Courage to Lead in the Nonprofit Sector

In this episode of Nonprofit Hub Radio, host Delaney Mullennix interviews leadership coach Julie Boll regarding courageous leadership in the nonprofit sector. Julie explains why bravery and courage are vital for nonprofit sector leaders, as they must take risks, have difficult conversations, and disrupt the status quo to drive change.

Julie discusses how courageous leadership relates to the level of trust within an organization. Leaders who demonstrate vulnerability, accountability, and integrity are able to build trust, which in turn enables organizational success. On the other hand, Julie outlines tangible behaviors that can erode trust, like avoiding hard topics, finger-pointing, and hiding mistakes.

Julie discusses how courageous leadership relates to the level of trust within an organization. Leaders who demonstrate vulnerability, accountability, and integrity are able to slowly build trust over time. This built trust in turn enables organizational success. On the other hand, Julie outlines tangible behaviors that can quickly erode trust. These include avoiding hard topics, finger-pointing, and hiding mistakes.

Drawing on the research of Dr. Brené Brown, Julie shares four teachable and measurable skills of daring leadership. These are rumbling with vulnerability, living into your values, braving trust, and learning to rise. Mastering these skills empowers nonprofit leaders to have those courageous conversations and make bold decisions.

Julie provides examples of courageous nonprofit leadership from her own experience. She describes a CEO disrupting longstanding but ineffective programs. She also describes a board chair giving candid feedback to the executive director despite personal discomfort. Both of these moments of courage resulted in increased trust and overall organizational health.

Why Your Nonprofit Should Do Public Opinion Research

In this episode of Nonprofit Hub Radio, host Delaney Mullennix interviews Adam Probolsky, founder of Probolsky Research, about using public opinion research to benefit nonprofits. Adam explains this involves surveying and analyzing data from a target population to gain insights. He advocates that nonprofits should leverage research for several key reasons.

First, public opinion research helps nonprofits better understand their audiences for more effective messaging and outreach. By gathering data directly from stakeholders, nonprofits can craft communications tailored to what resonates most. Second, the research informs nonprofit fundraising approaches and donor targeting. Survey data provides insights into donors’ values and motivations.

Additionally, this research aids nonprofits in developing programs, services, and policies aligned with their community’s needs and priorities. Rather than guessing, nonprofits can make data-driven decisions. Adam provides examples of public opinion research improving museum programming and helping a nonprofit expand into new services.

While research requires an investment, Adam argues the data and insights gained are invaluable for nonprofit strategy across messaging, fundraising, and programming. He encourages nonprofits to approach this research as an essential tool, not an optional extra.

In summary, this episode makes a case for nonprofits to leverage public opinion research surveys to gain stakeholder insights that strengthen organizational strategy and community impact.

Tips on Fundraising: Direct Mail & Personalization

In this episode of Nonprofit Hub Radio, host Delaney Mullennix interviews David Wachs, founder of Handwrytten, a service enabling nonprofits to send personalized, handwritten notes to donors. David explains how Handwrytten helps nonprofits scale meaningful outreach amid the digital shift.

When asked about doubts over “mass-produced” handwritten notes seeming impersonal, David emphasizes why personalization is so critical for nonprofit tips on fundraising. He argues digital communication makes small personal touches stand out more, deepening donor relationships. David provides tips on fundraising like sending handwritten stewardship notes, which make donors feel valued.

David also shares tips on fundraising through handwritten notes for purposes beyond donor stewardship. Handwrytten enables nonprofits to efficiently send handwritten invitations to events, onboarding notes to new volunteers, and more. These small personal touches boost engagement.

Regarding whether direct mail is ineffective, David debunks this myth. While costly, with creative strategy and personalization, direct mail can provide excellent tips on fundraising. Handwrytten allows nonprofits to incorporate personal handwritten touches into mailings at scale.

David encourages nonprofits to explore tips on fundraising through scalable personalized outreach with Handwrytten. As communication goes digital, small human touches make a nonprofit stand out.

In summary, David provides tips on fundraising using Handwrytten to incorporate personal, handwritten communication that deepens donor relationships. He argues physical mail and notes still resonate when thoughtfully executed.

How to Transform Your Online Fundraising

In this episode of Nonprofit Hub Radio, host Delaney Mullennix interviews Owen O’Doherty, the founder and CEO of DonorSee, an innovative online fundraising platform. Owen explains how DonorSee is transforming fundraising by allowing donors to give directly to vetted nonprofits and projects around the world. Donors can then see video updates showing the impact of their donations.

Owen shares the story of Gret Glyer, whose online fundraising through DonorSee has helped provide over 500,000 meals to children in Haiti. This transparent model gives donors a meaningful connection to the cause. Owen states DonorSee overcomes two key nonprofit challenges – acquiring new online donors and retaining them. The platform makes online fundraising engaging through personalized videos and updates.

When asked about the future of online fundraising, Owen predicts even more involvement of visual media and storytelling. He envisions a shift from nonprofits pushing one-way messaging to interactive conversations with empowered donors. Owen encourages nonprofits to explore innovative online fundraising approaches on DonorSee to deepen donor relationships.

In summary, this episode provides insight into transforming online fundraising through transparent models like DonorSee. Owen argues that creating a meaningful donor experience is critical for acquisition and retention.

The Power of Nonprofit Servant Leadership in Fundraising

In this Nonprofit Hub Radio episode, host Delaney Mullennix interviews Evan Wildstein, author of The Nonprofiteer’s Fundraising Field Guide. Evan explains how he entered fundraising after college. He discusses nonprofit servant leadership’s importance for nonprofits. Servant leaders empower teams rather than pursue power.

Specifically, Evan says servant leaders listen, demonstrate empathy, prioritize others’ needs, and develop skills. This leadership style promotes fundraising through collaboration. Evan also spotlights his new book, offering practical fundraising tips. He argues anyone can fundraise with the right mindset – building relationships and understanding donors’ passions.

Additionally, Evan shares how servant leaders impacted him. A past supervisor modeled compassion, built trust, and supported Evan’s growth as a young fundraising professional. Evan states a nonprofit servant leadership behavior boosting fundraising is humility. Leaders should empower teams, not themselves, fueling motivation. Listeners can demonstrate this by praising team accomplishments, providing coaching/mentorship, and encouraging risk-taking.
Moreover, Evan offers “good news” – he sees nonprofits adopting new technologies and strategies. Servant-led nonprofits able to adapt and rally teams around purpose will thrive.

In summary, this episode examines nonprofit servant leadership’s fundraising role. Evan provides career examples and takeaways from his book. He advocates nonprofit servant leadership practices, including empowering teams, cultivating trust, and remaining humble. Evan expresses optimism about adaptable, purpose-driven nonprofit leaders.

How to Grow a Small Non Profit Organization

In this episode of Nonprofit Hub Radio, host Delaney Mullennix interviews Beth Guckenberger. She is the Co-Executive Director of Back2Back Ministries. The discussion focuses on strategies for growing a small non profit organization.

Initially, Back2Back Ministries was a very small non profit organization. Their annual revenue was less than $1 million. However, through planning and relationships, they grew. Now Back2Back Ministries is a $5 million mid-sized nonprofit.

Beth gives advice to other small nonprofit organization leaders. Her key advice is not to fear seeking help. When capacity is limited, consult experts. Collaborate with other successful small nonprofits too. Learn what has worked for their growth.

Looking ahead, Beth is excited. She wants Back2Back Ministries to evolve more as a mid-sized nonprofit. Her goal is to serve even more youth through orphan care globally. With additional staff and resources, she sees potential. Small nonprofits like Back2Back Ministries have the potential to increase their impact with additional staff and resources.

Additionally, Beth reminds small nonprofit leaders about staying connected. Conferences and associations allow positive news sharing. This episode provides valuable insight overall into the opportunity for growth. The focus is on small nonprofits looking to scale their impact.

Expert Tips and Tools from Chris Lesner for Successful Fundraising

In this Nonprofit Hub Radio episode, host Delaney Mullennix interviews Chris Lesner, PWI founder. Chris shares how his corporate marketing background inspired helping nonprofits. Working with them as clients, Chris realized these organizations needed unique support for funding, volunteers, and visibility. This led him to launch PWI, providing innovative fundraising resources connecting people and charities.

Throughout the interview, Chris gives fundraising tips using various resources. He stresses compelling storytelling and clearly communicating impact. Chris says nonprofits must make supporters feel invested through powerful narratives. He also emphasizes embracing technology and online fundraising to expand reach. From social media to peer-to-peer software, Chris discusses how nonprofits can use tech to boost engagement and donations.

Additionally, Chris shares PWI growth insights, including unexpected expansions into services like social media fundraising campaigns. He reflects on lessons about hiring skilled, passionate team members dedicated to helping nonprofits maximize fundraising. Chris credits his amazing staff for much of PWI’s success as a leading nonprofit hub.

Overall, the conversation offers a look into Chris’ journey from marketing expert to nonprofit entrepreneur providing fundraising resources. His advice on fundraising, storytelling, technology, and building a driven team provides actionable tips for nonprofits seeking to improve outreach and funding with strategic resources. It highlights Chris’ motivation and innovative vision supporting charities with invaluable fundraising.

Empowering Nonprofit Boards with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Training

In this Nonprofit Hub Radio episode, host Delaney Mullennix interviews Renee Rubin Ross and Christal Cherry about their nonprofit board training and work on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Delaney introduces the guests, asking how their partnership started. Renee shared a meeting with Christal through a mutual colleague, to realize they had complementary skills and experiences to support nonprofit boards.

Christal describes their training as focused on building cultural competency and helping boards embrace inclusion. Many nonprofit boards seek this training, recognizing the need to diversify membership and create equitable policies. Specifically, Renee and Christal use deep listening, vulnerability, and reflection principles in their DEIB work. Importantly, they learned this requires ongoing commitment, not one-time training.

The training has yielded positive results, with boards gaining awareness and taking real actions to improve. Looking ahead, Renee and Christal hope to expand their impact, creating ripple effects among staff and communities served. In conclusion, Delaney asks for good news, and Christal shares the seeds of change she sees nonprofit boards planting, giving her hope. Listeners can connect with the guests through their sites. Overall, this discussion provides an inspiring look at how nonprofit board training on DEIB can empower organizations.

How To Thrive with Digital Fundraising Post-Pandemic

In this informative Nonprofit Hub Radio episode, host Delaney Mullennix interviews Nick Lynch, founder of Collidescope.io. They discuss how Collidescope’s social media analytics platform helps nonprofits thrive with digital fundraising post-pandemic by measuring digital impact.

Lynch shares his passion for nonprofits stems from being a Make-A-Wish recipient who survived cancer. Topics include leveraging social media as in-person events resume, using data to quantify digital influence, and optimizing nonprofit social media presence. Lynch gives tips on improving online strategies, noting the pandemic accelerated needs for digital fundraising.

He emphasizes strategic digital presence and execution to drive revenue. Lynch also shares good news about social tech startups empowering nonprofit digital capabilities. The episode provides best practices for nonprofits to maximize digital fundraising by fully utilizing data analytics and social media strategies. Lynch offers expertise on quantifying digital impact to support online fundraising and demonstrate success.

The Power of Social Capital: How Cause Work Can Transform Your Community

In this inspiring episode, Nonprofit Hub Radio host Delaney Mullennix speaks with Eric Leslie, Founder/Lead Organizer of Union Capital Boston, about using cause work to transform communities. They discuss Leslie’s approach to community organizing through a mobile rewards app for volunteerism, relationship-building events, and leadership programs. These efforts create equity in Boston neighborhoods like Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan and East Boston.

Leslie shares how his passion for cause work stems from joining a youth organization as a teen. After earning his degrees, he worked in education before returning to his roots to launch Union Capital Boston in 2013. The organization’s vision is community collaboration for equity.

Key themes include community organizing, volunteerism, nonprofit strategy, and social justice. Leslie provides insights into developing strategic plans, engaging members, and tackling challenges in his role. He shares good news about the power of cause work to drive social change.