Nonprofit Counsel Podcast

May Harris
  • 5.0 (1)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Are you ready to start a nonprofit, navigate the legal process of securing tax exempt status, or become a more confident nonprofit leader? The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast is your trusted guide for nonprofit leadership, nonprofit law, board governance, and nonprofit management. Designed for nonprofit founders, executive directors, nonprofit leaders, board members, and social impact entrepreneurs, this podcast delivers practical insights and expert strategies to help you build, lead, and grow a mission-driven organization. Host May L. Harris, Esq., MA, brings her expertise as a nationally recognized nonprofit attorney, strategist, and founder of FPLG and the Nonprofit Counsel Leadership Accelerator to every episode. She explores the legal and operational challenges nonprofit leaders face, offering step-by-step support whether you're starting a nonprofit, managing complex board governance, launching a fundraising campaign, or navigating compliance issues. At the heart of the show is a commitment to empowering nonprofit leaders with confidence and clarity. May draws from over twenty five of experience in nonprofit law, nonprofit management, and organizational development to bring you lessons you can immediately apply. You'll hear about real-world nonprofit legal challenges, nonprofit leadership tips for sustainable growth, and best practices to keep your organization compliant, accountable, and impactful. In partnership with the Nonprofit Counsel Leadership Accelerator, the podcast goes even deeper. This innovative program offers live coaching, legal templates, and hands-on guidance for nonprofit founders, executives, and board members looking to skip the guesswork and accelerate their results. The Accelerator is a game changing companion to the podcast, helping you build a strong legal and operational foundation so you can focus on what matters, your mission. Whether you're still dreaming about starting a nonprofit or you're already managing a thriving tax exempt organization, this podcast is here to meet you where you are. Learn how to communicate your purpose clearly, strengthen your board governance practices, manage nonprofit finances, and lead with integrity. Episodes also cover common pitfalls in nonprofit compliance, successful nonprofit fundraising strategies, and how to structure your nonprofit organization for long term sustainability. Join a growing community of nonprofit leaders, change makers, and mission driven founders who are building organizations that serve with purpose and lead with confidence. Subscribe to the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and start mastering the business of doing good. Start smart. Lead strong. Create lasting impact. About the Host: May L. Harris, Esq., MA is a nationally recognized expert in nonprofit law and founder of For Purpose Law Group (FPLG). Since launching FPLG in 2012, she has helped thousands of organizations across the U.S. navigate tax-exempt status, nonprofit compliance, and sustainable growth. Her practice focuses on nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, social enterprise law, and charitable planning. May began her legal career in intellectual property before discovering a passion for the nonprofit sector while forming a school organization for her son. Realizing how underserved nonprofits were in legal guidance, she shifted her focus and earned a Master's in Nonprofit Leadership and Management. Today, FPLG is a trusted legal partner to mission-driven organizations nationwide, known for aligning legal strategy with purpose and impact. Learn More: Nonprofit Counsel Leadership Accelerator : https://leadershipaccelerator.nonprofitcounsel.com/ For Purpose Law Group https://www.fplglaw.com Nonprofit Counsel Website https://nonprofitcounsel.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadsI57R2z0YixANGZpHFSMmQ6Kpny1rEsI4wryyzH5u0IrCdFffxo0Xh1DBHQ_aem_8ZPyNUuB_hnAXN_xlL_d_g Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nonprofitcounsel/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com

  1. Why Specialist Expertise for Nonprofits Matters with Mike Payne

    NOV 4

    Why Specialist Expertise for Nonprofits Matters with Mike Payne

    Nonprofit accounting and legal services require specialized expertise that most professionals lack. On this episode of Nonprofit Counsel, host May Harris speaks with Mike Payne, founder and CEO of Boss Advisors, about why combining these disciplines creates better outcomes for charitable organizations. Mike shares his journey from Ernst & Young's tax-exempt organization practice to building an innovative firm that integrates nonprofit CPA services with legal counsel. They discuss critical topics, including Form 990 preparation, board governance, conflict of interest policies, and why professionals should never dabble in nonprofit tax compliance. This conversation explores the benefits of combining legal and accounting services for nonprofits, while avoiding costly mistakes that could jeopardize their tax-exempt status.   What You'll Learn in This Episode:    Why nonprofit accounting and legal services should be integrated rather than siloed to prevent costly compliance mistakes The critical importance of specialized expertise in tax-exempt organizations and why professionals should never dabble in nonprofit law How to establish proper board governance, including required training, conflict of interest policies, and articles of incorporation reviews Best practices for Form 990 preparation and understanding the unique disclosure requirements that differ from traditional business tax returns Subscribe to The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast and stay ahead on the legal and strategic insights that help nonprofits thrive. Join the conversation and empower your mission with expert guidance every episode.   TIMESTAMPS:   00:00 Mike Payne's journey from law school to Ernst & Young's tax-exempt organization practice and founding Boss Advisors 05:55 Combining nonprofit accounting and legal services eliminates the client middleman problem in nonprofit tax compliance, and it represents the intersection of law and tax 13:17 The dangers of practitioners dabbling in nonprofit law without specialized expertise in Form 990 preparation 19:16 Discussion of essential board governance training, including conflict of interest policies and required board member education 22:52 Ensuring articles of incorporation and bylaws align with actual organizational activities and charitable purpose   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Nonprofit accounting and legal services must be integrated to avoid putting clients in the awkward position of translating information between their accountant and lawyer, which often results in missed critical details affecting nonprofit tax compliance. Practitioners should never dabble in tax-exempt organizations' work—whether lawyers or CPAs—because the specialized knowledge required means mistakes can result in excise taxes, intermediate sanctions, or complete loss of tax-exempt status for the organization. Every board governance structure needs the ABCs plus D: articles of incorporation, bylaws, conflict of interest policy, and annual disclosure statements that board members must review and sign to ensure proper understanding and compliance.   ABOUT THE GUEST:  Michael Payne, JD, CPA, is a licensed attorney and Certified Public Accountant with over 20 years of experience serving business owners, individuals, and nonprofit organizations across the nation. As Founder and CEO of Boss Advisors, Mike leads the Advisory Practice, specializing in entity structuring, tax strategy, and compliance solutions that maximize efficiency and savings for clients. Having worked with large CPA and law firms before starting his own practice, Mike combines Big Four expertise with personalized service for local businesses and nonprofit organizations across the nation. A proud Arizona native and father of five, Mike holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting from NAU and a Juris Doctorate from ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law. BOSS Advisors - Website Mike Payne - LinkedIn   RESOURCES MENTIONED:  For Profit Law Group - Website Nonprofit Counsel - Website Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram Nonprofit Counsel  - LinkedIn

    27 min
  2. Fixing Fires: How Nonprofits Can Turn Crisis Into Stability with T. Hampton Dohrman

    OCT 21

    Fixing Fires: How Nonprofits Can Turn Crisis Into Stability with T. Hampton Dohrman

    Explore nonprofit accounting and financial leadership on Nonprofit Counsel, hosted by May Harris. T. Hampton Dohrman of Hampton Nonprofit Management breaks down the operational challenges of interim executive director roles. Learn about insurance compliance, workers' compensation, payroll systems, and cash flow planning to stabilize your organization. Navigate board financials, manage restricted funds, gifts, grants, and program service revenue while staying mission-focused. Debunk the overhead myth, balance new programs with fee-for-service models, and use Form 990 reporting for transparency and strategic storytelling. Listen in for actionable insights for nonprofit leaders and boards.   What You'll Learn in This Episode:    Master nonprofit accounting basics for handling financial crises and ensuring insurance compliance during operational chaos. Strategies for interim executive director roles, including payroll systems and transition planning in nonprofit management. Effective board financials presentation, focusing on restricted funds, gifts and grants, and 990 reporting. Debunk the overhead myth through purposeful cost allocation and mission alignment in program service revenue.   Subscribe to The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast and stay ahead on the legal and strategic insights that help nonprofits thrive. Join the conversation and empower your mission with expert guidance every episode.   TIMESTAMPS:   00:00 Hampton explains purposeful money use in nonprofit accounting to advance mission via program service revenue and fee-for-service models 02:12 In a financial crisis, Hampton evaluates bank balance, insurance compliance, and workers' comp to avoid additional operational chaos 08:02 New nonprofit management should focus on mission alignment, awareness of rules, and gradual cash flow planning over perfection 11:45 Mature organizations should emphasize forward-looking board financials, restricted funds, gifts and grants, and 990 reporting integration 17:15 Cost allocation in nonprofit accounting reveals program interplay; lose money on purpose via debunking the overhead myth for growth   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   In nonprofit accounting, don't be afraid to spend money to fuel mission growth via program service revenue and fee-for-service offsets. Interim executive director roles prioritize insurance compliance, workers' comp, and cash flow planning amid financial crisis. Effective board financials require cost allocation of restricted funds, gifts and grants for mission alignment. Debunk the overhead myth through strategic storytelling in nonprofit financials and 990 reporting transparency.   ABOUT THE GUEST:  T. Hampton Dohrman, a San Diego-based social entrepreneur and nonprofit advocate, founded and leads Hampton Nonprofit Management, a referral-only firm offering interim executive leadership and support in accounting, operations, and HR to drive mission impact. A Southern transplant, he enjoys San Diego's weather, beer scene, nonprofits, beaches, and its proximity to the border. With expertise in management and accounting, he's also an orchestral musician and a former tech startup founder. A 2022 LEAD Impact Class member and San Diego Business Journal CFO of the Year finalist, Hampton has empowered hundreds of nonprofits to operate smarter and amplify small-org impact. T Hampton Dohrman - LinkedIn Hampton Nonprofit Management   RESOURCES MENTIONED:  For Profit Law Group - Website Nonprofit Counsel - Website Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram Nonprofit Counsel  - LinkedIn

    25 min
  3. Leading With Courage Through Uncertainty With Sarah Tuakli Cooper | Ep 27

    OCT 7

    Leading With Courage Through Uncertainty With Sarah Tuakli Cooper | Ep 27

    Nonprofit leadership takes center stage in this robust conversation with Sarah Tuakli Cooper. Host May Harris brings this discussion to life on the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, highlighting Sarah's dual roles as executive director and board chair. With decades of experience, Sarah explores how conflict resolution, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as authentic nonprofit governance, create stronger organizations. She also shares how women of color can embrace courage, self-care, and voice in leadership. This episode offers practical strategies for building strong board and executive partnerships, reminding us that effective nonprofit leadership requires advocacy, collaboration, and a clear vision. What You'll Learn in This Episode:    How strong nonprofit leadership helps align the roles of board chair and executive director for greater impact Why conflict resolution and grace are essential tools for advancing nonprofit governance The importance of embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into nonprofit strategy and culture Ways leadership for women of color strengthens voices, builds courage, and drives mission-focused change Practical steps to enhance nonprofit collaboration and sustain community engagement   Subscribe to The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast and stay ahead on the legal and strategic insights that help nonprofits thrive. Join the conversation and empower your mission with expert guidance every episode.   TIMESTAMPS:   00:00 Sarah Tuakli Cooper: a woman of color, from teaching in England to volunteering with CASA, her path to nonprofit governance and executive director roles 04:00 Balancing passion and conflict resolution within the nonprofit sector, managing differences while staying mission-driven 08:00 The critical partnership between the board chair and the executive director: the linchpin of effective nonprofit leadership 14:03 Superficial approaches can weaken nonprofit governance; nonprofits should stand firm on their missions and practice courageous leadership 17:12 Advice for young women of color entering the nonprofit sector, focusing on self-care, courage, and embracing authentic leadership for women of color   KEY TAKEAWAYS:    Discover how strong nonprofit leadership, effective conflict resolution, and authentic nonprofit governance can transform organizations and drive long-term success.  Learn why diversity, equity, and inclusion, courageous leadership for women of color, and meaningful nonprofit collaboration are essential for thriving communities.  Gain insights on building trust between the board chair and the executive director, enhancing nonprofit leadership, and sustaining impact in the nonprofit sector.  Explore strategies that align nonprofit governance, strengthen nonprofit collaboration, and ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the heart of mission-driven work.   ABOUT THE GUESTS:  Sarah Tuakli Cooper is the Executive Director at the Elementary Institute of Science, established in Southeastern San Diego in 1964 to ensure Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in STEM.  She spent 20 years teaching computer composition and studio production in London, before moving to San Diego in 2008. She currently co-chairs the Jobs and Education Working Group for the San Diego Promise Zone and has served as Treasurer and Chair of the Board for the United Women of East Africa Support Team. Sarah's global perspective, extensive background in tech education, and commitment to serving diverse San Diego communities inform a leadership approach that is focused on Inclusion and Belonging in fields that are traditionally exclusive. In 2022, she was recognized as a Woman of Influence in Technology in the San Diego Business Journal and is increasingly sought after as a thought leader on issues of diversity in tech. Sarah Tuakli Cooper - LinkedIn Elementary Institute of Science   RESOURCES MENTIONED:  For Profit Law Group - Website Nonprofit Counsel - Website Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram Nonprofit Counsel  - LinkedIn

    20 min
  4. Redefining Philanthropy & Board Service | Ryan Ponsford on Nonprofit Strategy and Giving with Purpose

    09/17/2024

    Redefining Philanthropy & Board Service | Ryan Ponsford on Nonprofit Strategy and Giving with Purpose

    Nonprofit boards, board governance, philanthropy, donor engagement, and nonprofit strategy are front and center in this episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast. Host May Harris sits down with Ryan Ponsford, co-founder of Gateway for Good and founder of Main Street Philanthropy, to talk about how giving and board service can create deeper connections, stronger organizations, and even help reunite a divided world. Ryan shares his journey from private banking into the nonprofit sector, starting with his first uncomfortable board experience where asking tough questions revealed major financial issues. He explains why healthy boards welcome questions, why unhealthy boards avoid them, and how board members can move from being "bobbleheads" to true mission-driven leaders You'll also hear the story behind Main Street Philanthropy, a program that teaches families, students, and communities how to give with purpose—focusing on love of humankind rather than just writing checks. Ryan reveals why he believes giving is the key to rebuilding empathy and connection in today's divided society What You Will Learn in This Episode ✅ Why asking tough questions is the duty of every nonprofit board member ✅ How Main Street Philanthropy teaches financial literacy, trust, and empathy through giving ✅ Why redefining philanthropy as "love of humankind" empowers everyone to be a philanthropist ✅ How giving together builds stronger families, boards, and communities Is your nonprofit ready to align investments, policies, and technology with your mission? Visit NonprofitCouncil.com to access strategies and tools to help you build sustainable impact and lead with confidence. Key Timestamps 0:00 Why giving starts with action: "Feelings follow actions" 1:00 Meet Ryan Ponsford: from private banking to nonprofit boards 2:04 First board experience: silence, questions, and red flags 4:41 What healthy vs. unhealthy boards look like 6:32 The duty to ask questions and avoid being a "bobblehead board" 7:49 Different types of boards: working, fundraising, and governance 10:48 Founding Main Street Philanthropy: giving as a teaching tool 13:27 Students discovering empathy through giving—even rival gang members 18:18 Redefining philanthropy: love of humankind, not money 20:07 Scaling the program: 100+ classes nationwide and digital tools 23:23 Helping families navigate wealth transfer and avoid division 26:40 Why family conversations matter more than spreadsheets 33:00 Asking the right questions vs. floating on the surface 34:39 Final encouragement: start small, do something kind, and let giving lead to empathy Key Takeaways 🔹 Healthy boards thrive on questions—silence is a red flag 🔹 Philanthropy is about empathy and love, not just writing checks 🔹 Giving creates connection and can reunite divided communities 🔹 Families who talk openly about values and wealth transitions avoid conflict later Guest Bio Ryan Ponsford is the co-founder of Gateway for Good, a public benefit corporation, and founder of the nonprofit Main Street Philanthropy. With a background in private banking and wealth consulting, Ryan helps families and organizations connect across generations and communities through intentional giving. His passion lies in redefining philanthropy, strengthening nonprofit boards, and showing that giving is the action that leads to empathy and love. Resources & Links For Profit Law Group - Website - https://www.fplglaw.com  Nonprofit Counsel - Website - https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/  https://www.ryanponsford.com/  https://www.gatewayforgood.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanponsford   #NonprofitBoards #BoardGovernance #Philanthropy #DonorEngagement #NonprofitStrategy #CommunityConnection

    37 min
  5. Fighting Food Insecurity with Community Power | Tania Marino on Nonprofit Strategy & Food Waste Solutions

    08/27/2024

    Fighting Food Insecurity with Community Power | Tania Marino on Nonprofit Strategy & Food Waste Solutions

    Nonprofit strategy, food insecurity, food waste, donor engagement, and community building are at the heart of this episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast. Host May Harris sits down with Tania Marino, Culinary Director at Gather and board member of the Golden Eagles, to explore how nonprofits can mobilize communities to fight hunger and waste. Tania shares the history of Gather, one of the oldest social service agencies in the U.S., and how its programs—from mobile markets to rescued-food meal prep—are helping thousands of families access healthy, dignified meals each month. She also talks about building partnerships, creating volunteer-powered programs, and leading with creativity to solve food insecurity challenges. Her journey from New Zealand farm life to international finance to nonprofit leadership is an inspiring reminder that the path to impact often weaves business, passion, and service together. What You Will Learn in This Episode ✅ How Gather fights food insecurity with mobile markets, food rescue, and prepared meals ✅ Why reducing food waste also tackles climate challenges like methane gas ✅ How volunteers and partnerships power sustainable nonprofit programs ✅ Why collaboration and belief are essential for new nonprofit founders Is your nonprofit ready to align investments, policies, and technology with your mission? Visit NonprofitCouncil.com to access strategies and tools to help you build sustainable impact and lead with confidence. Key Timestamps 0:00 Opening thoughts on food waste and collaboration 0:42 Meet Tania Marino, Culinary Director of Gather and Golden Eagles board member 1:20 Supporting USA Rugby Sevens and lessons on culture-building 3:09  How culture drove the U.S. women's rugby team to Olympic bronze 5:31 History of Gather: a 200-year-old food security nonprofit 7:21 The "Gus the Bus" mobile pantry and serving 60+ towns 10:23 Culinary programs: food rescue and meal preparation 11:47 Environmental impact: saving food from landfills, reducing methane 12:57 Who benefits most: seniors, single parents, unsheltered populations 13:27 Volunteers, chefs, and partnerships powering the kitchens 14:28  The Seacoast Waste Map coalition and partnerships with restaurants 16:29  Guidance for founders: trial, error, and community collaboration 19:57 Building community through partnerships and shared services 22:03 Tania's journey: from New Zealand farm to international finance to nonprofit work 25:26 Gather's women-led leadership team and culture of collaboration Key Takeaways 🔹 Community-driven solutions like Gather's Gus the Bus make food access more equitable 🔹 Rescuing food not only fights hunger but also reduces harmful methane emissions 🔹 Volunteers and partnerships are the backbone of sustainable nonprofit programs 🔹 Founders succeed when they combine vision with collaboration and persistence Guest Bio Tania Marino is the Culinary Director at Gather, a 200-year-old social service agency in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, dedicated to fighting hunger with dignity. She also serves on the board of the Golden Eagles, supporting U.S. Rugby Sevens. With a background in international finance and a lifelong passion for food, Tania now leads programs that rescue hundreds of thousands of pounds of food each year and transform them into meals for families, seniors, and individuals facing food insecurity. Resources & Links For Profit Law Group - Website - https://www.fplglaw.com  Nonprofit Counsel - Website - https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/  Gather - Website - https://www.gathernh.org/   Tania Marino - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tania-marino-8562442a/ #NonprofitStrategy #FoodInsecurity #FoodWasteSolutions #DonorEngagement #CommunityBuilding #NonprofitLeadership

    27 min
  6. Starting a Nonprofit with Confidence | Traci DeForge on Strategy, Fundraising & Board Governance

    08/13/2024

    Starting a Nonprofit with Confidence | Traci DeForge on Strategy, Fundraising & Board Governance

    Nonprofit startup strategy, fundraising, board governance, and leadership—these are the challenges every founder faces. In this episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, host May Harris talks with Traci DeForge, founder and CEO of Produce Your Podcast and co-founder of the Podcast Professionals Association. Traci shares her personal journey of moving past 20 years of hesitation to finally launch a nonprofit. Together, she and May dive into the realities of forming a 501(c)(3) versus 501(c)(6), building a board, setting up revenue streams, and navigating nonprofit founder compensation. They also celebrate the release of May's book How to Start a Nonprofit That Will Change the World—now available in print, digital, and audio formats Whether you're intimidated by the IRS paperwork or overwhelmed by conflicting information, this episode lifts the fog and shows you how to start a nonprofit the right way, with clarity and confidence What You Will Learn in This Episode ✅ Why starting a nonprofit requires both strategy and respect for regulators ✅ The difference between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) designations and why it matters ✅ How to structure boards, manage conflicts of interest, and set reasonable compensation ✅ Why nonprofits must operate like businesses with clear revenue strategies Is your nonprofit ready to align investments, policies, and technology with your mission? Visit NonprofitCouncil.com to access strategies and tools to help you build sustainable impact and lead with confidence. Key Timestamps 0:00 Two types of nonprofit founders: fear vs. no fear 1:18 Meet Traci DeForge: producer, co-founder, and nonprofit client 4:05 How the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast and book were born 5:58 Why audio content is critical for reaching today's audiences 8:01 Future resources: courses, webinars, and nonprofit education 11:05 Understanding nonprofit revenue streams: gifts, grants, and fee for service 14:07 Fundraising events: what C3s vs. C6s can and cannot do 15:10 Nonprofits are businesses: the myth of "no profit" debunked 18:55 Overcoming 20 years of intimidation to launch a nonprofit 21:00 The questions every founder should ask before filing paperwork 26:08 Building a board: size, structure, and avoiding conflicts of interest 31:38 Founder and co-founder compensation: what's reasonable and what's not 37:22 Who should read How to Start a Nonprofit That Will Change the World 42:16 Final reflections: turning fear into respect and taking action KEY TAKEAWAYS: 🔹If you want to start a non-profit, contact a professional who can help you navigate the steps to avoid future penalties. 🔹Most people are only aware of the designation of a 501C3. However, there are other designations a nonprofit can take. A professional can help you make those decisions. 🔹To begin a nonprofit, one must have a healthy respect for the regulations and the IRS. This isn't a fear; it's learning and respecting the rules.   Guest Bio Traci DeForge is the founder and CEO of Produce Your Podcast and co-founder of the Podcast Professionals Association. With more than 30 years of experience in media and business consulting, Traci brings transparency to her own nonprofit journey, sharing how she moved past fear to build an organization that supports podcast service professionals. Resources & Links For Profit Law Group - Website - https://www.fplglaw.com  Nonprofit Counsel - Website - https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/  Traci DeForge - Produce Your Podcast - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracilongdeforge  Produce Your Podcast - Website - http://produceyourpodcast.com   #NonprofitStartup #BoardGovernance #NonprofitStrategy #NonprofitFundraising #NonprofitLeadership #StartANonprofit

    43 min
  7. Nonprofit Marketing Strategies that Drive Donor Engagement | Jules Taggart on Storytelling & Stakeholder Outreach

    07/30/2024

    Nonprofit Marketing Strategies that Drive Donor Engagement | Jules Taggart on Storytelling & Stakeholder Outreach

    Nonprofit marketing, donor engagement, and storytelling are no longer optional. In this episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, host May Harris sits down with Jules Taggart, founder and CEO of Wayward Kind and fractional Chief Marketing Officer. Jules explains why today's nonprofits can't rely only on friendships, snail mail, or one-off campaigns to reach donors. She explains how social media, storytelling, and a multi-touchpoint approach are critical to donor engagement in today's crowded nonprofit landscape. You'll learn why empathy plus utility is the secret to effective marketing, how to segment your audiences, and how even small nonprofits can build momentum without overwhelming their teams What You Will Learn in This Episode ✅ Why modern donor engagement requires multiple touchpoints across channels ✅ How to move past the stigma of marketing and embrace storytelling ✅ Practical steps to start marketing strategically without overwhelming your team ✅ Why stakeholder conversations generate the most effective content Is your nonprofit ready to align investments, policies, and technology with your mission? Visit NonprofitCouncil.com to access strategies and tools to help you build sustainable impact and lead with confidence. Key Timestamps 0:00 Why donor engagement is no longer one touchpoint 0:47 From agency founder to fractional Chief Marketing Officer 2:24 The "M word" stigma: why nonprofits resist marketing 4:08 Donor behavior shifts: from snail mail to social media 8:19 How to start marketing strategically without overwhelm 9:41 Empathy + utility: the two keys to great nonprofit marketing 10:12 Finding part-time marketing help (copywriters, contractors, CMO) 13:04 Marketing beyond donors: reaching program participants & clients 15:24 Why talking to stakeholders creates your best content 16:48 What a fractional Chief Marketing Officer really does 18:54 How to engage your board in marketing efforts 20:19 Final tip: talk to stakeholders before doing anything else   Guest Bio Jules Taggart is the founder and CEO of Wayward Kind, where she helps nonprofits align marketing strategy with fundraising and strategic plans. As a fractional Chief Marketing Officer, Jules provides both strategic guidance and hands-on execution, ensuring nonprofits use their limited resources effectively to grow donor engagement, attract participants, and strengthen their storytelling. Resources & Links For Profit Law Group - Website - https://www.fplglaw.com  Nonprofit Counsel - Website - https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/  Wayward Kind - Website - https://waywardkind.com/  Jules Taggart - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julestaggart     #NonprofitMarketing #DonorEngagement #StorytellingForImpact #NonprofitGrowth #FractionalCMO #NonprofitLeadership

    22 min
  8. How to Start and Grow Nonprofit Fundraising | Donor Engagement Strategies with Kelly McLaughlin

    05/21/2024

    How to Start and Grow Nonprofit Fundraising | Donor Engagement Strategies with Kelly McLaughlin

    How do you launch and sustain an individual giving program—especially if you're starting from zero? In this episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, host May Harris talks with Kelly McLaughlin, founder and CEO of From Scratch Fundraising. Kelly shares her personal journey from organizing bake sales at age five to creating a consultancy that helps nonprofits design mission-centered, trust-based philanthropy strategies. She explains why the best fundraising isn't about tote bags or galas—it's about building authentic donor relationships aligned with your mission. You'll also hear tips for keeping development directors engaged (and reducing turnover), how to identify the right donors for your cause, and why nonprofits should stop copying other organizations and start fundraising in ways that align with their unique mission. What You Will Learn in This Episode ✅ How to build mission-centered donor relationships that last ✅ How to identify and reach your ideal donors without chasing every platform ✅ How to retain development directors with realistic, data-driven goals ✅ How budget collaboration can unlock major gifts, like a $60K donation Is your nonprofit ready to align investments, policies, and technology with your mission? Visit NonprofitCouncil.com to access strategies and tools to help you build sustainable impact and lead with confidence. Key Timestamps 0:00 Donor relationships vs. transactions 2:00 Kelly's early start in fundraising 4:00 Launching From Scratch Fundraising 8:20 The From Scratch Framework for small nonprofits 13:00 Finding your ideal donor beyond demographics 15:10 When TikTok makes sense (and when it doesn't) 17:00 Development director burnout and retention strategies 20:30 How budget collaboration unlocked a $60,000 donor gift 23:00 Why "fundraising unicorns" don't exist 26:30 Final tip: Keep it simple and mission-centered Key Takeaways  🔹 Donor engagement grows when you align fundraising with your mission 🔹 Retain development directors by setting realistic, data-driven expectations 🔹 Stop chasing every platform—focus where your donors actually are 🔹 The best fundraising tactics are born from your unique mission, not trends Guest Bio Kelly McLaughlin is the founder and CEO of From Scratch Fundraising. With nearly two decades in nonprofit development, she has helped organizations of all sizes—from startups to established multimillion-dollar nonprofits—launch successful individual giving programs. Her passion is helping nonprofits build from the ground up with strategies rooted in trust, mission, and sustainability. Resources & Links From Scratch Fundraising Nonprofit Counsel Podcast #NonprofitFundraising #DonorEngagement #MissionCentered #NonprofitLeadership #FundraisingStrategy #TrustBasedPhilanthropy

    28 min
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About

Are you ready to start a nonprofit, navigate the legal process of securing tax exempt status, or become a more confident nonprofit leader? The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast is your trusted guide for nonprofit leadership, nonprofit law, board governance, and nonprofit management. Designed for nonprofit founders, executive directors, nonprofit leaders, board members, and social impact entrepreneurs, this podcast delivers practical insights and expert strategies to help you build, lead, and grow a mission-driven organization. Host May L. Harris, Esq., MA, brings her expertise as a nationally recognized nonprofit attorney, strategist, and founder of FPLG and the Nonprofit Counsel Leadership Accelerator to every episode. She explores the legal and operational challenges nonprofit leaders face, offering step-by-step support whether you're starting a nonprofit, managing complex board governance, launching a fundraising campaign, or navigating compliance issues. At the heart of the show is a commitment to empowering nonprofit leaders with confidence and clarity. May draws from over twenty five of experience in nonprofit law, nonprofit management, and organizational development to bring you lessons you can immediately apply. You'll hear about real-world nonprofit legal challenges, nonprofit leadership tips for sustainable growth, and best practices to keep your organization compliant, accountable, and impactful. In partnership with the Nonprofit Counsel Leadership Accelerator, the podcast goes even deeper. This innovative program offers live coaching, legal templates, and hands-on guidance for nonprofit founders, executives, and board members looking to skip the guesswork and accelerate their results. The Accelerator is a game changing companion to the podcast, helping you build a strong legal and operational foundation so you can focus on what matters, your mission. Whether you're still dreaming about starting a nonprofit or you're already managing a thriving tax exempt organization, this podcast is here to meet you where you are. Learn how to communicate your purpose clearly, strengthen your board governance practices, manage nonprofit finances, and lead with integrity. Episodes also cover common pitfalls in nonprofit compliance, successful nonprofit fundraising strategies, and how to structure your nonprofit organization for long term sustainability. Join a growing community of nonprofit leaders, change makers, and mission driven founders who are building organizations that serve with purpose and lead with confidence. Subscribe to the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and start mastering the business of doing good. Start smart. Lead strong. Create lasting impact. About the Host: May L. Harris, Esq., MA is a nationally recognized expert in nonprofit law and founder of For Purpose Law Group (FPLG). Since launching FPLG in 2012, she has helped thousands of organizations across the U.S. navigate tax-exempt status, nonprofit compliance, and sustainable growth. Her practice focuses on nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, social enterprise law, and charitable planning. May began her legal career in intellectual property before discovering a passion for the nonprofit sector while forming a school organization for her son. Realizing how underserved nonprofits were in legal guidance, she shifted her focus and earned a Master's in Nonprofit Leadership and Management. Today, FPLG is a trusted legal partner to mission-driven organizations nationwide, known for aligning legal strategy with purpose and impact. Learn More: Nonprofit Counsel Leadership Accelerator : https://leadershipaccelerator.nonprofitcounsel.com/ For Purpose Law Group https://www.fplglaw.com Nonprofit Counsel Website https://nonprofitcounsel.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadsI57R2z0YixANGZpHFSMmQ6Kpny1rEsI4wryyzH5u0IrCdFffxo0Xh1DBHQ_aem_8ZPyNUuB_hnAXN_xlL_d_g Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nonprofitcounsel/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com

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