In this episode, Birgit and Jim tell us about Impact Circles which are small monthly discussion groups for Executive Directors of nonprofit organizations. Jim explains that in addition to discussing common interests, one of the themes is to allow E.D. s to become more comfortable with technology. The idea is not to make an E.D. into a “techie,” but instead to become sufficiently knowledgeable that discussions with technical supporters, outside vendors, and web developers. The Circle members attend monthly meetings that last for ninety minutes, and then receive an hour each month of one on one consulting.

The need for this can be drawn from a report stating that in 1.6 million nonprofits the executives and Board members are baby boomers, which means born before the internet and modern computing. Also, the scary statistic is that only 30% of donors are repeat donors, which means that 70% of the donors from last year do not return. So in addition to a fear factor of technology, the understanding of what modern statistics show about the success of online communications with donors, recipients of services, and volunteers is sporadic.

After setting the scene for Impact Circles, Jim and Birgit describe the agenda contents of the pilot program meetings and provide a testimonial from one of the participants. They then discuss the future of Impact Circles, which includes a fundraising effort to raise scholarships for E.D.s to attend. That effort is in two parts, the first of which is for individuals or groups to fund a scholarship for a particular person. The second is for non-designated funds to be contributed, and when the total is announced in early January, the audience will be asked to nominate individuals to receive the scholarships. More information can be obtained on our website NPTechProjects.org

Birgit summarizes this episode by describing her 18 years of working with nonprofit lea