The Nonprofit Show

In a climate charged with political unpredictability, donor hesitancy, and organizational fatigue, Peter Heller, CEO and Founder of Heller Fundraising Group, returns to offer clear-headed perspective on what nonprofits should be doing now—not later. Drawing from decades of experience in higher education and over 20 years guiding capital campaigns and feasibility studies, Peter brings both context and calm to a sector feeling increasingly unsettled.Fundraising is never easy, Peter reminds us. But right now, it's especially daunting. Some organizations are facing existential uncertainty, while others are tempted to pull back entirely. “Even if we stopped talking right now,” Peter says, “and people went away with this one idea: wake up in the morning and believe that you and your nonprofit deserve that money—that mindset alone can shift your entire trajectory.”Throughout the conversation, Peter offers a compelling blend of strategic realism and aspirational leadership. His guidance is rooted in both emotional alignment and actionable frameworks: acknowledge the difficulty, reaffirm your mission, and keep going. He warns against reactive messaging rooted in fleeting political tides and instead urges organizations to craft campaigns around timeless, hopeful visions that inspire long-term support.One of the episode's most striking moments comes when Peter recounts the Ossining Children's Center's $18 million capital campaign. Despite losing their board presidents, navigating the death of a lead donor, and facing pandemic-related hurdles, they built a beautiful childcare facility now serving a vibrant, diverse community. It's not just a story of resilience—it's a blueprint for bold action in the face of fear.Julia Patrick (Show host) and Peter explore why now is precisely the moment for brave leadership—especially from boards. They discuss the board dynamics that can either stall or accelerate progress, and why it's okay if those unwilling to commit step aside. As Peter puts it, “You need a core group who believe—and aren't just dreaming, but working toward something achievable.”This thoughtful dialog challenges the nonprofit sector to step into its power, maintain donor relationships through both silence and conversation, and embrace mission-driven fundraising as a moral imperative rather than a burdensome chore. Whether you're in the middle of a campaign, contemplating one, or simply trying to stay upright, this conversation offers clarity, encouragement, and a seasoned perspective on how to move forward with confidence.Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

The Chief Investment Officer at Christian Brothers Services, Steve Sliwinski, offers a highly approachable yet technically sound guide to nonprofit investment strategy. With decades of financial experience and dual designations as CFA and CAIA, Steve breaks down how organizations—regardless of size—can begin managing and growing their financial assets responsibly.From policy benchmarking and committee structure to modern investment tools and trends like IP transfers and crypto, Steve's insights will help demystify what can often be an intimidating subject. This episode is a must-watch for boards, CFOs, and executive leaders seeking clarity on how to begin—or refine—their investment approach.The discussion begins with a history of Christian Brothers Services, which evolved from a cooperative model among Catholic schools into a nationwide provider of retirement, insurance, and investment services for thousands of institutions. This story serves as an example of scalable collaboration and strategic vision, offering NPO's a compelling model for shared resource management.Steve explains that waiting for a major windfall to begin investing is outdated thinking. “It's certainly not out of reach to create a well-diversified portfolio with under $100,000,” he shares, emphasizing that even small recurring contributions—like payroll-deducted retirement savings—can grow into substantial assets over time. The message: nonprofits don't need to be large to think long-term.Much of the conversation centers around the role of the investment committee. Steve offers a fresh take, stating that technical expertise isn't always necessary. What matters most is “a long-term orientation and strategic mindset.” Ideal committee size? Three to seven individuals with high-level focus, not necessarily financial professionals.The conversation, with host Julia Patrick, continues into policy development and investment alignment with mission. Steve discusses how ESG (environmental, social, governance) or values-based screening—once costly—is now affordable and feasible even for small organizations. He encourages nonprofits to create an investment policy document in partnership with a consultant or a platform like Vanguard or Fidelity to ensure thoughtful, repeatable decision-making. He stresses the importance of sticking with the strategy through market fluctuations: “Set the policy at the beginning, know why it exists, and abide by it—especially in difficult times.”Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

What happens when artificial intelligence collides with nonprofit hiring? Katie Warnock, CEO and Founder of Staffing Boutique, brings over two decades of recruitment wisdom to unpack the evolving world of nonprofit staffing—where AI, automation, and applicant tracking systems are rapidly reshaping the game.From resume reviews to video interviews scored by machines, Katie walks us through what's real, what's useful, and what still absolutely needs a human touch. She describes AI as a powerful tool—but not a one-size-fits-all solution.She shares how AI can now instantly generate candidate pipelines, automate scheduling, and send emails with the ease of a few clicks. But for seasoned recruiters like Katie, there's hesitation: trust and nuance still matter. And for organizations hiring in the nonprofit space, personality and mission alignment can't be faked—no matter how good your chatbot is.This episode also explores the do's and don'ts of keyword optimization, especially for nonprofit resumes. Katie gets specific about how grant writers, development staff, and even tech candidates should tailor their resumes for today's smart hiring systems. Generic titles like “fundraiser” or “event planner”? Not enough. Think: gala, silent auction, CRM platform, institutional giving.But perhaps most eye-opening is Katie's reflection on the new loop: AI-powered interviews are becoming so common that some candidates now use AI to answer questions during the interview—prompting some companies to head back to in-person hiring. “There has to be some sort of reversal,” Katie warns. “How do you even trust that a resume was written by the person who actually did the job?”This is a refreshingly candid, real-world conversation about modern hiring challenges in the nonprofit sector. You'll walk away with smarter strategies, tech tools to explore (or avoid), and a renewed appreciation for the irreplaceable value of human connection. 00:00:00 Welcome and guest introduction 00:01:20 What Staffing Boutique does 00:03:50 AI enters nonprofit hiring 00:04:20 Understanding applicant tracking systems (ATS) 00:05:50 AI vs. human recruitment skills 00:07:00 Automating interviews and follow-ups 00:09:00 Why resume keywords matter 00:12:00 AI video interviews and ethics 00:14:45 Human touch vs. automation 00:17:30 LinkedIn Recruiter and candidate scoring 00:20:40 How AI tools can fake resumes 00:23:40 The case for returning to in-person hiring 00:27:00 Final thoughts and sector outlook Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

This fast episode plants more than a few seeds—it digs deep into the fertile soil of fundraising tech and AI, showing nonprofit leaders how to embrace new tools without fear or being overwhelmed.Co-host Julia Patrick opens with her signature energy: “It's always a good day when I get to work with my cohost Tony Beall,” . . .and what follows is an energizing discussion around modernizing fundraising practices. The duo tackles AI not as a villain, but as a brilliant assistant. As Tony puts it: “AI is a tool, not a takeover.”From predictive analytics to donor segmentation, Tony outlines how AI empowers fundraisers to work smarter—not harder. He reminds us that AI “creates a tremendous opportunity for prospecting,” especially now that tools like ChatGPT are as common as Google searches.Julia reflects on how her organization embraced AI early on. “It has revolutionized the way we do business,” she says, underscoring (not literally!) how prompts, personas, and platform features help tailor messaging to diverse donor groups.Tony speaks to how “ChatGPT can help you refine messaging for different donor sets… it's still your words, but it's helping you shape the message.” He urges fundraisers to treat the tech as an editor—not a ghostwriter.They also dig into CRM evolution, with Julia commenting, “What we get today is not what we'll have tomorrow.” Tony shares how CRM vendors are racing to integrate AI and support their users.The conversation rounds out with a focus on multi-generational training, acknowledging that not every team member shares the same comfort with digital tools. Tony adds that leaders must explain “why we're doing this” so that staff can buy in, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.This episode isn't just about tech—it's about change, mindset, and purpose.#FundraisingTech #TheNonprofitShowFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Leadership meets lived experience as Eric Wilson, Director at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), unpacks the long-standing tension between nonprofit finance and programming. With warmth, wit, and real-world clarity, Eric takes us into the heart of the issue—how two departments with the same mission often work in silos, risking confusion, inefficiency, and financial misalignment.From discussing budget misunderstandings to the implications of restricted funds, this episode challenges nonprofit leaders to ask themselves: “Are we communicating with intention—or just reacting when problems arise?”Eric shares, “You don't want people afraid to bring you a problem… I'd rather have a small problem early than a big problem later.” That mindset—proactive, people-first, and rooted in accountability—is the call to action for every executive, finance officer, and program manager tuning in.Together with host Julia Patrick, they explore:·        Why many nonprofit staff don't fully understand the true cost of programs·        How miscommunication around restricted funding can sabotage outcomes·        Why monthly check-ins between finance and programming are more than a best practice—they're essential·        How fear creates silence and silence breeds mistakes·        What emotional intelligence and mutual education mean for modern nonprofit cultureThis learning session is a leadership masterclass in creating cross-departmental unity through intention, clarity, and relationship-building. Whether you're a new program manager, seasoned CFO, or executive director trying to align teams—you'll walk away with practical tools and a fresh mindset! 00:00:00 Welcome and topic introduction 00:01:13 Eric Wilson's role at YPTC and regional insight 00:02:40 Finance meets programming—at home and work 00:04:17 What does the finance team actually do? 00:06:10 Why communication breakdowns happen 00:08:25 True cost vs. perceived cost in programming 00:10:53 Budget expectations and common disconnects 00:13:18 Restricted funds and organizational risk 00:17:01 How often should teams check in? 00:19:22 Finance as educator and mutual learning 00:21:33 Prevention vs. crisis mode 00:23:04 Addressing fear and improving collaboration 00:26:01 Remote work and new communication habits 00:28:14 Final leadership insights and takeaways #NonprofitLeadership #FinanceAndProgramming #TheNonprofitShowFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

When a cyberattack hits your nonprofit, do you know what to do? Cybersecurity expert Michael Nouguier, Partner at Cybersecurity Services at Richey May, walks us through the essential steps every nonprofit must take—before, during, and after a cyber event. As host Julia Patrick notes, it's not a matter of if, but when, and being unprepared is no longer an option.From clarifying what cyber insurance actually covers to practicing realistic incident response exercises, Michael offers a pragmatic and step-by-step guide tailored for nonprofit leaders. He points out, “Failure to plan is planning to fail,” and urges organizations to move beyond hope and into action.The conversation dissects misconceptions, such as thinking IT alone can handle a breach or believing cyber insurance is a comprehensive solution. Instead, Michael recommends building internal resilience with tabletop exercises that include the board, C-suite, legal, and communications staff. These scenario-based run-throughs help teams build muscle memory and prevent panic when disaster strikes.Third-party vendors—often a hidden weak spot—are addressed in detail. Michael reminds us, “You are the trusted data collector,” meaning nonprofits must ensure their vendors share the same security culture, including notification clauses and accountability.What if the worst happens? Michael stresses calm, communication, and preservation of evidence. “Don't delete anything,” he cautions, as doing so can sabotage forensic investigations and potential fund recovery. He also reminds leaders to report incidents to local authorities and the FBI's IC3.gov, reinforcing the legal and ethical responsibility to act swiftly and transparently.Perhaps one of the most human insights is around fostering a blame-free culture. Employees fearing punishment won't report mistakes, making things worse. “Everyone—even me—has clicked a phishing link,” Michael admits, highlighting the importance of openness and psychological safety within teams.This is a call to action for NPO leaders to shift from avoidance to preparedness. Cyberattacks are not just technical disruptions—they can financially and operationally dismantle an organization. With the right mindset, strategy, and comms plan, your nonprofit can weather the storm!00:00:00 Welcome and Episode Overview  00:02:00 The Evolution of Richie May's Cybersecurity Services  00:04:00 What Cyber Insurance Really Covers  00:08:00 Third-Party Vendor Risks and Due Diligence  00:12:00 Real-World Impact of Cyberattacks on Nonprofits  00:15:00 Why Response Planning Beats Hoping for the Best  00:17:00 Tabletop Exercises: Practicing Incident Response  00:20:00 Who to Call When a Breach Happens  00:23:00 First Response Steps: Breathe, Engage, Preserve Evidence  00:26:00 Creating a Culture Where Mistakes Are Reported  00:29:00 Episode Recap and Takeaway #TheNonprofitShow #CyberResilience Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

A clear message: “Generosity is not dead—it's transforming”, says Ann Fellman, Chief Marketing Officer at Bloomerang. As headlines churn out fatigue-inducing stories of donor decline and uncertainty, Ann injects much-needed optimism rooted in data and strategy.“We are in it now,” Ann declares about the $70 trillion wealth transfer, urging nonprofits to act instead of waiting for the perfect moment. Drawing from the latest Giving USA 2024 findings, she reminds us that individual giving reached a staggering $592.5 billion, with 66% of that coming directly from individuals. “Individual Americans are ready and willing to support,” she tells us.This recent conversation navigates beyond donor behavior into practical strategy. Ann challenges fundraisers to rethink short-term vs. long-term planning and ‘get real about programming priorities: What must be done, what should be done, and what would be nice to do?' She lays out a compelling scenario-based approach to planning for revenue shifts, especially in a landscape threatened by grant losses and funding uncertainty.She also makes a strong case for recurring giving. “Would you rather have a one-time $100 gift or $10 a month for years?” she asks. Despite the low adoption rate, recurring programs offer sustainable, predictable revenue and are easy to implement with today's tech. She even floats the bold concept of creating a “monthly giving officer”—a role few, if any, nonprofits have embraced but one that could radically improve outcomes.Transparency, too, is no longer optional. Citing data from Bloomerang's Mission: Retainable report, Ann points out that while 65% of donors crave regular impact updates, only 36% of nonprofits actually deliver them. In an era when trust is easily eroded, communicating funding gaps and showing how you're responding builds confidence and inspires donors to act.As Ann beautifully puts it: “There is generosity. It's alive and well.”00:00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Ann Fellman00:02:30 What Bloomerang Actually Does for Nonprofits00:04:15 How Tech + People = Better Fundraising00:06:15 The Truth About American Generosity00:08:30 Giving USA 2024 Highlights: $592B Raised!00:10:00 Generational Wealth Transfer: $70 Trillion Opportunity00:13:00 Donor Communication Gaps and Impact Reports00:15:00 Monthly Giving—The Most Underrated Strategy00:20:00 Scenario Planning: Must Do, Should Do, Nice to Do00:24:00 How Transparency Builds Donor Trust00:27:00 Highlighting Funding Gaps Without Fear00:30:00 Final Thoughts: Don't Be Discouraged, Generosity Is AliveFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Jeffrey Wilcox (President) and Joan Brown (COO) of the Interim Executives Academy unpack the harsh realities of nonprofit leadership turnover—and the game-changing role of interim executives.Jeffrey starts this lively session with. . .  “Interim leaders aren't temps—they're bees, cross-pollinating wisdom to prepare organizations for their next leader.” Joan Brown backs it up, revealing why first-time nonprofit CEOs crash and burn—often due to unclear job expectations, chaotic HR structures, and boards that operate like secret societies instead of partners.This bouyant conversation with host Julia Patrick, gets real fast:HR disasters are the #1 reason leaders get fired—think vague job roles, favoritism, and financial denial.Boards scare new execs by locking them out of meetings instead of mentoring them.Interims aren't just placeholders—they're strategic fixers who spend 9–12 months prepping orgs for long-term success.Looking ahead, Jeffrey and Joan warn nonprofits: “If you're only relevant to yourself, you're already dying.” The future demands sustainable leadership, emotional intelligence, and ditching outdated board modelsthat hold orgs back. 00:00:00 Intro: Why Leadership Turnover is Crisis 00:02:33 Why First-Time Nonprofit CEOs Fail 00:06:00 HR Disasters Killing Organizations 00:10:45 How Interims Fix Toxic Cultures 00:15:38 Interim Leaders: Bees, Not Band-Aids 00:19:45 Future of Nonprofit Leadership 00:22:55 Relevancy or Bust for Nonprofits 00:27:09 Free Training Announcement #TheNonprofitShowFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

How do you win the hearts—and hands—of Gen Z donors? According to Emily Tisdale, West Coast Manager for Team for Cures at the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (TheMMRF.org), you stop seeing them as “the future” and start engaging them right now.In this lively session, Julia C. Patrick explores Gen Z's philanthropic behavior with Emily, who's on the frontlines of volunteer and donor engagement across three major markets. Emily doesn't mince words: “This generation is not transactional. They want to be part of the change.” That means showing up, speaking out, and yes—expecting organizations to be transparent and impact-driven.Emily explains how COVID-era isolation shaped Gen Z's digital-first instincts, but also fueled a hunger for purpose. Whether it's advocacy via Instagram, fundraising through peer networks, or attending real-life charity walks, Gen Zers are ready to get involved—when the mission speaks to them. “They don't want to just cut a check and sit back,” she adds. “They want action.”Julia challenges common assumptions about younger donors being flaky or too young to matter. Emily pushes back with stories of college students becoming long-term supporters, and volunteers maturing into major funders. “We need to meet them where they are today,” she says. “Because where they're going is powerful.”The conversation covers everything from social media strategies to cross-generational mentorship. One standout idea? Pair Gen Z volunteers with seasoned ones to create a mutual growth loop. “Our high-impact volunteers can become our highest-impact donors,” Emily points out.Whether you're building out a peer-to-peer campaign or rethinking how you cultivate loyalty, this episode offers a smart, real-world roadmap for tapping into Gen Z's energy and values.00:00:00 Welcome and introduction to Emily Tisdale  00:01:36 What MMRF does and why it matters  00:03:55 Who is Gen Z? Understanding this generation  00:05:52 Gen Z is already here—don't wait to engage  00:07:28 Advocacy and action: Gen Z's passion points  00:09:40 IRL vs. digital: How Gen Z shows up  00:12:02 Gen Z in peer-to-peer fundraising events  00:14:25 Strategies to keep Gen Z engaged  00:17:02 Content planning that actually works  00:19:01 Mentorship and cross-generational collaboration  00:22:28 What the future looks like for Gen Z donors  00:27:16 Real-life examples of Gen Z's donor journey#GenZPhilanthropy #DonorEngagement #TheNonprofitShowFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

In a whirlwind of nonprofit questions from viewers, Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall splash into the world of fundraising mysteries.  "We need to diversify our funding streams," Tony begins, setting the tone for a conversation that's part strategy session, part confessional. From the complex dance of fundraising committees to the cutting-edge world of cryptocurrency donations, these nonprofit mavens dissect the industry's most pressing questions with surgical precision and infectious enthusiasm.How do fundraising committees work with board members?    Committees can serve as talent pipelines and engagement platforms, with board members actively recruiting committee members.Should nonprofits accept cryptocurrency donations?  Yes, but carefully evaluate organizational readiness, donor demographics, and infrastructure.What's the typical fundraising performance ratio?    Generally 1:5 to 1:10 for development officers, varying by specific role and organization.Are printed annual reports still relevant?  Offer both print and digital versions, tailoring to donor preferences and organizational resources.How should fundraisers demonstrate their value?    Beyond monetary metrics, highlight pipeline development, donor retention, and mission impact.00:00:00 Show Introduction and Sponsors00:02:08 Fundraising Committees Deep Dive 00:07:51 Cryptocurrency and Donor Advised Funds 00:14:29 Annual Report Strategies 00:19:07 Fundraiser Performance Metrics 00:28:25 Closing Remarks and Gratitude #TheNonprofitShow #FundraisingInnovation #NonprofitStrategyFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Thinking of opening a nonprofit thrift store? Before you dust off those donation bins, take a lesson from Kate Thoene, CEO of New Life Center., as she gives us a masterclass in turning a pile of secondhand shoes into sustainable impact. Spoiler: It's not as easy as slapping a price tag on old lamps and hoping for the best.At Hope's Closet, the social enterprise Kate oversees, “we don't take anything that makes you ask, ‘Should I donate this or toss it?'” That tough-love clarity is part of what keeps their thrift shop not just afloat—but thriving. From curated donation bins and strategic store layouts to voucher programs for survivors of domestic violence, Kate walks us through how her organization uses retail to empower recovery, generate unrestricted revenue, and build community loyalty.She breaks down staff structure (a mix of full-time employees and 1,000+ volunteers), donation flow (“you need new items hitting the floor daily”), and even how color-coded tags help them cycle out stale inventory. Plus, we learn about their fruitful partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters—where unsellable items are bought by the pound, keeping the store clutter-free and the landfill grateful.Don't miss how this 5,000-square-foot shop became a community engine, churning out real, trackable impact. Kate shares insights on metrics, bonus incentives, messaging at point-of-sale, and even the exciting possibility of store #2. And yes, there's a half-off sale where even the “rules” go on discount.If you've ever wondered whether charity shops are worth the effort, Kate answers that with a resounding yes—as long as you're ready to think like a retailer, hustle like a startup, and lead with mission."The more we sell, the more we help survivors of domestic violence." — Kate Thoene00:00:00 Today's topic: Are thrift stores worth it?00:01:55 What New Life Center does—and how Hope's Closet began00:03:42 The donation overflow that started a social enterprise00:05:26 How vouchers empower survivors with dignity00:06:59 Tips for getting quality donations consistently00:10:03 Seasonal sales trends and revenue diversification00:11:45 Selling both on the floor and by the pound00:13:56 Staff, volunteers, and running a smooth thrift operation00:15:41 Production flow and the secret to a fresh sales floor00:17:14 Hiring, retail knowledge, and connecting sales to mission00:19:09 Leveraging POS tech and staff bonuses00:21:12 Sales strategy, color tags, and breaking the rules00:24:00 Exploring a second location and future growth #ThriftWithPurpose #thriftstores #TheNonprofitShowFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

In this electric and occasionally uncomfortable conversation, 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.#TheNonprofitShow #TrustBasedPhilanthropy #CollaborativeLeadership Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

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. 00:00:00 Intro and welcome to Greg Warner 00:01:13 What is the Fundraising Report Card? 00:03:56 Gut instinct vs. meaningful metrics 00:06:33 Leaky buckets and donor attrition 00:08:34 Who really uses the data—and how 00:10:36 Collaboration tools and institutional memory 00:12:14 Why clean data matters 00:14:07 The power of relevant peer benchmarks 00:16:34 Lifetime value explained 00:18:54 Emotion vs. analytics in fundraising 00:22:22 Donor files and hidden gold 00:27:16 Final thoughts and educator access #FundraisingData #DonorAnalytics #TheNonprofitShowFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

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 differenceWhether 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 00:00:00 Welcome and guest introduction 00:01:26 How a PTA president became a tech founder 00:03:12 Pandemic event trends and hybrid strategies 00:04:43 Events must be profitable—not break-even 00:05:49 Events as morale boosters and donor reminders 00:06:33 Cultivating younger donors through events 00:07:48 Small orgs teaching big ones how it's done 00:09:00 Recognizing mission-driven staff at events 00:13:01 Accessibility tips: pricing, swaps, fixed-price options 00:15:55 Paddle raise strategy and auctioneer ROI 00:19:10 Why virtual paddle raises have fizzled 00:21:07 Make live elements event-exclusive for maximum impact 00:22:24 What are sign-up parties and why they work 00:26:12 The pros and cons of consignment auction items #EventFundraising #FundraisingAuctionsFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

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.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 sustainabilityFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

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. “The future of fundraising isn't just emotional—it's intellectual,”Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

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.00:00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Patrick Farran 00:02:40 What Does Ad Lucem Group Do 00:05:20 Misconceptions About Burnout in Nonprofits 00:10:15 The Role of Agency and Trust in Staff Retention 00:15:40 How Leaders Unintentionally Cause Disengagement 00:21:10 Tools for Succession and Internal Growth 00:26:05 Job Crafting as a Path to Leadership 00:31:40 Constructive Conflict vs Apathy 00:36:50 Appreciative Inquiry and Strength-Based Leadership 00:41:10 Preparing for Turbulent Times Without Panic 00:45:20 About the New Book: The Intentional Executive #NonprofitLeadership #BurnoutRecovery #ExecutiveSuccessionFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

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 goingFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

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 #NonprofitFinance #FundraisingEvents  #NonprofitAccounting Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

“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. 00:00:00 Welcome and introduction to Michael Nouguier 00:02:06 Why Richey May expanded into cybersecurity 00:04:11 What data are you collecting and why it matters 00:05:35 Understanding third-party data responsibilities 00:07:59 How to evaluate vendor security 00:10:15 Remote work and role-based access control 00:13:18 Does organization size change the approach? 00:16:01 Enabling staff without compromising security 00:19:22 What really happens in a data breach 00:21:24 The importance of practicing breach response 00:23:01 Tabletop exercises and insider risks 00:26:38 Is there hope for cybersecurity progress? #NonprofitCybersecurity  #DonorTrustFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

You'll love this 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. 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 commitmentFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

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.00:00:00 Welcome and guest intro 00:02:00 What Staffing Boutique does for nonprofits 00:04:30 Nonprofit-specific recruiting: temp vs. permanent 00:06:45 Hiring in a crisis vs. planning ahead 00:08:00 How WFH reshaped staffing needs 00:10:20 The missing 20% of productivity 00:12:30 Why hybrid might be the best compromise 00:14:30 Who thrives in remote work—and who struggles 00:18:00 Structuring roles for remote success 00:20:00 Zoom professionalism and expectations 00:23:00 Branding consistency in remote meetings 00:26:45 Final tips for managing remote teams #NonprofitWorkforce #RemoteManagement #HybridStaffingFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

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 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 #DataDrivenFundraising #NonprofitGoals #CapacityBuildingFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

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.00:00:00 Intro and Guest Welcome  00:01:28 What OneCause Does  00:03:54 Evolution of Auction Technology  00:06:22 Origins of the Auction Research  00:08:05 Do Auctions Still Work?  00:09:43 Auction Donors Are More Generous  00:13:05 Top Auction Items by Popularity  00:16:24 Everyday Donors and Item Accessibility  00:18:33 Virtual Auctions and Broader Reach  00:20:08 Long-Term Donor Engagement from Auctions  00:24:11 Generational Differences in Auction Behavior  00:26:47 How Many Items Should You Include?#NonprofitFundraising #AuctionStrategy #DonorBehaviorFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

We chat 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.Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

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.Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

We take a no-fluff approach to unpacking the real, often unspoken stressors that nonprofit fundraisers face. Cohosts Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall dissect why development teams are overwhelmed—and what can be done about it.This episode isn't just a venting session—it's a strategic reality check. It challenges nonprofit leaders to re-evaluate their expectations, timelines, and tech support, and to build internal systems that actually empower fundraisers.Tony kicks things off with clarity: “Goal setting has to be done around data, history, and trends. It's about future forecasting that's actually grounded in reality.” He and Julia tackle a shared frustration: goals imposed from the top down with no involvement from development professionals. The conversation drills into how unrealistic fundraising targets, particularly when arbitrarily increased by boards or leadership, can lead to burnout, disengagement, and even job insecurity.Julia adds, “We can't just say, ‘Here's the goal. OK, bye.' We have to understand how to get there and why it matters.” From her candid recount of a story about a decades-long trust manager being asked to speak at clients' funerals, Julia drives home that real donor relationships take time—and too often, organizations don't allow that time.Another sharp critique centers on short fundraising timelines. Tony explains that when leadership procrastinates or underestimates the runway required, it places unfair and urgent pressure on development teams. He urges organizations to share that burden across leadership—not just pile it onto fundraisers' shoulders.They also break down the communication chasm between marketing and development. As Tony states, “Marketing tells the story, but development and programs create it.” You'll see how he argues that both departments should fall under the same leadership umbrella to ensure cohesive strategy and a united donor experience.A particularly powerful segment looks into the anxiety of job security when unrealistic goals are not met—something many fundraisers silently battle. Tony shares a story from South Florida where a seasoned fundraiser is facing impossible expectations with no organizational adjustment or empathy. Despite loving the mission, the fear of being let go is real.The fast-paced dialog concludes with a powerful call to action: invest in the tools that support development. Whether it's CRM systems, AI platforms, or community foundation grants, fundraisers need the infrastructure to succeed. Tony suggests “Don't feel guilty about investing in tools. These are vital for serving your community better.”Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

When finance and mission meet, it's often a delicate dance—but Terri Sorrentino, Director of Finance and Administration at Friends of Karen, shows that collaboration can be both powerful and transformative. In this candid and compassionate episode, Terri walks us through how her organization supports families of children facing life-threatening illnesses and how operational departments—often hidden from public view—become the engine behind meaningful impact.FriendsOfKaren.org serves over 1,200 children annually, most battling cancer. What sets them apart? A comprehensive approach that uplifts the entire family—from social workers who visit homes and hospitals to child life specialists focused on siblings, all delivered with empathy and financial relief. Yet behind this emotional mission is a finely tuned financial machine—and a finance leader who sees herself not as a gatekeeper, but a guide.Terri shares the often unseen tension between program needs and accounting rules, especially in emotionally charged scenarios. "Everyone has their role and every role is important...we're all trying to get to the same place, which is to help the families," she shares. Her approach centers on open communication, mutual respect, and ongoing staff education on budgeting and reporting.Terri also dives into the evolving demands of grant reporting, emphasizing that funders now want more than expense breakdowns. They seek data-driven impact narratives that quantify emotional and advocacy-based work—especially the cost of social workers, a vital but often overlooked pillar of the mission.This informative dialog explores how organizations can better prepare for audits without compromising compassion, and how relationships between finance, fundraising, and programming must be built on shared goals, not silos. Through storytelling and systems thinking, Terri exemplifies how to lead with heart and structure—ensuring that every dollar, spreadsheet, and report ultimately serves the mission.00:00:00 Welcome and guest introductions 00:02:29 Mission of Friends of Karen 00:03:35 Sibling support and family-centered care 00:05:11 How COVID strengthened operations 00:06:47 Finance's role in a mission-driven nonprofit 00:07:40 Three pillars: fundraising, finance, programming 00:10:09 Managing stress across departments 00:12:27 Building comfort with budgeting and numbers 00:15:04 Balancing compassion with compliance 00:16:30 The growing demands of grant reporting 00:21:12 Fast vs. meaningful reporting 00:24:26 Defining true mission costs for donors #NonprofitLeadership  #MissionDrivenImpactFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Drew Moran, Chief Development Officer at Nourishing Hope, joins our cohosts,Julia Patrick and Sherry Quam Taylor, for a conversation that blends visionary thinking with practical strategies. From the moment the discussion begins, you'll see that this is more than a typical food pantry story. Drew's journey—from volunteer manager to a leader at a $20 million organization—illustrates how a commitment to innovation and compassion can drive exponential growth. You will be energized by the candid dialogue on marrying development and technology to better serve communities in need.At the heart of the conversation is the imperative for nonprofits to invest in smart technology. Drew provides data, making a clear point: digital tools are not a luxury but a necessity for modern service delivery. By integrating a CRM, electronic medical records, and online ordering, Nourishing Hope streamlines operations, attracts forward‑thinking funders, and reduces barriers, all while honoring the dignity of the clients it serves.Nourishing Hope, formerly Lakeview Pantry, has transformed over its 55‑year history, leveraging technology to expand its reach beyond Chicago's north side. Under Drew's leadership, the pantry launched the city's first online market in 2019 and recently celebrated its 100,000th service. Combined with free mental healthcare and social services for over 55,000 individuals, the organization delivers more than 200,000 distinct services each year. This wrap‑around approach ensures every person who walks through its doors receives not just a meal, but respect and the tools needed to thrive.Sherry and Julia spotlight the importance of a values‑aligned team and trust‑based philanthropy in driving impact. Drew emphasizes that fostering a culture of flexibility and abundance enables volunteers, staff, and donors to become co‑creators of change. From recruiting 7,000 annual volunteers to partnering with visionary foundations, the organization's success hinges on building authentic relationships. This fast paced episode offers an actionable blueprint for nonprofit leaders seeking to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset—one that invites risk, prioritizes client experience, and leverages strategic partnerships to achieve sustainable growth.Whether your mission is feeding families, providing mental health support, or reimagining service delivery in your community, this episode delivers the inspiration and insights needed to turn bold ideas into reality.00:00:00 Welcome and introduction  00:02:17 What is Nourishing Hope? Growth & mission  00:04:09 Bringing dignity through wrap‑around services  00:07:04 Why tech investments are essential  00:10:59 Meeting clients digitally & preserving privacy  00:14:15 Imagination as a fundraising advantage  00:17:09 Cultivating a flexible, values‑driven team  00:21:38 Tracking impact: metrics & storytelling  00:26:28 Shifting narratives in trust‑based philanthropy   #TechForGood #DignityInService #NonprofitInnovationFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

We are joined by Srikar Chinam, CEO of KarmaSuite, for a conversation that flips conventional grant thinking on its head. While most nonprofit leaders pour their energy into winning grants, Srikar urges the sector to focus just as hard—if not more so—on what comes after the win: post-award grant management.Srikar explains that managing grants isn't just about compliance; it's about aligning multiple stakeholders, vocabulary sets, and reporting requirements—all while staying within highly specific timelines and budgetary restrictions. “It's absolutely a spreadsheet nightmare out there,” he says, describing the all-too-familiar scenario of finance teams scrambling to reconcile expenses manually in donor-specific formats. For organizations juggling five to seven grants or more, the administrative load becomes unsustainable!The conversation digs into why nonprofits often find themselves underprepared for this reality. “If you leave money on the table, that means the donor has missed their impact goals because of you,” warns Srikar, pointing to how such gaps can erode credibility and diminish future funding opportunities.From federal grant freezes to the internal silos between development, finance, and programming, the conversation paints a vivid picture of a sector straining under outdated processes. Srikar shares that Karma Suite is designed not to replace accounting systems, but to sit atop them—removing 75% of the manual work currently managed through spreadsheets and late-night email chains.One of the most impactful observations in the episode? The disconnect in language between departments and between nonprofits and funders. “Programs control the spending, but they're not finance experts—and finance teams don't always have the program context,” says Srikar, emphasizing the importance of connective tools that unify these voices.From fiscal uncertainty to renewed donor expectations, the stakes have never been higher. But KarmaSuite's tech-forward solution feels approachable, logical, and needed. With user-friendly integration and swift onboarding, it's a promising answer to a huge overlooked problem.00:00:00 Welcome and guest introduction 00:01:49 What is Karma Suite? 00:03:03 Why grant management is more than getting the check 00:04:30 Restrictions, expiration dates, and manual allocation 00:06:38 Spreadsheet overload: why current tools fall short 00:11:02 Disconnect between finance, programming, and fundraising 00:13:51 Grant mismanagement: how common is it? 00:16:21 Understanding funder expectations and impact goals 00:19:01 Software, process, and people: what's missing 00:22:23 Federal funding freezes and reimbursement delays 00:24:56 Accuracy in reporting matters more than ever#GrantManagement #NonprofitFinance #ImpactStrategy Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Our cohosts deliver a practical conversation on cultivating relationships with high net worth (HNW) donors. They explore how nonprofit organizations of all sizes can define what “high net worth” means in their context, identify aligned individuals, and thoughtfully steward them toward transformational giving.Tony Beall opens with a foundational point: “We need to define what high net worth means for our own organization—because it looks different depending on your size, mission, and goals.” This nuance sets the stage for a broader conversation that deconstructs common assumptions about wealth and reminds nonprofit professionals that big gifts are rooted in deep, intentional relationships—not cold outreach.Rather than chase only new wealth, Tony urges nonprofits to begin by mining existing donor data. “Let's start with who already cares about our mission. We can often elevate those relationships before even casting a wider net,” he shares. The advice is practical and encouraging, especially for smaller teams with limited capacity.Julia Patrick and Tony also touch on the human side of fundraising—empathy, trust, and consistency. Julia shares a personal story about securing her first $1 million donation, which came not over a fancy lunch, but at a modest cafeteria. “He told me he had grown up without enough to eat, and seeing all that food reminded him of how far he'd come. For him, that was luxury,” she recounts. It's a moving reminder that motivations are deeply personal—and often surprising.From prospecting strategies like leveraging SEC filings, Google Alerts, and local business journals to understanding the long timelines involved in major gift cultivation, the episode offers a balanced blend of emotional intelligence and tactical guidance.As Tony puts it, “Patience and consistency are what build trust—not just with donors, but with the broader community.” And that trust, over time, is what unlocks major gifts.00:00:00 Welcome to Fundraisers Friday00:00:20 Julia praises Tony's impact on the sector00:02:00 What does “high net worth” really mean?00:03:50 Why your organization needs its own HNW definition00:07:05 Start with your current donors00:10:15 Tools for identifying HNW prospects00:13:20 Using local journals and social registers00:18:10 Understanding donor motivations00:22:00 A powerful story about humility and generosity00:23:30 The two-year major gift timeline00:26:00 How trust drives long-term giving00:29:00 Closing thoughts and sponsor thank you#MajorGiftStrategy #DonorEngagement #NonprofitLeadershipFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

What does it take to reimagine child welfare on a global scale? Caroline Boudreaux, Founder of the Miracle Foundation, shares her extraordinary evolution from corporate life to global changemaker. Her journey began on a spontaneous trip to India where, on Mother's Day in 2000, she met a group of orphaned children—and one moment changed her forever.“I put a hungry orphan on a wooden bed and heard her bones hit the wood. I've never been the same,” Boudreaux recalls.Originally launching Miracle Foundation as an international adoption agency, Caroline soon realized that adoption couldn't scale fast enough to match the need. She pivoted. Then, another revelation: 80% of institutionalized children actually had living family. “We couldn't just make orphanages better anymore—we had to help children go home,” she shares. That shift required a new model, a bold strategy, and a lot of resilience.The organization began empowering ‘kinship care'—supporting extended families to take children back in by addressing barriers like housing, education, or income. Then came Thrive Well: a transformative app that puts this care model into the hands of over 30,000 social workers, enabling systems change at scale.This inspiring discussion adds in the role of healthy board dynamics, founder self-awareness, and breaking through the myth that only “rich people” give. “You're not looking for donors with money,” Caroline says. “You're looking for souls who want to do something bigger than themselves.”Her metaphor? “We're all jumping into the river to save babies. But someone has to look upstream to stop them from falling in.”This conversation will challenge your assumptions, ignite your passion for systemic change, and offer inspiration for every nonprofit leader navigating evolving missions and growing impact.00:00:00 Welcome to Caroline Boudreaux 00:01:29 How a trip to India sparked a mission 00:04:14 The moment that changed everything on Mother's Day 00:07:10 Founding the Miracle Foundation 00:08:50 Early struggles and pivot from adoption 00:11:18 Discovering most “orphans” had families 00:13:03 The kinship care model explained 00:16:19 Partnering with Indian government and local leaders 00:17:40 Launching the Thrive Well app 00:20:01 Founder syndrome and building a strong board 00:21:22 Metaphor: saving babies vs. stopping them from falling in 00:23:22 Finding the right donors: look for souls, not dollars 00:25:27 The journey of learning, pivoting, and systemic change 00:27:08 Vision for a world without orphanages by 2040#FamilyFirst #MiracleFoundation #SystemsChangeFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Paul Preziotti, CPA and partner at Johnson Lambert, joins co-hosts Julia Patrick and Meico Marquette Whitlock to provide a grounded, real-time financial snapshot of the nonprofit sector in 2025. As Paul begins, “Each month, it's like, oh, that happened… now that happened,” capturing the fast-moving nature of today's funding landscape.The hosts and guest explore lessons learned from past crises and how nonprofits must evolve their planning models, including annual board and staff financial trainings, contingency-based budgets, and integrating cash flow analysis into strategic decision-making. Paul emphasizes that scenario planning is not a one-time task, but an organizational mindset: “You can't do this overnight… you need to build in review time at all levels—starting with the board.”The conversation digs deep into scenario planning—why it's essential, and how it gives nonprofits a flexible roadmap when the future is uncertain. Gone are the days of assuming government funding is reliable. Preziotti says, “Even if your agency isn't one of the ones in the news, I think you have to think about a scenario in the future where that funding doesn't exist.”The trio also address the communication gap between finance professionals and non-financial staff or board members. Paul and Meico discuss creating a budgeting culture that empowers all roles with the right knowledge and confidence to engage in financial discussions—without fear of judgment—adding that staying calm and building a supportive tone at the top helps organizations weather instability with resilience.Outsourcing is presented as a flexible and cost-efficient solution, especially for smaller nonprofits. Whether outsourcing payroll, the CFO role, or just the budget process, it's all about customizing help where it's most needed e.g.tailoring financial communication for diverse board members, using dashboards, infographics, or narrative reporting as appropriate.00:00:00 Welcome and Introduction  00:01:52 Meet Paul Preziotti from Johnson Lambert  00:03:14 Nonprofit Budget and Funding Uncertainty in 2025  00:05:22 Why Scenario Planning Matters for Nonprofits  00:07:18 Lessons Learned from COVID and Natural Disasters  00:08:54 What Non-Financial Board Members Should Know  00:11:14 How Smaller Nonprofits Can Manage Scenario Planning  00:12:00 Outsourcing Financial Roles as a Cost-Saving Strategy  00:14:50 Building a Culture of Budgeting and Communication  00:17:23 Training Financial Staff to Communicate Clearly  00:21:02 How to Communicate Finances to the Board  00:23:35 What Boards Should Really Focus On Financially  00:25:44 How to Stay Calm During Financial Uncertainty  00:28:16 Sector-Wide Warnings and Final Thoughts  Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

For many nonprofits, cybersecurity feels like a luxury they simply can't afford. But according to Michael Nouguier, Partner of Cybersecurity Services at Richey May, ignoring cybersecurity can end up being far more expensive than proactively investing in it.Michael dismantles the myth that strong digital security comes with an unaffordable price tag. In fact, many nonprofits already have powerful security tools built into systems they're already using—yet few take advantage of them. “What's almost as good as free,” Michael explains, “is something that you've already been paying for and didn't know that you could leverage.”From free services offered by federal agencies like CISA to deeply discounted nonprofit rates from companies like Microsoft and Google, this conversation uncovers a path to digital protection that doesn't require massive budget increases. Michael urges nonprofits to start by auditing what they already use. Whether it's Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, most platforms include underutilized features like multi-factor authentication, access control, and data encryption.These protections aren't just theoretical—they're essential. As Michael points out, “You don't know what to protect if you haven't actually done an assessment to understand where those risks are.” He encourages leaders to seek out risk assessment tools—many of which are available at no cost—and build a strategy around known vulnerabilities, not guesswork.The conversation also takes a practical look at automation, which reduces labor costs by removing repetitive security tasks. Many nonprofits mistakenly believe they're starting from scratch when in reality, they already have a baseline of protections in place—they just need to activate them. Michael shares examples of simple, low-cost ways to improve security posture, including free policy templates and vulnerability scans.Additionally, he challenges nonprofits to shift their mindset around vendor relationships. Too many organizations fail to ask whether vendors offer nonprofit pricing or security guarantees—questions that could drastically reduce both risk and cost. And when vendors are breached, it's often the nonprofit that must explain the damage to stakeholders, regardless of fault.Throughout the session, with host Julia Patrick, the underlying message is clear: cybersecurity isn't about fear—it's about preparedness and resourcefulness. The greatest danger lies not in doing too little, but in assuming you're too small or stretched to do anything at all. 00:00:00 Welcome and introduction of Michael Nouguier 00:01:30 Why cybersecurity is more expensive to ignore 00:03:10 How accounting firms became cybersecurity leaders 00:05:45 Budgeting vs risk: where to start 00:06:40 Leveraging existing tools like Microsoft and Google 00:08:20 Understanding identity and access integration 00:09:45 Why multi-factor authentication matters 00:11:30 Free services from CISA and others 00:14:10 Asking for nonprofit discounts on software 00:16:25 Why every nonprofit needs Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Dr. Pierre Berastaín, Regional Director at the Centre for Public Impact, invites us into a powerful conversation about leadership, cultural humility, and living with integrity across lines of difference. With warmth and depth, Dr. Berastaín shares how personal identity can be a source of strength in leadership—not something to minimize or check at the door."We all lead from a cultural lens, whether we name it or not," Dr. Berastaín explains. "The danger isn't bringing your culture into leadership—the danger is bringing it in unconsciously and expecting it to be the norm for everyone."Dr. Berastaín's personal journey fuels his systems change work. His role at CPI—a nonprofit incubated by Boston Consulting Group—blends macro strategy with community-rooted implementation. The goal: reimagine how governments and public institutions serve people, especially those pushed to the margins.At the heart of this discussion is an honest reckoning with cultural difference and a plea to bring one's full self into leadership. “Cultural humility isn't about shrinking yourself,” he shares. “It's about knowing yourself well enough to make room for others.”The conversation explores what it means to acknowledge culture without stereotyping, the impact of asking, “What are you?” and how silence—intended to be safe—can sometimes feel like erasure. Dr. Berastaín advocates for “relational warmth before analytical interest,” encouraging listeners to shift from tokenizing curiosity to reciprocal connection.He also offers practical tools for introspection: therapy, spiritual grounding, and forming a “personal board of directors” who challenge and support growth. These elements, he says, are vital in cultivating not only emotional intelligence but the capacity to lead with vision.By the end of the chat, with host Julia Patrick, it's clear that Dr. Berastaín's leadership is not performative—it is personal, deliberate, and anchored in truth. And he challenges all of us to ask: What are we carrying into the room?This episode is a must-watch for nonprofit professionals, board leaders, and changemakers looking to lead with depth and humanity in today's increasingly complex world.00:00:00 Guest intro: Dr. Pierre Berastaín00:01:30 What is the Center for Public Impact?00:03:45 Pierre's story: identity, ancestry, and lived experience00:05:15 From direct service to systems change00:07:00 Cultural humility and leadership lens00:09:20 The beauty and burden of collectivist values00:11:00 Personal growth through therapy and accountability00:13:30 Aligning personal and organizational values00:16:00 When to acknowledge cultural differences00:18:00 The problem with silent observation00:20:00 “What are you?”—Responding to coded curiosity00:25:00 Stories, lineage, and reclaiming culture00:27:45 Wrapping up: Leadership with integrityFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Bubble blowers, legacy gifts, and neighborly introductions—this session of Fundraisers Friday bubbles over with wit and wisdom from cohosts Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall. Tackling real-world fundraising dilemmas, the duo dives into sticky questions nonprofits often tiptoe around.We kick off with a sparkling debate: when a donor grows from a small supporter to a major one, who "owns" the relationship? Tony reminds us, “Relationships come first. Structure comes second.” His point: when a fundraiser elevates a donor's giving, the organization should also elevate the fundraiser's role. Julia reflects, “I didn't think of it that way… they should be elevated—and they haven't been.”Next up: corporate crossover. What happens when an individual donor brings their business into the giving picture? Should the relationship transfer to the corporate team? Tony weighs in: “The development professional may not have the skill sets for corporate partnerships. So, invest in training—or consider a strategic handoff.”Then comes the glitzy question—exclusive events for high-net-worth donors. Are these smart strategies or community-killers? Tony, a champion of inclusivity, says, “Exclusivity has its place… if it leads to planned giving and legacy conversations.” Julia adds in, saying how savvy orgs are shifting these events toward behind-the-scenes access and thought leadership rather than fancy galas.They wrap with the boardroom. Should fundraisers speak at board meetings? Tony suggests quarterly appearances. “Your board should know the development team—if you see them in the grocery store, you should say hello!” Julia adds, “It's not about asking for money. It's about connection, introductions, and understanding.”Packed with humor, heart, and practical advice, this fast-paced convo gives nonprofit professionals tools they can use—and some new ways to look at old problems.00:00:00 Welcome  00:02:06 Who Owns a Donor: Structure vs. Relationship  00:03:18 Fundraiser Elevation Through Donor Growth  00:05:49 Corporate Sponsorship Conflicts  00:06:55 Managing New Corporate Gifts from Existing Donors  00:10:22 Exclusive Events for Top Donors  00:12:00 Are VIP Events Worth It?  00:18:12 Should Fundraisers Speak at Board Meetings?  00:24:24 Board Member Roles in Fundraising  00:27:30 Wrapping Up: Ask Questions, Share Freely   #FundraisersFriday #NonprofitLeadership #DonorRelationshipsFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

In a moment of transformational clarity, life and leadership coach George “Iceberg” Miller addresses what so many in the sector struggle with but rarely name: fear. Hosted by Julia Patrick, this conversation dares nonprofit leaders to face their internal barriers and lead from a place of emotional intelligence.“We train ourselves out of even feeling anxiety and fear,” George says. But instead of rejecting fear, he challenges us to embrace it as a guide—not a threat. With heartfelt stories and grounded strategies, he redefines fear as a powerful source of data and growth. “What if we change that to—no, this is part of life?”Together, the duo unpack the burnout crisis plaguing the nonprofit sector, especially among development professionals who rarely stay longer than 19 months. But rather than despair, George offers a hopeful alternative: presence. “All I did was say, ‘I'm angry.' And it led to the most productive meeting of my career.”From volunteer teachers who avoid burnout by staying connected to meaningful work, to financial leaders unlocking emotional resilience through micro-interactions, George shows that radical change begins within. His vision is clear: leadership isn't just about competence—it's about relational courage.For anyone navigating budget cuts, burnout, or policy shifts, this episode is a masterclass in transforming fear into fuel. “If I can allow myself to feel that fear, stop criticizing myself for it… then I can create something new.”Let this dynamic session be your invitation to pause, breathe, and reimagine your leadership—not as something to fix, but as something to feel.00:00:00 Welcome introduction00:03:46 Recognizing fear in nonprofit leadership00:05:06 Reframing fear as useful, not wrong00:07:01 Burnout and emotional suppression in development roles00:09:04 Avoid burnout through meaningful service00:11:42 Can emotional growth happen quickly?00:13:22 Emotions as foundational leadership data00:17:06 A single sentence that changed a team00:21:03 Leaders modeling emotional presence00:22:44 Fear, change, and historical perspective00:25:52 Using anxiety to fuel creativity and hope #EmotionalIntelligence #NonprofitLeadership #FearToFriendFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Jared Walker, founder of Dollar For, shares how one TikTok video launched a national movement to eliminate medical debt through little-known hospital financial assistance policies. Joined by cohosts Julia Patrick and Sherry Quam Taylor, Jared recounts how a personal family tragedy sparked his commitment to helping others avoid the crushing financial fallout of medical emergencies.Dollar For educates the public about financial assistance programs that nonprofit hospitals are legally required to offer under the Affordable Care Act. Despite these policies existing for over a decade, most patients—and even medical professionals—remain unaware. “Most people leave the hospital without any knowledge of these programs,” Jared explains. “It's the best-kept secret in healthcare.”Jared's journey from grassroots crowdfunding in Portland coffee shops to leading a national nonprofit began with a single TikTok that received over 30 million views. That exposure helped grow Dollar For from a one-person operation to an 18-person team that's relieved $88 million in medical debt so far. “We created a Slack channel where every debt relief success story gets posted,” Jared says. “It's a little mini-party that keeps us grounded in our mission.”The discussion explains how Dollar For's first major initiative was building a national database of 8,000 hospital financial policies. This tool lets users instantly check eligibility based on their income and hospital—a game-changing resource in a fragmented system. It also positioned Dollar For as a watchdog, helping policy groups compare hospitals' generosity and push for improvements.Despite the impact, Jared remains humble and forward-looking: “I hope Dollar For doesn't exist in 10 years,” he says. “We're trying to push for a policy that requires hospitals to screen for eligibility before sending bills.”The socially impactful discussion also explores the challenges of funding innovation in the nonprofit sector. Jared candidly shares how finding donors who support both direct service and systemic policy change has been a balancing act—but the return on impact is clear. “We've turned every donated dollar into over $20 of medical debt relief,” he notes.Sherry adds, “This is one of those niches where you have the ability to attract investment-level donors who want root, sustainable change.”This conversation is more than a dive into leadership—it's a blueprint for innovation, equity, and the power of digital media to mobilize change in a deeply broken system. #MedicalDebtRelief #CharityCare #HospitalPolicyChange Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

What if your next fundraising event wasn't just another rubber chicken gala—but a magnetic, mission-driven experience people couldn't stop talking about? That's exactly what Brittany Bedford, Customer Success Manager at Bloomerang, urges nonprofit leaders to imagine.In this high-energy episode, Brittany dives deep into the art of turning events from forgettable to phenomenal. She shares fresh research, real-world examples, and wildly creative strategies that help nonprofits connect with long-term donors in meaningful, memorable ways.“We've got to shift from the fundraiser's point of view to the attendee's,” Brittany emphasizes. “They're coming to feel connected. This is their chance to be a part of something meaningful.”Julia Patrick, host, agrees—and doesn't hold back: “We don't even sit down and ask, what do our guests need? That's dreadful. We just copy and paste the last event!”From gamified donor experiences and staff-led greetings to runway walk-offs and dogs painting art live onstage, Brittany proves that creativity isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a donor retention superpower. In one standout example, she describes an event where guests interacted with service dogs creating art, then bid on those pieces at auction. “People were laughing, posting, and telling the story for weeks,” she recalls.She also unpacks Bloomerang's new research showing that:·        70% of donors say a fun experience makes them more likely to stay engaged·        53% say gamification was their most memorable event moment·        Yet only 6% of fundraisers are implementing this!The takeaway? Nonprofits must ditch the rinse-and-repeat and embrace innovation—starting with the very first hello. Whether you're planning your first gala or your fiftieth, this episode is a game-changer for how you think about donor events.00:00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction00:02:00 Brittany's Role at Bloomerang00:03:40 Transitioning from Transactional to Inspirational Events00:06:00 Copy-Paste Event Planning Pitfalls00:08:30 New Research: What Donors Really Want00:10:20 Gamification at Events: Why It Works00:13:00 Making Staff and Board Comfortable with Engagement00:15:00 Rethinking Guest Check-In and First Impressions00:17:00 Dogs Painting Art: An Unforgettable Event Idea00:20:00 Peer-to-Peer Meets Fashion Show Fundraiser00:23:30 Using Event Data for Future Engagement00:27:00 Can Small Teams Pull This Off?#DonorEngagement #NonprofitEvents #FundraisingInnovationFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Nonprofit mergers and acquisitions aren't a sign of weakness—they're a powerful strategy for long-term viability and community impact. In this leading edge conversation, we bring together two sector leaders: Tim Davis, President and Managing Partner of Glick Davis and Associates, and Jeffrey R. Wilcox, CEO and Founder of Interim Executives Academy. Together with host Julia Patrick, they chart a bold roadmap for organizational transformation through strategic partnerships, timely interim leadership, and cultural integration.As Jeffrey begins, “A sustainable nonprofit must first be viable. And to be viable, you must be survivable.” He challenges nonprofits to move beyond survival thinking and embrace strategic collaboration before financial or leadership crises strike. Tim Davis builds on that, offering a real-world example of three regional nonprofits merging their missions to secure larger grants and extend their reach: “Instead of three groups asking for $10,000 each, they made a unified ask for $100,000—and won.”The conversation digs into the uncomfortable truths of nonprofit M&A—ego, fear, and lack of information—but offers actionable strategies. Tim emphasizes that success is cultural, not just financial: “Unless you build the culture between organizations, one side is always unhappy.” Meanwhile, Jeffrey explains the unique power of interim leaders to guide organizations through this kind of transformation: “Interims help people reach the conclusion themselves—it becomes their idea, their ownership.”This episode doesn't just present M&A as a lifeline for nonprofits in distress—it reframes it as a proactive, bold strategy for those who want to own their future. With funding shifts, demographic changes, and leadership transitions accelerating across the sector, Tim and Jeffrey argue that now is the time to build viable, mission-driven collaborations that will withstand what's ahead.Whether you're a board member, CEO, or funder, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and equip you with the mindset and tools to explore mergers—not out of desperation, but from a place of strength. 00:00:00 Welcome and introduction of guests 00:01:50 What is transitional leadership and why it matters 00:03:14 How Glick Davis supports nonprofit mergers and turnarounds 00:04:23 Rethinking sustainability: viability vs survivability 00:06:02 Why nonprofits must start M&A talks sooner 00:08:10 Real example: nonprofits merging for financial literacy impact 00:10:13 Navigating ego and mission in M&A conversations 00:11:35 The interim leader's role in M&A facilitation 00:13:04 Educating stakeholders before merger decisions 00:15:55 Secret sauce of nonprofit M&A: culture building 00:18:27 Knowing when your org is no longer viable 00:22:54 What great interim leaders really do #NonprofitLeadership #StrategicMergers #InterimExecutivesFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

It's Fundraiser's Friday—and we engage in a candid, layered conversation about one of the sector's least addressed yet most persistent realities: stress. Specifically, the stress experienced by nonprofit fundraisers who juggle mounting expectations, emotional labor, event overload, and relentless revenue goals.Cohost Julia Patrick opens with a sobering observation: “We can't, as a sector, keep fundraisers going. They burn out and leave—an average tenure of only 18 months.” This sets the tone for a deep dive into the sources of that burnout and practical frameworks to address them. Cohost Tony Beall offers a powerful, centering reminder: “Give yourself the grace and accept that you need these things for yourself. There's no guilt in taking care of the caretaker.”Together, they examine six categories of stress fundraisers commonly endure: revenue pressure, donor expectations, event management demands, campaign overload, internal organizational scrutiny, and peer isolation. Instead of simply bemoaning these conditions, the cohosts provide tactical insight. From outsourcing logistics and investing in professional benefit auctioneers, to building strong volunteer committees and peer support networks, they propose both mindset shifts and structural solutions.Tony emphasizes the importance of open and honest communication—up, down, and across the organization—as one of the most effective antidotes to mounting stress. Equally essential, Julia insists, is understanding the often-forgotten emotional toll of donor relationships and campaign deadlines, which can be exacerbated by unrealistic leadership expectations or outdated traditions like “we've always done this event.”What emerges is a roadmap for healing a profession at risk. This isn't just an episode—it's a resource, a reset, and a reaffirmation for nonprofit professionals who need permission and tools to stay in the work they love.00:00:00 Welcome to Fundraisers Friday 00:01:00 Fundraiser burnout and short tenure 00:02:00 Revenue pressure and mental strain 00:05:00 Open communication as stress management 00:07:35 Donor relationships and expectation stress 00:10:00 Fundraisers as accidental event managers 00:13:15 Return on effort for fundraising events 00:16:00 Volunteer committees and shared ownership 00:18:10 Benefit auctioneers and event ROI 00:21:00 Campaign overload and tech tools 00:24:00 Internal scrutiny and team pressure 00:27:00 Peer support and professional associations 00:30:00 Final takeaways and call for self-care#NonprofitLeadership #FundraisingStress #DonorEngagement Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

In a conversation as timely as it is timeless, we welcome Gordon Sims, Director of Development at the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio, to explore how nonprofits can sustain their commitment to DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) amid increasing societal and political scrutiny. Joined by cohosts Wendy F. Adams and Julia Patrick, this dialogue doesn't flinch from the complex realities of today's climate—but it also doesn't surrender to them.Gordon traces the DEIB movement's lineage back nearly a century, when Catholics and Jews united to counter hate, showing that “this movement and this work is far bigger than this political cycle.” His words remind us that while terminology and tactics may shift, the core intention remains: equal access, safety, and dignity for all. "The intent really was never to create preferential treatment for anyone,” he says, “but to just give equal treatment and opportunities."This conversation acknowledges how the DEIB landscape has been reshaped by fear, legislation, and misinformation. Yet it offers clarity and resolve. Gordon uses a poignant metaphor comparing DEIB to theme park "fast passes," where historically marginalized communities have been left to wait in line while others bypassed them. DEIB, he emphasizes, is about giving everyone the opportunity to get on the ride—no more, no less.Equally compelling is the discussion around strategy. Gordon highlights the importance of language, framing, and tone when approaching these issues, especially in environments where such topics are misunderstood or even banned. “Sometimes we have to choose between being right and being strategic,” he shares, quoting trainer Erica Merritt. The challenge lies in advancing the work without triggering defensiveness or political backlash.Ultimately, this episode is about courage, compassion, and connection. It's about listening deeply, creating safe spaces, and convening in strength. Whether it's through roundtables with LGBTQ centers, school districts, or town hall-style block parties, Gordon and his team are modeling how collaboration itself becomes a form of resilience.For those unsure how to proceed or afraid to speak, this episode provides a framework not just for advocacy, but for hope.00:00:00 Welcome and introductions00:03:11 History of the Diversity Center and DEIB origins00:05:35 The movement cycle and current contraction00:07:35 DEIB as equal access—not preferential treatment00:09:53 What DEIB looks like in real life today00:12:11 Convening as a form of resilience00:14:43 Creating safe spaces and actionable strategies00:17:03 Legislative engagement and civic action00:19:03 Navigating DEIB within family and social dynamics00:22:30 Strategic language and meeting people where they are00:26:01 Being strategic vs. being right00:28:37 Data-driven proof of DEIB's value#InclusiveLeadership #NonprofitStrategy #CivicEngagementFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Dawn Trapp, CEO of the Civitan Foundation AZ, delivers an inspiring and detailed look into how her organization successfully runs a summer camp for individuals with disabilities. With operations dating back to 1968, Civitan has evolved from a modest two-week camp into a year-round service hub providing inclusive programming, employment training, arts initiatives, and a deeply supportive community.Dawn shares the journey of navigating decades of change—from shifting public perceptions to compliance with modern licensing, insurance, and risk management needs. The organization made a pivotal decision during COVID to remain open, extending their camp season when many others shut down. “We stayed open… and it was probably one of the best decisions that we made for everybody,” she says, reflecting on how camp served as a safe haven for campers and staff during uncertain times.Camp Civitan serves a broad age range—from 5 to 83—and a spectrum of disabilities, tailoring programming to meet diverse needs. Dawn emphasizes the importance of respite not just for the campers, but for their families. Many use state-provided respite funding to cover attendance, enabling caregivers to rest, while campers experience joy, independence, and connection.Staffing is one of Civitan's most pressing challenges, especially given its rural location. Dawn shares how they addressed this by bringing in international staff and launching the "Grow Our Own" program, cultivating future leaders from within their own volunteer base—some of whom started at age six and are now on staff. Civitan also maintains ownership of its 15-acre camp, which provides long-term flexibility but comes with substantial cost and maintenance responsibilities.From risk mitigation to community partnerships, Dawn's candid discussion reveals the complexity of operating a mission-aligned, community-centered facility. Her closing thoughts on legacy and leadership succession reflect a long-view commitment: ensuring Civitan continues to thrive for generations to come.00:00:00 Welcome with Dawn Trapp  00:02:06 Keeping Camp Civitan Open During COVID  00:04:22 Camp is for Everyone – Even Age 81  00:05:15 How Camp Civitan Got Its Start in 1968  00:07:18 Services for Campers from Age 5 to 83  00:08:00 How Camp Provides Respite for Families  00:10:28 Staffing in a Remote Location  00:11:29 Recruiting International Staff and Volunteers  00:13:22 Growing Leaders Through Camp Life  00:16:20 Owning vs. Renting Camp Facilities  00:20:26 Risk Management and Safety Protocols  00:27:03 Dawn's Vision for the Next Five Years   #InclusiveCamps #DisabilityServices #NonprofitLeadershipFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Julie Kline and Sarah Jacobus from Lifetime Arts take a deep and inspiring dive into the transformative world of creative aging. As America's population shifts, nonprofits must adapt—and creative engagement is an exciting and necessary path forward.Together, they break open the outdated, medicalized view of aging and replace it with a vision where creativity, choice, and social connection are seen as core elements of a vibrant older life. They explore how creative programs provide empowerment, reduce isolation, and foster new identities for older adults—a dynamic shift nonprofits can't afford to ignore.Julie Kline, Director of Program Strategy at Lifetime Arts, passionately describes the organization's mission: “Our goal is to weave creative aging into the fabric of our communities.” She shares her personal journey, rooted in childhood experiences of writing plays for her grandparents, that fueled her dedication to bridging generations through creativity.Sarah Jacobus, Creative Writing Trainer, reflects on her own pivot into this field, especially during COVID, sharing: “Being in a creative aging class is really establishing a new sense of identity—one that's empowering and energizing.”The conversation also tackles the nuances of gender differences in participation, the need for thoughtful partnerships, the silent influence of ageism, and the exciting expansion of training opportunities for nonprofits of all kinds—even unexpected ones like botanical gardens.This episode will challenge you to ask: Are we ready to serve an aging population creatively, inclusively, and dynamically?00:00:00 - Welcome and Introduction to Creative Aging 00:02:20 - What Lifetime Arts Does 00:04:00 - The "Medicalized" View of Aging 00:06:15 - Julie Klein's Personal Journey Into Creative Aging 00:08:00 - Sarah Jacobus' Story and COVID's Impact 00:11:00 - Why Creativity Matters for Health and Aging 00:13:00 - Empowerment Through Creative Expression 00:14:45 - Gender Differences in Creative Aging Participation 00:18:20 - Why Nonprofits Should Care About Aging 00:20:45 - Building Effective Partnerships 00:22:00 - New Open Enrollment Training Opportunities 00:26:00 - Fighting Ageism Through Creative Programming 00:29:00 - Closing Thoughts and Call to Action #CreativeAging #EmpowerThroughArt #NonprofitInnovationFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

It's Fundraisers Friday, and Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall are back with an episode full of big opinions, thoughtful advice, and even a little Kung Fu Panda wisdom. This time, they dive into real questions from viewers—and they don't hold back, with an honest and supportive conversation about the ins and outs of development work, from transparency in fundraising goals to the fine line of donor privacy.One of the first questions tackled: Should fundraising goals be shared organization-wide, or kept within the C-suite? Tony makes the case for balance: “The way you communicate goals matters—empathy and intention are key.” Julia adds that fundraisers often get put under pressure when goal updates trickle down without context or support.They also unpack a tricky topic—sharing top donor info with board members. Julia suggests, “Having a policy is key. Without it, you risk someone casually announcing a donor's gift in public.” Tony agrees but reminds us, “Unless the donor asked for anonymity, listing them for board review isn't a breach of privacy.”Perks for development staff? This duo has thoughts. Forget just bagels—Tony encourages nonprofits to ask staff what's actually meaningful to them. From car washes donated by board-owned businesses to flexible scheduling, he reminds us, “Perks don't have to cost much to show value.”Perhaps the most surprising take came on newsletters vs. annual reports. Tony challenged the typical approach, saying monthly newsletters can feel stale, while an annual report can be a dynamic, story-driven tool: “If I had to choose, I'd go with the annual report every time.”To close, Julia teases upcoming episodes (like managing fundraiser stress) and celebrates The Nonprofit Show nearing its 1300th episode. The vibe? Honest, empowering, and always real.—“There's no such thing as bad news or good news. There's just news.” —Tony Beall, quoting Kung Fu Panda, but owning the sentiment.Timestamps:00:00:00 Welcome to Fundraisers Friday!00:01:18 The joy of working with nonprofit leaders00:03:19 Teaser: Upcoming episode on fundraiser stress00:04:21 Should fundraising goals be shared org-wide?00:06:55 Communication, stress, and fear in fundraising updates00:09:49 Good news vs. bad news (Kung Fu Panda style)00:11:14 Donor privacy: Should boards know top givers?00:14:55 Low-cost perks for development staff00:19:20 Annual report vs. monthly newsletters—what's more important?00:24:08 How to maximize your annual report00:25:34 Tony's news from AFP and upcoming events00:27:11 Julia's Innovate Conference appearance00:28:13 Celebrating 1300 episodes! #FundraisersFriday #NonprofitLeadership #DevelopmentStrategyFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Understanding what it really means for a nonprofit to be financially successful—and no, it's not just about the size of your bank account. Beth Larsen, VP of Client Accounting and Advisory Services at JMT Consulting, explains.Financial success, Beth explains, is fundamentally about “whether or not you have the resources to fulfill your mission effectively.” It's a mindset shift from passive accounting to active financial management, where success is defined by the ability to match your assets to your mission-driven activities.Beth digs into how nonprofits can and should assess their financial health by tracking three core metrics: monthly operating results, available unrestricted cash, and current ratio. She emphasizes that these metrics aren't just nice-to-have—they're essential to making real-time strategic decisions and maintaining stability in uncertain economic times.“Most nonprofits are dealing with demand that far exceeds available resources,” she shares. “That means decision-making must be rooted in data and aligned with mission, not just money.”The conversation moves from theory to practice, with Beth advocating for a solid financial foundation built on clean data, clear processes, and internal discipline. She outlines actionable best practices like having written financial procedures, separation of duties, automated systems, and integrated budget planning that includes development and operations.Host Julia Patrick and Beth also reflect on their past experiences during the 2008 recession—where both faced impossible decisions around shelter programs and fundraising gaps—and draw relevant lessons for today's leaders.Whether your nonprofit is flying blind with checkbook accounting or wrestling with boardroom fear around financial topics, Beth's calm, strategic approach lights a clear path forward. Her message is both urgent and empowering: “You can't afford not to do this work.”Timestamps:00:00:00 – Welcome and Introduction to Beth Larsen 00:03:44 – What Financial Success Really Means for Nonprofits 00:05:19 – Navigating Resources vs. Demand in Tough Times 00:08:39 – Best Practices: Build a Financial Foundation 00:10:42 – Budget Strategy and Data Categorization 00:13:33 – How Strong Systems Reduce Fear and Confusion 00:17:10 – Balancing Mission with Financial Realities 00:20:38 – The Three Key Metrics You Must Track 00:24:26 – Moving From Checkbook Management to Smart Strategy 00:26:10 – Improving Communication Around Financials 00:28:52 – Finance as a Journey, Not a Checklist 00:30:12 – Innovate 2025 Conference Preview #NonprofitFinance #MissionDrivenData #StrategicStewardship Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Leah Kral, social impact consultant and author of Innovation for Social Change, joins cohosts Julia Patrick and Sherry Quam Taylor for a spirited deep-dive into how nonprofits can rethink innovation—no Silicon Valley badge required!Leah sets the tone early, challenging the misconception that innovation is only about gadgets and tech. “Innovation is simply finding new and better ways of doing things,” she says, reframing it as a mindset accessible to nonprofits of every size. Whether it's Habitat for Humanity's volunteer model or a legal aid clinic swapping clipboards for iPads, she insists, “People are innovating all the time in the nonprofit sector—they just don't always realize it.”Throughout the conversation, Leah shares why many nonprofits feel stuck: good intentions clouding decision-making, risk-averse leadership, and the pressure to produce “glossy” reports with no room for trial-and-error. She offers a refreshingly realistic take—yes, failure might happen, but so might wild success. “It's far better to fail fast and fail small than never experiment at all,” she notes.Leah introduces her six principles of innovation: think like a detective, ask courageous questions, empower frontline workers, leave room for experimentation, pursue continuous learning, and master the art of persuasion. She backs each with vivid examples—from the night staff at Mayo Clinic improving patient care, to the global success of WorldReader's mobile reading app born from failed Kindle pilots.Cohosts Julia and Sherry echo the importance of curiosity and culture, with Sherry noting, “A curious leader sets the tone for the whole team.” Leah agrees and highlights that personal innovation is just as vital as organizational change.What's the biggest takeaway? Innovation isn't a luxury—it's essential. And it starts with making space for curiosity, iteration, and the courage to try. Leah wraps with a compelling call: “You don't need a huge budget to innovate—just a little time and a willingness to ask better questions.”Whether you're a grassroots nonprofit or a national leader, this episode might just be the reboot your strategy needs.TImestamps:00:00:00 – Introduction and guest welcome 00:01:35 – Leah Kral on writing *Innovation for Social Change* 00:04:00 – What innovation really means in nonprofits 00:05:52 – Big vs. small innovation examples 00:08:08 – What's holding nonprofits back from innovation? 00:10:56 – Addressing the myth: innovation = risk 00:11:44 – Leah's six principles of innovation 00:16:20 – Why personal innovation matters too 00:21:45 – Embracing small experiments and fast failure 00:23:48 – Building a culture that allows for trial and error 00:27:12 – How to spark creativity within teams 00:29:44 – Final thoughts and where to find Leah's book #NonprofitInnovation Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Executive Director Janelle Miller Moravek of Youth and Family Counseling takes us behind the curtain of what it really means to make HR the Executive Director's greatest ally. This isn't just an HR pep talk—it's a dive into how transactional excellence, emotional intelligence, and succession planning can transform your organization's culture, resilience, and impact.Topics:00:00 Introduction and Welcome  01:50 About Youth and Family Counseling  03:29 HR's Role in Organizational Growth  05:31 What Is Transactional Excellence?  07:25 When Staff Leave: Root Causes  08:54 Counseling Work vs Other Sectors  11:08 HR as Organizational Design  13:42 Planning Your Work, Working Your Plan  16:00 Resilience in a Multigenerational Workforce  17:23 Succession Planning Without Panic  20:24 Cross-Training and Shared Leadership  23:09 Mental Health for Mental Health Providers  24:10 HR as Organizational Scaffolding  25:22 Fractional vs Full-Time HR  27:17 Real-Life Lessons from a Fortune 100 CEO  28:29 Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways  31:15 Final Message: Stay Well to Do Well  Janelle brings real-world insights from her 15-year journey leading a nonprofit mental health organization that grew from a $680,000 budget to $2.8 million and expanded to three locations. What's her secret? A thoughtful, strategic approach to human resources.“We've always had to create an experience for our employees that attracts the talent we need,” she shares. In a sector where nonprofits can't match private sector salaries, Janelle emphasizes designing career ladders and crafting meaningful employee experiences as key levers in recruitment and retention.She also doesn't shy away from accountability: “We need to look back at ourselves. Our staffing changes often come about because of something we've done.” Her refreshing honesty sets the tone for a discussion that's as practical as it is reflective.From the nitty-gritty of job descriptions to navigating a multigenerational workforce and preparing for the “silver tsunami” of retirements, Janelle urges leaders to embrace HR not just as a compliance mechanism, but as strategic scaffolding that supports every function in the organization.The episode explores how nonprofits—especially smaller ones—can structure succession planning without fear, cultivate middle management, and share leadership in ways that increase organizational capacity and decrease burnout.As she puts it, “HR is scaffolding. It's how you manage the work and the people—it can't just be the ED holding it up.”If you're a nonprofit leader navigating hiring woes, team development, or succession worries, watch this for a generous dose of real-world experience mixed with humor, clarity, and heart.Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Why would cybercriminals target nonprofit organizations—entities dedicated to doing good? According to Alex Brown, Director of Cybersecurity Solutions at Richey May, the answer is both chilling and practical: "Hackers are heartless," he says. “They just want the information or funds or whatever they can get.”In this eye-opening episode, host Julia Patrick and Alex explore the intersection of digital vulnerability and mission-driven work. Nonprofits may not seem like lucrative targets, but they often possess exactly what bad actors seek: valuable donor data, low cybersecurity maturity, and outdated assumptions about their exposure to risk.Alex breaks down how modern cyberattacks no longer rely solely on high-dollar ransoms. Instead, sensitive donor data—especially involving high-net-worth individuals—can be easily sold on the dark web. What makes nonprofits especially attractive is not just the value of the data but the relative ease of access. “The corner store is a lot easier to take things from than your bank,” Alex notes, comparing nonprofit vulnerabilities to the path of least resistance.AI has accelerated this threat. With the rise of tools like ransomware-as-a-service, cybercriminals now use bots to scan for weaknesses and deliver targets without lifting a finger. While nonprofit teams may be using AI for grant writing, hackers are using it to scale attacks with terrifying efficiency.The conversation also confronts the false sense of security nonprofits place in cloud-based platforms. Many believe these tools handle all aspects of protection. In reality, the shared responsibility model places the onus on organizations to control user access, manage passwords, and train staff to identify suspicious activity. “It's secure while it's in the cloud—but who accesses that cloud is your responsibility,” says Alex.From scam trends that leverage urgency psychology to long-term breaches that go undetected for months, the threats are evolving. But so can the response. Alex introduces the concept of a cybersecurity roadmap—a phased approach that focuses on policy, technical controls, incident response, and employee education. Remote work, he warns, adds new dimensions to the threat landscape if employee devices and networks aren't properly secured.This isn't a “one-and-done” initiative—it's a mindset. “You don't do cybersecurity this year,” says Alex. “You do it forever.”#CyberSecurityForNonprofits #AIandDataProtection #DonorDataRiskFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

One of the most pressing conversations in nonprofit leadership: when and how to expand your development team! With humor, candor, and real-world insights, our cohosts unpack the strategy behind scaling up—and why it's not just an “expense” but an investment in your mission's growth.“Now more than ever—we've heard that phrase for decades. We need to call things out for what they really are,” Tony Beall begins, challenging nonprofit leaders to rethink overused buzzwords and focus instead on strategic timing. Expansion isn't just about growth—it's about aligning strategy, operations, and finance to support your organization's evolution.Julia Patrick adds: “So many nonprofits are going to have to change the way they look at their revenue models… and their labor structures.” She emphasizes that expanding your fundraising team is not just a trend—it's a necessity in a shifting landscape of donor behavior and economic pressures.The duo explores reasons for team expansion, from burnout prevention and portfolio diversification to risk mitigation. Tony offers a caution: hiring someone simply for their donor list is shortsighted. “I'm not hiring you for your portfolio of potential. I'm hiring you for your ability to perform.” That clarity helps frame realistic expectations and long-term outcomes.They also discuss the evolving spectrum of fundraising talent—why someone good at one-on-one donor relationships might not excel at grant writing or digital campaigns. Tony and Julia encourage leaders to define the revenue streams they aim to grow, then match those streams with specialized skills, not generic fundraising experience.Another highlight: the value of hiring individuals with mission-aligned backgrounds, even if they come from outside the sector. Whether it's a sales star from a car dealership or a community relations manager from city government, Tony suggests onboarding should flex to match their prior experience while still emphasizing program impact and community outcomes.The lively discussion closes with guidance on posting salary ranges, offering flexible benefits, and using fractional or contract talent to test-drive new roles. Transparency, customization, and equity are themes woven throughout their practical advice.This is a masterclass in nonprofit workforce development—and a terrific reminder that the future of fundraising depends not just on your raising dollars, but on raising the right team.#DevelopmentStrategy #FundraisersFriday #NonprofitLeadershipFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Are you a nonprofit leader hiding in plain sight on LinkedIn? Emmy Award-winning journalist and founder of StoryLede, Bofta Yimam, delivers a powerhouse session on transforming your LinkedIn presence into a strategic tool for visibility, donor attraction, and lasting impact.In this energized, tactical conversation, Bofta lays out why storytelling and consistency—not just random posts—are the keys to creating real ROI on LinkedIn. Whether you're leading a small startup or managing a national organization, this episode will challenge your thinking and upgrade your online presence.| “Nonprofit leaders who own their story decide that the vision is more important than their ego.” | “People care about transformation. They want to know how you got here and why you care so much.” – Top LinkedIn Success Tips You'll Learn:Post 3x a week with intentionalityDefine 5 personal or organizational themes to build content aroundUse the first 200 characters of every post as a hookShare transformation stories that connect emotionallyStop over-selling—focus on thought leadershipDon't interrupt high-performing postsEngage meaningfully before and after you postAdd new eyeballs weekly (via search + 2nd connections)Rotate post types: carousel, tips, video, and inspirationSupport others' content—remember, it's social media!Whether you're seeking more visibility, stronger donor relationships, or a better brand narrative, this episode is a LinkedIn masterclass built for the nonprofit world.Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show