Successful Nonprofits Podcast

Abra Annes tells a tale of two very different development offices. One of the organizations she gives to treats her like she's a major donor. This smaller organization asked for her communication preferences, sent notes and offered a deeply personalized donor experience.  The larger organization, however, used the same thank you letter for ten gifts totaling over $180,000! They never sent a person...

Here's a commonly held myth in the nonprofit sector: A 501(c)3 cannot take part in advocacy work. In this episode, Tanya Tassi shares how nonprofits can safely and effectively advocate. Listen in and start creating that lasting change you already work so hard for!

Today we have a special reverse episode with Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta. Earlier this year, Dolph was featured on the Pro Bono Partnership Atlanta Podcast with Sireesha Ghanta and Robyn Miller. The episode released last week on SoundCloud. Check it out and learn about mission creep: what it is, how to avoid it, and what to do if you want to expand your mission.

Every nonprofit leader dreams of achieving and maintaining financial sustainability, and every good board member knows that fiscal stewardship is one of their sacred duties.  To explore the roles your board treasurer and banker play in sustainability and fiscal stewardship, we speak with seasoned board member, nonprofit tech entrepreneur and extraordinary banker, Chad Wolver. In this episode you w...

With COVID and a budding recession, people around the world are stressed out about their jobs. If you have a job, you want to make sure you keep it. And if you lost your job, you want to find your next one as quickly as possible. For many people, both can feel beyond your control. Today's guest is extraordinary career coach, Gary Hines. Gary shares actionable tips you can take to keep the job you...

Sherry Quam Taylor says it's time to push against common fundraising misconceptions and start telling donors what your nonprofit really needs! Do your staff need raises? Tell your donor! Do you need a technology upgrade? Tell your donor! Do you need to funnel a little extra money into fundraising this year? Tell your donor! Listen in on our conversation with Sherry to learn how actually sharing th...

If you Google "workplace stress", a plethora of data appears at your fingertips. The American Institute of Stress notes that job stress is the largest source of anxiety for Americans, and that it is escalating. In fact, job stress and burnout have become so common that the World Health Organization recognized it as an occupational syndrome in 2019! So if you're feeling stressed and burned out, you...

We all want to know how we can increase our donations, and these days we especially want to know how to increase our online donations. According to Brady Josephson with NextAfter, this all starts with understanding why donors give - - - and why they decide to not give. Join us for today's discussion about why donors do (or do not) give and get actionable tips that can help you unlock your greatest...

A few weeks ago we postponed our regularly scheduled episode and asked Listeners to amplify black voices that week instead. Shortly after, nonprofit accountant extraordinaire, Germeen Guillaume, reached out to me to discuss the diversity, equity, and inclusion issues she sees plaguing the nonprofit sector.  Listen in as we consider the bias that exists in nonprofits, for POC and the sector as a wh...

What would you do if your online donations quintupled? Well, write down those ideas because with us today is Shane Michael, a website and fundraising guru. He and his organization, Mittun, have helped hundreds of clients increase their online donations and today he shares two tips that are proven to help increase your online donations.

Small and medium-sized nonprofits face unique fundraising challenges and all too often overcompensate in ways that can cause lasting damage. Today's guest, Patton McDowell, is not only a nonprofit podcast sensation himself, but a fundraising expert. Patton shares 4 simple tips to accomplish efficient and effective fundraising: adopt an achievable fundraising strategy, use positive messaging,  prop...

Are you tired of how your nonprofit manages its data? Are you considering adopting a new, or perhaps your first, CRM? Then today's episode is for you! Maureen Wallbeoff is an expert in both nonprofits and the technologies that help them thrive. Today she shares tips to help you love your next CRM. When you listen in you will hear how to select a CRM, how to make the change successfully, and a few...

We don't need to tell you that COVID-19 has created, well, a lot of challenges.  But today's guest, Joan Garry, also points out that it has created a lot of opportunity in that it has given us the gift of time.  By using this time to creatively engage donors, volunteers, and other key stakeholders, she suggests you can come out stronger "on the other side."  So listen in for tips and ideas on how...

"What's a reverse podcast?"    Earlier this year, Patton McDowell interviewed me for his podcast, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership. He released the episode on his feed last week, and I'm releasing his episode on the Successful Nonprofits Podcast feed with Patton's permission.   Patton interviews me about how to best engage your board members and build your organization in these challenging times....

Looking to shake up your fundraising strategy?  Then get some inspiration from a political campaign!  I know, I know.  You're probably thinking that political and nonprofit fundraising are worlds apart.  And you are right, there is no doubt that they are very different. But there is also no doubt that we have much to learn from each other.  Today's guest, Perry Monastero, has successfully raised f...

Trauma is all around us, especially right now.  It doesn't matter your age, income level, color, gender, political ideology, religion, or nationality.  Trauma affects everyone.  The very nature of nonprofit work assures that we regularly, if not daily, encounter colleagues and clients who have experienced trauma.  So what can you do to make sure that you and your organization respect and empower p...

Instead of bringing our regularly scheduled episode on Trauma Informed organizations with Kate Dougherty, I am using the podcast to focus on the tragic killings that have thrust Black Lives Matter into the headlines and to amplify black voices. Looking back on New Year's Eve, who among us thought that we would be where we find ourselves today? That a pandemic would sweep across the globe. That the...

Is your next annual gala at risk of being canceled due to COVID-19? Well then listen in before you do anything!  As today's guest, Dean Crownover, points out, virtual fundraising events are working like gangbusters!  So join us to learn how virtual fundraising events are structured, what you can expect to spend, what you can expect to earn, and the best practices you can adopt to make your next fu...

Are you considering a career change?  Looking for something with a little more purpose and passion? How about a career in the nonprofit sector!? Today's guest, Ellen McCarty, discusses her process for helping professionals make the switch from the for-profit to the nonprofit sector.  Join us as we delve into the culture and common myths of working at a nonprofit and see if this career path might b...

Looking to boost your incoming donations?  Not sure how to do that given our uncertain economic climate?  Then check out today's episode on legacy giving.  Join Lori Kranczer, lawyer and legacy giving expert, to hear her tips for creating and marketing an effective legacy giving campaign. 

Let's talk money.  We all need more money.  We all want more money.  We all hate to ask for money.  But making that ask is essential for every nonprofit's day-to-day programming and long term sustainability.  Listen in on our conversation with Dr. Shantell Chambliss, a self-described "sustainability junkie," for expert tips on how to support your team of solicitors as they prepare for and conduct...

Does your organization sometimes struggle to get results – despite having a talented, dedicated team and a phenomenal strategy?  Today's guest, Leslie MacKrell, explains how your operating model, or lack of one, often stands in your way.  Join her as she asks tough questions and looks for honest answers about what you need, what you have, and how you can make up the difference.  So, put on your Op...

As  leaders and nonprofit organizations, we are facing uncertain and difficult times ahead. All organizations face periods of hardship, but an unprecedented number of nonprofits are wondering how they will survive.  And, beyond that, how can they possibly thrive again?  If you are feeling alone, please know that you are not.  And know that there is hope.  To prove it, Toni Pergolin shares her expe...

As this episode is released, the US Congress is nearing a deal to reopen the Payroll Protection Program with an additional $300 billion of funding. This episode offers important strategies for accessing PPP funds, reducing expenses without harming staff and raising more funds quickly. Highlights: (7:23) Know your burn rate and cash flow projections (10:00 ) Actionable ideas for cutting your expens...

If you've worked in the nonprofit sector, even for just a few years, then you have probably experienced burnout at least once.  Some people are able to push through it, but many eventually decide to leave their jobs, their fields, or nonprofit work altogether.  Therefore, it is imperative for everyone, from team members to team leaders, to take preventative measures.  Today Diane Leonard joins us...