The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast discusses important issues facing nonprofit leaders in our community and features real stories from real leaders about what strategies and practices have made them successful. Enjoy the show!
Learn more about the nonprofit Matt Damon co-founded
Jan 15, 2024
Show notesVedika Bhandarkar
Safe water. While most of us have access to it, there are millions across the world who do not. There are approximately 700 million people, all over the world, who do not have access to safe water or sanitation. Rob’s guest, Vedika Bhandarkar, describes a unique and effective strategy for getting more clean water to those in need.
Vedika is the Chief Operating Officer at Water.org. This global nonprofit organization works to bring safe water and sanitation to the world through affordable financing, such as small loans.
Vedika describes how co-founders Matt Damon and Gary White started Water.org. She explains that the organization is focused on helping those in need get access to affordable capital to pay for safe water systems. Vedika describes the negative impact of not having enough safe water, on an individual scale as well as on the global scale. She explains why a lack of financing plays such a crucial role in this issue, and how Water.org has increased their efforts in this area. In the last four years, Water.org has scaled from helping 16 million people worldwide, to now reaching 60 million people. Vedika shares exactly what the organization did to scale so fast, in such a short span of time. Finally, she reminds us of the worldwide benefits if more people had access to safe water, and believes this issue is solvable in our lifetime.
How can AI be used for good for your nonprofit?
Jan 07, 2024
Show notes
Artificial Intelligence. Did you know that AI is embedded in almost everything we do? It’s often embedded in our workflow, our fundraising and our data analytics. Already, there are many in the nonprofit sector who are using AI but many not even realize that they are using. For example, in 2020, 75% of nonprofits reported using AI for predictive analytics to enhance their fundraising efforts. (Source: Nonprofit Technology Network) 64% of nonprofit professionals believe AI can help them better understand their donors and supporters. (Source: Salesforce) Additionally there have been a lot of studies about the impact of AI: like helping nonprofits increase program effectiveness by up to 43%, or how Classy has found that AI-driven fundraising campaigns have seen a 34% increase in donor retention rates.
So what should be the role of AI when it comes to nonprofits?
As nonprofit leaders, we need to have conversations around AI, because whether we realize it or not, it’s involved in nearly everything we do. Rob’s guest, Justin Spelhaug, argues artificial intelligence is making a positive impact in the nonprofit space.
Justin is the VP and Global Head of Microsoft’s Tech for Social Impact (TSI.) TSI brings together donation and grants programs, commercial sales efforts, and partner ecosystems to empower nonprofits globally to address the world’s most pressing needs.
Justin describes what Tech for Social Impact does, and how they not only help their nonprofit clients, but how TSI also donates a portion of the profits to public good initiatives. When it comes to integrating AI into their solutions, Microsoft uses six core principles to guide the work they do. Justin describes these six principles and dives deep into the principles of “Inclusiveness” as well as “Privacy and Security.” He explains why focusing on privacy and security is important when it comes to using AI, and the ways Microsoft ensures high privacy standards on all the solutions they create. Justin shares specific case studies on ways AI is being used in the nonprofit sector, specifically in cases that involve human rights, disaster relief, and biodiversity. He also describes a path one can follow, if they are not familiar with AI, so they can become more knowledgeable and skilled using it. Finally, Justin believes that while there may be potential downsides to AI technology, it is drastically helping nonprofits become more efficient, thus supporting the greater good.
“What are the key aspects to successful donor retention?”
Dec 31, 2023
Show notesCara Augspurger
A discouraging trend in the nonprofit space is the steady decrease in the number of donors that are giving to nonprofit organizations. Simply put, if an organization cannot retain its donors, then it won’t be around very long. Rob’s guest, Cara Augspurger, Ed.M., CFRE shares specific ways we can improve our efforts in relation to donor retention. Cara is a Fundraising Coach at Donorbox.
Donorbox is a recurring donation platform that provides nonprofits with a better donation checkout process. They aim to help nonprofits connect with their donors and volunteers more closely by building the best donor management system in the industry.
Cara shares her thoughts on the current state of giving and describes the factors that are attributing to the decrease in donor retention. She explains the importance of good stewardship and how sharing “impact reports” with one’s donors is key. When it comes to thanking your donors, Cara believes that it takes quality communication and also frequent communication to really convey an organization’s sincere gratitude. She explains how important authenticity is in regards to donor retention, and how nonprofit leaders can become more authentic in their actions. Cara also offers advice on how to best obtain donor feedback and what organizations should do once they have that feedback. Finally, she describes how to get your donors involved in your organization’s projects, when appropriate and necessary.
Just how prevalent is the problem of human trafficking right here in the US?
Dec 24, 2023
Show notesDiana Mao
As of a September 2022 report on the global estimates on modern slavery, more than 27 million people are in forced labor. Out of those people affected, approximately 1 million are in the United States. Rob’s guest, Diana Mao, describes why the issue of human trafficking is so prevalent and what can be done to fight this problem.
Diana is the Co-founder and President of the Nomi Network. Nomi Network is a leading non-profit organization bridging the private, public, and non-profit sectors through enterprise and education to end human trafficking. Their mission is to end human trafficking by creating pathways to safe employment, empowering women and girls to break cycles of slavery in their families and communities.
Diana shares a powerful, personal story of why she decided to join the fight against human trafficking. She dispels the myth that “trafficking does not happen in the United States, and explains why it’s such a difficult concept for people to grasp in the United States. When it comes to trafficking in poverty-stricken countries like India, Diana explains that poverty and economic marginalization are the main drivers. She shares that people in these countries have a mindset that “humans are disposable.” Diana describes the many different programs Nomi offers to women and girls across the globe, mostly focusing on supporting them through economic stability via safe career opportunities. When it comes to being inspired and not becoming discouraged, she shares that she looks at all the women on the front lines as her “sheroes”, her female heroes. Finally, Diana shares her big goals for the future of her organization, as well as for the future of fighting against human trafficking in general.
Is Servant Leadership Making A Comeback?
Dec 17, 2023
Show notesEvan Wildstein
What is the first thing that you think about when you hear the term, “servant leadership?” While this term isn’t very popular anymore, the essence of being a servant leader is precisely what most nonprofit leaders aspire to be. Today’s guest, Evan Wildstein breaks down what this term means and what it practically looks like to apply servant leadership to everyday situations.
Rob’s guest is Evan Wildstein, author of the book, The Nonprofiteer’s Fundraising Field Guide: 30 Practical Ways to Boost Philanthropy Through Servant-Leadership. His book inspires readers to take fast action by exploring the ten core behaviors of servant-leaders.
When it comes to the term servant leadership, Evan believes that the two words must coexist, since he sees service and leadership as both action oriented activities. He explains that the term isn’t actually a paradox like many assume, because you cannot have one without the other. Evan explains that the concept of servant leadership is talked about at a very high level. This is why he is passionate about explaining it in a very practical, tangible way that people can apply to their organizations. Evan describes how servant leaders can become more empathetic in their approach to others. He also shares the importance of truly becoming a better listener, as a leader. Finally, Evan believes that we, as leaders, need to heal ourselves first before we can hope to heal others. Part of this healing must be done on an individual level and part must be done on an organizational level, by holistically checking in on our team.
How to maximize the impact of your board
Dec 10, 2023
Show notesHardy Smith
As a nonprofit leader, do you ever feel frustrated at the engagement of your board members? Do you wonder why they aren’t performing the way they should be? Rob’s guest, Hardy Smith explains the reasons why board engagement may be down and what you can do to improve it.
Hardy is a speaker and consultant who helps nonprofits customize solutions, strategies, and systems. He is also the author of the book, Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game: How to Break the Cycle of Frustrating Relationships and Benefit from Fully Engaged Boards.
Hardy believes that nonprofit leaders are the biggest contributors to the issue of poor board member engagement. He shares that leaders are not only bringing the wrong people onto their boards, but they also forget to be clear about the board member’s responsibilities. Hardy describes what the recruiting process should look like, and emphasizes the importance of having a pool of potential candidates to choose from. He also describes the main reasons members may have a poor experience during their time on the board, and how leaders can mitigate this by improving their communication skills. When it comes to selecting board leadership, Hardy explains why it’s crucial to look at one’s prior experience. Finally, he offers clear advice on how nonprofit leaders can reach their goal of having more diversity and inclusion amongst their board members.
Walmart has a new way they are giving back to nonprofits
Dec 03, 2023
Show notesJulie Gehrki, Vice President of Philanthropy at Walmart
We know that Walmart is a successful corporation, selling goods throughout the world, but that is not all they do. You may be surprised by the impact Walmart is making through their many philanthropic efforts, local and world-wide. Today’s guest, Julie Gehrki, explains the various ways Walmart is supporting nonprofits through their new social impact program, Spark Good.
Rob’s guest, Julie Gehrki, is the Vice President of Philanthropy at Walmart. Last year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation provided more than $1.5 billion in cash and in-kind to support programs that align with their philanthropic priorities. Through the combined philanthropic efforts of both Walmart and the Walmart Foundation, Walmart is creating opportunities for people to live better every day.
Julie shares information on Walmart’s new social impact program, Spark Good, and how it is meeting both the needs of customers and the local nonprofits they want to support. She explains the four main tools that make up the Spark Good program, and how each of these tools offer support to the various needs nonprofits may have. Julie also shares that Walmart often matches customer donations and fulfills the material requests of the nonprofits they work with. Julie believes companies cannot have real impact if they are not truly listening. That is why Walmart is trying to thoughtfully walk alongside both local communities and nonprofits, to really understand their needs. Julie offers advice to large companies who are seeking to make an impact by becoming involved in philanthropy. Finally, she shares some insight into Walmart as a whole and what she wishes more people knew about the corporation.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@robharter.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
This Episode is sponsored by:
How to strengthen your nonprofit’s financial processes
Nov 26, 2023
Show notesDean Dalzell
Do you have financial processes in place for your nonprofit organization? Does your financial team have the skills and knowledge to handle financial complexities as your nonprofit grows? Today’s guests, Dean Dalzell and Jerry Frick explain why it is important to have solid and transparent financial processes in place, so you don’t mismanage this area of your organization.
Rob’s guests are Dean Dalzell and Jerry Frick, both of whom are CFOs at Veracity Pros. Veracity Pros is an all-in-one accounting company that has served the nonprofit community for 20 years. Their goal is to take care of the accounting and financial complexities, so nonprofit leaders can focus on growing their impact.
Jerry Frick
Dean and Jerry describe the most common ways Veracity Pros assists nonprofit organizations, especially in terms of offering outsource accounting, audit prep, and outsource CFO support. For nonprofits with a limited budget, Dean recommends first doing a self assessment to understand were their financial expertise lies and then reaching out to an outside firm to do an initial assessment. Jerry describes the different points in an organization’s growth, where the leaders should start upgrading their financial staffing. Dean explains the average cost of an audit, depending on the complexity of the organization and their needs. Finally, they describe the biggest mistakes nonprofits often make when it comes to their financial processes and how to avoid those mistakes.
What Amazon is doing to empower nonprofits to go further and faster
Nov 23, 2023
Show notesAllyson Fryhoff
Amazon is not just a place full of great products to purchase and movies to stream, but the company is also making a social impact. Rob’s guest, Allyson Fryhoff, explains how Amazon Web Services provides many tech tools to nonprofits which is helping them to go further, faster.
Allyson is the Managing Director of Nonprofit and Nonprofit Health at Amazon Web Services. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. AWS provides cloud solutions to nonprofits, that can help with fundraising, donor engagement and donor retention
Allyson explains how their new program, Tech Action, is supporting nonprofits in building fundraising, growing donations, and improving member engagement. Allyson believes nonprofits need to effectively connect and communicate with donors, and she shares how the Tech Action program is helping with fundraising efforts. She explains how AWS can help organizations collect donor data and simplify it into visual systems so nonprofit leaders can make faster and better decisions. Allyson also tells us how the use of high tech tools can actually help create a high touch relationship between donors and organizations. Finally, she shares information about the Imagine Grant Program that AWS offers to 501c3 organizations.
How can donors avoid the pitfalls of self-dealing
Nov 12, 2023
Show notesStephanie Yan
Many donors give to nonprofits via family foundations. There are times that this type of donation could pose a conflict of interest, which could eventually lead to ethical or legal issues down the line. Rob’s guest, Stephanie Yan, explains that this conflict of interest is known as “self-dealing.” She also explains how foundations can avoid finding themselves in this type of situation.
Stephanie is the Private Foundation Practice Leader of GHJ, a national advisory and accounting firm that provides a broad range of audit, accounting, tax, participations and advisory services to nonprofits, food and beverage, entertainment and media and health and wellness companies.
Stephanie explains what “self-dealing” is and the implications it can have on foundations and those involved within the foundation. She shares that this type of transaction can happen either intentionally or unintentionally, but that either way, the penalties for engaging in self-dealing can be quite impactful. Stephanie goes on to describe the seven types of transitions that the IRS considers as self-dealing, and offers specific examples of what it can look like in action. She offers ideas of internal processes and policies foundations can have in place, in order to avoid participating in self-dealing. Finally, Stephanie highlights the importance of hiring a CPA or attorney who has expertise and experience working with tax-exempt organizations.
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