Nonprofit Lowdown

Latest Episodes:

#120-Leading After a Founder with Anne Eidelman and Elandria Jackson Charles Feb 01, 2021

Show notes

Ah, founders...they are the stuff of legend. The ones who birth a nonprofit, nurture it through its infancy and watch it grow. But, what happens when founders move on? Today, we're talking with Anne Eidelman, CEO and Elandria Jackson Charles, VP of Development and External Affairs of Blue Engine about what happens when a charismatic founder moves on. What are some of the lessons learned for Anne as she stepped into the role and forged her own path forward? How did she manage board, funder, staff and client expectations and how did she become her own kind of ED? We talk with Anne and Elandria about what went well, what they wished they had done differently and how to help an organization to thrive after a founder leaves.

For more on Anne's perspective in SSIR: https://ssir.org/articles/entry/when_moving_a_nonprofit_forward_means_altering_the_founders_course

#119-Telling Your Organization's Story through Video with Rachel Jellinek Jan 25, 2021

Show notes

If a picture is worth a thousand words, what's a beautiful video worth? We're visual animals and there's nothing more inspiring than beautiful visual stories that can move us. Join me and expert Rachel Jellinek to discuss the art of vulnerable storytelling, what three stories your nonprofit should be telling and how to veer away from the poverty porn that is so embedded in our nonprofit culture.

To find Rachel, check out her website: https://reflectionfilmsonline.com/

Here are links that Rachel mentions in the interview:

https://communitycentricfundraising.org/

http://trabianshorters.com/asset-framing/

https://www.ted.com/talks/stella_young_i_m_not_your_inspiration_thank_you_very_much?language=en

#118-Beyond Anti-Racist Statements with Tracey Allard and George Hsieh Jan 18, 2021

Show notes

Summer 2020: everyone is putting out anti-racist statements on their websites and blacking out their IG feeds. Fine, but what does it ACTUALLY mean to start the journey of being an anti-racist organization? What does personal and professional DEI work look like for organizations? Expert consultants Tracey Allard and George Hsieh talk about their experiences of their anti-racist DEI work at Community Resource Exchange and how they help other nonprofits to do the work. We talk about fighting the urge to rush through the process in order to be "done", how to have uncomfortable conversations with your boss, board or funders about DEI issues. This is such a timely and rich conversation that all of us need to have now.

For more about CRE's statement: https://www.crenyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CREs-Commitment-Version-3.0-1017.pdf

For more information about our sponsor and to sign up for The Louder Pledge, visit: thelouderpledge.com

#117-#RealTalk about Time and Money with Rhea Jan 11, 2021

Show notes

Hi folks,

Today's episode is a brief solo show about time and money. I've gotten a real bug up my butt about the scarcity mindset that we see in nonprofits. It shows up everywhere from the way we talk about time and money. What would it take for us to tell ourselves different stories and how could we shift our relationship with time and money to one of intentionality and abundance? Let me know if this resonates with you and, if so, I'll be doing future podcasts on this topic.

[Encore Episode]#45-Major Gift Fundraising and Your Board with Heather Malin Dec 31, 2020

Show notes

Join me and my buddy Heather Malin as we talk about her transition from a dog-enthusiast to a major gift fundraiser. We talk about some of the common mistakes of fundraisers, how to turn your board into your biggest fundraisers and advocates and why people wait too long to ask. Need some inspiration to go ask for that $$? Listen to this one!

[Encore Episode]#92-How to Be Anti-Racist with Benny Vasquez Dec 24, 2020

Show notes

Join me and my friend Benny Vasquez, long-time educator and current Chief Equity Officer at the KIPP Foundation, as we discuss what it means to be anti-racist on a personal and organizational level. Benny offers his perspectives as a lifelong educator and passionate DEI activist. In this conversation we discuss:

The role of white people in dismantling racism.
Specific tips for anti-racist hiring practices.
The benefit of white affinity groups and why we don't have time for white fragility.
Future visions of Black liberation, Black joy and transformation for all.

To get in touch with Benny, check out his LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benny-vasquez-8749a73a/

Also, here is a helpful blog post: https://blog.kipp.org/teamandfamily/36-resources-to-help-with-complex-questions-about-race-and-racism-in-america/

Benny-recommended resources:

Rubric of anti-racist organization continuum: https://www.aesa.us/conferences/2013_ac_presentations/Continuum_AntiRacist.pdf

My Grandmother's Hands

Emergent Strategy

This Bridge Called My Back

Anti-racist training:

Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ)

Randy Clancy

#115-5 Ways to Turbocharge Your Media with David Hoffman Dec 17, 2020

Show notes

Join me and my friend David Hoffman as he shares five ways that your nonprofit can up your media game. He walks us through his engagement funnel and gives us the keys to creating media (video, photos) that grab your donor's attention and get results. His advice is actionable and effective to make your message stand out from the crowd. In this podcast, you'll understand the difference between being interesting and being boring. Some other stand-out gems include lead with the heart, not with stats. This episode is packed with value-bombs that will help you attract and engage your desired donor.

For more about David, check out: https://citizenracecar.com/

#114-Staying (Happily) Married as an Executive Director with Hollie Chambers Dec 10, 2020

Show notes

Note: This episode contains some *adult* content so listener discretion is advised unless you want to have some very interesting conversations with your children.

We know what being an ED or a nonprofit executive is tough. We're called to work miracles on shoestring budgets. Add COVID on top of that and it's a recipe for burn-out. What happens when we let work take over our lives and forget our partners in all of it? Join me and couples therapist Hollie Chambers to talk about self-care, making time for intimacy with your partner and new terminology like, "Thrupple." You're welcome. Carve out time to slowdance or give your partner a performance review (they'll LOVE that). This podcast reminds us all that putting out fires at work isn't always the most important thing. Do something nice for yourself and your bae today. Bonus points: you can hear me blush over the sound waves.

For more about Hollie: https://www.hollieschambers.us/

#113-Your Business Processes with Adi Klevit Dec 03, 2020

Show notes

Organizing and documenting my business processes was about as high up on my list as scheduling a root canal. Or writing the Great American Novel. Yeah, yeah, totally one of my goals, but there are a million other things that get in the way.

Then, one day, you realize that it's mayhem and you're running ragged because "Nobody can do it like me!" or one of your key staff members has just given notice.

Don't be that person.

Join me and Adi Klevit as we talk about the importance of and process to start documenting your systems, processes and procedures. Want to get some time back in your life? Want to scale? You need to start doing this now. It's like being on a diet--you start slow and steady and eventually you see the gains. As the ancient Chinese proverb goes, "The best time to document your processes was 20 years ago. The second best time is today." We go through simple and actionable steps you can take today to set your nonprofit up for success so YOU are not at the center of your processes and you can bring on other people to get the work done.

For more about Adi: https://www.bizsuccesscg.com/author/adi-klevit/

#112-Black leadership + Equity in NYC with Rahsaan Harris Nov 19, 2020

Show notes

What does the future of NYC look like if we re-imagined it through the lens of equity and diversity? Who's at the table and, more importantly, who isn't and why? Join me and Dr. Rahsaan Harris, CEO of Citizens Committee for New York as we talk about our love of New York, Black philanthropy and how to build a more equitable New York after the twin pandemics have passed. Listen in to two unapologetic New Yorkers and folx of color who have both had the experience of being the "onlies" in many rooms. Rahsaan is thoughtful, insightful and doesn't pull punches.

For more about Rahsaan, check out: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahsaanharris/

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