As a small to medium nonprofit with a small budget, it seems like a good call to try to do things yourself or with the help of volunteers. But are there areas where it actually makes more sense and provides even better value, to hire a professional?  We would say most definitely. One of those areas is nonprofit finances.  On today's episode, Tim and Nathan discuss some places where seeking financial expertise is wise.  Some those places are: - Financial Reporting - Tax Preparation - Internal Controls - Budgeting and Forecasting - Strategic Planning A small nonprofit may not ..read more

Ever find yourself intrigued by the potential of artificial intelligence to transform the way we connect with donors and enhance our fundraising efforts?  In this episode, Nathan discusses three ways that AI can help improve fundraising efforts: Automate Everyday Tasks: AI is all about simplifying tasks, not complicating them. For instance, using the voice assistant on your phone (like Siri) to set reminders or send messages to donors can save you valuable time. This is a simple yet effective use of AI that doesn't cost anything extra. Rough Draft Writing: AI can be used to create rou ..read more

Whether it’s in person, on line, or someone driving into your parking lot. People make a decision about you and your organization in mere seconds. If they have a negative impression of you or the organization it is incredibly difficult to change their mind later. First impressions matter.  In today's episode, Nathan discussed the importance of making a good first impression that can lead to success in your nonprofit organization.  Looking at three areas...your physical location, your online presence, and your personal presence...Nathan provides tips and ideas for making a better imp ..read more

On this episode, Tim and Nathan chat about the best ways small nonprofits can leverage online giving.   Some of the tips that they share are: - How to make your donation button impossible to miss and super easy to use.  - The importance of a seamless, secure payment process.  -  Why it's crucial to ensure your donation page is mobile-friendly.   - How to identify and reach your audience, the power of visuals, and why consistency is     key.  If you are interested in joining The Practice Community, click the link below. Support the show The Host ..read more

Effective leaders aren't always perfect leaders.  What often makes them effective is that they take action consistently and with commitment.  No matter whether your organization is big or small, consistent action is the key. On today's episode, Tim identifies 5 key actions that every nonprofit executive director should be taking that results in effective and impactful leadership.  Those actions include: - Foster a Strong Vision - Embrace Learning - Build Strong Relationships - Promote Transparency - Practice Resilience Being an effective leader is not about being perfect but ..read more

"Nobody likes direct mail anymore….sending a direct mail appeal just isn’t going to work." But according to a 2021 study by the Print and Mail Communications Association direct mail has an impressive open rate of 42.2%.  Direct mail is still a valuable tool in your tool box for fundraising. Today we are going to go over a simple template on how you can write an effective appeal letter quickly…even with $0 budget.  And if you make it all the way to the end Nathan will have a tip or two to increase your open rate way above that 42% rate. To join The Practice Community, click on the l ..read more

Fundraising and making Chili are a lot alike.  There is no one way to make chili or to fundraise.  But in both cases, having the right ingredients to get started is very important.  On today's episode, Tim and Nathan share four key ingredients  every nonprofit needs before they can maximize  their fundraising.  And they explore how to get those ingredients into your own fundraising efforts. Be sure to consider joining the Practice Community.  Not only will you be a part of supporting this podcast but you will receive exclusive content for subscribers only p ..read more

From national to local, one of the most challenging seasons of a nonprofit executive director is leading your organization during a contentious election year.  An even greater challenge is when the mission of your organization becomes a significant issue in the political dialogue. On today's episode, Tim and Nathan provide some key actions steps to take when navigating this challenging season.  Sharing stories and insights from their own leadership journeys, they provide some practical wisdom on engaging with those who have different points of view and looking ahead to plan for poss ..read more

So what do you do when you have to tell your Board that you fell short of your fundraising goal? Communicating bad news to your Board can be tough, especially when it concerns finances.  But as an Executive Director, it's part of the job.  On today's episode, Tim and Nathan guide you through the sensitive process of delivering less-than-stellar news to your nonprofit board.   Expect to walk away with a blueprint for honest, direct communication that lays out the facts .  The discussion also looks at the importance of developing a realistic plan to address the issue at han ..read more

With this 2024 Kickoff episode, Season 4 of the Practice of Nonprofit Leadership begins!  And what better way to begin then with Tim and Nathan revealing their Three Words for 2024.   The concept of Three Words is to select words that will serve as a compass for the year. These words help to direct the individuals focus and energy and also provide an opportunity for accountability. Tim and Nathan were introduced to the concept of My Three Words By Chris Brogan.  You can find out more about the concept and listen to Chris reveal his Three Words here. We would love to hear wher ..read more