Nonprofit Everything

Wait, now a board member wants us to *not* run like a business? I’m so confused. But Stacey and Andy can help! Also this week, we talk about disengaged board members who refuse to step down, and what kinds of smart questions to ask when vetting bookkeepers and CPAs for your nonprofit. We really appreciate all our listeners (this Thanksgiving we’re thankful for you!) As always, send questions to Questions@NonprofitEverything.com. Topics: Now it’s “Don’t run your nonprofit like a business?” – skip to this question What should we ask when vetting our first bookkeeper/CPA? – skip to this question Dealing with disengaged board members who refuse to resign! – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

What legal risks does a person take on when they agree to be a nonprofit treasurer? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts. Also this week, we talk about different generational takes on PTO policies (how exciting!) and some practical advice about who has to keep the random donor swag at their house. Thanks for joining us this week, and do not forget to send any and all nonprofit questions to Questions@NonprofitEverything.com! Topics: Do I have to keep the swag at my house? – skip to this question Younger employees are abusing PTO! Help! – skip to this question What legal risks should a prospective nonprofit treasurer be aware of? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

I think I’m being forced to retire. Everybody keeps talking about succession planning, but this nonprofit is my baby! Stacey and Andy can definitely help. Also this week, we talk about how to keep your head above water when there is *a lot* going on and all of it is important. Thanks for joining us this week, and don’t forget to send all of your nonprofit related questions to Questions@NonprofitEverything.com. Topics: Why does everybody keep asking me about succession planning? – skip to this question When everything is urgent, how can we do it all? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Is it possible to convince a resistant board that a merger is necessary to save the nonprofit from a “long, slow death?” Stacey and Andy have some thoughts. Also this week, a Board Chair faces a tough ethical and financial conflict: A major donor’s substantial pledge is contingent on replacing the CEO/ED! What’s the right move when the board already has performance concerns? Thanks for joining us this week and don’t forget to send your nonprofit-related questions to questions@NonprofitEverything.com. Topics: How do I convince my board that a merger is a good idea? – skip to this question Help! A donor’s big gift is contingent on firing the ED! – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

When you’ve spent years crafting your vision for the successful nonprofit you’ve founded, how do you prevent future boards and leaders from screwing it all up? Predictably, Stacy and Andy have a few thoughts. Also this week, we talk about whether or not fractional CFOs are a smart idea, and how they might be best used. Thanks for joining us this week, and don’t forget to (please) send your questions (thank you) to questions@NonprofitEverything.com. A Q&A podcast without any Qs wouldn’t make much sense, would it? Topics: How does a founder maintain their vision when other people have to be involved? – skip to this question Is it time for our nonprofit to get a fractional CFO? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

How should you respond when a board member prospect declines your offer? Is there anything to learn from that experience Join us this week as Stacey and Andy tackle that topic. Also, we talk about how small nonprofit shops get up to speed on all of the posssible planned giving options, and prove that we’re not above bribing people with the promise of a picture of a cat. Thanks for joining us this week, and be sure to send your questions to Questions@NonprofitEverything.com! Topics: Where do small organizations get planned giving expertise? – skip to this question How do you respond when a board member prospect declines to serve? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Is there anything you can you do if your organization has trouble hanging on to volunteeers? Stacy and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, we talk about whether or not the executive director should have a seat on the board, and go really deep on fair market value, exchange transactions and why silent auctions always underperform. Thanks for joining us this week and be sure to send your questions to Questions@NonprofitEverything.com! Topics: We’re struggling to keep our volunteers! Help! – skip to this question Why shouldn’t the executive director be on the board? – skip to this question Should we provide a tax receipt for our educational programs? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

What is the best way to get staff to recognize that they’re ambassadors for the organization? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts. Also this week, we talk about how to get an underperforming employee back up to scratch. Thanks for joining us this week, and don’t forget to send your questions to Questions@NonprofitEverything.com! Topics: How do we get our staff to be ambassadors for our organization? – skip to this question Dealing with an underperforming employee – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

What can you do when cash runs out and you can’t even make payroll? Andy and Stacey have some thoughts. Also this week, we find out if it’s possible for an executive director to effectively run a nonprofit by remaining in the background, and have a quick chat about outsourced HR. Thanks for joining us this week, and please, please, please, please, please send any nonprofit related questions to Questions@NonprofitEverything.com. Topics: What HR functions should we outsource first?- skip to this question Help! We can’t make payroll! What can we do?- skip to this question Can an Executive Director stay in the background? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

How do you get funder site visits just right? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, we talk about budgeting for grant revenue, and have an interesting discussion about managing end user fraud (and whether it’s something you should be worried about at all!) Thanks for joining us this week, and don’t forget to send that question that you wish someone else would ask to Questions@NonprofitEverything.com. Topics: How do you budget for potential grant revenue?- skip to this question We didn’t get the funding after the site visit! What did we do wrong? – skip to this question Should we address potential end-user fraud? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Nonprofits are “business on hard-mode,” and sometimes this can take a toll on board members and staff. Is there something we can do about burnout in this high-stress environment? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, we talk about good ways to preserve our organization’s stories, and discuss the tightrope-walk that is determining the first executive director’s salary. Thanks for joining us this week, and please send your questions to Questions@NonprofitEverything.com. Topics: Keeping your organization’s stories – skip to this question How do you determine the first executive director’s salary? – skip to this question Can you prevent board member burnout? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

How do nonprofits get better at talking to the media about our mission, programs and needs? Stacey joins guest expert Linda Bridges, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at SafeNest for the answer. Thanks for joining us this week! If you have any time between saving the world and pulling your hair out, please send your questions to Questions@NonprofitEverything.com. Topics: How does our grassroots organization skill up in media interviews? with Guest Expert Linda Bridges – skip to this question Linda Bridges is a seasoned expert in marketing and branding with over 15 years of experience helping businesses craft and amplify their brand stories. With a deep understanding of strategic marketing, Linda has guided countless companies—ranging from startups to established enterprises—through the complex world of brand development, ensuring their messages resonate with the right audiences. As a sought-after speaker, coach, and consultant, Linda specializes in transforming brands into household names by leveraging her expertise in public relations, strategic marketing, and brand storytelling. Her approach is rooted in a blend of traditional marketing principles and innovative strategies, ensuring her clients not only stand out but also endure in a competitive marketplace. Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

How do you create a fundraising budget from scratch — is that even possible if you have no past history? Andy and Stacey sure seem to think so! Also this week, we talk about how to officially wind down a nonprofit organization, and if it’s possible to convert from a nonprofit to a for-profit. Thanks for your commitment to making the world a better place (and for joining us!) Oh, we also have something for your to-do list: Send a question you *wish* somebody else would ask to Questions@NonprofitEverything.com. Topics: How do you close down a nonprofit? Can you convert it to a for-profit instead? – skip to this question How do you create a fundraising budget from scratch? – skip to this question Virtual Workshop Opportunity: The 6 Types of Working Genius Tired of feeling like a square peg in a round productivity hole? Discover your professional superpower at Stacey’s upcoming Working Genius virtual workshop! Imagine transforming those energy-draining tasks into moments of flow where your natural talents shine. In just one interactive session, you’ll * Uncover Your Genius Type * Learn How to Inspire Effortless Team Dynamics * Walk Away with Tools to Diagnose Team Dysfunction Former participants are still raving about their “AHA moments” months later! Register here by May 23rd, and save $20 off the regular ticket price- because finding your genius shouldn’t cost a fortune. Mentioned this week: AFP New Fundraiser Resources Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Is it possible (or ethical) to raise unrestricted funds at a program focused event? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, we discuss how a small membership organization can start to raise some cash, and we find out the three things about being a CFO that Andy wants everybody to know. (There weren’t three – we counted.) Thanks again for joining us this week, and please don’t forget to send any and all questions to Questions@NonprofitEverything.com. Pretty please with sugar on top! Topics: How does a small membership organization support itself? – skip to this question Can you raise unrestricted funds at a program focused event – skip to this question Three things you want your coworkers to know about your job – CFO edition – skip to this question Virtual Workshop Opportunity: The 6 Types of Working Genius Tired of feeling like a square peg in a round productivity hole? Discover your professional superpower at Stacey’s upcoming Working Genius virtual workshop! Imagine transforming those energy-draining tasks into moments of flow where your natural talents shine. In just one interactive session, you’ll * Uncover Your Genius Type * Learn How to Inspire Effortless Team Dynamics * Walk Away with Tools to Diagnose Team Dysfunction Former participants are still raving about their “AHA moments” months later! Register here by May 23rd, and save $20 off the regular ticket price- because finding your genius shouldn’t cost a fortune. Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

How do we know which state’s benefits apply to our remote workers? Andy joins guest expert Randy Marsh, Interim Chief Financial & Operations Officer for the nonprofit ANet to get the answer. Also this week, Stacey has some ideas about how to quiet down a rowdy crowd at a gala. Thanks for joining us this week, and please send any and all nonprofit related questions to Questions@NonprofitEverything.com. Topics: Quieting down the gala so people can hear the program! – skip to this question What state benefits are our remote workers eligible for? With Guest Expert Randy Marsh – skip to this question About Randy Marsh: Randy Marsh is an experienced nonprofit Operations executive with over 20 years’ experience leading teams managing HR, Finance, Accounting, IT, and Facilities in nonprofit, government, and for-profit organizations. Randy currently serves as the Interim Chief Financial & Operations Officer for Achievement Network (ANet) and provides operational excellence consulting for many nonprofit and forprofit clients. Prior to relocating to Las Vegas, Randy held leadership roles with nonprofits in the Washington, DC leading human resources, finance & accounting, grants, IT, procurement, and event logistics. Randy has spent over a decade serving on nonprofit boards, including, at various times, leading the Finance & Audit, Governance & Nomination, Strategic Planning, and DEI Committees. Randy was named the DC Nonprofit CFO of the Year Rising Star in 2019 and is a SHRM certified Senior HR Professional. Prior to moving into the nonprofit world in 2010, Randy managed operations for companies in the political, telecommunications, and transportation sectors. Randy did undergraduate studies at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, graduate studies at the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at The American University in Cairo, and completed programs in Risk Management and Communication at Kings College in London and Global Human Resource Management at George Mason University. Randy recently completed the Executive MBA program at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. In his free time Randy loves to travel, play board games, poker, watch movies, spend time with friends, and volunteer. Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Two of the members on one of our board committees can’t stop fighting with each other… who should deal with this? We’ve definitely got a few ideas. Also this week, Stacey and Andy explore some options for smaller organizations to recognize and help out remote employees. Thanks for joining us this week, and please send your questions to questions@NonprofitEverything.com. Topics: Help! The board members are fighting! – skip to this question Tips for acknowledging and assisting remote employees – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Is There An Elephant In Your Boardroom? Emergency Assistance Foundation Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Everybody should have an endowment, shouldn’t they? Not so fast — Andy and Stacey have some thoughts. Also this week, are restaurant marketing fundraisers a good way to make a little money? Thanks for joining us this week, and please, please, please send any and all nonprofit-related questions to questions@NonprofitEverything.com. Topics: Do we need an endowment? – skip to this question The board is suggesting a “restaurant fundraiser.” Is this dumb? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: What is UPMIFA? A very weird, old perspective on endowments. Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Are there any special things we should be considering when former clients want to come back to volunteer? Stacey and Andy have thoughts. Also this week, we discuss whether an organization should have an “overhead target” and if it’s appropriate for a financial auditor to suggest a specific number. Thanks for joining us this week, and be sure to send any and all questions (or suggestions!) to questions@NonprofitEverything.com. Topics: Should we let former program clients volunteer? – skip to this question Our auditor says “our program percentage is too low.” Can they do that? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

We get a lot of requests for one-day corporate volunteering projects, but they take so much effort. How do we make these worth our time? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, we talk about how to manage a founder who has retired to the board, how to politely decline gifts that we shouldn’t accept, and whether or not it’s a good idea to hire in an executive director from outside the community. Thanks for joining us this week, and be sure to send your questions to questions@NonprofitEverything.com. Topics: Should we hire a new Executive Director from out of state? – skip to this question How do we refuse a gift we can’t accept? – skip to this question How do we make corporate volunteer gigs useful? – skip to this question Can I get the founder off the board? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

With so many options available, what strategies should we use to maximize our marketing efforts — especially if we don’t really have the capacity in the first place? Stacey joins guest expert Lisa Nelsen, Owner, Nonprofit Brand Designer & Copywriter at Coruzzi Communications for a comprehensive answer! Thanks for joining us this week, and don’t forget to send your questions to questions@NonprofitEverything.com. Topics: Strategies for marketing with limited capacity? – with Guest Expert Lisa Nelsen of Coruzzi Communications – skip to this question Lisa Nelsen is a local guru in all things branding and communications for nonprofits. After transitioning from a successful career in the corporate advertising, non-profit and public education sectors, Lisa dedicated her skills to the broader Nevada nonprofit community. Now she is the owner of Coruzzi Communications, which offers consulting as well as written and visual messaging services to nonprofits and their mission driven partners. A second-generation Las Vegas native and UNLV graduate, Lisa is personally committed to community service. Aside from her professional endeavors, she has volunteered with dozens of local nonprofits and children’s hospitals, and has served nine years as a court appointed special advocate for children in foster care. Her dedication also extends to her position on various boards and committees. In 2023, she delivered a TEDx talk about the powerful role of communications in advancing or perpetuating our most persistent societal issues. Mentioned this week: Coruzzi Communications Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast