hatsy Cutshall, Director of Government Awards Management at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), joined us to deliver an urgent message: communication and clarity are your best defense in these chaotic times. With executive orders rapidly reshaping your funding environment, understanding the roles of federal agencies such as the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is no longer optional—it's crucial for survival. Hatsy emphasizes, “Never assume that if you've got questions, don't assume one way or the other. Ask those questions because it's better to know up front.” The federal funding landscape is complex, and failure to act proactively can result in detrimental consequences.
Hatsy highlights the critical importance of proactive communication with federal program officers, underscoring their role as partners rather than adversaries. Nonprofits should connect with these officers to clarify expectations, understand legal jargon in contracts, and adapt programs quickly in response to shifting circumstances. According to Hatsy, "Program officers are there to partner with you and help you succeed.”
This chaotic environment doesn’t only affect nonprofits directly receiving federal funds. Hatsy clearly warns that the impact trickles down, influencing state and local funding channels. Every nonprofit is vulnerable. Ignoring the warning signs can lead to missed opportunities, funding losses, and compliance disasters. The time to engage is now. Reach out proactively, communicate clearly, and build strategic relationships with federal program officers who are your allies, not your adversaries!
#NonprofitAlert #FederalFunding
The nonprofit sector is undergoing a seismic shift. More and more rising professionals are being tapped for executive leadership—but are they truly prepared? Enter Brian Quail, an accomplished CEO, consultant, and author of The Ultimate Guide for New Nonprofit CEOs. In this conversation, he unpacks the realities of stepping into nonprofit leadership and why 50% of new CEOs fail within their first eight months on the job!
"Boards don’t know how to onboard new CEOs—and they never will," Brian begins. "That’s not why they were recruited. But what they can do is embrace a framework that ensures success from day one."
His ‘Five Frameworks Approach’ provides an actionable roadmap, from mastering the first 90 days to understanding financials, donor relationships, and board engagement. He also underscores a major leadership gap forming due to 10,000 Baby Boomers turning 65 every day until 2030, leaving a vacuum in leadership.
As Brian points out, “Being a nonprofit CEO isn’t about waiting for a title—it’s about stepping up and leading from the very first day.”
This fast episode is a game-changer for current CEOs, aspiring executives, board members, and leadership teams. If you want to stop the high turnover trend and build resilient leadership, don’t miss Brian’s expert insights.
#NonprofitLeadership #CEOOnboarding #LeadershipSuccess
Unlocking the mystery behind donor retention is critical for any nonprofit looking for sustainability and success. Wendy Mercurio, Market Research Specialist from Bloomerang, discusses groundbreaking strategies and unexpected insights.
Wendy presents data-driven info highlighting significant gaps and opportunities in fundraising strategies, emphasizing the importance of donor retention over donor acquisition. Wendy begins with a reminder, “The cost of acquiring a new donor is 5 times more than retaining a donor you already have,” bringing into sharp focus the economic and strategic necessity of donor retention. She shares compelling statistics, including the remarkable effectiveness of texting as a communication channel, offering, “If you send a text to your donors, you have an open rate of 95% to 98% within the first five minutes.”
Bloomerang’s open access to invaluable research empowers nonprofits with data-driven guidance, such as utilizing donor surveys and personalized communications, to significantly boost retention. This dynamic conversation is a ‘must watch’ for nonprofit fundraisers and leaders wanting practical strategies to energize their fundraising and donor relationships.
#DonorRetention #NonprofitStrategy #BloomerangInsights
In 2025’s rapidly shifting employment landscape, adapting gracefully to job changes is vital, especially in the nonprofit sector. We explore the realities and strategies surrounding the recent upheavals in nonprofit employment, particularly in international organizations heavily reliant on government funding, notably USAID, with Katie Warnock, CEO and Founder of Staffing Boutique.
Katie, a seasoned expert who is focused on the staffing challenges in the nonprofit world, shares her insights into the complexities facing many seasoned nonprofit professionals suddenly thrust back into the job market.
With significant budget cuts looming due to recent policy shifts, nonprofits dependent on USAID funding find themselves in turmoil. Katie emphasizes practical strategies for professionals who find themselves unexpectedly job hunting. Updating resumes with quantifiable achievements is paramount—especially for fundraisers. "Monetize your resume," she stresses, reminding candidates that showcasing the financial impacts of their fundraising activities is essential to stand out.
She also strongly advocates leveraging networks, volunteering, and considering temporary or contract positions. "There's not really cons about it unless you need benefits right away," Katie emphasizes, pointing to the practical advantages of temporary roles during uncertain economic times.
This episode will help prepare nonprofit professionals to face and overcome the intimidating reality of job transitions—with empathy and clarity.
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