Political Candidates and Events – with Guest Expert April Mastroluca

It’s guest expert time! This week, Stacey is joined by April Mastroluca, Chief Solution Finder at Synergy Nonprofit Consulting to talk about the convergence of political campaign season and gala event season. Are there rules about ads in programs? Should we recognize elected officials and candidates who attend our events? What should we do if a candidate antagonistic to our mission wants to attend an event? Should we ever provide complimentary tickets to elected officials? That’s a lot of questions, but the podcast is even better when you send yours to us: questions@nonprofiteverything.com. Thanks for listening! (And don’t miss the show notes this week. They’re jam packed with good infromation!)

Buying Mailing Lists

Should we be buying mailing lists to expand our reach, or is that a tactic from the olden days? Stacey and Andy certainly have some thoughts! Also this week, we talk about how strict to be when using the words “evidence based program” (in that exact order) and disagree strongly on the utility of exit interviews. We’re awarding ten points if you can guess which one of us thinks they’re a waste of time. We’re thankful that you’ve chosen to spend time with us today, and don’t forget to send your questions to questions@nonprofiteverything.com.

When is a Sponsorship a Donation?

Is there some magic language we can use to magically make a sponsorship tax deductible? Andy and Stacey have some thoughts. Also this week, we find out how to see who’s sharing your nonprofit mission and why its important, and try not to get buried in accounting speak when discussing split-interest agreements! Thanks for joining us, and don’t forget to send any and all questions to questions@nonprofiteverything.com.

Emeritus Boards

Is there some use for emeritus boards? Stacey and Andy have thoughts! Also this week, a new nonprofit wonders what kind on insurance coverage they should have, we find out how to determine when a contribution should be officially received, and discuss how frequently a board chair should meet with the executive director (is quadrennially too often?) Thanks for joining us this week, and be sure to send your nonprofit questions to questions@nonprofiteverything.com!

Boring Meetings

Are your staff meetings snoozers? One of our listeners has this challenge and Stacey and Andy are here to help! (Can we make them more dangerous — like with fire?) Also this week, we discuss the historical antecedents of hierarchical organizational charts, and chat about the pros and cons of giving refunds for program events. Do you have questions? Send them to us at questions@nonprofiteverything.com.

Cancel our Capital Campaign?

When a long-time donor changes priorities and it puts the capital campaign in jeopardy is there anything you can do? Stacey and Andy have some ideas. Also this week, what’s the best way to deal with some good old-fashioned nonprofit competition (other than a dance-off?) And finally, are we going to hurt the executive director’s feelings if we let him know that some volunteers have scored him poorly on his review? Join us this week and find out! As always, questions are welcome — the more complicated the better!

Gathering Client Stories

Is there a thoughtful and ethical way to use client stories in grantwriting? Stacey and Andy have a few thoughts. Also this week, we talk about ways to get past the gatekeeper when a job posting has unreasonable requirements. Keep sending those questions and posting those reviews. We really appreciate it (and read every single one!)

A Better Holiday Party?

Have you just suffered through another boring, uninspiring office holiday party? Well your fellow listeners have a question crafted just for you: Is there a way to make the nonprofit holiday party into something good? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, Stacey answers a question about rules we should be following about board quorum (it’s not as boring as it sounds!) and we find out about all different kinds of financial audits. Thinking of getting us a present? Andy and Stacey asked Santa for questions, reviews and shares. See you in 2024!

Build a Relationship or Ask For Money?

This week we’ve got a new and exciting format for you! Stacey and Andy camped out at a table at the Alliance for Nevada Nonprofits Fall Conference, and used the opportunity to chat with some up-and-coming nonprofit leaders. Join us for a free-flowing conversation (and a few questions, too!)