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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.
Nonprofits often create strategic plans with the best intentions, yet many fail to achieve their desired impact. Why? We explores the factors that contribute to the breakdown of strategic plans and provide actionable insights into making them resilient and adaptable, with Doug Paul, Managing Partner and Innovation Strategist at Catapult.
Doug begins by challenging conventional thinking, offering, "Strategy is always a hypothesis—an informed opinion about how to win." Strategic plans often fall short because they are built for a world that no longer exists. Many organizations cling to outdated planning models that are too rigid to accommodate the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of the nonprofit sector.
To truly succeed, nonprofits must rethink their approach. Doug introduces the concept of "assumptions mapping," a technique that scrutinizes the foundational beliefs of an organization to ensure they are sound. He also discusses the importance of "pre-mortem" planning—analyzing potential points of failure before they occur.
Continuing, Doug describes how flexibility is key. Instead of treating strategic plans as fixed roadmaps, nonprofits should refresh and iterate their plans regularly, integrating learning cycles every 90 days. This shift allows them to navigate unpredictability with agility and confidence.
Doug also points to the need for nonprofits to cultivate an R&D mindset, setting aside 10-15% of resources for innovation and experimentation. "Every once in a while, one of these bets is going to hit, and when it does, it could change everything," he tells us.
A nonprofit’s strategic plan should not be a rigid document—it should be a living framework that adapts, learns, and evolves. If your nonprofit can embrace this mindset, you’ll be better positioned to achieve meaningful, sustainable impact!
#StrategicPlanning #NonprofitLeadership
In an era where leadership transitions are inevitable yet often overlooked, we’re digging deep into the timely topic of nonprofit succession planning, with two distinguished experts: Randy Brinson and Julia Burns. Together, they unravel the complexities of interim leadership, succession planning, and talent continuity in the nonprofit sector.
The important conversation addresses the urgency of succession planning as a strategic imperative rather than a last-minute scramble. As Julia begins, "Succession planning is having this holistic, thoughtful strategy about your talent pipeline that both makes it effective for today and readies the organization for tomorrow." The duo dismantle the common misconception that succession planning is solely about replacing a CEO. Instead, it is a dynamic, organization-wide process that fosters leadership development and ensures mission continuity.
Randy speaks to the broader scope of leadership transitions, stating, "If we have a cause that our organization is pursuing in the community, the best way for us to sustain success in that cause is to make sure we have a good talent pipeline of the people that we need to achieve that work." The two also tackle the hesitancy among board members to address leadership transitions and highlights the strategic advantage of treating succession as an opportunity rather than a crisis.
Both Randy and Julia provide actionable insights you’ll be able to use, from gathering essential information to fostering a culture of leadership continuity. They also provide info about their upcoming ‘Succession Planning Consultant Boot Camp’, designed to equip consultants and nonprofit leaders with the tools needed to navigate transitions effectively.
If nonprofit sustainability and leadership continuity matter to your organization, this episode is an essential watch. More about Third Sector Company.
#NonprofitLeadership #SuccessionPlanning
The critical art of cultivating donors for the long term—a concept that many nonprofits struggle to implement effectively.
Co-host Julia Patrick sets the stage by highlighting the challenge: “We live check to check. Such a bad mentality… we just get this and then we’re moving.” She speaks to the need to shift from short-term survival mode to a sustainable donor cultivation strategy. Co-host Tony Beall, a leading nonprofit consultant, breaks down the process, distinguishing cultivation from stewardship and offering practical steps to build trust-based relationships with donors.
One of Tony’s keys is the difference between cultivating and stewarding donors. He explains, “Cultivating a donor means getting them engaged, building trust, and preparing them to make an investment in your organization. Stewardship happens after the gift—it’s about gratitude and long-term relationship-building.” This distinction is crucial for nonprofits looking to create sustainable funding models.
The fast (and often witty) conversation also tackles a major issue in the nonprofit sector: fundraiser burnout. Citing data from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Julia describes how the average tenure of a development professional is only 19 months. Tony offers input on combating this trend: “I’m more interested in building trust than likability. Saying no with an explanation builds trust. And trust is what makes donors stay committed beyond any single fundraiser’s tenure.”
The discussion extends to how fundraisers can navigate gatekeepers, effectively identify high-potential donors, and educate nonprofit leadership on the time and strategy required for successful fundraising.
For any nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or board member looking to increase donor engagement and retention, this episode is packed with essential strategies to build that ‘sustainable donor pipeline’.
#NonprofitFundraising #DonorCultivation #FundraisersFriday
Are you ready to transform your nonprofit’s financial future? Host Julia Patrick sits down with Beth Larsen, Vice President of Client Accounting and Advisory Services at JMT Consulting, to demystify financial technology (Fintech) for nonprofits. Fintech often feels overwhelming, but Beth provides a roadmap to help organizations fall in love with technology solutions that streamline operations, enhance financial transparency, and ultimately drive greater mission impact.
Beth acknowledges the fear that often accompanies tech transitions: “Those of us that have been through technology transitions can probably draw upon at least one or two experiences where things did not go well.” But she also reminds us of the possibilities: “Imagine a solution where data is flowing throughout your organization, eliminating manual duplication, and giving you real-time financial insights.”
This episode explores why nonprofits must embrace financial technology, how to integrate departments for smoother transitions, and how to break down the fear associated with change. Beth also highlights the growing demand for nonprofits to provide more data-driven impact reports to funders and stakeholders, making efficient financial systems more critical than ever.
Start your nonprofit’s journey toward financial efficiency and sustainability!
#NonprofitFintech #FinancialInnovation #TechForGood
“The mission is not enough to motivate people to come to work.” Cohosts Julia Patrick and Wendy F. Adams sit down with powerhouse guest Yany San Luis, CEO and founder of The Win Woman, to discuss how to build a nonprofit team that drives lasting impact. Yany teaches us the nuances of effective team development, highlighting the importance of both structure and sustainability. She emphasizes that while passion ignites a mission, it is not enough to sustain an organization in the long run.
Yany’s expertise centers on strategic growth, revenue generation, and providing outsourced development solutions for nonprofits looking to bolster fundraising and impact reporting. Throughout the conversation, she provides in detail how investing in the right people, processes, and tools creates a foundation for success—even in a sector that often struggles to attract and retain top talent. By referencing alarming statistics such as the average 16-month tenure of development officers, Yany urges leaders to rethink how they onboard, engage, and nurture their teams. She offers. . . “Loyalty is a two-way street, so we have to co-create a career experience for employees.”
Far from a dry strategic session, this lively exchange brims with very practical ideas for NPO’s seeking to maximize each staff member’s potential. From microlearning opportunities and more frequent check-ins to reimagining board and funder involvement, Yany’s approach challenges nonprofits to break old habits and embrace a collaborative mindset. More about TheWinWoman.com
#NonprofitLeadership #TeamDevelopment #WinWoman
An invigorating conversation centering on a game-changing concept: weaving well-being into the very fabric of nonprofit strategy. Anthony A. Dicks, Jr. of 180 Management Group passionately redefines well-being as more than a mere perk, instead emphasizing its critical importance for holistic, sustainable organizational success—especially amidst the evolving complexities of our time.
Anthony begins by describing how work can deplete even the most dedicated leaders, stating, “Doing well can compromise well-being…because by doing all the things you're supposed to do, you end up giving so much of yourself.” He reminds us that nonprofits thrive only when their people do—both financially and mentally. This means mindfully designing a culture where the physical, emotional, and social needs of team members are proactively supported. Anthony stresses that leadership itself can be grueling, requiring a resilience strategy every bit as vital as funding or program planning.
In exploring “strategic resilience,” Anthony offers a transformative perspective: organizations must intentionally prepare leaders for the tough decisions and challenges they will inevitably encounter. By providing coaching, building community, and embedding resilience into their strategic plans, nonprofits can create pipelines of healthy, future-ready leaders. He says, “We can’t just assume resilience. We have to create environments that enhance it and replenish it.”
This conversation, with host Julia Patrick, brims with actionable ideas for nonprofits seeking to elevate their impact. Far from mere theory, Anthony provides grounded approaches, like prioritizing mental health and forging authentic peer support networks. The result is an inspiring call to treat resilience as a cornerstone of operational excellence. While rooted in today’s reality—including lessons learned from the pandemic—the discussion looks forward, championing a new era where strategic planning and well-being go hand in hand.
#StrategicResilience
#NonprofitWellBeing
#LeadershipMatters
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