THE LIVE DAILY SHOW FOR NONPROFITS!
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 hosts and their guests cover current and relevant topics with fresh thinking to help you and your nonprofit amplify your social impact and achieve your mission, vision and values.
Join Co-Hosts Julia C. Patrick, CEO of The American Nonprofit Academy and Jarrett Ransom, The Nonprofit Nerd and CEO of The Rayvan Group, where you can ask questions, get feedback, connect with nonprofit cohorts from across the globe–and Be Inspired!
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ALL TOPICS FROM MISSIONS–TO MONEY–TO MANAGEMENT
HUNDREDS OF NATIONAL EXPERTS TO HELP YOU LEARN
Dana Scurlock, the Director of Recruitment from Staffing Boutique, discusses the 5 key questions to ask potential job candidates. She describes the need to go beyond surface-level questions and dive into more meaningful inquiries, asking these questions in a way that reflects the organization's culture and values, to find the right fit for your organization.
The first question discussed was about work-life balance. Dana highlights how this has become a critical topic in recent years, with candidates expecting employers to offer a balance between their personal and professional lives. She suggests organizations ask candidates how they define work-life balance and explore what it means to them personally, considering their unique circumstances and needs.
The second question centers on self-care and how candidates manage their own well-being. Dana emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for candidates to discuss their self-care needs and suggests that organizations should consider implementing self-care measures for their current employees.
The third question investigates the candidate's tenure at previous positions. Dana notes that while long tenure at one organization used to be preferred, the current job market has led to shorter job durations. She advises NPO’s to ask candidates about their reasons for leaving previous positions and look for patterns on their resumes.
The fourth question focuses on the support candidates need to excel at their jobs. Dana stresses the importance of candidates feeling that the organization is committed to providing them with the necessary tools and support for success. She suggests organizations tailor this question to fit their specific needs and position requirements.
The final question is about candidates' career goals for the next five years. Dana points out that this question can help organizations understand whether the candidate's goals align with the organization's mission and whether they are committed to the long-term success of the organization. She also suggested giving candidates time to think about their answers to provide more thoughtful responses.
Julia Patrick, CEO of the American Nonprofit Academy, shares her insights about the importance of nonprofits effectively communicating their missions and activities to the community, underscoring the importance to build awareness, foster collaborations, and secure support. The conversation looks into the reasons behind this need for improved communication and practical steps to achieve it.
Julia explained that her motivation to address this issue arose from her experiences in distributing prestigious funding opportunities. She found that seasoned nonprofit professionals often lacked a comprehensive understanding of what various nonprofits were doing in their community, even though they acknowledged their positive impact. Co-host Jarrett Ransom adds that missions and programs can change over time, making it crucial for organizations to keep their communities informed about their evolving roles.
Julia introduced the concept of a "leadership list" – a curated database of stakeholders, opinion makers, community leaders, partners, vendors, and more. This list serves as an asset for marketing and communication, helping nonprofits stay connected with key figures in their community and share their stories effectively.
The interview also explored the role of board members and executive leaders in promoting the organization's mission within the community. Julia encouraged the nomination of these individuals for community awards to raise the profile of the nonprofit and attract potential donors and collaborators.
Additionally, Julia discussed the significance of a fact sheet summarizing key impact metrics and fast facts about the organization. This sheet can be shared digitally, posted on the website, or distributed in print to help control the narrative and ensure accurate information reaches the community.
In a surprising twist, Ransom proposed using email signature blocks to link to the fact sheet, providing an additional avenue for community members to access essential information about the nonprofit.
From donor’s worries 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.
The CEO of Productive Fundraising, Chad Barger, leads this captivating primer on donor stewardship, done with creativity and affordability in mind.
Chad begins with highlighting a key issue: 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, and Chad emphasizes the power of 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.
Our host welcomes James Goalder, the Partnerships Manager at Bloomerang, to discuss an intriguing topic: the $25 donor experience experiment. 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.
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 $25 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 can be disorienting and reduce the chances of engagement. James stressed the value of keeping donors on the organization's website after a donation, making it easy for them to explore further.
Regarding post-donation engagement, James found that less than 1% of organizations followed up with invitations to volunteer or attend events. He suggested that organizations should take advantage of these opportunities to engage and retain donors.
In terms of thanking donors, James observed that less than 20% of organizations sent hard copy thank-you letters. He encouraged organizations to implement a purposeful and diverse communication strategy, involving emails, personalized messages, and thank-you phone calls.
Finally, James recommends that organizations periodically review their donor communication cadence and seek feedback from donors to improve their processes. He emphasizes that this evaluation should happen whenever new technology tools are introduced or at least on an annual basis.
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 ended 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.
Angela D. Barnes, MBA, CFRE, the interim vice chancellor at Indiana University East, discusses cost-benefit analysis, highlighting the need for nonprofits to modernize their blueprints and adapt to the changing landscape by leveraging data and tech. This insightful episode offers a fresh perspective on time management and cost-benefit analysis within NPO’s, encouraging transparency and data-driven decision-making.
Angela emphasizes the importance of analyzing how individuals and teams spend their time. She suggests starting by listing tasks, categorizing them, and recording the hours spent on each. This exercise helps identify where time is being invested and whether it aligns with the organization's goals.
The lively conversation jumps into how data can reshape decision-making within nonprofits. Angela shares a powerful example of an employee who discovered they were dedicating an excessive amount of time to an event that contributed insignificantly to their fundraising goals. Armed with data, this employee was able to advocate for change within the organization.
Angela provides practical advice on creating a task assessment spreadsheet, including columns for tasks, categories, hours spent, and recommended hours, which can help individuals and teams evaluate their work and pinpoint areas for improvement.
The episode touches on the benefits of automation, simplification, and integration in streamlining tasks and achieving greater efficiency. Angela suggests that organizations should consider conducting these assessments regularly and even provide data insights to new team members to help them navigate their roles effectively.
This lively conversation provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of nonprofit accounting and the challenges and opportunities it presents.
Andi Fanelli McGunnigle is the Vertical Specialization Director at YPTC.com, where they assemble specialized teams to support over 1,400 nonprofits in 30 sectors. This Nonprofit Power Week episode begins with an intro to remote accounting and its impact on safety and security. Andi highlights the advantages of remote accounting, such as reduced physical vulnerabilities and secure digital tools like bill.com.
The conversation moves on to innovations in accounting, with Andi dispelling the notion that accounting hasn't evolved. She emphasizes the role of technology in enhancing transactional work and providing transformational insights, and how nonprofits are increasingly embracing technology to improve their financial processes and data visualization, making information more accessible and user-friendly.
Next, they explore the costs associated with remote accounting and discuss different models, from fully remote to hybrid approaches. Andi explains that cost-effectiveness depends on the setup and level of personalization. They also touch on the importance of flexibility in staffing and how hybrid models allow for more client interaction, fostering better relationships.
This is an informative episode for nonprofits evaluating their accounting needs and wants. It concludes with a brief discussion on how remote accounting firms can effectively communicate with nonprofit boards. Andi suggests that having a knowledgeable representative from the accounting and finance department present at board meetings, either virtually or in person, can address detailed questions and ensure fiscal responsibility and highlight the importance to the board members understanding their fiduciary responsibility and ensuring they are aware of their role in financial oversight.
On this Nonprofit Power Week episode, automation and artificial intelligence is discussed with Alicia Eastvold from Your Part-Time Controller. You’ll Learn more as they explore the benefits, such as time and cost savings, and highlighting the importance of staying updated with technology changes. Alicia elaborates on the need for due diligence when selecting automation tools, including security considerations, and encourages organizations to assess and reassess their automation strategies regularly. The conversation underscores the transformative potential of technology in the nonprofit sector and the importance of adapting to stay efficient and effective in achieving missions.
Throughout the episode, Alicia takes the opportunity to clarify the immediate benefits of automation: saving time and reducing costs, particularly crucial for nonprofits with limited resources. The conversation explores how automation can bridge the gap between departments like finance and fundraising within nonprofits.
Alicia emphasizes that automation also reduces the mental burden of repetitive tasks. This, in turn, allows nonprofit professionals to focus on strategic decision-making and impactful work rather than getting bogged down in manual processes. She highlights the importance of taking precautions and staying informed about cybersecurity practices to navigate this digital age securely, emphasizing the need for thorough vetting of tools, checking for industry certifications, and seeking advice from experts who have hands-on experience with these tools.
For more nonprofit insights and information, visit yptc.com and explore Alicia's story on their website.
Susan Wagoner, from Your Part-Time Controller, discusses the ins and outs of working with foundations on this Nonprofit Power Week episode. Susan begins by explaining the different types of foundations, such as family foundations, community foundations, corporate and independent foundations. She highlights the significance of aligning your nonprofit's mission with the foundation's mission when seeking funding and emphasizes the importance of effective communication and relationship-building in this process.
The discussion digs deeper into the distinctions between corporate and independent foundations, highlighting the trend of corporations establishing their own foundations as both a philanthropic endeavor and a marketing tool.
Co-hosts Jarrett and Julia raise questions about the timing of approaching foundations for funding, and Susan emphasizes the importance of doing research and building connections early on. She suggests using resources like Candid.org and the Foundation Directory to gather information on potential funders.
The conversation also touches on the fluidity of foundation focus areas and how they may change over time, prompting nonprofits to stay informed about shifting priorities. Susan stresses the significance of building strong relationships with foundations, whether through phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings. They discuss strategies for effective communication and outreach, emphasizing the need to be genuine and respectful of the foundation's time and priorities.
You’ll also hear a personal success story of how a simple email led to securing a grant for a school's garden project, highlighting the positive impact of proactive communication.
This episode wraps-up with a reminder that foundations exist to do good and help nonprofits fulfill their missions, and building partnerships and relationships is key to successful collaboration.
On this Nonprofit Power Week episode, we have Teresa Henderson, the Association Specialization Leader at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC). Teresa discusses the unique challenges and innovations focusing on associations.
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 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 !
In this Nonprofit Power Week episode, Hatsy Cutshall from Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC) talks about NICRA, which stands for Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, in the context of nonprofit organizations. Here are the key points you will want to pay attention to as you watch this valuable conversation:
NICRA stands for Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. It is a federal U.S. concept related to helping nonprofits document their indirect costs and how they are allocated. Indirect costs are crucial for organizations to understand because they help determine which programs are covering their costs and which are not, as it’s essential to know if additional resources are needed to cover shortfalls. Costs associated with running programs can vary depending on the geographic location.
It's important to involve finance and accounting departments, and the Board, from the beginning, especially when applying for federal funding. Often, departments within organizations fail to include indirect costs in their budgets, which can lead to financial challenges later.
You can negotiate with government agencies when it comes to indirect cost rates. Agencies have program officers or grants officers who are willing to help and answer questions. They prefer organizations to reach out directly for clarification rather than making incorrect assumptions.
Building relationships with agency representatives is crucial. Start developing a rapport with them as soon as you receive funding, as these relationships can make the negotiation process smoother.
NICRA is not a one-time effort. Organizations must regularly review and update their rates to ensure they reflect their current financial situations and program needs, and this conversation emphasizes the value of open communication with agency representatives and the benefits of building relationships throughout the nonprofit sector.
In this delicious interview, CEO and founder Frederic Laforge of "The Farmers Truck" joins host Jarrett Ransom to discuss their mission and impact.
Discover how this innovative organization is transforming communities by addressing food insecurity through mobile produce markets--from the history of how it all began to the social impact they're making.
Learn how The Farmers Truck's mobile markets are bringing fresh, nutritious food to underserved areas, improving community health, and fostering social connections.
Find out about the thoughtfully designed trucks, their rental options, and the commitment required to launch a program in your community.
Like a juicy red apple, you’ll enjoy this conversation and hear more about the inspiring work being done to combat food deserts and create healthier, more connected communities. Visit their website at TheFarmersTruck.com to learn more about this incredible initiative.
We're at day two of the 'Raise' One Cause Conference in Nashville, where over 600 nonprofit professionals have gathered to discuss nonprofit strategies and fundraising. Host Jarrett Ransom welcomes special guest Shawn Olds, co-founder and Co-CEO of Boodle.AI, who discusses how they leverage artificial intelligence and generative AI to help nonprofits engage donors more effectively and efficiently.
Shawn emphasizes the importance of not getting myopically focused on one AI tool and encourages nonprofits to experiment with different technologies to find what works best for their specific needs.
Next, we hear from Kevin Spikerman of Charity Buzz, an impact marketplace that connects charities with high-net-worth bidders for unique experiences and items. Kevin shares a remarkable success story involving a lunch with Julia Roberts, which sold for $140,000, highlighting the potential of their platform to raise funds for nonprofits.
Finally, we chat with Taylor Shanklin, founder of Barlele and Creative Shizzle, who discusses her podcast, "Talking Shizzle," focused on helping small businesses and nonprofits tackle marketing challenges. Taylor emphasizes the importance of breaking down challenges and implementing data-driven strategies to better communicate with donors.
These insightful interviews reveal the collaborative and innovative spirit of the Raise One Cause Conference and offer valuable takeaways for nonprofits looking to enhance their fundraising efforts and engagement strategies.
In an electrifying kick-off to the 2023 annual One Cause 'Raise' Conference in Nashville, Nonprofit Show host Jarrett Ransom helped welcome enthusiastic nonprofit professionals from around the country to this epic two-day event. With the city's rich musical history as the backdrop, the conference set the stage for a memorable experience of connecting and learning.
Jarrett Ransom, CEO of the Rayvan Group and your self-proclaimed "nonprofit nerd," shares the Day 1 experience—with a live broadcast from the event.
Emily Newberry, Vice President of National Accounts at OneCause.com, joined Jarrett on the broadcast stage, sharing her 12-year journey with the organization. She described how the Raise Conference has grown exponentially since its inception seven years ago in Washington, DC, with this year boasting over 600 attendees.
The theme of innovation was buzzing throughout the event. Emily noted that nonprofits and fundraisers are embracing technology and innovation more than ever before, driven by the expectations of both donors and the evolving landscape, especially in the wake of COVID-19.
Barbara O'Reilly, founder of Windmill Hill Consulting, and LaShonda Williams from the Fundraising Academy at National University added to the conference's dynamic atmosphere. Barbara and LaShonda both lead sessions on the age-old debate of "Old School vs. New School" fundraising, highlighting the importance of integrating technology effectively into fundraising strategies.
Throughout the conference, attendees are soaking up knowledge, connecting with industry leaders, and discovering innovative tools and strategies to boost their organizations' impact. The palpable energy in the air, coupled with Nashville's vibrant culture, has created an unforgettable experience for all.
Don’t miss tuning in for Day Two, as the One Cause Raise Conference continues to inspire nonprofit professionals to revolutionize the world of philanthropy!
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