Should I Get an Advanced Degree in Nonprofit Management?

It’s a four-question episode! This week, Andy shares the secret to developing an good nonprofit investment policy, and Stacey has some thoughts on how to keep a partnership from going wrong. Also, we talk about how to get verbal messages to stick with donors, and tackle one potentially expensive question: Is it worth it to get a graduate degree in nonprofit management? (And before you listen to the episode, try to guess what Andy and Stacey will say…) Thanks for joining us!

Selecting Fundraising Software with Guest Expert Peter Schiano of Tech Impact

Raiser’s Edge or Salesforce? Or something else? This week, Stacey is joined by Guest Expert Peter Schiano, Senior Consultant at Tech Impact. Not only does Peter address how to select a CRM solution, he provides some great insights on software acquisition, customization, pitfalls, and a drops a mean mythology metaphor. Other topics include: How do I right size my solution for my growing nonprofit? Is there any unbiased analysis available? And where can I get some free stuff?

Avoiding Founder’s Syndrome

Every once in a while we get a question that just warms our little hearts. And this week, a new nonprofit is already thinking about avoiding founder’s syndrome! Also, we talk about whether or not passthrough grants are allowed to be anonymous, and Stacey has some thoughts about how to avoid going after grants you really shouldn’t be going after.

Specific Appeals that are Still Undesignated? – With Guest Expert Barbara O’Reilly

A couple of weeks ago we talked about accidentally restricting donations with an appeal, and this week week we continue the theme! Stacey talks to Guest Expert Barbara O’Reilly, CFRE, Founder and Principal of Windmill Hill Consulting, LLC about how to write specific fundraising appeals while still keeping contributions undesignated. Also this week, Stacey stumps Andy with a question about non-financial conflict of interest policies.

Can We Put Our Executive Director on Commission?

It’s the last episode of 2022 and we crammed in four whole questions! This week, Andy mentions about a few nonprofit-specific year-end accounting tasks (don’t worry, it’s short). We also answer a question about accidentally restricting donations, and talk up the benefits of a consent agenda for your board. Finally, we’re pretty sure someone lobbed us a question just to get us worked up for our end of year show.

Should Staff Have a Voice in Hiring the New Executive Director?

Doesn’t it seem weird that the people most affected by a change in leadership are the ones with no say in the matter? Stacey and Andy seem to think so. Also this week, Stacey has some ideas about how to use storytelling in your appeals when you’re too new to have actual stories. Finally, Andy gets completely triggered by what could have been a simple math question, but instead turns into a history lesson about internal controls. (It’s better than it sounds.) Join us!

Is this UBI?

When a funder asks for a single number for the “budget”, what exactly do they want? We have some thoughts! Also, this week we turn a question about red flags to watch out for when considering an ED position into an excuse to complain about things! Finally, if you’re having trouble sleeping, Stacey and Andy have just the IRS publication for you!

Hosting a Fundraiser in a Different State

You think your nonprofit is a mess? Wait until you hear this question — while it masquerades as a technical query about verbal resignations and bylaws, it gets weird fast! Also this week, Stacey and Andy share some thoughts about fundraising in a different state than the one you’re incorporated in, and we find out whether or not you are allowed to raise money before you actually get your determination letter back from the IRS.

Setting Goals for a New Development Person

Ah, the age-old question — how do we set development goals when we’ve never had a development person before? Believe it or not, Stacey and Andy have some ideas! Also this week, we talk about how to handle naming rights when you’re renovating a building that already has a name. Finally, we tackle a particularly sensitive question that, frankly, is going to be a little uncomfortable for everybody. Sounds fun, right?

Responding to Memorial Gifts

What’s the best way to respond to memorial gifts? Stacey has some (non-ghoulish) thoughts. Also this week, Andy and Stacey have a minor disagreement about whether or not a nonprofit job is good for a person looking to advance in their career, and we find out how to train up a brand-new board member!