Nonprofit Lowdown

"What about fee-for-service?"   If you've ever heard this in a board or staff meeting, then this episode is for you.  We talk with Brian Joseph, Co-Founder and CEO and Lizzie Honan, Regional Director NYC of RevJen about how to think about launching a fee-generating venture within your nonprofit.  We discuss the internal decisions, how to staff and train properly and how sales is unlike fundraising.  This is an insightful and thoughtful interview that sheds light on the mysteries of fee-for-service. To learn more about RevJen, visit: https://revjen.com/ To download their Infinity Model, visit: shorturl.at/dhuK9 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nonprofitlowdown/support

How is fundraising like dating?  From first meeting to courtship to finally "sealing the deal" Jonah and I take a humorous perspective on major gift fundraising.  Learn how to avoid the most common pitfalls (i.e. talking too much about yourself) and learn why I call major gift fundraising the "jazz" of the development world.  Remember, people, it's not about the money--it's about the relationships!  Jonah is smart, experienced, insightful and fun.  You'll enjoy this energetic conversation about how to romance your donors so they keep coming back for more. For more about Jonah, visit: altruicity.com To get a free chapter of Jonah's book, visit: https://www.dateyourdonors.com/  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nonprofitlowdown/support

It's a whole new gala world where fundraisers are online, formal wear means your house slippers and hosts are the size of your screen.  The pandemic has made the entire gala industry pivot in ways we couldn't imagine.  Join me and Benjamin Ryan Nathan, founder of All of Us Films, as we discuss some of the successes and failures of virtual galas.  Ben runs a production company that did eight virtual galas from March to December and he shares some of his lessons learned.  We talk about how much we can expect to raise, where to really spend the money for a quality gala and some pitfalls he's experienced.  For all of you planning virtual galas, this is a must-listen. To find Ben, check out: AllOfUsFilms.com To download the virtual gala checklist, click here or shorturl.at/gmxyW --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nonprofitlowdown/support

This one is for all of you aspiring nonprofit founders.  In this episode, we serve up a hefty dose of reality about what it takes to found and run a successful nonprofit organization.  News flash: running a nonprofit is actually running a small business.  We speak with new founder, Kenneth Brown, about everything he's learned in the first year of his nonprofit and Andrea Ortega who helps founders establish 501c3s.  We chat about how much time is spent on fundraising, how to deal with rejection and the reality of funding (spoiler alert: grant money will not fall out of the sky into your lap).  This is an important one if you're thinking about starting up a nonprofit of your own.   --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nonprofitlowdown/support

True story: on top of my nonprofit work, I'm an aspiring stand-up comedian.  And, lemme tell ya, it's rough out there for a comic.  Join me and fellow stand-up comedian and Chief Story Smith Carlos Maestas to talk about how to be a better communicator.  We talk about how to find your own story, why it's a good idea to not take yourself too seriously and how to get out of pitch mode and into real connection with funders.  This interview was a ton of fun and jam-packed with value bombs for those looking to be better storytellers, and communicators. For more about Carlos and to get his book, check it out here: https://www.keyideas.net/ To see Carlos's very funny work for the Human Services Council, check it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gELZnORV4U&feature=youtu.be --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nonprofitlowdown/support

Join me and George "In the Mix" Suttles to talk about a very important topic.  We discuss the myths of the lack of BIPOC talent, how to set BIPOC leaders up for success and how to celebrate leadership reclamation.  This is a hugely important topic for the sector because if we say that we want to center Black and brown leadership, then we have to be prepared to do business differently.  This conversation is honest, bold and asks important questions that will challenge the status quo. For more about George, connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgesuttles/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nonprofitlowdown/support

This summer, after George Floyd's murder, everyone started looking for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) consultants for their teams and organizations.  Not coincidentally, all of a sudden, there were a whole bunch of people calling themselves DEI experts.  Join me as I chat with Naté Hoover about how to assess whether a DEI consultant is actually skilled, how to know when your organization and its leadership is "ready" for it and how NOT to do equity work.  Naté is a long-time DEI consultant and HR expert who shares valuable insight.  This is a must-listen before you hire your next DEI consultant. Here is the article that Naté referenced: https://www.mckensiemack.com/our-blog/2020/8/26/thinking-of-hiring-an-anti-racism-consultant-read-this-first To connect with Naté, here's her LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/l-nate-hoover-shrm-scp-sphr-pmp-ctmd-mbti/ For more about Mckensie Mack Group: https://www.mckensiemack.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nonprofitlowdown/support

Ah, founders...they are the stuff of legend.  The ones who birth a nonprofit, nurture it through its infancy and watch it grow.  But, what happens when founders move on?  Today, we're talking with Anne Eidelman, CEO and Elandria Jackson Charles, VP of Development and External Affairs of Blue Engine about what happens when a charismatic founder moves on.  What are some of the lessons learned for Anne as she stepped into the role and forged her own path forward?  How did she manage board, funder, staff and client expectations and how did she become her own kind of ED?  We talk with Anne and Elandria about what went well, what they wished they had done differently and how to help an organization to thrive after a founder leaves. For more on Anne's perspective in SSIR: https://ssir.org/articles/entry/when_moving_a_nonprofit_forward_means_altering_the_founders_course --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nonprofitlowdown/support

If a picture is worth a thousand words, what's a beautiful video worth?  We're visual animals and there's nothing more inspiring than beautiful visual stories that can move us.  Join me and expert Rachel Jellinek to discuss the art of vulnerable storytelling, what three stories your nonprofit should be telling and how to veer away from the poverty porn that is so embedded in our nonprofit culture. To find Rachel, check out her website: https://reflectionfilmsonline.com/ Here are links that Rachel mentions in the interview: https://communitycentricfundraising.org/ http://trabianshorters.com/asset-framing/ https://www.ted.com/talks/stella_young_i_m_not_your_inspiration_thank_you_very_much?language=en --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nonprofitlowdown/support

Summer 2020: everyone is putting out anti-racist statements on their websites and blacking out their IG feeds.  Fine, but what does it ACTUALLY mean to start the journey of being an anti-racist organization?  What does personal and professional DEI work look like for organizations?  Expert consultants Tracey Allard and George Hsieh talk about their experiences of their anti-racist DEI work at Community Resource Exchange and how they help other nonprofits to do the work.  We talk about fighting the urge to rush through the process in order to be "done", how to have uncomfortable conversations with your boss, board or funders about DEI issues.  This is such a timely and rich conversation that all of us need to have now. For more about CRE's statement: https://www.crenyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CREs-Commitment-Version-3.0-1017.pdf For more information about our sponsor and to sign up for The Louder Pledge, visit: thelouderpledge.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nonprofitlowdown/support

Hi folks, Today's episode is a brief solo show about time and money.  I've gotten a real bug up my butt about the scarcity mindset that we see in nonprofits.  It shows up everywhere from the way we talk about time and money.  What would it take for us to tell ourselves different stories and how could we shift our relationship with time and money to one of intentionality and abundance?  Let me know if this resonates with you and, if so, I'll be doing future podcasts on this topic. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nonprofitlowdown/support

Join me and my buddy Heather Malin as we talk about her transition from a dog-enthusiast to a major gift fundraiser.  We talk about some of the common mistakes of fundraisers, how to turn your board into your biggest fundraisers and advocates and why people wait too long to ask.  Need some inspiration to go ask for that $$?  Listen to this one! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nonprofitlowdown/support

Join me and my friend Benny Vasquez, long-time educator and current Chief Equity Officer at the KIPP Foundation, as we discuss what it means to be anti-racist on a personal and organizational level.  Benny offers his perspectives as a lifelong educator and passionate DEI activist.  In this conversation we discuss: The role of white people in dismantling racism. Specific tips for anti-racist hiring practices. The benefit of white affinity groups and why we don't have time for white fragility. Future visions of Black liberation, Black joy and transformation for all. To get in touch with Benny, check out his LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benny-vasquez-8749a73a/ Also, here is a helpful blog post: https://blog.kipp.org/teamandfamily/36-resources-to-help-with-complex-questions-about-race-and-racism-in-america/ Benny-recommended resources: Rubric of anti-racist organization continuum: https://www.aesa.us/conferences/2013_ac_presentations/Continuum_AntiRacist.pdf My Grandmother's Hands Emergent Strategy This Bridge Called My Back Anti-racist training: Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) Randy Clancy --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nonprofitlowdown/support

Join me and my friend David Hoffman as he shares five ways that your nonprofit can up your media game.  He walks us through his engagement funnel and gives us the keys to creating media (video, photos) that grab your donor's attention and get results.  His advice is actionable and effective to make your message stand out from the crowd.  In this podcast, you'll understand the difference between being interesting and being boring.  Some other stand-out gems include lead with the heart, not with stats.  This episode is packed with value-bombs that will help you attract and engage your desired donor. For more about David, check out: https://citizenracecar.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nonprofitlowdown/support

Note: This episode contains some *adult* content so listener discretion is advised unless you want to have some very interesting conversations with your children. We know what being an ED or a nonprofit executive is tough.  We're called to work miracles on shoestring budgets.  Add COVID on top of that and it's a recipe for burn-out.  What happens when we let work take over our lives and forget our partners in all of it?  Join me and couples therapist Hollie Chambers to talk about self-care, making time for intimacy with your partner and new terminology like, "Thrupple."  You're welcome.  Carve out time to slowdance or give your partner a performance review (they'll LOVE that).  This podcast reminds us all that putting out fires at work isn't always the most important thing.  Do something nice for yourself and your bae today.  Bonus points: you can hear me blush over the sound waves. For more about Hollie: https://www.hollieschambers.us/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nonprofitlowdown/support