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 our cohosts live, where you can ask questions, get feedback, connect with nonprofit cohorts from across the globe–and Be Inspired!
Live! Monday thru Friday
9:30am Pacific | 10:30am Mountain | 11:30am Central | 12:30pm Eastern
Sign-up for American Nonprofit’s Fun & Fast-Paced 30-Minute Show!
Made Possible By Our Generous Sponsors Who Support And Believe In The Work You Do
OUR LEARNING LIBRARY
MORE THAN 1,000 EPISODES!
FROM THE NATION’S TOP NONPROFIT SECTOR EXPERTS!
COVERING NONPROFIT MISSIONS, MONEY, AND MANAGEMENT!
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 nonprofit leadership, and the importance of fostering a mission-driven culture and continuous leadership development.
John Tiso shared insights into how JMT Consulting supports nonprofits with comprehensive back-office solutions, highlighting their commitment to enhancing leadership skills within these organizations. Reflecting on his personal growth, he shares, "Leadership started off in the classic perspective of it being about title and role, but meeting Dr. John challenged my assumptions and nurtured my development for over six years."
Dr. John Davidoff describes his firm's role in helping nonprofits become genuinely mission-driven by integrating continuous leadership development and a drama-free, high-functioning culture into their strategic planning
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 building, transforming it into a nonprofit performing arts center. Deb takes us through Wow Hall's rich history, emphasizing its evolution into a vibrant hub for cultural expression and community engagement.
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,
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 pipeline value.
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, a 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.
New research in understanding nonprofit donor’s, helping guide nonprofits towards better communications with donors, with Jane Pfeiffer, founder of Field Trip.
Jane's research reveals three distinct nonprofit supporter segments: empathetic, skeptical, and disconnected, which are not solely defined by demographics but by their beliefs, motivations, and views on nonprofit missions. Each segment requires tailored storytelling approaches to effectively engage and maintain support.
Moreover, Jane points to the importance of understanding donor attitudes beyond transactional perspectives, encouraging nonprofits to rethink how they approach fundraising, marketing, and storytelling. She offers actionable advice on identifying and engaging with different supporter segments within donor databases and events.
This new research underscores the transformative potential of understanding donor attitudes and behaviors, challenging nonprofits to adopt a more nuanced and empathetic approach in their interactions with supporters.
Host Julia Patrick acknowledges the need for a paradigm shift in nonprofit marketing and communication strategies. Jane encourages organizations to explore Field Trip's research findings and consider integrating them into their decision-making processes to foster more meaningful connections with supporters.
From dealing with large nonprofit donors and trust advisors, sorting nonprofit board member financial obligations, to explaining concepts like nonprofit cause selling and board dynamics, hosts Julia Patrick and Muhi Khwaja answer questions from nonprofits.
When faced with the dilemma of whether to bring someone else to a meeting with a large donor and their trust advisor, Muhi advises diversifying the skill set within the organization. He suggests involving estate planning lawyers or seeking pro bono services from local law firms to address legal questions effectively. Muhi emphasizes the importance of transparency and seeking assistance when needed, stating, "Don't ever fear... I'll get back to you."
Speaking to the intricacies of fundraising strategies, Muhi clarifies the concept of cause selling, emphasizing its focus on relationship-driven approaches to cultivation and stewardship. He encourages nonprofits to leverage resources available through platforms like Fundraising Academy to educate board members and gain their buy-in to the process.
The conversation transitions to board management, where Muhi offers insights into determining the frequency of board meetings. He advocates for aligning meeting schedules with the capacity and commitment of board members, suggesting that quarterly meetings may suffice for certain organizations. However, he highlights the importance of regular committee meetings to ensure effective governance.
Addressing a question about the nuances between board dues and give-or-get policies, Muhi proposes a unique approach of assigning board members their own donor portfolios. This proactive strategy not only engages board members in fundraising activities but also fosters a deeper understanding of organizational goals and donor relationships.
Mental and physical burnout in the nonprofit sector is an unfortunate reality, but there are ways to address it constructively. Meico Whitlock, founder of Mindful Techie, shares insights on how to protect ourselves from the ravages of nonprofit work.
Meico introduces a refreshing perspective on navigating burnout, urging us to change the conversation, with guidance that begins with, "We're not chasing dollars or titles; we're driven by a personal mission to leave the world better than we found it." With that thought in mind, rather than a reactive approach, he advocates for proactive steps toward well-being. He believes in addressing burnout collectively and individually, offering a Change Framework comprising six commitments: Connect to Your Why, Honor Your Priorities, Acknowledge Limiting Beliefs, Negotiate Boundaries, Generate Inner Space, and Embody Well-being.
Throughout the conversation, Meico and the co-hosts, Wendy Adams and Julia Patrick, dig into the nuances of recognizing burnout. From increased sick days to withdrawal from colleagues, the signs are varied but crucial to acknowledge. Meico reminds us that self-care isn't separate from the work; it is the work. By starting small, such as reaching out to HR for support or seeking medical advice, individuals can gradually reclaim balance.
The discussion unfolds into practical advice for individuals and organizations alike. Meico emphasizes simplicity, urging listeners to distill action plans down to what fits on an index card. He encourages a mindful, step-by-step approach, fostering a culture of grace and compassion toward oneself and others.
In the end, the fast-paced discussion will leave you with a profound insight: preventing burnout requires a shift in mindset and action. It's about honoring our well-being while still making a meaningful impact.
For more wisdom from Meico Whitlock and to explore his book, visit mindfultechie.com and find "When Work Doesn't Love You Back" on Amazon. Embrace well-being as an integral part of your mission-driven life.
The role of a fundraiser extends far beyond mere solicitation; it's about fostering a culture of philanthropy, building trust, and creating lasting impacts. Ken Phillips, named the Association of Fundraising Professional’s “2024 Fundraiser of the Year”, embodies these principles with remarkable distinction. In an insightful conversation with host Julia Patrick, Ken shares invaluable perspectives on the evolving landscape of fundraising and its profound significance in shaping a better world.
Ken brings to light the critical role of fundraisers in catalyzing positive change. With over four decades of experience, Ken epitomizes the transformative power of fundraising, grounded in a profound belief that it builds a better world, stating, "Raising money for good programs that help people and giving donors something of value... as a fundraiser, you're helping two worlds." His journey began with a deep-rooted passion for social impact, shaped by childhood influences and a commitment to excellence instilled by his parents. Through various roles in esteemed organizations like Isaac, Save the Children, and Plan International, Ken orchestrated remarkable growth, tripling incomes, and spearheading innovative strategies.
Throughout the fast-paced discussion, Ken points to the imperative of organizational cohesion, advocating for a holistic approach to fundraising. He advocates for a shift towards 'total organization fundraising,' where every member is empowered to champion the cause. He challenges the status quo, highlighting the pressing need for internal communication and professional development within fundraising teams. By fostering a culture of philanthropy and nurturing internal talent, Ken envisions a future where fundraisers are truly catalysts of change, driving sustainable impact worldwide.
As a leader in the nonprofit sector, using strategic foresight, collaborative teamwork, and unwavering persistence, Ken Phillips exemplifies the transformative potential of fundraising in shaping a world defined by compassion, equity, and opportunity.
The transformative power of technology in leveling the playing field in nonprofit finance. Jackie Tiso, CEO of JMT Consulting, discusses finding answers to finance-tech questions for nonprofits. Jackie shares JMT Consulting's remarkable journey as a remote company serving nonprofits for over 30 years and elaborates on the evolution of technology and its impact on nonprofit operations, stressing the importance of financial management over traditional accounting practices. She speaks to the significance of seeking expertise from various sources, including online resources, conferences, and partnerships with specialized consultants. Jackie outlines how nonprofits can embrace the integration of diverse tools and expertise, emphasizing collaboration over competition in the sector. She explores the challenge of keeping pace with rapid technological advancements and advocates for a disciplined approach to continuous learning and knowledge sharing within the nonprofit community.
Preventing fraud in nonprofit organizations, with key strategies and actionable tips, for organizations to mitigate risks and maintain financial integrity. In today's digital age, nonprofit organizations face an array of challenges, including the looming threat of fraud. Jennifer Alleva, CEO of Your Part-Time Controller, sheds light on implementing robust strategies to safeguard against fraudulent activities, outlining the role of internal controls, proper oversight, and proactive measures in mitigating risks. As she aptly puts it, "Fraud happens too often, and nonprofits are not immune to it."
Jennifer begins by explaining the misconception that nonprofits are inherently safe from fraudulent activities, highlighting real-life cases where organizations fell victim to internal and external threats. From cyber risks to insider fraud, she stresses the significance of a vigilant approach, starting with establishing a culture of integrity and accountability at the top. Jennifer offers, "A top-down approach is essential, with the board and executive management setting the tone for ethical conduct and robust internal controls."
Continuing, Jennifer gives insights into preventing fraud, including the necessity of background checks for personnel involved in financial management and the importance of segregating duties to avoid concentration of power. She emphasizes the need for regular financial reporting and analysis, urging board members to actively engage in monitoring financial activities. Jennifer suggests, "Board members have a responsibility to ask questions and seek clarity on financial matters, regardless of their expertise."
In the digital realm, Jennifer warns against complacency and urges organizations to stay informed and proactive. She highlights the growing threat of cyber fraud, such as phishing attacks, and emphasizes the importance of continuous education and awareness among staff and board members.
You’ll learn how preventing fraud is not just about mitigating risks but also about fostering organizational resilience and trust. By implementing robust internal controls, maintaining transparency, and fostering a culture of accountability, nonprofits can safeguard their financial integrity and fulfill their missions effectively.
Nonprofit’s asked; Are donors always right? Why don’t nonprofit’s pay commissions? How should fundraisers cover expenses? Should nonprofits apply for as many grants as possible?
The host, with guest host LaShonda Williams, from Fundraising Academy, addressed these topics with expert insightful responses, focused on strategic thinking in nonprofit fundraising. They emphasize the need for alignment between grant applications and an organization's existing programs, highlighting the potential wastefulness of pursuing grants unrelated to their mission. LaShonda also provides practical advice on ethical fundraising practices, including the significance of donor and fundraiser rights, while cautioning against toxic donor relationships. Furthermore, she points to the value of clear communication and due diligence in grant writing and expense management, stressing the importance of fiscal responsibility and ethical conduct in the nonprofit sector. Additionally, LaShonda and Julia promote the upcoming Cultivate conference, designed to empower professionals at all levels within the nonprofit landscape and offering actionable insights into effective fundraising strategies.
The role of a Board Treasurer in a nonprofit extends beyond accounting tasks to encompass strategic financial oversight, transparency, and accountability. By prioritizing timely financial reporting, active engagement in budget discussions, and promoting transparency, treasurers play a pivotal role in safeguarding the nonprofit’s financial stability and mission fulfillment.
Jackie McLaughlin, a CPA with Chazin and Company, begins by dispelling the myth that only finance professionals can serve as treasurers. She points to having common sense as the key requirement, stating, "If you can run your own personal finances, you have enough common sense to be a treasurer." Fiduciary responsibility, often perceived as complex, is simplified as acting in the best interest of the organization, akin to a parent making decisions for their child.
Jackie outlines the treasurer's role in financial oversight, distinguishing it from hands-on accounting work. Treasurers primarily review financial statements and budgets, asking critical questions to ensure financial health. They collaborate with finance committees and executive directors to assess budgets, review financial reports, and make strategic decisions. Jackie emphasizes the importance of timely financial reporting, advocating for monthly financial statements and quarterly board reviews to detect and address issues promptly.
Jackie also speaks to transparency and accountability in financial management, emphasizing that nonprofits must be transparent with their financial information, including making audited financials and tax returns publicly available. She encourages regular financial communication and stresses the treasurer's role in scrutinizing budget variances and ensuring corrective action is taken when necessary, sharing a cautionary tale about the repercussions of neglecting financial discussions within the board. She recounts a scenario where a nonprofit's financial performance declined due to the board's habit of hurriedly reviewing financials. Moving financial reviews to the top of the agenda led to more focused discussions and accelerated efforts to address financial challenges.
This informative session will give your nonprofit logical comfort and direction on the duties and roles of board treasurers.
Key aspects of nonprofit messaging and connecting with nonprofit’s audiences, including defining clarity in messaging to create lasting connections, and strengthening nonprofit's organizational impact, with Jordana Merkin, CEO and founder of Voice for Good Marketing,
Jordana begins with the essence of clear messaging by stating, "Clarity creates connection." She emphasizes the significance of defining an organization's mission, target audience, and core values to effectively communicate its purpose, which guides organizations in uncovering the emotional core of their work, enabling them to resonate with their audience on a deeper level.
Suggesting a strategic approach to crafting messaging guides, emphasizing the alignment of mission, vision, and values, Jordana points to the importance of consistency in messaging across all communication channels, allowing organizations to maintain authenticity and reinforce their brand identity. Additionally, she stresses the value of maintaining continuity, especially during periods of transition, to ensure clarity and coherence in messaging.
Jordana then addresses the challenge of engaging diverse audiences while maintaining a cohesive message. She advocates for organizations to prioritize authenticity over universal appeal, acknowledging that not every individual or group will align with their mission and values. By focusing on resonating with their core supporters, organizations can cultivate meaningful connections and foster long-term relationships. In her words, “Show me you know me”.
Jordan gives strong encouragements for organizations to embrace their unique identity and values, even in divisive times. She advises against diluting messaging to cater to every audience, emphasizing the importance of staying true to core principles, whilst acting on strategic communication that addresses relevant issues and staying aligned with your nonprofit’s overarching mission and values.
Explore the Country’s largest collection of current nonprofit learning and training videos from the top Social Impact and Nonprofit Sector Leaders!
Keyword Search:
Watch Or Listen On
