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!)

Should the Board Chair Apply for the ED Position?

Summertime doesn’t appear to be the time for Stacey and Andy to relax. Instead, we’ve got big questions to answer! Do nonprofits make common management mistakes? Maybe – Stacey and Andy certainly have opinions. Also, would it ever be a good idea for a board strategic planning retreat to specifically exclude the executive director. More opinions there for sure. And finally, should the board strategic planning retreat specifically exclude the executive director? (Guess what our answer is… we’ll wait.)

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!

Lobbying and Advocacy with Guest Expert April Mastroluca

This week, Guest Expert April Mastroluca sets the record straight on lobbying and advocacy! Plus, what should an ED do if a board member recommends a job candidate you’re not thrilled about? We have opinions! And Stacey and Andy have some thoughts on how (and whether) to squeeze your vendors for donations to your organization.

Topics:
  • A board member is recommending a job candidate I don’t like! – 0:00
  • Advocacy and lobbying tips (and corrections) with Guest Expert April Mastroluca – 5:43
  • Should we ask our vendors to donate, too? – 19:56

Ransomware

This week, Andy and Stacey have some potential solutions for bringing on new staff members that you can’t pay very much. And Stacey talks about ransomware with guest expert Francis Johnson, Managing Director of Technology Services for Tech Impact.

Topics:
  • How do we attract and keep employees if we can only afford to pay $10/hr? – 0:00
  • Ransomware attacks, with guest expert Francis Johnson from Tech Impact. – 5:53

Both Christmas Card and End of Year Letter?

Should we send both an end of year letter and a Christmas card? Stacey knows! (Andy doesn’t). What should we do if a board member applies for a staff position? And Guest Expert Greg Wilken, CEO of Endunamo Consulting helps us figure out whether an executive director should keep her own employee file.

Topics:
  • Help! A board member is applying for a staff position! – 0:00
  • Should we send both an end-of-year letter and a Christmas card? – 10:33
  • Does the executive director keep their own employee file? with Guest Expert Greg Wilken of Endunamo Consulting – 18:01
Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode is sponsored by YOU! Send us a question for the podcast, include your mailing address and we’ll send you a limited-edition sticker (while supplies last!)

Do for-profit salespeople make good fundraisers?

Do for-profit salespeople make good fundraisers? Maybe! Also, this week Andy and Stacey evangelize program related investments (again,) and discuss whether a fiscal sponsorship or full 501(c)3 is the way to go.

Topics:
  • Do for-profit salespeople make good fundraisers? – 0:00
  • What’s a program related investment and how do I get one? – 13:25
  • Should we get a 501(c)3 or a fiscal sponsor? – 21:03
Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode is sponsored by YOU! Send us a question for the podcast, include your mailing address and we’ll send you a limited-edition sticker (while supplies last!)

Selling My Nonprofit

A listener asks if they need to convert their nonprofit to a foundation before selling it. Really. (This will be fun.) Also, what happens when board members hire their friends for paid contracts? We have opinions! And Stacy and Andy switch roles on encouraging a recalcitrant employee to fill out timesheets.

Topics:
  • Do I have to convert my 501(c)3 to a foundation before selling it? – 0:00
  • How do I deal with a board member hiring a friend? – 7:56
  • Is there a way to get an employee to fill out timesheets on time? – 18:42
Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode is sponsored by Immunize Nevada. Arm yourself by getting your annual flu vaccine. It protects you, your family, and those working on the front lines. Do your part. Get your flu vaccine by Nevada Day. Visit nvflufighter.org for more information and to find free and low-cost clinics.

Social Media

This week, we hear from guest Expert April Kemp, Integrated Communications & Social Media Manager for CIM Marketing Partners on whether or not you can post the same things to Facebook and Instagram. Stacey has some thoughts about creating a great Letter of Intent, and see if you can guess our answer on whether to hire a board member’s daughter-in-law as an organization’s first ED…

Topics:
  • How do you create a great LOI (Letter of Intent?) – 0:00
  • Can you post the same thing to Facebook and Instagram? With April Kemp of CIM Marketing Partners – 4:13
  • Should we hire an ED who is related to a board member? – 24:15
Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode is sponsored by Immunize Nevada. Arm yourself by getting your annual flu vaccine. It protects you, your family, and those working on the front lines. Do your part. Get your flu vaccine by Nevada Day. Visit nvflufighter.org for more information and to find free and low-cost clinics.