Is there a difference between a nonprofit’s “story” and its “elevator pitch?” Stacey has some thoughts. Also this week, we talk about criteria for a recognition wall, and a really big one: how the heck do you get boards to ask more (intelligent) questions!? Thanks for joining us this week, and please send your questions to questions@NonprofitEveryt…

After starting a brand new nonprofit and filing the paperwork, what’s next? Stacey and Andy will get you pointed in the right direction. Also this week, we talk about things to think about when hiring your first ever development professional, and whether or not it is appropriate to have a staff member also serve on the organization’s board. Thanks …

Are donor advised funds good or evil? That’s a big question, and Stacey and Andy definitely have some thoughts. Also, we talk about strategies for filling vacant committee leadership positions (it’s tough!) and Stacey has some tips for getting a geographically dispersed board all on the same page. Thanks for joining us this week, and don’t forget t…

We’ve got a really nice balance of questions this week! Is it possible to get a founding executive director to embrace change? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts on that! Also this week, we brainstorm about how to get new people to come to the same old gala, and talk through a couple of options when your revenue comes in all in the same month. Than…

Just two questions for Stacey and Andy this week, but they’re biggies! When creating a strategic plan is a consultant really necessary, or can we spare that expense? Also this week, a technical question about calculating liquidity gets unexpectedly philosophical really fast. Thanks for joining us, and be sure to send us any nonprofit topic you want…

If there’s something more terrifying than having to tell a grantor that they’re wrong, we haven’t heard of it. Is it even possible to push back on a state agency interpreting a federal grant incorrectly? Stacy and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, we talk about when it’s appropriate for the board to lead committees, and Andy goes off on a ta…

Should the executive director select their own replacement? Andy and Stacey certainly have some thoughts on that topic! Also this week, an organization needs help attracting new and different volunteers, and we discuss whether a nonprofit should set up a for-profit subsidiary. Thanks for joining us this week! Don’t forget to check out the show note…

If you’ve spent years proudly telling donors that you’re all volunteer run, is it even possible to hire paid staff when you need to level up? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts. Also this week, we talk about the possibility and consequences of failing the Form 990’s “Public Support Test,” and Stacey shares some ideas to help celebrate an organizati…

This week Stacey and Andy delve into the Nonprofit Everything archive to bring you a thematically consistent series of previously aired questions. Which is a fancy way of saying “Hey! It’s a clip show!” From episode 79, we talk about how to handle a board member that’s publicly off mission. From episode 103, we hear from a nonprofit with a board me…

It’s guest expert time! This week, Stacey is joined by April Mastroluca, Chief Solution Finder at Synergy Nonprofit Consulting to talk about the convergence of political campaign season and gala event season. Are there rules about ads in programs? Should we recognize elected officials and candidates who attend our events? What should we do if a can…

Should we be buying mailing lists to expand our reach, or is that a tactic from the olden days? Stacey and Andy certainly have some thoughts! Also this week, we talk about how strict to be when using the words "evidence based program" (in that exact order) and disagree strongly on the utility of exit interviews. We're awarding ten points if you can…

If better boards can prevent nonprofit failures, would it be smart to require boards to take governance training? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts. Also this week, we talk about an executive director's responsibility to prevent a bad board member nomination, and have both a short and a long answer to a question about founders. Thanks for joining …

Is there some magic language we can use to magically make a sponsorship tax deductible? Andy and Stacey have some thoughts. Also this week, we find out how to see who's sharing your nonprofit mission and why its important, and try not to get buried in accounting speak when discussing split-interest agreements! Thanks for joining us, and don't forge…

Is there some use for emeritus boards? Stacey and Andy have thoughts! Also this week, a new nonprofit wonders what kind on insurance coverage they should have, we find out how to determine when a contribution should be officially received, and discuss how frequently a board chair should meet with the executive director (is quadrennially too often?)…

Are your staff meetings snoozers? One of our listeners has this challenge and Stacey and Andy are here to help! (Can we make them more dangerous -- like with fire?) Also this week, we discuss the historical antecedents of hierarchical organizational charts, and chat about the pros and cons of giving refunds for program events. Do you have questions…

When a long-time donor changes priorities and it puts the capital campaign in jeopardy is there anything you can do? Stacey and Andy have some ideas. Also this week, what's the best way to deal with some good old-fashioned nonprofit competition (other than a dance-off?) And finally, are we going to hurt the executive director's feelings if we let h…

Is it okay to have all staff members be independent contractors and to give them titles like Director of Programs? Stacey welcomes guest expert Gina Bongiovi to help untie this complicated knot!

It's homework help time with Stacey and Andy! Is there a good definition of Theory of Change? We have some thoughts. Also this week, we talk about auditors that seem to be asking weird questions. Is it okay to push back on financial audit requests, or is that a terrible idea. Thanks for joining us, and don't forget to send in those questions!…

This might be the most confusingly titled episode yet! No, there aren't Nonprofit Everything t-shirts. But what happens when the marketing team decides to just open up a little shop on nonprofit-swag.com to sell logo branded stuff?* Stacey and Andy have some thoughts. Also this week, is it time to reevaluate our employee time-off policies? Thanks f…

Is there a thoughtful and ethical way to use client stories in grantwriting? Stacey and Andy have a few thoughts. Also this week, we talk about ways to get past the gatekeeper when a job posting has unreasonable requirements. Keep sending those questions and posting those reviews. We really appreciate it (and read every single one!)…

What should you do when the executive director assigns you a vague task with no clear purpose? Unsurprisingly, Stacey and Andy get philosophical on this one: is it busywork, or could it be a career-defining moment? Also this week, we find out if it's useful to chase after board members from a particular industry. Thanks for joining us again in 2024…

Have you just suffered through another boring, uninspiring office holiday party? Well your fellow listeners have a question crafted just for you: Is there a way to make the nonprofit holiday party into something good? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, Stacey answers a question about rules we should be following about board quorum …

It's podcast day! Why on earth would an organization use the longer, more expensive, more complicated, more time consuming Form 1023 to form a new nonprofit organization when the 1023-EZ is available? We have a few thoughts. Also this week, Stacey has some great tips to help you fundraise for a vehicle, and Andy wants you to re-think credit cards t…

This week we've got a new and exciting format for you! Stacey and Andy camped out at a table at the Alliance for Nevada Nonprofits Fall Conference, and used the opportunity to chat with some up-and-coming nonprofit leaders. Join us for a free-flowing conversation (and a few questions, too!)

If you have a "Donate Now" button on your website (and since the internet is available everywhere) do you need to do a charitable solicitation registration in every single state in the US? Stacey and Andy have the answer (sorta!) Also this week, Stacey has some opinions about whether or not you should allow board members to take a leave of absence,…

Is it a good idea to take out a loan to help kickstart a fundraising program? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, we talk about finding a bank that understands how nonprofit organizations work, and what to do if you discover that your organization's bylaws don't actually comply with state law. While you're reading this summary, mayb…

When applying for an Executive Director position, what questions should you ask the board during the interview? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, we have some opinions on on software for boards to use, and Stacy has a great conversation about the upcoming Alliance For Nevada Nonprofits Fall Conference with John Waldron (previous g…

Andy would never turn down a well-made Spam Musubi, but he and Stacey have some tough love for newsletters that are hitting the junk folder. Also this week, we field a question from a programs person who wants to go for the CEO job -- is it possible or advisable? And finally, what happens when you're a board member who's friends with the Executive …

The staff *hates* the ED but the Board *loves* the ED. Is this problem solvable? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts. Also this week, what's the best way to get your board engaged in important tasks like fundraising and strategic planning? Join us for another episode of Nonprofit Everything, and be sure to send us your questions!…

We know that technically the Board Secretary is responsible for the minutes, but I *really* don't want to. Can't we just delegate that to staff? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, a question we have never heard before - Should tour guides at nonprofit cultural institutions get to keep their tips? Finally, we get into a deep and fas…

Thanks for joining us for another episode of Nonprofit Everything! We've got just two questions, but one of them is *significant*. This week, Stacey and Andy try to discuss the impact of accepting donations from ethically challenging sources. It's a rough topic, and we would love to get your opinions on it, too! Also, Andy tackles another perpetual…

Do not miss this episode! This week, Stacey talks to guest expert and nonprofit guru Beth Kanter about what AI means for our organizations. Even though there's just one question this week, Beth and Stacey covered a lot: Is this really going to affect us? Is it just a cheap replacement for staff? What benefits, if any, will nonprofits see? Can we ju…

Back again? Hello, it's the Nonprofit Everything Podcast! This week Stacey has some thoughts about how to keep a fifty-year-old nonprofit's story fresh. Also, we chat about consent agendas and what they're used for, and Andy gets philosophical about synchronizing gifts in the donor management system and the accounting system. Thanks for joining us …

It's the Nonprofit Everything Podcast again! This week, we hear from a five-year-old nonprofit that is just realizing they may have bitten off more than they could chew! Sound familiar? Also, what happens when we completely distrust the previous finance person's numbers? Andy and Stacey have some thoughts. And finally, are we allowed to apply for m…

Summertime doesn't appear to be the time for Stacey and Andy to relax. Instead, we've got big questions to answer! Do nonprofits make common management mistakes? Maybe – Stacey and Andy certainly have opinions. Also, would it ever be a good idea for a board strategic planning retreat to specifically exclude the executive director. More opinions the…

Stacey and Andy circled the wagons and brought in guest expert Mary Beth Hartleb. Mary Beth is the CEO and Founder of Prism HR Consulting, and provided some much-needed advice for a tough question this week: Should I respond to or report a racist comment from a coworker?Topics: Should I respond to or report a racist comment from a coworker? - 0:05M…

Hi! It's the Nonprofit Everything Podcast calling! This week, Stacey has some thoughts about why your friends might be ghosting you when you're asking them for a contribution. Is your finance committee asking inappropriate questions? Andy can help. And finally, how quickly should you fire someone who engages in unethical behavior at your nonprofit?…

This week, co-hosts Andy Schuricht and Stacey Wedding have some juicy topics for you: How to say yes to an honorarium without saying no to your nonprofit’s values, how to ace your first capital campaign without breaking a sweat, and how Andy and Stacey got into the nonprofit world and what they wish they knew then. We’ll also spill some tea and dro…

Is it possible to get volunteers to pay you for the privilege of volunteering? Stacey has some opinions! Also this week, we tackle a really ugly scenario where the board and staff don't trust each other, and Andy gets to completely geek out on negotiating indirect cost rates on federal grant agreements. If that's not your cup of tea, it was a reall…

There's just one question this week, and it's a fascinating one! What do nonprofits need to know about social media influencer campaigns? We asked Guest Expert Nick Lynch, CEO of Collidescope.io and got an incredibly complete answer.

It's a four-question episode! This week, Andy shares the secret to developing an good nonprofit investment policy, and Stacey has some thoughts on how to keep a partnership from going wrong. Also, we talk about how to get verbal messages to stick with donors, and tackle one potentially expensive question: Is it worth it to get a graduate degree in …

This week's question gets an unexpected and inspiring answer from Guest Expert Margo Walsh, Founder and CEO of MaineWorks. MaineWorks is an innovative employment company with a social mission: to dignify the experience for people who face real barriers to workforce reentry, including people recovering from substance use disorder and people with fel…

Now that hybrid work environments are everywhere, is it possible to regain some of our pre-Covid culture? We have a few ideas. Also this week, Stacey talks about checking references for joining your development committee, and remarkably, Andy and Stacey agree on how to respond to an unusual donor communication!…

Raiser's Edge or Salesforce? Or something else? This week, Stacey is joined by Guest Expert Peter Schiano, Senior Consultant at Tech Impact. Not only does Peter address how to select a CRM solution, he provides some great insights on software acquisition, customization, pitfalls, and a drops a mean mythology metaphor. Other topics include: How do I…

What is it about donors that make them want to give you the stuff in their garage instead of the sweet, sweet cash that we desperately need? We've got some ideas! (Spoiler: Andy mentions agency theory again.) Also this week, we delve into the Byzantine hellscape that is municipal code to determine exactly what to put on a single line of a required …

Every once in a while we get a question that just warms our little hearts. And this week, a new nonprofit is already thinking about avoiding founder's syndrome! Also, we talk about whether or not passthrough grants are allowed to be anonymous, and Stacey has some thoughts about how to avoid going after grants you really shouldn't be going after.…

A couple of weeks ago we talked about accidentally restricting donations with an appeal, and this week week we continue the theme! Stacey talks to Guest Expert Barbara O'Reilly, CFRE, Founder and Principal of Windmill Hill Consulting, LLC about how to write specific fundraising appeals while still keeping contributions undesignated. Also this week,…

It's the last episode of 2022 and we crammed in four whole questions! This week, Andy mentions about a few nonprofit-specific year-end accounting tasks (don't worry, it's short). We also answer a question about accidentally restricting donations, and talk up the benefits of a consent agenda for your board. Finally, we're pretty sure someone lobbed …

Doesn't it seem weird that the people most affected by a change in leadership are the ones with no say in the matter? Stacey and Andy seem to think so. Also this week, Stacey has some ideas about how to use storytelling in your appeals when you're too new to have actual stories. Finally, Andy gets completely triggered by what could have been a simp…

When a funder asks for a single number for the "budget", what exactly do they want? We have some thoughts! Also, this week we turn a question about red flags to watch out for when considering an ED position into an excuse to complain about things! Finally, if you're having trouble sleeping, Stacey and Andy have just the IRS publication for you!…