Nonprofit organizations face a range of challenges, from developing donor gift policies to balancing staff involvement in board meetings. This Fundraiser’s Friday session brings new ideas from questions viewers asked.    Watch more details from these ‘takeaway questions and answers’ our co-hosts offered: Why is a donor gift policy essential? It establishes clear guidelines for managing donations, refunds, and ethical dilemmas, safeguarding the organization and its team. How should development staff engage with board meetings? Periodic updates (quarterly or annually) suffice to mainta ..read more

Charity: Water, an organization renowned for its innovation and global impact, is setting the standard for philanthropy in the nonprofit world. In this illuminating discussion, Christa Steltzmuller, CTO of Charity: Water, shares her unique insights into how technology drives their mission to end the water crisis. From leveraging VR storytelling to empower donors with a direct connection to their impact, to running a lean, technology-enabled team, Charity: Water exemplifies how innovation can amplify nonprofit effectiveness.   As Christa explains, “We lead with user experience when thinkin ..read more

We're exploring solutions to the challenges NPO’s face, such as limited resources, fragmented priorities, and the burnout often associated with emotionally demanding missions. Using strategic alignment, Scott Adams, CEO of Adams Consulting Firm, explains more about the process of ensuring all stakeholders—from executives to volunteers—are pulling in the same direction, much like a championship sports team. Key to nonprofit alignment is transparency and prioritization. By setting clear quarterly goals and fostering open communication, nonprofits can identify their most impactful initiatives. Sc ..read more

Jonathan Cottor, CEO and founder of Children’s Respite Homes of America, shares a deeply personal journey that has sparked a national movement for children with life-limiting conditions. Rooted in love and driven by an unrelenting mission, Jonathan's story began with his son Ryan, whose short but impactful life became a beacon for change. The episode delves into the creation of Ryan House, one of the few respite care homes in the United States, inspired by the Helen House model in the UK. Jonathan’s vision transcended personal tragedy to address the critical needs of medically fragile children ..read more

Attorney Luke Malek of Smith + Malek dives deep into the power of strategic planning as the ultimate tool for nonprofit success. Alongside host Julia Patrick, Luke emphasizes that effective leadership is about guiding organizations from point A to point B with clarity, purpose, and precision. “Good leaders take people from where they are now to a better future with clarity,” Luke begins, pointing to the critical need for a clear vision in driving impactful nonprofit work. The conversation unpacks the common pitfalls, such as having too many priorities, and offers practical frameworks for devel ..read more

The delicate and often overlooked subject of compensation for nonprofit fundraisers! With hosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall. The Fundraiser’s Friday duo highlight the wide spectrum of pay scales in the sector, ranging from entry-level salaries of $40,000 to executive roles reaching $180,000, with Tony emphasizing the importance of transparency. He says, "We’re seeing more organizations list salary ranges in job postings, and that transparency saves everyone time." This transparency, he suggests, could aid nonprofits in attracting talent and cultivating a healthy work environment, especially a ..read more

This is a must-watch for anyone in the nonprofit world looking to refine their messaging and build stronger relationships with their supporters. Tune in on this candid discussion on how to stay mission-focused, engage your audience, and share a story that’s truly worth telling. We dive deep into the importance of storytelling for nonprofits, featuring the wisdom of Robert Wheeler, CEO of Mission Clarity, and co-hosts, Wendy F. Adams, CFRE, cofounder of Cultivate for Good, and Julia Patrick--revolving around one central question: Is your nonprofit’s story worth telling? Watch on video! Robert ..read more

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 ..read more

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 on this Nonprofit Power Week episode. Watch on video! Shannon starts by addressing a common misconception that financial best practices ..read more

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. Watch on video! Audits, she explains, are often met with dread, but they don’t have to be. “It’s always a freak ..read more