Profitable Nonprofits With Bernadette Mack

Howdy!

I hope you are getting some great gift ideas. Maybe you’re also thinking about how you can donate to an organization that’s doing good work. Giving to either is bound to make someone’s day better, including yours.

If you’d like to support the show, you can send me your gift ideas or suggestions for nonprofit organizations that are doing great work where you are at [email protected] . You can also become an annual supporter or a nonprofit supporter by visiting my podcast page. 

Let’s set the scene for this week’s episode:  

It’s July 1 and it’s my birthday. It’s summer and fun and there are parades and fireworks.  It’s such a good time of the year and I love all the hoopla. Yes, I know the parades and fireworks aren’t for my birthday, but ever since I was a kid the two have been linked in my mind. Lots of festive fun.

When I’m researching and buying gifts for others, I can’t help but see things I’d like to buy for myself – so I took advantage of the fact that it’s my birthday and did just that.

Gift of the Week:

2 Books! These are little hardcover treats for myself.

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Zero Days by Ruth Ware

I also gave myself some time alone. For someone who doesn’t like to ask for time for myself this was a nice treat. I went kayaking. By myself. It was lovely.

This reminded me that my word for 2023 is occupy. As in: take up space, be present where I am. Doing things alone and for me is a step in the right direction.

A spa day was also on the agenda. I enjoy this, but seldom schedule and plan this for myself. I loved it and I think I should do it more often. Before my time at the spa my family went with me for breakfast at a waffle shop which was perfect. Family time, then me time.

Donation of the Week:

This week’s donation went to the Maine Cancer Foundation in honor of my friend Christine Huber. She’s running in the Tri for a Cure, and I wanted to support her.

This is a women-only triathlon and it’s the biggest fundraising event for the cancer foundation in Maine. Another great benefit is that all the funds raised stay in the state of Maine which has a higher rate of cancer than the national average. I really wanted to support Christine (who is also one of my favorite jewelry designers) and I’m glad that they are doing such good work helping cancer patients in Maine.

Title Notes: ME is the abbreviation for the state of Maine and the episode is about gifts for myself and a donation to a Maine-based nonprofit.

Demon Copperhead by Kingsolver

Zero Days by Ware

Waffle Spot

Christine Huber Design on Instagram

Maine Cancer Foundation 

Tri for a Cure

 Show Notes provided by Sound Advice Strategies

Do you love the Hallmark store as much as I do? I was delighted to find that one opened near my home. Gifts AND greeting cards. What’s better than that?

I picked up this week’s gift there, 7 magnets from the Quotable Magnets shop. I saw several things on their website that would be just perfect for a certain someone. Uplifting quotes and so much more.

Gift of the Week:

The magnets I purchased said “You Rock”.

I recently became a fitness instructor so I could teach my favorite class, BODYPUMP, and it ended up being a bit more challenging than I thought it would be. I’d been doing this workout for years so I’ve been surprised by what it actually takes to get certified.  

To complete my certification, I had to teach and record a video of the class. 10 tracks choreographed to music. It was intense! 7 other instructors were the participants. They did so much to help me, so I wanted to give them something as a thank you for all the support.

The magnets were perfect because these women do completely rock! The magnets are a perfect small gift idea. Nice, meaningful, and adds a personal touch.

Oh, and I passed! I am now a certified Les Mills BODYPUMP instructor.

Donation of the Week:

This week is a duplicate. I received some correspondence from Direct Relief (episode 7) so I couldn’t resist donating to them again.

I heard from the director of partnerships and philanthropy, and he told me they liked the podcast and wanted to share it internally and encouraged me to tag them on social media. Getting the feedback and personal correspondence was great.

It’s important to highlight their work again because Direct Relief supports victims of natural disasters and while the news of earthquakes and hurricanes disappear from the headlines, the work goes on, so I know my donation is a small way of helping them continue to provide critical humanitarian aid.

Be sure to listen to the updates from previous gifts.

I heard from two organizations, one of which was a hand-written note which was especially nice.

If you’d like to support the show, you can send me your gift ideas or suggestions for nonprofit organizations that are doing great work where you are at [email protected] . You can also become an annual supporter or a nonprofit supporter by visiting my podcast page. 

Quotable Magnets 

Direct Relief

 Show Notes provided by Sound Advice Strategies

The Special HALFWAY Episode with Filomena Fanelli!

If you’d like to support the show, you can send me your gift ideas or suggestions for nonprofit organizations that are doing great work where you are at [email protected] . You can also become an annual supporter or a nonprofit supporter by visiting my podcast page. 

It’s week 26! The halfway point of the year. For this week, I’ve been working on something special to mix things up while I celebrate the 26 weeks and gifts we’ve done so far.

This week’s recipient is joining me on the podcast! My guest, Filomena Finelli, the CEO and founder of Impact PR and Communications located in Hudson Valley is here! Their clients include consumer brands, banking, construction as well as mission-based nonprofit organizations.

She has a compelling story that I think everyone could benefit from hearing. She’s an incredibly accomplished businesswoman and one of my dearest friends.

Gift of the Week

This week’s gift came from the Foundry in Staunton, VA. That’s where I saw a painting with a quote from Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill, “Wiggle your big toe.”

Filomena shares that the message is something she can look at any time she feels trapped or out of sorts. She shares that she’s recently been through a challenging time that started with some odd physical issues. She kept chalking up the warnings to being busy, being tired, and growing older.

It was confusing and very humbling. She checked with her mom who encouraged her to go to a doctor and get checked out. Initial tests were not conclusive, and her doctor suggested she talk to a rheumatologist.

A diagnosis followed after more blood work. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder and Filomena’s doctor shared that she may have likely had this predisposition and it showed up when other factors came into play.

Suggestions when you aren’t sure what to do.

Filomena shares that her own version of research and googling ended up scaring her which wasn’t helpful.

Instead, she suggests getting information that’s appropriate for you specifically from your doctor and other reliable resources. She also shared that she made changes that weren’t easy. You’ll relate when she shares how she had to give away some of her favorite high heels. In true survivor mode, Filomena took her power back by giving away her shoes to friends and told them what they didn’t want, they should give away or donate.

Hear how and why she decided to be open about her diagnosis. It’s inspiring to hear how she wants to create the space for others - especially her work team - to be okay with anything they may be handling in their own lives.

Donation of the Week

Of course, this week’s donation went to the Arthritis Foundation. It meant a lot to me to be able to make that donation in honor of my friend Filomena. The organization sent a letter to let Filomena know and she (at the time) was unaware and was touched.

Hear how small donations really matter and why it’s more important than you know.

More about Filomena:

For nearly 25 years, Filomena Fanelli has enjoyed telling clients’ stories through public relations and continues to apply that enthusiasm in her role as the CEO and founder of Impact PR & Communications, Ltd., an award-winning public relations firm. Based in the Hudson Valley, the nine-year-old agency has a three-state footprint and clients that include top-selling consumer brands, key cultural destinations, prominent banking, construction and real estate development companies, mission-based nonprofits and more.

Filomena got her start in the PR business at Rubenstein Associates, where she quickly rose through the ranks to become a vice president. Recognized as a top publicist, she worked on some of the firm’s major real estate and financial accounts, many of them household names. Today, she channels that energy to lead her own agency and help a diverse array of clients plot memorable events, secure speaking engagements, land leadership articles, craft sharp website content, engage in meaningful ways on social media and, of course, get their names in the news.

Filomena has been lauded for her professional achievements and community involvement alike. A handful of her accolades include: being named an ATHENA Leadership Awards honoree, as well as one of the “Forty Under 40” by the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce; gracing the cover of Hudson Valley Magazine as one of its celebrated women in business; being recognized with a National Philanthropy Day Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Mid-Hudson Valley; and having her firm named a “Top Women-Run Workplace of the Year” by the Stevie® Awards, an international recognition.

An involved community member, Filomena enjoys volunteering with various nonprofit organizations. She serves on the boards of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce and Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation. She was on the executive leadership team for American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign locally, and was also the Center for Prevention of Child Abuse’s One Too Many 5k chair and, subsequently, co-chair. Filomena spent many years on the executive committee of the Public Relations Society of America’s Counselors Academy and is past conference chair, conference co-chair and membership chair of that industry group. Previously, she sat on the board of the Women’s Leadership Alliance and Hudson River Housing, and has served on committees for The Arc of Dutchess, Family Services, the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum and Special Olympics New York. Filomena was also a founding committee member of HDSA Team Hope Walk – Hudson Valley, a community advisor for The Daily Voice and hosted HVNN.com’s video news show, “Business Newsmakers.”

Filomena is the professional advisor for Marist College’s Public Relations Student Society of America, and a former adjunct professor and regular guest lecturer at the college. A frequent speaker, she has given talks for Senator Sue Serino’s Women’s Forum and presented at the prestigious 92nd Street Y in New York City, among other venues.

Recently, Filomena has added another important descriptor to her resume, behind mom, wife, PR agency CEO, leader and volunteer: rheumatoid arthritis warrior. Diagnosed with the autoimmune disorder in Spring 2023, Filomena, with the support of her friends at the Arthritis Foundation New York, has made it her mission to keep moving, one step at a time, and to openly share her story of living positively with arthritis with her friends, family, colleagues and community to help raise much-needed awareness and funds to further scientific advances and treatment options.

The Foundry Pop Up https://thefoundrypopups.com/

The Arthritis Foundation https://www.arthritis.org/ 

Show Notes provided by Sound Advice Strategies

Why 52 Gifts? I had an idea about this that was related to my consulting business. I work with non-profit organizations and hoped to do something that was helpful for them. Initially I thought I’d read fundraising letters and make suggestions to improve them. But I knew that wasn’t going to be very interesting to most people, so I went back to the drawing board. Last fall, I received some great gifts for different reasons, and many were unexpected and they inspired me. They made me want to give more gifts!

When I see cool things, I immediately know who will truly love it. I realized I think about this a lot, but seldom follow through. That was the spark for this podcast. I love the idea of a challenge each week, so the 52 Gifts podcast moved from and idea to a real thing that I’m doing!

If you’d like to support the show, you can send me your gift ideas or suggestions for nonprofit organizations that are doing great work where you are at [email protected] . You can also become an annual supporter or a nonprofit supporter by visiting my podcast page. 

Gift of the Week

This week’s gift was for my husband. He was celebrating Father’s Day and his birthday, and I saw something I knew would be perfect  - a Shibumi Shade. It’s a beach shade that works with the wind and it’s perfect for my shade-loving husband.

I also gave him a portable rocker chair with a canopy. So perfect for him. It’s the GCI Outdoor Sunshade Rocker and he loves it. He’s not the easiest person to buy for, so with these two gifts I think I really excelled.

Donation of the Week

This week I donated to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Did you know that 2 people die from skin cancer every hour? I couldn't believe it. Their website was great, and I received an automated receipt right away.

I love being in the sun, so I appreciated the facts on the site that explain the science and data behind skin cancer connected to tanning and sun exposure overall.

Shibumi Shade - https://shibumishade.com/

GCI Outdoor Sunshade Rocker - https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/gci-outdoor-sunshade-rocker-camp-chair

Skin Cancer Foundation - https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/what-we-do/

 Show Notes provided by Sound Advice Strategies

Aloha! That’s what was on tap for this week since I expected to be in Hawaii on a long-planned vacation. A medical emergency changed everything at the last minute. Our whole family was disappointed. Fortunately, we are all okay.

How to cope? I don’t like feeling disappointed (who does?) but it happens. I often find myself trying to find the silver lining, so I can move past being sad. That’s when the “everything happens for a reason” thoughts show up. Is that actually true?

Maybe everything isn’t meant to make sense. One thing that’s helped is looking for, and staying focused on, things in life that I can truly be thankful for. Gratitude helps.

If you’d like to support the show, you can send me your gift ideas or suggestions for nonprofit organizations that are doing great work where you are at [email protected] . You can also become an annual supporter or a nonprofit supporter by visiting my podcast page. 

Gift of the Week

We were able to get to a beach even though it wasn’t Hawaii. Friends let us use their home in South Carolina which was so kind and generous, and we were truly thankful and wanted to express that with a gift.

We left them an olive oil and vinegar set from the Staunton Olive Oil company based in Virginia. We also selected a cutting board made from reclaimed wood. It’s small and beautiful and looks lovely with the set.

Because they weren’t going to be back to their home for a few weeks, it was important to select something that would last until they could use them.

I’m grateful for the vacation and the hospitable friends who helped us salvage the week. I hope to continue to look for the good.

Donation of the Week

This week we donated to the Lowcountry Gullah Foundation. It’s located on Hilton Head Island, SC (where we vacationed this week and many times before) and though I was slightly familiar with the Gullah, I really learned a lot more about the culture and history.

Mission: Lowcountry Gullah was developed to promote and more importantly document the richly significant Gullah culture and its contributions to the United States. As a historical resource and cultural tourism influencer, Lowcountry Gullah provides a necessary and central link to the cultural elements that have been woven into the fabric of our society. 

https://stauntonoliveoilcompany.com/

https://lowcountrygullah.com/

Title Note:  Mahalo means "thank you" in Hawaiian.

Show Notes provided by Sound Advice Strategies

Are you a podcast junkie like me? I find myself checking out shows when I’m doing things around the house, in the car, on a walk. Sometimes I think I’m consuming more than creating, but like all things there’s a balance.

I must admit that I’m kind of freaking out about how fast 2023 is zooming by. I sometimes feel like I need to slow down and savor the moment and time will slow as well.

If you’d like to support the show, you can send me your gift ideas or suggestions for nonprofit organizations that are doing great work where you are at [email protected] . You can also become an annual supporter or a nonprofit supporter by visiting my podcast page. 

Gift of the Week

Today’s gift is a pair of earrings for my sister-in-law for her birthday. Erin is one of those people who is really fun to shop for.

When I need someone to talk to, Erin is one of my go-to people. She’s a great listener who is kind and down to earth. I’ve always admired her and how accepting and understanding she is of others. It makes me want to be more like her.

I sent her a pair of acrylic arch earrings. They were from sleepymountain.com. More on Sleepy Mountain another time because they have too much cool stuff to mention.

I purchased the gift from Made, By the People, For the People. This is such an amazing store. I’ve always dreamed of having my own shop and Made has lots of the kinds of things I imagine I’d stock.

Donation of the Week

This week’s donation went to The Anderson Center for Autism in Staatsburg NY. I donated to this organization because it’s where Erin works.

Their mission: Anderson Center for Autism's core philosophy is that all people deserve to live a life of quality. Anderson has the expertise, resources, and technology to enable the agency to optimize the quality of life for all people with autism, around the world.

They have a great description on their history page. I wish it was more prominent because it’s compelling.

A cool thing happened! Right after I donated an email came through asking if my donation was in honor of anyone. There’s something comforting about knowing that a human actually noticed your donation on the other end and that it went though.

Automation is great but real communication can’t be beat!

MADE; for the people, by the people.

Sleepy Mountain

The Anderson Center for Autism

Show Notes provided by Sound Advice Strategies

It’s graduation time!

Did you know that the US is one of the only places where checks are still used? I learned that working with a nonprofit whose major donors weren’t US based. Do you still write checks? What do you use instead?

This Week’s Gift

This week’s gift went to my nephew Aidan who graduated from high school. My son graduated on the same day, so we couldn’t be there in person. The gift was cash, which I know he will appreciate, and sent in the mail. It’s not the most exciting gift so I decided to get creative.

After purchasing some helium balloons, I put the money in a card and boxed them up and sent them via UPS. The idea was that he’d open this box and balloons would pop out. We were going for festive! Have you sent balloons in a box? I’d love to know – send me an email to: [email protected]

What’s your take on giving money? What about gift cards?

Donation of the Week

This week I donated to Aidan’s high school. It’s a charter school, and I was able to donate right on the website.  I wasn’t sure if charter schools were nonprofit (501 (c) 3) and it turned out that this school is.

I had to go searching for that so it would have been helpful to easily see that information. The donation page was basic and easy to use but it didn’t look as secure as it could. Trust when donating is important, and some people will not follow thorough if they aren’t confident about the overall security when they enter their donation info.

Check out my update from the donation on episode 2 for The Jaques Pepin Foundation. They not only replied but followed my 52 gifts Instagram. Shout out to their team and thank you!

Email me: [email protected]

Nextafter.com

Connect on Instagram

Show Notes provided by Sound Advice Strategies

THIS IS A REPOST OF THE MAY 24th EPISODE - WHICH MAY HAVE HAD TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES AND PRODUCTION ERRORS. APOLOGIES IF YOU LISTENED AND WERE AGGRAVATED! :-)

In last week’s show I almost forgot about the donation to Therapeutic Adventures because I made it through a race sign-up form. I received a receipt from the race organizers but have never received any communication from Therapeutic Adventures themselves.

This is a missed opportunity on the part of nonprofits. I like that it was easy and convenient for me to donate as part of the race, AND it would be even better if the recipient reached out to acknowledge the donation and provided options for me to continue supporting them.

If you work with or for a nonprofit, I explain 3 easy ways to make the most of these types of opportunities.

This Week’s Gift

My aunt Becky was a recipient of this week’s gift. I talked about her in episode 16. She is the one who makes heirloom blankets for our family and friends. She’s also one of the most thoughtful people who is always helping others pitching in when she’s not working on one of her amazing blankets.

It was her birthday, and I gave her a personalized candle. I don’t always send her a gift, so hopefully this was a nice surprise for her. I selected a candle with the flower of her birthday month with a special message.

Candles are an easy gift but can be tricky because not everyone likes all scents. What do you like? Are there any that you don’t like? Aunt Becky said she liked hers and even sent a hand-written thank you note.

Are you a note person? I shared my personal take on this, and I’d love to know what you think.

Donation of the Week

This week I donated to the Community Foundations of the Blue Ridge in honor of the Youth Philanthropy Council. Here’ their mission: to provide opportunities for local youth to practice philanthropic leadership skills by forming a grant making body. We believe that by including the voices and opinions of local youth in our community conversations, we can better understand our community while fostering in our future leaders a sense of local stewardship.

I love this! These days, it seems like kids know more about what’s going on around the world than in their own community. Learning about resources close to home and how they impact people right here is a good way to learn about how individuals and organizations can make a real impact.

Getting teens involved is such a good way to help them understand philanthropy, and gives them first-hand experience learning how this works in their local community.

Personalization Mall

Youth Philanthropy Council

Connect on Instagram

Title Note: scented candles + teens doing good = Nirvana.

Show Notes provided by Sound Advice Strategies

If you’d like to support the show, you can send me your gift ideas or suggestions for nonprofit organizations that are doing great work where you are at [email protected] . You can also become an annual supporter or a nonprofit supporter by visiting my podcast page. 

This podcast is about finding great gifts, maybe the perfect gift, but it’s not about gift-giving rules. It’s about taking action when you see something that you know someone would enjoy.

It’s also about digging a bit deeper now and then. What would your best friend really treasure? How can you surprise someone with your thoughtfulness? Be the person who does nice things just because. We’ve never needed that more than now.

This Week’s Gift

Today I’m sharing my Mother’s Day gift. I do my best to avoid duplication here on the podcast, but today there’s a little of that. I am giving a second gift to my mom (she was also the recipient in episode 7) and I’m referencing 10,000 Villages again (which showed up in episode 9) so I hope you’ll hear me out on how and why this happened.

My mom collects elephants. When I saw a carved stone figurine mother elephant with a baby elephant inside, I knew it was perfect for her. It’s hand-carved out of gorara stone.

It was from Serrv, a fair-trade organization whose mission is in part: fighting global poverty through fair and ethical trade.

I also gave her a bracelet that spells out “love you mom” in morse code! Original and fun. It was made by a company called Dot and Dash and they have a really great story. Hear how this cool business got started and how they connect with non-profits as well

It’s a good reminder to share your story on your about page. I’m not the only one who checks them out and everyone loves knowing the behind-the-scenes story.

Donation of the Week

This week’s donation went to Therapeutic Adventures. It was the charity that was supported in the 5K that I ran a few weeks ago.

I’m a fan of outdoor activities and supporting this organization and mission felt truly aligned. Part of their mission: strives to make a positive and lasting impact on the people we serve and the environments where our adaptive program services are offered.

Serrv

Dot and Dash

Therapeutic Adventures

Connect on Instagram

Title Notes:

"What hath God wrought", the official first Morse code message transmitted in the US on May 24, 1844, to officially open the Baltimore–Washington telegraph line.

The Inspiration Co. 

Stephen Smith Independent Investigation Fund

Title Notes:

It's about grandparents and love. Get it?