Preparing for your annual performance review is a critical process that can shape your career trajectory, especially in the nonprofit sector as a fundraiser. It involves setting clear goals, documenting your achievements, advocating for yourself, identifying growth opportunities, and maintaining open lines of communication with your supervisor. During this episode of Fundraisers Friday, cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall offer guidance on how to approach this important conversation.

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Start Early: The Importance of Goal Setting

Tony starts with emphasizing the necessity of setting clear goals and objectives well before the review process begins. Without a defined set of expectations, it’s challenging to have a meaningful discussion about performance. Whether you’re working in a small nonprofit or a larger organization, having these goals in place is crucial. If your organization doesn't already have a structured review process, Tony advises taking the initiative to propose one.

Documenting Achievements: Keep Track of Your Successes

Throughout the year, it's essential to document your accomplishments and any challenges you've faced. This practice not only helps in preparing for your review but also ensures that you can accurately reflect on your performance. Tony suggests maintaining a folder—whether digital or physical—where you collect evidence of your achievements, such as meeting fundraising goals or overcoming donor obstacles. This can provide concrete examples of your contributions.

Self-Advocacy: Be Prepared to Highlight Your Value

One of the big tips from the discussion is the importance of self-advocacy during the review process. Julia and Tony both stress that you should not be afraid to "get your own flowers"—in other words, to recognize and promote your successes. This includes preparing a self-assessment that not only lists your achievements but also explains the strategies and efforts that led to those successes. This approach can help counter any perceptions that your success was merely due to luck.

Addressing Challenges and Seeking Development Opportunities

Another important aspect of the review process is identifying areas where you can improve and seeking out professional development opportunities. Tony encourages us to be proactive in suggesting solutions and asking for the resources we need to grow. This could include training programs, mentorship, or other forms of professional development that will help you excel in your role and contribute even more effectively to your nonprofit.

Handling Feedback: Preparing for Criticism

Receiving feedback can be daunting, and Tony offers that the best review processes are those where there are no surprises. By having ongoing conversations with your supervisor (s) throughout the year, you can ensure that you’re on the same page regarding your performance. This regular communication reduces the likelihood of unexpected feedback during your annual review and helps you approach the process with confidence.

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A Case for Support is a vital tool for any nonprofit organization striving to clearly convey its mission and impact to donors and stakeholders. Investing time and effort into developing a thoughtful, well-structured Case for Support is a strategic move that pays dividends in the long run. It simplifies communication, strengthens donor relationships, and ultimately propels your organization’s mission forward. In this learning episode, nonprofit experts Julia Patrick and Sherry Quam Taylor, along with communications strategist Erin Straza, discussed the significance of creating a compelling Case for Support and the transformative role it can play.

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A Case for Support is more than just a document; it is a powerful narrative that tells the story of your nonprofit in a way that resonates deeply with donors. As Erin Straza so beautifully put it, "Your case for support is a narrative. It is telling your nonprofit's story for the donor, explaining why your work is essential and how their partnership makes a difference." This narrative acts as a foundation, from which all other communications and fundraising materials are built, ensuring a unified message that echoes across various platforms.

A well-crafted Case for Support typically comprises 4 essential sections:

Crisis or Problem Statement: This section paints a picture of the challenges your organization is dedicated to addressing. It outlines the urgency and relevance of these issues, grounding them in credible data and compelling stories. Erin highlights this section, noting that while some nonprofits worry about focusing too much on the negative, it is crucial to help donors understand the pressing nature of the problems at hand. Without this, donors may not fully grasp the necessity of their support.

Solution and Approach: This part showcases your organization’s unique approach to solving the problems. It details the programs and strategies you’ve developed, demonstrating your expertise and your passion and commitment. Here, the story shifts from problem to solution, providing a sense of hope and direction that can inspire donors to become part of the change.

Impact Evidence: Nothing speaks louder than results. This section connects the dots between donor contributions and real-world outcomes, illustrating how their support directly fuels positive change. By weaving in success stories and measurable impact, you help donors see the difference they are making, reinforcing their trust and engagement. As Erin wisely noted, "Providing donors that sense that when they give, something changes, helps them feel that their gift is not just needed, but that it is truly making a difference."

Call to Action and Funding Needs: Finally, the Case for Support culminates in a clear and compelling call to action. This section lays out exactly how donors can contribute and what their funds will achieve. It’s where all the elements come together, encouraging immediate action and illustrating the potential for even greater impact through continued support.

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This conversation gives a critical call to action for nonprofits to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their operations and donor relationships in the digital age.

Host Julia Patrick engages with Jennifer Blasy from Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC.com) to explore the dangerous fraud risks associated with digital giving apps in the nonprofit sector. As nonprofits increasingly turn to digital platforms to facilitate donations, the conversation outlines the critical robust internal controls needed to mitigate fraud risks.

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Jennifer Blasy, who brings a wealth of experience as a forensic accountant and a consultant for numerous nonprofits, describes the vulnerabilities these organizations face as they adopt new digital fundraising tools. She points out that while digital giving apps offer convenience, they also open the door to potential fraud if not properly managed. "We want to encourage digital giving," Jennifer notes, "but it's crucial to tap the brakes and ensure that we are thoughtful about how we're accepting money and protecting both the organization and its donors."

One of the big challenges discussed is the use of cash apps for donations, particularly at off-site events or through personal devices. Jennifer highlights the value of using organizational accounts for such transactions to maintain the validity of tax deductions and avoid mismanagement. She explains, "You may have multiple different people using these apps if they're off-site, and you want to ensure they are using company devices, not their own personal devices, to prevent any mishandling of funds."

The two also dig into the alarming practice of fraudsters using nonprofit websites to test stolen credit cards. Nonprofits are often targeted because credit card companies are less likely to flag donations as fraudulent, giving scammers more time to exploit the stolen information. Jennifer offers, "Nonprofits can be on the hook for returning the gifts and transaction processing fees, which can be a significant financial burden, especially if thousands of transactions are involved."

As the discussion concludes, Jennifer shares a poignant reminder: "The best advice we can give is to make yourself a hard target. If things take a little longer or seem more complicated, most fraudsters are going to abandon you and move on to someone a lot easier."

Find us Live daily on YouTube!

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Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PT

Send us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.com
Visit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show