The arts sector is in peril, teetering on a precipice of elitism and irrelevance, according to Alan Harrison, author of Scene Change and Scene Change 2. In this provocative discussion, Alan argues that many nonprofit arts organizations have lost their way, prioritizing exclusivity over impact. “Donors donate so that donors may attend,” he notes, criticizing the entrenched culture of elitist perks and private access. His biting analysis is a call to action: arts organizations must become true charities that serve their communities, or risk obsolescence.

Alan ’s critique doesn’t stop there. He tackles the fallacy of "art for art's sake," labeling it a luxury nonprofits cannot afford. He champions organizations like Arts Capacity, which blend art and service by using music to rehabilitate incarcerated individuals, reducing recidivism rates to unprecedented lows. “If you’re not serving the community, you’re not essential,” he declares, urging nonprofits to embrace measurable impact.

The conversation, with host Julia Patrick, also looks into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), an area where many organizations falter. Harrison’s metaphor of DEI as a bathtub resonates: “It’s okay to lose the water on the floor—those who resist change—because the new water you add will be more abundant and engaged.” This bold stance challenges arts leaders to let go of outdated, exclusionary practices.

With humor, insight, and a “touch of snark”, Alan gives us a roadmap for reinventing the arts sector,  . . . . . .but it’s clear the road ahead requires courage. Learn more at: 501c3.guru

#ArtsImpact #NonprofitLeadership #SaveTheArts

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Passion can inspire change, but it takes more than inspiration to lead. In his insightful book, Passion Isn't Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders, David Rhode unpacks the realities of nonprofit leadership. Drawing on 20+ years of experience and interviews with 22 leaders, David presents a transformative guide for nonprofit executives looking for actionable advice. He challenges the notion that passion alone drives success, stating, “Passion can help attract resources, but it won’t sustain you as a leader. Leadership requires skills, strategy, and adaptability.”

From his chat with co-host Julia Patrick, you’ll hear why his practical insights resonate across organizations of all sizes, whether they operate with million-dollar budgets or grassroots teams of three. He shares how isolation often plagues nonprofit leaders, urging them to build connections: “Create a cohort of peers, even if it’s just two or three people. Leadership is lonely, but it doesn’t have to be isolating.”

Filled with actionable steps, interactive QR codes, and snippets of wisdom from a diverse group of leaders, this book is a lifeline for those navigating the complexities of nonprofit work. Whether you’re managing crisis communications, engaging your board, or strategizing growth, Passion Isn't Enough equips you to lead with confidence. Check it out!!

#NonprofitLeadership #PassionAndAction #NonprofitGrowth

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A master class for the year-end!! . . . . . about the importance of data-informed personalization’s and donor stewardship and emphasizing how technology and some human-centered strategies can transform your nonprofit donor relationships. You’ll hear a wealth of actionable recommendations, provided by Diana Otero, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Bloomerang.com.

There’s a lot to learn from this episode, explaining the need to revisit and optimize donor experiences, particularly through personalization. Diana begins by reminding us that even simple gestures, like addressing donors by name, can foster meaningful connections. "Using the donor's name is a great way to build that rapport," she explains. Yet, she urges nonprofits to go deeper, referencing past donor activities to demonstrate genuine understanding and appreciation. This level of engagement, she recommends, doesn’t require individual tailoring for every donor but can be achieved by grouping donors with shared interests or histories.

Another key focus is the intersection of technology and donor relationships. Diana emphasizes the importance of continuously refining digital touchpoints, such as donation pages and year-end giving statements. "Put yourself in the donor’s shoes and see what that experience is like," she advises, pointing out that outdated or cumbersome processes can alienate supporters. She encourages nonprofits to make giving ‘frictionless’, incorporating advancements like digital wallets and mobile-friendly designs to improve accessibility.

Diana also challenges the traditional separation between volunteers and financial donors, advocating for a more integrated view. "Most volunteers are among your most loyal supporters," she says, encouraging nonprofits to recognize and steward all forms of support—be it time, skills, or funds—as part of a ‘holistic relationship’ strategy. By acknowledging the breadth of donor contributions, organizations can inspire deeper and broader engagements.

Diana’s insights are a clarion call for nonprofits to think strategically about data, technology, and personalization. Her advice to regularly revisit systems and practices, coupled with her passion for donor engagement, serve as an energizing reminder of the opportunities for more success combining tech with your mission!

#Nonprofitfundraising #DonorEngagement #YearEndGiving

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For nonprofits, managing a common purpose is no small feat, yet Adam Luecking, CEO of Clear Impact and author of Social Sector Hero: How Government and Philanthropy Can Fund for Impact, offers a masterclass on achieving measurable change in the nonprofit sector. During his conversation with host Julia Patrick, Adam highlights the transformative power of aligning stakeholders toward a shared goal and implementing data-driven strategies.

Through a couple captivating stories, he showcases the importance of defining and measuring success. "Measurement brings precision to your passion," Adam begins, stressing that without metrics, organizations risk misdirecting their efforts. His insights reveal that successful collaboration stems from clarity, measurement, and commitment to a common vision.

One standout case involved the state of Maryland's focus on child well-being, which saw significant improvements in school readiness over a decade—rising from 49% to 83%. Similarly, Baltimore's initiatives to address infant health disparities reduced the city's black-white disparity in teen birth rates by 75%. These stories he shares demonstrate the profound impact of shared objectives paired with data-informed action plans.

For nonprofit organizations eager to join this movement, Adam offers some practical advice: start with one to three measurable goals, iterate as needed, and focus on progress over perfection. As Julia adds in, his approach transforms what might seem like daunting data work into an accessible, empowering process.

For those inspired to act on all this, his book, Social Sector Hero is available for free at socialsectorhero.com. By taking the first step to align on a common purpose, your nonprofit can drive even more measurable change that benefits your communities!

#MeasurableImpact #NonprofitLeadership #nonprofitimpact

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An electrifying conversation with Robert Lewis, Jr., Nicholas President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Boston. With charisma and a passion rooted in lived experience, Robert shares his remarkable journey and the impactful work of his organization, which serves over 14,000 teens and touches the lives of 40,000 families annually.

From his upbringing in public housing to his leadership today, Robert embodies resilience and hope. “I remind them I grew up in the projects...I am them, just years older,” he reflects, connecting deeply with the youth he serves. His dedication isn’t just about addressing gaps in service—it’s about empowering young people to achieve greatness, providing them with resources for health, education, and workforce readiness. “Do you believe in these young people? This is not about fixing them—they don’t need fixing. It’s the systems around them that do,” Robert emphasizes, disrupting traditional narratives.

This fun episode to watch, hosted by Julia Patrick, tackles profound issues: educational disparities, health inequities, and the need for systemic change. But Robert’s message is clear—collaboration and investment in young people’s potential are the cornerstones of a thriving community. He invites donors, board members, and community leaders to engage firsthand with the Boys and Girls Club’s mission, emphasizing that this is about building a “return on community,” not just an ROI.

This heartening discussion redefines leadership, challenges assumptions, and inspires action.

#YouthEmpowerment #BridgeBuilding #NonprofitLeadership

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With a focus on education tailored to modern challenges, this conversation explores how hybrid learning models, leadership training, and organizational investment are reshaping nonprofit leadership. Dr. Laura Deitrick, Executive Director of the Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego, joins us to dive deep into the challenges and opportunities surrounding nonprofit leadership development. The lively chat sheds light on the unique pressures nonprofit leaders face, the evolving nature of nonprofit education, and the critical need to invest in leadership growth for a sustainable and impactful future.

Dr. Deitrick begins with a reminder, "Nonprofit work is a hard place to lead—metrics are tough, expectations are high, and the challenges are complex. But it's also incredibly rewarding." The discussion explores the historical underpinnings of nonprofit leadership programs, the disruptions caused by COVID-19, and the profound effects of the "silver tsunami" and the Great Resignation on talent acquisition.

Dr. Deitrick puts forth a vital insight: "We need to stop apologizing for paying and developing talent in the nonprofit sector. Expertise matters, and we have to own that." Her sentiment captures the importance of creating clear career pipelines, fostering peer learning, and addressing misconceptions about the sector’s professionalism.

Dr. Deitrick offers a hopeful perspective on cultivating talent, driving systemic change, and breaking free from outdated norms. Learn more about their programs: SanDiego.edu/nonprofit

#NonprofitLeadership #nonprofiteducation #nonprofitdegree

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Nonprofit organizations face a range of challenges, from developing donor gift policies to balancing staff involvement in board meetings. This Fundraiser’s Friday session brings new ideas from questions viewers asked.    Watch more details from these ‘takeaway questions and answers’ our co-hosts offered:

Why is a donor gift policy essential? It establishes clear guidelines for managing donations, refunds, and ethical dilemmas, safeguarding the organization and its team.

How should development staff engage with board meetings? Periodic updates (quarterly or annually) suffice to maintain alignment without overburdening staff or meetings.

Should development staff monitor “give or get” policies? Yes, they track contributions, but policing underperformance should remain the board chair’s responsibility.

Should paid staff have voting rights on the board?  No, paid staff should advise the board but not vote, maintaining clear governance boundaries.

How can nonprofits mitigate risks associated with large donations? By creating and following comprehensive gift policies that address scenarios like questionable donors or refund requests.

#NonprofitLeadership #DonationPolicy #BoardEngagement

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Charity: Water, an organization renowned for its innovation and global impact, is setting the standard for philanthropy in the nonprofit world. In this illuminating discussion, Christa Steltzmuller, CTO of Charity: Water, shares her unique insights into how technology drives their mission to end the water crisis. From leveraging VR storytelling to empower donors with a direct connection to their impact, to running a lean, technology-enabled team, Charity: Water exemplifies how innovation can amplify nonprofit effectiveness.

As Christa explains, “We lead with user experience when thinking about technology. It’s about starting with the story and the emotion, and letting the tools follow.” Their approach ensures that every donor and beneficiary interaction is meaningful, personalized, and impactful!

You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at Charity: Water’s hybrid model, which prioritizes collaboration with local partners to implement context-appropriate solutions. Whether it’s solar-powered pump systems or hand-drilled wells, their commitment to being ‘solution-agnostic’ showcases their respect for the communities they serve.

For nonprofits looking to modernize and scale, this episode co-hosted by Sherry Quam Taylor and Julia Patrick, is a masterclass in integrating technology, storytelling, and mission-driven work. Charity: Water’s success in turning challenges into opportunities reminds us all of the transformative power of purpose-driven innovation. Learn more about CharityWater.org

 #NonprofitInnovation #TechForGood #CharityWater

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We're exploring solutions to the challenges NPO’s face, such as limited resources, fragmented priorities, and the burnout often associated with emotionally demanding missions. Using strategic alignment, Scott Adams, CEO of Adams Consulting Firm, explains more about the process of ensuring all stakeholders—from executives to volunteers—are pulling in the same direction, much like a championship sports team.

Key to nonprofit alignment is transparency and prioritization. By setting clear quarterly goals and fostering open communication, nonprofits can identify their most impactful initiatives. Scott emphasizes that focusing deeply on fewer objectives, rather than attempting to chase every opportunity, not only improves outcomes but also allows for more efficient use of time and resources. Offering a ‘focusing’ comment, he states, “Eliminating distractions is giving yourself permission to say no.”

The timely conversation, with host Julia Patrick, also covers how strategic alignment can alleviate burnout by reprioritizing efforts and empowering teams to reclaim their time. The approach reframes goal-setting from task management to an opportunity for growth and improvement, encouraging a mindset that celebrates progress over perfection. Nonprofits, Scott says, should embrace "stretch goals" while also giving themselves the grace to adapt and learn when goals aren’t immediately achieved. Learn more about AdamsConsultingFirm.com

#StrategicAlignment #NonprofitLeadership #MissionManagement

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Jonathan Cottor, CEO and founder of Children’s Respite Homes of America, shares a deeply personal journey that has sparked a national movement for children with life-limiting conditions. Rooted in love and driven by an unrelenting mission, Jonathan's story began with his son Ryan, whose short but impactful life became a beacon for change.

The episode delves into the creation of Ryan House, one of the few respite care homes in the United States, inspired by the Helen House model in the UK. Jonathan’s vision transcended personal tragedy to address the critical needs of medically fragile children and their families. As he poignantly states, “This is not Ryan’s house, but Ryan House—a place for living, not dying.”

Through tireless effort, Jonathan and his team have scaled this vision into a national framework. The conversation, with host Julia Patrick, underscores the power of community support, resilience, and passion in overcoming systemic challenges in the healthcare system. It offers invaluable lessons for nonprofit leaders and advocates, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, effective communication, and collaboration.

This heartfelt conversation inspires a reevaluation of how society can better support families facing immense challenges. It is a testament to the transformative power of love, dedication, and purpose.

#PediatricCare #RespiteHomes #InspiredNonprofits 

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