Episodios

  • Nonprofit Spending Chaos? Track Every Dollar Without Losing Your Mind!
    Jul 22 2025

    If you've ever worked in a nonprofit and found yourself fronting expenses on your personal credit card, you're not alone—and you're definitely not doing it wrong. But there's a better way. Our host sat down with GiveFront.com , to unpack how nonprofits can modernize the way they manage spending, reimbursements, and financial oversight.

    Founder of GiveFront, Matt Tengtrakool, brings a unique dual lens to the discussion: one from years of hands-on experience running and managing nonprofit finances, and another from building financial technology designed specifically for the sector. His message is clear—nonprofits deserve modern tools to track spending, reduce fraud risk, streamline compliance, and eliminate burdensome reimbursement systems.

    He explains that many organizations still operate with a single credit card passed around among staff—a system ripe for errors, delays, and a lack of accountability. GiveFront provides an alternative: customizable, trackable virtual cards that make it easy for even volunteers to make approved purchases. “You want to allow people to spend for your organization, but you also want control,” Matt explains. “And having the systems set up from the start is extremely important.”

    The conversation covers common friction points between program teams and finance departments, shedding light on how better spend management can actually strengthen relationships across departments. Host Julia Patrick and Matt explore the psychological side of transparency, the real costs of missing receipts, and the ripple effects of poor policy enforcement.

    Matt also shares how sales tax refunds—often ignored due to their complexity—can recapture up to 10% of an organization’s spending. With GiveFront’s built-in tools, nonprofits in states like North Carolina and Utah can automatically generate sales tax refund documentation without drowning in paperwork.

    The episode wraps with practical advice: adopt a spend management platform, train your team on internal financial policies, and revisit those policies regularly. Because managing money well isn’t just about spreadsheets—it’s about trust, clarity, and making sure every dollar does the most good.

    00:00:00 Introduction and Matt’s background
    00:01:27 Why reimbursements are outdated
    00:03:15 Volunteer spending made easier
    00:05:12 How nonprofits currently use credit cards
    00:06:36 Digital wallets and virtual cards
    00:07:38 Receipt tracking and compliance challenges
    00:10:01 The hidden cost of $10 transactions
    00:10:55 Fraud prevention and virtual card use
    00:13:17 Bridging the gap between finance and programs
    00:17:56 Sales tax refunds and real savings
    00:22:00 Policy clarity and spend management best practices

    #TheNonprofitShow #SpendManagement #NonprofitFinance

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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
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    29 m
  • Flight Paths for All: Breaking Down Barriers in Aviation
    Jul 21 2025

    What if becoming a pilot wasn’t a dream reserved for the few—but a real career path for young people in underserved communities? In this inspiring conversation, Dana Donati, CEO of Breaking Down Barriers.org, shares how their aviation nonprofit is rewriting the narrative on who gets to fly.

    Founded by former American Airlines CEO Doug Parker and his wife, Gwen, Breaking Down Barriers takes flight training and mentorship directly into Dallas communities where aviation has historically been out of reach. From first-grade classrooms to community colleges, Dana and her team spark interest in aviation careers early—well before the traditional fork-in-the-road moments of college or military service.

    Dana explains, “Becoming a pilot is expensive. So sometimes that automatically pushes out the group of people that have the skill, just don’t have the financial means.” That’s where Breaking Down Barriers steps in—with scholarships, mentorship, and ongoing support that go beyond one-time transactions. Students sign a promise on day one: not just to succeed, but to return and uplift others in their community.

    In a sector facing a massive talent gap, especially post-pandemic, this model isn’t just feel-good—it’s workforce development at its finest. Dana outlines how they rotate mentors every three months to give students exposure to multiple professionals and expand their aviation networks—replacing outdated “lifelong mentor” models with something more agile and sustainable.

    This conversation goes beyond aviation. It becomes a blueprint for how nonprofits can foster generational change by focusing on access, exposure, and reinvestment. From field trips to local airports to connecting aviation with brands kids already know—McDonald's, John Deere, Disney—Dana's team finds innovative ways to plant seeds of possibility.

    For nonprofits wrestling with how to reach and shape future professionals, Breaking Down Barriers offers more than a flight path—it offers a runway.

    00:00:00 Welcome and Introduction
    00:01:37 What Breaking Down Barriers Does
    00:02:39 Addressing the Pilot Shortage
    00:04:08 Aviation Career Pathways Beyond the Military
    00:06:27 Identifying and Removing Career Barriers
    00:07:58 The Cost Barrier and Financial Support
    00:08:32 The Power of Mentorship and Networking
    00:10:17 Rotating Mentors to Build Aviation Networks
    00:11:47 Strategic Partnerships and Fundraising
    00:14:21 Students Pledging to Give Back
    00:16:19 Dana’s Personal Aviation Origin Story
    00:20:24 Capturing and Sharing Student Success Stories
    00:22:54 The Role of Workforce Development in Education
    00:24:53 How to Inspire Young Students Toward Aviation

    #TheNonprofitShow #AviationAccess #FutureWorkforce

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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

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    28 m
  • Fundraising in Times of Chaos: It Starts with Your Mindset
    Jul 16 2025

    In a climate charged with political unpredictability, donor hesitancy, and organizational fatigue, Peter Heller, CEO and Founder of Heller Fundraising Group, returns to offer clear-headed perspective on what nonprofits should be doing now—not later. Drawing from decades of experience in higher education and over 20 years guiding capital campaigns and feasibility studies, Peter brings both context and calm to a sector feeling increasingly unsettled.

    Fundraising is never easy, Peter reminds us. But right now, it’s especially daunting. Some organizations are facing existential uncertainty, while others are tempted to pull back entirely. “Even if we stopped talking right now,” Peter says, “and people went away with this one idea: wake up in the morning and believe that you and your nonprofit deserve that money—that mindset alone can shift your entire trajectory.”

    Throughout the conversation, Peter offers a compelling blend of strategic realism and aspirational leadership. His guidance is rooted in both emotional alignment and actionable frameworks: acknowledge the difficulty, reaffirm your mission, and keep going. He warns against reactive messaging rooted in fleeting political tides and instead urges organizations to craft campaigns around timeless, hopeful visions that inspire long-term support.

    One of the episode’s most striking moments comes when Peter recounts the Ossining Children’s Center’s $18 million capital campaign. Despite losing their board presidents, navigating the death of a lead donor, and facing pandemic-related hurdles, they built a beautiful childcare facility now serving a vibrant, diverse community. It’s not just a story of resilience—it’s a blueprint for bold action in the face of fear.

    Julia Patrick (Show host) and Peter explore why now is precisely the moment for brave leadership—especially from boards. They discuss the board dynamics that can either stall or accelerate progress, and why it’s okay if those unwilling to commit step aside. As Peter puts it, “You need a core group who believe—and aren’t just dreaming, but working toward something achievable.”

    This thoughtful dialog challenges the nonprofit sector to step into its power, maintain donor relationships through both silence and conversation, and embrace mission-driven fundraising as a moral imperative rather than a burdensome chore. Whether you’re in the middle of a campaign, contemplating one, or simply trying to stay upright, this conversation offers clarity, encouragement, and a seasoned perspective on how to move forward with confidence.

    Find us Live daily on YouTube!

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    Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_Show

    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

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    29 m
  • From $10K to $10M: Growing Nonprofit Assets Over Time
    Jul 15 2025

    The Chief Investment Officer at Christian Brothers Services, Steve Sliwinski, offers a highly approachable yet technically sound guide to nonprofit investment strategy. With decades of financial experience and dual designations as CFA and CAIA, Steve breaks down how organizations—regardless of size—can begin managing and growing their financial assets responsibly.

    From policy benchmarking and committee structure to modern investment tools and trends like IP transfers and crypto, Steve’s insights will help demystify what can often be an intimidating subject. This episode is a must-watch for boards, CFOs, and executive leaders seeking clarity on how to begin—or refine—their investment approach.

    The discussion begins with a history of Christian Brothers Services, which evolved from a cooperative model among Catholic schools into a nationwide provider of retirement, insurance, and investment services for thousands of institutions. This story serves as an example of scalable collaboration and strategic vision, offering NPO’s a compelling model for shared resource management.

    Steve explains that waiting for a major windfall to begin investing is outdated thinking. “It’s certainly not out of reach to create a well-diversified portfolio with under $100,000,” he shares, emphasizing that even small recurring contributions—like payroll-deducted retirement savings—can grow into substantial assets over time. The message: nonprofits don’t need to be large to think long-term.

    Much of the conversation centers around the role of the investment committee. Steve offers a fresh take, stating that technical expertise isn’t always necessary. What matters most is “a long-term orientation and strategic mindset.” Ideal committee size? Three to seven individuals with high-level focus, not necessarily financial professionals.

    The conversation, with host Julia Patrick, continues into policy development and investment alignment with mission. Steve discusses how ESG (environmental, social, governance) or values-based screening—once costly—is now affordable and feasible even for small organizations. He encourages nonprofits to create an investment policy document in partnership with a consultant or a platform like Vanguard or Fidelity to ensure thoughtful, repeatable decision-making. He stresses the importance of sticking with the strategy through market fluctuations: “Set the policy at the beginning, know why it exists, and abide by it—especially in difficult times.”

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    Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_Show

    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

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    30 m
  • AI vs. Human: Nonprofit Hiring Practices in 2025
    Jul 14 2025

    What happens when artificial intelligence collides with nonprofit hiring? Katie Warnock, CEO and Founder of Staffing Boutique, brings over two decades of recruitment wisdom to unpack the evolving world of nonprofit staffing—where AI, automation, and applicant tracking systems are rapidly reshaping the game.

    From resume reviews to video interviews scored by machines, Katie walks us through what’s real, what’s useful, and what still absolutely needs a human touch. She describes AI as a powerful tool—but not a one-size-fits-all solution.

    She shares how AI can now instantly generate candidate pipelines, automate scheduling, and send emails with the ease of a few clicks. But for seasoned recruiters like Katie, there's hesitation: trust and nuance still matter. And for organizations hiring in the nonprofit space, personality and mission alignment can't be faked—no matter how good your chatbot is.

    This episode also explores the do’s and don’ts of keyword optimization, especially for nonprofit resumes. Katie gets specific about how grant writers, development staff, and even tech candidates should tailor their resumes for today’s smart hiring systems. Generic titles like “fundraiser” or “event planner”? Not enough. Think: gala, silent auction, CRM platform, institutional giving.

    But perhaps most eye-opening is Katie’s reflection on the new loop: AI-powered interviews are becoming so common that some candidates now use AI to answer questions during the interview—prompting some companies to head back to in-person hiring. “There has to be some sort of reversal,” Katie warns. “How do you even trust that a resume was written by the person who actually did the job?”

    This is a refreshingly candid, real-world conversation about modern hiring challenges in the nonprofit sector. You’ll walk away with smarter strategies, tech tools to explore (or avoid), and a renewed appreciation for the irreplaceable value of human connection.

    00:00:00 Welcome and guest introduction
    00:01:20 What Staffing Boutique does
    00:03:50 AI enters nonprofit hiring
    00:04:20 Understanding applicant tracking systems (ATS)
    00:05:50 AI vs. human recruitment skills
    00:07:00 Automating interviews and follow-ups
    00:09:00 Why resume keywords matter
    00:12:00 AI video interviews and ethics
    00:14:45 Human touch vs. automation
    00:17:30 LinkedIn Recruiter and candidate scoring
    00:20:40 How AI tools can fake resumes
    00:23:40 The case for returning to in-person hiring
    00:27:00 Final thoughts and sector outlook

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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

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    29 m
  • Modern Fundraising Starts Here: Tech Can Save You Time & Raise More
    Jul 11 2025

    This fast episode plants more than a few seeds—it digs deep into the fertile soil of fundraising tech and AI, showing nonprofit leaders how to embrace new tools without fear or being overwhelmed.

    Co-host Julia Patrick opens with her signature energy: “It’s always a good day when I get to work with my cohost Tony Beall,” . . .and what follows is an energizing discussion around modernizing fundraising practices. The duo tackles AI not as a villain, but as a brilliant assistant. As Tony puts it: “AI is a tool, not a takeover.”

    From predictive analytics to donor segmentation, Tony outlines how AI empowers fundraisers to work smarter—not harder. He reminds us that AI “creates a tremendous opportunity for prospecting,” especially now that tools like ChatGPT are as common as Google searches.

    Julia reflects on how her organization embraced AI early on. “It has revolutionized the way we do business,” she says, underscoring (not literally!) how prompts, personas, and platform features help tailor messaging to diverse donor groups.

    Tony speaks to how “ChatGPT can help you refine messaging for different donor sets… it’s still your words, but it’s helping you shape the message.” He urges fundraisers to treat the tech as an editor—not a ghostwriter.

    They also dig into CRM evolution, with Julia commenting, “What we get today is not what we’ll have tomorrow.” Tony shares how CRM vendors are racing to integrate AI and support their users.

    The conversation rounds out with a focus on multi-generational training, acknowledging that not every team member shares the same comfort with digital tools. Tony adds that leaders must explain “why we’re doing this” so that staff can buy in, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.

    This episode isn’t just about tech—it’s about change, mindset, and purpose.

    #FundraisingTech #TheNonprofitShow

    Find us Live daily on YouTube!

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    Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_Show

    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

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    32 m
  • Why Nonprofit's Finance and Program Teams Clash—and How to Fix It!
    Jul 10 2025

    Leadership meets lived experience as Eric Wilson, Director at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), unpacks the long-standing tension between nonprofit finance and programming. With warmth, wit, and real-world clarity, Eric takes us into the heart of the issue—how two departments with the same mission often work in silos, risking confusion, inefficiency, and financial misalignment.

    From discussing budget misunderstandings to the implications of restricted funds, this episode challenges nonprofit leaders to ask themselves: “Are we communicating with intention—or just reacting when problems arise?”

    Eric shares, “You don’t want people afraid to bring you a problem… I'd rather have a small problem early than a big problem later.” That mindset—proactive, people-first, and rooted in accountability—is the call to action for every executive, finance officer, and program manager tuning in.

    Together with host Julia Patrick, they explore:

    · Why many nonprofit staff don’t fully understand the true cost of programs

    · How miscommunication around restricted funding can sabotage outcomes

    · Why monthly check-ins between finance and programming are more than a best practice—they’re essential

    · How fear creates silence and silence breeds mistakes

    · What emotional intelligence and mutual education mean for modern nonprofit culture

    This learning session is a leadership masterclass in creating cross-departmental unity through intention, clarity, and relationship-building. Whether you're a new program manager, seasoned CFO, or executive director trying to align teams—you’ll walk away with practical tools and a fresh mindset!


    00:00:00 Welcome and topic introduction
    00:01:13 Eric Wilson’s role at YPTC and regional insight
    00:02:40 Finance meets programming—at home and work
    00:04:17 What does the finance team actually do?
    00:06:10 Why communication breakdowns happen
    00:08:25 True cost vs. perceived cost in programming
    00:10:53 Budget expectations and common disconnects
    00:13:18 Restricted funds and organizational risk
    00:17:01 How often should teams check in?
    00:19:22 Finance as educator and mutual learning
    00:21:33 Prevention vs. crisis mode
    00:23:04 Addressing fear and improving collaboration
    00:26:01 Remote work and new communication habits
    00:28:14 Final leadership insights and takeaways

    #NonprofitLeadership #FinanceAndProgramming #TheNonprofitShow

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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

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    31 m
  • The Cybercrime Response Plan Every Nonprofit Needs: What To Do First
    Jul 9 2025

    When a cyberattack hits your nonprofit, do you know what to do? Cybersecurity expert Michael Nouguier, Partner at Cybersecurity Services at Richey May, walks us through the essential steps every nonprofit must take—before, during, and after a cyber event. As host Julia Patrick notes, it's not a matter of if, but when, and being unprepared is no longer an option.

    From clarifying what cyber insurance actually covers to practicing realistic incident response exercises, Michael offers a pragmatic and step-by-step guide tailored for nonprofit leaders. He points out, “Failure to plan is planning to fail,” and urges organizations to move beyond hope and into action.

    The conversation dissects misconceptions, such as thinking IT alone can handle a breach or believing cyber insurance is a comprehensive solution. Instead, Michael recommends building internal resilience with tabletop exercises that include the board, C-suite, legal, and communications staff. These scenario-based run-throughs help teams build muscle memory and prevent panic when disaster strikes.

    Third-party vendors—often a hidden weak spot—are addressed in detail. Michael reminds us, “You are the trusted data collector,” meaning nonprofits must ensure their vendors share the same security culture, including notification clauses and accountability.

    What if the worst happens? Michael stresses calm, communication, and preservation of evidence. “Don’t delete anything,” he cautions, as doing so can sabotage forensic investigations and potential fund recovery. He also reminds leaders to report incidents to local authorities and the FBI’s IC3.gov, reinforcing the legal and ethical responsibility to act swiftly and transparently.

    Perhaps one of the most human insights is around fostering a blame-free culture. Employees fearing punishment won’t report mistakes, making things worse. “Everyone—even me—has clicked a phishing link,” Michael admits, highlighting the importance of openness and psychological safety within teams.

    This is a call to action for NPO leaders to shift from avoidance to preparedness. Cyberattacks are not just technical disruptions—they can financially and operationally dismantle an organization. With the right mindset, strategy, and comms plan, your nonprofit can weather the storm!


    00:00:00 Welcome and Episode Overview

    00:02:00 The Evolution of Richie May's Cybersecurity Services

    00:04:00 What Cyber Insurance Really Covers

    00:08:00 Third-Party Vendor Risks and Due Diligence

    00:12:00 Real-World Impact of Cyberattacks on Nonprofits

    00:15:00 Why Response Planning Beats Hoping for the Best

    00:17:00 Tabletop Exercises: Practicing Incident Response

    00:20:00 Who to Call When a Breach Happens

    00:23:00 First Response Steps: Breathe, Engage, Preserve Evidence

    00:26:00 Creating a Culture Where Mistakes Are Reported

    00:29:00 Episode Recap and Takeaway


    #TheNonprofitShow #CyberResilience

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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

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    32 m