This is it, folks, our very last episode. At least for now. Never say never, and all of that. But we wanted to leave you with some reflections from the 150 episodes we’ve done of this show. We’ve made some great memories and laughed and raged and we hope you’ve enjoyed what we’ve created here about the nonprofit sector and all of its ups and downs. 

In today’s episode, we’re reflecting on the past and projecting out the future. We talk about our favorite memories from the show, some never-before-discussed stories we couldn’t share until now, our wishes for the nonprofit sector going forward, and what’s next for both of us. Tune in one last time and reminisce with us. It’s been an honor and a privilege to be in your earbuds each week. Farewell, friends!

What’s in this episode:

[04:04] Some of our favorite episodes

[09:42] The wild places we’ve recorded this show

[15:31] We reflect back on some big memories we have from the podcast and some stories we couldn’t tell on the podcast until now

[32:02] Questions we’re curious about for each other, and our wishes for the nonprofit sector

[37:50] What’s next for us now that the show is over

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Volunteers are such an important part of nonprofit organizations, but we don’t always treat them the way we should and it leads to big time burnout. Volunteers give their time because they believe in a cause and want to support it, but so often they get taken advantage of and it needs to stop. 

In today’s episode, we’re talking about how volunteers need to set boundaries with their time and skills, how we can honor those boundaries by involving them in future planning, and why volunteer appreciation is so vital. Also, we have a bittersweet announcement: The Nonprofit Reframe podcast is coming to an end. Tune in for all the details. 

What’s in this episode:

[00:24] We catch up on the hot weather we’re having, and Nia shares some big news!!

[05:39] A bittersweet announcement about this show

[10:05] Brittny’s confession about working with volunteers

[13:24] Volunteers have to set boundaries so they don’t get taken advantage of in terms of time, skills, and compensation

[21:21] Volunteer appreciation shouldn’t be “one and done” and should involve succession planning at some point

[23:16] Many volunteers donate their time because they can’t donate funds, but still want to be impactful to their cause, and we should recognize their contributions

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Religious organizations that provide human services programming can be incredibly problematic and Nia is fired up about it. Without oversight, these organizations can require religious participation in order for people to receive their services, among other issues. Talk about messed up.

In today’s episode, we’re chatting about the different types of religious organizations, why the ones providing direct resources are problematic, the damage of discriminatory religious doctrine, and funding implications.

What’s in this episode:

[04:07] Why religious organizations that provide direct human resources programming can be problematic

[12:14] How an organization like this in Nia’s hometown is likely receiving federal funding

[17:27] How damaging it is for organizations that provide humans services to be discriminatory (whether religious or otherwise) and why we need regulation for these organizations

[24:18] How taxpayer money and dark money contribute to religiously-specific human services

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/

Do you love our show and want to hear even more from us? You can get behind-the-scenes episodes and more by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nonprofitreframe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How are you maintaining relationships in your staff with so much disruption to our normal way of being?

From the whole nonprofit reframe team, remember that Black Lives Matter. Give to nonprofits run by black people!

Resources

• Is nonverbal communication a numbers game?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did they get it right? Brittny and Nia talk through some of the 2020 predictions made about nonprofits and what's still feasible in this new world that we're living in.

Resources

• Forbes Article: 12 Nonprofit Trends in 2020
• Chronicle on Philanthropy pulls article on earned revenue
• Will Hostility Towards Our Donors Really Help Our Fundraising Efforts?
• Nonprofit AF: The Curb-Cut Effect, and Why Race, Equity, Access, Diversity, and Inclusion (READI) Are Even More Critical Now

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A group of startup and nonprofit folks joined Brittny and Nia for a presentation and Q&A on how companies and nonprofits can work better together!

Resources

• Boulder Startup Week
• Moderator Support by Patty Manwaring
• Colorado Nonprofit Association

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tax law has significant impact on nonprofits and their donors, sometimes putting fundraisers in a difficult position. Brittny and Nia talk in-kind valuation, CARES Act changes, and the power dynamic that persists between donors and nonprofits.

Resources

• Valuing In-Kind Donations (from the IRS)
• CARES Act and Nonprofits (from the Nonprofit Law Blog)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Highlights:

•  Trainers need to fully understand the nonprofit experience!
• Interactive trainings FTW.
• Not everybody is meant to be trainer.
• Brittny loves a multi-audience experience.
• Trainers – stay in your lane and talk about what you actually know.
• Word of the day: Bespoke

Resources

·     Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Responding to COVID-19 has cause a significant adoption of digital forms of gathering and getting work done. For nonprofits, this means events, training, and investing in necessary software like never before.

Episode Highlights:

• How and what you switch to virtual environments is important. From book clubs to trainings to fundraisers online. 
• Leveraging technology to build community.
• What tools and strategies can or should you continue after the crisis?
• Start norming the usage of technology, beginning with training
• DEI Benefits with virtual participation
• Participating in virtual conferences. 

Resources

Event Predictions: “Coronavirus and Events: Outlook and Recovery Timeline”

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Highlights

• What new skills will Brittny and Nia emerge with?
• Work those stewardship plans.
• Keep fundraising. "Pivot" your messaging, but don't stop.
• Donors, STOP RESTRICTING GIFTS!
• Giving Tuesday Now! Coming up on May 5

Resources

• Jack Dorsey's Coronavirus Donation
• Giving Tuesday Now

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s truly amazing to think how far technology has come. We now live in an era where an AI tool exists that will write a pretty dang good podcast introduction, essay, or fundraising plan. Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Well, it is … and it isn’t.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about ChatGPT and how you can use AI tools in nonprofit fundraising specifically, but also in university messaging, HR departments, classroom settings, and more. We’re sharing both how it can be helpful (e.g. creating an outline for a fundraising plan that you can then refine and fill in the blanks specific to your organization) as well as how it can be harmful.

What’s in this episode:

[03:19] What ChatGPT is, and how Brittny is using it in the nonprofit class she’s teaching

[06:37] Using ChatGPT to ask questions or write an outline (that you then edit and refine), and how ChatGPT can help nonprofits specifically

[10:02] How ChatGPT can generates new responses, and how this could potentially benefit (or harm, depending on your outlook) hiring and accomplishing tasks within jobs

[11:56] How AI tools can be harmful, why you can’t rely on an AI tool to have empathy or complete accuracy, and why you have to edit and refine it (we’re looking at you, Vanderbilt)

[17:28] Ethical considerations for nonprofits using AI, what happened when Nia asked ChatGPT to write a donor-centric and a community-centric fundraising appeal, and ChatGPT’s hilarious appeal for an Easter bunny rescue

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/

Do you love our show and want to hear even more from us? You can get behind-the-scenes episodes and more by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nonprofitreframe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Highlights

• Sprucing up for video calls means putting on earrings these days.
• Some foundations are rising to the occasion and others…well…aren’t.
• Notes to Foundations:
• Make the applications easier.
• Stop requiring hard copies. It’s ridiculous and dangerous!
• When rapid response really means rapid applications, but not funding.
• Stop pulling funding or shifting funding away from organizations who are relying on it.
• RELEASE ADDITIONAL FUNDING. You have the GD funds.
• Recognize that the impacts of this crisis will be felt for a long time and that we need our nonprofit sector around for it.
• Communicate! Let your grantees know that you’re not worried about reporting, numbers, etc.

Resources

·      Anna Wintour in Sweatpants

·      Donor Advised Fund giving surges as pandemic spreads

·      Letter urging foundations to grant at significantly increased levels during the COVID crisis

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last of the pre-coronavirus recorded content, this episode covers the unfortunate, great divide between program staff and fundraising or administrative staff.

Episode Highlights

• Check out the new website!
• Administrative and Program Staff end up too siloed.
• Shout out to staff who want to learn about the other side.
• How can we maintain mutual respect and appreciation for the amazing work we all do?
• Trainings for the entire staff on programming, fundraising, and the whole kit and caboodle.
• Go up/down the stairs and spend time with the other teams!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boards are tough! It's hard being a Board Member. It's hard reporting to a Board.

Episode Highlights

• Serve wine at Board meetings to get Brittny there.
• Board/Staff relationships require trust!
• Board Members, volunteer in programs to get a better sense of the work!
• Boards weighing in on staff benefits and implementing for-profit standards. GAHHHHH!
• Stay out of operations!
• Mutual Appreciation, FTW!
• Boards, self-police! Don't ask staff to institute accountability for you.
• THANK YOU for your service!

Resources

• Board Source - Great resource for boards!
• Training for Colorado Folks - Learn more about Beyond The Basics Board Training

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We cover all three of the things your'e not supposed to talk about: money, politics, and religion.

Episode Highlights

• The Johnson Amendment
• Why are nonprofits scared of lobbying?
• Nia pretends to be Schoolhouse Rock and teaches you about lobbying
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness may go away!
• Nia has an AWFUL slip of the tongue and apologizes to everybody, profusely.
• Importance of prioritizing your involvement in policy work

Resources

• 5 Questions and Answers on The Johnson Amendment (from NPR)
• How getting rid of the Johnson Amendment could hurt NPOs (from The Independent Sector)
• National Council On Nonprofits Policy Page
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brittny and Nia offer a quick check-in with everybody out there in the nonprofit space in the midst of a pandemic.

Nia promotes usage of the bird. Brittny tells us to slow down.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Special Note: We know you're experiencing a triple (maybe quadruple or quintuple, even) whammy right now with the way that COVID-19 is impacting your services, your workforce, philanthropy, and events. Please take care of yourself. The stress and anxiety is very real and we have to prioritize self-care right now.

Episode Highlights

• "Sustainability" has so many different definitions and understandings
• Go beyond just how much money, to how diversified is our funding.
• We all know, there's always that ONE board member.
• The nonprofit starvation cycle is very real
• If we truly want to end these major societal issues, we need investment NOW

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brittny's wish has come true! It's another spring day. Too bad Nia had to shatter that and meter in her intro to today's episode on Technology

Episode Highlights

• Why is technology so hard in nonprofits? Bad data management, lack of training on software, bad software and hardware
• We must leverage technology better!
• Everybody needs an octogenarian technology pro
• Put a data management program into place
• Donors: Stop caring if nonprofits are spending money on tech. They need to!

Resources

• Tech Soup - Free and Discounted software for Nonprofits
• Last Pass - Password management

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whether it’s unrealistic job postings or just awful salaries, we do ourselves no favors, nonprofit people. Hiring stories, candidate stories, job description stories, we’ve got them all!

Episode Highlights

●    PUT THE DAMN SALARY IN THE POSTING

●    Brittny’s Hashtag: #PayYourIntern

●    What does “cultural fit” mean?

●    Stop combining finance and HR positions

●    The sector is small. Don’t burn bridges.

Resources

●    Canva – The best thing to happen to nonprofits in tech. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore. The proverbial house has fallen on AmazonSmile, and it is dead as a doornail. Uproar and opinions of all kinds are circulating in regard to this news. We, on the other hand, could not be more relieved.

In today’s episode, we’re explaining how AmazonSmile worked, how it didn’t actually serve or benefit nonprofits in any significant way, misconceptions around the program, and why you should be focusing on fundraising that actually cultivates donors.

What’s in this episode:

[02:55] How AmazonSmile worked, how little money actually went to individual nonprofits, and how wishlists are different (and not impacted by the downfall of Smile)

[10:16] How Amazon has decided their impact level “isn’t working” 10 years into the program, and the range of comments we’ve seen in response to this news

[18:10] The reason this program worked completely in Amazon’s favor, and how some people have the misconception that purchasing through Smile is the same as donating (it’s not)

[20:05] The actual impact on nonprofits (which ain’t great, let’s be honest), and other ways to actually build relationships with your donors (which you can’t do through AmazonSmile)

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/

Do you love our show and want to hear even more from us? You can get behind-the-scenes episodes and more by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nonprofitreframe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nia and Brittny get animated talking about all of the challenges associated with grants from ridiculous questions, insane stats and even what color paper to use.

Episode Highlights

• Did you survive the longest month of the year?
• January has SO many reports!
• What is the true power dynamic inherent with grant funders?
• How does that affect relationships? Programming?
• Are video grant applications the answer?
• It’s still the nonprofit hunger games.
• Funder jeopardy...can you guess the foundation?
• Give your grant writer a break. It’s not their fault. 

Brittny's Hashtags

• #weloveVu
• #podcastgoals
• #everythingcomesbacktoVu

Resources

• Vu Le’s Nonprofit AF blog: https://nonprofitaf.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When being “busy” doesn’t serve you well, but it supported by the nonprofit sector. How do we find balance? Can we even? 

Episode Highlights

●   Finding moments when you’re winning in the battle for balance!

●    How bad pay leads to even worse balance for nonprofit employees.

●    Stop asking people to go “above and beyond” in performance reviews. It supports a culture of bad boundaries.

●    Can we get cupcakes on Fridays, too?

●    Relationships within nonprofits can get…icky.

●    Just. Say. No.

●    Brittny’s Hashtag: #boundariesforthesector

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Regardless of how you say it, galas are a big deal in nonprofit fundraising. They can also be a nightmare for staff. 

Episode Highlights:

●    Attendees: Don’t approach staff with feedback during a gala!

●    Brittny’s Hashtag: #earlybirdpricingworks

●    The big cliffhanger: Will Brittny get a dress before her gala?

●    Working with event committees and keeping them on mission

●    When the salmon is raw

●    Gala speakers forgetting to make the event.

●    Staff burnout at its best. REALLY calculate the return on investment and streamline.

●    Online auctions!

●    Is Atkins still a thing?

●    Don’t mess with our seating charts!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Businesses, companies, corporations, for-profits. Whatever you want to call them, we know that partnerships between for-profit companies and nonprofits are absolutely necessary to affect real change in our communities. But how often does that actually happen?

Episode Highlights

• What does it look like? Volunteerism, matching gifts, sponsorships, etc.
• 5% of all philanthropy is corporate giving.
• Is Big Brother listening in on Brittny or is it just karma texting her?
• Nia jumps in on the hashtag game with #VolunteerDuringStaffTime
• How to make a corporate partnership go “poof!”
• Is a real “partnership” even possible? Nonprofits bending to meet the needs of companies.
• Crickets, tumbleweeds, and tiny horses as workplace giving fairs

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen as we barely keep it together, discussing the outrageous in-kind donations we’ve been given, what to do with them and how to politely say, "NO."

Episode Highlights

• A Quick Definition: In-kind donation is a gift of goods (physical items) or services that are donated to a nonprofit.
• Why are in-kind donations important to nonprofit organizations?
• The problem with in-kind donations: Nonprofits don’t have the storage space for all of them, people giving stuff the organization does not need, people giving stuff that is so used it is not usable, and the staff time dealing with it all.
• The importance of having an in-kind donation acceptance process and setting boundaries like: Where should people drop stuff off?Create a wishlist and only accept what is on it. Ask for photos and dimensions of items before accepting. Ensure that everyone internally know the process?
• How do we say no to items we do not need or want without offending someone?

Resources

• Marie Kondo, the tidying expert and star of the hit TV show “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo”, developed the KonMari method to encourage tidying by category keeping only things that speak to the heart. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s get into an uncomfortable space. We have to discuss white saviorism and where it plays out in nonprofits.

Episode Highlights

●    An episode FILLED with caveats

●    White Saviors: White people who set up services or programming without actually involving the people accessing services in developing the programs or determining what services are actually needed. White people assuming they know best and enacting programming to “save” others.

●    A quick overview of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: And why we don’t say Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity

●    How Brittny avoids having to answer hard questions

●    Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos’ playing white savior

●    Allyship and Power-sharing in nonprofits

Resources

●    This American Life Episode on Betsy DeVos

●    Tiny Spark Podcast: What can we do about the white savior complex?

●   NPQ: On A Mission To Make White People Uncomfortable

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Overhead is confusing and a ridiculous measure of a nonprofit’s value, impact, and success. And yet, we keep having to talk about it.

Episode Highlights

●    What is the “Overhead Myth”?

●    How are other organizations perpetuating it?

●    How can donors truly evaluate the effectiveness of a nonprofit?

●    New Hashtags from Brittny: #ItsAllTheWork

●    To restrict or not to restrict when giving.

Resources

●    More podcast episodes can be found here

●    You can download a copy of the episode’s transcript here

●    Check out Dan Pallotta’s popular TED Talk, “The way we think about charity is dead”: https://blog.ted.com/correcting-the-overhead-myth-how-dan-pallottas-ted-talk-has-begun-to-change-the-conversation/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Passing an annual budget is merely the numbers behind a really exciting year ahead.

Episode Highlights

• How budgeting is like Survivor,
• Harvesting your grant tree,
• Board Members, stop asking for the probability of revenue coming in,
• How to pass a budget with grace,
• Zero Based Budgeting: Why It Holds Back Nonprofits,
• Be better than Congress: Pass the budget before the new fiscal year,
• New Hashtags: #InvestInTheGrowth

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Teach Them Young

Philanthropy is a huge topic, not just because it impacts nonprofits so intimately and critically, but because it’s very imperfect. We know we’ll have lots of topics to cover.

In this first of many episodes on philanthropy, we discuss everything from small to big gifts, young to old, and the absolute necessity for everybody to engage.

Episode Highlights

• Teaching children about Philanthropy and Volunteerism
• Shrinking numbers of small and mid-range donors - Big Issue!!
• Donor Advised Funds and that conundrum
• New Hashtags from Brittny
• #RebirthOfGiving
• #FuelingASolution
• Stewardship of smaller donors: Don’t forget them!

Resources

• Get Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing The World by Anand Giridharadas
• Follow Vu Le and get more great analogies and hilarious nonprofit-related content at https://nonprofitaf.com/
• Full Transcript Available at

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tis' The Season To Be Truly Stressed Out

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Nonprofit Reframe!

In this episode, Brittny and Nia dive into the most stressful time of the year: Year-End Giving Season!

• When getting that year-end mailing out the door seems impossible.
• How giving days can go wrong.
• Why, oh why, calendar-year fiscal-years are hell on fundraisers and leads to scarcity budgeting.
• Where do you spend New Year's Eve as a fundraiser?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Working in a nonprofit is meaningful and rewarding work for most of us. But let’s be real – it’s also a fast-track to burnout and overwork as we try to create a world that is better for everyone. Enter the sabbatical: a solution backed by research that can help staff and directors recover, refuel, and revitalize their creativity and enthusiasm.

In today’s episode, we’re chatting with Hayden Dansky, co-founder and co-director of Boulder Food Rescue, who recently took a three-month sabbatical. They’re sharing how their organization was able to plan and secure funding for the sabbatical, how they spent their time off, and the benefits they found during their time off and upon returning to work with more confidence and creativity.

What’s in this episode:

[03:12] How sabbaticals can help with employee burnout

[06:56] Hayden’s experience with taking a sabbatical from the nonprofit where they work, and how the organization received funding

[11:45] Ideas for starting a sabbatical fund within your organization (for CEO and other staff), and paying staff for staff’s extra labor during a leadership sabbatical

[17:59] How Hayden spent their three-month sabbatical on a mix of travel, “life administration,” and alone time

[21:50] How a sabbatical gives you an opportunity to slow down in a capitalist, white supremacist society that values overworking and overscheduling

[28:59] How long it took Hayden to fully disconnect, what it was like going back into work afterward, and the tangible benefits of the sabbatical

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/

Do you love our show and want to hear even more from us? You can get behind-the-scenes episodes and more by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nonprofitreframe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DEI training for nonprofits spiked in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. But how many organizations have actually kept up with internal DEI work? A one-time seminar to check a box and give a pat on the back isn’t going to cut it. DEI training that actually makes an impact and creates a lasting change requires planning, dedication to the principles, and – shocking, we know – more than a single meeting. 

In today’s episode, we’re talking about why ongoing DEI training is crucial in nonprofit organizations. DEI work needs to be incorporated into every level of your organization, and we’re sharing information about where most organizations are in the race equity cycle, and how to facilitate different spaces to encourage people to open up in a setting where they feel comfortable.

What’s in this episode:

[01:55] Why joint board/staff DEI training is not ideal, and how DEI work presents itself in different types of organizations (white led vs. BIPOC led, for example) 

[09:21] Understanding the stages (awake, woke, and work) of the race equity cycle in organizations

[13:25] Why DEI training is not just about perception and outward-facing communications—it needs to transform internal operations (you’re not done with the work when the training is over) 

[16:51] Ways to facilitate spaces where people feel comfortable sharing at different levels, and understanding when it’s time to let someone go who isn’t moving forward with the organization

[20:25] How organizations can ensure accountability internally, expanding on the range of implicit biases that fall within DEI, and being intentional with regular trainings

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/

Do you love our show and want to hear even more from us? You can get behind-the-scenes episodes and more by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nonprofitreframe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You’re familiar with the model that we’re talking about today. You buy something, and with your purchase, something—whether an item or money—is donated to a person or organization. Buy one, give one. But what if those on the receiving end aren’t actually getting anything they need?

In today’s episode, we’re sharing three examples of buy one, give one corporate philanthropy (TOMS, Warby Parker, and Bombas). We’re going into how each philanthropic concept came about, how this model can have negative effects, and ways to approach the model that are more helpful to those in need. 

What’s in this episode:

[05:21] Understanding buy one, give one philanthropy and cause marketing

[08:03] How TOMS (shoes) was built on cultural appropriation and actually has negative impacts on the countries it “serves”

[17:05] How Warby Parker (glasses) has done a better job of transparency with their model and actually working with organizations on the ground in the places that they serve

[20:25] How Bombas (socks) started their organization out of a need they recognized (rather than a sock company with a marketing ploy) and how they’re not as overt about their buy one, give one philanthropy

[28:10] The implications of this kind of corporate philanthropy, and how consumers can continue to demand transparency

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/

Do you love our show and want to hear even more from us? You can get behind-the-scenes episodes and more by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nonprofitreframe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your year-end fundraising is over and last year's goals are in the rearview mirror. Time to rest, take some time off, and celebrate right?! (Yeah, we’re laughing right along with you.) Nonprofit staff are notorious for not resting, not creating boundaries, and as a result, burning themselves out. And it’s a disservice to your organization, sure, but also you, as a human being!

In today’s episode, we’re talking about leaning into our strengths, why nonprofit staff should not be expected to be good at everything, and why you have to carve out time to take care of yourself and take legitimate time off (not a day or two here and there—use your PTO!).

Your work is important, but don’t let guilt con you into working yourself into a state of burnout. Make 2023 the year that you set strategic goals, create boundaries, and give yourself time to fully disconnect.

What’s in this episode:

[04:03] The results of Brittny’s Strengths Finder test, how different personality types can be successful at fundraising, and the importance of recognizing your strengths and outsourcing what you’re not good at

[08:47] Why expecting nonprofit staff to wear multiple hats and be good at everything is a recipe for burnout

[12:54] Things we are doing in 2023 to avoid burnout and further align our businesses, and how a strategic plan can help you achieve your mission, vision, and goals

[24:20] Why you need a plan to take care of yourself (PTO! PTO!) and create a more consistent work schedule so you’re not burning yourself out during certain times of the year (hello, year-end giving season)

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/101-new-year-no-burnout-how-to-set-boundaries-and-avoid-the-nonprofit-grind-cycle/

Do you love our show and want to hear even more from us? You can get behind-the-scenes episodes and more by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nonprofitreframe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve talked a lot about fundraising, and this episode is no different (tis’ the season). Today, we’re focusing on the most important rule of fundraising: Do no harm. 

On the surface, it might seem unbelievable to think that you can harm your mission through fundraising efforts (all organizations need money, right?), but the way you frame your messaging as you ask for funds can either support or undermine your long-term goals. We all know an emotional story can get a powerful reaction from potential donors, but what if that story leaves your donors despairing or your clients feeling dehumanized?

In today’s episode, we’re talking about examples of both harmful and beneficial fundraising practices, as well as why it’s important to prioritize opportunities for building long-term support and lasting relationships over shock-and-awe dollars. 

Whether you’re listening to this when it airs in December, or some other time during the year, you can – and should – take the time to review your messaging and make the shift to Community-Centric Fundraising, so you can build a base of donors who believe in the mission and work of your organization instead of one-time donors giving out of guilt or misguided saviorism. It will be worth it in the long run.

What’s in this episode:

[02:40] How some fundraising approaches can be harmful, and why it’s important to shift practices in favor of long-term support and relationship building

[06:17] How asset framing is more effective in fundraising

[08:32] Examples of detrimental fundraising approaches, and why you should prioritize humanity over shock and awe

[17:47] An example of really great event messaging, and how bringing your fundraising practices in alignment with the values or your organization is worth it in the long run (even if you lose money at first)

[28:11] An example of really bad event messaging and how that harms your cause

[34:21] Making a plan for next year to review your messaging and shifting to Community-Centric Fundraising

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/100-fundraisers-do-no-harm/

Resources Mentioned

Trabian Shorters - Asset Framing

Community Centric Fundraising

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donors are critical to your organization, but it’s about more than just a transaction or future donation. Fostering genuine relationships with your donors is crucial—not only for the growth and success of your organization, but also for community building.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about why you should get to know the donors you already have because, let’s face it, it’s easier to retain donors than it is to find new ones. We share actionable takeaways for building stronger donor relationships, how and when to engage with your donors, and navigating important conversions. 

Fundraising doesn’t just have to be just about the funds. And looking at your current (and future) donors through a relational lens, instead of a transactional one will make it even smoother.

What’s in this episode:

[03:59] The importance of getting to know the donors in your database, interacting with them meaningfully, and giving them opportunities to engage with the mission of your organization

[13:42] Why you should identify donors you want at your annual fundraising event and personally reach out, and the importance of developing relationships with your donors

[21:16] Navigating difficult conversations with donors, such as around how political outcomes might affect your work, shifting towards community-centric fundraising, and inflation

[28:30] Actionable takeaway for creating stronger donor relationships

[30:47] Some fun news for our Patreon subscribers (join us!)

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/99-talking-to-donors-and-why-we-dont/

Do you love our show and want to hear even more from us? You can get behind-the-scenes episodes and more by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nonprofitreframe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All organizations will experience a time when an ED/CEO, Development Director, or another higher level role, makes plans to leave. Sometimes you have notice—a year, if you’re really lucky—and sometimes, you don’t. This can feel like a time that is hectic and scary, but if you have plans in place, it can, in fact, run smoothly.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to handle interim roles, what to do and what not to do, as well as what the real purpose of an interim. We’re also talking about the importance of having a succession plan in place, even if the CEO isn’t planning on leaving any time soon. 

Shit happens, and you want your organization and your board members to be prepared so the interim transition does not cause chaos. We’ll share some actionable takeaways that you can implement to make sure you’re on top of things as well as spill some horror stories we’ve experienced.

What’s in this episode:

[04:29] How hiring an internal interim CEO can be to your detriment if you’re actively looking outside the organization, and how hiring an actual interim CEO before hiring someone long-term is beneficial

[09:44] How an interim’s main purpose is to do “clean up” work (not lead a strategic planning process, for example) after a long-term ED and before bringing in someone new

[14:58] What to address up front (and what to avoid) if you have a board member step into an interim position

[20:28] Why a succession plan is so important to have in place for decision-making and managing power dynamics

[26:00] The struggles in development and fundraising that have organizations relying more on interims, and the silver lining of being able to shake things up with someone new

[34:07] Actionable takeaways that will ensure that staff interim periods run as smoothly as possible

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/98-interims-and-succession-planning-for-leadership-roles/

Do you love our show and want to hear even more from us? You can get behind-the-scenes episodes and more by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nonprofitreframe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s that time again - Nia’s favorite episode of the year on data from Giving USA! It’s interesting to review this 2022 report and see the correlations that are happening in our immediate nonprofit worlds, but also the disparities. So much has changed and the future of giving looks kind of bleak, especially when you consider the impact of inflation. 

In today’s episode, we’re taking a look back at what was happening in 2022, and reviewing the philanthropy data from Giving USA’s annual report. Plus, we share the implications and takeaways from the data, including a big middle finger to corporations. Yep, we said it. 

What’s in this episode:

[00:47] A review of what was happening in 2022, plus philanthropy data from Giving USA that indicated overall giving was down significantly in 2022

[07:36] Inflation is an important factor to consider when reviewing this data

[10:10] A historical look at giving data over time from 40 years ago

[18:14] Some takeaways from this giving report, especially that corporations can f*ck right off

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/

Do you love our show and want to hear even more from us? You can get behind-the-scenes episodes and more by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nonprofitreframe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Committees are a really hot topic in the nonprofit world. You can create a committee for almost anything and comprise it of staff, board members, and/or volunteers. But, how do you create a committee that’s actually useful—both to the organization and those involved?

In today’s episode, we’re talking about all things committees: from how to manage expectations and accountability, to good examples (and bad ones), to how to successfully create engagement that doesn’t overwork your staff.

We’ll also share some actionable takeaways so that you can make sure to use committees to their greatest benefit. The most important thing is truly evaluating if your committees are doing what they’re intended to and being willing to pivot and get creative. Because let’s face it, a useless committee doesn’t serve anyone.

What’s in this episode:

[04:13] How committees create engagement opportunities, but also more work for staff

[06:41] Why fundraising committees aren’t necessarily a substitute for nonprofit staff when it comes to event planning 

[12:16] A committee horror story, complete with mansplaining and class elitism

[19:51] Why holding committee members accountable and giving them the tools to be able to complete their jobs is crucial for success

[22:48] An example of a really good committee (it's not a fundraising committee) —and one that just doesn’t work

[28:48] The actionable takeaways that’ll help keep your committees from becoming a huge headache

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/ep-97-committees-what-are-they-even-for/

Do you love our show and want to hear even more from us? You can get behind-the-scenes episodes and more by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nonprofitreframe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back! After a year-long hiatus, the Nonprofit Reframe podcast is back with more nonprofit content, stories, and laughs.

It’s that time of the year that nonprofits know and love and dread and hate: year-end giving.  

There’s a lot to juggle when it comes to sending year-end appeals to your donors. In today’s episode, we’re talking about why year-end appeals are important, using mailed appeals to your advantage, and how to do segmentation in a way that increases and personalizes outreach to your donors.

What’s in this episode:

[03:24] What is a year-end appeal and why is it important?

[12:17] The importance of data management, no matter the size of your organization

[15:00] How mailed appeals can still be effective and why engaging different generations of donors is crucial

[21:20] What to do in the fall to prepare for year-end giving and why segmentation is beneficial

[30:49] Best examples of segmentation

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/

Do you love our show and want to hear even more from us? You can get behind-the-scenes episodes and more by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nonprofitreframe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our first episode back from hiatus is coming out on October 24! If you want to catch up with us, become a member at our all new Patreon site for behind the scenes content and the Lost Episode.

Photo Cred: All Digital Photo and Video

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How great to have a "free" resource in social media to amplify your voice. Right? Brittny and Nia dive into the reality of using social media and the toll it takes.

Resources

• Empower: Social Media Stats for Nonprofits - 2021 (all the stats cited came from here)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fear of ruffling feathers, angering donors, and losing funding is very real for many fundraisers. How do you address systemic oppression within these systems when you also are worried about the bottom line?

Resources

• A Conversation on Race and Power with Edgar Villanueva
• Changing the Paradigm on Funding and Fundraising - A Conversation with Edgar Villanueva
• White Development Colleagues, We Need To Have A Conversation About Fundraiser Fragility from Nonprofit AF (Vu Le)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

University fundraising accounts for a ton of the fundraising jobs across the country, especially the high paying ones. What do two non-advancement fundraisers have to say about that? And their outsized endowments?

Resources

• US News and World Report: Universities with the Biggest Endowments 9/21/21
• Harvard University: FY19 Financial Report
• NACUBO-TIAA: 2020 Study of Endowments
• NPR News: Harvard University Will Stop Investing In Fossil Fuels After Years of Public Pressure 9/10/21

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.