Katie Appold | Nonprofit Hub Blog

Sponsorship v. Donations: The Drawbacks and Benefits

Katie Appold — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:00:34 +0000

Needing money is a common denominator among all nonprofits. We may serve different causes or operate in different areas of the world. However, we all need donations, and corporate giving is a reliable way to generate those funds.

Giving USA 2023 found that corporate giving totaled approximately $29.48 billion in just one year. It also estimates that corporate giving increased by 3.4% in 2022, making its growth faster than individual, foundation, and bequest giving.

With the rise of social impact as a business metric, companies are more eager than ever to contribute to meaningful causes, yet many nonprofits don’t make the most of this fundraising avenue. If you’re unsure which programs to pursue, consider this your guide. Let’s break down two of the most popular forms of corporate philanthropy: sponsorships and donations.

Understanding Corporate Sponsorships

Our sector loves the word sponsorship. Whether it’s sponsoring children, saving animals, or underwriting a golf outing or gala, we’re always pursuing sponsor support.

Sponsorships are based on reciprocity. When a company or individual sponsors an event or initiative, their contributions are usually made in exchange for marketing. These relationships are typically bound by a written agreement that states the benefits for both your nonprofit and the sponsor.

Benefits of Corporate Sponsorships

If your nonprofit hosts events or other big initiatives, sponsorships are a great option for both parties. Specifically, the benefits of corporate sponsorship for nonprofits include the following:

You’ll increase visibility by associating your nonprofit’s brand with corporate partners.
You’ll gain access to potential donors and volunteers, such as the business’s employees.
The sponsor may receive promotional or fiscal benefits, making them loyal and engaged in the partnership.
The quid-pro-quo nature of these relationships makes them more attractive to companies.
Compared to donations, sponsorships require less intensive record-keeping for your nonprofit.

As you can imagine, the sponsor experiences some great benefits too, such as being seen as a socially responsible company among consumers and employees. Nonprofits Source’s corporate giving guide explains that sponsorships are best for launching lasting partnerships between your nonprofit and like-minded businesses.

Drawbacks of Corporate Sponsorships

While great for driving support and increasing visibility, corporate sponsorships also have their challenges:

Sponsorships are usually tied to an event or program with production value and require a significant investment of time and energy.
Sponsors may have unrealistic expectations related to how their brand is promoted.
The need for substantial resources makes fulfilling sponsorship agreements challenging.
A dependence on corporate interests may influence nonprofit agendas.
Sponsors’ decisions may be driven by their wallets more than passion for your mission.

Sponsorships aren’t for every organization, but they can be great forms of support in the right context. Assess whether you have the resources to manage these relationships and fulfill obligations.

Understanding Corporate Donations

Corporate donations are contributions made by businesses to nonprofits without the expectation of promotion in return. These contributions are often motivated by corporate social responsibility goals. These types of gifts typically qualify as donations:

Direct cash donations
In-kind gifts, such as venue space, free goods, and services
Matching gifts in which companies match employees’ charitable donations
Volunteer grants in which companies give to nonprofits where employees volunteer

While companies experience perks from these gifts, these benefits don’t come directly from your nonprofit. For instance, matching gifts and volunteer grants allow companies to align their charitable giving with employees’ values, leading to greater employee retention and talent acquisition. Double the Donation’s employee engagement research found that 71% of employees believe it’s important to work for companies that give back, such as through matching gifts.

Benefits of Corporate Donations

Charitable donations enable companies to support your mission directly, leading to the following benefits for your organization and your corporate partner:

A charitable donation doesn’t have expectations or demands. However, a donor may want to be informed about a program.
Your nonprofit will receive flexible funding to support various activities.
A charitable donation usually signifies that someone believes in your work.
Companies can donate either with or without meeting a member of your team.
The donor’s gift may be tax deductible. Of course, this is subject to tax laws.

Overall, this is a low-touch way for companies to support a cause they believe in without being overly involved.

Drawbacks of Corporate Donations

Here are some common challenges nonprofits face with corporate donations:

These charitable contributions are typically unpredictable and unsolicited, making budgeting challenging.
Since corporate donations are typically low-touch, corporate donors may not be engaged or committed to your organization.
Similarly, retaining donors is a big challenge since it’s on your team to maintain the relationship.
Donations provide limited exposure compared to sponsorships, making them harder to solicit.
Record keeping for donations is more stringent than it is for sponsorships.

While great for raising funds, corporate donors can be challenging to acquire and retain. You’ll need to intentionally maintain these relationships just like a sponsorship.

Determining Whether A Corporate Contribution Is Tax Deductible

Not all contributions are the same in the eyes of your auditor or the IRS. While some gifts are charitable donations, others are technically non-charitable support.

When hosting a ticketed fundraising event, you’ve probably been asked for a receipt for the tickets. Then, you might have been asked why the receipt didn’t contain charitable tax receipt language. When someone receives a benefit for their “gift,” the IRS sees that as not tax deductible. For example, the “benefit” can be anything from promotion as the event’s title sponsor to a meal and entertainment.

Straight from IRS Topic #506: Charitable Contributions, here is the language that governs gifts to nonprofits:

“If you receive a benefit in exchange for the contribution such as merchandise, goods or services, including admission to a charity ball, banquet, theatrical performance, or sporting event, you can only deduct the amount that exceeds the fair market value of the benefit received or expected to be received.”

Determine Whether There’s Reciprocity

To test whether funds are a tax-deductible donation or a sponsorship, determine if reciprocity is involved. Your organization shouldn’t be required to provide anything other than gratitude and a tax receipt. If a “donor” requests specific actions, it probably won’t qualify as a charitable gift.

For instance, gifts given for commercial purposes, such as promotion, event access, or referrals, do not qualify as tax-exempt donations. Although their intent may be charitable, their execution disqualifies them from receiving charitable deduction benefits.

What about in-kind donations?

The same rules also apply to in-kind donations. However, the good news is that most businesses donate goods or services without expecting charitable deduction benefits. Their “benefit” regarding their taxes is realized in their cost of goods sold.

If a business (not an individual) gives your nonprofit free goods or services, this can be a donation or an exchange for sponsorship benefits. Either way, no charitable tax receipt is necessary. However, documentation and gratitude are highly recommended.

Sponsorships vs. Donations: Which Is Better?

In short, it depends on what type of support you’re looking for and what you can offer in return. The symbiotic, long-lasting nature of sponsorships makes them ideal for nonprofits that can provide ongoing promotional opportunities to their corporate partners. You’ll also want to consider what initiatives you have that lend themselves to sponsorship opportunities, such as events.

On the other hand, donations are best suited for organizations seeking flexible funding to support general operations or specific projects. This short-term support can help nonprofits without sufficient resources to promote the sponsor in return.

In essence, the choice between sponsorships and donations depends on your nonprofit’s objectives, capacity to deliver value to corporate partners, and preference for the type of relationship you wish to cultivate.

How Matching Gifts Give The Best of Both Worlds

Essentially, matching gift programs are corporate giving programs in which a company matches its employees’ donations to charitable organizations. This form of corporate philanthropy combines the benefits of sponsorships and donations. To fully understand this, you have to understand how matching donations work:

An individual donor gives to your nonprofit.
Using a matching gift search tool, they research their company’s program requirements.
If their company has a program and the donation is eligible, they submit a matching gift request.
The company confirms the donation with your nonprofit and sends a separate donation.

Typical requirements for these programs include a minimum or maximum gift amount, employment status, and the types of eligible nonprofits. Companies also match at different rates, such as by matching the original contribution dollar-for-dollar or donating twice as much.

These programs empower companies to align charitable giving with employees’ interests, employees to increase their impact, and your nonprofit to boost funds.

How Matching Gifts Act As Sponsorships and Donations

These programs act like sponsorships by publicly aligning the company with the causes their employees support, enhancing the business’s brand. Similar to traditional sponsorship agreements, they provide a structured avenue for companies to demonstrate their CSR commitment.

They also act as donations in that they serve as direct financial support by doubling individuals’ contributions. Like traditional corporate donations, they provide financial support with minimal strings attached.

To tap into this CSR program, promote the fundraising opportunity to donors and corporate partners. Look in your CRM to find donors who work for companies with these programs. Then, reach out to anyone who’s eligible. Post about the opportunity on social media, and embed a company search tool into your donation page. However you go about it, promoting matching gifts empowers you to leverage a unique corporate giving opportunity.

Conclusion

Choosing between seeking sponsorships and donations isn’t a matter of which is better, but which is right for your organization at a given time. By carefully evaluating your nonprofit’s needs and capabilities, you can leverage the unique advantages of each opportunity to boost impact. Whatever your approach, you’ll find the greatest success in aligning your mission with the right partners and opportunities, whether through sponsorships, donations, or both.

The post Sponsorship v. Donations: The Drawbacks and Benefits appeared first on Nonprofit Hub.

Vision Statement vs Mission Statement for Nonprofits

Katie Appold — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 15:00:38 +0000

The vision statement vs mission statement for nonprofits topic depicts two key components of a nonprofit’s purpose and direction. These are two essential components of a nonprofit’s organizational identity. A vision statement is an aspirational declaration of what an organization hopes to achieve. It provides direction and purpose for the organization and is a rallying cry for all stakeholders to work towards a common goal. On the other hand, a mission statement defines the organization’s purpose, what it aims to accomplish, and how it plans to achieve its goals. It acts as a roadmap and provides the organization’s operations and activities framework.

A clear and well-articulated vision and mission statement can help an organization maintain its focus and stay aligned with its goals and objectives, even during times of change and pressure. The vision and mission statement should be lived out, not just documented or displayed as wall decor. The more the organization’s work aligns with its vision and mission, the more authentic and impactful it will be.

It’s important to note that while a vision statement is a destination, a mission statement is the map, and the organization’s values are the guideposts. It’s a trifecta of corporate culture that helps an organization stay focused on its purpose and achieve its goals.

Let’s dive deeper into understanding the vision statement.

Your vision should exist outside a frame on the wall or a page in the handbook.

As I write this, I think back to the 1990s and the prevalence of Successories. Motivational artwork…usually of a nature scene and one aspirational term. The decor of the day, these pieces adorned office walls everywhere. Although they were hung with good intentions, in my experience, most became the inspiration for snarky office jokes. Perhaps it was the fact that businesses were purchasing prefab values that led to the backlash. Team members want to see values lived out, not published or printed for wall decor.

Don’t get me wrong, documenting your mission and vision statements is important, but in an ideal world, it’s something written on people’s hearts, as well as in their orientation handbook.

A decade or so ago, I worked for a very large publishing house. New team member orientation was done in batches of 3-10 people at a time. During one of my first onboarding sessions, the HR director asked our group of six who could recite the organization’s mission statement. I immediately scanned the room, looking for expressions of confidence or smirks from my new peers…nothing. In fact, they all looked panicked. Recalling the narrative of the statement was easy, but I wasn’t 100% sure about each word or the order. Something is better than nothing, right? I timidly raised my hand and recited a paraphrased version of the statement. I hit the major parts but undoubtedly did not get it verbatim. The HR director praised my effort and explained, “You’re not 100% correct in the wording, but you nailed the sentiment.”

Stating your vision is not about the words, but it is about understanding.

It’s hard to see the horizon when you’re in the trenches.

Nonprofit work culture is the tyranny of the urgent. If your days are like mine, no sooner do you take your third cup of coffee and it’s lunchtime. It’s a blur of decisions, opportunities, struggles, and task work that has to get done. Beneath the busyness, lack of capacity, budgets, and good intentions are a thousand small decisions that cumulatively steer the trajectory of your work.

Sure, we do the strategic planning routine, but let’s be honest…where does that plan exist? A file cabinet, a pad of window-sized post-its, or a shared drive…right? A year cannot be steered by one day of planning. A vision cannot be maintained when it isn’t acted on daily.

Create a vision that captures today and tomorrow.

Great vision statements build off the work we’re doing today by casting a vision of that work maximized in the future. For example, look at these examples of great vision statements:

Make-A-Wish: That people everywhere will share the power of a wish.

World Vision: We look forward to a world where every child experiences Jesus’ promise of life in all its fullness.

Now, I’m certain the world is not fully embracing sustainable energy, but we’re getting there.

I’m also certain there are still millions of children struggling in this world, but World Vision is helping.

A vision statement is not an endpoint or a status. It is an ideal for today, and for many days that will have a great cumulative impact. Like Make-A-Wish and World Vision, great organizations prepare statements that allow for inclusivity in the solution and speak to action. Whether you’re actively working for your program’s purpose or doing the behind-the-scenes work to make it possible, it should align and further your vision.

The danger zone for most nonprofits is fundraising. There are all sorts of ways to raise support and make money that can take an organization outside its vision and purpose. A strong vision influences every area of work—from development to direct services. The more of a correlation you can create between your appeals and your purpose, the more authentic your vision will become.

Ways to keep your vision visible:

Recite it. Remember starting every school day with the Pledge of Allegiance? Do the same with your vision statement before your board and operational meetings.

Develop a decision-making test for your organization that includes reference to your vision and mission. If it doesn’t pass the test, it doesn’t happen.

Call out excellence. Reward employees and volunteers when they do things that embody the vision and mission of your organization.

Mission, vision, values…what does it all mean?

A vision statement is your destination, a mission statement is your map, and your values are your guideposts.

Before we get into the trifecta of corporate culture listed above, remember: don’t get caught up in semantics. Whether it’s your mission statement, vision, values, or a mantra, the goal is to have an easily understood defining purpose. Trying to fit your organization’s culture into one of these buckets is work you don’t have time for. That said, here’s an explanation of the role each could play:

Vision Statement: A guiding purpose. The ideal that your mission and values build toward.

Mission Statement: The actions your organization will take to achieve its vision. (Note: this doesn’t need to be ALL the actions…keep it short and easily memorized.)

Core Values: The fundamental beliefs that guide decisions and actions in your organization.

Less may be more, as it’s a lot to ask of any team to memorize this many things. Most importantly, your leadership should reflect the ideal you’re asking your organization to achieve.

Final thought: These times, they are a-changin’

World Vision’s vision makes no mention of poverty or water. Make-A-Wish’s vision doesn’t include any reference to the ailments of children. Their visions are broad enough to allow for the possibility of achievement and satisfaction of their missional work. In a world where ideas move from conception to commodity in a decade, be careful to not think too small. Think in terms of an overarching purpose that recognizes that there are always ways to do more good.

Take your good idea to a fully-functioning 501c3

The Start a Nonprofit Class is an on-demand, self-paced course taught by nonprofit expert, Randy Hawthorne. This class walks you through the beginning steps of taking a cause concept to an operational nonprofit mission.

Go to Course

The post Vision Statement vs Mission Statement for Nonprofits appeared first on Nonprofit Hub.

Robert’s Rules Guide

Katie Appold — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 01:25:49 +0000

Robert’s Rules Guide

Here’s What You’ll Learn from Robert’s Rules Guide:

Attending a board meeting for the first time can be a nerve-racking experience. Are there assigned seats? Or, am I allowed to talk? Am I expected to talk? These are all fair questions. What most ED’s and directors learn quickly is that the chairperson of the board directs the conversation using unconventional language like “so moved” or “let’s bring this meeting to order!” This language is so unconventional that it might seem like a secret code, but it’s not. It’s from the widely adopted wisdom of the timeless classic, Robert’s Rules of Order. It’s a commonly held board myth that these rules are required, however, they are almost always used and a handy thing to know for any nonprofit professional. Here are some things this easy guide will teach you:

Who speaks, when, and why
Committee reports and structures
Board director and officer positions
The motion/voting process

Walk into your next board of directors meeting savvy and secure in your knowledge of the rules of the game.

Become a Member

Whether you’re with a large team or a solo entrepreneur looking to start the next great cause, we have a membership package that will help you grow your network and your cause.

Learn More

Additional resources

Robert’s Rules Guide

Get the Guide

The Ultimate Stock Gifting Guide

Get the Guide

Leverage Form 990 for Stakeholder Trust Guide

Get the Guide

The post Robert’s Rules Guide appeared first on Nonprofit Hub.

The Ultimate Stock Gifting Guide

Katie Appold — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 19:10:05 +0000

Your Ultimate Guide to Stock Donations!

The Ultimate Nonprofit Stock Gifting Guide Helps You…

This toolkit seeks to illuminate the benefits of stock gifting, the challenges nonprofits face in implementing stock gifting programs, and introduce proven solutions and best practices for maximizing stock donations. Too often, nonprofits feel intimidated by the notion of stock donations, but in reality, it can be a simple and effective way to raise funds. Here are a few of the questions the Ultimate Stock Gifting Guide will help you answer:

Is gifting stock tax deductible? What are all the advantages of donating stock?
How do nonprofits liquidate donated stock?
What is a stock gifting platform?
What steps are necessary to get started accepting a stock donation?

Thank you to Donate Stock!

Expert authored content like the guide is made possible by partners like Donate Stock! Thank you to the experts on the Donate Stock team for investing their time and energy to make sure nonprofits like yours have the tools and expertise necessary to pursue new fundraising avenues like stock donations!

Become a Member

Whether you’re with a large team or a solo entrepreneur looking to start the next great cause, we have a membership package that will help you grow your network and your cause.

Learn More

Additional resources

Robert’s Rules Guide

Get the Guide

The Ultimate Stock Gifting Guide

Get the Guide

Leverage Form 990 for Stakeholder Trust Guide

Get the Guide

The post The Ultimate Stock Gifting Guide appeared first on Nonprofit Hub.

Leverage Form 990 for Stakeholder Trust Guide

Katie Appold — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 13:48:05 +0000

How to Leverage Form 990 to Build Stakeholder Trust

Leverage Form 990? Really?

What is a commonly neglected marketing tool? It’s your IRS Form 990. IRS Form 990 is more than just a tax form that many nonprofits must file every year. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate to the IRS, as well as to current and potential stakeholders, that your organization is well-run and financially sustainable. It is also an opportunity to showcase key mission-centric programs.

What is Form 990?

IRS Form 990 is your organization’s tax return. Because your nonprofit has exempt status you don’t have to pay taxes (with one possible exception). BUT you do have to file a tax return. Why? Because the IRS still wants to make sure you are running your organization properly and in line with its tax-exempt purpose. Be aware that there are instances where your nonprofit may owe taxes if the IRS deems certain income unrelated to your tax-exempt purpose. It is also public information and, if completed correctly, can become another tool you can use to promote confidence in your organization and convince donors that funding your nonprofit will effectively support your mission. All you need to do is put some time and effort into a few of the informational disclosures.

By downloading this resource you authorize Chazin and Company to send you marketing-related emails. We will never sell your information to any third parties. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of our emails

Thank you to the experts at Chazin & Company for providing this guide!

Learn More

Are you all about building community?

Join the Cause Network to learn from peers, grow professionally, and enjoy exclusive offers. Cause Network includes the complete library of content of Nonprofit Hub as well as the leading nonprofit conference, Cause Camp! Whether acting solo or looking for a team solution for professional development, you belong in the Cause Network!

Learn More

Additional resources and great reads:

Robert’s Rules Guide

Get the Guide

The Ultimate Stock Gifting Guide

Get the Guide

Leverage Form 990 for Stakeholder Trust Guide

Get the Guide

The post Leverage Form 990 for Stakeholder Trust Guide appeared first on Nonprofit Hub.

5 Ways to Build Meaningful Board Engagement

Katie Appold — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 15:00:22 +0000

Nonprofit work may be the one arena where you’re expected to inspire your bosses as well as provide them with ways to serve and hold them accountable. It’s a tricky business. If your board is operating on autopilot or hardly operating at all, try these methods for building meaningful nonprofit board engagement.

Set Some Expectations

Telling your board to be engaged may be like telling a child to eat a reasonable amount of candy. In other words, it’s very subjective. The directors serving your organization may feel they are engaged simply by attending meetings or making contributions. If you want or need more from them, it’s critical that you communicate those expectations clearly. Here are a few ways to get started:

Set board goals quarterly for volunteer hours, attendance, donations, or facilitating new connections.
Include expectations as part of your onboarding process for new members.
Hold annual board reviews. Use a 360-degree review process that includes feedback from many stakeholders. For example, donors, volunteers, team members, and fellow directors can participate in providing board feedback.

Give Individual Assignments

Much like a high school group project where one member does all the work, your board dynamic may be one of a few shining stars and many passive players. Although you may have done a stellar job of communicating your expectations (see above), not all board members rise to a group challenge. Blanketed requests for help rarely yield 100% participation because it’s easy to hide in a group or wait for others to go first. Instead, try to create individualized assignments for your board. If you focus your requests on maximizing each member’s specialty, interests, and even personality, you’ll create opportunities for more meaningful engagement.

It’s fine to set expectations when addressing the full board. But make sure you provide a customized way for individual directors to take part. This will improve accountability, and it will also demonstrate to your board that you value their individual gifts.

Show Honor

We all love to feel honored. It’s human nature. We patronize businesses where they know our names or our favorite order and we gravitate toward friendships that build us up. It’s hard to want to honor your board when they aren’t doing their fair share. However, proactively providing them with acknowledgment may inspire them to step it up. It’s hard to hide a lack of commitment or service when you’re standing in the spotlight.

Some easy ways to honor your board:

Add them to your website
Call them out at events
Give anniversary gifts for each year of service
Introduce them to top funders and partners

Also, praise individual board members as they do good things. Calling out gifts of time, service, or funds, and praising participation may inspire fellow directors to step up their game. Board engagement will increase in no time.

Create Ease of Access

If a board feels disconnected from their fellow directors or the organization, they’re less likely to become involved. You may want some buffer between your governing body and the day-to-day operations of your nonprofit, but you don’t want that buffer to become a barrier. You can keep them in their lane by giving them with meaningful ways to engage. Here are a few suggestions:

Regularly provide a list of volunteer opportunities for board members and personalize opportunities as much as possible (see above).
Create real-time financial statements using Google Sheets or QuickBooks Online so that the board can review them on their own time.
Use a Slack Channel to communicate with boards in a designated channel where they can also interact with each other.
Consider using a program like Engagement Communities to house board documents, educational content, and calendars of board meetings.

Keep in mind that a simple courtesy like printed board packets can help directors feel equipped to participate. If nothing else, ask your directors what your team can provide to help them feel prepared for their work.

Provide Education

What you’re perceiving as disengagement may actually be intimidation. New directors may refrain from interacting because they simply don’t know what to do. Unfortunately, Roberts Rules and nonprofit accounting are not common knowledge. In fact, experienced directors may shy away from financials, policy, or other topics because of intimidation.

A little bit of education can go a long way and do wonders for board engagement. Begin providing high-level education on topics that are unique to nonprofit work and relevant to board governance. This could include audits, planned giving, and nonprofit accounting practices. Also, check out our Board Basics Series for 15-minute training that can be incorporated into your regular meetings. If you’re planning to use Robert’s Rules to govern your meetings, provide a quick-start guide to help directors learn the ropes.

Ultimately, building the confidence of your board will equip them to serve your cause and become endeared to it. Keep in mind that some board members are truly checked out. There is no amount of education, confidence, or honor you can provide to help them fulfill their obligation. In that case, focus your energy on those who demonstrate interest and energy for your mission. Those are the ones who will help you do more good.

The post 5 Ways to Build Meaningful Board Engagement appeared first on Nonprofit Hub.

[PODCAST] Creating a Holistic Fundraising Approach

Katie Appold — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 10:00:44 +0000

Creating a Holistic Fundraising Approach

We all care about our donors – that’s a given. But, are we caring well for our donors? We may have our mass marketing and fundraising appeals in order, but perhaps more focus should be placed on the seemingly small interactions that can have a major impact. In this episode, Katie talks to Meghan Speer of Marketing Support Network about how a holistic approach to donor care and fundraising can strengthen a nonprofit’s bottom line and biggest asset – its relationships.

Marketing is Also About Support

Marketing Support Network provides the capacity to nonprofits by acting as an incoming and outgoing call and digital support center. A space many nonprofits may overlook or attempt to gloss over by using chatbots and voicemail.

It’s easy to get caught up in the one-to-many art of marketing and mass fundraising, but Meghan reminds us that donor support is where many dollars are won or lost. Simple acts like updating an email address or phone number are not only opportunities to connect with donors; they are ways that we can lose connection without even knowing it.

Meghan’s two-part strategy for creating a holistic fundraising approach helps nonprofits get a bigger picture and a deeper relationship with donors:

Make sure your marketing strategy includes elements for ALL your stakeholders.

Snapchat might be a great place to develop a new following, but are your existing donors there? Make sure you’re producing communications and appeals for donors wherever they are at.

All messaging should be cohesive, and all internal stakeholders should see it.

Are your outreach pieces all telling the same story? They should – at least at the foundational level. Create pieces that connect cohesively, using different formats or anecdotes. Also, ensure that your team sees and understands your marketing so they can discuss it with donors.

Human First, Donor second

Most positive relationships have some degree of reciprocity. Donor relationships are no different! Meghan reminds us that how we serve and care for our donors is one way we can give back to them. After all, our donors want to be seen and valued as humans first and donors second. Valuing their time and demonstrating they’re worthy of ours is a great place to start.

If your organization is too lean to be able to have someone answer the phone or handle donor correspondence live, Meghan suggests managing expectations as a minimum. If you need to use a chatbot or email form, ensure you’re letting donors know what to expect in that process. For example, if you’re using email, have an autoresponse that tells donors when they can expect to hear back. Most importantly, stick to what you promise! If you say, you’ll return a message in 24 hours, prioritize making it happen.

Listen to the full episode for all of Meghan’s great insights and tips on creating a holistic fundraising system.

Meet Meghan Speer

Meghan Speer serves as the Vice President or Marketing Support Network in Pittsburgh where she oversees business development, strategic partnerships, and the Inbound Contact Center team. Meghan has spent the last 12 years of her career helping companies and organizations tell their stories more effectively, connect with their audiences more effectually, and communicate more efficiently and she is driven by a passion to help ensure all three things happen at once. Outside of work, Meghan is an active volunteer with two urban ministry programs in her city neighborhood and published her first book, “Letting Go of Should” in 2021.

Learn More

Shout out to our friends at Hubspot for making today’s episode possible!

The post [PODCAST] Creating a Holistic Fundraising Approach appeared first on Nonprofit Hub.

[PODCAST] An Innovative Approach to Growing Community

Katie Appold — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 11:49:22 +0000

An Innovative Approach to Growing Community

There is no way to learn and understand better than first-hand experience. In today’s episode, Katie talks to Barbara Lee VanHorssen of The Momentum Center for Social Engagement about their innovative approach to teaching cultural awareness and DEI through immersive experiences. From a Civil Rights Road Trip to Cultural Immersion Experiences that take participants across the boundaries of their understanding and geographic location.

Leave Your Lens

We all have a lens through which we see and experience the world around us. This lens is based on our past experiences and what we experience in our communities, culture, and networks. When we step outside of those areas of familiarity, we can see the world through someone else’s lens. Barbara’s organization builds awareness, understanding, and community by creating experiences that help participants leave their lenses behind. In this episode, she discusses a Civil Rights Roadtrip that ventures to the southern United States along the path and sites of the Underground Railroad. She also shares about trips to foreign countries where travelers are immersed in different cultures and traditions.

The Momentum Center for Social Engagement programs is innovating how we pursue DEI understanding and education. While many organizations use curriculum, consultants, and other methods to build community, Babara takes an experiential approach.

Growing Community is About Intentionality

Barbara’s programs center on an intent to explore and understand the world around us and help people appreciate and value diversity. Katie and Barbara discuss the challenge many nonprofit boards face with building diversity at the governance level in homogenous communities. While many say that your board should reflect the community you serve, Barbara takes it a step further, reminding us that if we’re not going to be proactive about pursuing diversity, we won’t create it.

More information about the Civil Rights Roadtrips and Cultural Immersion Experiences of the Momentum Center for Social Engagement can be found here or on their Facebook Page. Follow Barbara Lee VanHorssen on Linkedin to keep up with the innovative ways she’s changing the nonprofit sector.

Meet Barbara Lee VanHorssen, Community Growth Expert

Barbara Lee VanHorssen is the founder and Experi-Mentor of the Momentum Center, a grassroots movement to create a stigma-free community. She is an ordained interfaith minister and holds an MBA in Leadership Studies.

Barbara has worked with and for marginalized and disenfranchised people for most of her life. She is working to create a more understanding world for those with mental illness and developmental disabilities.

Learn More

Shout out to our friends at Hubspot for making today’s episode possible!

The post [PODCAST] An Innovative Approach to Growing Community appeared first on Nonprofit Hub.

[PODCAST] Your Nonprofit Identity

Katie Appold — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 12:51:03 +0000

Identity & Rejuvenation for Nonprofit Pros

When passionate about your work, the tendency to be “all-in” is vital. Is “all-in” an excellent place to be, though? In this episode, Katie talks to Joe Dyer, the President of DISHER, about how rejuvenation, balance, and identity can prevent burnout and nonprofit turnover. Listen to learn how you can make a positive difference in your organization and community by recognizing that you’re a human BEING, not just a human doing.

What does DISHER know about nonprofits?

The difference between nonprofit and for-profit businesses primarily comes down to tax status. DISHER is a for-profit organization that is entirely purpose-driven. This focus on a mission over money shows how they partner with nonprofits and community building. Joe Dyer’s current role is as the President of DISHER, but his background is in nonprofit leadership and Christian ministries. Joe references the concept of “steward leadership,” where he focuses on growing the assets entrusted to you and how this applies to for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Unlocking Identity & Rejuvenation: The Difference Between Being and Doing

Joe clarifies that taking a break or leaving your organization will not automatically equal rejuvenation. Rejuvenation comes when you recognize that you exist apart from what you’re doing (your job) and can find proper rest and change in that space. Consider what your anchor is – what do you hold fast to in times of trouble? You may want to look to something more significant if it’s your professional identity.

Find out what podcasts Joe is listening to and authors he’s found inspirational in the full podcast episode here>>

Meet Joe Dyer, an Expert in Identity and Rejuvenation

Joe Dyer is passionate about developing people, leading growth, and making a positive difference in our world as President of DISHER, a nationally recognized engineering, manufacturing technology, and talent recruitment firm headquartered in Zeeland, Michigan. The combination of Joe’s technical skills, character qualities, and strategic abilities uniquely equip him to guide the DISHER team successfully forward. Joe brings expertise in executive leadership, culture design and stewardship, automation, manufacturing, engineering, and innovation. His relational, trustworthy leadership style has created significant ripples of influence within the DISHER team and with customers and communities. Under his leadership, DISHER has achieved record growth, profitability, and community impact.

Joe graduated first in his class with a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Western Michigan University in 2008. Upon graduation, he worked as a Manufacturing Engineer with Parker Hannifin. In 2013, Joe joined DISHER as a Manufacturing and Quality Engineer in project management, process development, automation, design, manufacturing, and quality. He led business initiatives and various teams and became a Team Lead for
Manufacturing Tech Solutions. In 2019, Joe transitioned to the role of Executive Pastor at his church before returning to DISHER as President-Select in 2021 and President as of January 1, 2022. He also has a Master of Ministry degree from Kuyper College, focusing on Leadership Development and Faith at Work.

Joe and his wife, Stefanie, have been married since 2008 and live in Byron Center, Michigan, with their two elementary-aged boys. Joe loves spending time with his family, friends, and neighbors, working around the house, and traveling.

Learn More

Shout out to our friends at Hubspot for making today’s episode possible!

The post [PODCAST] Your Nonprofit Identity appeared first on Nonprofit Hub.

[PODCAST] Taking Care of the Mission-Critical Volunteers

Katie Appold — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 14:17:54 +0000

Taking Care of Mission-Critical Volunteers

The relationship between the mission-critical voluntary sector and social impact is inextricably linked. The changing economic climate and generational changes are complicating what it looks like to build a sustainable and successful volunteer program. In this episode, Katie talks to Matt Campo, the president of the Ronald McDonald House for the New York Metro Region. Matt talks about the challenges and the unchanging elements of service that will always help create strong volunteer programs.

Changing Times, Unchanging Impact of Volunteers

The term “staff volunteer” is becoming obsolete as younger generations seek to serve in more ad hoc and shorter durations. The economic upheaval caused by dramatically low unemployment and the “great resignation” has also created upheaval in the voluntary sector. Matt discusses the challenges of maintaining flexibility and continuing to present the need for volunteers during constantly changing times.

Matt points out that in his program, there is something for everyone. No matter your gifts, availability, or skills, so long as you desire to serve, there is a meaningful place to plug in at Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Always Tie it Back to the Mission.

Matt discusses the importance of ensuring mission-critical volunteers know that their time and energy are providing “mission-critical” support to the organization. The service of volunteers is not a “nice to have” commodity – it’s an essential part of their nonprofit’s program. When volunteers recognize the value of their work and feel the appreciation of the nonprofit’s team, their commitment and engagement become stronger. He reminds his team that they’re all compassionate recruiters of help for the organization.

Meet Matthew Campo | CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro, Inc.

Matt Campo joined the RMHC system in early 2009 as the organization’s Director of Development and Communications, rising to become CEO of the NY Metro Chapter. Matt has focused much of his energy on expanding the organization’s reach across the New York Metro region, including opening the first two Ronald McDonald Family Rooms (at Cohen Children’s Hospital and Stony Brook Children’s Hospital). In addition to his dedicated work in program expansion to serve more families, he fosters a steadfast commitment in his staff to offer support anywhere it is needed.

Campo participated in the RMHC Global Advisory Council in 2018 & 2019. This meaningful experience elevated and redefined his leadership skills as the CEO of RMHC NYM. Matt has appreciated the opportunity to help shift and shape system perspectives and broaden group discussions in the council’s quest for commitment, consensus, and compromise. Matt takes tremendous pride in being a conduit for communication within his local and national regions. Often, capturing opportunities for feedback one-on-one with fellow organizational leaders and at the east regional system level.

Before joining the RMHC system, Matt held several fundraising positions at local Long Island nonprofits, including those specializing in the Arts, Human Services, and Higher Education.

He has been a member of the Association for Fundraising Professionals (AFP) for over a decade and previously served in leadership positions. Matt enjoys a broad range of personal passions with his wife and three children as lifelong residents of Long Island.

Learn More

Shout out to our friends at BryteBridge Nonprofit Solutions for making today’s episode possible!

The post [PODCAST] Taking Care of the Mission-Critical Volunteers appeared first on Nonprofit Hub.