Impact Unleashed: The Nonprofit Edition‪™‬ Sara Mayer

This episode of Impact Unleashed features host Sara Mayer interviewing Jenny Elser, a co-founder of the Joyride Society, a nonprofit giving circle. The discussion details the society's inception in 2015, its mission, and the journey from an idea born out of a desire to make significant financial contributions to causes, despite individual financial constraints. They explore how the society was established, the challenges and milestones experienced, including raising and distributing over $194,000 to various causes with no operational costs. The episode emphasizes the power of collective giving, the process of nominating and supporting organizations, and the impact of their contributions, including a significant donation to Pencils of Promise for building a school. Sara and Jenny encourage listeners interested in making an impact in their communities to consider founding or joining a giving circle, highlighting the ease and fulfillment derived from collective effort and shared goals. 

Join the Joyride Society at joyridesociety.org  

 

 

00:00 Welcome to Impact Unleashed: The Nonprofit Edition 

00:36 Introducing Jenny Elser: Co-Founder of Joyride Society 

02:08 The Genesis of Joyride Society: From Dream to Reality 

03:55 The Joyride Society's Unique Approach to Philanthropy 

14:16 The Impact of Joyride Society: Success Stories and Achievements 

26:00 Advice for Aspiring Nonprofit Founders 

27:44 Reflecting on the Journey and Honoring a Founder 

28:53 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement 

In this episode of Impact Unleashed, the focus is on the crucial role of volunteers in nonprofit event success. The discussion includes best practices for volunteer management, emphasizing the importance of planning, setting clear roles and responsibilities, and understanding that volunteers come with varied skills and availability. Key strategies include being mindful not to pigeonhole volunteers based on their professional backgrounds, the importance of clear communication, including detailed prep materials and onboarding, setting clear expectations around attire and event duties, and ensuring volunteers are well taken care of during events. Tips for motivating and appreciating volunteers include acknowledging their contributions, providing necessary tools, and making their experience fun and impactful. The episode underlines the importance of effective volunteer management in ensuring nonprofit events are successful and mission goals are met. 

 

00:00 Introduction to Impactful Volunteer Management 

00:31 The Heartbeat of Nonprofits: Volunteers 

01:02 Best Practices for Volunteer Utilization 

02:16 Setting Clear Expectations and Roles 

05:27 Preparing and Training Volunteers for Success 

08:37 Effective Communication and Coordination 

13:50 Recognizing and Appreciating Volunteer Efforts 

14:49 Tips and Tricks for Managing Volunteers 

18:59 Closing Thoughts on Volunteer Engagement 

This episode of Impact Unleashed, hosted by Sara Mayer, features Bobby D, America's favorite auctioneer, who shares his journey from aspiring engineer to renowned fundraising consultant and auctioneer. With over two decades of experience, Bobby discusses the transformative role of auctions and fundraising events in supporting nonprofit missions. He emphasizes the importance of compelling storytelling, strategic planning, and creating engaging experiences to captivate donors. Highlighting innovative fundraising methods, such as gamified donations and unique auction items, Bobby illustrates how to maximize donor participation and impact. Additionally, the episode offers practical advice for nonprofits on timing for hiring professional help for events and how to effectively create memorable moments that encourage generous giving. The conversation underscores the significance of meticulous event coordination among all parties involved to ensure the success of fundraising efforts. 

 

00:00 Welcome to Impact Unleashed: The Nonprofit Edition 

00:19 Meet Bobby D: America's Favorite Auctioneer 

02:09 Bobby D's Journey from Auto Auctions to Nonprofit Fundraising 

06:34 Mastering the Art of Fundraising: Strategies and Impact 

08:35 Crafting the Perfect Fundraising Event: Tips and Techniques 

10:36 The Importance of Effective Storytelling and Engagement 

17:11 Navigating the Transition from Small Gatherings to Large Fundraisers 

19:56 Harnessing Technology for Event Success 

20:15 The Power of Storytelling in Fundraising 

20:38 The Pitfalls of Mobile Technology in Live Events 

22:17 Why Traditional Paddles Still Win in Fundraising 

24:51 Creative Fundraising: Beyond the Auction 

30:51 Maximizing Impact with Minimal Items 

32:47 Connecting with Bobby D for Fundraising Success 

34:28 The Lasting Impact of Well-Executed Fundraising Events 

 

Connect with Bobby:

inspirehearts.com

Linkedin Bobby D. Ehlert

In this episode of Impact Unleashed, host Sara Mayer shares expert advice on organizing successful gala events for nonprofits, focusing on the critical aspects of working with catering teams and menu planning to ensure a smooth evening. Topics include the significance of involving the catering team early in the planning process, the advantages and challenges of banquet team events versus off-site events, and practical tips on menu selection to accommodate dietary restrictions and streamline service. Sara also emphasizes the importance of keeping dinner service simple, utilizing place cards, and managing beverage options and dessert service efficiently to minimize distractions and enhance the overall gala experience.

 

00:00 Welcome to Impact Unleashed: The Nonprofit Edition

00:22 Diving Into Nonprofit Event Planning: The Gala Series

01:23 Mastering the Art of Catering for Your Gala

02:05 Choosing the Perfect Venue: Banquet Teams vs. Offsite Events

03:50 The Critical Role of Your Catering Team in Event Success

06:30 Menu Planning: Simplify to Satisfy

12:54 Efficient Service: The Magic of Place Cards

16:54 Dinner Service Strategies: Focus on the Stage, Not the Plates

22:50 Beverage Best Practices: Keep the Bar Open

26:36 Concluding Thoughts on Gala Planning

Mastering Nonprofit Event Fundraising: Goals, Budgeting, and Alignment with Mission

 

In this episode of Impact Unleashed, host Sara Mayer discusses the critical aspects of planning and executing successful fundraising events for nonprofits. She underlines the importance of goal-setting and distinguishing the nature of the event whether it's focused on awareness, fundraising, or specific components of the mission. Mayer emphasizes the necessity of setting realistic budgets, ensuring net revenue, diversifying income resources at events, and strongly advocating for events to be aligned with the organization's mission. She also touches on the importance of utilizing every minute of an attendee's presence at the event effectively.

 

00:01 Introduction to Impact Unleashed

00:26 The Importance of Nonprofit Events

03:08 Setting Clear Goals for Your Event

06:23 The Importance of Budgeting in Event Planning

09:44 Maximizing Net Revenue from Your Event

10:36 Aligning Your Event with Your Mission

11:47 Planning the Event Day

13:07 Revisiting Your Event Goals

13:39 Conclusion and Next Steps

Exploring the Roles and Impact of Nonprofits: Nurturing Connections

 

This episode of 'Impact Unleashed, the nonprofit edition' podcast, hosted by Sarah Mayer, emphasizes the crucial roles inherent in nonprofit organizations, including founders, board members, volunteers, members, and partners. It discusses the experiences and responsibilities of each role and their significance to ensuring the longevity and success of the organization. The episode encourages exploring and building relationships among these roles for the betterment of the organization. Sarah also advises how to engage professionals to develop the nonprofit landscape, tips for individuals interested in getting involved, and underscores the untapped potential and impact of nonprofits. The listeners are invited to check out the nonprofitimpactunleashed.co for further resources and tools.

 

00:00 Introduction to Impact Unleashed

00:49 Understanding the Role of Nonprofit Founders

02:36 The Importance of Nonprofit Boards and Officers

04:53 The Role of Volunteers and Members in Nonprofits

06:13 The Power of Partnerships in Nonprofits

08:26 Strategies for Nonprofit Stakeholder Engagement

09:07 Exploring Opportunities in Nonprofit Involvement

09:29 The Impact of Professional Staff in Nonprofits

10:20 Unleashing the Potential of Nonprofits

10:33 Resources for Nonprofit Success

11:12 Conclusion and Invitation to Join Impact Unleashed