How are nonprofit arts organizations different? with Guest Expert Alan Harrison

Are there fundamental differences between the board responsibilities of an arts nonprofit and a regular old charitable one? This week Andy is joined by guest expert and author of Scene Change Alan Harrison to get this question answered properly. You might need to listen twice, because this episode goes deep — court cases clarifying nonprofit law, the patronage system, and whether “art for arts sake” qualifies as a charitable mission. Thanks again for joining us this week! Please send us your questions and check out the show notes at NonprofitEverything.com.

What does a new board need to know?

Are there things we need to know when bringing in our first ever board? Stacey has thoughts. Also this week, we talk about internal controls for an organization with one staff member, and whether or not to submit a report for a grant that doesn’t actually require one. And finally, Andy gets tricked into answering a question about gala auctioneers. Thanks for joining us this week, and please send your questions to questions@NonprofitEverything.com.

Hiring a First Development Director

After starting a brand new nonprofit and filing the paperwork, what’s next? Stacey and Andy will get you pointed in the right direction. Also this week, we talk about things to think about when hiring your first ever development professional, and whether or not it is appropriate to have a staff member also serve on the organization’s board. Thanks for joining us this week, and please don’t forget to send your questions to questions@nonprofiteverything.com!

Donor Advised Funds

Are donor advised funds good or evil? That’s a big question, and Stacey and Andy definitely have some thoughts. Also, we talk about strategies for filling vacant committee leadership positions (it’s tough!) and Stacey has some tips for getting a geographically dispersed board all on the same page. Thanks for joining us this week, and don’t forget to send any and all nonprofit questions to questions@nonprofiteverything.com!

What Committees Should Be Board Run?

If there’s something more terrifying than having to tell a grantor that they’re wrong, we haven’t heard of it. Is it even possible to push back on a state agency interpreting a federal grant incorrectly? Stacy and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, we talk about when it’s appropriate for the board to lead committees, and Andy goes off on a tangent about needing to get three bids for things. Thanks for joining us this week, and please don’t forget to send your 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!

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.

New Manager is Too Quiet!

What are some board status quo things that need to change? Stacey has some ideas! Also, we have some strategies for helping a new manager that’s too quiet. Andy has thoughts on what financial policies are required, and we’ve included an encore answer (from June 2020) by Guest Expert John Waldron!

Topics:
  • What should we do to shake up a static board?
  • How do I handle a new manager that won’t speak up?
  • What financial policies should we have in place?
  • Taking a stand on social justice issues, with Guest Expert John Waldron (Encore!)

Managing Two Very Different Employees

What are the most important questions your board and staff should be able to answer about your organization? Stacey has some thoughts! Also, this week we talk about how to manage two very different employees, and continue our nonprofit startup conversation with a question about what a board member should look for in a startup nonprofit board.

Topics:
  • What questions about our organization should our board and staff be able to answer?
  • What should a prospective board member be looking for in a nonprofit startup?
  • How do I manage two employees who are completely different?