Podcast appearances and mentions of simone joyaux

366: Stop Writing for Your Organization. Write for Your Donor. (Tom Ahern)Episode SummaryMost nonprofit communications are, in Tom Ahern's blunt assessment, built to fail. Not because the work isn't worthy, but because organizations keep writing about themselves when they should be writing for the donor. In episode #366, Patton sits down with Tom Ahern, founder of Ahern Communications, Inc. and one of the most influential voices in fundraising copywriting, to unpack why so many appeals, newsletters, and annual reports fall flat. Drawing on decades of commercial copywriting experience before he “wandered into” the nonprofit sector, Tom walks listeners through the three questions every case for support must answer (Why us? Why now? Why you, the donor?) and explains why urgency without desperation, emotion over information, and a relentless focus on the reader are the difference between a gift and a pass. He shares a remarkable story of a Boys & Girls Club that owned a million-dollar crisis and came back stronger, makes the case that donors are already 99% of the way there, and offers a clear-eyed take on what AI can and cannot do for fundraising writers. Listeners will leave with a practical framework they can apply to their next appeal this week, a sharper understanding of donor psychology, and permission to stop trying to inform their way to a gift.About TomTom Ahern is the founder of Ahern Communications, Inc. and one of the leading voices in donor communications and fundraising copywriting. His clients have ranged from Save the Children US and Catholic Relief Services to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, Boston Children's Hospital, the Anchorage Museum, and universities including Princeton, Carleton, and the University of Saskatchewan. He came to the nonprofit sector after fifteen years as a commercial copywriter, led, as he puts it, by an angel: his wife Simone, a longtime development professional and consultant. Since then he has coached fundraisers on best practices in appeals, newsletters, and cases for support, led communications audits (he prefers to call them “autopsies”), and trained nonprofit teams on four continents. Tom is the author of eight how-to books on donor communications, each rated 4.5 stars or higher on Amazon, and a sought-after faculty member for masterclasses and webinars. These days he volunteers most of his coaching hours for small and mid-sized charities, and still keeps Jerry Weissman's book on his desk, the spine sun-bleached from daily use.ResourcesConnect with Tom on LinkedInLearn more at Ahern CommunicationsTom's case-for-support framework: Why us? Why now? Why you, the donor?Book recommendation: Presenting to Win: The Art of Telling Your Story by Jerry WeissmanTom's books on donor communications, including Keep Your Donors (co-authored with Simone Joyaux), available on AmazonFollow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, and please leave a review!Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire: ArmstrongMcGuire.com

In this heartfelt and wisdom-packed episode, Jeff Schreifels sits down with the legendary Tom Ahern, one of the most sought-after experts in donor communications and fundraising copywriting. With decades of experience, six books under his belt, and a career that began in commercial marketing, Tom shares his fascinating journey into the non-profit world and how marketing principles, psychology, and genuine human connection have shaped his approach to fundraising.Tom talks about the early days of learning direct response, the transformative power of donor newsletters, and the importance of speaking directly to donors' hearts. He opens up about what works and what doesn't in fundraising copy, and why mistakes and even complaints are signs that you're doing something right.This conversation also takes a deeply personal turn, as Tom reflects on the life and loss of his beloved wife and partner, Simone Joyaux. He shares movingly about their life together, her legacy in the fundraising world, and how grief, love, and generosity continue to shape his work today.Whether you're a new fundraiser or a seasoned pro, this episode is rich with insights, warmth, and real-life stories that will stay with you long after you listen.Show Highlights: In this episode, you'll learn about… ● Powerful tools to help you improve your donor communication ● Why embracing mistakes, feedback, and even complaints can actually lead to better fundraising results● The importance of mentorship and continuous learning in fundraising careersYou can learn more about Tom and grab a copy of one of his books here.Veritus Group is passionate about partnering with you and your organization throughout your fundraising journey. We believe that the key to transformative fundraising is a disciplined system and structure, trusted accountability, persistence, and a bit of fun. We specialize in mid-level fundraising, major gifts, and planned giving, helping our clients to develop compelling donor offers and to focus on strategic leadership and organizational development. You can learn more about how we can partner with you at www.VeritusGroup.com. Additional Resources: ● [Blog] Are Donors Even Reading Your Emails? 13 Pro Tips to Help You Write Better Emails● [White Paper] Digital Touch Points: Meaningful Ways to Connect with Donors ● [Blog] In Fundraising, Vulnerability Is Your Greatest Strength

Tom Ahern is one of the most influential voices in donor communications. The New York Times has called him “one of the country's most sought-after creators of fundraising messages.” A self-described writer before he could write, he has authored multiple acclaimed books, trained thousands of fundraisers around the world, and most recently published Sim One—a powerful reflection on love and loss after the death of his wife and partner, Simone Joyaux. We begin the conversation exploring his earliest memories of writing.

This is a replay of one of our favourite episodes from last season. In this episode,  Simone Joyaux, ACFRE (proclaimed by Cathy as the Grand Dame of Social Change Philanthropy) reviews the do's, don'ts and dilemmas of fundraising for social change. From the professionalism of fundraising to board governance, this wide-ranging conversation will surely leave you thinking about the ethical challenges of philanthropy in new ways. 

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From the latest in charity news, technology, fundraising, and social networking, Ted Hart and his guests help you maneuver through these difficult times in the charitable sector to greater levels of efficiency and fundraising success. PAGE 2 Simone Joyaux, ACFRE, Adv Dip, FAFP, world-renowned fundraiser, author, board member, partner, icon, mentor, teacher, hero, and activist—passed away on Sunday, May 2. Simone was a guest on this Nonprofit Coach Podcast many times over the years. For her final episode, she directed the title would be “Nonprofit Coach: Simone Joyaux Uncensored Thoughtful, Inspirational Philanthropy.” If you knew her, I am sure you agree that title sums up her incredible career. She mentored me on the importance of this podcast, and on every episode, her passion for the fundraising profession, the success of all Boards of Directors, and all charities they serve were on display for all. Her unending drive for excellence flows through every episode.  She and I spoke at the same events around the world for many years. We were both invited to participate in the 2000 AFP Faculty Academy (photo) and served on several committees together.  When I reached out to her life partner Tom Ahern to ask if it would be ok to host this special edition of the Nonprofit Coach “In Celebration of Simone,” he said, “Of course, Ted!!! That would be wonderful.”  Simone was unfailingly kind and tough all at the same time. Simone was riveting, inspirational, and a speaker of truth. Future generations of donors and fundraisers alike will reference and rely upon the wisdom in her many books and lectures.   In this edition of the Nonprofit Coach, we share memories and the wisdom of Simone that future generations will benefit from. Join us, call in, and share as we gather “In Celebration of Simone.”

Amy and Andrea dive into the topic of nonprofit boards and governance, topics dear to the heart of Simone Joyaux, who died on May 2. They refer to Simone’s book, Firing Lousy Board Members, And Helping the Others Succeed as a starting place for the discussion. They share their stories about Simone and her amazing contributions to the field. Then, they field a wide range of questions, including: How much money do you need to have raised before going public? Whose job is it to fire lousy board members? How can you help board members participate openly during board meetings? This one’s for Simone. ------------- This episode was recorded as part of a live webinar held Monday, May 10, 2021. To participate in future webinars, register at ToolkitTalks.com.

Interview with Simone Joyaux ACFRE (USA) - Founder of Joyaux Associates and author of Strategic Fund Development (3rd edition). For the past 40+ years Simone Joyaux has operated her consultancy to NGOs and not-for-profits, Joyaux Associates, where Simone specialises in Board management, Fund Development and Strategic Planning. Simone is a fundraising trainer, speaker, coach and mentor; and has written three books and contributed to several more. Simone writes for a column for the Nonprofit Quarterly and regularly serves on boards and has founded two organisations to go with that. Simone is a world renowned fundraising expert and was rated 4th by Philanthropy Media's in America's Top 25 Fundraising Experts. Included in this episode: Section 1: The beginning of Simone's fundraising career, mistakes made and lessons learnt along the way Section 2: Reflecting on the successes of a 40+ year fundraising career Section 3: Being strategic in your fundraising planning and discussing missed opportunities for fundraisers right now Section 4: Being an effective leader where every voice is heard Section 5: Next steps and Simone's final advice to inspire and fulfil fundraisers --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/fulfilled-fundraisers/message

In this episode,  Simone Joyaux, ACFRE (proclaimed by Cathy as the Grand Dame of Social Change Philanthropy) reviews the do's, don'ts and dilemmas of fundraising for social change. From the professionalism of fundraising to board governance, this wide-ranging conversation will surely leave you thinking about the ethical challenges of philanthropy in new ways. 

Sarah Durham and Farra Trompeter head to Fundraising Day to ask development professionals one question: “What can communications do to support development?” You’ll hear answers at the beginning of this episode from Samantha Coolidge, New York Area Director of Advancement at Moishe House (https://www.moishehouse.org/about-us/people/samantha-collidge/), Margaret Fredrickson from Graham Pelton (https://grahampelton.com/people/), Leslie Weber, Deputy Executive Director for External Relations at Hudson Guild (https://hudsonguild.org/about/), Gary Weinberg, President of DM Pros (http://dmpros.net/about-us), Cathy J. Sharp, Director of Development and Communications at Care for the Homeless (https://www.careforthehomeless.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.page&id=1009), Simone Joyaux, author and consultant (https://www.simonejoyaux.com/), and Arik Thormahlen, Director of Development, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary at Mount Sinai Health System (https://www.linkedin.com/in/arik-thormahlen-29321327/). Then, Farra and Sarah have a candid conversation about the relationship between development and communications, sharing tips for building stronger donor communications.

Simone Joyaux, author of “Firing Lousy Board Members,” (https://www.simonejoyaux.com/) and organizational management, development, and fundraising expert tackles what makes a great nonprofit board. She maps out the process of getting smarter about governance and shares the steps nonprofit boards can take right away to begin reflecting, discussing, and reaching consensus about what good governance looks like.

Simone Joyaux, renowned board whisperer, author and fundraiser extraordinaire, dishes out some invaluable advice on how to best lead your board. Your nonprofit or ministry board should not be a box to check—it has the power to transform your organization and take you to the next level. Listen in to this fun interview (you will love her spunk)!

Today on the podcast we're joined by ACFRE and internationally-known nonprofit consultant, Simone Joyaux. Shownotes can be found at propellus.org/podcast Simone talks to us first and foremost about how to deal with the challenges of creating and managing a board. We discuss her book Firing Lousy Board Members, but the episode is really about all the things you can do to make firing a board member a last resort. We talk: Board recruitment Board policies (I swear we make this interesting!) Creating board diversity Advice for ED's who are supporting their board moving from an operational to a governance board Strategic planning to the highest probability Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play or Podbean.  Resources: Simone Joyaux's Free Download Library Firing Lousy Board Members by Simone Joyaux The Loudest Duck by Laura Liswood Simone is most impressed by Planned Parenthood of Southern New England The Nonprofit Quarterly and the Stanford Social Innovation Review Hartsook Centre for Sustainable Philanthropy

“Governance only happens when you forget individuals and focus as a group. That is a board.” - Simone Joyaux Nonprofit consultant and lover of all things boards, Simone Joyaux knows the ins and outs of what it is that a board does. From recruitment to diversity to her mission to destroy executive committees, Joyaux covers it all. She has posted this information in her free download library along with other topics we didn’t have time to cover. As Joyaux mentioned, board recruitment is a year-long job. You should always be on the look-out for your next member. It can be hard to decide who is the right choice and where to get started. But just as you are interviewing them, they are interviewing you, too. Joyaux gave six questions that you must ask if you’re being asked to serve on a board. And even if you’re not being asked, you as the interviewer should have answers ready for these questions. Do you have a policy of performance expectations for board members? What happens at a board meeting? When was the last time you had a disagreement at a board meeting? Is there any kind of annual performance review of the board or its members? What are your major issues that you’re facing right now? Why me? How can I help you address your needs? By asking these questions, and knowing the answers to them as the interviewer, you’re really putting focus on the board serving as a diverse group with a lot of important things happening. Without conflict, set responsibilities and goals and a process to review the progress made, a board isn’t a board at all. It’s half-engaged individuals that aren’t going to accomplish nearly enough.

Click here for the RADIO LINKS  Click here for People to People Fundraising.org   He lectures around the world but now is here for you. From the latest in charity news, technology, fundraising and social networking, Ted Hart and his guests help you maneuver through this economic downturn in the charitable sector to greater levels of efficiency and fundraising success. Expert: Simone P. Joyaux, ACFRE is described as “one of the most thoughtful, inspirational, and provocative leaders in the philanthropic sector.” A consultant specializing in fund development, strategic planning, and board development, Simone guides countless organizations and professionals through her consulting and coaching, teaching and writing. She works with all types and sizes of nonprofits, speaks at conferences worldwide, and teaches in the graduate program for philanthropy at Saint Mary’s University, MN.  Her books Keep Your Donors, Strategic Fund Development, and Firing Lousy Board Members all receive rave reviews. Simone has also contributed to several other books. She writes for the Nonprofit Quarterly, blogs weekly as Simone Uncensored, and publishes a monthly e-news.  As a volunteer, Simone founded the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island, a social justice organization. She regularly serves on boards. Currently she chairs the Advisory Board of the Centre for Sustainable Philanthropy at Plymouth University in the U.K. And, she chairs the Board of Directors of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England. Simone and her life partner have bequeathed their entire estate to charity. Visit her at www.simonejoyaux.com. 

Click here for the RADIO LINKS Click here for People to People Fundraising.org Click here to Promote your Service or Organization He lectures around the world but now is here for you. From the latest in charity news, technology, fundraising and social networking, Ted Hart and his guests help you maneuver through this economic downturn in the charitable sector to greater levels of efficiency and fundraising success. Expert: Simone P. Joyaux, ACFRE is described as “one of the most thoughtful, inspirational, and provocative leaders in the philanthropic sector.” A consultant specializing in fund development, strategic planning, and board development, Simone guides organizations and professionals through consulting and coaching, teaching and writing. She speaks worldwide and teaches in the philanthropy graduate program at Saint Mary’s University, MN. Her books Keep Your Donors and Strategic Fund Development are standards. Her newest, Firing Lousy Board Members, receives rave reviews. She’s contributed to three other books, writes a web column for the Nonprofit Quarterly, and blogs as Simone Uncensored. Joyaux founded the Women’s Fund of RI and serves regularly on boards, including former chair of CFRE International. She and her partner have bequeathed their entire estate to charity.

Click here for the RADIO LINKS Click here for People to People Fundraising.org Click here to Promote your Service or Organization He lectures around the world but now is here for you. From the latest in charity news, technology, fundraising and social networking, Ted Hart and his guests help you maneuver through this economic downturn in the charitable sector to greater levels of efficiency and fundraising success. BIG 4th Anniversary Show The Best of the Best All Together On One Show Scheduled to appear on the show: - Philip King - Linda Lysakowski  - Kay Sprinkel Grace  - Melanie Mathos - Simone Joyaux - Mark Sutton

There’s nothing that makes newer non-profit leaders more nervous than asking for money, especially from individuals. Their hearts clench. Their eyes glaze over. Their bodies freeze like deer looking into headlights. I’m not sure what all that’s about but perhaps you’ll feel better when I tell you that the experience is universal and automatic. You’re not alone. I can also … Read more about this episode...

  Click here for the RADIO LINKS   Click here for People to People Fundraising.org Click here to Promote your Service or Organization He lectures around the world but now is here for you. From the latest in charity news, technology, fundraising and social networking, Ted Hart and his guests help you maneuver through this economic downturn in the charitable sector to greater levels of efficiency and fundraising success. PAGE 2 GUEST EXPERT: Tom Ahern. Tom is considered one of North America's leading donor communications experts. He presents at conferences regularly, talking about how to write better for fundraising, writing case statements, using newsletters to nurture relationships and raise money. SOFII and Mal Warwick quote him regularly. Each year, he delivers dozens of workshops on the techniques of (and psychology behind) effective fundraising communications. He is the author of four well-received books: ; Keep Your Donors, a book about donor retention methods co-authored with Simone Joyaux (2007); and Seeing Through a Donor's Eyes(2009).