Expert strategies for planning successful volunteer appreciation events with insights from Melissa Pinard, Head of Product Management at Bloomerang Volunteer. Learn how to effectively recognize and engage your volunteers, seamlessly integrate them into your donor campaigns, and use data-driven approaches to highlight their impact. This comprehensive discussion offers best practices on organizing appreciation events that honor and support volunteers' dedication and foster deeper connections...

A vibrant conversation with Mike Geiger, President and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).  You’ll discover how Geiger's career, marked by unexpected opportunities and strategic pivots, exemplifies the dynamic nature of nonprofit leadership. Learn about AFP's huge role in enhancing fundraising practices, its commitment to ethical standards, and its proactive approach to addressing the quickly evolving needs of fundraisers and philanthropy.  Mike shares valuable...

The CEO of Accessible Avenue shares his personal and professional journey in advocating for accessible transportation, sharing insights on the specific challenges faced by people with disabilities and calling for a systemic approach to inclusivity in nonprofit operations and services.  Ron Brooks, who is blind, brings a unique perspective as someone who directly experiences the challenges he advocates against, emphasizing the importance of lived experience in the nonprofit sector. Ron’s...

Discover practical tips on managing board transitions effectively, ensuring diversity, and communicating strategically to maintain continuity and build future leadership. This conversation provides valuable guidance for organizations aiming to navigate the complexities of board succession smoothly and sustainably.  Watch on Video!  We explore the often-intimidating realm of board succession planning with Yvonne Evers, founder and CEO of Succession app. As they explore this crucial topic,...

Nonprofit’s questions and expert’s answers about nonprofit board engagement, fundraising expectations of board members, financial literacy among nonprofit board members, and the confidentiality of professional coaching paid for by organizations. Host Meredith Terrian shares the microphone with Muhi Khwaja, from the National University Fundraising Academy and co-founder of the American Muslim Community Foundation. Regarding board engagement, Muhi starts with the importance of full board...

The Nonprofit Fixer goes deep into the 'seven mistakes nonprofit executive directors make' and offers valuable strategies to avoid these blunders. Whether you're a current nonprofit leader or aspiring to be one, this learning episode is packed with essential tips and firsthand experiences to help you navigate the role of Executive Director!  Sean Kosofsky, with his three decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, passionately shares his insights, having observed numerous nonprofit leaders...

The specific action of aligning mission, vision, operations, and strategic planning enables nonprofits to thrive and fulfill their missions effectively.  We learn more, led by Jennifer Drago, a seasoned strategy and governance expert with Peak to Profit Consultants. Her work spans nonprofit strategic planning, governance, and board development, recognizing the pivotal role of boards in providing strategic direction to organizations. Throughout the discussion, Jennifer articulates a clear...

Exploring the topic of representation in the finance and accounting sectors, particularly within the nonprofit industry, with LaMichelle Hecht, CPA, and CEO of Overhead Solutions Group.   LaMichelle shares her insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by Black women in accounting, highlighting the need for increased diversity and inclusion. From addressing systemic barriers to entry to advocating for greater support for Black-owned businesses and professionals, LaMichelle's...

The positive impact of adoption-friendly workplace policies for nonprofits, with insights from Mary Ellen Smalley, Director of Brand and Cause Awareness at the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. This fast-paced learning episode explores the Foundation's Top 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplace list for 2024, showcasing organizations leading the charge in supporting adoptive and foster parents through robust benefits and inclusive environments. You’ll hear about resources and guidance for...

The Cultivate 2024 conference for nonprofits, from San Diego, proved to be an electrifying and insightful event, showcasing the passion and dedication of professionals in the nonprofit sector. The two-day gathering of nonprofit professionals from around the country, hosted by Fundraising Academy, boasted a packed schedule of sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. The conference, now in its second year, witnessed significant growth and interest. Keynote speaker Jason Champion set...

The founder of Sara's Society for Animal Rescue and Adoption, Tracy Frank, shares her inspiring journey of dedication and compassion spanning nearly three decades, with Show host Mitch Stein.  SaraSanctuary.org, located in Seguin, TX, stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to saving animals from abandonment and providing them with a loving sanctuary.  She reflects, "No matter how hard this is on its worst day, it's still the best thing I've ever experienced. Starting this...

The topic of nurturing and advancing Superstar talent within nonprofit organizations, featuring Miriam Dicks from 180 Management Group. Miriam describes the challenges and strategies surrounding nonprofit’s talent management, particularly in mission-driven spaces like nonprofits. With a decade of experience, Miriam starts with the importance of recognizing and stewarding hidden gems within organizations, ensuring that talent is retained and supported effectively. She points to the necessity...

Exploring a whole new dimension of nonprofit storytelling. The potential of nonprofit organizations writing books. We uncover the transformative power of storytelling through the lens of publishing, with host Julia Patrick and guest, Ben Gioia, author of "Influence With A Heart". Ben's journey, from facing mortality in India to a galvanized commitment to serve, forms the backdrop of his message. As he shares, "Influence With A Heart is the ongoing invitation to offer someone to say yes to...

Insights into the complexities of labor and executive recruitment (aka headhunting or poaching) within the nonprofit sector. Led by Katie Warnock, CEO and founder of Staffing Boutique. Host Julia Patrick sets the stage by reflecting on the tumultuous changes the nonprofit workforce is witnessing, describing it as "incredibly diverse" and almost "schizophrenic." Katie echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the drastic transformation from the past to the present, wondering if the nonprofit labor...

Discover key insights from "10 Epic Fundraising Fails – Part 2".  Unpacking the most common mistakes in nonprofit fundraising.  Practical advice on how to avoid common pitfalls in fundraising, ensuring your nonprofit can engage donors effectively and secure essential funding. Host Julia Patrick and fundraising expert Jack Alotto discuss donor presentations, the importance of making the ask, mastering donor stewardship, maintaining ethical standards, and developing a personal fundraising...

Are you ready to dig into the world of nonprofit fundraising failure?  We uncover the top ten fundraising failures and how to sidestep them. We're joined by the brilliant Jack Alotto CFRE, a seasoned expert from the Fundraising Academy at National University. In this part one of a two-part series, we explore embracing strategic planning, crafting compelling narratives, understanding donor motivations, and prioritizing stewardship. Jack begins with comments on the importance of strategic...

Five years ago, Derrick Young, Jr. embarked on a mission to address the lack of diversity in advanced education, particularly in fields like law, medicine, and STEM. Despite facing challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and shifts in corporate support, the nonprofit he founded, Leadership Brainery , has emerged as a beacon of hope for underrepresented communities seeking access to higher education.  Co-hosts Julia Patrick and Mitch Stein welcome back Derrick for an insightful discussion on the...

From including both spouses on nonprofit’s campus tours to the effectiveness of donor swag and the choice between upscale venues and authentic experiences for wealthy donors, LaShonda Williams and Julia Patrick share actionable insights on questions from viewers. When a viewer asks about including both spouses on a campus tour for potential major donors, LaShonda points to the importance of involving both individuals in the relationship-building process. She stresses the need for alignment...

In the fast-changing world of nonprofits, staying true to mission while resisting the allure of scope creep can be a challenging dance. Miriam Dicks, founder and CEO of 180 Management Group, recently shed light on this topic during a riveting chat with hosts Mitch Stein and Sherry Quam Taylor.  Miriam begins by defining scope creep, drawing parallels to its militaristic synonym, mission creep. She shares the webster definition, "Mission creep is a gradual shift in objectives during the...

The role of leadership development in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the need for leaders to be adaptable, self-aware, and mission-focused to effectively guide their organizations through challenging times, shared in a compelling dialogue with two notable experts in nonprofit leadership development, John Tiso, Director of Client Services at JMT Consulting, and Dr. John Davidoff, founder and Chief Mission Officer of Davidoff Mission-Driven Business Strategy. This dynamic interview explores...

The historic venue, WOW Hall, a cherished cultural anchor in Eugene, Oregon, stands as a testament to community resilience and collaboration.  Executive Director of the nonprofit, Deb Maher, shared their story, which embodies a vision-driven approach, emphasizing the power of positivity and collective action in transforming communities. WOW Hall, originally established in 1932 as a fraternity for woodworkers, faced near-demolition in 1975. However, a swift community effort saved the...

Navigating the relationship between nonprofit accounting and development departments. With a focus on collaboration and understanding, how these two essential facets of nonprofit organizations can work harmoniously for success, with our guest, Patricia Withington, Director at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC.com). Patricia emphasizes the necessity for alignment between the accounting and development departments, debunking  some common misconceptions and highlighting the symbiotic nature of...

Groundbreaking insights behind understanding major nonprofit donors, with a donor research tool that determines how much a donor might give. Donor Abacus operationalizes donor research, providing an objective, bias-free approach to determining the ideal donation amount for major gifts. By analyzing key data points and leveraging subscriber insights, Donor Abacus boasts predictive accuracy within 5% of actual pledges, empowering fundraisers to confidently navigate gift conversations and assess...

The transformative potential of strategic fundraising approaches grounded in donor-centricity, digital innovation, and proactive volunteer engagement in 2024.  We are led by Katie Gaston, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Bloomerang, and she talks about meeting donors where they are, leveraging technology, and cultivating volunteer support.  By embracing these principles, nonprofits can unlock new avenues for growth, sustainability, and mission impact. As Katie begins, being a storyteller...