Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

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What type of content is most likely to inspire long-term support from your followers? How are nonprofit organizations handling the constant rise of social platforms and features? Are they jumping on the AI bandwagon? And which social platforms are they most (and least) confident will deliver a positive ROI?

Join me and the Hootsuite Social Impact Team to discuss the Social Media Trends in Nonprofits report to get answers to all these questions, plus firsthand insights, industry inspo, and all the guidance you need to be a social media innovator for the year ahead.

Get your copy of the report here: https://www.hootsuite.com/research/nonprofit-social-media-trends-report

My guests are Eva Taylor, Director of Social Impact and Laura Zubick, Social Impact Manager at Hootsuite.

Eva Taylor has over 15 years of experience creating and executing strategic programs and campaigns that connect brands and nonprofit organizations with their customers, communities and other key stakeholders. In her role as Director, Social Impact at Hootsuite, a global social media management platform, Eva creates initiatives that empower employees to give back to the communities where they live and work, including creating the award-winning Hootsuite for Good program. Alongside this, Eva leads the HootGiving Program for Nonprofits and oversees strategic partnerships, philanthropy and disaster relief. As the former Director of Global Social Marketing at Hootsuite, Eva works closely with nonprofit organizations of all sizes to harness the power of social media to innovate, adapt and leverage new ways of delivering impact worldwide.

Laura Zubick is a marketing, corporate social responsibility, and DEI professional, who is passionate about bringing stakeholders forward in a purpose-driven way. She has developed and implemented several strategic initiatives, including the award-winning Pay Up for Progress campaign to achieve pay parity. In her current role of Social Impact Manager at Hootsuite, a global social media management platform, Laura leads the organization’s employee purpose program, Hootsuite For Good, and contributes to the growth of the HootGiving Program for Nonprofits.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The key insights and trends in the Nonprofit Social Media Trends 2024 report
• How nonprofits can strategically allocate their time and resources on social media
• How to leverage entertainment on social media to boost the bottom line
• Why ROI is taking center stage and how to focus on it for maximum results
• Generative AI and how to maintain authenticity in content creation

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Nonprofits are often stuck in the status quo of fundraising, inching along towards their revenue goals and slashing programs and budgets along the way.

What if we changed the question to: “What if we had no choice but to double our revenue over the next three years with half the resources, half the human effort, half the budget? How would we do it? Go.”

This is the question that my guest aims to answer. Matt Scott is CEO of CauseMic and the author of The High Growth Nonprofit: Proven Steps to Quickly Double Your Revenue and Drive Impact. During Matt’s seven years at Team Rubicon, he took the organization from $275,000 in annual revenue to $51 million.

In this episode, Matt and I discuss:

• Why reframing your organization’s growth mindset is the first step in doubling your nonprofit’s revenue in three years or less.
• How nonprofits can make a better case to donors
• The power of a one-page strategic plan
• Ways to convince your board to embrace and implement bold ideas and thinking

About Matt Scott

Besides being an early riser, Matt Scott is the CEO and Co-founder of CauseMic, a Portland-based consultancy helping nonprofits leverage the best-in-class for-profit methods to grow their organization. Before CauseMic, he was in your shoes as a fundraising leader on the inside of numerous young and fast nonprofits—one of which he helped take from $275,000 to $51 million in seven years. He’s a builder and a doer with a vision for scaling his company while balancing profitability with employee profit-sharing and respect.

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn

Check out Cause Mic Crew on Youtube

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Have you heard of human-centered design? It is built on the idea that people who experience a challenge are best suited to solve it. More recently, human-centered design has been adapted to solve problems that have nothing to do with technology. For example, school districts often use variations of the approach to redesign schools, engaging students, parents, and teachers as the “expert users” who know what’s needed for an optimal learning environment. Social entrepreneurs use it to design ways to alleviate poverty.

My guest today is Vichi Jagannathan, Co-founder & Executive Director of the Rural Opportunity Institute. Rural Opportunity Institute (ROI), one of eight organizations in New Profit’s first Health Equity Cohort, supports youth, organizations, and communities in rural North Carolina to help them interrupt the cycle of generational trauma and design innovative solutions for healing and resilience. ROI builds new tools and is open-source, freely sharing what works. ROI works to turn wisdom and the newest science into common practice.

In this episode, Vichi shares the path that led her to start the organization and how, when properly resourced, a rural community can become a hotbed of innovative practice.

We discuss:

• How to apply Design Thinking and Systems Thinking in rural communities
• How to center equity and inclusion in organizational leadership
• How to center communities in social change

Does cybersecurity seem like a terrifying topic? Well have no fear. This episode is sponsored by RoundTable Technology - the Nonprofit IT Partner. For the eighth year in a row, they are offering a free webinar to teach you and your staff exactly the steps to make your IT more secure in the New Year.

RoundTable Technology is a managed IT and cybersecurity services organization focusing almost exclusively on the nonprofit sector, with over 200 nonprofit clients. So make it your New Year’s resolution to get your entire staff FREE cybersecurity awareness training.

Head over to NonprofitIT.com/best-ever to save your seat now. Here’s to a wonderful 2024!

About Vichi Jagannathan: Entrepreneur, strategist and social change leader who applies innovative ideas in unlikely settings to catalyze impact and community transformation. Vichi began her career as a high school science teacher in Northampton County, NC through Teach For America. She then spent two years on the West Coast leading the expansion of Microsoft’s TEALS computer science education program into California. In 2016, Vichi participated in the Innovation Next accelerator, where she received coaching from IDEO in human-centered design to develop a mobile sex education app called Real Talk, which has been downloaded over 10,000 times in over 100 countries. She also interned with SelfHelp Credit Union in Durham, NC where she created the strategy for Self Help’s branch expansion into Eastern North Carolina. In 2017, Vichi co-founded Rural Opportunity Institute (ROI). ROI builds the capacity of rural communities to support people’s healing from generational trauma to achieve health, safety, connection, and self-determination.

Connect with Vichi on LinkedIn

Resources:

• ruralopportunity.org
• [email protected]
• @ruralopportunity on Instagram

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AI is certainly a hot topic right now, and the focus is primarily on using the tools to save time and increase productivity. However, ethics and privacy concerns apply to any and all uses of AI. In this episode, my guest is Kim Snyder, VP of Data Strategy at RoundTable Technology. She leads us in a discussion of the specifics of ethics and privacy as they relate to generative AI.

We will cover essential safety practices for nonprofits using or considering generative AI, which includes the crucial step of developing an AI policy. Kim walks us through her AI Acceptable Use Policy template and how even small nonprofits can get started.

About Kim Snyder

RoundTable Technology is dedicated to creating a roadmap for companies to succeed through technology. Kim fits right in with over 20 years of experience with data systems, business analysis and change management, not to mention accolades as an Agile Coach, a certified PMP (Project Management Professional) and a ACP (Agile Certified Professional). Kim has recently completed the CIPP/US certification as an Information Privacy Professional.

Kim is definitely a people person. Her true passion lies in empowering nonprofit professionals to navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of data and technology in the workplace. With a keen focus on data governance, privacy, compliance, and security, Kim has recently ventured into introducing the nonprofit sector to the transformative potential of artificial intelligence.

Connect with Kim Snyder on LinkedIn

Resources:

• Dr. Fei Fei Li - Author of The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI and Co-Director of Stanford University’s Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)
• Dr. Joy Buolamwini - Author of Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What is Human in a World of Machines and Founder and Artist-in-Chief at the Algorithmic Justice League
• Ethan Mollick - Author of One Useful Thing on Substack

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

In this episode, Julia Campbell sits down with Wendy Mercurio, the Content and Education Specialist at Qgiv, to discuss the top fundraising trends to watch for in 2024. They cover five exciting emerging trends, including AI in fundraising, recurring donors and giving flexibility, peer-to-peer fundraising, unconventional donors, and digital wallets for easy payments. Wendy shares insights and practical tips on how nonprofits can leverage these trends to create more impact and improve their fundraising efforts.

Key Takeaways:

1. AI in fundraising can make the lives of fundraisers easier by automating tasks like thank-you emails and donor notifications.
2. Recurring donors and giving flexibility are essential for meeting donors where they are financially and increasing donor retention.
3. Peer-to-peer fundraising is an effective acquisition tool that can attract new donors and increase brand awareness.
4. Unconventional donors, such as local celebrities and Gen Z, can have a significant impact on fundraising efforts and should not be overlooked.
5. Digital wallets offer convenience and ease of use for donors, and nonprofits should accept digital wallet payments to meet donor preferences and increase conversion rates.

Awesome Quotes:

• "AI in fundraising is super exciting. We can implement simple tools to make the lives of fundraisers a little bit easier." - Wendy Mercurio
• "Recurring giving is an amazing way to meet donors where they are financially and increase donor retention." - Wendy Mercurio
• "Peer-to-peer fundraising can expand our organization's outreach and attract new donors." - Wendy Mercurio
• "Unconventional donors, like local celebrities and Gen Z, can increase brand awareness and have a significant impact on fundraising efforts." - Wendy Mercurio
• "Digital wallets for nonprofits are quickly becoming a necessity to meet donor preferences and increase conversion rates." - Wendy Mercurio

Learn more from QGiv:
https://go.qgiv.com/research-study-subscription

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Video is a critical tool in a nonprofit fundraising and marketing plan. Video storytelling can bring a nonprofit mission to life, fostering emotional connections. Visual narratives engage audiences, making complex issues relatable, driving empathy, and compelling action. Video's shareability amplifies impact, reaching wider audiences and enhancing donor engagement.

My guest this week is Rachel Jellinek, the President of Reflection Films, Inc., a WBENC-certified woman-owned video production company. Rachel gives tips on how to start the video process, how to ensure participant understanding and agency during unscripted film shoots, and valuable advice for anyone looking to embark on their video storytelling journey.

She also shares her innovative three P's framework—pride, possibility, and purpose—that guides organizations to depict their narratives with authenticity and impact.

About Rachel Jellinek

Rachel Jellinek (she/her) is the President of Reflection Films, Inc., a WBENC-certified woman-owned video production company. Reflection Films does video storytelling and content creation for a variety of mission-driven organizations. They do filming and animation, typically for a fundraising, marketing, training or tribute purpose. Reflection Films is based in Boston and films in other places as well.

Prior to Reflection Films, Rachel worked at several nonprofits focused on public health and education. She has served as a health educator for youth and adults and as a director of a literacy program. Rachel holds a BA from the University of Michigan and an MA from Harvard University. In her free time, she enjoys bird watching and playing the banjo.

Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn.

Resources:

• https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Loggerhead_Shrike/id#
• https://r-films.com

Are you heading into 2024 with fundraising tools that make your job easier? Today's sponsor Qgiv can help! Over 20,000 fundraisers trust Qgiv to help them raise more money and improve their fundraising events. Visit www.jcsocialmarketing.com/qgiv to get a custom walkthrough of the platform and a free "This Is My Fundraising Shirt" t-shirt.

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Today, we're diving deep into the intersection of nonprofits and the digital influence world. Joining us is the innovative Ashwath Narayanan, CEO of Social Currant, who is championing a groundbreaking approach to amplifying social causes. Ashwath recognized a crucial gap in the way nonprofits connect with digital-savvy youth and decided to bridge it with an incredible platform that teams up nonprofit missions with the dynamic power of content creators and influencers.

About Ashwath Narayanan

Ashwath is the founder and CEO of Social Currant, an emerging platform that aims to help passionate creators pair with nonprofits to help spread awareness and impact. They specialize in connecting nonprofit groups to influencers on TikTok, Instagram (focusing on its TikTok-like Reels video feature) and other social media platforms.

About Social Currant

Matching nonprofits, impact organizations (b-corps, startups) & CSR initiatives with the right creators to run influencer marketing campaigns. Their platform analyzes creators and ensures organizations work with the right fit.

Read article: On Tiktok, Knitting, Rapping, and Promoting the Child Tax Credit

Are you heading into 2024 with fundraising tools that make your job easier? Today's sponsor Qgiv can help! Over 20,000 fundraisers trust Qgiv to help them raise more money and improve their fundraising events. Visit www.jcsocialmarketing.com/qgiv to get a custom walkthrough of the platform and a free "This Is My Fundraising Shirt" t-shirt.

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Are you heading into 2024 with fundraising tools that make your job easier? Today's sponsor Qgiv can help! Over 20,000 fundraisers trust Qgiv to help them raise more money and improve their fundraising events. Visit www.jcsocialmarketing.com/qgiv to get a custom walkthrough of the platform and a free "This Is My Fundraising Shirt" t-shirt.

It seems to be a common struggle in nonprofit organizations - the complaints about recruiting qualified staff, keeping great talent, and increasing diversity in a sector where more than 80 percent of nonprofit board members are white (BoardSource).

However, this may be that these leaders are focusing efforts and energies on external strategies without first assessing internal efforts. They tend to blame specific employees or larger issues because it is easier than holding themselves accountable.

My guest today is Jonathan Meagher-Zayas, MSW, MPA, CFRE, CDP. Jonathan is a Queer Latinx Millennial nonprofit strategist dedicated to addressing equity issues, building capacity, engaging the community, motivating new impact leaders, and getting stuff done.

In a recent article for Community-Centric Fundraising, Jonathan discusses his experiences with racism and discrimination as a fundraiser, and presents the argument that “the real reason nonprofits continue to fail at staff retention and equity initiatives is that they refuse to address their oppression.”

In this episode, Jonathan and I discuss:

• Jonathan’s history as a fundraiser in the sector that led him to leave three full-time jobs due to traumatic experiences.
• Ways that nonprofits can actually make progress in these areas
• How to acknowledge the ways in which oppression shows up in nonprofit organizations
• How leaders can focus on strategies leading to equitable outcomes.

Connect with Johnathan on LinkedIn

Resources:

• Equity Warrior Strategies | Instagram
• THE REAL REASON NONPROFITS CAN’T KEEP GREAT STAFF AND 5 STRATEGIES WITH EQUITY OUTCOMES | Article
• Equity Warrior Strategies | Website
• Ardent Group
• Cause Effective

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Do you want to raise more money and connect with more supporters this Giving Tuesday, and throughout the entire giving season? Then check out Givebutter! Givebutter is ranked as the #1 software for fundraising, donor management, and auctions on G2, the largest independent software review site. And the best part? Givebutter's all-in-one fundraising platform is completely free to use—forever! Just go to jcsocialmarketing.com/givebutter to create your account and you could win a free campaign marketing review session with me and the Givebutter team!

Click here to get Karen's list of strategic questions, as mentioned in the episode.

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, host Julia Campbell engages in a conversation with Karen E. Osborne, a seasoned professional in the nonprofit sector and a suspense/mystery writer. The discussion delves into strategic thinking, creativity, philanthropy, and the future of fundraising.

Karen shares her journey into the nonprofit world, emphasizing the commonality of people stumbling into the profession and the importance of building a network and seeking guidance. The conversation then shifts to strategic thinking, where Karen defines it as the ability to anticipate, look ahead, find opportunities, and consider external factors. She highlights the detrimental impact of silos on strategic thinking within organizations and emphasizes the value of curiosity and information gathering.

The conversation touches on Karen's dual role as a writer, sharing her creative process and the inspiration behind her novels. For small nonprofits, Karen recommends building a strong, active board, focusing on impactful stewardship, investing in good software, and continuous learning.

The episode concludes with a reminder to stay curious, continuously learn, and avoid complacency. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into strategic thinking, creativity, and effective practices for nonprofits, offering a wealth of knowledge for both seasoned professionals and those new to the sector.

Connect with Karen Osborne on Instagram

Featured article: What are you reading? What are you writing?

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Do you want to raise more money and connect with more supporters this Giving Tuesday, and throughout the entire giving season? Then check out Givebutter! Givebutter is ranked as the #1 software for fundraising, donor management, and auctions on G2, the largest independent software review site. And the best part? Givebutter's all-in-one fundraising platform is completely free to use—forever! Just go to jcsocialmarketing.com/givebutter to create your account and you could win a free campaign marketing review session with me and the Givebutter team!

Building a culture of philanthropy is crucial for the success and sustainability of a nonprofit organization.

With an impressive 14 years in campaign development, brand awareness, and data analysis, Maria Shanley shares invaluable insights about building a culture of philanthropy, teamwork, marketing and fundraising, and donor communications in the pursuit of campaign success.

Maria reflects on her journey from starting as a social media manager to leading two teams at Second Harvest Food Bank. She shares her experiences dealing with unexpected disasters and their impact on fundraising, debunking the myth of donor fatigue, and success stories from the "This is Food" campaign.

Connect with Maria Shanley on LinkedIn

Featured article: Maria Shanley of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida On The Book That Changed Her Life

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