Getting the Board to Ask More Questions

Is there a difference between a nonprofit’s “story” and its “elevator pitch?” Stacey has some thoughts. Also this week, we talk about criteria for a recognition wall, and a really big one: how the heck do you get boards to ask more (intelligent) questions!? 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!

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.

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?

Getting a Startup Nonprofit Off the Ground

You’ve got the mission, you’ve got the board, you’ve got the business plan, you’ve got the 510(c)3 letter, now what? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts. Also, we find out whether or not you need written board reports, and once again wade into the shark-infested waters of finance vs. development.

Topics:
  • Is the finance team part of the development team or vice versa? – 0:00
  • How do you get a nonprofit startup off the ground? – 8:09
  • Is it normal for ED reports to the board to be written? – 21:08

Are We Overreporting?

There’s just one big question this week: Are we wasting time generating reports and dashboards nobody ever looks at? And Guest Expert Jason Cho, of Prex Consulting has some ideas for Stacey!

Topics:
  • Are we over-reporting? – 0:00
  • Guest Expert Jason Cho with Prex Consulting? – 7:16

What Does Our Fundraising Staff Do?

What should other staff know about the development function? A lot! Also, this week, Stacey and Andy tackle a topical question about the appropriate way to express sympathy for a death in a donor’s family.

Topics:
  • What does our fundraising staff do? – 0:00
  • What’s the appropriate way to express condolences to a donor? – 14:41
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