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From national to local, one of the most challenging seasons of a nonprofit executive director is leading your organization during a contentious election year.  An even greater challenge is when the mission of your organization becomes a significant issue in the political dialogue.

On today's episode, Tim and Nathan provide some key actions steps to take when navigating this challenging season.  Sharing stories and insights from their own leadership journeys, they provide some practical wisdom on engaging with those who have different points of view and looking ahead to plan for possible outcomes to your organization as a result of the election.

If you are interested in joining The Practice Community, go here.

Tim and Nathan can be contacted at [email protected]

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The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:

Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR)

Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH)

They can be reached at [email protected]

All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

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So what do you do when you have to tell your Board that you fell short of your fundraising goal?

Communicating bad news to your Board can be tough, especially when it concerns finances.  But as an Executive Director, it's part of the job. 

On today's episode, Tim and Nathan guide you through the sensitive process of delivering less-than-stellar news to your nonprofit board.   Expect to walk away with a blueprint for honest, direct communication that lays out the facts .  The discussion also looks at the importance of developing a realistic plan to address the issue at hand. 

Also, as Nathan mentioned, we are launching the Practice Community.  This includes extra content from Tim and Nathan plus a monthly "office hours" zoom call, where you can ask questions of Tim and Nathan and others in the community.  The cost is $10 a month. 

To sign up, go here:   https://www.buzzsprout.com/1746349/subscribe

Support the show

The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:

Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR)

Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH)

They can be reached at [email protected]

All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send us a text

With this 2024 Kickoff episode, Season 4 of the Practice of Nonprofit Leadership begins! 

And what better way to begin then with Tim and Nathan revealing their Three Words for 2024.   The concept of Three Words is to select words that will serve as a compass for the year. These words help to direct the individuals focus and energy and also provide an opportunity for accountability.

Tim and Nathan were introduced to the concept of My Three Words By Chris Brogan.  You can find out more about the concept and listen to Chris reveal his Three Words here.

We would love to hear where you are headed in 2024 or if you have questions or topics you would like to hear on the podcast.  You can reach us at [email protected].

Support the show

The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:

Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR)

Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH)

They can be reached at [email protected]

All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send us a text

As one year comes to a close and a new year is on the horizon, how should a nonprofit leader prepare for what lies ahead?

On today's episode, Tim and Nathan share some of the questions and strategies they use to prepare for a new year.  The questions lead them to take a look back and then to look forward.  The questions include celebration, honesty, hope, and challenge.   Taking the time to reflect backwards and then look forward, provides the opportunity to start off the year with a sense of confidence and focus.

Tim mentioned questions from an annual review document put together by Dickie Bush of Ship 30 for 30.  You can find it here.

Tim and Nathan are going to be taking some time off over the holidays.  Feel free to look back through our previous episodes.  We will see you in the new year!

If you would like to get in touch with us, you can do so at:  [email protected].

Support the show

The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:

Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR)

Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH)

They can be reached at [email protected]

All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send us a text

Another year is quickly coming to an end.  As preparations are being made for a new year, taking time to review the past year is an important habit to develop.  A key question to ask is, "How did my leadership measure up this year?"

On today's episode, Tim and Nathan discuss four key areas to consider when reviewing your leadership this year.  Sharing actions step plus personal insights, this episode will help you get ready for an effective new year, as you take time to learn from your experience in the previous year.

Success Frames by Rob Hatch is mentioned in the episode.  Find the book here.

To contact Tim and Nathan, you can email at [email protected].

Support the show

The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:

Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR)

Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH)

They can be reached at [email protected]

All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send us a text

Most job descriptions for Executive Directors, contain at least one bullet point that focuses on them representing, connecting,  and being visible in the community.  How important is this for the organization?  

On today's episode, Nathan explores several points that should be considered when planning this in your schedule.  What are the possible outcomes for this effort?  Where should you show up in the community?  How do I make sure the effort is fruitful?  All this plus more on  The Art of Community Engagement for Nonprofit Leaders.

If you are interested in being more connected to the Practice of Nonprofit Leadership, let us know by reaching out to us at [email protected].  

Support the show

The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:

Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR)

Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH)

They can be reached at [email protected]

All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send us a text

Ready to demystify the world of fundraising metrics? 

Nathan spends time googling "Fundraising Metrics"; Tim...not so much.  But they both know the importance and the cautions with using specific metrics when tracking nonprofit fundraising.

On today's episode, Nathan walks us through four key fundraising metrics (Gift Size, Number of New Donors,  Cost of Dollar Raised, and Return on Investment - ROI), why nonprofit leaders should be tracking them and how to make sure that they don't "lie" to you.

If you are a nonprofit executive director, a nonprofit board member, or someone who takes responsibility for raising funds for your nonprofit, this episode with provide insights and actions to keep in mind when tracking fundraising in your organization.

Tim and Nathan can be contacted at info (at) practicenpleader (dot) com.

Support the show

The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:

Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR)

Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH)

They can be reached at [email protected]

All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send us a text

Have you ever noticed how the simplest 'thank you' can light up your day? 

On today's episode, Tim and Nathan discuss how gratitude can transform your non-profit organization's culture and amplify your leadership, including the impact on the mental well-being of non-profit leaders, despite the challenges they face.

Speaking from experience, the guys share insights into the application of gratitude in everyday situations, and the invaluable effect it can have on your team's satisfaction and retention. They reveal actionable steps to foster a culture of appreciation, from maintaining a daily gratitude journal to the power of a heartfelt 'thank you.'

If you would like to reach out to Tim and Nathan, you can do so at info (at) practicenpleader (dot) com.

Support the show

The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:

Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR)

Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH)

They can be reached at [email protected]

All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send us a text

Ever feel like you're stumbling in the dark when it comes to budgeting for your non-profit organization? The thought of revenue planning and expense analysis might seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. 

In part 2 of our focus on nonprofit budgeting,  Tim and Nathan, are here to guide you through this financial labyrinth with clarity and ease. We provide you with a fresh perspective on how to evaluate and forecast your revenue sources, making budgeting less of a mystery and more of a manageable task. 

From revenue to expenses, we’ve got you covered. Discover the strategies we use to review and analyze past expenses, identify potential areas for cost reduction and align resources with your organization's mission. We highlight the importance of maintaining a flexible margin in your budget to prepare for any unexpected hurdles. Gain insight on how to avoid difficult decisions like staff or program cuts through effective planning and regular financial reviews. So, join us on this journey of fiscal wisdom and let's make budgeting a breeze for your non-profit organization.

You can contact Tim and Nathan at:  info (at) practicenpleader (dot)com

Support the show

The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:

Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR)

Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH)

They can be reached at [email protected]

All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Send us a text

Ready to supercharge your non-profit's budgeting process? 

Join us, your hosts Tim Barnes and Nathan Ruby, as we disclose the keys to effective financial planning for non-profit organizations. We guarantee you'll walk away with actionable strategies to align your budget with your organization's mission, identify opportunities, and assess what's working and what's not. Our candid conversations will highlight the importance of thinking big and planning strategically, giving you the tools you need to flourish in the non-profit world.

Here are the 5 key points when putting together your nonprofit budget:

- Start with a Plan
- Engage Stakeholders
- Consider Past Performance Analysis
- Commit to Building in Margin
- Do the Budget in "Pencil"

Support the show

The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:

Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR)

Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH)

They can be reached at [email protected]

All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.