The Nonprofit Reframe

The nonprofit world is not exempt from the every day realities of racism, tax schemes, and even sexual assault. However, considering the mission and values of these organizations… you’d hope that behavior would at least be called out and appropriately dealt with when it appears within a nonprofit. 

In today’s episode, we’re discussing why that is unfortunately not always the case, the culture of complicity that pops up in many nonprofit organizations, and how even other nonprofit consultants can contribute to this issue of complicity. 

We also acknowledge that this is complex, because while bravery does play a part in standing up to bad actors, many nonprofit workers are also dealing with oppressive power dynamics and biases that make speaking out even riskier. It’s time to take a hard look at ourselves and ask how we can be an ally to those in more vulnerable positions and break this cycle of complicity.

What’s in this episode:

[03:52] How complicity allows toxic board members and staff to continue patterns of abuse, from financial crimes to innuendos to more extreme examples like sexual assault

[10:38] Why staff and board performance reviews need to be more robust and more frequent

[13:05] The power dynamics that perpetuate complicity in toxic behaviors within nonprofits

[16:17] How racism and sexism shut out women and BIPOC individuals from leadership, which also contributes to a culture of complicity 

[23:13] How other nonprofit consultants can also contribute in a culture of complicity (looking at you, Joan Garry)

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/

Do you love our show and want to hear even more from us? You can get behind-the-scenes episodes and more by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nonprofitreframe

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Religious organizations that provide human services programming can be incredibly problematic and Nia is fired up about it. Without oversight, these organizations can require religious participation in order for people to receive their services, among other issues. Talk about messed up.

In today’s episode, we’re chatting about the different types of religious organizations, why the ones providing direct resources are problematic, the damage of discriminatory religious doctrine, and funding implications.

What’s in this episode:

[04:07] Why religious organizations that provide direct human resources programming can be problematic

[12:14] How an organization like this in Nia’s hometown is likely receiving federal funding

[17:27] How damaging it is for organizations that provide humans services to be discriminatory (whether religious or otherwise) and why we need regulation for these organizations

[24:18] How taxpayer money and dark money contribute to religiously-specific human services

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/

Do you love our show and want to hear even more from us? You can get behind-the-scenes episodes and more by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nonprofitreframe

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It’s truly amazing to think how far technology has come. We now live in an era where an AI tool exists that will write a pretty dang good podcast introduction, essay, or fundraising plan. Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Well, it is … and it isn’t.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about ChatGPT and how you can use AI tools in nonprofit fundraising specifically, but also in university messaging, HR departments, classroom settings, and more. We’re sharing both how it can be helpful (e.g. creating an outline for a fundraising plan that you can then refine and fill in the blanks specific to your organization) as well as how it can be harmful.

What’s in this episode:

[03:19] What ChatGPT is, and how Brittny is using it in the nonprofit class she’s teaching

[06:37] Using ChatGPT to ask questions or write an outline (that you then edit and refine), and how ChatGPT can help nonprofits specifically

[10:02] How ChatGPT can generates new responses, and how this could potentially benefit (or harm, depending on your outlook) hiring and accomplishing tasks within jobs

[11:56] How AI tools can be harmful, why you can’t rely on an AI tool to have empathy or complete accuracy, and why you have to edit and refine it (we’re looking at you, Vanderbilt)

[17:28] Ethical considerations for nonprofits using AI, what happened when Nia asked ChatGPT to write a donor-centric and a community-centric fundraising appeal, and ChatGPT’s hilarious appeal for an Easter bunny rescue

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/

Do you love our show and want to hear even more from us? You can get behind-the-scenes episodes and more by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nonprofitreframe

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Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore. The proverbial house has fallen on AmazonSmile, and it is dead as a doornail. Uproar and opinions of all kinds are circulating in regard to this news. We, on the other hand, could not be more relieved.

In today’s episode, we’re explaining how AmazonSmile worked, how it didn’t actually serve or benefit nonprofits in any significant way, misconceptions around the program, and why you should be focusing on fundraising that actually cultivates donors.

What’s in this episode:

[02:55] How AmazonSmile worked, how little money actually went to individual nonprofits, and how wishlists are different (and not impacted by the downfall of Smile)

[10:16] How Amazon has decided their impact level “isn’t working” 10 years into the program, and the range of comments we’ve seen in response to this news

[18:10] The reason this program worked completely in Amazon’s favor, and how some people have the misconception that purchasing through Smile is the same as donating (it’s not)

[20:05] The actual impact on nonprofits (which ain’t great, let’s be honest), and other ways to actually build relationships with your donors (which you can’t do through AmazonSmile)

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/

Do you love our show and want to hear even more from us? You can get behind-the-scenes episodes and more by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nonprofitreframe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Working in a nonprofit is meaningful and rewarding work for most of us. But let’s be real – it’s also a fast-track to burnout and overwork as we try to create a world that is better for everyone. Enter the sabbatical: a solution backed by research that can help staff and directors recover, refuel, and revitalize their creativity and enthusiasm.

In today’s episode, we’re chatting with Hayden Dansky, co-founder and co-director of Boulder Food Rescue, who recently took a three-month sabbatical. They’re sharing how their organization was able to plan and secure funding for the sabbatical, how they spent their time off, and the benefits they found during their time off and upon returning to work with more confidence and creativity.

What’s in this episode:

[03:12] How sabbaticals can help with employee burnout

[06:56] Hayden’s experience with taking a sabbatical from the nonprofit where they work, and how the organization received funding

[11:45] Ideas for starting a sabbatical fund within your organization (for CEO and other staff), and paying staff for staff’s extra labor during a leadership sabbatical

[17:59] How Hayden spent their three-month sabbatical on a mix of travel, “life administration,” and alone time

[21:50] How a sabbatical gives you an opportunity to slow down in a capitalist, white supremacist society that values overworking and overscheduling

[28:59] How long it took Hayden to fully disconnect, what it was like going back into work afterward, and the tangible benefits of the sabbatical

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/

Do you love our show and want to hear even more from us? You can get behind-the-scenes episodes and more by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nonprofitreframe

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DEI training for nonprofits spiked in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. But how many organizations have actually kept up with internal DEI work? A one-time seminar to check a box and give a pat on the back isn’t going to cut it. DEI training that actually makes an impact and creates a lasting change requires planning, dedication to the principles, and – shocking, we know – more than a single meeting. 

In today’s episode, we’re talking about why ongoing DEI training is crucial in nonprofit organizations. DEI work needs to be incorporated into every level of your organization, and we’re sharing information about where most organizations are in the race equity cycle, and how to facilitate different spaces to encourage people to open up in a setting where they feel comfortable.

What’s in this episode:

[01:55] Why joint board/staff DEI training is not ideal, and how DEI work presents itself in different types of organizations (white led vs. BIPOC led, for example) 

[09:21] Understanding the stages (awake, woke, and work) of the race equity cycle in organizations

[13:25] Why DEI training is not just about perception and outward-facing communications—it needs to transform internal operations (you’re not done with the work when the training is over) 

[16:51] Ways to facilitate spaces where people feel comfortable sharing at different levels, and understanding when it’s time to let someone go who isn’t moving forward with the organization

[20:25] How organizations can ensure accountability internally, expanding on the range of implicit biases that fall within DEI, and being intentional with regular trainings

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/

Do you love our show and want to hear even more from us? You can get behind-the-scenes episodes and more by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nonprofitreframe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You’re familiar with the model that we’re talking about today. You buy something, and with your purchase, something—whether an item or money—is donated to a person or organization. Buy one, give one. But what if those on the receiving end aren’t actually getting anything they need?

In today’s episode, we’re sharing three examples of buy one, give one corporate philanthropy (TOMS, Warby Parker, and Bombas). We’re going into how each philanthropic concept came about, how this model can have negative effects, and ways to approach the model that are more helpful to those in need. 

What’s in this episode:

[05:21] Understanding buy one, give one philanthropy and cause marketing

[08:03] How TOMS (shoes) was built on cultural appropriation and actually has negative impacts on the countries it “serves”

[17:05] How Warby Parker (glasses) has done a better job of transparency with their model and actually working with organizations on the ground in the places that they serve

[20:25] How Bombas (socks) started their organization out of a need they recognized (rather than a sock company with a marketing ploy) and how they’re not as overt about their buy one, give one philanthropy

[28:10] The implications of this kind of corporate philanthropy, and how consumers can continue to demand transparency

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/

Do you love our show and want to hear even more from us? You can get behind-the-scenes episodes and more by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nonprofitreframe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your year-end fundraising is over and last year's goals are in the rearview mirror. Time to rest, take some time off, and celebrate right?! (Yeah, we’re laughing right along with you.) Nonprofit staff are notorious for not resting, not creating boundaries, and as a result, burning themselves out. And it’s a disservice to your organization, sure, but also you, as a human being!

In today’s episode, we’re talking about leaning into our strengths, why nonprofit staff should not be expected to be good at everything, and why you have to carve out time to take care of yourself and take legitimate time off (not a day or two here and there—use your PTO!).

Your work is important, but don’t let guilt con you into working yourself into a state of burnout. Make 2023 the year that you set strategic goals, create boundaries, and give yourself time to fully disconnect.

What’s in this episode:

[04:03] The results of Brittny’s Strengths Finder test, how different personality types can be successful at fundraising, and the importance of recognizing your strengths and outsourcing what you’re not good at

[08:47] Why expecting nonprofit staff to wear multiple hats and be good at everything is a recipe for burnout

[12:54] Things we are doing in 2023 to avoid burnout and further align our businesses, and how a strategic plan can help you achieve your mission, vision, and goals

[24:20] Why you need a plan to take care of yourself (PTO! PTO!) and create a more consistent work schedule so you’re not burning yourself out during certain times of the year (hello, year-end giving season)

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/101-new-year-no-burnout-how-to-set-boundaries-and-avoid-the-nonprofit-grind-cycle/

Do you love our show and want to hear even more from us? You can get behind-the-scenes episodes and more by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nonprofitreframe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve talked a lot about fundraising, and this episode is no different (tis’ the season). Today, we’re focusing on the most important rule of fundraising: Do no harm. 

On the surface, it might seem unbelievable to think that you can harm your mission through fundraising efforts (all organizations need money, right?), but the way you frame your messaging as you ask for funds can either support or undermine your long-term goals. We all know an emotional story can get a powerful reaction from potential donors, but what if that story leaves your donors despairing or your clients feeling dehumanized?

In today’s episode, we’re talking about examples of both harmful and beneficial fundraising practices, as well as why it’s important to prioritize opportunities for building long-term support and lasting relationships over shock-and-awe dollars. 

Whether you’re listening to this when it airs in December, or some other time during the year, you can – and should – take the time to review your messaging and make the shift to Community-Centric Fundraising, so you can build a base of donors who believe in the mission and work of your organization instead of one-time donors giving out of guilt or misguided saviorism. It will be worth it in the long run.

What’s in this episode:

[02:40] How some fundraising approaches can be harmful, and why it’s important to shift practices in favor of long-term support and relationship building

[06:17] How asset framing is more effective in fundraising

[08:32] Examples of detrimental fundraising approaches, and why you should prioritize humanity over shock and awe

[17:47] An example of really great event messaging, and how bringing your fundraising practices in alignment with the values or your organization is worth it in the long run (even if you lose money at first)

[28:11] An example of really bad event messaging and how that harms your cause

[34:21] Making a plan for next year to review your messaging and shifting to Community-Centric Fundraising

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/100-fundraisers-do-no-harm/

Resources Mentioned

Trabian Shorters - Asset Framing

Community Centric Fundraising

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Donors are critical to your organization, but it’s about more than just a transaction or future donation. Fostering genuine relationships with your donors is crucial—not only for the growth and success of your organization, but also for community building.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about why you should get to know the donors you already have because, let’s face it, it’s easier to retain donors than it is to find new ones. We share actionable takeaways for building stronger donor relationships, how and when to engage with your donors, and navigating important conversions. 

Fundraising doesn’t just have to be just about the funds. And looking at your current (and future) donors through a relational lens, instead of a transactional one will make it even smoother.

What’s in this episode:

[03:59] The importance of getting to know the donors in your database, interacting with them meaningfully, and giving them opportunities to engage with the mission of your organization

[13:42] Why you should identify donors you want at your annual fundraising event and personally reach out, and the importance of developing relationships with your donors

[21:16] Navigating difficult conversations with donors, such as around how political outcomes might affect your work, shifting towards community-centric fundraising, and inflation

[28:30] Actionable takeaway for creating stronger donor relationships

[30:47] Some fun news for our Patreon subscribers (join us!)

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit our website: https://thenonprofitreframe.com/99-talking-to-donors-and-why-we-dont/

Do you love our show and want to hear even more from us? You can get behind-the-scenes episodes and more by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nonprofitreframe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.