In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd converses with Dana Riley, the donor relations manager for The Samaritan Inn, North Texas' largest nonprofit homeless program. They discuss the organization's strict yet transformative program requirements designed over its 42-year history, emphasizing financial independence, mental health counseling, and job readiness. Dana highlights the evolution of The Samaritan Inn from serving single men to accommodating families in a purpose-built campus. They delve into the organization's recent takeover of Community Lifeline Services, which includes a grocery store-style food pantry and emergency assistance programs. Dana shares heartening success stories and underscores the critical need for volunteer support and donations. The podcast also provides insights into common misconceptions about homelessness and how to effectively support nonprofit initiatives.

Links:

https://www.saminn.org

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-samaritan-inn

https://www.instagram.com/thesamaritaninncollincounty/#

https://www.facebook.com/SamaritanInn/

https://saminn.org/haw-week/

https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook

https://thenonprofitnook.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged

https://www.instagram.com/thenonprofitnook/

https://flodesk.com/c/G0H0UB

00:00 Introduction to The NonProfit Nook

01:15 Meet Dana Riley: Advocate for the Homeless

02:11 The History of the Samaritan Inn

07:42 Expanding Services: Community Lifeline Center

09:42 Unique Programs and Success Stories

20:02 How You Can Help the Samaritan Inn

23:34 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Mentioned in this episode:

Enji

Benevolate

In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd discusses the critical importance of year-end campaigns for nonprofits with guest Manuel Mesa, a seasoned nonprofit strategist and technology innovator. Manuel emphasizes that nearly 30% of annual donations occur in December, with about 10% happening in the last three days. They discuss practical strategies such as segmenting donors, effective communication methods, and setting specific goals. The episode also highlights Benevolate, a CRM platform designed by Manuel to streamline nonprofit operations. Useful tips for enhancing donor relationships and ensuring campaign success are provided, making this a must-listen for nonprofit leaders aiming to boost their year-end fundraising efforts.

Links:

https://afpglobal.org/

www.thephilanthropyblueprint.com

www.linkedin.com/in/manuel-m-11063276

https://linkly.link/2CZyg (Benevolate)

https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook

https://thenonprofitnook.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged

https://www.instagram.com/thenonprofitnook/

https://flodesk.com/c/G0H0UB

00:00 Introduction to Year-End Campaigns

00:25 Welcome to The NonProfit Nook

01:09 Meet Manuel Mesa: Nonprofit Strategist

02:08 Understanding Year-End Campaigns

03:40 Effective Communication Strategies

05:45 The Importance of Storytelling

07:05 Leveraging CRM for Nonprofits

07:55 Success Metrics for Year-End Campaigns

08:59 Introducing Benevolate CRM

13:24 Getting Started with Benevolate

15:44 Final Tips for Year-End Campaigns

19:45 Conclusion and Farewell

Mentioned in this episode:

Benevolate

Flodesk

Enji

In this episode of The Nonprofit Nook, host Wendy Kidd welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Searing, an associate professor at UT Dallas specializing in nonprofit management and leadership. They discuss the critical importance of formal education in the nonprofit sector, highlighting how structured education provides essential knowledge, expanded networks, and validated credentials. They also address the evolving challenges brought on by AI and the necessity of data literacy for modern nonprofit professionals. Dr. Searing shares insights on the emotional journey associated with adult learning and the impactful difference education can make in the nonprofit sector, illustrated by real-life success stories. Finally, they explore the risks of undervaluing professional training and leadership development and offer strategies for fostering a culture of continuous learning within nonprofit organizations.

Links:

https://www.elizabethamsearing.info/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethsearing/

https://profiles.utdallas.edu/elizabeth.searing

https://epps.utdallas.edu/degrees/

https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook

https://thenonprofitnook.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged

https://www.instagram.com/thenonprofitnook/

https://flodesk.com/c/G0H0UB

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

01:10 Guest Introduction: Dr. Elizabeth Searing

02:12 Importance of Formal Education in Nonprofit Leadership

03:45 Benefits of Structured Education vs. On-the-Job Learning

05:45 Risks of Undervaluing Professional Training

08:48 Encouraging Investment in Leadership Education

09:35 Success Stories and Impact of Education

18:22 The Role of Data in Nonprofit Management

21:54 Advice for New Nonprofit Leaders

25:53 UT Dallas Programs and Contact Information

28:34 Conclusion and Call to Action

Mentioned in this episode:

Enji

Flodesk

This episode of The NonProfit Nook, hosted by Wendy Kidd, focuses on the importance of time management for nonprofit leaders. Wendy discusses how time management isn't about control, but about creating the freedom to focus on what matters, rest without guilt, and lead with clarity and purpose. She provides practical tips, such as tracking how time is spent, setting clear priorities, using time blocking, and building habits around these new routines. Wendy also addresses potential resistance to change and the importance of clear communication. The episode emphasizes that good time management is about doing what matters most and maintaining a healthy, well-balanced life to effectively lead a nonprofit organization.

Links:

https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook

https://thenonprofitnook.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged

https://www.instagram.com/thenonprofitnook/

https://flodesk.com/c/G0H0UB

Time Management from the Inside Out by Julie Morgenstern

Atomic Habits by James Clear

00:00 Introduction to Time Management

00:20 Welcome to The NonProfit Nook

01:06 Wendy's Personal Insights on Time Management

02:01 The Reality of Non-Profit Leadership

03:14 Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Self-Care

03:42 Tracking and Analyzing Your Time

05:54 Establishing Priorities and Saying No

07:23 Time Blocking for Effective Management

09:29 Adapting to Change and Communicating Boundaries

11:04 Recommended Reads for Time Management

12:33 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

13:07 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Mentioned in this episode:

Flodesk

Enji

In this episode, host Wendy is joined by Tayler Cusick Hollman, a marketing consultant and founder of Enji, a user-friendly marketing tool designed for small businesses and nonprofits. Tayler shares her decade-long experience in helping small businesses and nonprofits, diving into the unique marketing challenges nonprofits face. The conversation covers the importance of marketing for nonprofits, debunking myths about marketing, and how to shift mindsets to be more confident in marketing efforts. Tayler provides actionable steps to reduce overwhelm, including setting content pillars, choosing appropriate marketing channels, and maintaining consistency. They discuss the role of Enji in simplifying marketing tasks through planning, content creation, and analytics. Listeners are encouraged to try Enji with a special discount code provided, NPNook, which gives $61 off the annual subscription.

https://www.enji.co/?ref=zmi2ngv

https://www.instagram.com/enji_co/

https://www.facebook.com/enjimarketing/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/enji

https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook

https://thenonprofitnook.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

Flodesk

Enji

In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd interviews Ananya Nagendra, the young founder and CEO of the Letters of Light Foundation. Inspired by her mother's journey with chemotherapy, Ananya started the organization to provide cancer patients with handwritten letters of encouragement, preventive health workshops, and resources on mental wellness. With chapters across various schools and over 850 youth volunteers, the foundation partners with oncology centers to support cancer patients both mentally and emotionally. Ananya details the foundation's operations, her involvement with social workers, and the importance of mental health in cancer care. She also discusses the newly launched Books of Light program, offering literary resources to newly diagnosed patients and oncology centers. Learn how you can get involved, start a chapter, or contribute to this impactful cause.

00:00 Introduction to The NonProfit Nook

00:48 Meet Ananya Nagendra: Founder of Letters of Light

02:15 The Impact and Growth of Letters of Light

04:25 Volunteer Engagement and Success Stories

13:17 Books of Light Program

16:20 How to Get Involved and Final Thoughts

20:38 Conclusion and Call to Action

Links:

https://lettersoflight.org

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ananya-nagendra

https://www.instagram.com/joinlettersoflight/

https://hcb.hackclub.com/donations/start/letters-of-light - Donation Link

https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook

https://thenonprofitnook.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged

https://www.instagram.com/thenonprofitnook/

https://flodesk.com/c/G0H0UB

Mentioned in this episode:

Enji

Flodesk

In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, hosted by Wendy Kidd, Dr. Colette Portis dives deep into the intricacies of strategic planning for nonprofits. They discuss how a robust strategy can lead to remarkable results, such as a nonprofit quadrupling its budget in a single quarter. The conversation covers the typical time frame for strategic planning, methods for accelerated planning, and the essential steps for effective implementation. Dr. Portis shares valuable insights on accountability, time management using brain science, and the importance of communication with internal and external teams. The episode is packed with practical advice and resources to help nonprofit leaders navigate their strategic planning and achieve their organizational goals.

00:00 Success Story: Nonprofit's Million-Dollar Strategy

00:25 Introduction to The NonProfit Nook

01:09 Strategic Planning Recap

02:27 Accelerated Strategic Planning with Red Development Group

02:58 Three-Day Business Strategy Retreat

04:50 Time Management and Brain Science

11:49 Implementing Your Strategic Plan

12:48 Aligning Meetings with Strategy

13:03 Maintaining Momentum and Celebrating Successes

13:48 The Importance of Weekly Tracking

14:26 Adapting to Change: A Real-Life Example

15:45 Communicating Your Plan Internally and Externally

16:44 Implementation and Regular Check-ins

18:06 Strategic Planning for Nonprofits

20:50 Success Stories and Final Thoughts

23:57 Conclusion and Call to Action

Links:

3 day Strategic Planning with Red Development Group

https://linktr.ee/reddevelopmentgroup

https://amzn.to/42h8UiE - JUST Strategy By Dr. Collette Portis

https://amzn.to/4ntu1a9 - G.O.A.L.I.E. By Dr. Collette Portis

https://amzn.to/3ImXHXd - CEOs Finish Strong: Learn What’s Weakening Your Company by Dr. Collette Portis

SBDC - https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/small-business-development-centers-sbdc

Junior League of Collin County - https://www.jlcollincounty.org/community/meeting-facilitation-services/

https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook

https://thenonprofitnook.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged

https://www.instagram.com/thenonprofitnook/

https://flodesk.com/c/G0H0UB

Mentioned in this episode:

Flodesk

Enji