Keeping the Newsletter out of the Spam Folder

Andy would never turn down a well-made Spam Musubi, but he and Stacey have some tough love for newsletters that are hitting the junk folder. Also this week, we field a question from a programs person who wants to go for the CEO job — is it possible or advisable? And finally, what happens when you’re a board member who’s friends with the Executive Director, and that Executive Director turns out to be not very good at her job? Stacey and Andy definitely have some thoughts! Thanks for listening, and be sure to send your questions to questions@nonprofiteverything.com!

Who Really Takes the Minutes?

We know that technically the Board Secretary is responsible for the minutes, but I *really* don’t want to. Can’t we just delegate that to staff? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, a question we have never heard before – Should tour guides at nonprofit cultural institutions get to keep their tips? Finally, we get into a deep and fascinating discussion about the possibilities of the Co-Executive Director model (not to be confused with co-eds who might be doing a little modeling on the side.)

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!

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!

Restricted Gifts and Mergers

What happens to restrictions if our nonprofit is acquired by another nonprofit? We have some questions (and answers!) Plus, Stacey and Andy have tips for hiring for an Interim Executive Director, chat about some unconventional reporting structures, and get asked a very personal question. And we had to use the bleep button again this week — pretty soon we’re going to need a swear jar.

Designing a Mission Statement

Our mission statement process is awful! Should we get help? (Nah, Stacey has some tips.) Also, this week we discuss whether a give/get policy will prevent you from getting an effective board, and Andy and Stacey go way off topic answering how to best fundraise for a new Executive Director position.

What percent of grants should we win?

Our board wants to know the percentage of grants a typical organization wins so they can measure us against it. Is there one? Well, we certainly have opinions on that! Also, this week Stacey has some opinions on how to figure out which programs to cut, and we talk about whether or not to rebudget when a new ED arrives.

Responding to a Board Member’s Scandal

One of our board members and prominent donors was involved in a newsworthy scandal and our organization remained quiet. Should we have said something? Stacey and Andy have thoughts! Also this week, we talk about how an executive director should handle a micro-managing founder, and answer an oddly specific question about stacking up consulting engagements. By the way, thanks for listening! We look forward to getting your questions, and would love for you to join us on Discord (see the link in the show notes, or on NonprofitEverything.com)!

Red Flags for Prospective Executive Director

This week, Stacey has some great ideas for appreciating staff! We also discuss red flags to watch out for when looking at accepting an Executive Director position, whether or not our coat drive really needs to be restricted to coats, and Andy & Stacey enthusiastically respond to, “why can’t I be both Board Chair and ED and everybody on the board is related?”

Topics:
  • Idea for appreciating staff – [skipto time="0:00"]
  • Red Flags to watch out for when considering an Executive Director position – [skipto time="6:39"]
  • Our coat drive was too successful, can we unrestrict some of the donations? – [skipto time="16:34"]
  • Can I be board chair and ED and also be related to the whole board? – [skipto time="22:56"]
Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode is sponsored by the Alliance for Nevada Nonprofits job board. Your one-stop shop for the next step in your career! Searching job listings is totally free, and ANN members receive a big discount when posting new jobs. There are dozens of nonprofit jobs available right here in Nevada (and out of state jobs, too!) Check it out at jobs.alliancefornevadanonprofits.com.