Nonprofit Everything

It’s the one existential question that everyone has been asking for the last 12 months, and *finally* somebody asks Stacey and Andy! Now that federal funding has become unreliable, what are our other options?! Thanks for joining us as we try to tackle that one, as well as questions about paying volunteers as independent contractors, and whether grants should be written in third or first person (which was surprisingly contentious!) We really appreciate you, our listeners, especially when you send us your questions to [email protected]! Topics: Should grants be written in third-person or first-person? – skip to this question Federal funding is ending. Now what? – skip to this question Can we pay volunteers as independent contractors? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Independent Contractor or Employee (IRS.gov) Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

If a donor shows up with enough cash, should we change our policies for them? Stacey and Andy have thoughts! Also this week, we talk about whether to vote in new board members while they’re present and at their first meeting. Thanks for joining us this week, and please be sure to send your questions to [email protected]! Topics: Modifying the Investment Policy for a big donor? – skip to this question When do new board members get voted in? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

As we watch our average donor age get older and older, how do we start to attract younger donors? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, we talk about how to convince your board of something that they’re initially hesitant to endorse, and, just for fun, creepy donor horror stories (Maybe we should have saved this one for a Halloween episode?!) Thanks for joining us this week, and be sure to send any and all questions to [email protected]! Topics: How to convince the board of something? – skip to this question Dealing with a creepy donor – skip to this question How do we attract younger donors? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Are traditional strategic plans dead? (Before listening, do you think you can guess what Stacey is going to say?) Join us this week to find out. Also, Stacey and Andy talk about what fairness and parity mean in the context of employee pay. Thanks for sending in your questions, we read every single one and put as many as we can on the podcast. [email protected] is the email address! By the way… Episode 200?! Topics: Managing pay differences between new and existing employees? – skip to this question Are strategic plans worth it anymore? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

How are we supposed to keep staff from burning out and quitting when our work increases but our resources decrease? This is a big question and Stacey and Andy will do their best! Also this week, we talk about when and why to record (or not record) in-kind donations into your accounting system. Thanks for joining us this week, and don’t forget to send that question you wish your co-worker would ask to [email protected]! Topics: What in-kind contributions get booked? – skip to this question How do we prevent staff burnout? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: GAAP rules on recognizing in-kind contributions Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

We’re over a month into the new year and one listener wants to know what our predictions are for the nonprofit sector in 2026. Stacey and Andy are happy to oblige! And for long time listeners, one prediction is going to be a huge surprise! Thanks for joining us this week, and please send your questions, comments or guest expert requests to [email protected]. Topics: What do you think 2026 has in store for the nonprofit sector? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: National Council of Nonprofits Tax Law Chart Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

What begins as a simple question about a better option for the SWOT analysis turns into a strategic planning (don’t call it that!) extravaganza! Join Stacey and Andy this week as they deconstruct the facilitated planning session and share tips, tricks and some horror stories, too. Thanks for listening, and don’t forget to send in questions to [email protected] to keep the podcast rolling. Topics: What alternative to the SWOT analaysis can we use to get planning conversations going – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Just one question this week and it’s massive! If we’re halfway through the fiscal year and we’re not going to come anywhere close to hitting our revenue targets, how should the board go about cutting expenses? Yikes! Stacey and Andy get to the bottom of it, but it took the whole episode. Happy New Year, thanks for listening and supporting us with your questions. We look forward to answering even more in 2026. P.S. [email protected] is the email address. Topics: We had a bad year and the board needs help deciding what expenses to cut. Help! – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Can the board request that no staff are present during board meetings? Stacey and Andy have the answer! Also this week, we talk about managing a chatty volunteer that’s making it hard to get work done, and have a nice discussion about how to start up a planned giving program. Thanks for joining us this week, and from everyone here at the Nonprofit Everything podcast, we wish you happy holidays! We asked Santa to send us questions to [email protected], so maybe you can help!? Topics: How do we get ready for planned giving? – skip to this question Can the board request that no staff are present during board meetings? – skip to this question How do we manage an overly chatty volunteer? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: National Association of Charitable Gift Planners Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Upcoming tax law changes mean that there could be a lot of unexpected gifts hitting before December 31st this year. How do we keep windfalls from ratcheting up board expectations for years afterwards? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, we hear from a volunteer who has been treated very badly, and have an actual disagreement about whether or not to use AI to compile notes from a board meeting! Thanks for joining us, and set your “point of action” to remind yourself to send a question to [email protected]! Topics: How do you manage an “outlier” year? – skip to this question What should I do if an organization doesn’t want my volunteer help? – skip to this question Should we let AI generate our board minutes? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Wait, now a board member wants us to *not* run like a business? I’m so confused. But Stacey and Andy can help! Also this week, we talk about disengaged board members who refuse to step down, and what kinds of smart questions to ask when vetting bookkeepers and CPAs for your nonprofit. We really appreciate all our listeners (this Thanksgiving we’re thankful for you!) As always, send questions to [email protected]. Topics: Now it’s “Don’t run your nonprofit like a business?” – skip to this question What should we ask when vetting our first bookkeeper/CPA? – skip to this question Dealing with disengaged board members who refuse to resign! – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

What legal risks does a person take on when they agree to be a nonprofit treasurer? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts. Also this week, we talk about different generational takes on PTO policies (how exciting!) and some practical advice about who has to keep the random donor swag at their house. Thanks for joining us this week, and do not forget to send any and all nonprofit questions to [email protected]! Topics: Do I have to keep the swag at my house? – skip to this question Younger employees are abusing PTO! Help! – skip to this question What legal risks should a prospective nonprofit treasurer be aware of? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

I think I’m being forced to retire. Everybody keeps talking about succession planning, but this nonprofit is my baby! Stacey and Andy can definitely help. Also this week, we talk about how to keep your head above water when there is *a lot* going on and all of it is important. Thanks for joining us this week, and don’t forget to send all of your nonprofit related questions to [email protected]. Topics: Why does everybody keep asking me about succession planning? – skip to this question When everything is urgent, how can we do it all? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Is it possible to convince a resistant board that a merger is necessary to save the nonprofit from a “long, slow death?” Stacey and Andy have some thoughts. Also this week, a Board Chair faces a tough ethical and financial conflict: A major donor’s substantial pledge is contingent on replacing the CEO/ED! What’s the right move when the board already has performance concerns? Thanks for joining us this week and don’t forget to send your nonprofit-related questions to [email protected]. Topics: How do I convince my board that a merger is a good idea? – skip to this question Help! A donor’s big gift is contingent on firing the ED! – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

When you’ve spent years crafting your vision for the successful nonprofit you’ve founded, how do you prevent future boards and leaders from screwing it all up? Predictably, Stacy and Andy have a few thoughts. Also this week, we talk about whether or not fractional CFOs are a smart idea, and how they might be best used. Thanks for joining us this week, and don’t forget to (please) send your questions (thank you) to [email protected]. A Q&A podcast without any Qs wouldn’t make much sense, would it? Topics: How does a founder maintain their vision when other people have to be involved? – skip to this question Is it time for our nonprofit to get a fractional CFO? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

How should you respond when a board member prospect declines your offer? Is there anything to learn from that experience Join us this week as Stacey and Andy tackle that topic. Also, we talk about how small nonprofit shops get up to speed on all of the posssible planned giving options, and prove that we’re not above bribing people with the promise of a picture of a cat. Thanks for joining us this week, and be sure to send your questions to [email protected]! Topics: Where do small organizations get planned giving expertise? – skip to this question How do you respond when a board member prospect declines to serve? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Is there anything you can you do if your organization has trouble hanging on to volunteeers? Stacy and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, we talk about whether or not the executive director should have a seat on the board, and go really deep on fair market value, exchange transactions and why silent auctions always underperform. Thanks for joining us this week and be sure to send your questions to [email protected]! Topics: We’re struggling to keep our volunteers! Help! – skip to this question Why shouldn’t the executive director be on the board? – skip to this question Should we provide a tax receipt for our educational programs? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

What is the best way to get staff to recognize that they’re ambassadors for the organization? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts. Also this week, we talk about how to get an underperforming employee back up to scratch. Thanks for joining us this week, and don’t forget to send your questions to [email protected]! Topics: How do we get our staff to be ambassadors for our organization? – skip to this question Dealing with an underperforming employee – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

What can you do when cash runs out and you can’t even make payroll? Andy and Stacey have some thoughts. Also this week, we find out if it’s possible for an executive director to effectively run a nonprofit by remaining in the background, and have a quick chat about outsourced HR. Thanks for joining us this week, and please, please, please, please, please send any nonprofit related questions to [email protected]. Topics: What HR functions should we outsource first?- skip to this question Help! We can’t make payroll! What can we do?- skip to this question Can an Executive Director stay in the background? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

How do you get funder site visits just right? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, we talk about budgeting for grant revenue, and have an interesting discussion about managing end user fraud (and whether it’s something you should be worried about at all!) Thanks for joining us this week, and don’t forget to send that question that you wish someone else would ask to [email protected]. Topics: How do you budget for potential grant revenue?- skip to this question We didn’t get the funding after the site visit! What did we do wrong? – skip to this question Should we address potential end-user fraud? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Nonprofits are “business on hard-mode,” and sometimes this can take a toll on board members and staff. Is there something we can do about burnout in this high-stress environment? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, we talk about good ways to preserve our organization’s stories, and discuss the tightrope-walk that is determining the first executive director’s salary. Thanks for joining us this week, and please send your questions to [email protected]. Topics: Keeping your organization’s stories – skip to this question How do you determine the first executive director’s salary? – skip to this question Can you prevent board member burnout? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

How do nonprofits get better at talking to the media about our mission, programs and needs? Stacey joins guest expert Linda Bridges, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at SafeNest for the answer. Thanks for joining us this week! If you have any time between saving the world and pulling your hair out, please send your questions to [email protected]. Topics: How does our grassroots organization skill up in media interviews? with Guest Expert Linda Bridges – skip to this question Linda Bridges is a seasoned expert in marketing and branding with over 15 years of experience helping businesses craft and amplify their brand stories. With a deep understanding of strategic marketing, Linda has guided countless companies—ranging from startups to established enterprises—through the complex world of brand development, ensuring their messages resonate with the right audiences. As a sought-after speaker, coach, and consultant, Linda specializes in transforming brands into household names by leveraging her expertise in public relations, strategic marketing, and brand storytelling. Her approach is rooted in a blend of traditional marketing principles and innovative strategies, ensuring her clients not only stand out but also endure in a competitive marketplace. Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

How do you create a fundraising budget from scratch — is that even possible if you have no past history? Andy and Stacey sure seem to think so! Also this week, we talk about how to officially wind down a nonprofit organization, and if it’s possible to convert from a nonprofit to a for-profit. Thanks for your commitment to making the world a better place (and for joining us!) Oh, we also have something for your to-do list: Send a question you *wish* somebody else would ask to [email protected]. Topics: How do you close down a nonprofit? Can you convert it to a for-profit instead? – skip to this question How do you create a fundraising budget from scratch? – skip to this question Virtual Workshop Opportunity: The 6 Types of Working Genius Tired of feeling like a square peg in a round productivity hole? Discover your professional superpower at Stacey’s upcoming Working Genius virtual workshop! Imagine transforming those energy-draining tasks into moments of flow where your natural talents shine. In just one interactive session, you’ll * Uncover Your Genius Type * Learn How to Inspire Effortless Team Dynamics * Walk Away with Tools to Diagnose Team Dysfunction Former participants are still raving about their “AHA moments” months later! Register here by May 23rd, and save $20 off the regular ticket price- because finding your genius shouldn’t cost a fortune. Mentioned this week: AFP New Fundraiser Resources Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Is it possible (or ethical) to raise unrestricted funds at a program focused event? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, we discuss how a small membership organization can start to raise some cash, and we find out the three things about being a CFO that Andy wants everybody to know. (There weren’t three – we counted.) Thanks again for joining us this week, and please don’t forget to send any and all questions to [email protected]. Pretty please with sugar on top! Topics: How does a small membership organization support itself? – skip to this question Can you raise unrestricted funds at a program focused event – skip to this question Three things you want your coworkers to know about your job – CFO edition – skip to this question Virtual Workshop Opportunity: The 6 Types of Working Genius Tired of feeling like a square peg in a round productivity hole? Discover your professional superpower at Stacey’s upcoming Working Genius virtual workshop! Imagine transforming those energy-draining tasks into moments of flow where your natural talents shine. In just one interactive session, you’ll * Uncover Your Genius Type * Learn How to Inspire Effortless Team Dynamics * Walk Away with Tools to Diagnose Team Dysfunction Former participants are still raving about their “AHA moments” months later! Register here by May 23rd, and save $20 off the regular ticket price- because finding your genius shouldn’t cost a fortune. Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

How do we know which state’s benefits apply to our remote workers? Andy joins guest expert Randy Marsh, Interim Chief Financial & Operations Officer for the nonprofit ANet to get the answer. Also this week, Stacey has some ideas about how to quiet down a rowdy crowd at a gala. Thanks for joining us this week, and please send any and all nonprofit related questions to [email protected]. Topics: Quieting down the gala so people can hear the program! – skip to this question What state benefits are our remote workers eligible for? With Guest Expert Randy Marsh – skip to this question About Randy Marsh: Randy Marsh is an experienced nonprofit Operations executive with over 20 years’ experience leading teams managing HR, Finance, Accounting, IT, and Facilities in nonprofit, government, and for-profit organizations. Randy currently serves as the Interim Chief Financial & Operations Officer for Achievement Network (ANet) and provides operational excellence consulting for many nonprofit and forprofit clients. Prior to relocating to Las Vegas, Randy held leadership roles with nonprofits in the Washington, DC leading human resources, finance & accounting, grants, IT, procurement, and event logistics. Randy has spent over a decade serving on nonprofit boards, including, at various times, leading the Finance & Audit, Governance & Nomination, Strategic Planning, and DEI Committees. Randy was named the DC Nonprofit CFO of the Year Rising Star in 2019 and is a SHRM certified Senior HR Professional. Prior to moving into the nonprofit world in 2010, Randy managed operations for companies in the political, telecommunications, and transportation sectors. Randy did undergraduate studies at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, graduate studies at the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at The American University in Cairo, and completed programs in Risk Management and Communication at Kings College in London and Global Human Resource Management at George Mason University. Randy recently completed the Executive MBA program at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. In his free time Randy loves to travel, play board games, poker, watch movies, spend time with friends, and volunteer. Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Two of the members on one of our board committees can’t stop fighting with each other… who should deal with this? We’ve definitely got a few ideas. Also this week, Stacey and Andy explore some options for smaller organizations to recognize and help out remote employees. Thanks for joining us this week, and please send your questions to [email protected]. Topics: Help! The board members are fighting! – skip to this question Tips for acknowledging and assisting remote employees – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Is There An Elephant In Your Boardroom? Emergency Assistance Foundation Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Everybody should have an endowment, shouldn’t they? Not so fast — Andy and Stacey have some thoughts. Also this week, are restaurant marketing fundraisers a good way to make a little money? Thanks for joining us this week, and please, please, please send any and all nonprofit-related questions to [email protected]. Topics: Do we need an endowment? – skip to this question The board is suggesting a “restaurant fundraiser.” Is this dumb? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: What is UPMIFA? A very weird, old perspective on endowments. Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Are there any special things we should be considering when former clients want to come back to volunteer? Stacey and Andy have thoughts. Also this week, we discuss whether an organization should have an “overhead target” and if it’s appropriate for a financial auditor to suggest a specific number. Thanks for joining us this week, and be sure to send any and all questions (or suggestions!) to [email protected]. Topics: Should we let former program clients volunteer? – skip to this question Our auditor says “our program percentage is too low.” Can they do that? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

We get a lot of requests for one-day corporate volunteering projects, but they take so much effort. How do we make these worth our time? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, we talk about how to manage a founder who has retired to the board, how to politely decline gifts that we shouldn’t accept, and whether or not it’s a good idea to hire in an executive director from outside the community. Thanks for joining us this week, and be sure to send your questions to [email protected]. Topics: Should we hire a new Executive Director from out of state? – skip to this question How do we refuse a gift we can’t accept? – skip to this question How do we make corporate volunteer gigs useful? – skip to this question Can I get the founder off the board? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

With so many options available, what strategies should we use to maximize our marketing efforts — especially if we don’t really have the capacity in the first place? Stacey joins guest expert Lisa Nelsen, Owner, Nonprofit Brand Designer & Copywriter at Coruzzi Communications for a comprehensive answer! Thanks for joining us this week, and don’t forget to send your questions to [email protected]. Topics: Strategies for marketing with limited capacity? – with Guest Expert Lisa Nelsen of Coruzzi Communications – skip to this question Lisa Nelsen is a local guru in all things branding and communications for nonprofits. After transitioning from a successful career in the corporate advertising, non-profit and public education sectors, Lisa dedicated her skills to the broader Nevada nonprofit community. Now she is the owner of Coruzzi Communications, which offers consulting as well as written and visual messaging services to nonprofits and their mission driven partners. A second-generation Las Vegas native and UNLV graduate, Lisa is personally committed to community service. Aside from her professional endeavors, she has volunteered with dozens of local nonprofits and children’s hospitals, and has served nine years as a court appointed special advocate for children in foster care. Her dedication also extends to her position on various boards and committees. In 2023, she delivered a TEDx talk about the powerful role of communications in advancing or perpetuating our most persistent societal issues. Mentioned this week: Coruzzi Communications Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

What’s the best way to condense the massive impact our organization has into a easily digested social media clip? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, we (kinda) talk about how to find an easy to use accounting package for nonprofit organizations and dig into an uncomfortable story about a board overreacting to a personnel issue. Thanks for joining us this week, and please take the time to send us any and all questions to [email protected]. By the way, the show notes have good stuff this week, too. Topics: Advice on easy to use nonprofit accounting software? – skip to this question Help! A staff member went to the board with a personnel issue! – skip to this question How do we distill our impact down for use on social media? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: National Council of Nonprofits Impact of Executive Orders Five Steps to Responding to the Federal Funding Freeze (Dondra Ward Uzoka) Donor Communication Tips During Times of Crisis (Lisa Sargent) Impact of Presidential Action on the Nonprofit Sector (Arnold Porter) Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Isn’t it a huge waste of effort to be a nonprofit once you consider the compliance, reporting and donor rules? For an organization just starting out, couldn’t we serve our mission more efficiently if we didn’t have to bother with all that? Stacey and Andy definitely have some thoughts on this! Also this week, we talk about whether Event Planners are important when designing a fundraising event, and find out how to deal with a board member who has gone MIA. Thanks for joining us this week, and don’t forget to send your questions to [email protected]. Topics: Tips for working with an event planner for a fundraiser? – skip to this question Why even be a nonprofit? – skip to this question How do we not re-elect an under-performing board member? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Are there fundamental differences between the board responsibilities of an arts nonprofit and a regular old charitable one? This week Andy is joined by guest expert and author of Scene Change Alan Harrison to get this question answered properly. You might need to listen twice, because this episode goes deep — court cases clarifying nonprofit law, the patronage system, and whether “art for arts sake” qualifies as a charitable mission. Thanks again for joining us this week! Please send us your questions and check out the show notes at NonprofitEverything.com. Topics: How are nonprofit arts organizations different? With Guest Expert Alan Harrison – skip to this question About Alan: Alan Harrison is a writer, father, performer, consultant, recovering artist, and the author of the industry best-seller “Scene Change: Why Today’s Nonprofit Arts Organizations Have to Stop Producing Art and Start Producing Impact” and “Scene Change 2: The Five REAL Responsibilities of Nonprofit Arts Boards.” For 30 years, he has led, produced, directed, promoted, raised money for, starred and failed in over 300 theatrical productions on and Off-Broadway and at prestigious (and not so prestigious) nonprofit arts organizations across the country. He’s also a two-time “Jeopardy!” champion so, you know, there’s that. The arts invoke passion (mostly from artists), but nonprofit arts are only successful when they result in measurably positive change among those that need it most. When a nonprofit’s donors are also its recipients, then its mission devolves into meaningless puffery, flapdoodle, and codswallop. Mentioned this week: Scene Change & Scene Change 2 The actual text of section 501(c)3 Plumstead Theatre Society, Inc., Petitioner v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, Respondent Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

How do you keep from being the subject of a negative news story? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts. Also this week, we talk about what a better set of nonprofit financial statements looks like. Thanks for joining us this week (and this entire year!), and please send your questions to [email protected]. Topics: Avoiding negative news stories – skip to this question Are there better financials? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

How do we attract and retain younger board members? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts. Also this week, we talk about how to engage with new pro sports teams (or any new companies) coming to your town. And finally, we share some tips for making sure you don’t have a bad experience when working with a consultant. Thanks for joining us this week, and please send your questions to [email protected]. Topics: Connecting to new pro sports teams in town? – skip to this question Adding younger board members? – skip to this question Tips for working with consultants? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Are there things we need to know when bringing in our first ever board? Stacey has thoughts. Also this week, we talk about internal controls for an organization with one staff member, and whether or not to submit a report for a grant that doesn’t actually require one. And finally, Andy gets tricked into answering a question about gala auctioneers. Thanks for joining us this week, and please send your questions to [email protected]. Topics: Should we submit a grant report when one isn’t required? – skip to this question Help! We need to set up our first ever board! – skip to this question Can the emcee be the auctioneer, too? – skip to this question Are there appropriate internal controls for a staff of one? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

How do you encourage donors to fund capacity building and not just programs? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, we talk about whether or not there is a best practice around reserve spending, and share some ideas about inspiring high school students to join us in our nonprofit missions. Thanks for being here this week, and don’t forget to send your questions to [email protected]. Topics: Inspiring the next generation – skip to this question Is there a best practice on reserve level and spending? – skip to this question How do you encourage a donor to fund capacity building? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Is there a difference between a nonprofit’s “story” and its “elevator pitch?” Stacey has some thoughts. Also this week, we talk about criteria for a recognition wall, and a really big one: how the heck do you get boards to ask more (intelligent) questions!? Thanks for joining us this week, and please send your questions to [email protected]. Topics: Storytelling vs. an Elevator Pitch – skip to this question Who to include on a recognition wall? – skip to this question How do you get the board to ask more questions? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

After starting a brand new nonprofit and filing the paperwork, what’s next? Stacey and Andy will get you pointed in the right direction. Also this week, we talk about things to think about when hiring your first ever development professional, and whether or not it is appropriate to have a staff member also serve on the organization’s board. Thanks for joining us this week, and please don’t forget to send your questions to [email protected]! Topics: We’re a brand new nonprofit. What’s next? – skip to this question What should we know when hiring our first development professional? – skip to this question Can a staff member serve on the board, too? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: SCORE (Free) Business Mentors Candid – Nonprofit Resources Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Are donor advised funds good or evil? That’s a big question, and Stacey and Andy definitely have some thoughts. Also, we talk about strategies for filling vacant committee leadership positions (it’s tough!) and Stacey has some tips for getting a geographically dispersed board all on the same page. Thanks for joining us this week, and don’t forget to send any and all nonprofit questions to [email protected]! Topics: Is there such a thing as team building for boards? – skip to this question Help! We’re having trouble filling vacant board committee positions! – skip to this question What’s the deal with donor advised funds? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

We’ve got a really nice balance of questions this week! Is it possible to get a founding executive director to embrace change? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts on that! Also this week, we brainstorm about how to get new people to come to the same old gala, and talk through a couple of options when your revenue comes in all in the same month. Thanks for joining us this week, and don’t forget to send any and all nonprofit questions to [email protected]! Topics: How do we get new people to come to our gala event? – skip to this question Help! My founder/ED is resistant to change! – skip to this question All our revenue comes in a single month. Any ideas? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Just two questions for Stacey and Andy this week, but they’re biggies! When creating a strategic plan is a consultant really necessary, or can we spare that expense? Also this week, a technical question about calculating liquidity gets unexpectedly philosophical really fast. Thanks for joining us, and be sure to send us any nonprofit topic you want us to cover to [email protected]. Topics: Do you need a strategic planning consultant? – skip to this question What do I include when calculating liquidity> – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

If there’s something more terrifying than having to tell a grantor that they’re wrong, we haven’t heard of it. Is it even possible to push back on a state agency interpreting a federal grant incorrectly? Stacy and Andy have some thoughts! Also this week, we talk about when it’s appropriate for the board to lead committees, and Andy goes off on a tangent about needing to get three bids for things. Thanks for joining us this week, and please don’t forget to send your questions to [email protected]. Topics: What committees should be board run?skip to this question How do I correct a grantor who is misinterpreting federal guidance? – skip to this question Do we really need three bids for services? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Should the executive director select their own replacement? Andy and Stacey certainly have some thoughts on that topic! Also this week, an organization needs help attracting new and different volunteers, and we discuss whether a nonprofit should set up a for-profit subsidiary. Thanks for joining us this week! Don’t forget to check out the show notes at nonprofiteverything.com, and be sure to send us your nonprofit questions at [email protected]. Topics: How do we expand our corps of volunteers? – skip to this question Can a nonprofit set up a for-profit subsidiary? – skip to this question Should the executive director select his replacement? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Nevada Volunteers Taproot Foundation Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

If you’ve spent years proudly telling donors that you’re all volunteer run, is it even possible to hire paid staff when you need to level up? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts. Also this week, we talk about the possibility and consequences of failing the Form 990’s “Public Support Test,” and Stacey shares some ideas to help celebrate an organization’s tenth anniversary (while Andy wisely stays silent). Thanks for being a loyal listener/nonprofit rockstar, and keep those questions and comments coming. Next week the theme is “things I wish my board would ask me” so warm up your typing fingers and send us stuff at [email protected]. Topics: Ideas for our organization’s 10th anniversary? – skip to this question Can you fail the Public Support Test? – skip to this question How do we graduate from being an “all volunteer organization”? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

This week Stacey and Andy delve into the Nonprofit Everything archive to bring you a thematically consistent series of previously aired questions. Which is a fancy way of saying “Hey! It’s a clip show!” From episode 79, we talk about how to handle a board member that’s publicly off mission. From episode 103, we hear from a nonprofit with a board member in the newspaper for the wrong reasons. From episode 89, a board member asks the ED to record a campaign ad for her. Thanks for joining us this week, and please send your questions to [email protected]. Topics: Should an ED record a campaign ad for a board member running for office? – 2:33 One of our board members was involved in a scandal. Should we have said something? – 8:29 Help! One of our board members is Tweeting racist nonsense! – 16:39 Mentioned this week: Clip Show The 501(h) Election (IRS) Benefits of the 501(h) Election Rules about lobbying activity (IRS) Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

It’s guest expert time! This week, Stacey is joined by April Mastroluca, Chief Solution Finder at Synergy Nonprofit Consulting to talk about the convergence of political campaign season and gala event season. Are there rules about ads in programs? Should we recognize elected officials and candidates who attend our events? What should we do if a candidate antagonistic to our mission wants to attend an event? Should we ever provide complimentary tickets to elected officials? That’s a lot of questions, but the podcast is even better when you send yours to us: [email protected]. Thanks for listening! (And don’t miss the show notes this week. They’re jam packed with good infromation!) Topics: Can we sell program ads to politicians? – skip to this question Recognizing political figures at events? – skip to this question Should you comp event tickets to politicians? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Synergy Nonprofit Consulting Advocacy Resources IRS rules about inviting a political candidate to speak at an organization event Alliance for Justice information about lobbying and gift rules for every state Practical Guidance: What Nonprofits Need to Know About Lobbying in Nevada Election Dos and Don’ts for Nonprofit 501c3 Organizations Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Should we be buying mailing lists to expand our reach, or is that a tactic from the olden days? Stacey and Andy certainly have some thoughts! Also this week, we talk about how strict to be when using the words “evidence based program” (in that exact order) and disagree strongly on the utility of exit interviews. We’re awarding ten points if you can guess which one of us thinks they’re a waste of time. We’re thankful that you’ve chosen to spend time with us today, and don’t forget to send your questions to [email protected]. Topics: Should we be buying mailing lists? – skip to this question What are “evidence based programs” really? – skip to this question Are exit interviews helpful? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

If better boards can prevent nonprofit failures, would it be smart to require boards to take governance training? Stacey and Andy have some thoughts. Also this week, we talk about an executive director’s responsibility to prevent a bad board member nomination, and have both a short and a long answer to a question about founders. Thanks for joining us this week, and don’t forget to send your questions to [email protected]. Topics: Can the executive director veto a board nomination? – skip to this question Should the state mandate governance training? – skip to this question What’s the first conversation an ED should have with a founder? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Review us on iTunes! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast

Is there some magic language we can use to magically make a sponsorship tax deductible? Andy and Stacey have some thoughts. Also this week, we find out how to see who’s sharing your nonprofit mission and why its important, and try not to get buried in accounting speak when discussing split-interest agreements! Thanks for joining us, and don’t forget to send any and all questions to [email protected]. Topics: Can a podcast sponsorship be a donation? – skip to this question Who are our nonprofit peers? – skip to this question We have a donor interested in a charitable gift annuity. What is that? – skip to this question Mentioned this week: Candid (formerly Guidestar (formerly the National Center for Charitable Statistics)) USASpending.gov FASB – The Financial Accounting Standards Board National Association of Charitable Gift Planners Review us on iTunes! Review us on Spotify! Review us on Podchaser! Hang out with us on Discord! Ask us a question Sponsor the podcast