https://americannonprofitacademy.com/thenonprofitshow

The Nonprofit Show, 3104 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ (2024)

09/25/2024

Today's discussion was a Master Class for nonprofits. . .. A comprehensive guide for nonprofits navigating the world of policy, advocacy, and grassroots efforts, illustrating how nonprofits can and should engage in the political sphere. Host Julia Patrick engages in a dynamic conversation with advocacy expert Amy Showalter, CEO of the Showalter Group, to demystify nonprofit involvement in public policy and advocacy. Amy's deep expertise shines as she clarifies myths and offers practical guidance for nonprofits looking to influence policy while remaining compliant with regulations.

One of the key myths addressed by Amy is the misconception that nonprofits are prohibited from engaging in advocacy or lobbying. She exhorts, “It’s a myth that nonprofits can’t engage in advocacy, or even use the word lobbying. They’re allowed to engage in those activities.” Amy explains that while there are financial limitations and specific guidelines, the IRS encourages nonprofits to make their voices heard in policy matters, particularly those that align with their mission.

09/24/2024

Feel like you’re in a career rut? In the realm of nonprofit work, personal and professional development stands as the foundation of success and longevity.
Jack Alotto, a seasoned expert in nonprofit training and a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) lends host Julia Patrick his insights into the importance of a structured professional development plan. You’ll see how it can be both practical and inspiring. He advocates for a methodical and reflective approach to career growth, suggesting that nonprofit professionals should meticulously design their career trajectories much like preparing for a certification exam. "You've got to have a study plan. You have to have a goal at the end of the study plan to pass the CFRE test, and you have to work backwards from your test date," Jack exhorts as he speaks to the significance of proactive career planning.

His enthusiasm for nurturing talent is clear as he discusses the transformative impact of professional development on individual careers and broader organizational success. "When fundraisers raise more money, Julia, all boats rise. Our lives are better," Jack states, demonstrating the collective benefits of one’s individual advancement and serving as a rallying cry for professionals within the sector.

Throughout the energized chat, Jack stresses the necessity of having a clear vision and concrete steps towards achieving professional goals. He encourages viewers to gather resources, seek mentorship, and continuously assess and adapt their plans. His strategic outlook extends beyond immediate tasks to focus on long-term career objectives that might fulfill personal aspirations and advance organizational missions.

Continuing, Jack's holistic view of professional development includes personal well-being, emphasizing the value of maintaining a balance between work and life to sustain a successful career. He argues for the inclusion of professional development in organizational budgets, advocating for investment in staff as a vital component of a nonprofit’s health and effectiveness.

This episode is not only an educational resource but also as a source of inspiration. Jack's belief in the power of setting a well-crafted development plan will elevate both individuals and their nonprofits. Professional growth is a journey—intentional, ongoing, and deeply interconnected with our personal lives and the communities we serve.

09/23/2024

On the latest Show episode. . .. Best practices for vetting new prospective nonprofit staff, with the CEO of Staffing Boutique, Katie Warnock. Katie, with 20 years of experience in nonprofit recruitment, shares her candid thoughts on what it takes to identify the right candidates, emphasizing the importance of practical judgment over traditional HR methods.

09/20/2024

Nonprofit Power Week! Today's episode covered responses to important questions about nonprofit finance and accounting, with Deanna Peterson, director at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), and host Julia Patrick. This episode caps off a dynamic Nonprofit Power Week, that covered insightful thinking, key issues, and actionable suggestions about financial management within the nonprofit sector.
This conversation kicks off with Julia and Deanna exploring several significant questions that reflect common concerns among nonprofit leaders today. One of the first questions addressed is the consideration of shifting to a contracted CFO role as a current CFO plans retirement. Deanna outlines how the decision largely hinges on the specific needs of the organization, suggesting that the size and lifecycle stage of the nonprofit play critical roles in determining whether a full-time or fractional CFO is necessary.
Another topic the two chat about revolves around the security implications of remote bookkeeping. In an era where digital transactions are becoming the norm, concerns about fraud and data security are prevalent. Deanna discusses the advanced financial technologies YPTC employs to ensure robust security measures are in place, and how they not only safeguard financial data but also streamline processes, making operations more efficient and less prone to human error.

Cost considerations of employing a remote financial team also take center stage. Deanna speaks to the potential savings from reduced need for physical office space and traditional employee benefits, which can be significant. However, she goes on to describe that the true cost-effectiveness of such a setup depends on the organization's operations and the service model of the financial team. YPTC’s model, which involves billing based on actual hours worked rather than a flat fee, is highlighted as particularly client-friendly, as it aligns the firm’s incentives with client needs.

Throughout the fast-paced and fun conversation, Deanna adds to the conversation with practical advice and real-world examples, illustrating YPTC's proactive and client-oriented approach. She touches on the broader impacts of financial decisions, from enhancing operational resilience to supporting strategic organizational growth through informed financial leadership.

This episode is informative and also illuminates the path for nonprofit organizations looking to navigate the complexities of managing their financial team. It's an essential watch for nonprofit leaders who are contemplating significant financial transitions, with actionable insights into making strategic, informed decisions that align with their operational goals.

09/19/2024

Today's Nonprofit Power Week episode. . . .Expert insights on transforming budgeting at your nonprofit from a necessary evil into a strategic tool for growth and sustainability. In this lively Nonprofit Show Power Week episode, cohosts Julia Patrick and Wendy Adams are joined by Ariella Reiss, from Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC). She turns the often-dreaded topic of budgeting into an empowering conversation for nonprofits. . . . with wit, wisdom, and a touch of inspiration.

09/18/2024

Day 3 of Nonprofit Power Week! Today, YPTC presented a comprehensive look at how integrating financial best practices can empower a nonprofit to achieve its goals more effectively, encourage nonprofit leaders to foster collaboration between finance and program teams, that leads to a more well-rounded approach to financial management. Shannon Poll, Director for the North Carolina market at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), shares her expertise on nonprofit financial best practices with host Julia Patrick.
Shannon starts by addressing a common misconception that financial best practices are solely technical. She highlights the emotional and mission-driven aspects of financial stewardship in nonprofits, saying, "When we talk about best practices, we're talking about making sure that you have stewardship over your nonprofit. There's so much extra care and nonprofits that we need to take." She speaks to the need for finance teams not only to possess technical skills but also to understand and support the organization's mission, ensuring that financial decisions reflect the organization's core values.

Continuing, Shannon discusses with Julia the importance of building a strong finance team that goes beyond credentials. Her advice, "You're going to get a finance team that understands your people, understands your stakeholders, understands the why behind the figures, and that is really all part of it." By focusing on the alignment between finance professionals and the organization's mission, nonprofits can foster a more cohesive and engaged team.

Shannon also shares thoughts on other key areas such as internal controls, financial statement audits, and educating boards on fiduciary responsibilities. She stresses the necessity of transparency and communication within organizations, pointing out that finance teams need to communicate with other departments to ensure everyone understands the financial landscape, saying, “The more you empower people across the organization, the more efficient, educated, and cohesive your organization is going to be.”
This Nonprofit Power Week episode fills-in some big picture ideas for better financial management of your nonprofit!

09/17/2024

This Nonprofit Power Week episode serves up a guidebook on ways to think of tech at your nonprofit! Embracing technological innovation in accounting and finance in the nonprofit sector, especially as it lags behind other industries in adopting these tools. Nonprofits can reduce errors, mitigate fraud, and make more strategic decisions, ensuring their long-term sustainability. Host Julia Patrick interviews Ben Hays, a manager with Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), during Nonprofit Power Week, on the evolving role of technology as a financial tool in the nonprofit sector. The conversation points to how data and technology are transforming financial processes, creating new efficiencies, and providing nonprofit organizations with the insights they need to thrive.

Ben begins by boasting about the value of data, noting that it is "like gold" for nonprofits. He outlines a three-step process crucial for leveraging data: gathering it, applying ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) methods to manage it, and finally delivering the information to decision-makers in an accessible format. He encourages nonprofits to embrace technology rather than fear it, underscoring how automation can streamline mundane tasks and allow the staff to focus on strategic analysis. As Ben advises, “Don’t be afraid of technology. A lot of times people say, ‘oh, technology, that’s evil, it can’t be trusted,’ just lean in. It’s time to accept that technology is here and it’s here to make those mundane tasks easier.”

Ben also touches on the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial processes. AI, he explains, can automate repetitive tasks like invoice processing and provide insightful financial analysis. By comparing financial trends with similar organizations, nonprofits can identify opportunities for growth and efficiency. However, he cautions against blind reliance on AI: “You need to have some lens of skepticism when you get something back from AI, and ask for its sources.”, which helps ensure the reliability and accuracy of the AI-generated insights.

The lively chat also digs into the importance of data visualization (dataviz), particularly for presenting financial data in a clear, concise manner to stakeholders who may not have a financial background. Ben points to the importance of simple and focused communication: "We have cash available for 88 days" could be an example of a headline in a data visualization, delivering key information efficiently.

09/16/2024

Today's Show. . . . .A fresh perspective on how nonprofit organizations can embrace a proactive approach to audit preparation, in this Nonprofit Power Week session with Justine Townsend, a seasoned manager at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC). With her unique blend of expertise and passion for nonprofit finance, Justine gives us not just technical advice, but a mindset shift, inviting NPO’s to rethink how they approach audits as an opportunity for growth and reflection, rather than a source of anxiety.

Audits, she explains, are often met with dread, but they don’t have to be. “It’s always a freak out time. It doesn’t have to be," Justine begins. At the heart of her strategy is the importance of consistent financial hygiene—maintaining regular, thorough month-end closings throughout the year. In doing so, nonprofits can stay "audit-ready," removing the stress of last-minute scrambles and turning the audit process into what she describes as "just a part of the cycle."

One of Justine’s big messages is reframing the auditor's role, reminding us that auditors aren't there to solve operational problems but to issue a professional opinion on the financial statements. “Their whole job is just to issue an opinion...all you’re paying for is that opinion,” she says. By focusing on material accuracy rather than micromanaging financial details, nonprofits can streamline their approach to audits and empower their boards with better understanding.

Justine’s creative solution to reducing audit stress is rooted in building a year-round culture of preparedness, where monthly financial practices mirror the heightened rigor needed at audit time. This idea not only prevents last-minute panic but also strengthens decision-making processes. "Month-end close is 90% of your audit prep," she says, painting a clearer picture of how a small but consistent monthly effort can make a monumental difference when the auditors arrive.

Justine's message is one of empowerment and strategy. Through steady financial discipline, nonprofits can transform the audit from a feared obligation into a celebration of their financial integrity, a chance to "shout from the rooftops" their transparency and accountability to funders, stakeholders, and the public.

09/13/2024

On today's FundraisersFriday episode. . . How to diversify revenue for nonprofits, with advice centering on being strategic, assessing the market and the organization’s capacity, and ensuring the board and leadership are aligned on the goals of diversification. Cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall talk about the significant pressure fundraisers face, not only in securing donations but also in ensuring that funds are received. This ongoing challenge is compounded when nonprofits rely too heavily on one source of funding, such as a single donor or government grants, which creates vulnerability if those funds suddenly decrease or disappear.
Julia and Tony discuss the practical side of diversification, illustrating the dangers of relying on a singular revenue stream. Tony recounts a story of a nonprofit that faced a sudden 40% cut in state funding, forcing the organization to scramble for new funding sources. He reminds the audience that diversification isn’t just about spreading out revenue sources evenly, but about planning for sustainability and reducing risk.

The informative (and fun) conversation touches on various avenues of diversification, from special events and major gifts to peer-to-peer giving and recurring donations. Tony explains that nonprofits should assess their team’s strengths and existing data to decide which methods to pursue. While certain channels might offer high returns, like a successful annual gala, others—such as small events—can serve as an important introduction to the organization. Tony also speaks to the importance of cultivating relationships with event attendees beyond the event itself, ensuring that nonprofits leverage the opportunity to engage and steward donors.
This practical thinking session reminds nonprofits to plan ahead, avoid over-reliance on any one source, and embrace opportunities to grow in sustainable, varied ways.

09/12/2024

The Generational Giving Report! Melaina Chromy, from Bloomerang, explores the findings of their latest detailed report on how different age groups engage in philanthropy and the implications for nonprofit fundraising.
Melaina begins with the importance of this research, stating that Bloomerang’s goal is to "share this valuable information with the sector," regardless of whether organizations are clients, and highlighting how generational giving data is essential for understanding donor behavior, saying, “If we are able to tailor our communications to a donor’s interest, we are likely to have better fundraising outcomes.”
One of the report's key findings is the impending wealth transfer from the baby boomer generation, estimated at $87 trillion over the next 30 years. Melaina explains, to host Julia Patrick, that nonprofits need to start “nurturing and engaging donors of the next generation” to prepare for this shift. She also draws attention to significant differences in donor preferences, such as how "younger generations place less importance on organizational overhead costs" and focus more on digital presence, while "baby boomers value transparency around overhead."

The conversation also reveals several unexpected findings, including the fact that Gen Z is "very active in volunteering" and prefers in-person fundraising events, which challenges assumptions about their digital-only engagement. They tend to prioritize digital engagement. She shares, “Gen Z places the least importance on organizational overhead and instead looks for an up-to-date social media presence and website.” This generation is also notably active, with volunteer participation rates that outpace both millennials and baby boomers.
In contrast, baby boomers exhibit traditional values, with a strong focus on transparency and organizational overhead. She goes on to explain that “as donors age, they place more importance on overhead costs,” which means nonprofits should be highly transparent about their financial practices. Baby boomers also prefer clear, detailed annual reports and are more likely to be motivated by consistent communication from the nonprofits they support.
The two discuss the importance of consistent, non-ask communication, noting that all generations prefer regular updates on the organization’s impact. Melaina pushes for nonprofits to exceed donor expectations, especially in areas like personalized thank-you messages, as “60% of all donors do not expect to receive a personalized thank you.”

This conversation will provide you and your nonprofit actionable strategies to engage with donors across different generations and highlights the importance of evolving fundraising approaches to meet shifting demographic trends.

09/11/2024

Today's Show topic was a remarkable journey of risk-taking and transformation. From her illustrious career in journalism to a leadership role in higher education, and now as president of Bear Fruit, a consulting firm dedicated to helping nonprofits amplify their impact, Emmy award-winning broadcaster Vanessa Ruiz’s story is an inspiring testament to embracing change and pursuing purpose.

Vanessa candidly discusses the pivotal moments in her career where she chose to step into the unknown, trusting her skills and instincts. Her leap from journalism to higher education and, eventually, to the nonprofit sector was not without challenges. However, her consistent drive to make a meaningful difference provided the motivation to continue evolving. She talks about the importance of taking risks in order to grow, saying, "Take the risk, because otherwise, you will regret what you didn’t do versus what you did do." This guiding philosophy has been at the core of Vanessa’s professional shifts, leading her to success in vastly different industries.

A large part of this motivating conversation is the sense of purpose that Vanessa has carried through each of her roles. Whether it was providing access to crucial information as a journalist or helping nonprofits secure funding through Bear Fruit, her motivation has always been about creating opportunities for others. Reflecting on her journey, Vanessa states, "For me, my passion in life has been about providing access for others... in journalism, it was access to information; now it’s access to funds and resources so we can do more good in the world."

Throughout the conversation, with co-hosts Julia Patrick and Wendy Adams, Vanessa’s message is clear: calculated risks, integrity, and purpose-driven work are essential for personal and professional growth. Her journey inspires those in the nonprofit sector—and beyond—to embrace uncertainty and pursue meaningful change.

09/10/2024

Today's episode of The Nonprofit Show. . .. .Ryan O'Donnell, founder of GiveSunlight.org, brings forward powerful insights on the intersection of technology and social good, particularly in foster care. His deep experience in both the tech and nonprofit sectors, especially as a foster parent, enriches his approach to building systems that support vulnerable children. Ryan’s vision for Sunlight—improving America’s broken social safety net—accentuating his mission to modernize outdated structures and ensure that people can access the help they need more efficiently.

The foster care segment is a cornerstone of this varied discussion with Show host Julia Patrick. Ryan poignantly highlights the flaws in the child welfare system, from archaic tools like paper notebooks and fax machines to the inefficiencies in helping families stay together. He shares his personal journey as a foster parent, emphasizing how the lack of communication and outdated systems left him unable to provide clear answers to his foster son about reunification with his biological family. His emotional connection drives his commitment to developing technology that puts children and families at the center of the solution.

Sunlight’s case plan tool aims to streamline communication among the many parties involved in foster care, such as social workers, attorneys, foster parents, and biological families. By introducing a digital platform, Sunlight is working to replace the fragmented and bureaucratic systems with an intuitive app that enables secure, real-time messaging, document uploads, and better collaboration. This innovation, Ryan believes, can help expedite the process of reuniting families and prevent children from languishing in the system.

Ryan’s approach is not just about leveraging technology for the sake of efficiency but about using it to foster empathy and better outcomes for children. His unique perspectives of personal experience and technological expertise positions him to create real, impactful change in a system that is crying out for innovation. This thoughtful intersection of mission and method holds great promise for transforming foster care in the U.S. and ensuring that more children find the stability and love they deserve.

09/09/2024

On today's Show. . . . .This informative conversation, featuring Dr. Daniel Donoho, explores the powerful intersection of technology and the nonprofit sector, showcasing the groundbreaking work being done by his organization, Surgical Data Science Collective (SurgicalVideo.io). As a pediatric and adult neurosurgeon, Dr. Donoho applies his expertise in surgical procedures to develop technologies that enhance patient care on a global scale. His organization brings together surgeons, computer scientists, and global health advocates, all working toward one mission: improving surgical outcomes through innovative use of data.

One of the key big topics discussed, with co-hosts Wendy Adams and Julia Patrick, is the lack of accessible "game tape" for surgeons to review post-operation. Dr. Donoho likens this to how athletes review game footage to improve performance, lamenting that "surgeons actually have great difficulty in getting that game tape, despite the fact that it can literally be life-saving for their upcoming patients." This statement describes the gap in current medical practices and the potential for data-driven tools to revolutionize surgical training and patient safety.

Dr. Donoho continues, pointing to the importance of maintaining trust, privacy, and security when integrating technology into medical practice, a challenge that historically slows the adoption of these tools in healthcare. He notes, "We know how powerful it is...and particularly in this age of increasing computational techniques, algorithms and software...it's really imperative that we start to find sensitive, privacy-preserving, secure ways of understanding these critical events." His team’s approach prioritizes patient confidentiality while harnessing the power of data to improve surgical care.

This informative session demonstrates how nonprofit organizations, especially those leveraging technology, drive social change by overcoming systemic barriers like data privacy concerns. Dr. Donoho’s organization pioneers a new model for nonprofits, one that is not only mission-driven but also highly collaborative, striving to make surgery safer for future generations. The integration of technology into nonprofit work promises to become a fundamental way to foster trust, collaboration, and innovation in addressing global health challenges.

09/06/2024

From the pressures of meeting goals to the high-stress demands of fundraising, this conversation centers on how important it is to integrate wellness into the culture of nonprofit organizations. Cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall look into an essential topic that’s often overlooked in the nonprofit sector: the wellness of fundraisers!

Julia kicks off the discussion with a candid reflection on how a short holiday break can sometimes feel more like an extra burden than a relief, saying, “Sometimes I feel like that day off just creates, like, two days more of work and stress.” This observation sets the stage for an informative conversation about the mental and physical wellness challenges that fundraisers face, especially when their schedules get jam-packed with both external demands and personal expectations.

Tony speaks about the growing recognition of the need for wellness initiatives in the workplace, stating, “Folks, employers, employees are willing to look at ways to invest in our wellness both body and mind.” He points to the shift happening in organizations where wellness is becoming not just a perk but a priority.

As they continue, Julia mentions a significant issue: fundraisers are often left out of wellness conversations, leading to burnout and turnover, commenting, “We don’t talk about this enough with our fundraisers. And then we wonder why they’re burned out and leaving.”

Tony adds that wellness should be part of professional development, not an afterthought. He offers, “It does start at the top, and it is something that is super important.” Leadership's role in fostering a culture where wellness is prioritized is pivotal, and Tony goes on to encourage nonprofits to embrace low-cost wellness options, like mindfulness apps or group activities, that can still yield a high return on investment for both the team and the organization.

In this fun and informative episode, the message is clear: wellness isn’t just about reducing stress occuring now or adding perks. It’s about creating a sustainable, supportive environment where fundraisers—and the entire team—can thrive. As Julia eloquently concludes, “Stay well, so you can do well.” It’s a call to action for nonprofit leaders to invest in the well-being of their teams, ensuring long-term success for both individuals and the causes they serve.

09/05/2024

Online fundraising has revolutionized the way nonprofits engage with donors and raise funds. As traditional in-person events face limitations, NPO’s are increasingly turning to digital platforms, such as online raffles, to expand their reach and efficiency. This evolution is exemplified by platforms like Chance2Win.org, which provides nonprofits a seamless way to host digital raffles, ensuring not only increased participation but also more organized and traceable results.

Heather Hammons, a fundraising coach at Chance2Win, explains how online fundraising simplifies processes and improves the experience for nonprofits and their donors. She begins with. . ."With online fundraising, that ticket number is automatically generated for the customer, emailed directly to them, and put into reporting for you online,", eliminating the traditional hassle of managing paper tickets, so nonprofit staff no longer need to worry about lost tickets, duplicate numbers, or illegible handwriting.

One of the big advantages of digital fundraising is its ability to expand an organization’s donor base. As Heather points out, sharing a unique raffle URL via social media, email campaigns, or text messages allows nonprofits to reach a much larger audience. Whether it's out-of-state family, distant supporters, or local community members who wouldn’t typically attend an event, everyone can now participate more easily from wherever they are.

Heather also describes how the data management aspect of online raffles is a game-changer. Organizations gain access to valuable donor reports, including contact details, purchase history, and even how participants heard about the event. This lets nonprofits re-engage donors effectively and can connect future campaigns based on real-time insights versus traditional raffle methods that fail to capture donor information.

With cohosts Wendy Adams and Julia Patrick, you’ll learn from Heather how digital fundraising not only simplifies operations but also opens the door to increased donor engagement and more fundraising success.