In a whirlwind of nonprofit questions from viewers, Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall splash into the world of fundraising mysteries. "We need to diversify our funding streams," Tony begins, setting the tone for a conversation that's part strategy session, part confessional. From the complex dance of fundraising committees to the cutting-edge world of cryptocurrency donations, these nonprofit mavens dissect the industry's most pressing questions with surgical precision and infectious enthusiasm.

How do fundraising committees work with board members? Committees can serve as talent pipelines and engagement platforms, with board members actively recruiting committee members.

Should nonprofits accept cryptocurrency donations? Yes, but carefully evaluate organizational readiness, donor demographics, and infrastructure.

What's the typical fundraising performance ratio? Generally 1:5 to 1:10 for development officers, varying by specific role and organization.

Are printed annual reports still relevant? Offer both print and digital versions, tailoring to donor preferences and organizational resources.

How should fundraisers demonstrate their value? Beyond monetary metrics, highlight pipeline development, donor retention, and mission impact.

00:00:00 Show Introduction and Sponsors

00:02:08 Fundraising Committees Deep Dive

00:07:51 Cryptocurrency and Donor Advised Funds

00:14:29 Annual Report Strategies

00:19:07 Fundraiser Performance Metrics

00:28:25 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

#TheNonprofitShow #FundraisingInnovation #NonprofitStrategy

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Thinking of opening a nonprofit thrift store? Before you dust off those donation bins, take a lesson from Kate Thoene, CEO of New Life Center., as she gives us a masterclass in turning a pile of secondhand shoes into sustainable impact. Spoiler: It’s not as easy as slapping a price tag on old lamps and hoping for the best.

At Hope’s Closet, the social enterprise Kate oversees, “we don’t take anything that makes you ask, ‘Should I donate this or toss it?’” That tough-love clarity is part of what keeps their thrift shop not just afloat—but thriving. From curated donation bins and strategic store layouts to voucher programs for survivors of domestic violence, Kate walks us through how her organization uses retail to empower recovery, generate unrestricted revenue, and build community loyalty.

She breaks down staff structure (a mix of full-time employees and 1,000+ volunteers), donation flow (“you need new items hitting the floor daily”), and even how color-coded tags help them cycle out stale inventory. Plus, we learn about their fruitful partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters—where unsellable items are bought by the pound, keeping the store clutter-free and the landfill grateful.

Don’t miss how this 5,000-square-foot shop became a community engine, churning out real, trackable impact. Kate shares insights on metrics, bonus incentives, messaging at point-of-sale, and even the exciting possibility of store #2. And yes, there's a half-off sale where even the “rules” go on discount.

If you’ve ever wondered whether charity shops are worth the effort, Kate answers that with a resounding yes—as long as you’re ready to think like a retailer, hustle like a startup, and lead with mission.

"The more we sell, the more we help survivors of domestic violence." — Kate Thoene

00:00:00 Today’s topic: Are thrift stores worth it?
00:01:55 What New Life Center does—and how Hope’s Closet began
00:03:42 The donation overflow that started a social enterprise
00:05:26 How vouchers empower survivors with dignity
00:06:59 Tips for getting quality donations consistently
00:10:03 Seasonal sales trends and revenue diversification
00:11:45 Selling both on the floor and by the pound
00:13:56 Staff, volunteers, and running a smooth thrift operation
00:15:41 Production flow and the secret to a fresh sales floor
00:17:14 Hiring, retail knowledge, and connecting sales to mission
00:19:09 Leveraging POS tech and staff bonuses
00:21:12 Sales strategy, color tags, and breaking the rules
00:24:00 Exploring a second location and future growth

#ThriftWithPurpose #thriftstores #TheNonprofitShow

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In this electric and occasionally uncomfortable conversation, Stephen Minix—VP of Community at UpMetrics—lays bare the myth that collaboration simply “happens” in the nonprofit sector. His assertion is sharp: “If I can cut the check, I can set the terms.” This statement cuts to the core of a sector that talks community but often operates in silos defined by funding power dynamics and compliance culture.

What emerges in this conversation is a compelling argument for a wholesale reframe of how nonprofits and funders work together. Collaboration, Stephen insists, isn't a mood or a moment—it’s a skill set that demands communication, clarity, and most of all, pre-work. Too often, organizations show up to collaborate without knowing what they’re actually prepared to give up, or what success even looks like in shared terms. “You can't play social impact ping-pong by yourself,” he notes. “You need a partner to hit it back.”

But this episode goes even deeper. Stephen challenges the performative elements of both philanthropy and nonprofit operations—conferences, reports, retreats—suggesting they often mask the hard reality: without time, trust, and aligned incentives, collaboration is nothing more than theater.

He offers practical alternatives. Funders should meet nonprofits in their spaces. Trust-based philanthropy, he says, doesn’t mean abandoning data—it means letting the nonprofit define what success looks like and equipping them with the tools to track and tell their story. It’s not about validation. It’s about learning.

Perhaps most powerfully, Stephen reframes trust as a proxy for risk tolerance. Real trust means relinquishing control—something many funders still find difficult. “We don’t wait till the end of the year to decide if our kids can read,” he says. “So why do we wait to evaluate nonprofit impact in annual reports?”

This episode doesn’t offer easy answers—but it does offer a framework for harder, more authentic conversations. It’s a must-watch for anyone tired of sugarcoated collaboration and ready to commit to real change.

#TheNonprofitShow #TrustBasedPhilanthropy #CollaborativeLeadership

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If you've ever wondered whether your nonprofit fundraising data is a treasure chest or a digital junk drawer, Greg Warner is here with a flashlight, a map, and a pickaxe. In this entertaining conversation, Greg—CEO of MarketSmart and creator of the Fundraising Report Card—joins host Julia Patrick to dissect the murky waters of metrics and help nonprofits move from guesswork to grounded strategy.

Greg kicks off with the backstory: MarketSmart’s 17-year evolution into a marketing automation firm helping nonprofits identify, qualify, and steward major and legacy donors. ‘The Fundraising Report Card’, born from this journey, now offers nonprofits a simplified yet powerful lens into donor behavior—showing not just what happened, but what it means.

Here’s the twist: until now, this tool has been free. But with over 27,000 users and a mountain of benchmark data, Greg’s team is rolling out a more robust version—with peer comparisons so relevant, they make national averages look like vague horoscopes.

And it’s about time. “Relevance creates resonance,” Greg shares, “But irrelevant data creates dissonance.” Nonprofits have long been running on emotional narratives and gut instincts. Greg invites you to reframe the conversation using donor lifetime value, retention data, and institutional memory—all quantified, all visual.

Julia comments how too many development pros spend two days prepping board reports for seven minutes of attention. Greg’s fix? Collaborative tools baked into the new version of the app, enabling real-time, cross-functional dialogue. Because why silo data when you can democratize it?

Want to stop flying blind and start mining gold? This episode is your blueprint.

00:00:00 Intro and welcome to Greg Warner
00:01:13 What is the Fundraising Report Card?
00:03:56 Gut instinct vs. meaningful metrics
00:06:33 Leaky buckets and donor attrition
00:08:34 Who really uses the data—and how
00:10:36 Collaboration tools and institutional memory
00:12:14 Why clean data matters
00:14:07 The power of relevant peer benchmarks
00:16:34 Lifetime value explained
00:18:54 Emotion vs. analytics in fundraising
00:22:22 Donor files and hidden gold
00:27:16 Final thoughts and educator access

#FundraisingData #DonorAnalytics #TheNonprofitShow

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What happens when a PTA president-turned-techie disrupts the nonprofit auction world? You get Roger Devine, co-founder of SchoolAuction.net, a man on a mission to make fundraising events both profitable and meaningful. In this fast-moving conversation with host Julia Patrick, Roger doesn’t just talk events—he redefines them.

From live auctions and paddle raises to the fine art of keeping silent auctions out of the ballroom, Roger offers a field-tested guide to modern event strategy. “I want to treat a fundraiser as if it is a fundraiser—I expect to make money,” Roger declares. And he means it.

But this isn’t just about money—it’s about momentum. Events aren’t just financial tools; they’re culture-building machines. Roger explains how strategic gatherings can cultivate younger donors, lift staff morale, recognize unsung heroes (like teachers and mission staff), and pull entire communities back into connection after years of distraction.

He makes a compelling case for fixed-price purchases (think raffles, gift cards, and sign-up parties), lowering barriers to entry, and offering dignity and opportunity to every guest—whether they’re dropping $25 or $25,000.

Oh, and about those paddle raises? Roger’s advice is clear: don’t wing it with your local news anchor. A trained benefit auctioneer is essential—not just for showmanship, but because they can drive up to 50% of your total event revenue. Skip this at your peril.

Watch and you'll also learn:

· How hybrid and virtual fundraising have evolved (spoiler: most aren't fun anymore)

· How to smartly integrate consignment travel packages (hint: only if Bob Bigshot’s coming)

· Why accessibility matters—and how a volunteer ticket swap can make all the difference

Whether you're planning your first gala or overhauling your tenth, this episode will shake up your thinking. Because fundraising events shouldn't be a chaotic night of stress—they should be joyful, purposeful, and yes, wildly effective!

Join the ongoing conversation at #TheNonprofitShow

00:00:00 Welcome and guest introduction
00:01:26 How a PTA president became a tech founder
00:03:12 Pandemic event trends and hybrid strategies
00:04:43 Events must be profitable—not break-even
00:05:49 Events as morale boosters and donor reminders
00:06:33 Cultivating younger donors through events
00:07:48 Small orgs teaching big ones how it’s done
00:09:00 Recognizing mission-driven staff at events
00:13:01 Accessibility tips: pricing, swaps, fixed-price options
00:15:55 Paddle raise strategy and auctioneer ROI
00:19:10 Why virtual paddle raises have fizzled
00:21:07 Make live elements event-exclusive for maximum impact
00:22:24 What are sign-up parties and why they work
00:26:12 The pros and cons of consignment auction items

#EventFundraising #FundraisingAuctions

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Are you still chasing a “low overhead” badge of honor? Gregg Indictor, Director at Your Part-Time Controller, confronts one of the nonprofit sector’s most persistent misinterpretations: the overhead myth. With cohosts Julia Patrick and Meico Marquette Whitlock, the conversation unpacks what "overhead" actually represents, why it’s often misunderstood, and how nonprofits can more accurately reflect their financial stewardship.

Gregg begins by demystifying overhead as merely the administrative costs necessary to support any organization’s operations—nonprofit or for-profit, saying, “There is no correct overhead ratio for any organization,” noting that effectiveness should be measured by mission impact, not accounting percentages.

This fast episode fully explores cost allocation, the process of categorizing and reporting expenses across functions—such as program services, management, and fundraising. Gregg walks through the Schedule of Functional Expenses found in audits and IRS Form 990, and explains how misallocating indirect costs can produce distorted financial portraits. His emphasis on methodology—such as time and effort tracking for personnel, or square footage for facility expenses—underscores the importance of reasonable and consistent cost assignment.

Gregg highlights a powerful metric: for most nonprofits, 80–85% of expenses stem from personnel and facilities. Yet not all of those costs are necessarily “overhead”—they could very well contribute directly to mission delivery, depending on how they are allocated.

One of the key moments involves Gregg’s perspective on restricted vs. unrestricted funds. He cautions against well-meaning development practices that inadvertently solicit restricted gifts, reducing an organization’s flexibility to cover essential functions. A simple shift in donor language—from “choose your program” to “support our mission”—can dramatically improve financial resilience.

As the trio discuss transparency and internal communication, Gregg advocates for cross-departmental access to financial information, encouraging organizations to present timely reports not just to leadership, but also to program and fundraising teams. This transparency supports better decision-making and breaks down operational silos.

00:00:00 Welcome and guest introduction

00:03:08 What is nonprofit overhead and why it matters

00:05:29 The problem with restricted funding

00:07:36 Understanding cost allocation

00:11:02 How overhead ratios are calculated

00:13:44 80–85% of expenses: what that really means

00:16:21 Allocating costs accurately and fairly

00:18:38 Why everyone in a nonprofit should understand finance

00:20:17 Internal transparency and financial reporting

00:22:06 Overhead myths vs. operational reality

00:24:20 Contributed vs. earned revenue

00:27:02 Changing the donor messaging to support sustainability

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Explore the intersection of philanthropy, data science, and the evolving tools shaping nonprofit fundraising, with our guest, Scott Brighton, CEO of Bonterra. Bonterra, a software company serving both nonprofits and funders, processes nearly 10% of all U.S. philanthropic activity outside government sources. This scale gives Scott and his team a uniquely comprehensive vantage point to identify what truly drives growth and effectiveness in today’s nonprofit landscape.

The episode centers on Bonterra’s newly released ‘2025 Impact Report’, which identifies strategic patterns and technologies used by high-performing nonprofits. Scott explains, “We’re not just looking at the growth of philanthropy; we’re looking at what successful organizations are doing differently.” Key among those behaviors is fundraising diversification—no longer a suggestion but a necessity, especially in light of sudden disruptions like cuts to federal funding. Scott shares that some Bonterra clients saw 90% of their federal funding evaporate overnight, a stark reminder that relying on a single funding stream is risky.

Technology, and specifically AI, is positioned as the great equalizer. Scott introduces tools like “Optimized Ask,” which uses behavioral data to recommend the right donation amount for each donor, improving average donor yield by 11%. This innovation, he explains, enables nonprofits to effectively engage their long-tail donors without additional staff—something that was previously out of reach for most organizations.

Another key point Scott shares is the local nature of nonprofit growth. Despite a doubling of registered U.S. nonprofits over the last decade (now nearing two million), 90% operate with budgets under $5 million. Rather than viewing this as a challenge, Scott sees it as a feature: these hyper-local organizations are ideally positioned to address complex societal issues with intimate community knowledge. Bonterra is facilitating cross-sector collaboration among these small players to help large funders feel confident investing significant resources.

The conversation wraps with Bonterra’s bold internal campaign: “3% by 2033.” The goal is to raise the nation’s charitable giving from 2% to 3% of GDP in under a decade. Scott is optimistic—not because of software alone, which he candidly says requires more resources than many nonprofits can spare—but because of the promise of agentic AI: autonomous systems that act on data insights without human micromanagement.

“The future of fundraising isn’t just emotional—it’s intellectual,”

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In an era marked by organizational strain and evolving workplace expectations, leadership must move beyond traditional fixes and embrace systemic transformation. Patrick Farran, PhD, MBA, co-founder of Ad Lucem Group, joins host Julia Patrick to dissect the true nature of burnout, succession, and sustainable engagement in nonprofit leadership.

Patrick challenges the prevailing assumption that burnout stems solely from overwork. “The number one cause of burnout is not overwork—it’s the loss of agency,” he explains, arguing that without autonomy, even meaningful work becomes draining. Rather than defaulting to micromanagement during times of stress, Patrick advocates for building cultures rooted in trust, purpose alignment, and shared responsibility.

Drawing from decades of executive coaching and organizational consulting, Patrick offers a framework built on three pillars: personal legacy, building others, and systems thinking. His advice is clear—leaders must be deliberate about cultivating capability in others and embedding processes that outlast any individual. This approach not only fortifies the organization but reduces the high failure rate of executive transitions.

He also introduces the concept of “job crafting,” citing research on hospital janitors who redefined their roles around meaning rather than task lists. This practice, when applied in nonprofit settings, can create clear pipelines for succession and foster resilience.

Another key theme is the embrace of constructive conflict. Patrick quotes Adam Grant: “The absence of conflict is not harmony—it’s apathy.” Healthy disagreement, he argues, is not a threat but a catalyst for innovation. Nonprofits should harness this energy to align purpose, improve communication, and prepare for inevitable turbulence.

Finally, Patrick outlines how appreciative inquiry—a strength-based framework—can transform leadership conversations and shift organizations away from crisis reactivity. By examining moments of excellence, teams can uncover hidden systems of success and replicate them in difficult times.

From strategic succession planning to reframing burnout and conflict, this episode is packed with research-backed guidance, timely analogies, and field-tested leadership philosophy. It’s a must-watch for nonprofit leaders dealing with today’s pressures.

00:00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Patrick Farran

00:02:40 What Does Ad Lucem Group Do

00:05:20 Misconceptions About Burnout in Nonprofits

00:10:15 The Role of Agency and Trust in Staff Retention

00:15:40 How Leaders Unintentionally Cause Disengagement

00:21:10 Tools for Succession and Internal Growth

00:26:05 Job Crafting as a Path to Leadership

00:31:40 Constructive Conflict vs Apathy

00:36:50 Appreciative Inquiry and Strength-Based Leadership

00:41:10 Preparing for Turbulent Times Without Panic

00:45:20 About the New Book: The Intentional Executive

#NonprofitLeadership #BurnoutRecovery #ExecutiveSuccession

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