I 501(c) You - The Podcast for NonProfit Board Members

In this episode, we speak with Joe Schaefer, an expert in employee retention and executive benefits to discuss the often-overlooked topic of retention strategies for nonprofit executives. Joe shares insights on the importance of retention plans from both board and executive perspectives, explaining how these programs can help nonprofit leaders attract and retain critical talent. Joe discusses diff...

In this episode of I 501(c) You, we dive into the essential role of nonprofit leadership during times of crisis. With recent hurricanes impacting Florida, we discuss how executive directors and board members can maintain focus and adapt effectively when unexpected events disrupt operations. Michael shares key insights on the importance of strategic priorities, staying visible to staff and stakehol...

This week we discuss 3 ideas that have been on Michael’s mind. Number 1 is a concept created by The Patterson Foundation called Cope, Adapt, Innovate. Second is building on our podcast from last week and that is the idea that you cannot overpay for good talent. Third is how the CEO/Executive Director can manage their board. Timestamps: (00:00) Total disruption! Thoughts and prayers for those affec...

In this episode, we explore both financial and non-financial strategies to help your organization retain a superstar executive director. One of the key responsibilities of a nonprofit board is hiring, supporting, and—when necessary—replacing the CEO/Executive Director. If you have a top-tier leader, it's crucial to invest in their retention, as they will likely be in high demand elsewhere. With ta...

This week, we speak with Derik Timmerman, founder of Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions out of Golden, Colorado. Derik spent time in the military, serving 2 tours in Iraq before joining McKinsey & Company for 7 years. During his years at McKinsey, Derik realized he got more "soul food" from his work with nonprofits and left to start Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Derik provides a unique perspective on...

This week we speak with Tracy Vanderneck, MSM, CFRE and author of The 60-Minute Guide to Building the Infrastructure for Successful Nonprofit Fundraising. Together, we discuss Tracy’s background and her motivation for writing a book. Then, we dive more deeply into sections of the book and get Tracy’s expertise on the board’s role in fundraising, the development committee, and more. Buy the book on...

This week, we speak to Gerhard Toth, Business Banking Manager at GTE Financial. Gerhard currently serves as a board member for United Way Suncoast and Braden River Soccer Club. When it comes to board service, Gerhard is led by passion. He chooses organizations that he truly aligns with the mission. In this episode, Gerhard discusses the difference between 501(c)3 and 501(c)6 board service, the big...

As we approach episode 100, we think it is time to revisit some past episodes. This week, we revisit episode 32 with Cliff Walters. In this episode, we discuss the importance of bylaws with Cliff Walters of ​Blalock Walters, P.A.​ Cliff offers useful advice for people who are on a board or thinking about joining one. He covers important topics like how bylaws protect both the board members and the...

This week, we speak with Linda Dale, CPA, board member, and board chair. Linda has served her community through board service for many years and is now serving as the board chair for Space Coast Health Foundation for the second time. Together, we talk about how being a CPA has led her to serving as treasurer on many boards, how understanding financials helps her execute her fiduciary duties, and a...

This week, we discuss the need to have strong relationships around the board room. These relationships don't just happen at board meetings. You need to be intentional about forming relationships among your board members. This means, creating opportunities every meeting for people to get to know each other, having off-site board retreats where board members can share a meal, and remembering that ju...

This week, we interview Mark Gordon, nonprofit board member and Managing Editor of the Business Observer. Together, we discuss Mark’s motivation for serving on nonprofits boards, what he has learned from serving on boards, 501(c)6 vs 501(c)3 service, and preconceptions about serving on boards. Mark is also the host of From the Corner Office, a podcast by the Business Observer which interviews lead...

This week, we discuss the constant nature of board recruitment. Just because you recently onboarded this year's board members does not mean you can stop. Next year will come, board members will roll off, and new members are needed to come onto the board. Timestamps: 00:00 Always be recruiting board members 00:40 Use your board matrix 01:40 Put them on a committee Join us every week as we release a...

For many organizations, July 1st marks the beginning of the new fiscal year. This is a great time to onboard new board members, energize your staff with a new budget, and strategize for the new year. In this episode, we discuss a 6-step process to identify your organization's strategic direction in 2 hours. As a board, you do not need to spend all day discussing your direction. You can get your or...

It is the week of July 4th, a perfect time for your executive director to take a vacation. As a board member, you should ensure that your executive director is taking time off to be able to refresh and continue to drive the mission forward. Many leaders of organizations do not take adequate time off, leading to burn out and lower retention rates. Make sure your Executive Director is taking time of...

This week, we speak with Chris Williams, owner of Aginto and Advisory Board Chair of Salvation Army Manatee County. Chris came to Salvation Army first as a client, then as a volunteer, and after some time was asked to join the board and then be board chair. In this episode, we discuss how Chris approaches his board meetings, communicating with other board members and with the executive director, a...

Last week, we discussed retaining your CEO or executive director. This week, we transition to executive succession planning. We discuss having a plan for an acting CEO, an interim CEO, and a rising CEO. Many organizations want to bring along the next leader while their current CEO is still running the show. However, not every organization has that luxury and needs to have a plan in case the CEO ha...

This week, we tackle the subject of executive retention planning. More specifically, the importance of performance plans, compensation, and bonus structure. High performers want to know how to improve, and they want compensation tied to performance. A problem comes when boards do not clearly define the CEO/ED's bonus structure or compensation plan. It is the board’s role to ensure proper compensat...

This week, we speak with Brian Carter and Jacob Kinsel, both are CPAs at Mauldin & Jenkins. Together, Brian and Jacob provide a masterclass on the financial statements and audits for nonprofit board members. Including an overview of the 990, what boards should be aware of during the audit process, and how nonprofit boards can mitigate fraud. If you listen to any part of this episode, listen to...

Recently, I had the pleasure of facilitating a board retreat with a high performing, aligned, and productive board. In this episode, I discuss the 5 observations I have from working with this nonprofit board. Timestamps: 00:00 5 observations of a high performing board 01:20 Aligned on the mission 01:40 Understands its role 02:15 They were educated and prepared 03:00 Productive discussion 03:40 The...

This week we speak with the author of "The Ultimate Guide for New Nonprofit CEOs", Brian Quail. Brian worked in nonprofits for 40 years, was a CEO for 25, and raised over $1 billion for his organizations across his career. In this episode, we focus on the 5 frameworks from Brian's book: “90 Days," “Your Team," “The Financials," “Donor Relationships," and “The Who." These 5 frameworks provide a new...

July 1st brings in a new fiscal year for many nonprofit organizations. As we approach this time of transition, we discuss two ways to get your new board aligned. In your first board meeting with your new board, discuss the mission. What does the mission mean to each person? It is also important to discuss what is NOT the mission. Mission creep can be a dangerous factor to nonprofit organizations....

This week we speak with Kerry Diaz, a former practicing attorney, turned nonprofit CEO, board member, entrepreneur, and now nonprofit consultant. Together, we discuss Kerry's transition from board member to CEO, succession planning best practices, and traits that make an effective nonprofit CEO and board member. Contact Kerry: kerryadiaz@gmail.com (561)-307-0844 Timestamps: 00:00 Introducing Kerry...

There might come a time when a board member is not showing up for meetings, reviewing meeting materials, or being a good steward of the organization. It is the role of the board chair to step in and have a conversation with that board member. Remember, board members are volunteers, so a delicate balance has to be reached. Oftentimes, people feel obligated to fulfill their commitment as board membe...

This week, we speak with the Honorable Adelaide “Alex” Sink. Alex served as Florida’s elected Chief Financial Officer from 2007 to 2011. Prior to elected office, Alex had a 26-year career at Bank of America where she served on several nonprofit boards.  We discuss how serving on nonprofit boards helped her banking and political career, evaluating and eliminating conflicts of interest, and the powe...

A nonprofit's #1 currency is trust.  Any fraudulent activity by a nonprofit agency negates this trust. The Board has a role and responsibility to minimize the risk of fraud. This week, we discuss 10 tips for nonprofit boards to help mitigate fraud in their organizations. Timestamps: 00:00 How nonprofit boards can mitigate fraud risk 01:40 #1-3 - Establish a Strong Ethical Culture, Implement Clear...