Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in fundraising is more than a trending buzzword—it’s a litmus test for the values driving nonprofit organizations. In this eye-opening discussion between Julia Patrick and Tony Beall, the hosts confront the nonprofit sector’s struggle to break free from its traditional donor stereotypes. Tony launches the discussion with, "DEI is not a project or program—it’s norms and culture. It has to breathe within every facet of your organization, starting at the top." The conversation unearths the uncomfortable truth that many nonprofits continue to approach philanthropy with a narrow focus on wealthy white donors, sidelining diverse voices.

Julia highlights a glaring oversight, recounting her shock at boards serving predominantly Hispanic communities yet lacking Spanish-speaking members. "How can you make decisions for a population whose language you don’t even speak?" Her hard-hitting critique calls out the urgency for inclusivity in nonprofit leadership.

Tony provides actionable insights, championing “donor equity,” which shifts the focus from the dollar amount to donor engagement. He recalls the transformative impact of inclusive marketing materials, such as showcasing individuals using adaptive devices—a step that left him "teary-eyed." The key takeaway you’ll get? Representation matters at every level, from boardrooms to promotional campaigns.

The dialogue pushes organizations to adopt DEI as a core value, not just a fleeting initiative. "Call it out when it’s missing, celebrate when it’s present," Tony says, reminding nonprofits that fostering inclusivity requires persistent advocacy and intentionality.

You’ll discover how this conversation is both a wake-up call and a road map for nonprofits eager to build authentic, inclusive relationships with their donors and communities. Let’s move beyond checking boxes—this is a chance to redefine the future of fundraising.

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Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
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Hiring a development director is one of the trickiest challenges nonprofits face today. With an average tenure of just 16 to 18 months, it’s no wonder organizations struggle to build sustainable fundraising programs. In this lively conversation, special guest Ellen Heydon, along with co-hosts Julia Patrick, Wendy Adams, unpack the harsh realities—and promising solutions—of hiring and retaining top talent. This eye-opening discussion offers actionable steps to address turnover, build fundraising cultures, and set realistic expectations. It’s a must-watch for you if you’re serious about nonprofit fundraising.

Ellen, of Excellent Designs LLC, doesn’t sugarcoat the problem: “It takes three years to build a successful fundraising program, but most development directors don’t even make it past the first 18 months.” Ellen launches right into the importance of creating a supportive infrastructure before hiring, including executive directors mastering the basics of fundraising themselves.

Wendy, reflecting on her 12+ years of nonprofit experience, adds in about the need for preparation. “Expectations must be coupled with a plan. You can’t just say, ‘We want 10% growth.’ How? From what?”

The trio share several practical strategies, such as conducting SWOT analyses to set realistic benchmarks and involving board members in fundraising education. “Put them in the room,” Wendy urges, “Let them hear from the sector—not just you.”

Continuing, Ellen challenges nonprofits to rethink their culture. “Fundraising isn’t transactional; it’s relational. If we’re not investing in relationships, we’re just following the norm—and failing.”

Reach out to Ellen: ExcellentDesignsLLC.com

#NonprofitHR #FundraisingStaffing #DevelopmentDirectors

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Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
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Skills-based volunteering (SBV) is revolutionizing nonprofit support by channeling corporate talent into impactful missions. Rachel Hutchisson, CEO of Common Impact, explains how SBV connects companies with nonprofits to create sustainable change. As Rachel begins, "Generosity comes in all forms, and giving your time and skills is a hugely significant way to show generosity."

This innovative conversation reveals how SBV moves beyond traditional volunteerism. Instead of simply painting fences, volunteers use professional skills—whether in marketing, HR, or technology—to solve critical nonprofit challenges. From helping organizations like Welsh Women’s Aid select the right CRM system to assisting North Texas nonprofits with financial forecasting, the focus is on lasting value. "Skills-based volunteering creates deeper, meaningful engagement," Rachel shares with host Julia Patrick.

SBV also builds a symbiotic relationship between nonprofits and corporate teams. Rachel describes how, "It builds pride, longevity, and leadership skills among employees, while allowing nonprofits to stretch their limited resources." Companies foster loyalty and brand alignment among employees, while nonprofits gain solutions that bolster their missions.

As you will see and hear, Rachel wisely advises, "Planning and relationship-building are essential. Nonprofits need to be ready to engage, while companies must align their CSR goals with meaningful opportunities."

#SkillsBasedVolunteering #NonprofitImpact #CorporateSocialResponsibility

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Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
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Planning for an uncertain future is daunting. Nonprofits must prepare not just to react but to lead. Jennifer Alleva, CEO of Your Part-Time Controller, highlights the necessary steps for nonprofit leaders. Jennifer shares her expertise, addressing workforce challenges to leveraging strategic planning, and emphasizing a proactive approach rooted in mission-driven leadership.

Jennifer starts with clarity; “Focus on your purpose and mission… collectively we will get through these uncertain times together.” Whether it’s adapting to shifts in tax law, addressing workforce challenges, or leveraging technology without losing the human connection, shares advice for organizations to anchor themselves to their values and goals. She also underlines the value of leadership: “Develop power skills for everybody in your organization. Treat all staff members as leaders.” Her perspective reframes professional growth as a cornerstone for navigating challenges such as staffing shortages and technological evolution.

With host Julia Patrick, the duo discuss how nonprofits must prepare for upcoming trends, like donor-advised funds, changing tax laws, and the growing importance of data visualization. A tested method of communication, she adds, “Tell your story in the best way possible… combine data and visuals to communicate impact effectively.”. This can not only simplify complex financial info, but also strengthen connections with funders and other stakeholders.

You’ll gain a lot from this enlightening conversation--helping you prepare your nonprofit for 2025 and further.

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Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
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The world of grants for nonprofits, with Julia Patrick and Tony Beall, in a dynamic Fundraisers Friday learning episode, “Grant Writing and Readiness.” Packed with actionable and powerful takeaways, this informative conversation is your gateway to mastering the art and science of grant writing, regardless of your nonprofit's size.

Julia kicks off with a wise reminder: “Grant writers are amazing human beings—they’re the oil in the machine of nonprofit success.” From there, Tony, aka “Mr. Nonprofit Consultancy,” shares his expertise on navigating grant cycles, taking some of the mystery out of the intimidating grant process, and showing how to leverage those relationships for long-term success. He offers up, “A grant is the perfect combination of style and substance. It needs to tell a story and evoke an emotion while delivering hard data and measurable outcomes.”

Key points thoughout the conversation include understanding the importance of grant cycles, the benefits of digitized grant portals, and how to handle rejection with grace and determination. Tony speaks to the value of collaboration: “Funders are looking for solutions that make the most impact—building relationships and collaborating with other organizations can open doors you never anticipated.”

Whether you're crafting your first grant application or refining your strategy, this episode offers insights to transform your approach.

#NonprofitGrants #FundraisingFriday #GrantWritingTips

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This is a roadmap for nonprofits aiming to elevate their storytelling, create more lasting connections with audiences and boost their impact.

You’ll unlock the power of storytelling through video with Kalei Beamon of Lanakila Productions! In this high level learning session, Kalei, a video producer with decades of experience, shares the secrets to impactful video storytelling tailored for nonprofits. Kalei emphasizes that planning is everything, stating, “A great story is based on having an emotional connection.” She outlines strategies for finding the human element in every story—whether it's highlighting a beneficiary, showcasing a volunteer's journey, or spotlighting the community impact.

Kalei also covers the importance of shot variety, from wide shots to intimate close-ups, to keep viewers engaged. “The more specific you can get with a story, the more memorable it becomes,” she says, stressing the role of details in forging emotional connections. For nonprofits, video is not a one-shot wonder; it’s a versatile tool. Kalei explains how-to leverage footage for year-end sizzle reels, PSAs, and even long-form fundraising campaigns.

Host Julia Patrick describes some of the challenges nonprofits face, like making guests feel comfortable on camera. Kalei’s approach? Build trust and reassure them: “We’ll edit it to highlight your best self,” she promises.

If you’ve been struggling with the quality of your video work, pay close attention to Kalei’s words of wisdom. Learn more about Kalei: https://VideoStorytellingForNonprofits.com

#VideoStorytelling #Nonprofitmarketing #StorytellingTips

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“You have to stand out on Giving Tuesday!” This dynamic conversation with Brian Kochheiser, Senior Account Executive at Bloomerang.com, dives into strategies that nonprofits can use to maximize their #GivingTuesday campaigns and drive year-end success. Whether it's crafting impactful, donor-specific messaging or segmenting outreach for targeted engagement, Brian walks us through techniques that resonate. He begins with the importance of starting early: “The communication for Giving Tuesday really needs to start two to three weeks prior to the day.”

Brian also champions leveraging peer-to-peer fundraising, calling it an effective strategy to acquire new donors and energize existing supporters. “About 40% of Americans will give to a nonprofit because a family member or a friend asks them to,” he shares, which boosts the ripple effect of community-driven giving.

Don’t miss his call to action to thank donors promptly: “Block some time out to pick up the phone and thank those that supported you. That’s going to go a long way.”

This learning session is packed with actionable advice, from using data-driven insights to streamline donor communication to ensuring your donation process is frictionless. You’ll transform your nonprofit’s Giving Tuesday work into a launchpad for long-term donor engagement.

#GivingTuesday #NonprofitFundraising #DonorEngagement

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Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PT

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