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

This week, we speak with Hal Williams. Hal is the creator of Results 1st and the author of the new book “Put Results First”.  Results 1st helps individuals and groups focus on results in each of their functions, activities, processes, and structures. Together, Michael and Hal dive into the 4 parts of the book, including discussions on defining success before designing a program, how to improve non...

In recent interactions with nonprofit board members, there has been a difference in familiarity regarding the operational nuances between for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Given that many board members do not interact with the organization on a daily basis, there may be unintentional assumptions about how nonprofits operate. In this episode, we dive into the fundamental similarities and diff...

This week, we speak with Malcolm MacLeod. Malcolm is a board chair, retired nonprofit CEO, lawyer, and author of the book entitled, “The Practice of Philanthropy: A Guide for Foundation Boards and Staff.” Malcolm's book is the culmination of 19 years of experience spent as the president and CEO of the Johnson Scholarship Foundation. Those 19 years were not all smooth sailing. Malcolm had to learn...

In this episode, Michael shares insights from the Florida Philanthropic Network Annual Summit, highlighting five reasons why nonprofit professionals should attend conferences. He emphasizes networking, learning, idea generation, growth through association, and team building as essential benefits. Michael urges nonprofit leaders and board members to prioritize conference participation for personal...

This week, we speak with Anne LeBaron, CEO of Take Stock in Children Manatee. Anne had quite the career in the for-profit world as former Sales, Marketing, HR and Recruiting manager before joining Take Stock Manatee as the CEO. Take Stock in Children Manatee is a mentor based organization that partners students with a mentor to earn a scholarship upon graduation from high school. Anne shares her e...

This week, we discuss 3 easy ways to fundraise as a nonprofit board member. Fundraising as a nonprofit board member can be a contentious topic. Most people do not join a nonprofit board to fundraise. However, it is your responsibility as a board member to ensure the financial stability of your organization. Fundraising as a board member does not mean you have to ask for money! Many people are unco...

This week, we speak with Janene Amick, CEO of Florida Cultural Group. Janene has been part of Florida Cultural Group (f/k/a Manatee Players, Inc.) for 19 years, beginning as a board member. Together, we discuss her role as Chief Cheerleader, her approach for fund development, and how she encourages her board members to fundraise.  We also talk about how the role of CEO for nonprofit organizations...

This week we are discussing leadership tips and ideas for nonprofit CEOs. In this episode, we cover 5 easy to implement leadership tips any nonprofit CEO can benefit from.  Michael has been working with nonprofit CEOs for the past several years. These tips are a culmination of what has worked the best for these CEOs when it comes to stakeholder buy-in, time management, and board chair relationship...

This week, we speak with Erin McLeod, President & CEO of Senior Friendship Centers. In this episode, we discuss her philosophy working with the board of directors, leadership style, and that board succession planning doesn’t always go as planned. We also talk about her thoughts on transparent leadership, including staff in board meetings, and setting goals with the incoming board chair. Timest...

This week, we continue our conversation from episode 69, “You are the new board chair, now what?” In this episode, we discuss the keys to success as a board chair and top decisions to avoid. If you follow these keys, we believe you will have a successful tenure as board chair. Timestamps: 00:00 Board Chair Orientation continued 01:20 Keys to success 04:20 Things to avoid Join us every week as we r...

This week, we are speaking with Sarasota Orchestra’s board chair, Tom Koski. Together, we speak about how he got into philanthropy in Sarasota, fundraising for capital campaigns as a board chair, and the massive projects he has been involved with in Sarasota County. The secret sauce to a capital campaign? Tom say's it is communicating the need. You take on massive projects because the sustainabili...

Congratulations! You are the new board chair. Now what? Many organizations have just welcomed a new board chair, or will be welcoming one in the upcoming months.  In this episode, we discuss the roles and characteristics of a board chair. We also touch on the initial steps a new board chair should take to get their tenure off to a positive start. Timestamps: 00:00 You are the new board chair, now...

This week, we are speaking with Jonathan Fleece, President and CEO of Empath Health. Empath Health is a $380m, 3000+ employee hospice, home health, and senior care oriented organization serving 60,000+ people from central to southwest Florida. Jonathan shares with us how he came to be the CEO of Empath Health, the needs of a CEO from their board members, and merging nonprofit organizations. “The t...

This week, we are discussing board ethics. How to remain ethical while on a board, typical examples of potentially unethical behavior, and a litmus test to determine whether or not you should take specific actions.  “Are the actions I take going to break the public trust? Then you shouldn’t do it.” Timestamps: 00:00 - Board Ethics 01:20 - It starts with the IRS and State code 02:50 - Why is this i...

This week, we speak with Mary Ruiz, former CEO of Centerstone of Florida (f/k/a Manatee Glens) and newly elected board chair of MCR Health, Inc. In this episode, we discuss how Mary's experience as a CEO helps her be a more effective board member, why the Executive Committee may be a relic of the past, and how to get the most out of fellow board members. With her wisdom and experience, Mary gives...

You do not need to create a new strategic plan every year. However, it would be of value to update your current strategic plan. We do this through a "strategy refresh". A short facilitated session in which we help you refresh your strategic plan with up-to-date information and knowledge. In an ever changing environment, your strategic direction should be influenced by the best and most recent info...

As the year comes to an end, there are a few tasks nonprofit board members can complete to wrap the year up successfully. These short but powerful tasks can help you get a head start on the new year and be prepared for your board responsibilities in 2024. Timestamps: 00:00 What can you do as a board member before the end of the year? 01:20 #1 - Read your bylaws 01:50 #2 - Catch up on meeting minut...

This week, we discuss aspects of nonprofit board membership prospective board members should consider before joining a board. Everyone on the board should be willing to give their time, talent, and treasure to their organization. Be sure to ask plenty of questions prior to joining a board to have a clear understanding of the level of commitment the organization is expecting. Timestamps: 00:00 The...

This week, we are speaking with Board President of Project Light of Manatee, Cheryl Evans. Together, we discuss how Cheryl got involved in Project Light, stepping into the board president role for the first time, and how she is growing in the position. Cheryl candidly shares with us her successes and struggles. Including overcoming obstacles to recruit board members, facilitating the board meeting...

A board retreat is a wonderful opportunity for board members to get to know each other, to plan for the upcoming year, or discuss an important topic in depth. However, these can only be achieved with a properly planned retreat. Today, we discuss the strategies we use to conduct a productive nonprofit board retreat. Timestamps: 00:00 - Our board retreat process 01:58 - Planning 03:20 - Preparation...

In the spirit of the season, today we are giving thanks. From us at The Corley Company, we thank the nonprofit organization’s making our community a better place, the leadership and staff that carry out the work, the donors that help make projects happen and the volunteers who give so much of their time. Timestamps: (00:00) Thank You Listeners (01:20) 10% from Listen Notes (01:40) Thank you guests...

Imagine giving 3-6 years of your volunteer time to an organization, only to roll off the board and never hear from the organization again. This is a very realistic scenario for many board members. In this week’s episode, we are discussing what happens when you roll off a nonprofit board and how organizations can keep past board members engaged. Timestamps: 00:00 - Board Tenure and when you leave t...

This week, we are joined by the CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, Dawn Stanhope. When it comes to engaging your board, there aren't many people who do it like Dawn, and she actually has two boards. Listen in to hear Dawn’s strategies for keeping board members engaged, what she looks for when she is identifying new board members, and what a CEO needs from their board. Timestamps: (01...

In this week’s episode we talk about what nonprofit board members want. People join nonprofit boards for a multitude of reasons, but we believe they can be narrowed down to 4. They want to contribute, make a difference, grow skills, and build relationships. If your nonprofit board can provide these four things, we believe you will have an easier time recruiting and adding new board members. Timest...

This week we are speaking with Atlas Insurance’s, Michael Howard. Michael has a wealth of knowledge in the nonprofit insurance space and generously shares with us. Michael explains the risks nonprofits need to be aware of that are not insurance related, the actual coverage a D&O insurance policy provides, when nonprofits and nonprofit board members can get in trouble, and most importantly, how...