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Indirect Rates Directly Affect Everything You Do

12/9/2019

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Just the other day I was researching how best to promote our upcoming workshop on calculating indirect rates (you can check it out here).  Like all good marketers, I was googling stuff. I came across this online “dictionary” definition of what indirect costs are:

Overhead costs are an unavoidable part of running a nonprofit. These expenses are necessary to operate your nonprofit, even if they don't specifically relate to your cause. It is important to address your overhead spending; every dollar spent on operating costs is a dollar not being used for your mission.

Whoa…whoa…whoa.

Now, right off the bat two things bothered me about this definition. (Well, a lot did but for your reading’s sake I’ll narrow it down to two.)

  1. They say the word “unavoidable.”  As though, the fact that nonprofits need electricity, buildings, a human resources department and financial staff to run the place is just so unfortunate. 
  2. The statement “even if they don’t specifically relate to your cause.”  Now wait just a minute…let’s take one example of how ridiculous that statement is... how can a human resources department that finds your staff, trains them, ensures they meet certification or regulation criteria, and helps them grow in the organization be seen as not relating directly to the cause. The human resources department has the vital role of helping to determine who is going to be providing the services.  Another example would be the space or the four walls your programs are delivered from within.  The epicenter of the cause.  Whether you own it or rent it, how does the very space your program occupies not relate specifically to the work you do and the mission? Now, before I upset people that are:
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  • required to determine indirect rates for their nonprofit
  • funders or grant managers who need to know this number as part of their funding assessment
  •  anyone that sees the validity of a nonprofit knowing and sharing its indirect costs

I have no problem with indirect costs and the reporting of them.  My eyes only started to roll while I was reading that “definition” because society as a whole insists on perpetuating the myth that these costs are evil and must be watched with suspicion because if they become too high the nonprofit must be chastised back into submission. 

I believe wholeheartedly in the need for nonprofits to track, monitor and report indirect costs to the public, to their funders…to anyone who wants to know what they are.  It is important that they know this information.  A good business needs to know what it truly takes to get the job done.  And, honestly, if we are thinking of investing in them or working for them, we should be asking them what those numbers are. 

But, in my eyes, I’d rather work or invest in a nonprofit that invests in itself.  One that knows that in order to provide a quality, world-changing service…you need to put the resources where they are needed.
 
I’ve worked within the nonprofit field for close to twenty years and, from the inside looking out, the view hasn’t changed much in how a nonprofit is expected to present themselves.  Years ago, there was an amazing TEDx presentation done by Dan Pelotta called “The Way We Think About Charity Is Dead Wrong.”  It is an amazing presentation and I strongly encourage you to watch it.  It challenges us to view nonprofits just like we would any other business and lights a fire under you to help be an instrument of change in how the world views the way a nonprofit should run. 
  
Oh, yeah…and don’t forget to register for our Negotiating and Calculating Indirect Rates for Grant Applications workshop coming up on January 7.
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VCMC's Summer Intern Says Goodbye with One Last Dose of Wisdom for Nonprofits!

9/2/2019

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Volunteer Center McHenry County was lucky enough to have Anthony Engle, now a senior at Jacobs High School, as our 2019 volunteer summer intern. Anthony's incredible work ethic, engaging personality and wise-beyond-his-years smarts made him an incredibly valuable asset to our team. As he finished his internship, he shared just one more piece of wisdom for our nonprofit readers on reaching student volunteers. Check out his blog post below!

By Anthony Engle
As summer ends and the thought of school looms over me, I'm not sad or disappointed, rather happy and excited. I go back to high school to enter my senior year on August 13th, and I will greatly remember this summer and everything I did – whether it was going on vacations, hanging out with friends, or my first internship at the Volunteer Center McHenry County.

This summer I decided I wanted to get some practical job experience and see what it would be like to work at a nonprofit. I contacted the Volunteer Center having heard about them online and seen their social media marketing on Instagram. I set up an interview and was able to learn more about the nonprofit and how they work I would do would transfer into valuable skills for me in the future.

I would've never thought I'd have learned so many preprofessional skills in such a short amount of time. It wasn’t anything that a class at my school would be able to teach me. I was able to learn how to make connections and professionally talk to others, whether it was through email, a phone call or face-to-face interaction. I learned about office programs and clerical work. I've helped design leadership programs and held discussions. I've learned how to find grant funding and how to create sustainable growth. All of this I hope to implement into service clubs at my school so we can have a larger impact on our community.

But the biggest takeaway was the importance of nonprofits, not just the big, international ones, but the small, local ones that create huge positive impacts in my own community. It's truly an enriching experience to be able to work with and intern for a nonprofit.

Believe it or not, many high school students want to get out there and do the same thing. One of the best ways to reach high school students is to create a social media presence on Instagram and Twitter – and use hashtags. We love them!

Lastly, feel free to contact schools. A lot of students are incredibly close with their teachers and counselors. If a counselor or teacher learns about a program or opportunity, they'll know students to contact that would have a genuine interest.

I'm so thankful for having the opportunity to intern this summer with a nonprofit. I'm so happy to have gained valuable skills and learned more about nonprofits in my community. 
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Volunteer Center McHenry County wants to extend a heartfelt thank you to Anthony for spending his summer with us! He made a huge impact on the community and our organization.
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Q&A: Be a Better Board Member

8/1/2019

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Being a nonprofit board member is a big job. There are a lot of roles and responsibilities to understand before you even attend your first meeting.

To help educate both new and experienced board members, we posed a number of important and frequently asked questions to Dr. Alicia Schatteman, the Acting Director at Northern Illinois University's Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies​ and one of the wonderful facilitators for our Board Excellence Program on August 24. 

Q: What is the top thing I need to understand before I commit to being part of a nonprofit board?
A: Do your skills, interests, and availability match what the organization needs right now?  The board president and most senior staff person should be able to articulate this to you before you join the board.  Organizations needs different board members at different times and for different reasons.  A good match makes all the difference.

Q: How do we recruit new board members?
A: Start with a profile of what kind of board member the organization needs, for example experience with capital campaigns or hiring the first executive director, then ask for recommendations in your community of people who match that profile.  Think outside of traditional networks of your existing board members, keeping in mind that you are looking for a board that is representative of your community’s demographics and commitment to the mission.  Identify prospective board members and then find people who are connected to them to make the introduction. 

Q: Is it okay if the Executive Director is also part of the board?
A: Typically it is best if the Executive Director is not part of the board since there are obvious conflicts of interest, such as performance evaluations and salary decisions.  Some nonprofit boards have the Executive Director as an ex-officio (non-voting) member.  Since there is not really a strong reason to have the ED on the board, I would suggest don’t do it.

Q: How much do I need to know about the day-to-day activities of the organization as a board member?
A: If the organization has paid staff, the day-to-day operations are left up to the most senior staff person of the organization.  Where it gets tricky is if the organization is all volunteer, and therefore the board may be more involved in the day-to-day operations.  Otherwise, hire the right executive director and then get out of his/her way to run the organization you hired him/her to run.  

Q: What should I do to prepare for each board meeting?
A: You need to have sufficient time and information to offer advice or make informed decisions during a board meeting.  Therefore, the agenda should clearly state what discussions and decisions are under consideration and provide the necessary information.  Ideally, board members should receive this information several days in advance to be fully prepared. 

Q: Should I be connecting with all staff members of the organization or just the E.D.?
A: The board (collectively) is responsible for hiring, evaluating, firing the ED but certainly board members can engage in conversations with other staff members, to get to know them, to understand their roles, but they are only directed by the ED.

Q: I don’t like asking people for money. Do I have to participate in fundraising?
A: Asking for money is only one step in the fundraising process, so volunteer to get involved in the other four steps!  Every board member should be engaged in at least one step in the process to grow a culture of philanthropy. 

Q: If our nonprofit organization dissolves, am I responsible for debts?
A: The board collectively has the legal and fiduciary responsibility for the organization while they serve as board members.  If the nonprofit cannot pay its creditors, the organization would first dissolve all assets (cash and physical assets) to pay any creditors.  If there is still remaining debt, the nonprofit could declare bankruptcy as well. 

A special thank you to Dr. Alicia Schatteman for sharing her wisdom with us.

To learn more about becoming a valuable board member for your nonprofit organization, register now for our Board Excellence Program on August 24!
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How To Start Live Streaming Video to Engage Your Nonprofit’s Audience on Social Media

7/3/2019

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...And You’re Live!

I’m sure you have heard the old saying “a picture is worth a thousand words.”  Well if that’s true, using video to share your organization’s message and mission is priceless!  The impact of using live streaming as part of your social media marketing strategy should not be discounted.  

What exactly does social media live streaming mean?  Live streaming lets you choose a platform to share what’s happening in real time with your audience, allowing you to engage and interact with them.  Maybe it’s a coat drive, an educational workshop or bowling fundraiser. Whatever it is live streaming lets you get that message out while the event is occurring.  
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A great example of this was the use of live streaming during the McHenry County Human Race.  Agencies shared their teams and promoted their brand while they were at the event on race day.

Why should you use video streaming?  Consider this: 65% of the population are visual learners.  They use resources like video to better understand what is being taught.  If you want folks to learn about your agency’s mission, programs, events, success stories and needs, what better way to do it than to show them via video!   

It’s a simple concept.  Select a streaming platform and go live.  But before you do, Christian Brink with AddThis Academy offers these tips for effective streaming:

1.    Know and understand your streaming platform options.   
  • Facebook Live:  Embedded within Facebook itself, Facebook Live is the most popular streaming platform.  For tips on using Facebook Live from Facebook itself, check out their best practices.
  • Instagram Live:  The second most popular platform, Instagram allows users to broadcast live and stores the video in your Instagram Stories.  When users broadcast live video streams on their accounts, a ring highlights their profile picture to alert followers that they can view the live stream. 
  • YouTube Live:  YouTube Live has caught on amongst a whole set of content creators. For more information on YouTube live, check out their FAQs.
 
2.    Live Your Brand.  Your brand defines who you are.  When going live, think of how what you show, or where you’re broadcasting from, and how it relates back to your core marketing mission.
 
3.    Make it Interactive.  Being live is all about being live.  Interact with your audience in-the-moment, whether it’s handing out promos on the street, running a quick Q&A session, or just chatting. 
You’re almost ready…here are a few tricks to make your live streaming successful:
  • Promote before you broadcast.  Let your audience know about upcoming live broadcasts.  Spread the word via your news feeds, websites, groups and other social media platforms.  
  • Prepare and practice.  Don’t just wing it.  Take time to find a good location with great lighting.  Be sure the audience will be able to hear you clearly without any background noise.  A practice run will let you make necessary adjustments before going live.
  • Be personable.  Relax and smile.  If you make a mistake, just keep going.  That’s the beauty of a live video!    
Now get out there and go LIVE!


For more video streaming tips and tricks, check out these resources: 
AddThis.com:  6 Tips for Live Streaming on Social Media
SocialMediaExaminer.com:  5 Tips for Better Facebook Live Broadcasts
GuideStar.org:  8 Ways Your Nonprofit Can Use Live-Streaming Video for Better Storytelling

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Looking for something fun and rewarding to do as a family… VOLUNTEER!

6/3/2019

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The hustle and bustle of everyday life can be overwhelming.  Today’s families are challenged with work, school, sports, music lessons, dance lessons, and the list goes on.  Some days it can be a challenge to share a meal together. So, with the craziness of day-to-day living, where does helping others and giving back to your community fit in?  How can you spend time together as a family unit, while still passing on the compassion of community service to your family?

Two words….family volunteering
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Family volunteering provides you with a unique opportunity to strengthen family bonds while at the same time helping in your community.  There are dozens of benefits to volunteering, including reducing stress, promoting a sense of gratitude, creating new relationships, and providing purpose.  These are all great things to share with family. But stop and consider the additional benefits family volunteering brings:

  • Strengthening your family’s values.
  • Increasing your quality time together.
  • Creating and developing ties to the community.
  • Experiencing teachable moments.
  • Creating and nurturing life-long volunteers.

Don’t let the thought of volunteering as a family overwhelm you.  First, start with identifying what you want the family to experience.  Is your goal to volunteer at a nonprofit’s special event or are you considering volunteering on a monthly basis?

Next, as a family discuss what causes are important to everyone and decide where your abilities and skills are best suited.  Be realistic on your skill sets. You want the family experience to be a positive one.
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Lastly, be honest about the time commitment your family can provide.  If two hours is the maximum amount of time your family has available, be sure you select a volunteering opportunity to fit that need.

There are hundreds of ways to volunteer.  Here are a few to consider:
  • Socializing animals at a local shelter.
  • Cleaning up a local park.
  • Collecting items for a local food pantry and stocking the shelves.
  • Spread cheer during the holidays by caroling at a hospital or senior center.
  • Collecting school supplies.
  • Write thank you cards for veterans.
  • Collecting pet supplies for a local shelter.
  • Sort through your family’s old books and give them new life by donating them.
  • Set up a lemonade stand and donate the profits to a local nonprofit
  • Visiting with seniors - adopt a “grandfriend”!
  • Handing out water during a 5K event.
  • Yard clean up for seniors or someone with a disability.

​Consider kicking off family volunteering with Albums of Hope.  This nonprofit works to lift the spirits of cancer patients during difficult times through the gift of completed photo albums filled with uplifting quotes and beautiful scenery photos.  Albums of Hope will be holding a family volunteering event on Wednesday, July 10th. All materials will be supplied for families to make a pocket-sized album for an adult and a child to be donated to one of the many organizations they collaborate with.  To learn more or to register for this event visit Family Fun Volunteering. 

Still looking for something else to fit your family’s needs.  The Volunteer Center can help.  The Volunteer Center has relationships already built with nonprofits and can help find the right opportunity for you.

  • Click and search for volunteer needs posted.
  • Email to schedule a time to talk in person or over the phone to arrange a volunteer placement for your family​.

Don’t think of volunteering as something else to cross off your to-do list.  Consider the value of sharing precious time with family and contributing to the well-being of your community.
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Board Members Wanted

5/1/2019

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Time to talk about your nonprofit’s board of directors.  Why are boards a necessary component of a nonprofit organization?  Who are the members that sit on the board? How does an organization find and recruit members?  Let’s take a look at why board members are such an integral part of your nonprofit.

To start with, any registered 501(c)(3) organization must have a board of directors.  Because this is a tax-exempt status, the IRS legally requires a board of directors. The board is responsible to ensure the nonprofit adheres to the legal, ethical, financial and practical guidelines established for the organization.

Board members should represent your nonprofit and do what’s needed to carry out your mission.  This includes recruiting new members, promoting the organization, advocating for your cause and fundraising.

Finding the right board members can be challenging.  It requires a hard look at what your organization’s needs are and how best to fill those roles.  BoardSource suggests recruiting board members with expertise in the following areas:
Financial Experts
  • To ensure that your board has enough financial expertise to provide meaningful oversight of the organization’s finances.
  • To bring a financial lens to strategic planning and decision-making.
Legal Experts
  • To ensure the board pays attention to relevant legal issues as a part of strategic planning and decision-making.
  • To provide guidance about when outside legal counsel might be necessary.
  • To help access pro-bono legal resources.
Advocacy Experts
  • To help your board think through how expanded board participation in advocacy could help support your mission.
  • To help connect your staff with key decision-makers.
Marketing Experts
  • To help the board think about your organization’s brand and identity as a part of its overall strategy.
  • To help think through strategies to improve outreach, increase access and leverage resources.
  • To help access pro-bono marketing resources.
HR Experts
  • To help the board apply HR best practices in its management of the the organization’s leadership.
  • To bring a human resources lens to strategic planning and decision-making, including talent and change management.
  • To help the board manage itself and its own talent.
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Understanding why you need a board of directors and identifying specific needs are only part of the process.  Now to find them! That’s a huge undertaking. Here are a few options to consider for recruiting potential members:
  • Volunteer Center McHenry County:  Join VCMC and take advantage of the many benefits membership offers.  This includes the ability to post and share the organization’s board membership needs.  VCMC markets these needs via the website but also through social media and e-news. Visit VCMC to learn more.
  •  Recruit from your existing volunteer pool:  Volunteers already know your story and support your mission.  Ask if they might be interested in a different type of volunteer role.
  • Network with colleagues:  Don’t be afraid to reach out to colleagues with other nonprofits and ask if they have anyone they could recommend.  They may have knowledge of young professionals in the community looking for the experience of being part of a nonprofit board.   
  • Take recommendations and nominations from current board members:  Part of each board members responsibilities should be actively recruiting and vetting potential new members.  They understand best what your organization might need.
  • Identify supporters with a personal connection to your cause:  Folks with first-hand view of your organization might provide a diverse perspective to the board.
Visit BoardEffect for more tips on board member recruiting.

Don’t let board member recruiting intimidate you.  A carefully developed recruiting plan will serve you well.

Still needing additional guidance.  Check out these excellent online resources.   
·         National Council of Nonprofits
·         BoardSource
·         BoardEffect

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Community of Support for the McHenry County Human Race

4/1/2019

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What do the words Human Race make you think about?  Do they evoke visions of all living human inhabitants on the earth?  Or do you visualize a competition between runners and walkers with a common goal of crossing a finish line?  What about the words McHenry County? Do they cause you to consider the over 300,000 people that live here, making it one of the ten most populous counties in Illinois? 

In 2009, the idea of combining these things together to promote volunteerism and nonprofit awareness was created and the McHenry County Human Race was born.

​The 5K family fun race began as a fundraising event with nonprofit agencies establishing teams of walkers and runners while raising funds to support their missions.  

Since the first race in 2011, over $580,000 has been raised to benefit McHenry County nonprofits.  While the event continues to raise funds, it has also evolved into much more. The event pulls together community spirit of family, friendship, fun and hope.  

Rebecca Stiemke, Executive Director for the Volunteer Center McHenry County and event sponsor, says, “The Human Race is an important tool to help the community see how essential our nonprofits are. These nonprofits are creating a healthy community. They are giving hope to individuals and families.” 

Any 501 (c) nonprofit organization serving McHenry County is welcome to participate and can register on the Volunteer Center’s website.  To date, there are over 69 nonprofits that are race-day ready.  

​Annually, the event draws in over 1,000 walkers, runners and volunteers. This year, even those who would rather “Hit the Snooze”, than walk or run can participate!  Event participants can register online through the Volunteer Center.   


Here are a few reasons why nonprofits participating in the event need our support:
1.  Feed the hungry
2.  Support programs for children & families
3.  Offer housing support Provide services for the elderly
4.  Grow arts programs
5.  Ensure services for those with disabilities
6.  Promote literacy & education programs
7.  Offer assistance to veterans & their families
​And so much more! 


Not a runner or a walker?  How about volunteering for the event?  It takes over 160 volunteers to ensure the event runs smoothly.  There’s something for everyone: race day registrations, taking pictures, handing out race packets and so much more. Click here to see what volunteer opportunities sound fun to you! 

Every year on the 4th Sunday of April, make plans to be someone’s hero and join the
McHenry County Human Race movement to promote and support your favorite nonprofit.  Become part of your community to make a difference and positively impact those in need!
 


For more information on the 2019 McHenry County Human Race, please visit mchumanrace.org.

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The 7 People You Should Be Thanking (And 27 Ways to Do It)

3/1/2019

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In the nonprofit world, we survive on the generosity of our donors, volunteers, staff, and everyone else who contributes to our organization. Without the time and money they give, we wouldn’t be able to create change and better our community.

But as we dive passionately into mission-based work each day, sometimes those pesky little tasks–like saying thanks–fall to the wayside.

It’s time to move gratitude to the top of your to-do list! Here are the top seven people you need to show appreciation to regularly and why:

1. Volunteers
Volunteers are the backbone of nearly every nonprofit organization. They keep things running and do so for free. Did you know that just one volunteer hour is valued at $24.69 according to Independent Sector? So for every 20 hours a volunteer commits to your organization, you’re saving nearly $500. If that’s not worth saying thank you, we’re not sure what is.

Betty Stallings, the professional who set the standard for volunteer management best practices (which we teach in our annual Volunteer Management Certification workshops) says, “Recognition needs to be considered an integral part of a total management philosophy that continually seeks to notice and value individual contributions.” What she’s saying here is that it’s not optional. Gratitude is a required part of volunteer management.

Stallings also explains that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on gifts or annual dinners. She believes “meaningful recognition is the myriad ways we formally and informally say ‘I noticed’ and ‘thank you.’”

2. Individual Donors
Saying thank you is an incredible relationship builder. Forbes noted a study indicating that “thanking a new acquaintance makes them more likely to seek an ongoing relationship.” When building your donor base, taking the extra time to say thank you (and not just when you get a check in the mail) will help to develop deeper relationships.

Donor researcher Penelope Burk found through her survey of donors that “24% of respondents who have received what they would term as an ‘exceptional’ thank you letter made a more generous gift the next time.” Taking the time to create a personalized and meaningful thank you is certainly worth the ROI.

Plus, according to the book New Horizons in Arts, Heritage, Nonprofit and Social Marketing, “a 10% improvement in attrition can yield up to a 200% increase in projected value.” That’s right, folks. If you can change 10% of your one-time donors into repeat givers, you could make up to 200% more money through things like planned gifts, recommendations to friends and family, and increases in donation amounts.

3. Funders
Like individual donors, funders’ contributions are vital in keeping a nonprofit organization running smoothly. Some funders may prefer their contribution remains anonymous to the public while others don’t mind if you share. It’s important to ask their preference and acknowledge their gift in whatever way they prefer. Recognizing their funding properly shows helps build credibility and trust between your organization and the funder.

In our recent NIU-partnered workshop, Grant Compliance: Following the Directions featuring grant writer Bob Marovich, the class was encouraged to think of thanking funders as part of the compliance process. It’s a must-be-done, not a nice-to-do. Marovich said to remember that funders have goals, too. You are helping them reach their goals by doing your mission-based work. Go beyond the initial thank you letter and truly celebrate the funder and their gift by showing them the impact their funding has had on your cause and your clients. They might thank you right back.

4. Partners
Developing and maintaining beneficial partnerships is so important in the nonprofit industry. And a bit of gratitude can go a long way in helping preserve those relationships. The previously mentioned article from Forbes also stated that “acknowledging other people’s contributions can lead to new opportunities.”

Showcasing how your organization’s partners have helped drive your mission will give them a reason to stay connected. Prove that you value their collaboration and that together you make a great team.

5. Clients
Obviously thanking a client during a call or visit is a pretty standard form of customer service, but it’s also okay to go above and beyond when expressing gratitude to the people you serve.

In a study published in Psychological Science, researchers had students (“expressers”) write thank you notes to peers who had an impact on their lives (“recipients”). They found that “although expressers predicted that the recipients would feel positively about the letter, recipients reported even more surprise and delight than what the senders expected. Moreover, expressers overestimated the awkwardness that the recipient would feel.” It’s not awkward, it’s appreciated.

6. Staff Members
In doing research based on Gallup statistics for their book How Full is Your Bucket, Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton, PhD found that “the number-one reason most Americans leave their jobs is that they don’t feel appreciated. In fact, 65% of people surveyed said they got no recognition for good work last year.”

We all know that in the nonprofit industry, every person wears multiple hats and pitches in to make the magic happen. It takes a special kind of employee to have that dedication to your organization and cause. Make sure your staff knows how important they are to your agency and how much you appreciate their hard work.

7. Yourself
Yes, you! You work hard to change the world. Take time to show yourself some appreciation. Slow down, unplug, and maybe use some of that vacation time. You deserve it.

27 Great Ways to Say Thanks
We’ve talked about who we need to thank, so now let’s dive into the how. Here are some ideas to get you started, but be creative! Do something fun and unexpected.
  1. Have a celebratory round of hot chocolate in the break room after completing a big project.
  2. Leave a note of gratitude on someone’s desk.
  3. Showcase someone in your newsletter or on social media.
  4. Write a handwritten thank you note.
  5. Bring a special treat to the office, like cupcakes, candy, or anything else delightfully unhealthy.
  6. Start your day off with a round of applause for someone who’s working hard.
  7. Do a mini-photo shoot with employees and put their updated headshots on your website’s staff page.
  8. Buy someone an inexpensive gift that reflects their personality or interests.
  9. Share a creative infographic showcasing your agency’s impact.
  10. Share some “swag” with your agency logo on it.
  11. Interview someone about their contribution in a Facebook LIVE.
  12. Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones.
  13. Bring your pet to work to get everyone’s tail wagging.
  14. Get out into the community as a team and volunteer for another great nonprofit for a few hours.
  15. Send a funny meme or gif that shows your gratitude.
  16. Give someone a VIP Parking spot for a week.
  17. Showcase the impact someone is having through a picture- or storybook and share it with them.
  18. Ask for and take feedback. Show that you’re listening and you care.
  19. Have a board member make a thank you call.
  20. Pass a small VMP trophy to a new person around the office each week.
  21. Create a fun (and very positive) superlative for all of your volunteers.
  22. Frame a photo of someone doing great things for your organization.
  23. Make a video of clients sharing their stories or expressing their gratitude.
  24. Send a text just saying thanks.
  25. Offer to pay for a professional development workshop.
  26. Send your annual report with a small, personal note of thanks.
  27. And finally, SAY THANK YOU EVERY DAY. Yes, this is on the list. We added it because it’s easy to overlook, but the simple fact is that saying thank you every day is the cheapest, fastest, and best way to show your appreciation.

What are some of your favorite ways to say thank you? Let us know in the comments!
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10 Nonprofit Podcasts to Follow in 2019

2/1/2019

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I have written about podcasts in the past, but these worthwhile resources are something to revisit.  New podcasts with new perspectives and new ideas are released every day. Here are ten for you to consider tapping into during 2019.

1. Video Marketing for Non-Profit Organizations
Host Don Gangnagel shares his knowledge, experience and opinions to help nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and governmental agencies create compelling videos with a purpose.

2. Power Purpose & Profit
Purpose Power and Profit is a deeper look at how to start, fund and grow a successful nonprofit business. Sherry Watson is one of the foremost experts in the world on nonprofits, having been one of the authors of the Americans With Disabilities Act, owner of six successful nonprofit corporations and consultant to thousands of nonprofit businesses.

3. Fundraising Secrets Show
Fundraising Secrets brings together the best in the nonprofit sector. Fundraising Secrets will share ideas, teach best practices, learn and listen to the fundraising needs of the nonprofit markets.

4. Nonprofit Startup Podcast
The Nonprofit Startup Podcast is a new podcast that documents the success and setbacks of launching a nonprofit. Chronicling Nerdy Media’s founder and executive, La Toia’s journey to become a social entrepreneur. There are many podcasts that explore the stories of technology, clothing or products startup, but what does it take to launch a nonprofit organization in the 21st century?

5. Tech & Tactics for Social Impact: Using the Whole Whale
We interview leading experts working in the field of technology and marketing that are working on using tech for social impact. The podcast explores what tech is working to create impact and how data is being used effectively within elite organizations. Past guests have included Google Analytics Chief Evangelist Avinash Kaushik, and digital experts from DoSomething.org, Kiva, The Environmental Defense Fund, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Donor's Choose and many others.

6. The Nonprofit Ally Podcast
Steve Vick from NonprofitAlly.com talks with nonprofit experts, board members and executive directors about social media strategies, capacity building, board of director development, fundraising and budgeting. This nonprofit podcast also includes tips on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, newsletters, website development, storytelling, blogging, fundraising, crowd funding and more.

7. Next in Nonprofits
Next in Nonprofits interviews nonprofit leaders and service providers to keep you up to date with the best ideas in social good.

8. The Cause Marketing Podcast
Stay up to date on all things cause marketing and corporate-nonprofit partnerships, including trends, tactics and need-to-know news. Join Joe Waters of SelfishGiving.com and Megan Strand of Engage For Good in this lively, educational weekly podcast!

9. Talking Talent
The official podcast of the Center for Workforce Innovation. The Center for Workforce Innovation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that provides cost-effective solutions to meet the workforce-related needs of their customers. Solutions range from building and maintaining broad-based partnerships to assisting individual organizations in creating targeted talent recruitment and retention strategies.

10. Nonprofit Leadership Podcast
The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast: Making Your World Better features discussions covering the most critical issues, trends and opportunities facing nonprofit leaders and those engaged in social innovation. Hosted by Dr. Rob Harter, in this podcast you will hear real stories from experienced leaders about what strategies and practices have made them successful. It is our hope that through this audio series, people can learn not only what it takes to be an effective nonprofit leader but to hear inspiring stories about people and organizations that are successfully making a positive impact in their communities.


What other nonprofit podcasts do you enjoy? Share them in the comments!

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New Year…. New FUNdraising Ideas

1/2/2019

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Happy New Year!  2019 is here and what better way to get it started than with putting together a list of 20 unique FUNdraising ideas.

There’s more to do than selling candy bars and popcorn.  Fundraising can be a daunting task for a nonprofit. Keeping donors interested and giving takes creativity!  Here are a few fun ideas to get you started.
  1. Pancake breakfast:  Get your entire agency involved with prepping, flipping pancakes and serving.  Work to have supplies donated and reap the profits.
  2. Chili cook-off:  Charge by the steamy, spicy bowl.  The more entries the better.
  3. Food truck rodeo:  Locate a parking lot, a permit, and a handful of local food trucks willing to attend.  Charge for entrance, and the food trucks can still charge their normal prices inside.
  4. Agency recipe book:  Recruit clients, board members, volunteers and their families to share their favorite recipes and pull them together for an agency recipe book.
  5. Escape Room rally:  The escape room experience is hot right now.  Pull together teams to compete against one another for a prize.  Entrance fees can be donated to your agency.
  6. Yoga with animals:  Host puppies or kittens for an animal-themed yoga class.  Team up with a local animal shelter who will provide the animals to help spread awareness of their own cause.
  7. Workout class fundraiser:  Recruit your local fitness center to host and help promote your fundraiser. Charge an extra fee for entrance to this special one-time class with everyone’s favorite instructor.
  8. Board game tournament:  Establish teams for some healthy competition.  Make it fun with team themes and costumes.
  9. Activity marathon:  Dream up an activity volunteers can try to do for 24 straight hours, and stream it live.  Dance or roller-skating marathons are a couple of variations to try.
  10. Texas Hold'Em Poker tournament:  Get the fun started by pulling together poker tables, poker chips, dealers and players.  Once the hands are dealt the fun begins.
  11. Seedling sale:  Set up in a well-traveled area to sell seedlings of plants or trees.
  12. Plant a community garden:  Invite those with a green thumb to come together and plant a community garden to benefit at-risk communities.
  13. Paint and Sip:  Grab a canvas to paint, have a sip to drink and bring on the FUN.
  14. Yard sale:  Collect gently worn clothes, home goods, or collectibles and host a yard sale. To generate buzz around the event, take pictures of the items and post them on social media.  Use live streaming to pull in more customers.
  15. Dodgeball Tournament:  Have each team fundraise a certain amount to participate and come geared up for some serious dodging.
  16. Fundraising bracelets:  Work with a local designer to craft a bracelet and sell them for the cause.  Be sure the design represents your organization and what it stands for.
  17. 5K Run/Walk: Join the McHenry County Human Race.  This race is a great family fun community event that allows participants to choose which organization will receive the proceeds of their race fee and any fundraising they choose to do. Plus, there are extra cash prizes for the agencies with the most runners, best hero costumes, and more!
  18. Give It Up:  The smallest donation can make a difference.  Ask fundraisers to give up a daily beverage or meal and donate the money they would have spent to a worthwhile cause instead.
  19. Bingo:  Everybody LOVES Bingo!  Charge an entry fee in order to raise money for your fundraiser, or charge per game.
  20. Chores for Charity:  Nobody likes doing chores.  But if you have a group of families, business partnerships or community members willing to donate their time and talent in exchange for donations to your nonprofit, then you have a great handyman/chores services fundraiser.    
Whichever event you choose make it your own and don’t forget to make it FUN!  Find more unique fundraising ideas at 100 Unique Fundraising Ideas That Actually Work.

Fundraisers are the catalysts of change. – Unknown
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    Laurie Bivona

    Program & Outreach Director for VCMC  

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