Top Nonprofits

Recently, some disturbing internal reports citing negative effects on young people from using Facebook and Instagram has come to light, thanks to a courageous whistleblower. No what? Should nonprofit organizations continue to utilize these social media channels? If so, how? And how can organizations square the potential misalignment of those platforms' harm with the good of their mission? Take a listen as Amy DeVita of TopNoprofits.com discusses this with Julia Campbell, one of the most prominent digital media and fundraising consultants and speakers in the nonprofit sector.

This past year, Operation Smile proudly announced that they will begin accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies through The Giving Block. This November 30, 2021 is #BitcoinTuesday; Operation Smile is urging the public to help children worldwide live better lives. Listen as TopNonprofits' Amy DeVita chats with Operation Smiles' Director of US Philanthropy for global nonprofit Operation Smile, Amber Leonti. Leonti shares how cryptocurrency can help increase the accessibility of surgical care in underserved communities around the world...and how other nonprofits can get started accepting cryptocurrency donations. Operation Smile is a global surgical nonprofit that improves the health and dignity of patients living with cleft lip and cleft palate in low- and middle-income countries. Since 1982, Operation Smile has been committed to providing patients with health that lasts through life-saving cleft surgeries and comprehensive care, helping them to better breathe, eat, speak and live lives of greater quality and confidence. Its training and education programs elevate safe surgical standards and strengthen a global network to reach more people earlier in their lives. Learn more at www.operationsmile.org or by following @operationsmile on social media.  

This year has been one dumpster fire of a year! The pandemic set the world on its head and, by necessity, we've had to re-think how we do everything. In my work, I talk with lots of fundraising experts and want to share 3 quick and easy ideas of ways to connect with your donors that I've picked up from them.

What is different about fundraising during a crisis from fundraising during any other time? I sat down with Claire Axelrad, who has worked in the nonprofit space for 4 decades. Claire is a pro at this and launched her own education and coaching services about 10 years ago. Her blog, Clairification.com is a very valuable resource I look to frequently. In this episode, Claire shares her notes on both the good and bad and she has seen during this particular time of crisis. They may surprise you. Learn what can you start doing today to help improve your organization's bottom line! PS: Here's the link to the waiting list for the course on Winning Major Gifts that is mentioned in the interview! **Want to learn more from Claire? She is one of 20 nonprofit experts who will be live and online in TopNonprofits' Virtual Summit for Nonprofit Changemakers coming in September. You can get more information or register now HERE  

The COVID-19 Crisis has pushed all of us into uncomfortable (if not worse) situations. Listen to nonprofit expert, Sherry Quam Taylor, for advice on ways to pivot the conversations and situation to optimize your fundraising, engagement, and organization.

In this episode, Amy talks with Erica Waasdorp, President of A Direct Solution and Author of Monthly Giving: The Sleeping Giant, who has been helping nonprofits raise more money through appeals and monthly giving. With 30+ years of passionate experience in Monthly Giving, Appeals, Direct Response Fundraising, Direct Marketing, International Direct Marketing, Public Affairs, Advertising, Grant writing, Events. AFP Master Trainer, Speaker, Blogger, Webinar and Workshop presenter especially on Monthly Giving and Appeals. Erica has been developing and growing fundraising campaigns, and specializing in recurring giving programs in the US and in Europe for nearly 30. Listen and you'll find out: Tips on getting buy-in from your stakeholders  How to calculate the value of recurring donors (and use that to get buy-in) How to get started with a monthly giving program How to improve your existing program Ways to promote your program (During and after COVID19) You can visit her website, to get helpful tools like a Starter Toolkit, Calculator, Templates, and more!  PS: Erica will also be presenting on the topic at our Virtual Summit for Nonprofit Change Makers this September 15 and 17. Registration will open soon.

Sarah Olivieri has worked for and with nonprofit organizations in practically every possible capacity. When she began her work as a consultant, she realized that many of the nonprofits that she worked with really couldn't handle great marketing because they just didn't have the internal structures in place to move effectively and consistently at the speed that you need to move in the digital age to take advantage of digital marketing. Listen and find out what steps you can  take to align your strategic plan in the digital age.

Today we're really going to be focusing on fundraising. Martin has a great book called Five Minutes for Fundraising, a Collection of Expert Advice from Gifted Fundraisers, one of whom he happens to be!  In this episode, he’s going to share some of his best advice for all of us, realizing these are very difficult and challenging times right now. I think his advice will be something we can all kind of look to as ways to strengthen our relationships with our donors.

t's not news to you that #covid19 has forced us all to work and live in some kind of "New Normal." As we all navigate uncharted waters for our family, health and our workplaces, we at TopNonprofitsand Shifting Gears Consulting wanted to offer some help for those of you who are do-gooding from your home. Listen as, Colleen Duerr offers great ideas for how you can use this time to optimize your organization's efforts. 

 Is now the time for you to seek the help of a consultant? How do you know? What should you do to prepare? Who needs to be on board? In this episode of the pod, Amy interviews Heather Yandow, Nonprofit Consultant and Founder of Nonprofit.ist  to find the answers!  

Julia Campbell has worked for nonprofits, consulted for nonprofits, and most recently ...penned the new book, "How to Build and Mobilize a Social Media Community in 90 Days" In this interview, Campbell provides practical advice on how best to leverage social media platforms to further missions. 6 Most Common (and Destructive) Social Media Marketing Myths How can Social Media Marketing and Fundraising work together? What is the real job of you as the marketing person? What can we actually expect of Social Media? How can you get "buy-in" from other departments to help you with your efforts? Her new book will be available Feb. 12, 2020 and can be purchased on her site at JCSocialMarketing.com, where you can also find lots of great information on her blog and other resources. For more great resources, visit TopNonprofits  For Online Courses, visit TopNonprofits Training     

The first episode of 2020 is all about one of the most powerful tools you have in your marketing toolbox....email marketing.  In this interview with Kadi McDonald we learn her best tips and updated best practices which have been adapted to meet changing consumer behaviors. Topics covered: How to get started, Tips on Subject Lines (and Preview Text!), Strategy, and Content Creation. For more practical information to help you with your work in the nonprofit sector, check out our website www.TopNonprofits.com

In this week's episode, Amy talks with Kishshana Palmer about best practices for working well with Millennials. Take a listen and get some practical- easy to put in place today- tips on: Interviewing Management Attracting and Retaining Talent Using Parenting Style as a Guide Visit us at TopNonprofits for more great tips, expertise, online courses and resources to help you and your organization.  

This week I was joined by Abby O'Neill and Maria Semple Abby and Maria offer advice on what makes a story compelling and give examples of strategies they've seen used that work

Listen to Jen Brady, Executive Director at Oasis: A Haven for Women and Children share her best advice on how to structure successful partnerships with for-profits.  

The world of philanthropy has changed over the years, particularly when it comes to cross-sector partnerships. Here are some valuable tips for nonprofits on how to approach a business for a partnership. The advice comes from the "Father of Cause Marketing," Bruce Burtch-- who has structured numerous successful partnerships with the goal of focusing on the greater good. Today's nonprofits need to provide a Business Value Proposition (BVP) which outlines benefits for potential for-profit partners. In this podcast we dive into how to go about that, by defining the elements and providing the most popular benefits that for-profits receive in these types of partnerships.  

The secret to a successful organization is having the right people, but the key is that you also need to keep them! I had the chance to speak with two amazing recruting executives who work on both sides of employment-- Ira Madin works with hiring managers and Jared Siegal specializes in working with candidates. With more than 20 years of experience in the business they offered plenty of tips on finding the right people for your organization and the right organization for you. So, whether you plan to work with a recruiting firm or go it alone, we hope this advice will help you put your best foot forward and find that perfect match. For more helpful advice, check out Topnonprofits.com

Make yours a great nonprofit to work for-- or gain a better understanding of what you are worth in the marketplace. The PNP Staffing Group's most recent study, 2016-2017 NonProfit Salaries, Staffing & Trends Report, has just been released and the findings are invaluable to anyone hiring or seeking employment in the nonprofit sector. As Gayle Brandel, CEO of PNP Staffing Group says, “The days of unattractive work environments, too much internal chaos, not enough pay, and grueling schedules no longer give an organization a competitive presence in the talent marketplace.” 

Seems like everyone starts thinking of #GivingTuesday end of year fundraising just as the leaves start to change color. While it would be best to plan well in advance, there are some actions you can take right now to still end the year on a high note. We talked to James Broby, CEO and CoFounder of CauseEngine, to get his tips based on years of working with nonprofit organizations. Take a listen and see how you can set your organization up for success in 2017, too.  

Tammy Zonker has received awards and recognition for her excellence in fundraising, and she is happy to share her best practices to help us continue to improve ours. In this episode, Tammy shares an experience when she faced what seemed an objection that couldn't be overcome. Listen as she describes the time she and United Way courted GM. During the time GM had filed bankruptcy. And made a huge ask...and got it! Tammy Zonker is the founder of training company, Fundraising Transformed, and is a featured speaker at the AFP-NJ Chapter's 36th Annual Conference on Philanthropy, to be held on Nov. 11 in Bridgewater, NJ.

In this episode, we talk to Jonathan Fanning, dynamic speaker, leadership development expert, author, entrepreneur...and featured speaker at AFP NJ's 36th Annual Conference on Philanthropy on November 10, 2016. In our conversation, Jonathan shares his thoughts on how nonprofits can help cultivate the leaders of tomorrow.

Rich Dietz, cofounder of WPCause and nonprofit expert stops by to geek out over data and share findings of the recent Donor Loyalty study conducted by Abila

In this installment of Top Nonprofits' Podcast, Amy DeVita talks with PNP Staffing Group's President and CEO, Gayle Brandel and Director of Special Projects, Robert F. Duvall upon the release of their 2016 Nonprofit Salary Survey Report.   Take a listen and find out more about: the nonprofit job marketthe health of the sectorgrowing trends in culturebenefits most in-demandskills most in-demand