Nonprofit SnapCast

Mickey gets to interview Jocelyn Chamra-Barrera, new ED of the Christie Center, discussing her transition to leadership and today's nonprofit challenges. Key Takeaways Jocelyn transitioned from clinical work to the executive role role, bringing valuable perspective as a person of color and Spanish speaker. Christie Center faces funding challenges but maintains strong community support and programs. Nonprofit sector experiencing instability, with some orgs closing/merging due to funding issues. Jocelyn emphasizes importance of self-care, team support, and strategic planning for sustainability.

Morgan Teel of Dance Waterloo visits the Snapcast to discuss social media strategies for small nonprofits, focusing on Dance Waterloo's approach. Key Takeaways Dance Waterloo prioritizes meaningful engagement over frequent social media posting, focusing on word-of-mouth marketing (89% trust from friends/family recommendations). Email list growth and strategic, purpose-driven social media use have been successful for the organization. Audience engagement through innovative performance formats (e.g., Spelling Bee) has led to increased attendance and community involvement. Disengaging from constant social media doesn't mean ignoring it; strategic, intentional use is key for small. The difference between audience growth vs. audience depth. Alternative ways to engage: Email lists, word of mouth, hotel/apartment collabs, SMS, and print. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

In this episode of The Nonprofit SnapCast, host Mickey Desai visits with Fish Stark, Executive Director of the American Humanist Association (AHA). Fish shares his journey into humanism, his vision for the movement, and the role nonprofits play in safeguarding democracy, empathy, and human dignity in a rapidly shifting cultural and political landscape. They discuss what humanism means today, the threats posed by rising authoritarianism, the importance of protecting religious freedom, and how nonprofits can step into advocacy without overstepping legal boundaries. Fish also emphasizes the vital role of empathy in civic life and why fostering meaning, purpose, and community is essential for both individuals and the nonprofit sector. Key Takeaways What Humanism Is: Humanism centers on inherent human worth, potential, and responsibility—valuing progress over tradition and people over dogma. Shifts in the Political Landscape: Stark reflects on entering his role before the 2024 election, expecting one trajectory, and now leading the AHA in defending pluralism and constitutional freedoms in a far more hostile climate. Nonprofits Under Pressure: From skepticism about NGOs to open attacks on institutions like Sesame Street, Fish explains why nonprofits must resist narratives designed to erode trust in community-based institutions. The “War on Empathy”: Efforts to discredit empathy as weakness are not supported by research. In fact, empathy strengthens resilience, emotional regulation, and pro-social behavior—qualities vital for healthy societies. Advocacy Within the Law: Nonprofits can (and should) speak out against harmful policies. While 501(c)(3) organizations cannot endorse candidates, they have the right to criticize government actions and advocate for their missions. Seeds of Change: Cultural shifts don’t happen overnight. Planting seeds—through storytelling, conversations, and creating community—builds the long-term foundation for transformation. Meaning & Leadership in Nonprofits: Stark urges nonprofit leaders to focus on helping people connect their work, giving, and participation to a deeper sense of purpose, especially in a world where loneliness and disconnection fuel extremism. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Adam Olenn, founder of Rustle and Spark branding agency, meets with Mickey to discuss effective storytelling techniques for nonprofits. Key Takeaways Storytelling is crucial for nonprofits to build trust, create emotional connections, and double donations Never lead with data; start with an emotional story about a single protagonist, then provide supporting statistics Train all staff and board members to tell authentic stories about the organization's impact Avoid naming emotions in stories; instead, use vivid sensory details to evoke feelings Among The Things We Discuss: The Power of Storytelling for Nonprofits Storytelling Structure and Techniques Internal Benefits of Storytelling Storytelling Resources and Training We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Kathy Bremer of Boardwalk Consulting and Dave Paule of Our Fundraising Search visit the SnapCast to discuss career reinventions and job search strategies. We focus on Kathy's new book "Headhunter Confidential" Key Takeaways Job seekers should focus on targeted, strategic networking rather than mass applying online Successful candidates demonstrate cultural fit and provide specific examples of past achievements Career transitions require understanding your strengths/motivations and translating skills to new contexts Nonprofits offer meaningful work but may pay less; candidates should align values and demonstrate transferable skills We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Jeff Schreifels of Veritus Group discusses trends and strategies for mid-level and major gift fundraising. Key Takeaways: Mid-level giving (typically $1,000-$9,999) is a growing focus, bridging small donors to major gifts Nonprofits should diversify revenue streams, especially those reliant on government/corporate funding AI can boost efficiency in fundraising, freeing up time for relationship-building Restructuring development teams for better alignment with donor needs is crucial We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

This episode of the Snap Cast podcast features an interview with freelance journalist Adrianne Murchison. Murchison discusses her transition to freelance work after being laid off from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and the challenges and opportunities of working as a freelance writer covering local and community issues. The conversation explores how national political themes and policy changes under the Trump administration have impacted local nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve. Murchison shares insights on the need for greater public and political engagement to address these issues, and the importance of cultivating hope, compassion, and authentic connections during challenging times. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Host Mickey Desai speaks with Beverly Means, founder of Transitions Pet Care, and Jennifer McCormick, a dedicated volunteer with the organization. About Transitions Pet Care: A 100% volunteer-run nonprofit organization that helps pet owners facing health challenges keep their beloved animals Services include free dog walking, litter box maintenance, veterinary care cost coverage, and temporary foster care for pets while owners are hospitalized Founded in 2020 by Beverly Means after she contemplated who would care for her own pets during a health crisis Key Insights: The organization focuses on addressing a critical need: preventing pet surrenders due to temporary human health challenges Beverly balances running the nonprofit with her full-time job as an auto underwriter by intentionally keeping the organization small and manageable Jennifer joined as a volunteer after seeing firsthand through her shelter work how many animals are surrendered due to owners' health issues Volunteer Management Highlights: The organization maintains clear boundaries for volunteers while providing support when needed Beverly's background as a social worker in healthcare helps her guide volunteers through challenging situations Zero tolerance for no-shows, as reliability is essential to the organization's mission Connect with Transitions Pet Care: Email: TransitionsPetCare@gmail.com Website: www.transitionspetcare.org Instagram: @TransitionsPetCare Support the Nonprofit SnapCast by finding us on Patreon. Every contribution helps produce more programming that serves the nonprofit sector.

Pat Libby returns to the SnapCast, bringing with her Travis Kemnitz, Executive Director of the San Diego Bird Alliance. Together, we talk about the work they did together, presenting a case study of their methods and results. Among the topics we discuss: Strategic Planning - What did the process look like? - What did you learn along the way? - How did the board respond to what you were learning? Were they resistant to change? - What’s happened since the plan was inked?        2. Everyone Needs A Jewish Mother - Lessons Learned as a New Executive Director How did you two meet? And how did you reconnect?  What are some key lessons you have learned since becoming an ED? Tips for a new ED or setting a new path for an organization. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Maria Perez is the Cause Marketing Consultant. She specializes in helping organizations grow their sponsor-partner initiatives. Among the questions we tackle: Why cause sponsorship is such an important revenue generation element for NPO's to pursue. Why do NPO's confuse patronage, corporate partnering and sponsorship?  What are the nuances and why are they important? Why do brands and companies sponsor? We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Pat Taggart is the Founder and Chief Creative of SkyBlue Creative, helping many nonprofits effectively use video as part of their communications portfolio. He visits the SnapCast to talk about the right way to create and use video. Among the things we cover: The biggest hurdle to promoting a non-profit on video is often the reluctance of leadership to put themselves on camera Tell vs. Compel    What can you film yourself vs. getting help from a pro  How/where to share  Video FAQs for non-profits We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Colleen Cook of High Tide returns to the SnapCast to talk about AI. Our conversation covers a wide breadth of knowledge regarding AI, its use and utility to the Nonprofit Sector. Among the things we discuss: Why nonprofits may be fearful of AI How my team is using AI  Considerations to make when selecting and using AI Potential of AI for nonprofit capacity building Generative AI Predictive AI Natural Language Query Use cases of AI in an organization How we're thinking about deep AI integration for the nonprofit sector in HighTide We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Michael Randel makes his second recording with the SnapCast. This time we talk about how to determine if an organization is really prepared for growth. Among the things we cover: Insights from studying Mackenzie Scott grant recipients that led to the concept of "the prepared organization." Consequences for organizations that are not prepared for growth opportunities. The importance of Purpose and Identity as the foundation of the framework. The necessity of having a plan for growth. The impact of leadership alignment on successful growth strategies. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Michael Randel is the founder and director of Randel Consulting Associates, a consulting firm that leads organizations through change and growth. He visits the SnapCast to talk about how to make organizational change less challenging. In our conversation, we talk about five common problems organizations experience as they navigate change. Among the things we discuss: Is it true that 70% of organizational changes fail? Emphasizing mistakes that happen early in a change process Three Levels Of Resistance Advising leaders on how to lead change initiatives that are more likely to be successful We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Paul Morris of Foundry Fundraising visits the SnapCast to talk about your technology and making the right technological investments. Among the things we discuss: Technology won't do the work for you and doesn't solve all your problems. No matter how shiny it is Nonprofits are woefully underinvesting in the technology tools needed, especially for development Nonprofits don't have to invest wildly, they can and should be smart about it The right tools supports the work The impact of this underinvestment? Wasting a ton of time - staff, stakeholders, volunteers, donors.  The risk to not investing has short-term and long-term impacts We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Laura Macdonald visits the SnapCast to talk about endowments, their utility, and why your nonprofit might want to think about adding an endowment to your funding priorities, and how to prepare to do so. Among the things we discuss: Making the Case for Endowments •      Why are endowments beneficial from an institutional perspective? •      What resonates with donors about endowments? •      How can we help donors see the benefits of endowments versus annual cash donations? •      How do we make a solid case for endowments to skeptical donors?   Stewardship of Endowments •      How do we steward endowments effectively? •      What are common pitfalls in endowment management, and how can they be avoided? Be sure to check out the Endowment Handbook for more insights into this important topic. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Dimple Dhabalia visits the SnapCast to talk about burnout and vicarious trauma among nonprofit professionals. Among the issues we cover: Common occupational traumas in the non-profit sector. Causes of vicarious trauma and moral injury, along with healing strategies. The relevance of generational trauma in the workplace. The connection between self-care, nervous system regulation, and the workplace. How organizations, not just individuals, can experience trauma. A call to action for mission-driven organizations to provide a more comprehensive duty of care. Steps leaders and organizations can take to create a holistic, human-centered duty of care. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Emily visits the SnapCast again to illustrate that nonprofit technology is not a project-based endeavor. We talk about data and technology are integral to defining organizational culture: Human / data interaction Models of tech hiring Emily's Apprenticeship Program Be sure to drop Emily a line and ask her about Friday Conversations. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Full disclosure: Rita Sever and Mickey trash talk some HR practices. We know not all HR people/departments do these things. There are many good HR folks who walk their talk and are user friendly. Among the questions we cover: What is Rita's history with HR? As a consultant, how did Rita support organizations in terms of HR? What are some unique challenges of HR – in a nonprofit in particular? What if an organization doesn’t have an HR department or person? When should an organization designated that role? What does a good HR department cover? What are some traits of a good HR person? When and how does HR not work? How does it impact staff when HR is not trusted? What do you see as the best possible role of HR? What has to be in place to make that role possible? What impact does this have on staff, leadership, and mission? We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.

Lisa Dietlin visits the SnapCast and schools Mickey on the Nonprofit Sector. We start with taking in the 30,000 foot view of the sector and break some things down from there. Among the many things we discuss: Do you know how the nonprofit/philanthropic sector evolved in the US? Did you know the nonprofit sector is the largest employer in the US? Did you know that every position that exists in the for-profit world exists in the nonprofit world? Did you know that nonprofit does not mean non-revenue? In 2023, more than $577 billion was donated to causes in the US with the majority of it coming from individuals. This means that almost $1.6 billion is given away every single day of the year? Did you know that 80% of nonprofits receive 50% of their annual budget during the last two months of the calendar year? Yet kids are hungry in April, rivers need to be cleaned up in May, books need to be put on library shelves in July…. In other words, nonprofits work  24/7/365. We welcome support of the Nonprofit SnapCast via Patreon. We welcome your questions and feedback via The Nonprofit SnapCast website. Learn more about Nonprofit Snapshot's consulting services.