In this high-energy Fundraisers Friday Show, cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall unpack the complexities of grant writing and grant readiness with an eye toward practical, data-driven insights. It’s a masterclass in actionable wisdom for any nonprofit professional involved in grant development—covering strategy, timelines, win rates, and relationship-building.

Julia sets the tone with her signature candor, stating: “Fundraisers are expected to do this and it is a very specific trade or craft.” This immediately defines the reality that for many nonprofit professionals, grant writing is just one of several responsibilities they juggle.

Tony responds, echoing: “Grant writing is one of the most important combinations of style and substance… tell a story and back it with data.” He reinforces this by recommending that fundraisers align time investment with expected revenue—if grants are expected to make up 20% of a nonprofit's budget, then 20% of time should be spent on them.

The show also dives into success rates. Tony notes, “National or federal grants may have just a 5%–10% win rate, whereas local grants can hit 40%–50%,” pushing nonprofits to think strategically when choosing which grants to pursue.

The duo explore application timelines, portal logistics, and how a lack of consistency across systems can be a major hurdle. Despite these challenges, they encourage you to create internal systems and document folders to manage recurring information—especially vital as Tony quips, “You’ll be so good at this… you’ll spend 50–75% less time on your narrative over time.”

A big theme emerges around the evolving role of funders and the increased opportunity for relationship-building. Julia points out, “This isn’t just a shot in the dark anymore—funders are listening and often willing to adjust.”

Perhaps most inspiring is Tony’s call for resilience and learning in the face of rejection: “If there’s an opportunity to reach out to the funder and ask, by all means—make the phone call.”

They wrap with encouragement for new nonprofit leaders and a hot tip: don’t be afraid to explore AI tools in your grant writing toolkit.

#NonprofitStrategy #GrantWritingTips #FundraisersFriday

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In a transformative conversation, Katerina Manoff, visionary founder and CEO of ENGinprogram.org, passionately shares her remarkable journey of creating a groundbreaking grassroots nonprofit. ENGin uniquely pairs Ukrainian learners with volunteers from across the globe through weekly online video interactions, transcending simple language exchanges to foster profound cultural connections and personal growth.

Katerina's compelling narrative reveals how ENGin not only facilitates language acquisition but empowers young Ukrainians, equipping them with crucial skills and cross-cultural competencies essential for their nation’s arduous journey of recovery and reconstruction. Despite the profound challenges presented by an ongoing war, Katerina insists ENGin's mission extends beyond mere survival. With unwavering resolve, she states, "It's not just about surviving; it's about thriving against the odds."

ENGin’s innovative approach disrupts traditional nonprofit dynamics by establishing equitable, mutually beneficial relationships rather than the conventional giver-receiver paradigm. Volunteers themselves become deeply enriched by the experience, gaining cultural insights, meaningful friendships, and improved communication skills. Katerina eloquently captures this unique dynamic: "[Our volunteers] don't feel like they're giving—they feel like they're fighting alongside us."

Demonstrating visionary leadership, Katerina envisions scaling ENGin dramatically from its current 55,000 participants to an ambitious target of one million. Her aspiration is nothing short of transforming an entire generation of Ukrainian youth into fluent, culturally connected global citizens who can actively contribute to rebuilding their homeland. Katerina's passion resonates profoundly, highlighting the incredible potential of virtual connectivity to truly catalyze real-world change, especially in times of adversity.

Throughout the interview, Katerina candidly discusses her personal evolution as a leader, offering invaluable insights into effective nonprofit board development, adaptive management strategies, and the pivotal role of storytelling in securing sustained support. Her strategic clarity and openness to innovation position ENGin as a beacon of hope and resilience within the nonprofit sector.

ENGin stands as a testament to human determination, harnessing the power of technology and global goodwill to overcome barriers and forge transformative bonds. Katerina's visionary work serves as an inspiring blueprint for nonprofits globally, proving that significant social impact can be achieved even amidst adversity and disruption.

#GrassrootsImpact #GlobalConnection #NonprofitInnovation

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In an era marked by relentless hustle and external demands, author and nonprofit champion Merle Benny invites nonprofits to pause, reflect, and ignite what she calls "The Sparkle Factor." In a compelling conversation, hosted by Julia Patrick and mindful tech advocate Meico Marquette Whitlock, Merle introduces the transformative idea behind her latest book, Sparkle: Create a Brighter, Stronger Nonprofit. Merle argues passionately that the heart of a successful nonprofit lies not in external marketing prowess, but rather within the happiness, internal communication, and genuine appreciation fostered inside the organization.

Drawing on deep insights gained through extensive experience, Merle explains that "if the organization itself on the inside isn't happy, doesn’t feel good, everyone suffers." This pivotal realization came to her during the isolating times of COVID when many organizations faced unprecedented internal strains. Her exploration uncovered a startling truth: frustration, high turnover, and internal neglect significantly overshadow the crucial, often overlooked, daily victories—what she warmly terms "minor miracles."

"Creating a story culture inside the organization means that everybody gets a chance to share," Merle tells us. She asserts that storytelling isn't merely a tool for external branding; it’s a fundamental internal practice that empowers and energizes teams. Organizations thrive when their members regularly celebrate and share everyday successes, nurturing a vibrant, supportive environment where employees genuinely feel valued.

Co-host Meico complements this viewpoint, highlighting the scientific backing for gratitude and shared appreciation within organizational cultures. "There's an imbalance between the inner and outer work," Meico adds, underscoring that prioritizing internal health directly enhances external effectiveness and longevity.

Merle stresses the significance of clear, inspiring visions to unify teams. Distinct from missions, visions galvanize and energize individuals, aligning them toward a common, emotionally resonant goal. Without this internal alignment and continuous communication, organizations risk becoming fragmented and ineffective.

As Merle puts it succinctly, "Everybody is doing good work, and so much of it is overlooked." By fostering a culture that values these contributions through storytelling, organizations not only enhance internal harmony but simultaneously strengthen their external appeal.

In a sector often overshadowed by stress and burnout, Merle’s powerful message is clear: genuine success and lasting impact come from nurturing the organization's internal sparkle. By adopting her insightful strategies, nonprofits can cultivate healthier, happier workplaces, ultimately leading to stronger, more impactful community outcomes!

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In the ever-evolving world of nonprofit leadership, one constant remains: the board meeting. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a new board member, mastering this essential component of governance can elevate your mission and impact. Cody Bender, Chief Product Officer at Boardable, joins us to unravel the practical strategies that make board meetings more efficient, inclusive, and effective.

With over a decade of experience leading tech product innovation, Cody begins with the importance of meeting preparation, record-keeping, and adapting to change. But more than that, he reminds us that streamlining meetings isn't just about saving time—it's about maximizing mission delivery.

“A well-crafted agenda is easier than you think,” Cody shares. “Structure it from moment one to moment two to moment three—and let your goals guide you.”

Cody’s key advice includes involving multiple stakeholders in creating agendas to line up expectations and foster engagement. He also points to the value of clear, clean formats over outdated templates and visual clutter.

For today’s nonprofits—where hybrid meetings & digital communication are the norm—accountability and access to records matter more than ever. “Don’t let form override function,” Cody tell us. “You can keep the greatest records in the world, but if you can’t get to them, you’re in no better position than if you didn’t do it at all.”

From embracing shared platforms to avoiding the pitfall of overloading your board with too many tools, this informative conversation will give you many actionable items you’re your nonprofit can use. And when you hear about Boardable’s origin story, rooted in the real frustrations of board service, Cody brings a grounded, user-focused lens to the technology.

Ready to transform your board meetings from mundane to mission-aligned? Watch this episode now and you’ll realize smarter, more supportive board practices.

#NonprofitLeadership #BoardManagement #DigitalGovernance

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Branding powerhouse Lyn Wineman, President and Chief Strategist at KidGlov.com, explores one of the most misunderstood yet essential components of nonprofit success: branding.

Far from being just a logo or tagline, Lyn reframes branding as a dynamic, multi-layered ecosystem that can dramatically improve a nonprofit’s visibility, trustworthiness, and fundraising effectiveness. Her agency’s proprietary “brand pyramid” lays out the essential building blocks—starting with the organization’s name, followed by the logo, tagline, messaging, visual identity, and finally marketing and advertising execution, which helps leaders see branding as a strategic foundation rather than a cosmetic afterthought.

“Branding is one of very few things that can move the needle on everything you do,” Lyn says, emphasizing that a strong, consistent brand elevates all areas—from donor engagement to volunteer recruitment and even talent acquisition. She points to compelling data from NonProfit Pro showing that organizations with strong, consistent brands can increase their fundraising results by as much as 23%. That lift can be a game-changer!

Yet despite these benefits, many nonprofit leaders are hesitant or ill-equipped to embrace branding. Lyn shares that for most, “just about the time you are sick of something—like, ‘I can't see that logo on my coffee cup one more time’—that's when your audience is just starting to get it.” Her lesson: internal fatigue with brand elements is often a sign of needed consistency, not a call for change.

Lyn also introduces her upcoming book, ‘Untangling Spaghetti,’ which outlines KidGlov’s proven eight-step branding process. It's designed to demystify the process and give leaders a roadmap they can follow with or without agency support.

Throughout the lively discussion, with host Julia Patrick, Lyn talks about those common barriers to branding—including outdated board attitudes, confusion about messaging, and the nonprofit sector’s inclination to prioritize service delivery over strategic communications. But with the right tools and a clear roadmap, Lyn believes any organization can build a brand that reflects its mission, energizes its team, and drives lasting impact!

#NonprofitBranding #MissionDrivenMarketing #SocialImpactStrategy

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In this Fundraisers Friday conversation, hosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall answer viewers questions, but also explore the vital importance of joy and authenticity within the nonprofit sector. Starting the fast-paced chat, the talk about the growing challenge of burnout, particularly among fundraising professionals, they offer up some strategies for stress management and maintaining personal authenticity amidst external pressures.

"There is a lot of joy in this work, despite the challenges," Tony says, in talking about the necessity of personal well-being in achieving sustainable success. Julia points to a notable trend: nonprofit leaders actively seeking joy by disengaging from stressful media, stepping away from negative news and crime dramas, and gravitating towards humor and fulfilling personal activities.

Tony also introduces the powerful concept of fostering joy through intentional community gatherings, describing his local AFP chapter's decision to host events free of agendas or speakers, purely aimed at fostering genuine connections. Julia concurs, predicting that this innovative approach "is going to serve its members maybe better than they've ever served."

Further into the conversation, they tackle the debated "Give or Get" board policy. Tony critically comments that true altruism from board members shouldn't require formal mandates, advocating instead for universal financial participation at any level. Julia offers a more nuanced viewpoint, acknowledging the potential limitations of such policies, quoting Sherry Quam Taylor who argues, "You leave money on the table" by setting strict minimum contributions.

Throughout the discussion, Julia and Tony encourage fundraisers to thoughtfully define growth targets. They advise setting realistic, yet ambitious donor goals by assessing internal strengths and strategically leveraging them to maximize opportunities. Transitioning to skills crossover from for-profit to nonprofit sectors, Tony describes his support for sales professionals moving into fundraising, provided they have a passion for social impact, reinforcing that relationship-building remains pivotal across both spheres.

Finally, addressing career progression, the duo explore the rising importance of the CFRE designation in the nonprofit fundraising space. Tony shares that CFRE is becoming increasingly expected as a professional standard, noting its role in elevating fundraisers' credibility. He humorously yet insightfully captures the trend: "More and more fundraisers see CFRE behind other people’s names and think, 'I'm missing out if I don't do this also.”

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Nonprofits face inevitable financial technology changes—often with fear and resistance. In this vibrant discussion, Co-Hosts Julia Patrick and Sherry Quam Taylor welcome Buu-Linh Tran, Senior Vice President of Financial Solutions at JMT Consulting, to demystify this daunting process. Buu-Linh emphasizes adopting a phased approach to make fintech transitions manageable and successful: "It’s always easier to swallow when you break it down into phases," she starts, reinforcing the necessity for gradual implementation to foster greater team acceptance.

Buu-Linh describes how "your system is a continuous improvement," explaining how launching new technology is just the beginning. Ongoing adaptations, updates, and training are vital for maximizing a system’s effectiveness. This process isn’t limited solely to technology—it encompasses organizational policies, procedures, and even culture. She also addresses the critical step of the "cutover"—transitioning data from old systems to new—which must be methodically planned to minimize downtime and disruptions.

A key challenge nonprofits encounter is communication between departments, particularly finance and fundraising. Systems integration is essential here. As Buu-Linh explains, seamless integration between donor management software and financial systems prevents discrepancies that confuse stakeholders, especially board members, who rely on unified dashboards that clearly show both financial performance and mission outcomes.

Speaking to the timing concern for system transitions, Buu-Linh realistically acknowledges, "There's really no good time to change," but stresses the importance of choosing a period of least disruption. Her practical insights guide nonprofits on strategically scheduling changes to avoid peak periods, audits, budgeting, or major events.

This informative conversation also highlights JMT Consulting’s Innovate 2025 conference, a dynamic annual gathering designed specifically for nonprofit finance professionals. Scheduled to be held in Nashville, it promises networking, technical training, and crucial thought leadership—creating powerful learning and collaborative opportunities.

"You really do need to get started," Buu-Linh urges us, encouraging nonprofits to proactively embrace fintech change as essential to organizational health and growth!

#NonprofitTech #FinancialManagement #ChangeManagement

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Learn how United Way leverages partnerships to annually reclaim tens of millions in refunds for San Diegans, dramatically impacting lives by providing stability, reducing stress, and fostering community strength.

This lively chat with Nancy Sasaki, CEO of United Way of San Diego County, is about the transformative power of financial literacy. Nancy explains how United Way recognized financial stability as essential for community health. She begins with, “Financial security helps people feel stable and secure, and the pandemic clearly showed how critical this is.”

Discussing their extraordinary collaborative effort through the Earned Income Tax Credit coalition with over 45 organizations, Nancy speaks to the surprising reality for underserved communities: “People who don't make much money often don’t think they'll get taxes back, but they absolutely can.”

This enlightening conversation brilliantly connects community needs, financial empowerment, and nonprofit innovation.

#FinancialLiteracy #CommunityImpact #UnitedWay

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Cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall dig down into a topic that’s equal parts provocative and practical: the often chaotic intersection between nonprofit CEOs and fundraising.

Right out of the gate, Julia sets the tone: “I've seen this occur and I continue to see it occur... the CEO position and fundraising chaos—it can be a little intense, right?” That word—chaos—rings true for many nonprofit leaders who juggle major gift asks, team oversight, and community expectations.

But leave it to Tony to cut through the storm with clarity: “Initially, I would say... the CEO is not your primary fundraiser, but they are the one that has the ultimate accountability for the success of fundraising.” With that, the conversation takes off, weaving through structures, leadership styles, and evolving titles e.g. Chief Development Officer, all with real-world empathy and experience.

Tony points to the need for strategic involvement: “Every donor is in your portfolio to some degree.” It’s not about micromanaging—it's about knowing when to step up and when to empower your team.

And speaking of teams, Julia flags a common donor behavior that throws a wrench in delegation: “Higher level players want to meet with the decision-maker… they kind of discount the development people.” This dynamic often pressures CEOs to jump into ‘asks’, sometimes prematurely.

Tony offers a smart fix: don’t surprise donors. “If we're bringing the CEO into the conversation, we need to do that before the ask.” It’s about future-focused cultivation, not last-minute theatrics.

They also tackle a hot-button issue—bonuses. Tony doesn’t hold back: “My first reaction was: hell no.” But he tempers that with nuance, suggesting creative, non-cash incentives that support retention and morale.

The episode also takes a heartful turn as Tony shares the trend of successful fundraisers being poached by the private sector: “They’ve moved into wealth management and financial advisor roles… that comparison is tough to compete with.”

Packed with actionable thinking, reflective moments, and a dash of humor this convo is a must-watch for nonprofit teams assessing fundraising expectations.

#NonprofitLeadership #FundraisingStrategy #CEOInsights

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When you think about finance in the nonprofit world, does your mind immediately jump to spreadsheets and budget reports? What if we told you that finance could be transformed into a compelling narrative—one that connects numbers to mission impact? That’s exactly what Neil Shah, an experienced interim CFO, is doing with nonprofit financial storytelling.

Neil has spent years in the nonprofit sector, feeling the isolation that many CFOs experience. So, he took action, launching a nonprofit CFO roundtable where finance leaders could collaborate, share challenges, and gain insights from one another. “There aren’t a lot of opportunities for nonprofit CFOs to connect and learn from each other,” Neil shares. “I wanted to create a space where we could problem-solve together.”

One of the biggest challenges in nonprofit finance? Helping leadership and boards understand financial data in a meaningful way. Too often, financial reports become a blur of numbers, leaving stakeholders disconnected from their organization’s financial reality. Neil argues that nonprofit CFOs must go beyond traditional reporting methods: “Financial storytelling is the blend of financial data and narrative—it’s about showing where an organization has been, where it is now, and where it’s going.”

Neil talks about his methodology: By analyzing 10+ years of financial trends and utilizing AI tools, Neil helps organizations spot patterns that may be masked by one-time funding sources, such as PPP loans or emergency grants. Through clear charts, concise presentations, and a focus on only the most critical data points, he empowers nonprofit leaders to make informed strategic decisions.

The magic happens when finance, development, and program teams work in sync, breaking down silos and aligning around a shared financial story. “Finance isn’t just about numbers—it’s about customer service within an organization,” Neil emphasizes. His approach transforms finance from a back-office function into a powerful tool for mission success.

Want to shift how your organization communicates financial data? Check out Neil’s nonprofit CFO roundtable at cfogroups.com and start telling a financial story that inspires action!

#NonprofitFinance #FinancialStorytelling #nonprofitboards

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