The Nonprofit Show American Nonprofit Academy

Nonprofit’s questions and expert’s answers about nonprofit board engagement, fundraising expectations of board members, financial literacy among nonprofit board members, and the confidentiality of professional coaching paid for by organizations. Host Meredith Terrian shares the microphone with Muhi Khwaja, from the National University Fundraising Academy and co-founder of the American Muslim Community Foundation.

Regarding board engagement, Muhi starts with the importance of full board participation in fundraising efforts, suggesting various ways for board members to contribute, such as making financial commitments or leveraging their networks. He advocates for clear expectations and training for board members to interpret financial reports effectively.

On a question from a viewer about professional coaching, Muhi points to the need for confidentiality in coaching contracts, highlighting the importance of privacy for effective coaching sessions.

The conversation also touches on setting board policies, including term limits and age limits. Muhi supports term limits as a means to prevent founder syndrome and promote fresh perspectives on the board. However, he advises caution regarding age limits, emphasizing the value of diverse perspectives and experiences regardless of age. As Muhi Khwaja aptly summarizes, "There's a lot of value in age as well."

Host Meredith Terrian echoes Muhi's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of clear policies and training for board members to ensure effective governance and decision-making within nonprofit organizations.

This dynamic conversation amplifies several best practices for nonprofit board governance, fundraising, financial literacy, and professional development, as is the  nature of nonprofit management.

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The Nonprofit Fixer goes deep into the 'seven mistakes nonprofit executive directors make' and offers valuable strategies to avoid these blunders. Whether you're a current nonprofit leader or aspiring to be one, this learning episode is packed with essential tips and firsthand experiences to help you navigate the role of Executive Director!  Sean Kosofsky, with his three decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, passionately shares his insights, having observed numerous nonprofit leaders navigating their roles with limited support, Sean has tailored his career towards enhancing executive director leadership through specialized coaching and consulting.

As Sean details these frequent missteps, he begins with the importance of employment contracts for nonprofit leaders, distinguishing them as crucial for job security and organizational commitment. He explains, "In the private sector, having an employment contract is standard, especially if you're an executive. But in the nonprofit sector, what I've found is that most nonprofit leaders do not have them unless you're at like, three million, four million, five million or larger size budget organizations." . . ..  amplifying the disparity between the sectors and the vulnerabilities executive directors face without contractual protections.

Continuing, Sean discusses other vital areas where executive directors often stumble, such as financial oversight before starting a role, building rapport with the board chair, and the imperative of being involved in fundraising. He stresses that understanding and actively participating in fundraising is non-negotiable for effective leadership.

This lively discussion, with Host Meredith Terrian, also touches on the significance of having a robust relationship with the board chair, managing team dynamics effectively, and the strategic importance of saying 'no' to maintain focus and mental well-being. Each point is highlighted with practical advice and solutions.

Learn even more at: www.thenonprofitfixer.com

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The specific action of aligning mission, vision, operations, and strategic planning enables nonprofits to thrive and fulfill their missions effectively.  We learn more, led by Jennifer Drago, a seasoned strategy and governance expert with Peak to Profit Consultants. Her work spans nonprofit strategic planning, governance, and board development, recognizing the pivotal role of boards in providing strategic direction to organizations.

Throughout the discussion, Jennifer articulates a clear roadmap for effective strategic planning. She emphasizes the need to start with a comprehensive vision of the organization's future, moving away from static vision statements to dynamic, descriptive narratives. Jennifer advocates for a collaborative process, involving boards, leadership teams, and staff to craft a shared vision that serves as a guiding beacon for the organization.

A key takeaway from Jennifer's insights is the importance of active engagement with the strategic plan beyond its creation. She points to the need for ongoing visibility and accountability, advocating for regular review sessions to track progress and address challenges. Jennifer shares practical tools like clear dashboards and performance assessments tied to strategic goals to ensure alignment and accountability at all levels of the organization.

Jennifer continues, commenting on the critical role of boards in governance, highlighting common challenges such as outdated structures and lack of succession planning. She stresses the need for intentional governance practices, including board recruitment, term limits, and CEO succession planning, to strengthen organizational resilience and competitiveness.

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Exploring the topic of representation in the finance and accounting sectors, particularly within the nonprofit industry, with LaMichelle Hecht, CPA, and CEO of Overhead Solutions Group.   LaMichelle shares her insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by Black women in accounting, highlighting the need for increased diversity and inclusion. From addressing systemic barriers to entry to advocating for greater support for Black-owned businesses and professionals, LaMichelle's expertise offers up actionable strategies for any organization to foster inclusivity and drive positive change. 

LaMichelle, who established her practice in late 2020, began by addressing the stark reality that less than 2% of all CPAs are Black, with an even smaller percentage owning CPA firms. LaMichelle expressed optimism about the future, citing initiatives like the National Association of Black Accountants' (NABA) efforts to introduce accounting to high school students through programs like ACAP. She emphasized the importance of increasing awareness among young people about the viability and potential of accounting careers.

The discussion touches on systematic barriers to entry, notably the financial burden of obtaining the necessary qualifications, such as the 150 credit hours required for CPA licensure. LaMichelle highlighted the impact of student loan debt, which disproportionately affects individuals from underprivileged backgrounds, hindering their pursuit of accounting careers.

Focusing on the unique role of accounting in the nonprofit sector and addressing the need for greater diversity in leadership roles, LaMichelle outlined strategies for nonprofits to engage with and support Black-owned businesses and professionals. 

Host Julia Patrick mentions mentorship and community support, and LaMichelle describes the value of networking platforms like social media groups and professional organizations such as Chicago Financial Women and BNI. She shares her experiences volunteering and serving on nonprofit boards, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community and mentoring future generations of professionals.  Her dedication to driving positive change in the sector serves as an inspiration for all those striving for greater representation and inclusivity in finance and accounting.

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The positive impact of adoption-friendly workplace policies for nonprofits, with insights from Mary Ellen Smalley, Director of Brand and Cause Awareness at the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. This fast-paced learning episode explores the Foundation's Top 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplace list for 2024, showcasing organizations leading the charge in supporting adoptive and foster parents through robust benefits and inclusive environments. You’ll hear about resources and guidance for implementing adoption-friendly policies tailored to your nonprofit organization's size and structure, ensuring inclusivity and support for employees considering adoption.  Mary Ellen and the cohosts offer heartwarming stories illustrating the profound impact of these adoption and fostercare policies on families and children.

More and more nonprofits are creating foster care and adoption policies for their staff.  As Mary Ellen states, "We're just seeing the trends going up, and we see more and more companies participating...it's all good."

Mary Ellen's insights detail the significance of adoption-friendly policies, explaining their role in creating inclusive environments for employees considering adoption. She outlines the diverse range of benefits offered by both for profit and non-profit organizations, ranging from financial reimbursement to generous paid leave policies, tailored to support various adoption paths, including foster care adoption.

Mary Ellen lifts the veil on the Dave Thomas Foundation's Top 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplace list for 2024. This list not only recognizes companies for their exemplary adoption policies but also serves as a benchmarking tool for organizations aspiring to enhance their support for adoptive parents.

Through Mary Ellen's detailed explanation, you will learn how implementing adoption-friendly policies can vary in complexity depending on the size and structure of the organization.  The Foundation has links to resources and guidance, such as toolkits and surveys, to assist organizations at every stage of policy development.

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The Cultivate 2024 conference for nonprofits, from San Diego, proved to be an electrifying and insightful event, showcasing the passion and dedication of professionals in the nonprofit sector. The two-day gathering of nonprofit professionals from around the country, hosted by Fundraising Academy, boasted a packed schedule of sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities.

The conference, now in its second year, witnessed significant growth and interest. Keynote speaker Jason Champion set the tone with his enthusiastic address, emphasizing the importance of cultivating relationships in the nonprofit world. Attendees found themselves engaged in hands-on workshops, such as those focused on event planning and fundraising strategies, led by industry experts like Jack Alotto and Jared Williams.

Moreover, the conference facilitated meaningful connections, with attendees eager to share experiences and viewpoints. Panel discussions on leadership development, sustainable growth strategies, and trends in technology provided valuable knowledge for professionals at all levels.

What truly set Cultivate apart was its focus on professionalizing fundraising and treating nonprofits as businesses. LaShonda Williams, a trainer at National University, emphasized the importance of equipping fundraisers with the necessary skills and resources to succeed in their careers.

Pearl Hoeglund, the director of Fundraising Academy, highlighted the conference's mission to provide accessible and immediately applicable strategies for attendees. The intimate setting fostered authentic engagement and encouraged lifelong learning among participants.

Looking ahead to future editions of Cultivate, organizers aim to maintain the event's intimate atmosphere while accommodating the growing interest from across the country. The focus remains on fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and empowering professionals to drive meaningful impact in their communities.

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