The Nonprofit Show is the daily live video broadcast where our national nonprofit community comes together for problem solving, innovation and reflection. Each day the Co-hosts and our guests cover the latest topics with fresh thinking to help you and your nonprofit amplify your social impact and achieve your mission, vision and values.
Join our Guests and Co-hosts–and Be Inspired!
Live! Monday thru Friday
Sign-up for Show Reminders!
Meet Our Co-hosts!
Made Possible By Our Generous Education Partners Who Support And Believe In The Work You Do
OUR LEARNING LIBRARY WITH MORE THAN 1,000 EPISODES!
MEET SOME OF OUR FEATURED GUESTS AND EXPERTS
Stephen Minix—VP of Community at UpMetrics—lays bare the myth that collaboration simply “happens” in the nonprofit sector. His assertion is sharp: “If I can cut the check, I can set the terms.” This statement cuts to the core of a sector that talks community but often operates in silos defined by funding power dynamics and compliance culture.
What emerges in this conversation is a compelling argument for a wholesale reframe of how nonprofits and funders work together. Collaboration, Stephen insists, isn't a mood or a moment—it’s a skill set that demands communication, clarity, and most of all, pre-work. Too often, organizations show up to collaborate without knowing what they’re actually prepared to give up, or what success even looks like in shared terms. “You can't play social impact ping-pong by yourself,” he notes. “You need a partner to hit it back.”
But this episode goes even deeper. Stephen challenges the performative elements of both philanthropy and nonprofit operations—conferences, reports, retreats—suggesting they often mask the hard reality: without time, trust, and aligned incentives, collaboration is nothing more than theater.
He offers practical alternatives. Funders should meet nonprofits in their spaces. Trust-based philanthropy, he says, doesn’t mean abandoning data—it means letting the nonprofit define what success looks like and equipping them with the tools to track and tell their story. It’s not about validation. It’s about learning.
Perhaps most powerfully, Stephen reframes trust as a proxy for risk tolerance. Real trust means relinquishing control—something many funders still find difficult. “We don’t wait till the end of the year to decide if our kids can read,” he says. “So why do we wait to evaluate nonprofit impact in annual reports?”
This episode doesn’t offer easy answers—but it does offer a framework for harder, more authentic conversations. It’s a must-watch for anyone tired of sugarcoated collaboration and ready to commit to real change.
If you've ever wondered whether your nonprofit fundraising data is a treasure chest or a digital junk drawer, Greg Warner is here with a flashlight, a map, and a pickaxe. In this entertaining conversation, Greg—CEO of MarketSmart and creator of the Fundraising Report Card—joins host Julia Patrick to dissect the murky waters of metrics and help nonprofits move from guesswork to grounded strategy.
Greg kicks off with the backstory: MarketSmart’s 17-year evolution into a marketing automation firm helping nonprofits identify, qualify, and steward major and legacy donors. ‘The Fundraising Report Card’, born from this journey, now offers nonprofits a simplified yet powerful lens into donor behavior—showing not just what happened, but what it means.
Here’s the twist: until now, this tool has been free. But with over 27,000 users and a mountain of benchmark data, Greg’s team is rolling out a more robust version—with peer comparisons so relevant, they make national averages look like vague horoscopes.
And it’s about time. “Relevance creates resonance,” Greg shares, “But irrelevant data creates dissonance.” Nonprofits have long been running on emotional narratives and gut instincts. Greg invites you to reframe the conversation using donor lifetime value, retention data, and institutional memory—all quantified, all visual.
Julia comments how too many development pros spend two days prepping board reports for seven minutes of attention. Greg’s fix? Collaborative tools baked into the new version of the app, enabling real-time, cross-functional dialogue. Because why silo data when you can democratize it?
Want to stop flying blind and start mining gold? This episode is your blueprint.
#FundraisingData #DonorAnalytics #TheNonprofitShow
What happens when a PTA president-turned-techie disrupts the nonprofit auction world? You get Roger Devine, co-founder of SchoolAuction.net, a man on a mission to make fundraising events both profitable and meaningful. In this fast-moving conversation with host Julia Patrick, Roger doesn’t just talk events—he redefines them.
From live auctions and paddle raises to the fine art of keeping silent auctions out of the ballroom, Roger offers a field-tested guide to modern event strategy. “I want to treat a fundraiser as if it is a fundraiser—I expect to make money,” Roger declares. And he means it.
But this isn’t just about money—it’s about momentum. Events aren’t just financial tools; they’re culture-building machines. Roger explains how strategic gatherings can cultivate younger donors, lift staff morale, recognize unsung heroes (like teachers and mission staff), and pull entire communities back into connection after years of distraction.
He makes a compelling case for fixed-price purchases (think raffles, gift cards, and sign-up parties), lowering barriers to entry, and offering dignity and opportunity to every guest—whether they’re dropping $25 or $25,000.
Oh, and about those paddle raises? Roger’s advice is clear: don’t wing it with your local news anchor. A trained benefit auctioneer is essential—not just for showmanship, but because they can drive up to 50% of your total event revenue. Skip this at your peril.
Watch and you'll also learn:
· How hybrid and virtual fundraising have evolved (spoiler: most aren't fun anymore)
· How to smartly integrate consignment travel packages (hint: only if Bob Bigshot’s coming)
· Why accessibility matters—and how a volunteer ticket swap can make all the difference
Whether you're planning your first gala or overhauling your tenth, this episode will shake up your thinking. Because fundraising events shouldn't be a chaotic night of stress—they should be joyful, purposeful, and yes, wildly effective!
Join the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
#EventFundraising #FundraisingAuctions
Are you still chasing a “low overhead” badge of honor? Gregg Indictor, Director at Your Part-Time Controller, confronts one of the nonprofit sector’s most persistent misinterpretations: the overhead myth. With cohosts Julia Patrick and Meico Marquette Whitlock, the conversation unpacks what "overhead" actually represents, why it’s often misunderstood, and how nonprofits can more accurately reflect their financial stewardship.
Gregg begins by demystifying overhead as merely the administrative costs necessary to support any organization’s operations—nonprofit or for-profit, saying, “There is no correct overhead ratio for any organization,” noting that effectiveness should be measured by mission impact, not accounting percentages.
This fast episode fully explores cost allocation, the process of categorizing and reporting expenses across functions—such as program services, management, and fundraising. Gregg walks through the Schedule of Functional Expenses found in audits and IRS Form 990, and explains how misallocating indirect costs can produce distorted financial portraits. His emphasis on methodology—such as time and effort tracking for personnel, or square footage for facility expenses—underscores the importance of reasonable and consistent cost assignment.
Gregg highlights a powerful metric: for most nonprofits, 80–85% of expenses stem from personnel and facilities. Yet not all of those costs are necessarily “overhead”—they could very well contribute directly to mission delivery, depending on how they are allocated.
One of the key moments involves Gregg’s perspective on restricted vs. unrestricted funds. He cautions against well-meaning development practices that inadvertently solicit restricted gifts, reducing an organization’s flexibility to cover essential functions. A simple shift in donor language—from “choose your program” to “support our mission”—can dramatically improve financial resilience.
As the trio discuss transparency and internal communication, Gregg advocates for cross-departmental access to financial information, encouraging organizations to present timely reports not just to leadership, but also to program and fundraising teams. This transparency supports better decision-making and breaks down operational silos.
In a moment of clarity, Gregg quotes Dan Pallotta’s Uncharitable: “We don’t want our generation’s epitaph to read: ‘We kept charities’ overhead low.’ What we want it to read is: ‘We changed the world.’” This reframing of the narrative away from efficiency metrics toward effectiveness and impact becomes the episode’s rallying point. You’ll learn a lot watching this!
00:00:00 Welcome and guest introduction
00:03:08 What is nonprofit overhead and why it matters
00:05:29 The problem with restricted funding
00:07:36 Understanding cost allocation
00:11:02 How overhead ratios are calculated
00:13:44 80–85% of expenses: what that really means
00:16:21 Allocating costs accurately and fairly
00:18:38 Why everyone in a nonprofit should understand finance
00:20:17 Internal transparency and financial reporting
00:22:06 Overhead myths vs. operational reality
00:24:20 Contributed vs. earned revenue
00:27:02 Changing the donor messaging to support sustainability
Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
Explore the intersection of philanthropy, data science, and the evolving tools shaping nonprofit fundraising, with our guest, Scott Brighton, CEO of Bonterra. Bonterra, a software company serving both nonprofits and funders, processes nearly 10% of all U.S. philanthropic activity outside government sources. This scale gives Scott and his team a uniquely comprehensive vantage point to identify what truly drives growth and effectiveness in today’s nonprofit landscape.
The episode centers on Bonterra’s newly released ‘2025 Impact Report’, which identifies strategic patterns and technologies used by high-performing nonprofits. Scott explains, “We’re not just looking at the growth of philanthropy; we’re looking at what successful organizations are doing differently.” Key among those behaviors is fundraising diversification—no longer a suggestion but a necessity, especially in light of sudden disruptions like cuts to federal funding. Scott shares that some Bonterra clients saw 90% of their federal funding evaporate overnight, a stark reminder that relying on a single funding stream is risky.
Technology, and specifically AI, is positioned as the great equalizer. Scott introduces tools like “Optimized Ask,” which uses behavioral data to recommend the right donation amount for each donor, improving average donor yield by 11%. This innovation, he explains, enables nonprofits to effectively engage their long-tail donors without additional staff—something that was previously out of reach for most organizations.
Another key point Scott shares is the local nature of nonprofit growth. Despite a doubling of registered U.S. nonprofits over the last decade (now nearing two million), 90% operate with budgets under $5 million. Rather than viewing this as a challenge, Scott sees it as a feature: these hyper-local organizations are ideally positioned to address complex societal issues with intimate community knowledge. Bonterra is facilitating cross-sector collaboration among these small players to help large funders feel confident investing significant resources.
The conversation wraps with Bonterra’s bold internal campaign: “3% by 2033.” The goal is to raise the nation’s charitable giving from 2% to 3% of GDP in under a decade. Scott is optimistic—not because of software alone, which he candidly says requires more resources than many nonprofits can spare—but because of the promise of agentic AI: autonomous systems that act on data insights without human micromanagement.
This conversation shifts the frame of nonprofit operations from emotionally driven to insight-driven—a rebalancing Scott believes is essential to meet the expectations of next-generation donors. . . . “The future of fundraising isn’t just emotional—it’s intellectual,” Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
In an era marked by organizational strain and evolving workplace expectations, leadership must move beyond traditional fixes and embrace systemic transformation. Patrick Farran, PhD, MBA, co-founder of Ad Lucem Group, joins host Julia Patrick to dissect the true nature of burnout, succession, and sustainable engagement in nonprofit leadership.
Patrick challenges the prevailing assumption that burnout stems solely from overwork. “The number one cause of burnout is not overwork—it’s the loss of agency,” he explains, arguing that without autonomy, even meaningful work becomes draining. Rather than defaulting to micromanagement during times of stress, Patrick advocates for building cultures rooted in trust, purpose alignment, and shared responsibility.
Drawing from decades of executive coaching and organizational consulting, Patrick offers a framework built on three pillars: personal legacy, building others, and systems thinking. His advice is clear—leaders must be deliberate about cultivating capability in others and embedding processes that outlast any individual. This approach not only fortifies the organization but reduces the high failure rate of executive transitions.
He also introduces the concept of “job crafting,” citing research on hospital janitors who redefined their roles around meaning rather than task lists. This practice, when applied in nonprofit settings, can create clear pipelines for succession and foster resilience.
Another key theme is the embrace of constructive conflict. Patrick quotes Adam Grant: “The absence of conflict is not harmony—it’s apathy.” Healthy disagreement, he argues, is not a threat but a catalyst for innovation. Nonprofits should harness this energy to align purpose, improve communication, and prepare for inevitable turbulence.
Finally, Patrick outlines how appreciative inquiry—a strength-based framework—can transform leadership conversations and shift organizations away from crisis reactivity. By examining moments of excellence, teams can uncover hidden systems of success and replicate them in difficult times.
From strategic succession planning to reframing burnout and conflict, this episode is packed with research-backed guidance, timely analogies, and field-tested leadership philosophy. It’s a must-watch for nonprofit leaders dealing with today’s pressures. Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
How much should a fundraiser make—and why is it still taboo to ask?
Cohosts Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall tackle the longstanding silence around nonprofit salary transparency. “There isn’t a whole lot of trust around this topic,” says Tony, “and it’s good for us to start talking about it.” What unfolds on this Fundraiser’s Friday episode is a candid, layered discussion about job titles, compensation expectations, and the complicated politics behind who earns what—and why.
Fundraising jobs are not one-size-fits-all. As Tony explains, “There are assistant positions, manager roles, directors, officers—each with its own accountability level, not just a paycheck.” But the sector’s tendency to obscure salaries makes it difficult for professionals to map their advancement. Julia adds, “Talking about salary used to be grounds for dismissal—higher up than reporting abuse. Think about that.”
The duo explore the overlap and confusion between job titles—director vs. officer—especially across healthcare, higher ed, and arts institutions. While some roles sound loftier than others, Tony argues that “titles are often interchangeable,” driven less by function and more by organizational type.
Experience doesn’t always translate to higher pay either. “Ten years in doesn’t mean a pay jump if you’re not at the right org,” says Tony. Instead, professional development, certifications, and even microlearning now influence compensation more than tenure. The hosts underscore how nonprofits are slow to reward results: even fundraisers who exceed goals may still hit salary ceilings unless they leave for a new organization.
And it’s happening often—turnover is the sector’s open secret. With development staff staying an average of just 19 months, organizations are hemorrhaging talent due to stagnant pay structures and institutional inertia. “You can prove you’re worth it, hit all your metrics—and it still might not matter,” Tony warns.
Remote work has added fuel to the fire. Salaries are increasingly influenced by where you live, not where your nonprofit is based. “You may be doing New York-level work from Omaha—but don’t expect New York pay,” says Julia. It’s an unspoken recalibration that’s forever altered the labor equation.
For fundraisers at any stage in their career, this episode doesn’t just demystify nonprofit salaries—it demands that we start having these conversations openly and often.
00:00:00 Welcome and intro
00:02:00 Why salary talk is still taboo
00:03:30 Fundraising job title levels
00:05:15 Accountability vs. salary
00:07:00 Director vs. Officer roles
00:08:45 Career advancement limitations
00:11:00 Should salaries be posted?
00:14:00 Location-based salary differences
00:17:00 Experience vs. skillset
00:20:30 Education and certifications
00:22:00 Proving value through metrics
00:26:00 Who pays the most in the sector?
00:27:30 Passion vs. paycheck
00:28:50 How to keep the salary convo going
Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
Is your nonprofit planning a gala, auction, or bingo night? Before you book the venue or sell that first ticket, there’s one essential step you may be skipping—looping in your accounting team. In this eye-opening conversation Dan Tritch, Director at Your Part-Time Controller, issues a clear directive to fundraisers: “Talk to your accountants before you plan your fundraising event—every time.”
Dan doesn’t just talk shop—he brings real consequences to light. From misclassifying revenue to unknowingly triggering tax liabilities, organizations that treat finance as an afterthought in event planning can wind up with costly surprises. Fundraising isn’t just about generating revenue—it’s about how that revenue is earned, tracked, and reported.
Dan breaks fundraising activities into three financial stages: 1) procurement, 2) day-of-event, and 3) post-event. He warns that mishandling sponsor agreements, mislabeling advertising, or ignoring unrelated business income tax (UBIT) can derail even the most successful-looking event. That free week in a beach condo or donated diamond necklace? It may be worth more in red tape than revenue—unless properly accounted for.
And then there's gaming. Raffles, casino nights, and even simple bingo games carry serious regulatory implications that vary by state and can prompt IRS attention. Dan urges nonprofits to consult their tax accountants and state gaming authorities before launching any game-based campaign.
The episode also tackles the misperception that all earned income equals fundraising. Not so, says Dan. Ticket sales, service fees, and campaign contributions each carry distinct accounting requirements. Getting it wrong can distort financial statements and complicate audits.
Dan’s insights go beyond warnings—they’re a roadmap for success. He outlines best practices such as separating earned income from contributions, issuing accurate receipts, tracking in-kind donations, and deferring revenue until the event occurs. His message is clear: solid financial planning empowers smarter fundraising, not just safer bookkeeping.
00:00:00 Welcome and intro with Dan Tritch
00:04:45 Why fundraising events are misunderstood financially
00:05:59 What truly counts as fundraising (and what doesn’t)
00:07:41 The accounting implications of special events
00:10:08 The legal complexity of gaming-based events
00:14:13 Three financial stages of an event
00:15:01 Sponsorship vs. advertising: know the difference
00:20:30 Ticket revenue: earned income vs. contribution
00:22:58 Best practices for event accounting and receipting
00:24:13 How in-kind gifts complicate auction accounting
00:25:54 Are fundraising events even worth the effort?
00:27:32 Final advice: ask early, plan smart
Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
“Cybersecurity used to be the Department of ‘No’. Today, it's about enablement—how we help people work securely without getting in the way.”
Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a trust issue. Michael Nouguier, Partner at Richey May’s Cybersecurity Services, joins us to discuss how nonprofits can better protect donor data, assess third-party platforms, and prepare for the inevitable breach.
Michael opens with a striking truth: “Cybersecurity is about risk—what we choose to accept, and what we work to prevent.” From this lens, this episode offers a detailed breakdown of today’s most pressing cybersecurity concerns, especially as they relate to data collection, donor privacy, and evolving threats like AI-driven attacks.
The conversation kicks off with the importance of identifying and documenting what data your organization actually collects—not just donor information, but client data, health records, payment details, and beyond. Michael stresses the danger of overlooking third-party vendors, who may have weak security protocols but still process sensitive data on your behalf.
Julia Patrick, host, presses Michael on how access control works in today’s remote-first world. His response is practical: build systems around role-based access and restrict data visibility by “need to know.” Whether you're a 5-person nonprofit or a national organization, overly broad permissions are a recipe for disaster.
Michael shares real-world examples of organizations undermining their own security—like contractors blocking ChatGPT integrations due to risk, prompting staff to email data to themselves for off-system use. It’s not just about locking systems down—it’s about enabling safer, smarter workflows that employees will actually use.
The episode wraps-up with a powerful call for scenario planning. Just like fire drills, “tabletop exercises” around cybersecurity incidents can build organizational muscle memory, reduce financial loss, and preserve your nonprofit’s reputation when—not if—a breach occurs.
If you think this topic is too technical to matter to your mission, think again. This conversation makes clear: cybersecurity is mission-critical because your donors expect trust, your clients deserve privacy, and your organization can’t afford the fallout of avoidable mistakes. Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
master class on the untapped power of volunteerism—with a call to rethink how we attract, support, and retain volunteers—led by guest expert Kirsten Wantland, Manager of Customer Best Practices and Enablement at Bloomerang,
Kirsten, who holds credentials as a Certified Nonprofit Consultant and Certified Development Executive, brings both frontline and strategic expertise. With her deep background in fundraising and nonprofit leadership, she makes a bold case for managing volunteers with the same intentionality as donors. Her rallying cry? “Recognize behaviors over capacity.”
Too many nonprofits still treat volunteer management as an afterthought—focused on day-of logistics or generic thank-yous. But Kirsten argues for a proactive, data-informed approach that starts well before a volunteer steps foot on site. From setting clear expectations in role descriptions to acknowledging service hours as contributions worth over $34.79 per hour, this learning session delivers some super strategies that can translate into real organizational value for your NPO.
Volunteers aren’t just a feel-good bonus; they are a form of human capital that, when properly stewarded, can evolve into loyal donors and long-term advocates. “If you think of someone donating 10 hours,” Kirsten explains, “you’re looking at the equivalent of nearly $350 in economic impact. How many of your donors give that much in a single gift?”
She encourages nonprofits to:
· Communicate expectations clearly and respectfully.
· Track volunteer hours just like financial contributions.
· Plan intentional follow-ups after service.
· Use personalized recognition—by name, by role, by impact.
· Share volunteer stories in annual reports and community messaging.
Kirsten also addresses a long-standing sector taboo: asking volunteers to give financially. Her advice? Let the volunteer decide. Many already feel deeply connected to the mission and are primed for deeper engagement if offered meaningful opportunities.
This is a must-watch for anyone building or revamping a volunteer program. Whether you’re a small grassroots org or a large multi-program agency, Kirsten delivered a powerful reminder: treating volunteers like integral partners, not just helpers, can boost retention, deepen engagement, and even expand your donor base.
00:00:00 Welcome and guest intro
00:01:40 Kirsten’s credentials and new role at Bloomerang
00:03:00 The impact of formal nonprofit education
00:06:20 Defining volunteer clarity and role expectations
00:09:30 Orientation and onboarding strategies
00:11:00 Recognizing volunteers effectively
00:14:20 Tracking volunteer hours and value
00:16:30 Volunteers as non-monetary donors
00:20:00 Creating a follow-up plan post-volunteering
00:22:00 Should volunteers be asked for donations?
00:24:00 Personalized engagement based on behavior
00:27:00 Volunteer storytelling and long-term commitment
Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
As remote work settles into the nonprofit landscape, what does the future of flexible staffing really look like? Dana Scurlock, Director of Recruitment at Staffing Boutique, returns to unpack this pressing issue—and she doesn’t shy away from the complexity.
Dana brings clarity to the evolution of work-from-home (WFH) culture. Initially a crisis response, WFH has now become a defining workplace feature—but not without its complications. “There's that last 20% that is still kind of missing when I have every one of my staff working from home,” she notes, identifying a growing tension between productivity and presence. Her insight? A hybrid future, tailored to roles and individuals, is the most sustainable path.
“People realized how much work could actually be done from home—and how much they saved on commuting. But now the challenge is recapturing the good moments from the office without giving up the freedom we’ve gained.”
Dana highlights the value of defining expectations early in the recruitment process, especially in a labor market where job candidates expect flexibility—and employers risk losing top talent if they can't deliver. She shares how Staffing Boutique remains nimble in supporting nonprofit clients with both temporary and direct-hire roles, ensuring cultural fit, skills alignment, and strategic placement.
The conversation peers into overlooked topics: professionalism in Zoom culture, generational challenges in remote onboarding, and the need for virtual branding consistency. Dana encourages nonprofits to take remote work as seriously as in-office dynamics: “Maybe as an organization, everybody has the same background… there’s no reason branding can’t extend to Zoom.”
Dana’s expertise shines in offering practical solutions: shared in-office days for hybrid teams, clear time zone and availability protocols, and setting up accountability systems before remote work begins. And she makes a compelling case for investing in younger or less experienced hires who may lack foundational office experience.
Dana leaves us with a new lens on what it means to manage talent, connection, and output in a decentralized world. If your nonprofit is still navigating remote staffing, this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed. Follow the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow
If setting fundraising goals gives you a headache, this episode of Fundraisers Friday is the relief you didn’t know you needed. Our cohosts unpack the complexities of data-informed goal setting with a mix of practicality, good humor, and insight born from the frontlines of nonprofit leadership.
Right from the start, Tony Beall shares his signature "Magic 3" approach: “Three years of past performance is the sweet spot. Go further back, and the trends get stale.” It's not about choosing arbitrary numbers or crossing fingers for a miracle. It's about examining actual fundraising performance across all your revenue channels—events, major gifts, recurring donations—and understanding what those data points mean for the future.
“Don’t just pick a number and yell ‘Bingo!’” Tony quips, debunking the idea that fundraising targets are about gut feelings or guesswork. Instead, he offers a framework where budget goals are built from pipeline reality, retention rates, and channel-specific growth capacity.
Julia Patrick adds, “A lot of boards still think in binary—hit the number, you're a hero; miss it, you’re out. But it's so much more layered than that.” The two discuss how capacity building (staffing, tech, infrastructure) is too often overlooked in budgeting—even though it's the engine that powers results.
The show also digs into predictive metrics, the future of AI tools in analysis, and the shifting cultural values around growth for growth’s sake—and packed with actionable advice, real-world insight, and a fresh reminder that data isn’t dry—it’s your path to smarter, saner fundraising.
00:00:00 Welcome and sponsor shoutout
00:01:31 Why fundraising goals cause stress
00:02:10 The “Magic 3” years: smarter goal planning
00:04:22 Breaking fundraising into revenue lanes
00:06:28 Identifying and solving fundraising gaps
00:08:48 The post-pandemic data reset
00:13:55 Capacity building vs program growth
00:22:01 Boards, ambition, and goal realism
Auctions are far from obsolete—and the data proves it. We sit down with Karrie Wozniak, Chief Marketing Officer at OneCause, and Sarah Sebastian, Director of Corporate Communications, to dive into their comprehensive “State of Nonprofit Auctions” report. Backed by responses from over 1,000 donors and nonprofit professionals, this conversation might transform how you perceive auctions in today’s fundraising landscape.
The core takeaway? Nonprofit auctions are not only surviving—they're thriving. According to the report, 77% of nonprofits saw consistent or increased auction revenue last year, and 90% expect that growth to continue. “Auction donors are some of the most generous people we see,” Karrie shares. “The average donation per auction donor is $529—more than double that of social donors.” That stat alone reframes the perceived value of auctions!!
Even more compelling: the donor experience is changing. Gift cards, not fine art or rare collectibles, top the list of most bid-on items. “People want tangible, usable items,” adds Sarah. “Less than 20% of attendees are even interested in collectibles.” Their findings challenge long-held assumptions and provide a roadmap for curating auction items that attract a wide donor demographic.
Technology, not surprisingly, is a game-changer. From outbid notifications to AI-style item suggestions, Gen Z and millennial donors are raising the bar. 65% of younger donors want real-time text updates, and 60% favor “Buy It Now” options. “These digital-first behaviors can’t be ignored,” Sarah says. “They signal expectations nonprofits need to meet to stay competitive.”
The impact doesn’t end when the auction closes. The long-term data speaks volumes: 83% of attendees said they became annual donors, 64% would give monthly, and 91% said they’d make another one-time donation within the year. “This isn’t just about one night,” Karrie describes. “It’s a strategy for lifelong donor engagement.”
From shifting generational preferences to the rise of hybrid events, this lively episode delivers useable ideas and data that will leave fundraisers rethinking their auction playbooks.
Our hosts chatted with Jeff Young, Senior Vice President at First Bank, about why your nonprofit absolutely needs a good banker—and it's probably not for the reasons you think. Jeff breaks down exactly why banks see nonprofits as desirable clients and how having a strong relationship with your banker can open doors to some unexpected benefits.
Jeff shared that banks don't just see nonprofits as checking and savings accounts; they genuinely want to support organizations doing good in their communities. Surprisingly, there's even federal encouragement under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), where banks get ratings for their community engagement—so working with nonprofits actually helps banks, too. "Good banks want to do good for their communities," Jeff explains, "and what better way to do that than support the organizations that actually have boots on the ground?"
But how do you make sure you're getting the most out of your banking relationship? Jeff emphasized asking the right questions—especially whether your bank has experience specifically working with nonprofits and if they offer special products like discounted fees and preferred rates. Also crucial is finding someone at the bank who genuinely believes in your mission. Jeff mentioned that bankers who truly connect with your organization's purpose will become internal advocates, helping secure better deals and even promoting your cause within their network.
Should your banker join your nonprofit's board? It's possible, Jeff says, but proceed carefully. He highlights the importance of maintaining clear boundaries to avoid conflicts of interest, especially when it involves lending and financial incentives. A better practice might be for the banker to provide advice while another team member handles specific transactions.
Jeff also clarified the roles of various financial professionals on nonprofit boards, explaining that accountants look at historical financials and compliance, investment professionals focus on asset management, and bankers are forward-looking, helping nonprofits strategically plan growth and manage risk. Having these diverse perspectives ensures stronger decision-making.
Lastly, Jeff gives practical advice for organizations looking to deepen their banking relationships. Start with your local branch manager, ask about nonprofit-specific services, and leverage LinkedIn to find bankers already active in your community. He also encourages tapping your current board's network, as existing members often have strong banking relationships that can benefit your organization.
The conversation wraps up with an engaging look at best practices for nonprofit financial management, highlighting that proactive, relationship-based banking is always better than reactive scrambling when problems arise. By building solid relationships with bankers early, nonprofits can secure more than just financial support—they gain committed partners who are truly invested in their success.
00:00:00 Introduction to Jeff Young, First Bank
00:02:28 How banks specifically support nonprofits
00:03:42 The Community Reinvestment Act and bank incentives
00:06:55 Importance of asking your bank the right questions
00:08:36 Top questions nonprofits should ask their banker
00:10:27 Should your banker be on your nonprofit board?
00:13:17 Differences between accountants, bankers, and investment advisors
00:15:36 Building relationships with your banker
00:17:59 Leveraging your current board for banking connections
00:20:25 Navigating conflicts of interest with bankers
00:22:46 Managing multiple bank relationships and risk
When a nonprofit reaches a pivotal moment of transition, the question arises: who will guide it through the unknown? Jeffrey Wilcox, President of Interim Executives Academy, and Anne Wilson, Peer Advisor and Faculty Member, share the wisdom earned from years of navigating the space between permanent leadership.
Jeffrey opens with a profound reminder: "The mission is the navigation piece. Our partnership delivers on that mission." His emphasis on 1) clarity, 2) culture, and 3)character forms the backbone of what makes the interim-board relationship not just functional—but transformative.
Anne brings lived experience as both an interim and a mentor. "There’s a liberation in being an interim,” she says. “It’s not forever—and that gives you the freedom to recalibrate an organization with truth and transparency.” Her belief in candid communication, mutual accountability, and role integrity sets the stage for a purposeful engagement.
The conversation turns toward common missteps—particularly the temptation for boards to see interims as tryouts. Both guests agree: this misses the opportunity to evolve, a word they purposefully use instead of “change.” Jeffrey explains, “Organizations that feel like they need to change create a different culture than those excited to evolve.”
They also dive into the relationship between the interim executive and the board chair, revealing that this duo can either ignite or impair progress. Jeffrey argues that "a board chair must steward content, culture, and character" and if that role is undefined or misaligned, the interim shouldn’t accept the post. Anne reinforces the necessity for weekly check-ins, early engagement, and shared urgency.
Both guests stress the unique modeling opportunity an interim provides—not just in delivering outcomes, but in demonstrating behaviors: listening deeply, planning incrementally, and celebrating progress. “We want data. We want truth. We want to speak with authenticity,” Jeffrey says, urging boards to shed fear and welcome honesty.
Whether you're a seasoned board member, an interim executive, or a curious observer of nonprofit leadership, this elevating conversation offers a roadmap to rebuild, recalibrate, and evolve. It doesn’t just make the case for interim leadership—it makes the process feel both practical and full of possibility.
Watch Or Listen On
