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Resources for Nonprofit Directors

103+ New Email Subscribers In A Week – Here’s How! [Video]

Stop relying on your newsletter opt-in to trickle in new emails & watch 100+ people join your list in just 7 days! Join my FREE 45-minute live training on 2/20 to learn how: https://positiveequation.com/webinarAlready know you want guidance to launch your own ads – Join my Grow My List Ads Challenge in March: https://positiveequation.com/grow-your-list-challenge

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How to Raise Funds for Non-profit

Michael Goff’s Boston Marathon Fundraiser 2024 – week 14! [Video]

14th video for 2024 fundraising for the Boston Bulldogs! Thank you again for helping me hit my fundraising goal! Now let’s help my teammates hit theirs! Go to https://www.givengain.com/campaign/bostonbulldogs2024 to learn more about them and contribute to their fundraisers.I’ll still be doing weekly updates, so feel free to subscribe to stay in the loop!I’m excited to be running the Boston Marathon in 2024 to raise money for the Boston Bulldogs, a co-ed 501(c)3 non-profit running club established to provide an anonymous and safe community of support for all those adversely affected by addiction – those in recovery, their families and friends, the clinical community and the community at large.​ The Club promotes an integrated approach to wellness and self-leadership in recovery on a journey to discover the kind-hearted warrior and true potential within each of us.Learn more: https://www.givengain.com/campaign/bostonbulldogs2024

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Resources for Nonprofit Directors

Investing In Donor Retention And Gratitude! [Video]

The importance of viewing donor gratitude as an investment in NPO’s is the topic in this lively chat with Lynne Wester, the principal and founder of Donor Relations Group. Lynne joined the hosts to share her insights on donor retention and how gratitude plays a significant role in it. Lynne starts the conversation by highlighting the power of gratitude and its various forms of expression, emphasizing that donors need to be thanked consistently and genuinely. She shares a personal anecdote about her upbringing and how her mother instilled gratitude in her from a young age, connecting it to her career in donor relations. The hosts and Lynne review the misconception that gratitude is a seasonal gesture, particularly around the holidays, and how it should be a continuous practice embedded in an organization’s culture. Lynne stresses that “gratitude is a lifestyle choice”, which, when embraced, not only makes individuals happier but also encourages donors to remain loyal to an organization. They touch base onto the question of whether gratitude is generational, with Lynne noting that it’s more about industry practices than generational differences. She emphasizes the need for nonprofits to prioritize gratitude and pointed out that treating donors with appreciation should precede building a culture of philanthropy. Lynne goes on to say that gratitude should not be confined to specific seasons, calling for a shift in mindset, where nonprofits focus on fostering an “attitude of gratitude” before striving for a full-fledged culture of philanthropy, then pointing out that gratitude is one of the foundational elements of retaining donors, she shared the concept of “seven thank-you’s before an ask”, underscoring that donor retention is more critical than the amount of money raised. The discussion wraps up with an emphasis on tangible tools like thank-you notes and the long-lasting impact they can have on donors. Lynne also speaks about her podcast, “Fundraising is Funny,” where she and her co-host humorously explore the quirks and challenges of the fundraising profession.You can also listen to the show on your favorite podcast channel. Additionally, the American Nonprofit Academy provides news, inspiration, and training for the nonprofit and social impact community.#fundraising #nonprofit #socialimpact

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Resources for Nonprofit Directors

What Media Sponsors Want From Nonprofits! [Video]

A revealing and fun discussion on the value and process of media sponsorships for your nonprofit. Julia Patrick, the CEO of the American Nonprofit Academy, takes us through the intricacies of what media sponsors truly desire and the potential they hold for nonprofits. “Connectivity is key,” Julia begins, as she elaborates on the importance of connecting with media outlets, those gateways to vast audiences. Whether it’s through TV, radio, digital media, or even sports franchises like the NBA or MLB, these media titans wield the power to connect you with their audience like never before. Julia’s recounts a hilarious incident involving her own daughter being approached by an event chair to be their media partner – an unforgettable tale of mishaps in the world of media partnerships! Host Jarrett Ransom shares in expressing how media partnerships could be a game-changer for nonprofits, focusing questions on when is the best time to approach a media partners. The conversation shifts to data, and Julia shares how nonprofits need to paint a clear picture of their donor base, showcasing their interests, demographics, and economic impact. Media partners want this valuable data to ensure a perfect alignment of values and mission. But the curveball of the day comes when Jarrett asks about social media influencers. Julia’s response is a cautious one – pointing out the flaws that may be hiding from the opportunity. . . . . . it might not be the right fit.You can also listen to the show on your favorite podcast channel. Additionally, the American Nonprofit Academy provides news, inspiration, and training for the nonprofit and social impact community.#fundraising #nonprofit #socialimpact

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Resources for Nonprofit Directors

How The Nonprofit Sector Fared In 2023! [Video]

In a thought-provoking conversation, Jennifer Alleva, CEO and Managing Partner of Your Part-Time Controller, reflects back on the ever-evolving nonprofit sector of 2023. Jennifer unveils the transformative changes taking place within nonprofit organizations, exploring the significance of technology, transparency, and internal controls as nonprofits navigate present and future challenges. Jennifer outlines the pivotal role that technology, particularly generative AI, is playing in reshaping the nonprofit landscape. She discusses the profound impact of ChatGPT and other generative AI products, emphasizing their ability to enhance donor interactions, boost website engagement, and facilitate data analysis. Jennifer passionately encourages nonprofits to embrace these cutting-edge technologies to revolutionize their operations. A central theme that emerges is the imperative for greater transparency within the nonprofit sector. Jennifer points out that many donors harbor reservations about trusting charities, which is why nonprofits should proactively provide comprehensive information regarding their financial management and programmatic activities. She passionately states, “Transparency is key. It’s all about building trust.” Jennifer also digs into the pressing issue of staffing shortages within the nonprofit sector, particularly in the realm of financial management. She suggests that nonprofits can tackle this challenge by investing in technology and utilizing fractional team members to fill the gaps. As the conversation unfolds, Jennifer shares a compelling story about the Brett Favre case in Mississippi, underscoring the critical importance of internal controls and proper segregation of duties in financial management. She emphasizes the need for vigilance, stating, “Internal controls are crucial to prevent such situations.” When asked by host Jarrett Ransom of changes for their firm in 2024, Jennifer expresses her enthusiasm about the ongoing growth and innovation at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC.com), highlighting their unwavering commitment to serving nonprofits and providing innovative solutions.You can also listen to the show on your favorite podcast channel. Additionally, the American Nonprofit Academy provides news, inspiration, and training for the nonprofit and social impact community.#fundraising #nonprofit #socialimpact

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Resources for Nonprofit Directors

The GivingTuesday Strategies You Need To Try In 2023 with Woodrow Rosenbaum [Video]

Listen to a SNEAK PEEK of Missions to Movements Podcast Ep 90 with GivingTuesday’s Woodrow Rosenbaum! Listen to the full episode here: https://positiveequation.com/the-givingtuesday-strategies-you-need-to-try-in-2023/Woodrow Rosenbaum, the Chief Data Officer for GivingTuesday, is BACK and he’s offering us incredible insights from their team’s research to support your 2023 GivingTuesday efforts. The findings unveil a concerning trend – fewer donors, but more money, potentially undermining the resilience of the nonprofit sector. If you’re looking to increase your donor engagement without seeming invasive, this conversation will nudge you in the right direction.Tune in, get inspired, and start making a bigger impact today!#nonprofitmarketing #podcast #fundraising

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Resources for Nonprofit Directors

Testing Your Nonprofit’s Marketing Plan! [Video]

Focusing on the significance of ongoing testing and measurement in nonprofit marketing, Jill Crumbacher, the Senior VP of Marketing and Development at the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, shares how they boost fundraising and brand awareness in this Nonprofit Power Week episode! Jill begins, stating "We have to test our marketing because there are two key components to raising money. We have to have a lot of market fundraising efforts, which the marketing team supports all of those through all of their channels… But also, to fundraise, you have to have brand awareness, somebody's got to know who you are, and that is 100% a marketing function.". She continues, highlighting that revenue is just one part of the equation. She details how their organization has a marketing team and a fundraising team, totaling around 22 employees, and these two teams work closely together. One key aspect of their testing involves evaluating the effectiveness of different creative elements in marketing campaigns, such as fonts, colors, and messaging. They use surveys to measure if audiences remember their organization's name after exposure to various marketing materials. Jill also emphasizes the importance of consistency in branding across different channels and the need to adapt creative elements for different mediums, such as direct mail, email, and digital advertising. She suggests conducting tests whenever entering a new channel and retesting every 18 months to two years to stay updated with changing trends. Additionally, Jill shares examples on how nonprofits can leverage their corporate partners for research opportunities, as many of them have access to resources that can aid in testing and research efforts. You can also listen to the show on your favorite podcast channel. Additionally, the American Nonprofit Academy provides news, inspiration, and training for the nonprofit and social impact community. #marketing #nonprofit #socialimpact

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Resources for Nonprofit Directors

Questions From Nonprofits This Week! [Video]

From interim CEO’s to annual reviews, host Julia Patrick and guest co-host Tony Beall, tackle this week’s questions from nonprofits: Interim CEO or Board Member: A board in Palo Alto is facing a CEO retirement without a replacement. They’re debating whether to hire an interim CEO or have a board member step in. Tony advises going for an interim CEO if the budget allows. He suggests a minimum of six months for the interim role and emphasizes clear expectations to avoid too many changes during this transition period. Volunteer NDAs: Charlie from San Antonio, TX, running a Human Services shelter, wonders if requiring volunteers to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) might discourage them. Tony suggests integrating NDAs into the volunteer application process for convenience. He highlights that NDAs can be vital to protect the organization’s interests. Donor Perspective on Other Nonprofits: An anonymous submission from Chicago describes a major donor asking about donating to another nonprofit. Tony encourages embracing the trust implied by the donor’s question. He advises encouraging the donor to seek similar qualities in the other nonprofit while expanding their philanthropic footprint. CEO’s Annual Review: An anonymous question from Columbus, OH, addresses who should conduct the CEO’s annual review and how to do it. Tony recommends that the board chair lead the process and suggests forming a smaller committee for efficiency. He emphasizes the importance of a CEO self-appraisal and a committee review to ensure a thorough evaluation.You can also listen to the show on your favorite podcast channel. Additionally, the American Nonprofit Academy provides news, inspiration, and training for the nonprofit and social impact community.#fundraising #nonprofit #socialimpact

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Resources for Nonprofit Directors

Year-End Fundraising Drill Down – Day Two! [Video]

In this second part of the Nonprofit Drill Down series, the hosts are joined by Muhi Khwaja, a seasoned trainer at Fundraising Academy and co-founder of the American Muslim Community Foundation. This fast-paced episode dives deeper into the strategies and tactics for powerful end-of-year fundraising. The discussion begins with an emphasis on the importance of not abandoning the core principles of fundraising, even during year-end campaigns. Muhi highlights the significance of the “Donor Cultivation Cycle” as a tool to strengthen donor relationships, focusing on understanding donor interests and connections to the mission. The conversation then shifts to the importance of stewardship in year-end fundraising. Muhi explains the value of recognizing donors’ giving anniversaries as an opportunity to engage with them personally. He recommends using various communication channels, such as phone calls, emails, handwritten letters, and social media, to maintain regular contact and express gratitude. He advises tailoring the approach to suit donors’ preferences and using tools like Hootsuite to streamline social media posting. The hosts and Muhi Khwaja also discuss how to effectively steward donors after fundraising events, including sending thank-you messages and providing updates on the impact of their contributions. This valuable learning episode wraps-up with a fascinating discussion about recruiting a year-end campaign committee by engaging donors or board members to share testimonials and stories about their support for the organization. This personal touch not only strengthens donor relationships but can also lead to adding new prospects to the database.You can also listen to the show on your favorite podcast channel. Additionally, the American Nonprofit Academy provides news, inspiration, and training for the nonprofit and social impact community.#fundraising #nonprofit #socialimpact

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Resources for Nonprofit Directors

RAISE! One Cause Conference – Day 1 [Video]

In an electrifying kick-off to the 2023 annual One Cause ‘Raise’ Conference in Nashville, Nonprofit Show host Jarrett Ransom helped welcome enthusiastic nonprofit professionals from around the country to this epic two-day event. With the city’s rich musical history as the backdrop, the conference set the stage for a memorable experience of connecting and learning. Jarrett Ransom, CEO of the Rayvan Group and your self-proclaimed “nonprofit nerd,” shares the Day 1 experience—with a live broadcast from the event. Emily Newberry, Vice President of National Accounts at OneCause.com, joined Jarrett on the broadcast stage, sharing her 12-year journey with the organization. She described how the Raise Conference has grown exponentially since its inception seven years ago in Washington, DC, with this year boasting over 600 attendees. The theme of innovation was buzzing throughout the event. Emily noted that nonprofits and fundraisers are embracing technology and innovation more than ever before, driven by the expectations of both donors and the evolving landscape, especially in the wake of COVID-19. Barbara O’Reilly, founder of Windmill Hill Consulting, and LaShonda Williams from the Fundraising Academy at National University added to the conference’s dynamic atmosphere. Barbara and LaShonda both lead sessions on the age-old debate of “Old School vs. New School” fundraising, highlighting the importance of integrating technology effectively into fundraising strategies. Throughout the conference, attendees are soaking up knowledge, connecting with industry leaders, and discovering innovative tools and strategies to boost their organizations’ impact. The palpable energy in the air, coupled with Nashville’s vibrant culture, has created an unforgettable experience for all. Don’t miss tuning in for Day Two, as the One Cause Raise Conference continues to inspire nonprofit professionals to revolutionize the world of philanthropy!You can also listen to the show on your favorite podcast channel. Additionally, the American Nonprofit Academy provides news, inspiration, and training for the nonprofit and social impact community.#fundraising #nonprofit #socialimpact

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Resources for Nonprofit Directors

Nonprofit’s Questions Of The Week [Video]

Our guest co-host for today’s Ask and Answered Show is Hannah Berger CFRE, a seasoned professional in the nonprofit sector. Hannah is not only a trainer at Fundraising Academy, National University, but also the President of the Philanthropy Coach. She brings more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit field to the table.In this episode, we discuss a range of topics:The Value of Designations: Hannah shares her journey and insights about the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation. She talks about how the CFRE designation can be a significant door-opener and a third-party validation of a fundraiser’s expertise. Hannah emphasizes that it’s not just about the designation but the experience and knowledge it represents.Wealth Screening Tools: We explore the pros and cons of using wealth screening digital tools. Hannah and Jarrett discuss when it’s appropriate to invest in such tools, considering the stage and sophistication of your fundraising efforts. They also stress the importance of personal connections and understanding donors beyond wealth indicators.Speaking at Community Groups: The hosts address the concern of a nonprofit professional who is leaving their organization after submitting a proposal to speak at a national conference. They highlight the importance of open communication with conference organizers and how one’s expertise and presentation quality matter more than their current job title.Engaging with Service Clubs: The hosts tackle the dilemma of whether it’s valuable to send leadership to speak at service clubs like Rotary and Kiwanis. They underscore the benefits of networking with civic-minded communities, fostering relationships, and expanding your nonprofit’s reach.This Ask & Answer episode is packed with practical advice, personal experiences, and insightful perspectives from Hanna Berger and Jarrett Ransom. Tune in and you’ll gain valuable knowledge that can elevate your nonprofit management and fundraising efforts.You can also listen to the show on your favorite podcast channel. Additionally, the American Nonprofit Academy provides news, inspiration, and training for the nonprofit and social impact community.#fundraising #nonprofit #socialimpact