NP Local

This episode of the NP Local podcast is hosted by Jason Cass and Scott Niermann. For those not in the nonprofit world, why does volunteerism matter? For those in nonprofits, small and large, do you know why people volunteer and how they think? Another form of giving is volunteering one's time. This is incredibly important to not only that individual but to nonprofit organizations far and wide. Lis...

In this episode of the NP Local podcast hosted by Jason Cass and Scott Niermann, they learn about the newly released report on American philanthropy and some key takeaways for nonprofit professionals and fundraisers. A public service of the Giving USA Foundation and Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the Giving USA report is published annually and is the longest-standing repor...

In this episode of the NP Local podcast hosted by Jason Cass and Scott Niermann, they’re completely on target for today's fundraising environment. Enjoy a short conversation with veteran fundraiser Sandi Byrd, ACFRE. From the early years of Loudon County Habitat for Humanity with its Founder to working at a small affiliate today, Sandi brings wisdom from over 45 years of nonprofit experience. Sand...

In this episode of the NP Local podcast hosted by Jason Cass and Scott Niermann, Jason and Scott discuss how the Charting Impact framework will help your organization articulate long-term goals, programmatic strategies, capabilities, and impact your constituents, funders, and even new staff and board members as you onboard. But, how do you go about writing this? How is it similar to, but different...

In this episode of the NP Local podcast hosted by Jason Cass and Scott Niermann, using the Charting Impact framework crafted by leading, nationwide nonprofit advocacy and transparency organizations, NP Local hosts walk through five strategic questions every organization should consider in order to communicate their story. Specifically, the Charting Impact framework will help your organization arti...

Join host Scott Niermann as he talks with Consultant and Speaker Joy Duling about the importance of nonprofit membership, trade, and professional associations. Consider some key points from Joy that can help build your membership organization following the pandemic, as people again seek connections to impact the local community you serve. Episode Highlights: Joy shares her work with membership non...

In this episode of the NP Local podcast hosted by Jason Cass and Scott Niermann, they discuss what kind of insurance is appropriate for nonprofits. Episode Highlights: Jason shares what the traits are that a person must have when an executive is looking for an agent. (3:34) Jason mentions why he fell into nonprofits. (4:31) Jason shares some of the companies that he works with. (7:25) Jason mentio...

In this episode of the NP Local podcast hosted by Jason Cass and Scott Niermann, they discuss the different types of board policies and what it’s all about. Episode Highlights: Scott mentions why crafting policies is not his favorite as a nonprofit director. (5:23) Jason shares why business owners try to avoid working on policies. (6:54) Jason mentions the definition of wrongful acts. (7:50) Scott...

Does your organization use a strategic plan to implement your mission? Do you set goals with board and constituent buy-in? Join Jason Cass and Scott Niermann for a discussion about the importance of strategic planning, and why it is essential for your team accountability, your organization's success in reaching your vision for a better world. Episode Highlights: Scott mentions the strategic plan h...

In this episode of the NP Local podcast hosted by Jason Cass and Scott Niermann, they discuss why the vision, mission and core values are some of the most significant factors that leaders do and their definitions. Episode Highlights: Scott shares a story about Peter Drucker, who is a well-known business consultant. (3:12) Scott shares why a mission statement should help drive your goals. (10:28) S...

The simple t-chart, used by Benjamin Franklin himself, can simplify the complex decision-making within any organization. Useful in your personal and professional life, this method can clarify your considerations as a leader and can also help facilitate team/board conversations such as strategic planning. Avoid "mission creep" in your organization by making better decisions- especially in times of...

Only 8% of us meet our yearly goals each December. Why is that? How can we do better? Listen here to find out how you can set SMART goals, leverage accountability, and shift to a more productive mindset for the year. Join us for this episode of the NP Local podcast hosted by Jason Cass and Scott Niermann. Episode Highlights: Scott mentions an article he posted on his blog. (2:15) Scott shares one...

In this episode of the NP Local podcast, co-hosts Jason Cass and Scott Niermann, MPA, CFRE, discuss the studies that they found about mindset and the book entitled, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Episode Highlights: What was valuable about mindset? (2:26) Scott shares a story about a photo that has been in his files for a few years that has Dr. Dweck’s name on it. (2:37) Scott mentions Dr...

In this episode of the NP Local podcast, co-hosts Jason Cass and Scott Niermann, MPA, CFRE, discuss the four different paths that leaders have taken in the last four years and it’s relevance on the nonprofit side. Episode Highlights: What did Scott learn from 2020, with regards to the leadership of his foundation? (4:10) Scott shares four different paths that leaders have taken in the last four ye...

In this episode of the NP Local podcast, co-hosts Jason Cass and Scott Niermann, MPA, CFRE, discuss the actions or elements that could be cut to save money in your organization and those that are not wise to cut.  Episode Highlights: Scott thinks that many organizations are cutting immediately in areas that may not be wise to cut immediately. (3:11) Scott mentions that his first recommendation is...

In this episode of the NP Local podcast, co-hosts Jason Cass and Scott Niermann, MPA, CFRE, discuss how the COVID-19 crisis is impacting small organizations differently than larger organizations and share tips on how to navigate the challenges brought by the crisis.   Episode Highlights: Jason mentions that today’s topic is relevant to Scott. (1:16) Scott mentions that he came across a report from...

In this episode of the NP Local podcast, co-hosts Jason Cass and Scott Niermann, MPA, CFRE, discuss how to engage your board and how to make the engagement fun and meaningful for the board members. Episode Highlights: Scott gives a summary of the ways to engage your board. (2:09) Scott shares that you have to remember that board members are not corporate board members getting stock options for ser...

In this episode of the NP Local podcast, co-hosts, Jason Cass and Scott Niermann, MPA, CFRE, share three basic tips on engaging your board and talk about understanding your vision and its significance in the foundation of your Nonprofit.  Episode Highlights: Jason mentions that they’re starting to receive feedback from the podcast listeners. (1:06) Scott mentions that the board is legally responsi...

In this episode of the NP Local podcast, co-hosts, Jason Cass and Scott Niermann, MPA, CFRE, discuss the definition of nonprofit and finding a way to measure its mission, as well as the three parts of a bottom line. Episode Highlights: Scott thinks that most well meaning nonprofit staff may lose focus on the financial side, and others that are very focused on the financial side, they lose the miss...

In this episode of the NP Local podcast, co-hosts, Jason Cass and Scott Niermann, MPA, CFRE, continue to discuss funding and fundraising. Jason and Scott talk about the fundraising pyramid and understanding each layer of the pyramid. Episode Highlights: Scott describes the fundraising pyramid. (3:27) Scott shares that the bottom layer of the pyramid is the foundation for everything on top of it, a...

In this episode of the NP Local podcast, hosts Jason Cass and Scott Niermann, MPA, CFRE, discuss the significance of funding in the nonprofit industry and share how Benjamin Franklin founded the fundraising school. Key Quotes: “The benefit of NP Local, we understand that your community is always local, and that is what we're striving to do, is help you strengthen that community.” - Jason Cass (3:4...

In the first episode of the NP Local podcast, co-hosts, Jason Cass, and Scott Niermann, MPA, CFRE discuss the size, scope, and changes taking place in the nonprofit sector that have implications for anyone in the field. Nonprofit leaders listen to NP Local to gain new and different perspectives on important nonprofit topics, and to discover how the next generation of nonprofit leaders can make inf...