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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? We've definitely got ideas on that. Join us this week, and don't forget to send us your nonprofit questions for next week!

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 drop some gems from our own nonprofit adventures. Whether you’re a newbie or a pro in the sector, we guarantee you’ll learn something new and have some fun with us. So don’t touch that dial, stay tuned for Nonprofit Everything! (Today’s blurb was written by an AI, who’s definitely not coming for your nonprofit job.)

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 really windy day when we were recording this, so if the questions aren't interesting at least you can enjoy the manic windchimes in the background.

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 nonprofit management? (And before you listen to the episode, try to guess what Andy and Stacey will say...) Thanks for joining us!

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 felony convictions. Join us for a fascinating discussion that covers inclusive hiring, retention, and promoting from within.

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 right size my solution for my growing nonprofit? Is there any unbiased analysis available? And where can I get some free stuff?

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 form. And Stacey provides some clarity on a technical board question about majorities.

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, Stacey stumps Andy with a question about non-financial conflict of interest policies.

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 us a question just to get us worked up for our end of year show.

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 simple math question, but instead turns into a history lesson about internal controls. (It's better than it sounds.) Join us!

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!

Since it can be hard to find development staff, does it make sense to try to convert program staff into fundraisers? Stacey has some thoughts! Also this week, we find out if there are different rules when raising money for a private operating foundation, and what core activities a nonprofit should stick to when facing an economic downturn.

You think your nonprofit is a mess? Wait until you hear this question -- while it masquerades as a technical query about verbal resignations and bylaws, it gets weird fast! Also this week, Stacey and Andy share some thoughts about fundraising in a different state than the one you're incorporated in, and we find out whether or not you are allowed to raise money before you actually get your determination letter back from the IRS.

Ah, the age-old question -- how do we set development goals when we've never had a development person before? Believe it or not, Stacey and Andy have some ideas! Also this week, we talk about how to handle naming rights when you're renovating a building that already has a name. Finally, we tackle a particularly sensitive question that, frankly, is going to be a little uncomfortable for everybody. Sounds fun, right?

What's the best way to respond to memorial gifts? Stacey has some (non-ghoulish) thoughts. Also this week, Andy and Stacey have a minor disagreement about whether or not a nonprofit job is good for a person looking to advance in their career, and we find out how to train up a brand-new board member!

What happens to restrictions if our nonprofit is acquired by another nonprofit? We have some questions (and answers!) Plus, Stacey and Andy have tips for hiring for an Interim Executive Director, chat about some unconventional reporting structures, and get asked a very personal question. And we had to use the bleep button again this week -- pretty soon we're going to need a swear jar.

Is it possible to refrain from physical violence when the words "run it more like a business" fall out of the mouth of a board member? Probably not, but Stacey and Andy have some coping strategies. Also this week, we talk about how to keep the energy of a good mission, vision and values discussion, and finally, now that you're receiving federal grant money is it time to hire a grant accountant?