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Federal funding cuts, new executive orders, and other policy shifts impact each of our clients differently. Some funders are making commitments to fill funding gaps or offer grants to assist nonprofits. Others are waiting to learn more about how these changes will affect their grantees. The common theme: when funders respond to a changing environment, they do so quickly. Listen to this Coffee Talk recording to learn how your peers are adapting and what they’re experiencing. Links: Compass: Connect with other members of the philanthropic community at Community.foundant.comSocial: Follow Foundant Technologies on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and InstagramWebsite: Foundant.com

In this episode of Connected Philanthropy, we welcome Lynn Margherio, founder and CEO of Cradles to Crayons. Lynn shares her inspiring journey from business consulting to the Clinton White House, and eventually founding a nonprofit that provides essential items to children in need. We dive into topics such as leadership, volunteer engagement, and measuring the impact of nonprofit work. Lynn discusses the power of community in driving change. Lynn Margherio | Founder/CEO, Cradles to Crayons Johnna is the CEO, head writer and consultant of J.M. Lacey Communications, LLC, which focuses on writing and brand storytelling, training and coaching. J.M. Lacey Communications empowers business owners to effectively communicate their purpose by teaching them how to find and tell their unique story to impact the world through a systematic process. Built on empathy and the desire to eliminate frustration for business owners, leaders and nonprofits, J.M. Lacey Communications seeks ways to simplify what has been unnecessarily complicated using proven systems to achieve results. Links: cradlestocrayons.orgWebinars: register hereSocial: Follow Foundant Technologies on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and InstagramWebsite: Foundant.com

Discover how authentic storytelling can build trust, loyalty, and a genuine connection with audiences, forging a path towards meaningful engagement in today's busy world. Johnna Lacey | CEO, J.M. Lacey Communications Johnna is the CEO, head writer and consultant of J.M. Lacey Communications, LLC, which focuses on writing and brand storytelling, training and coaching. J.M. Lacey Communications empowers business owners to effectively communicate their purpose by teaching them how to find and tell their unique story to impact the world through a systematic process. Built on empathy and the desire to eliminate frustration for business owners, leaders and nonprofits, J.M. Lacey Communications seeks ways to simplify what has been unnecessarily complicated using proven systems to achieve results. Links: Home | J.M. Lacey Communications (jmlacey.com) (18) Johnna Lacey | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/j-m-lacey-communications-llc/ Newsletter Signup | J.M. Lacey Communications (jmlacey.com) (free download: “10 Questions to Ask Yourself to Find Your Story”)Feeding AmericaHabitat For HumanityCompass: Connect with other members of the philanthropic community at Community.foundant.comWebinars: register hereSocial: Follow Foundant Technologies on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and InstagramWebsite: Foundant.com

In this episode, our speakers discuss how funders can maximize their impact and improve their processes, all from the perspective of grant professionals.  Laura Cochran, GPC | Senior Development Associate, Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (INHP)  Laura is the Grants Manager for the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (INHP) in Indianapolis, Indiana. She has been a grant professional for nearly 20 years, a member of the Grants Professional Association (GPA) for 13 years, and a Grant Professional Certified (GPC) for 12 years. For the last 13 years, while working at INHP, Laura’s work in grants has focused on raising programs and lending dollars to support affordable housing access. She lives in a suburb of Indianapolis with her husband, son, daughter, and dog.  Brendan McCormick | Associate Director, Exponent Philanthropy  Brendan is the Associate Director, Research and Publications for Exponent Philanthropy. In this role, Brendan works with staff, members, and partners to develop resources grounded in research. He leads our efforts to learn more about our community of lean funders. Brendan focuses his research on how foundations approach impact and evaluation, investments, operations, demographics, and equity practices. Brendan has worked in philanthropy and grantmaking with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Greater Washington Community Foundation. He earned his master’s degree in public policy at the University of Maryland, where he focused on nonprofit management and social policy. In his free time, he enjoys cooking new recipes and finding a quiet place to read a good book.  Links: Compass: Connect with other members of the philanthropic community at Community.foundant.comWebinars: register hereSocial: Follow Foundant Technologies on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and InstagramWebsite: Foundant.com

While AI brings many risks and uncertainties, it also presents opportunities for the philanthropic sector. In this episode, we discuss AI tools, the importance of being open to new technologies, and AI's potential implications on human interactions and responsibilities. Cory Brester | Director of CRM and Information Systems, Foundant Technologies Cory supports a fast-growing team focused on maximizing the philanthropic community. As a software solution provider for grantmakers, grantseekers, scholarship providers, and community foundations Foundant is tasked with supporting the infrastructure of philanthropic programs everywhere; in order to be successful at this, Foundant needs a reliable infrastructure of its own. Cory manages Foundant’s internal corporate IT infrastructure and systems as well as leads the company initiatives on cybersecurity. Since starting at Foundant in 2011, Cory has spent much of his efforts planning and developing efficiencies and systems to support Foundant’s growth. His 8-year history with Foundant has allowed him to participate in sales and support – providing the internal experience necessary to provide a framework and continuity to information system processes and data integrity. Outside of his daily management work, Cory also enjoys sharing his cybersecurity knowledge through Foundant education resources, such as blogs and hosted webinars. Cory came to Bozeman from the agricultural community of Laurel, MT to pursue degrees in Finance and Accounting at Montana State University. Tools Mentioned: ChatGPTMidjourneyZoom AI CompanionSynthesiaDescript Links: Compass: Connect with other members of the philanthropic community at Community.foundant.comWebinars: register hereSocial: Follow Foundant Technologies on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and InstagramWebsite: Foundant.com

Move from skepticism to success by harnessing the power of A.I. in fundraising. This episode highlights A.I.'s ability to optimize processes, reduce time constraints, and magnify impact, encouraging fundraising professionals to welcome this advancing technology as a crucial ally in their philanthropic pursuits. Maria Newhouse, Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations | Kalamazoo College  Maria brings her extensive expertise to foster partnerships that drive educational advancement. Hailing from Portage, Michigan, she attended Western Michigan University locally, graduating in 2006 with her Bachelor’s Degree (Spanish, Philosophy and Gender and Women’s Studies) before pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work (2010) and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (2013). Prior to joining the team at Kalamazoo College, she served for more than five-years as the grant writer and donor relations specialist at the Smithsonian-affiliated Air Zoo. Beyond her professional accomplishments in the fundraising realm, she is the creative force behind Maria Newhouse Photography, intertwining her artistic passion with family experiences, as she navigates life with her husband and four young children.  Links: Khan, Imad. “Chat GPT Glossary: 41 AI Terms that Everyone Should Know” https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/ai-glossary-basic-terms-all-chatgpt-users-should-know  Le, Vu. “The Ethics and Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence in the Nonprofit Sector.”  https://nonprofitaf.com/2023/03/the-ethics-and-opportunities-of-artificial-intelligence-in-the-nonprofit-sector/  Mollick, Ethan. “Embracing weirdness: What it means to use AI as a (writing) tool” https://www.oneusefulthing.org/p/embracing-weirdness-what-it-means  Mollick, Ethan. “The Shape of the Shadow of the Thing.”  https://www.oneusefulthing.org/p/the-shape-of-the-shadow-of-the-thing?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web  Wolfram, Stephen. “What is ChatGPT Doing and Why Does It Work?” https://writings.stephenwolfram.com/2023/02/what-is-chatgpt-doing-and-why-does-it-work/  AI @ WMU: A Deep Dive into the Resources https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snSfb_weI1oITJm8Lh5IpOqc7qRqfyzn/edit  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-newhouse-73607589/ 

Discover the real-world stories and examples that showcase successful collaborations, demonstrating the power of unity in addressing the challenges of our time. Whether you're a funder or a nonprofit organization, this episode offers invaluable insights and inspiration to fuel your own collaborative endeavors. Speakers: Brad Ward, Regional Director, Community Foundations | Foundant Technologies Diane H. Leonard, GPC, Founder | DH Leonard Consulting & Grant Writing Services Andrea Dicks, President | Community Foundations of Canada Cesar Del Valle, Director of Partnerships | Candid Links: Compass: Connect with other members of the philanthropic community at Community.foundant.comSocial: Follow Foundant Technologies on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and InstagramWebsite: Foundant.com

This is part 2 of a panel discussion with several nonprofit professionals answering Q&A questions about ideal relationships with funders. Learn what nonprofits wish funders knew. Stephany Hessler, Grants and Foundations Manager | Save the Bay Nonprofit professional with expertise in: volunteer management; grant research, budgeting and writing (corporate, foundation, and federal); experiential learning program development; project management; relationship building; recruitment, retention and recognition of volunteers and staff; public relations/media relations; internship program development and management; community outreach and sponsorship; event planning; creation of public programs for nonprofits; group training and facilitation; board development and leadership. Laura Cochran , Senior Development Associate | Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (INHP) Laura Cochran has been a grant professional for over 14 years, a member of GPA for over 11 years and a GPC for 10 years. For the last 11 years, she has worked for the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (INHP), helping to increase access to affordable housing in Indianapolis. Diane H. Leonard, GPC, Founder | DH Leonard Consulting & Grant Writing Services Diane H. Leonard, GPC, RST is a Grant Professional Certified (GPC), Approved Trainer of the Grant Professionals Association, and a Registered Scrum Trainer. Diane began her career as a Program Officer for a state-wide grantmaking organization and she continues to serve as a reviewer for a variety of grantmaking organizations. Since 2006, when she formed DH Leonard Consulting, Diane and her team have secured more than $98 million dollars in competitive grant awards and Diane has personally trained more than 69,978 nonprofit professionals. When not working with her team, Diane can be found in the 1000 Islands, out for a run, or drinking a strong cup of coffee. Links: Compass: Connect with other members of the philanthropic community at Community.foundant.comSocial: Follow Foundant Technologies on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and InstagramWebsite: Foundant.com

Are you looking to improve your grant process, application, and relationship with applicants? Does your organization want to integrate more trust-based practices into your philanthropy and be more transparent? Listen to a panel discussion with several nonprofit professionals and hear them describe ideal connections and relationships with funders. Stephany Hessler, Grants and Foundations Manager | Save the Bay Nonprofit professional with expertise in: volunteer management; grant research, budgeting and writing (corporate, foundation, and federal); experiential learning program development; project management; relationship building; recruitment, retention and recognition of volunteers and staff; public relations/media relations; internship program development and management; community outreach and sponsorship; event planning; creation of public programs for nonprofits; group training and facilitation; board development and leadership. Laura Cochran , Senior Development Associate | Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (INHP) Laura Cochran has been a grant professional for over 14 years, a member of GPA for over 11 years and a GPC for 10 years. For the last 11 years, she has worked for the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (INHP), helping to increase access to affordable housing in Indianapolis. Diane H. Leonard, GPC, Founder | DH Leonard Consulting & Grant Writing Services Diane H. Leonard, GPC, RST is a Grant Professional Certified (GPC), Approved Trainer of the Grant Professionals Association, and a Registered Scrum Trainer. Diane began her career as a Program Officer for a state-wide grantmaking organization and she continues to serve as a reviewer for a variety of grantmaking organizations. Since 2006, when she formed DH Leonard Consulting, Diane and her team have secured more than $98 million dollars in competitive grant awards and Diane has personally trained more than 69,978 nonprofit professionals. When not working with her team, Diane can be found in the 1000 Islands, out for a run, or drinking a strong cup of coffee. Links: Compass: Connect with other members of the philanthropic community at Community.foundant.comSocial: Follow Foundant Technologies on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and InstagramWebsite: Foundant.com

Grant professional have grant-related ethics to protect donors, organizations, and themselves—all at the same time. It’s important to adhere to these ethics, which reflect the highest standards in professional behavior. Come away from this episode with a deeper understanding of grant ethics and how to apply them throughout the grant cycle. Topics: Why ethics are important to the grant profession.How the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Code of Ethics applies to both consultants and staff members.How to discuss grant ethics with your donors, organization, and other constituents.The #1 grant-related ethics question and how to answer it. Dave Tinker, VP of Advancement and Consultant | GoalBusters Consulting Dave brings more than 30 years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit management. Dave has worked with education, health, and disability nonprofits throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Dave served on the Grant Professionals Association’s Ethics Committee. In 2016, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) International recognized Dave as one of the first six Distinguished Fellows of AFP (FAFP). In 2013 Dave was honored as AFP Western Pennsylvania Chapter’s Outstanding Fundraising Executive. Dave was appointed to the Brentwood School Board in 2020 and was elected to his first full term in 2021. Links: AFP Code of EthicsCompass: Connect with other members of the philanthropic community at Community.foundant.comSocial: Follow Foundant Technologies on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and InstagramWebsite: Foundant.com

Facebook fundraising can be a rewarding way to involve people in positive change. Learn how it can be used for peer-to-peer fundraising, Giving Tuesday campaigns, birthday fundraisers, and more! Sean Kosofsky | Mind the Gap Consulting Sean helps nonprofit leaders develop the mindset, tool set, and skill set to increase funding and impact. he is a strategic advisor offering coaching, consulting, and courses that transform your nonprofit’s capacity and performance. Sean has worked in and led nonprofits for 30+ years and specializes in helping young and small nonprofits accelerate their results. Links: Web address: NonProfitFixer.com Email: [email protected] Social Info: X: @NonprofitFixerLinkedIn: bit.ly/MTGLINKEDINFacebook: fb.com/mindthegapcIG: @nonprofitfixer Free download on how to run facebook fundraisers: https://www.nonprofitfixer.com/8-expert-tips-to-raising-10k-with-facebook-fundraisers https://www.nonprofitfixer.com/best-resources Compass: Connect with other members of the philanthropic community at Community.foundant.com Social: Follow Foundant Technologies on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and Instagram Website: Foundant.com

Hear community foundations discuss which systems and processes they are using to create space for the essential, impactful work supporting they do. Topics: fund minimumshow to deal with inactive fundholdersgrant catalog featuretribute donorsindividual giving is trending down in the usengaging young peoplehow to balance learning and daily work Links: Upcoming Coffee Talks: foundant.com/events/Giving USA StudyCompass: Connect with other members of the philanthropic community at Community.foundant.comSocial: Follow Foundant Technologies on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and InstagramWebsite: Foundant.com

Hear new granting strategies, and hear from other GLM/SLM users on some of the processes and tactics they are using to get maximum value out of their Foundant solutions. Links: Compass: Connect with other members of the philanthropic community at Community.foundant.comSocial: Follow Foundant Technologies on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and InstagramWebsite: Foundant.com

Join us as we explore the world of affinity programs and how this innovative approach can facilitate stronger connections with donors and save nonprofits time. Jenni Craig, President | Affinity Makers Jenni is a skilled fundraiser with 16 years of experience in higher education. Throughout her career, she has successfully raised millions for institutions through strategic, affinity-based programs that focus on donor belonging and retention. Jenni recently launched her own company, Affinity Makers, to share her fundraising strategies and expertise with nonprofits around the country. Together, with her husband Jeremy, Jenni is the co-founder and co-owner of Copper Bottom Craft Distillery, producing award-winning rum and vodka in the Daytona Beach area. They have three daughters: Carmen (8), Mason (6), and Brooklyn (1). Links:  Web address: www.Affinitymaker.com;email: [email protected]://www.copperbottomspirits.com/Blueprint for Affinity Program Fundraising Guide: https://www.affinitymaker.com/form LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/affinity-makers/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenni-craig-bb48157/ Compass: Connect with other members of the philanthropic community at Community.foundant.comSocial: Follow Foundant Technologies on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and InstagramWebsite: Foundant.com

What is technology planning and why is it important? Learn why this is one of the most neglected aspects of operating a nonprofit and how to avoid common pitfalls. Karen Graham | Karen Graham Consulting Karen is a speaker, trainer, writer, and consultant with expertise in technology leadership and innovation, nonprofit software, and digital strategy. Her consulting work includes strategic technology roadmaps, development of knowledge resources, and leadership coaching. Karen was the Executive Director of the national nonprofit Idealware, and has held leadership roles in capacity building, arts, and human service organizations as well as a software startup. She holds an MBA in Nonprofit Management from the University of St. Thomas. Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karentgraham Assessment Links: Tech Impact’s Online Technology Assessment: https://techimpact.org/assessment/TechSoup’s Digital Assessment Tool: https://assessment.techsoup.org/NTEN’s Tech Accelerate Assessment: https://www.nten.org/accelerate A simple strategic tech plan template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19Xy2laJ8zVwirY6q_FjoB839GsBlIMopFJhrTSzLGng/edit?usp=sharing ●      Specific blogs/webinars on the topic: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-nonprofit-organizations-lack-tech-plans-how-fix-karen-graham/ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-user-adoption-keeps-tripping-us-up-how-your-nonprofit-graham/?trackingId=e6avhZ7QRVWyNiH4boPpKQ%3D%3D Using a technology skill map to plan your nonprofit career journey: https://resources.foundant.com/vimeo-all-educational-webinars/using-a-technology-skill-map-to-plan-your-marketing-fundraising-or-communications-career-journey Compass: Connect with other members of the philanthropic community at Community.foundant.comSocial: Follow Foundant Technologies on Facebook, a...