In this episode, Kari Anderson, a seasoned nonprofit executive and principal at Incite! Consulting, breaks down the complexities of organizing special events for nonprofits. With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Kari offers her insights on how to effectively set goals, increase revenue, and convert event attendees into long-term donors.

Kari addresses the common hesitations nonprofits have about special events, such as staff hours, return on investment, and lack of planning. She provides practical advice on how to overcome these challenges and make your events successful and beneficial for your organization.

Key Episode Takeaways:

1. Setting and Achieving Event Goals: Learn the importance of setting clear goals for your event, whether it's for fundraising, marketing, or education. Kari emphasizes the need to align your event with your mission and target audience to maximize its impact.

2. Generating More Revenue: Discover strategies to boost revenue at your events, including leveraging sponsorships, engaging in friendly competition, and utilizing peer-to-peer fundraising. Kari shares tips on how to make giving easy and fun for attendees.

3. Converting Event Attendees to Donors: Gain insights into how to engage with attendees during and after the event to turn them into long-term supporters. Kari offers tips on building connections, acknowledging contributions, and following up promptly to maintain engagement.

Kari also discusses the importance of evaluating your event's success by setting metrics and gathering feedback from all involved parties. She encourages nonprofit leaders to continuously improve their events by freshening ideas and adapting to their audience's needs.

• Follow Kari on your favorite streaming platforms, including YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.

• For additional resources on organizational storytelling and tools, follow Kari on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

• Visit her website at Incite Consulting Group.

In this episode, Kari Anderson, a seasoned nonprofit executive and principal at Incite! Consulting shares her favorite technology tools to help streamline nonprofit operations. With 25 years of experience in leadership roles across seven organizations, Kari now offers coaching and consulting services to ensure nonprofits have the right structure, systems, and practices to excel.

Kari dives into the importance of using technology in nonprofit work and offers three key takeaways for integrating tech tools effectively:

Key Episode Takeaways:

1. Value of Technology: Technology can help your nonprofit operate more efficiently and effectively. Kari emphasizes the importance of budgeting for the right tools to enhance your operations.

2. Assess Your Needs: Before investing in any product or platform, perform a technology assessment to understand what your organization truly needs. Kari offers advice on how to connect technology decisions to your strategic plan and long-term growth.

3. Training and Usage: Once you’ve invested in technology, it’s crucial to train your team and ensure the tools are used effectively. Kari discusses how to avoid the common pitfall of underutilizing new tech.

Kari also shares her top tech tools:

• Sharecard: A digital business card tool that simplifies building connections and managing contact information.

• Bitly: A URL shortening and customization tool that now includes a link-in-bio feature, useful for nonprofits on social media.

• Boomerang: A CRM tool with excellent communication features, training support, and a mobile app for donor management.

• Motion: A scheduling tool that helps prioritize tasks and limit meetings, boosting time management.

• 17 Hats: An appointment scheduling tool perfect for nonprofits that book appointments.

• Board Management Software: Kari highlights the value of board management tools, especially for long-term board growth.

• Constant Contact: An email management platform that allows segmentation and personalization for more effective communication.

• QuickBooks: Essential accounting software to replace outdated methods like spreadsheets and sticky notes.

Resource Links:

• Follow Kari on your favorite streaming platforms, including YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.

• For additional resources on organizational storytelling and tools, follow Kari on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

• Visit her website at Incite Consulting Group.

In this episode, Kari Anderson, a seasoned nonprofit executive and principal at Incite! Consulting, shares critical insights on adopting successful business strategies within nonprofit organizations. With over 25 years of experience in leadership roles across seven organizations, Kari now focuses on coaching and consulting to help nonprofits build robust structures, systems, and practices.

Kari tackles the reasons why many nonprofits struggle or fail and provides actionable strategies that nonprofits can adopt from the for-profit sector to improve their operations and impact.

Key Episode Takeaways:

1. Why Nonprofits Fail and How to Avoid It: Kari explores the alarming statistics around nonprofit failures and emphasizes the importance of planning, funding, and leadership training as key factors in overcoming these challenges.

2. Applying Business Practices: Learn how adopting business principles, such as consistent evaluation, embracing an entrepreneurial mindset, and strategic planning, can significantly enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of your nonprofit.

3. Regular Evaluation: Kari highlights the necessity of ongoing evaluation of programs, leadership, and operations to ensure your nonprofit remains relevant and impactful in its mission.

Kari also delves into practical strategies nonprofits can adopt, such as:

• Evaluating Program Success: Regularly assess whether your programs still meet the needs of the community and have the funding to continue.

• Operating Efficiently: Avoid limiting access to necessary resources due to budget constraints—invest in technology and tools that improve efficiency.

• Embracing Innovation: Challenge the status quo, think creatively, and seek out cross-sector partnerships to expand your impact.

• Building a Strong Team: Be intentional about hiring and board recruitment, focusing on retention and professional development to maximize your nonprofit's potential.

• Marketing and Communication: Share your nonprofit's story and impact effectively, acknowledging the support of donors, volunteers, and partners.

Kari emphasizes the importance of being accessible and transparent with stakeholders, including donors, partners, employees, and the community. She encourages nonprofit leaders to prioritize decision-making that balances immediate needs with long-term sustainability.

Resource Links:

• Follow Kari on your favorite streaming platforms, including YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.

• For additional resources on organizational storytelling and tools, follow Kari on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

• Visit her website at Incite Consulting Group.

In Episode 19 of Kari's Confessions, Kari Anderson, a seasoned nonprofit executive and principal at Incite! Consulting, delves into the essential practice of creating a fund development plan. With 25 years of experience in leadership roles across seven organizations, Kari now provides coaching and consulting services to ensure nonprofits have the structure, systems, and practices to excel.

Kari emphasizes the importance of having a concrete fund development plan to ensure financial resiliency. She provides a comprehensive guide to creating such a plan, highlighting the key elements and steps involved.

Key Episode Takeaways:

• The Importance of a Fund Development Plan: Kari explains why having a written plan, rather than just ideas in your head, is crucial for financial resiliency. She underscores the significance of developing a plan that involves key staff and board members.

• Understanding the Current State of Giving: Kari discusses the Giving USA 2024 report, which shows that charitable giving in 2023 reached an estimated $557.16 billion. Despite the challenges posed by inflation, the data highlights the resilience of charitable giving.

• Fundraising vs. Development Work: Kari challenges traditional views on fundraising and development, explaining that fundraising is about raising money, while development focuses on growth and building authentic donor relationships. She encourages nonprofits to adopt a 360-degree approach to cultivate, ask, and thank donors.

• Creating a Culture of Philanthropy: A true fund development plan helps create a culture of philanthropy within the organization, prioritizing fundraising and aligning it with the overall strategic goals.

• Engaging the Board: Involving the board in the planning process ensures organizational accountability and helps the board understand the role of fund development in achieving the organization's mission.

• Steps to Creating a Fund Development Plan:

• • Start with an Assessment: Conduct a SWOT analysis to evaluate current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

  • Develop a Case Statement: Create a compelling argument to support your organization and programs. This internal document can be used for proposals, speeches, and publicity.

  • Identify Funding Opportunities: Map out potential funding sources and prospects, focusing on areas for growth and partnership opportunities.

Setting SMART Goals:

• Specific: Clearly define your goals.

• Measurable: Ensure goals are quantifiable.

• Achievable: Set realistic targets.

• Relevant: Align goals with your mission.

• Time-Bound: Set deadlines for completion.

Resource Links:

• Follow Kari on your favorite streaming platforms, including YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.

• For additional resources on organizational storytelling and tools, follow Kari on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

• Visit her website at Incite Consulting Group.

In Episode 18 of Kari's Confessions, Kari Anderson, a seasoned nonprofit executive and principal at Incite! Consulting, focuses on the crucial practice of a mid-year check-in. With 25 years of experience in leadership roles across seven organizations, Kari now provides coaching and consulting services to ensure nonprofits have the structure, systems, and practices to excel.

Kari emphasizes the importance of evaluating progress and setting realistic goals for the remainder of the year. She provides a structured approach to conducting a mid-year check-in, ensuring nonprofits stay on track and achieve their objectives.

Key Episode Takeaways:

1. The Importance of Pausing for a Mid-Year Check-In: Kari explains why it's essential to pause and evaluate progress, not only individually but also with your team. This reflection helps in understanding what has been accomplished and what still needs to be done.

2. Assessing Financial Health and Strategic Priorities: Learn how to revisit your budget, address funding gaps, and reprioritize tasks. Kari highlights the importance of pulling out your strategic plan, utilizing board meetings for updates, and ensuring strategic priorities are shared team goals.

3. Communicating Impact and Engaging Stakeholders: Mid-year is an excellent time to connect with donors, volunteers, and partners. Kari shares tips on gathering stories, metrics, and other tools to demonstrate your organization's impact and build excitement about future goals.

4. Reviewing Fundraising Campaigns and Stewardship Plans: Evaluate your remaining campaigns, set timelines, address technology needs, and ensure effective donor engagement. Kari stresses the importance of showing appreciation to donors throughout the year to make end-of-year asks more comfortable.

5. Revisiting Policies, Procedures, and Staff Engagement: Ensure your bylaws and policies are up-to-date, reengage board and staff members, and celebrate their contributions. Kari encourages one-on-one meetings with board members and social gatherings for staff to acknowledge their hard work.

6. Examining Time Management and Personal Growth: Reflect on your own schedule, prioritize strategic goals, and assess your personal development. Kari suggests attending nonprofit association conferences to further develop skills.

7. Taking Vacation Time and Preventing Burnout: Kari highlights the importance of taking time off and addressing burnout proactively.

Setting SMART Goals:

• Specific: Clearly define your goals.

• Measurable: Ensure goals are quantifiable.

• Achievable: Set realistic targets.

• Relevant: Align goals with your mission.

• Time-Bound: Set deadlines for completion.

Resource Links:

• Follow Kari on your favorite streaming platforms, including YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.

• For additional resources on organizational storytelling and tools, follow Kari on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

• Visit her website at Incite Consulting Group.

In this episode, Kari Anderson, a seasoned nonprofit executive and principal at Incite! Consulting, shares invaluable marketing tips tailored for nonprofits. With 25 years of experience in leadership roles across seven organizations, Kari now provides coaching and consulting services to ensure that nonprofits have the structure, systems, and practices to excel.

Kari emphasizes the importance of a cohesive communications and marketing strategy, regardless of the size of your organization. She discusses the challenges of piecemeal marketing efforts and the necessity of having a unified approach to prevent inconsistent messaging and confusion among stakeholders.

Key Episode Takeaways:

1. The Importance of Email Segmentation: Learn how to segment your donors effectively to customize messaging and improve engagement. Kari highlights the benefits of using donor software platforms and provides tips for defining your audience based on various donor traits.

2. Tips to Make Your Emails Pop: Discover essential tips for creating compelling and mobile-friendly emails. Kari shares statistics and insights on the effectiveness of personalized emails and the importance of regular, intentional communication.

3. Website Checklist: Ensure your website is user-friendly, transparent, and inclusive. Kari offers a checklist to make your website a powerful tool for engagement, including the importance of having an easily accessible donation page, listing staff and board members, and following accessibility guidelines.

Kari underscores the importance of marketing in creating awareness about your mission, building a network of advocates, and deepening relationships with supporters. She encourages nonprofit leaders to start where they are and implement one or two actionable tips from the episode to enhance their marketing strategy.

Resource Links:

• Nonprofit Tech for Good: https://www.nptechforgood.com

• HubSpot on Email Marketing: https://www.hubspot.com

Follow Kari on your favorite streaming platforms, including YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.

For additional resources on organizational storytelling and tools, follow Kari on

Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Visit her website at Incite Consulting

In this episode, Kari Anderson, a seasoned nonprofit executive and principal at Incite! Consulting explores the art of storytelling within nonprofit organizations. With 25 years of experience in leadership roles across seven organizations, Kari now provides coaching and consulting services to ensure nonprofits like yours have the structure, systems, and practices to do their best work.

Kari discusses the significance of storytelling and why our brains are wired to love stories. She offers practical tips for gathering stories that resonate and provides insights on effectively communicating these stories to engage your audience. Kari emphasizes the importance of making storytelling a part of your organizational culture and using a variety of mediums to share your stories.

Key Episode Takeaways:

1. Why Our Brain Loves Stories: Understanding the neurological basis for why stories are so compelling and how this relevance applies to your nonprofit’s communication.

2. Tips for Gathering Resonant Stories: Strategies for identifying and capturing powerful moments that can form the foundation of impactful stories.

3. Effective Storytelling: Key elements to remember when crafting stories include knowing your audience, following a clear structure, and incorporating calls to action.

Kari invites you to reflect on your favorite book and its impact on you. She illustrates how powerful stories can inspire action and build connections. She encourages nonprofit leaders to pause and think about how their organizations can tell compelling stories that resonate with their communities.

Follow Kari on your favorite streaming platforms, including YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.

For additional resources on organizational storytelling and tools, follow Kari on

Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Visit her website at Incite Consulting

• Accomplishments and Donor Trust: Your nonprofit’s achievements are the top factor in establishing donor trust.
• GuideStar Seal of Transparency: Earning this seal can significantly increase your contributions and demonstrates your commitment to transparency.
• Accessibility of Information: Ensure that critical information is easily accessible on your website, including contact details for key staff and board members.

• GuideStar (Candid): https://www.guidestar.org
• Give.org Report on Nonprofit Trust: https://www.give.org
• Annual Report Best Practices: https://www.nonprofitannualreport.com

Implementing these transparency tips to enhance trust and performance in your nonprofit! Visit Incite! Consulting’s website for resources on crafting effective performance reviews, and don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for more valuable insights into nonprofit leadership.

Want to share your experiences, challenges, and questions with us? You can visit through our website, https://inciteconsultinggroup.com, or by emailing Kari@InciteConsultingGroup.com