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Lori Jacobwith is CEO and founder of Ignited Fundraising. She’s a master storyteller and “fundraising culture-changer” with more than 30 years’ experience helping nonprofit organizations raise $300 million dollars from individual donors … And counting! In today’s episode we talk to Lori about marketing, storytelling, bad conference presentations, and everything in between! Listening Notes: 3:30 What’s a “fundraising culture changer”? 8:00 How can a charity discover the mission moment that touches a donor’s heart?  13:00 Should stories always be positive? The research says “sad” does work. 14:50 Storytelling isn’t just for women! 19:00 Building a process for getting your message out on digital channels. 28:00 Struggling with marketing and fundraising in separate silos. 35:00 Does everything have to be a TEDTalk now? Related Links: Lori Jacobwith http://www.ignitedfundraising.com/ FREE eBooks about storytelling and board development : http://www.ignitedfundraising.com/training/free-resources/ Nike’s Michael Jordan Retirement Ad:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZSYD5OYSqc TSA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tsa/

Tony Martignetti is the host of the Nonprofit Radio podcast where his slogan is: “Big nonprofit ideas for the other 95%.” As an expert in gift planning and charity registration, Tony has been quoted in publications like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Chronicle of Philanthropy, and has spoken to audiences at the NextGen:Charity Conference, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Bernstein Global Wealth Management and more. In today’s episode we chat with Tony about everything from charitable law to bad conference presentations to why fermented foods aren’t a great topic for nonprofit audiences! Listening Notes 1:00 Who are the “other 95%”? 4:50 How Nonprofit Radio’s podcast topics have evolved over the last eight years. 13:00 Want to start a charity? Listen to this advice first! 23:00 Planned giving for young folks? When should we talk to donors about their legacies? 34:00 Podcasting and storytelling tips! (Don’t get too into fermentation…) 42:00 How performing stand-up comedy connects to being a great communicator! Related Links Tony Martignetti http://tonymartignetti.com/ Nonprofit Radio https://podcast.mpgadv.com/ Nonprofit Radio’s Contributors: Amy Sample Ward, The Nonprofit Technology Network http://www.nten.org Gene Takagi, NEO Law Group https://neolawgroup.com Maria Semple, The Prospect Finder http://www.theprospectfinder.com/  

Before you press play, we want you to know that in this episode we discuss topics that some listeners might find triggering. Today’s episode discusses the crime of human trafficking and how the event management industry is combating it. We know it’s an important topic because so many of the charities and nonprofits we work with plan conferences, galas, and fundraising events. In this episode, we interview two people who are part of a nonprofit organization called Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking. Sandy Biback has over 30 years of experience in the event management industry and over 20 years of experience teaching about the event management industry. Carolyn Poole is Vice President and Team Director at ConferenceDirect, a leading provider of global meeting planning solutions.  You’ll hear excerpts from a video produced by The Economist called Tracking the Traffickers. If you would like to see the full video, the link is available below. Please note that some strong language is used and listener discretion is advised. Related Links: Polaris Project https://polarisproject.org Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking http://www.mpaht.com The Economist: Tracking the Traffickers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Otl-nxVu2V0 The Code http://www.thecode.org TraffickCam http://www.traffickcam.com

Cathy Backus is Founder and President of Send Me On Vacation, a nonprofit organization that works in 8 countries to send breast cancer survivors on healing vacations. In this inspirational episode, we discuss how Cathy leverages her business development savvy, personal networks, and passion to create meaningful change in the world. 1:30 How Kathy’s best friend Pam inspired her to do more for cancer survivors. 4:00 Mermaids and Angels: A unique volunteer and mentorship program. 9:00 Leveraging volunteers and personal connections to boost your fundraising and awareness events. 12:40 How to approach corporations to develop partnership opportunities. 20:00 What it's like to launch a gala for the first time (with Arabian horses!) 25:00 How Send Me On Vacation uses social media to represent the visual impact of the work they do. 35:00 The challenges of founding your OWN nonprofit organization! Related links: The Realize Grant Program http://www.realizeamorebeautifulworld.com Send Me On Vacation https://sendmeonvacation.org Champions for Charity - Scottsdale 2018 https://smovcfc2018.auction-bid.org/microsite/

In today’s episode we chat candidly with Broek Bosma, Chief Development Officer at St. Paul’s Foundation. He leads an innovative team fundraising for St. Paul’s and other Providence Health Care hospitals in British Columbia. We think you’ll love this look into how a health foundation approaches major gifts! 3:00 How Broek’s unusual career history led him into the world of fundraising. 9:20 What motivates people to give at a major gift level? 12:00 Wouldn’t we all love to get a gift from Bill and Melinda Gates? 13:00 Finding affinity with donors to help connect them to your cause. 14:50 Appropriate recognition: How to determine the best “thank you”. 18:00 How do you ask a major donor to give more? 24:00 Getting a team to think about major gifts as a shared goal rather than an individual revenue line. 30:00 How NPOs can use experiences to engage and thank donors. 34:00 Traits of a fantastic major gifts officer. 40:00 How Providence Health structures giving by “health portfolio” that always includes capital & equipment. Related links: Careers at St. Paul’s Foundation https://helpstpauls.com/careers The Seven Faces of Philanthropy: A New Approach to Cultivating Major Donors by Russ Alan Prince, Karen Maru File https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/377579.The_Seven_Faces_of_Philanthropy  

Mandy is the “gossip columnist” of the peer-to-peer fundraising sector, sharing tips and insider knowledge designed to take the mystery out of copywriting for NPOs! In this episode, we learn about the power of well-crafted communications. Mandy shares how one charity boosted event registration by 85% (and fundraising by 60%!) just by changing their recruitment and fundraising emails to add a story about the organization. Listening Notes: 4:30 Why you don’t want to be that friend you only hear from when they want something from you. 7:00 What do you do with those one-time donors? Can they be converted to a second gift? 9:45 The importance of creating a “welcome series” of emails. 16:40 Coming up with topics that your readers actually care about. 21:40 Finding your voice as a nonprofit … How much personality is important? 26:00 How to “spy” on your donors to understand their interests! 27:00 Storytelling as a way to reach your donors with topics they are interested in. 32:30 When do you know you are ready to start A/B testing? 40:00 How to create “personas” to develop better content for your different audiences. 46:00 Lead magnets and bribes – Using the expertise you already have to grow email lists. Related Links: Mandy O’Neill – Connected Nonprofit www.connectednonprofit.com  BuzzSumo http://www.buzzsumo.com The Skimm Newsletter https://www.theskimm.com/ Marketing Sherpa https://www.marketingsherpa.com/

Kathy Kingston of Kingston Auction Company is an award-winning fundraiser, professional auctioneer, and benefit event consultant. She’s the author of “A Higher Bid! How to Transform Special Event Fundraising with Strategic Benefit Auctions”. In today’s podcast episode, Kathy tells us how to stop just “doing events” and start “doing philanthropy”. You’ll learn how to invest in what matters and ignore the rest! 3:20 How fundraising for a childhood Penny Carnival hooked Kathy “forever”. 10:00 The five pillars of benefit auctions and why they are so important. 15:00 How to put your focus on the formula “DD” (Dollars and Donors!). 24:00 Converting event attendees to legacy donors and ignoring “bidder fatigue”. 28:30 Securing your gifts for the live auction and why your special guest’s emotional story should be 2 minutes MAX! 36:00 How to be simple, emotional, and impactful during a “Fund A Need” appeal. 38:00 What makes for a great auctioneer or MC? 42:00 Kathy’s “magic question” that every fundraiser should use on event attendees…! Related links: Bonus reports & special gifts for our listeners! http://howtoraisemoremoney.com Kathy Kingston Auctions http://www.kingstonauction.com A Higher Bid! How to Transform Special Event Fundraising with Strategic Benefit Auctions https://www.amazon.com/Higher-Bid-Transform-Fundraising-Strategic/dp/1119017874/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430423076&sr=8-1&keywords=a+higher+bid

FrontStream hosted a networking evening and panel discussion in Chicago as part of the Realize event series. We asked three amazing experts to share their experience working for good causes and giving back to the nonprofit community! Our panelists included: Amy Sample Ward CEO, NTEN: The Nonprofit Technology Network Carlos A. Trejo Director of Annual Giving, Marillac St. Vincent Family Services Board Member, Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Chicago Jessica Lawson Community Engagement Director WTTW - Chicago PBS We hope you enjoy this special episode! Listening notes: 5:10 – Nobody went to school to major in “Working at a charity”. How important is continuing education for nonprofit professionals? 7:50 – What is community management; a discipline that didn’t exist 10 years ago! 11:00 – What it’s like being an ODO: “Only Development Officer”. 13:00 – “Are you a professional volunteer?” Misconceptions about working in the nonprofit sector. 18:00 – How Young Nonprofit Professionals Network connects mentors with future leaders. 24:00 – The pros and cons of different generations in the workplace. 30:00 – If you were going to hire a coworker, what kinds of soft skills would you look for? 35:00 - “I’m an unapologetic believer in self-care.” 37:00 – How to boost corporate sponsorships and improve your relationships with partners. 43:00 – Don’t underestimate the power of persistence! 46:00 – Why Amy starts her meetings standing up! 49:00 - Positioning yourself as a leader in general, not just a leader in the nonprofit sector. Related show links: Mariposa DR Foundation http://www.mariposadrfoundation.org NTEN: The Nonprofit Technology Network http://www.nten.org Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Chicago https://www.ynpnchicago.org

Meet Sarah Golan, Senior Manager of Brand Strategy, Marketing and Digital Operations, Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga! In this episode, Sarah shares how her Habitat affiliate is trying new things and engaging new audiences to help solve the problem of affordable housing. You’ll also learn why we all need MORE macramé for all our hanging baskets of succulents... Listening Notes 2:30 Sarah has a rare job responsibility: “Digital Fundraising”! 3:40 Why her Habitat affiliate “throws the box away” when it comes to innovation. 5:50 How the ReStore model works and how it funds Habitat’s administrative costs. 10:00 Why “Upcycling” at the new ReVive center brings volunteers and community members together. 16:00 Changing the definition of “family” to broaden the kinds of people served by Habitat. 25:00 Surprising volunteering opportunities that folks should think about when they reach out to a charity. 35:00 How to leverage Google AdWords and social advertising to boost corporate and employer support. 41:30 Claire has a LOT of swords she needs to get rid of … Can Habitat for Humanity help? 48:00 An off-site meeting where NOBODY is allowed to say “We can’t!” 53:00 Why we’re ALL about that 1970s macramé now. Related Links Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga https://www.habitathm.ca/ Habitat for Humanity ReStores https://www.habitat.ca/restore The Drift Podcast: Seeking Wisdom https://seekingwisdom.io/

Julia C. Campbell has been in your shoes and she gets it! As the author of “Storytelling in the Digital Age: A Guide for Nonprofits”, Julia knows how to build successful digital storytelling campaigns. She shares her insights with us in today’s episode. And, we have a special treat: Listen to the podcast to hear how you can win a copy of her book! Listening notes: 2:40 Why being laid-off at 8 months pregnant was the best thing that happened to Julia. 9:10 Why Laura is obsessed with Julia’s book on storytelling! 10:30 Are nonprofits too concerned about the tools (Facebook, Snapchat, etc.) rather than the strategy & content? 14:00 What kinds of emotions prompt people to take action? 18:20 Why we shouldn’t throw facts at people if we can tell a story instead. 26:30 How a $10-a-month recurring gift turned into the most powerful donor story you’ve ever heard. 28:30 Different story approaches for different generations? 33:50 The power of ambassadors who can tell your story for you online. 40:00 Why it doesn’t matter how many followers or views you have on social media. 48:00 Understanding your nonprofit’s brand voice and viewpoint. 50:00 How you can win a copy of Julia’s book (In 2200 characters or less!)

We chat with Kathryn Ducey of Linkus Group about recognizing talent, improving your relationships at work, and noticing people’s “tells”! Kathryn offers great advice for both job hunters and folks who are hiring at a nonprofit organization.  At the end of this podcast you’ll be thinking differently about where you place your glass of water… 2:00 Why Kathryn makes it a habit to meet 10 new people a day. 4:40 How to discover your competitive advantage. 7:50 Why Kathryn believes recruiters exist and why companies have trouble finding talent. 15:20 The power of storytelling at work. 18:50 Kathryn unpacks how the “overhead myth” affects the charitable sector. 22:00 How recognizing patterns can give you insight into an individual’s personality. 24:00 What are the new rules of engagement for job hunting? 30:00 Doing what it takes to get the job without being weird! 33:50 Negotiating salary – what’s appropriate? 38:00 Why it’s all about emotional intelligence now. 46:00 Where can a professional go to learn about improving hiring practices? 48:00 “Excel is my hobby!!!” 49:00 Promoting from within – Are you recognizing internal talent? 56:50 Overcoming objections and hearing “no”. 58:00 Why people want to have purpose in their work. 1:04 Why customer service is the new marketing. LinkUs Group http://www.linkushr.com Dan Pallotta’s TED Talk: The way we think about charity is dead wrong https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pallotta_the_way_we_think_about_charity_is_dead_wrong Dave Cancel of Drift’s “Hypergrowth” https://www.drift.com/hypergrowth/ Drift podcast: Hiring, Firing, And People Patty McCord https://soundcloud.com/seekingwisdom/90-hiring-firing-and-people-patty-mccord    

It’s double the fun(draising) with Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation’s Ashleigh Saith, Manager of Annual Programs, and Katy Pedersen, Manager, Peer-to-Peer and Special Projects. We chat about everything from fostering a culture of innovation at work to how the media portrays people who work for charities! Listening Notes 5:00 – Why Holland Bloorview is hacking toys and designing video games for rehab.  7:32 – Why Claire’s pitch for a “fundraising battle!” didn’t go as expected. 9:40 – What it means to disrupt the traditional fundraising model from leadership gifts on down. 13:40 – A nonprofit culture where “failure is ok” and looking outside the nonprofit sector for new ideas. 14:45 – How the fitness community (#FitFam) has great examples for community building 21:30 – What does “family centered care” mean when applied to fundraising? 24:30 – Dealing with stigma and misconceptions about jobs in fundraising. 27:50 – What can you do with a history degree? 30:00 – What kind of training makes you a better professional fundraiser? 32:00 – How Charity Savant’s programs provide career and organizational development for people in the nonprofit sector 34:00 – Why do people say they want to move into the nonprofit sector? 40:00 – Techniques to boost your peer-to-peer event fundraising and engagement 46:00 – Ways to identifying compelling patient and donor stories. 49:00 – Why Holland Bloorview’s corporate volunteer program is fully BOOKED. Related show links  Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Foundation http://foundation.hollandbloorview.ca/ Capes for Kids  http://capesforkids.ca/ Charity Savant  http://www.charitysavant.com  

We chat with Ann Rosenfield, MBA, CFRE, 2018’s AFP Toronto Congress Chair, all-around awesome person, and award-winning professional fundraiser! She is the Principal for Charitably Speaking and the Editor for Hilborn Charity eNews. Listening notes: 3:00 Why should you get involved in an organization like the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)? 6:30 Why being the youngest person in the room can be a GOOD thing. 11:00 How can we work together to broaden opportunities for underrepresented groups? 17:20 Helping executives and c-suite understand what they need in a professional fundraiser. 22:00 Should young fundraisers think about major gifts and legacy giving as a specialization? 26:45 Walking into a room where everyone looks like your mother, your aunt, and your fifth grade teacher. 30:45 The power of learning about fundraising in different contexts and from international case studies. 34:00 What makes for a good board member and how can employees improve working with boards? 36:30 How do you know when you’re READY to speak at a conference or workshop? 42:30 Etiquette lesson: The best way to “pick someone’s brain” and impress someone you want to ask for coffee. 48:50 How to reach Laura if you are offended by the word “patootie”.

In September, FrontStream hosted a networking evening and panel discussion in Toronto as part of the Realize event series! Our special guests included Sarah Golan of Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga, Mimosa Kabir of War Child Canada, and Brady Josephson of Nonprofit Supply Co. In this episode, our expert nonprofit professionals dive into what it’s like to work in the charitable sector, answering the big questions: -Why did you want to work in the nonprofit sector and how did you get there? -What misconceptions and myths do others have about your job? -Should marketing and fundraising work together, and why are they so often in silos? -Do events results in a good return on investment for nonprofit organizations? -Why do charities struggle to see the value of digital marketing? -Which other NPOs inspire you to try new things? -What’s it like to have multiple generations (Gen Z, Baby Boomers, Xennials!) in the workplace?

Meet Will Webb, philanthropy assistant at The 519, a Toronto organization dedicated to advocacy for the inclusion of LGBTQ communities.  In this week’s episode, we chat with Will about all things events, volunteer management, and what it’s like working for a cause you connect with.     Listening notes:   1:50 – Getting to know Will and The 519 4:24 – Event management at George Brown 6:24 – Common misconceptions with being a fundraiser 10:58 – What kinds of tech do you have to use day-to-day? 13:00 – Thoughts on volunteer management  16:46 – Signature events at The 519 21:50 – Building corporate partnerships 28:35 – Finding inspiration for events and fundraising 31:00 – Measuring success and progress in your programs 36:45 – Insights on Giving Tuesday and holiday campaigns  42:37 - Working for a cause you have a connection to 45:09 - What to expect when transitioning to a nonprofit career 

Meet Brady Josephson, Chief Strategist, Shift, and CEO, Nonprofit Supply Co.!  “If you’re a great organization offline, it’s easy to be a great organization online.” We chat with Brady about being a “charity nerd”, why optimizing your digital content is so important, and why you should try emailing folks while they’re on the couch watching Netflix! (No spoilers for Narcos season 3.) In this podcast we discuss: 3:40 Are traditional fundraising conferences still relevant to today's nonprofit professionals? 5:00 Why Brady teaches digital strategies for NPOs and how the lack of digital curriculum hurts professionals. 8:00 Big question: Should charities be run like businesses? 15:10 Good takeaway tips for optimizing your email communications! 18:20 Why testing content matters and so does creating a “culture of testing” at your organization. 23:40 Three big elements every donation page should have! 26:40 The power of suggested giving levels to create a value proposition for donors. 29:10 Organizations we admire for their online presence right now. 32:30 Why you should be measuring online campaigns over a 2-year period. 34:00 We agree your front-line day-to-day activities on social media should NOT be outsourced. 36:00 Why Brady is putting 100% of paid ad spend towards Facebook. 40:00 The quickest, easiest way to optimize your online ad send! 44:10 What it’s like to transition out of the nonprofit sector and ask Jimmie Alford for 500 dollars. 49:00 The power of building your own online profile and personal brand! Related show links: Shift.Co https://www.shiftagency.co North Park Chicago University School of Business & Nonprofit Management https://www.northpark.edu/ New Story Charity https://newstorycharity.org #RealizeChicago Nov. 2 http://realizechicago.eventbrite.com

Meet Mimosa Kabir, Officer, Events & Creative Partnerships at War Child Canada.   In this week’s episode, we chat with Mimosa about what it’s like to launch a career in fundraising and why "Admin cost is ME!" deserves to be on a t-shirt.   Listening notes:   4:40 Do fundraisers need on-the-ground experience to understand the charity’s mission?   7:00 Why working in a small shop doesn’t completely protect you from also working in silos.   12:40 How the for-profit world (and parents) just doesn’t understand what fundraisers do!   15:20 What it’s like for digital natives to work alongside experienced fundraisers, and how mentors can open doors to speaking opportunities for young people.   20:30 “Young people are solution-oriented, not short-cut oriented”: Are Millennials really entitled or just balanced in their approach to work & life?   27:30 Why it’s ok not to have a 5-year plan but everyone loves a well-crafted vision board!   33:00  How to deal with: “Don’t you feel we have enough problems in our own backyard?”   36:13 “Admin cost is ME!” The misconceptions and myths around the cost-per-dollar question.   38:40 “People love to see the good guys fail.” Why media can be so hard on charities and nonprofit organizations.   40:30 Mimosa’s take on the skills and personality traits you need to succeed in fundraising.   43:40 What new fundraisers don’t realize about the job before they start, and why everyone should practice: “Asking for more”.   47:10 Which “red flags” stick out for Mimosa when evaluating potential jobs in the nonprofit sector.   50:40 Why your reputation really matters in the nonprofit sector, and why next podcast we’ll try to reduce the number of wine references…   52:10 “The same faces, the same names … Are not satisfying anymore.” How the nonprofit sector struggles to be more diverse and inclusive, and why progress is difficult especially at the executive level.   Thank you for listening!   Show links:   War Child Canada http://www.Warchild.ca   Humber College Fundraising & Volunteer Management Certificate https://mediastudies.humber.ca/programs/fundraising-management.html   George Brown College Fundraising Certificate https://coned.georgebrown.ca/courses-and-certificates/fundraising-certificate/   FrontStream http://www.frontstream.com

A sneak peek of what you'll be listening to in Asking For More this season!