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Laurie Quinn strives to make learning better for all. Working with both teachers and students, the Stern Center for Language and Learning strives to stay at the forefront of innovation to be experts at applying knowledge learned in the classroom. As President, Laurie is following in the steps of a founder that had been with the organization for 38 years! Sherry and Laurie discuss the challenges and opportunities of leadership transitions in nonprofit organizations, the power of storytelling in fundraising, and the necessity of shifting fundraising culture to foster stronger donor relationships.   What You Will Discover: ✔️ Storytelling is a powerful tool in fundraising. ✔️ Leadership transitions require humility and mindfulness. ✔️ Teaching is an identity that extends beyond traditional roles. ✔️ A growth mindset can transform organizational challenges into opportunities. —————————————— As President of the Stern Center for Language and Learning, a Vermont-based nonprofit with a 40+-year history, Laurie Quinn is a proud champion of helping every learner to succeed. She brings expertise in nonprofit strategy, educational leadership, and innovative programs, as well as dedication to supporting an accomplished team of experts. Dr. Quinn earned her Ph.D. in English Literature at the University of New Hampshire and her master's and undergraduate degrees at Boston College. Her professional background includes serving as a nonprofit program and grants officer, teaching as a member of the faculty at colleges and universities, and leading in higher education executive roles as a Provost/Senior Vice President. Prior to taking the helm the Stern Center, Laurie was Interim President at Champlain College. Her community commitments currently include serving on the Board of Directors of Generator. Dr. Quinn believes in the power of learning to shape every life and to strengthen our communities.    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-quinn-06b84638a/ Website: https://sterncenter.org/ -------------------------- Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor.  Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line.  If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place!   #nonprofits #podcast

As the Director of Development at the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Melissa Frueh helps center the voices of farmers and workers in the food system to champion impactful changes and create a system that works for and feeds everyone. This crucial community work requires consistent funding, and consistent funding requires belief in your cause from your donors. With a sales background in hand, Melissa has gotten seriously good at helping donors take the leap to greater investment opportunities. Sherry and Melissa discuss the skills that translate from sales to the nonprofit world, building confidence as a first time director of development, and the strategies that help make investment-level conversations with donors easier.   What You Will Discover: ✔️ All work is development work if your organization's mission is clearly defined ✔️ Unlocking new ways of communicating your goals can make the challenge of seeking membership funding less daunting ✔️ Understanding the perspectives of your donors helps you meet them where they are at ✔️ Painting a clear and focused picture of your needs to a donor can go farther than any ask could achieve —————————————— Melissa Frueh is the Development Director for the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, a statewide grassroots organizing organization that is building a stronger local food and farm system.   She lives in Chicago where she enjoys all that the city has to offer, and ventures into the northern great lakes region to relax.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-frueh-20636a113/ Website: https://ilstewards.org/ -------------------------- Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor.  Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line.  If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place! #nonprofits #podcast

Drew Moran knows the importance of culture in an organization, and to understand that culture requires an understanding of your mission. Through 12 years of growth at Nourishing Hope, Drew has gotten hands on every aspect. Now, as the Chief Development Officer, his vast insight allows Nourishing Hope to operate as more than just a food pantry, providing additional mental health and social services that address the needs of the whole individual to offer a generous and friendly helping hand. Sherry and Drew discuss his journey to the Chief Development Officer role, his emphasis on developing a culture of joy and abundance, and the innovative ideas that have allowed Nourishing Hope to thrive in times of great need.   What You Will Discover: ✔️ Donors and beneficiaries latch on to the culture of your organization ✔️ Joy within your team permeates throughout the entire organization, from your volunteers, to your donors, and ultimately to the individuals you serve  ✔️ A solid foundation is needed for your organization to pull back and examine the macro ✔️ Putting clear intention behind your gala elevates it from just an event to a transformational experience for donors —————————————— Drew Moran currently serves as Nourishing Hope's chief development officer where he is dedicated to building transformational relationships with philanthropic organizations to support Nourishing Hope's many strategic initiatives. Before assuming this role, Drew served as the director of institutional partnerships. Prior to that role, Drew served on the leadership team as its director of innovation and strategic initiatives. He is also deeply invested in his local community, serving as a director of the East Lake View Neighbors Association. Drew's commitment extends beyond just organizational partnerships. He shares Nourishing Hope's passion for mental wellness. As a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Roosevelt University, he was the first clinician to provide therapeutic services to Lakeview Pantry clients in 2017. Drew also has a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Eastern Illinois University.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewjmoran/ Website: http://nourishinghopechi.org -------------------------- Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor.  Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line.  If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place! #nonprofits #podcast

Lauren M. Scott is working on growing a healthier world to help change the trajectory of human health. Such a task might seem daunting, but the President of the Foundation for Fresh Produce has used her prior experience in crucial ways to help bridge the gap between sharing their big vision and providing tangible results. The process has not always moved at a rapid pace, but Lauren's patience is paying off in a big way for her organization. Sherry and Lauren discuss the importance of clear and effective communication - not just with your donors, but throughout the entire organization. There are a lot of moving parts that go into any mission, and taking the time to define and understand what they are can save you from headaches later on.   What You Will Discover: ✔️ You are not desperate. Fundraising with a sense or urgency can create a scarcity mindset ✔️ Your community wants to be more informed to increase knowledge - make it easier for them!  ✔️ Marketing should be integrated early in the fundraising process. ✔️ Your Case for Support sheet can take conversations to places you never would have imagined —————————————— Lauren M. Scott is the President of The Foundation for Fresh Produce, an organization founded by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), the largest and most diverse global association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain. The foundation's vision and mission are to grow a healthier world by changing the trajectory of human health. Lauren previously held various marketing, strategy and leadership roles at PepsiCo, Colgate-Palmolive, and Diageo. She earned a BS in Marketing from Rutgers University, an MBA from the University of Maryland, an MS in Strategic Communication from Columbia University, and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE). Lauren proudly serves as the board chair of Food for Climate League and is passionate about combating food insecurities and perpetuating arts and culture. She loves spending time with her husband and son, affectionately known as The Allens. Her personal motto is to learn and laugh every day.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamlaurenmscott/ Website: https://www.freshproduce.com/foundation/ --------------------------   Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place!   #nonprofits #podcast

Carina Santa Maria is a first time ED making veteran moves at her organization. At Shelter Inc., Carina helps youth experiencing homelessness find emergency shelter, transitional housing, and clinical care, filling a crucial need for a vulnerable population within her community. Such a need requires great funding, and when Carina stepped into the role, things weren't where they needed to be.  Fast forward to today -  Shelter Inc. has seen their revenue grow nearly 5x thanks to changes in strategy implemented by Carina. Sherry and Carina discuss the growth and challenges faced by Shelter Inc., the journey of scaling the organization,and how their relationship with donors impacted the transition to their new funding model. The two explore the need for diversification in funding, the impact of innovative ideas, and the significance of infrastructure in nonprofit operations.   What You Will Discover: ✔️ Infrastructure needs are often overlooked but essential for operations. ✔️ The ask doesn't have to be awkward. By staying open and consistent, your funders won't be caught off guard when you make the big ask, and even might be more proactive that you anticipate.  ✔️ New initiatives can appear nice and shiny for donors, but communicating the importance of overhead funding is crucial. ✔️ An engaged team is vital for implementing change throughout your organization. —————————————— Carina H. Santa Maria, MSW, LCSW, was appointed Executive Director and member of the Board of Directors of Shelter, Inc, in June 2018. She was previously Director of Field Education with Dominican University's School of Social Work where she managed and coordinated internship experiences for master level social work students while maintaining relations with community organizations to address the needs of clients needing social work intervention. While at Dominican, she also served as an adjunct  instructor, teaching various graduate level social work classes, including a graduate level human trafficking course.  Prior to her work at Dominican University, she was a Community Youth Counselor for Memorial Health Care Systems and partnered with the Broward Sheriff's Office and their Juvenile Diversion program. She has also served as the Vice President of Education and Outreach at the Broward Human Trafficking Coalition, and as a residential counselor at Youth Villages in Memphis, TN. In addition, Carina has volunteered with Kristi House – Project GOLD and served as the Education Director for Traffick Free, a volunteer driver organization in the Chicago area that combats human trafficking. Carina is also a founding member of a local Arlington Heights community group called Voices of Community, Acceptance, and Love (VOCAL), whose mission is to bridge differences to create a supportive, connected community that celebrates diversity and practices tolerance and acceptance. She was recently awarded the NASW Illinois Chapter's Emerging Young Leader Award as well as Delta Zeta National Sorority's 35 women under 35. She graduated with her bachelor's degree in psychology and criminology from the University of Tampa in 2007. In 2011, she received her master's degree in social work from Dominican University. She resides in Arlington Heights, IL with her husband and two sons.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cnhomann/ Website: https://www.shelter-inc.org/ -------------------------- Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place!   #nonprofits #podcast

Janelle Miller Moravek describes herself as an "accidental" nonprofit employee, but when you see the thought and care she puts into her organization, the results are no accident at all! As the Executive Director at Youth & Family Counseling, Janelle works on providing and educating her community on affordable mental health care. She has done a bit of everything at the organization, and that experience has proven useful for understanding the needs of her team during a time of change and growth. Janelle and Sherry discuss the bold act of cutting her organization's gala out of the budget and how redirecting the resources spent on that event opened up new opportunities to spread their message to the community.   What You Will Discover: ✔️ Trust and flexibility are crucial within a team when navigating change. ✔️ Being visible on platforms like LinkedIn can attract funders and like-minded individuals. ✔️ Fundraising and systems-level work require ongoing learning, growth, and patience. ✔️ Authenticity and inclusivity are key in building relationships and engaging with donors. —————————————— Janelle Miller Moravek has served as Youth & Family Counseling's Executive Director since 2009, when she was promoted from her previous position as Development Director. She holds a BA in French Studies from Wesleyan University in Connecticut. Janelle's vision, leadership, and passion for improving access to mental healthcare have steered YFC's steady growth over her 14-year tenure.  Janelle is a champion for YFC's mission of opening doors to mental healthcare so people can cope, heal, and thrive. In service of this mission, she is responsible for overseeing programming, administration, and strategic plan implementation, as well as representing the organization to community partners and other stakeholders. In addition to her Executive Director role at YFC, Janelle is engaged with the Lake County human services community. She served as Co-Chair of the Lake County Behavioral Health Action Team (2016-2018), and currently serves on the board of the Lake County Alliance for Human Services and the Co-Chair Lake County Behavioral Health Action Team. Janelle lives in Libertyville with her husband and three children. Prior to joining YFC in 2000, Janelle served as Director of Development for Carmel Catholic High School, and Director of Annual Fund at Barat College.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelle-miller-moravek-903a815b/ Website: https://counselingforall.org/ -------------------------- Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place!   #nonprofits #podcast

Julia Patrick exemplifies that it's never too late in your career to make an impact on the world around you. After a career in media covering social, political, and cultural issues in Arizona, Julia pivoted and dedicated her life to helping the nonprofit sector through the American Nonprofit Academy. As the CEO and Founder, as well as being the co-host of The Nonprofit Show, Julia allows nonprofit professionals to engage in discussions on problem-solving, innovation, and change within the sector. Sherry and Julia discuss how growing up in Arizona influenced her passion for nonprofit work. Julia dives deep into how board members can set up their organization for future success by empowering the next generation of leaders.   What You Will Discover:  ✔️ Your processes are key to attracting and retaining younger talent. What's going to happen to your organization after you leave it? If there is not a structure in place, your ideal candidates may not be comfortable stepping in to lead. ✔️ Be strategic with your approach to board recruitment, seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. Your board member's tool kits are vital to sustaining success within the community you serve! ✔️ Next-gen board members are focused on impact and finding solutions, rather than simply giving money. Foster an environment that promotes this thinking! —————————————— Julia C. Patrick is the CEO and Founder of the American Nonprofit Academy and serves as the co-host of The Nonprofit Show, the only daily live program dedicated to the nonprofit sector. This platform allows nonprofit professionals to engage in discussions on problem-solving, innovation, and change within the sector. Julia is the author of Building Board Champions: Activating Impactful Nonprofit Board Members. In addition to her roles in media and nonprofit education, Julia has an extensive background in media management and production as the CEO and President of Patrick Media Group, based in Phoenix, Arizona. With over 34 years of experience, she has significantly impacted the media landscape in Arizona and beyond. She studied Economics at Claremont McKenna College, further grounding her expertise in strategic planning and economic analysis, which she applies to her entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors. Julia's leadership continues to inspire and shape the nonprofit community, especially through her innovative approach to nonprofit education and philanthropic leadership. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-c-patrick-b74b3b28/ Website: https://americannonprofitacademy.com/ Book: https://a.co/d/jljTUk9 —————————————— Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place!   #nonprofits #podcast

On the final episode of this year's Fall Funder Series, Sherry Quam Taylor speaks with Aba Taylor of the Brookline Community Foundation. Located in the immediate suburbs of Boston, BCF partners with nearly 50 organizations, seeking to improve the financial equity and economic growth of vulnerable populations in their area. As Executive Director, Aba not only cultivates relationships with organizations seeking their assistance, but also fundraises on her own, helping secure the money from private donors that will then flow to community partners that align with BCF's values. The importance of relationship building continues to be a theme throughout this series, but Aba dives deeper into the unique challenge of positioning a foundation within their communities nonprofit environment. Foundations have to seek funding on their own, so they are also doing the groundwork that nonprofit organizations. Because of this, foundations often understand the work that goes into securing funds, and they want to help those that they see making the greatest impact from that work, regardless of their size or reputation.   What You Will Discover ✔️ Funders come in all shapes and sizes. Take the time to figure out what kind of organizations a foundation generally funds. Rather than shooting in the dark with someone you hope may notice you, find a foundation that works with organizations similar to your own. ✔️ Funders have a unique challenge on their hands: they sometimes are competing for the same resources as the organizations they intend to fund. Understanding your fundraising environment can help leverage these relationships to their greatest extent. ✔️ "Lead by listening." Whether you're an established organization or one just getting off the ground, funders will hear about you if there is motivation and action behind your cause. —————————————— Aba Taylor has spent the last two decades engaged in social justice as an educator, facilitator, organizer, consultant, and nonprofit executive. From working internationally at the United Nations to conducting civil rights trainings all over the United States, to leading high impact social justice organizations and efforts, Aba has committed herself to supporting the capacity and leadership of nonprofit, educational and philanthropic organizations dedicated to social transformation. Prior to joining BCF, Aba held multiple senior leadership roles at the Interaction Institute for Social Change (IISC). Prior to that Aba was the Executive Director of the Network for Social Justice, and before that the Deputy Executive Director of the Astraea Foundation for Justice. Aba has sat on numerous boards and is currently the Board President of the Neighborhood Schools Inc. where her daughter attends school. Aba holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University and a Master of Arts degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the School of International Training. She is a Rockwood Leadership Institute alumnus and a certified trainer with Quabbin Mediation. Passionate about arts, culture, and creative expression Aba is a closeted writer and a very out sci-fi nerd. For Aba, liberatory parenting as well as spiritual and healing practices are her North Star. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abataylor/ Website: https://www.brooklinecommunity.org —————————————— Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place!   #nonprofits #podcast

In the next edition of the Fall Funder Series, John Tracey of the Simons Foundation joins the show. As the Program Director managing the Science Sandbox, an incubatory portfolio focused on funding science communication practitioners, John helps organizations emphasize the importance of science in our everyday lives, helping build trust in modern practices and expanding access into new communities. Sherry and John dive into how organizations can get their foot in the door with larger funding operations. Spoiler alert: it's not as hard or scary as you may think! Similar to working with the common donor, building an organic, mutualistic relationship can open the door to a world of opportunities.   What You Will Discover:  ✔️ Don't be afraid to reach out. Ever heard the phrase "it doesn't hurt to ask?" Take that mentality into your search for funding. Funders are looking for motivated organizations who are proud of the work their mission is accomplishing. ✔️ The power is in the programs. Having programs that are both well-organized and proven successful is key when attracting larger funders. ✔️ Things aren't always going to be running exactly as planned. Transparency and honesty in conversations about challenges and reallocation of funds can lead to better outcomes and stronger relationships.  —————————————— John Tracey joined the Simons Foundation in 2014 as part of a team to improve public engagement with science. As program director, Tracey works with the vice president of Science, Society & Culture to develop and execute funding strategy. He leads the division's external communications and storytelling, including content development for the website, external media strategy, visual storytelling and more. Prior to joining the foundation, he worked at the American Association for Cancer Research, specifically on the Stand Up to Cancer initiative, where he managed grantee statistics and statistics reporting, and edited and produced website content. He holds a bachelor's in English literature from the College of New Jersey. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-tracey-476b88213/ Website: https://www.simonsfoundation.org/ —————————————— Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place!   #nonprofits #podcast

Welcome to the Fall Funder Series, where Sherry Quam Taylor demystifies common misconceptions about how organizations can secure general operating revenue. First up is Shireen Zaman of the BUILD program at the Ford Foundation. As a Program Officer, Shireen works directly with organizations in identifying their greatest fundraising needs and preparing a funding strategy that best supports those efforts.  Shireen gets real about what she looks for when choosing organizations to support. It's important to remember that there are real people behind these funding efforts who are eager to connect with motivated, resilient organizations. Sometimes, all it takes is a quick introductory email or message to access a grove of new funding opportunities.   What You Will Discover:  ✔️ Funders are human. Take the time to organically build a relationship with a funder by utilizing all of their available resources, attending webinars, or simply having a conversation. ✔️ Think about ALL of your overhead. Organizations may include the funding they need in the present, but will that be enough to sustain your mission in a way that attracts larger funders? ✔️ The most impactful relationships take time and consistency to build. Don't be discouraged if your efforts don't immediately produce results. —————————————— Shireen Zaman is a program officer on the BUILD team, working to advance the foundation's efforts to support and develop stronger, sustainable, and more effective social justice organizations and networks across the globe. Shireen has more than two decades of experience in the philanthropic and nonprofit sector, spearheading organizational transformation, resource development, and program management at a variety of organizations. Prior to joining the Ford Foundation, she was the director of the RISE Together Fund, a donor collaborative at the Proteus Fund. At RTF, she worked to identify, invest in and build the capacity of grassroots organizations from Black/African, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian communities in the US. She was a founding member and served on the advisory council of the Emergent Fund, a pooled fund dedicated to supporting US grassroots organizing and power building in communities of color, including Black, Indigenous communities. Prior to her work in philanthropy, Shireen was the executive director of the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, where she led the strategic expansion of a Michigan-founded think tank into the Washington, DC policy space. She was also the director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Vital Voices Global Partnership where she partnered with women leaders across the region to support their work in the areas of human rights, health and political leadership. Shireen was recognized as a White House Champion of Change for her work as an Asian-American woman leader. She holds a BA in human development from Boston College and an MA from the School of International Service at American University. She studied Arabic at the American University in Cairo and is currently completing a coaching certification program through Coaching for Healing, Justice and Liberation. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shireenzaman/ Website: https://www.fordfoundation.org/ —————————————— Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place!   #nonprofits #podcast

Eve Turow-Paul didn't set out to start a nonprofit, but once she identified a crucial need in her community, the pieces quickly fell into place. As the founder and Executive Director of Food for Climate League, she's helping change the narrative of sustainable food systems by addressing the emotional underpinnings that drive people's food choices. The women-led team is influencing culinary workers to reduce emissions, embrace plant-based options, and increasing biodiversity.  Sherry and Eve discuss starting a nonprofit with little planning behind it, growing your organization through powerful storytelling, and how a case study with Google changed the trajectory of her work forever. Click here to learn more about Eve's case study with Google.   What You Will Discover:  ✔️ Factors such as anxiety, stress, and loneliness can influence people's food choices and lead to chronic health issues in communities down the line ✔️ Having a clear, concise, and well-thought out plan is key when building quality relationships with mission-aligned donors  ✔️ Tools Eve has used to help engage donors and track progress —————————————— Eve Turow-Paul a leading expert on Millennial and Gen Z global food culture, and founder and Executive Director of Food for Climate League. Her latest book is Hungry: Avocado Toast, Instagram Influencers and Our Search for Connection and Meaning (BenBella, 2020). By blending qualitative and quantitative methods, Turow-Paul explores the 'why' behind today's biggest food and lifestyle trends. Through her writing, research, and nonprofit leadership, she connects the dots between climate, food culture, and human needs. Turow-Paul views food culture as a key lever for improving mental, physical, and environmental health around the world. Eve's writing on food trends and human behavior has appeared in a number of publications including Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, Plate, Forbes, The Village Voice, on The Atlantic, FoodTank, Refinery29, Huffington Post and more. She was prominently featured in the documentary film WASTED! The Story of Food Waste, which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival. In 2019, with seed funding from the Food program at Google, Turow-Paul founded Food for Climate League, an all-female non-profit research collaborative working to make climate-smart food choices the norm by leveraging narrative and behavioral design.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveturowpaul/ Website: https://www.foodforclimateleague.org/ —————————————— Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place!   #nonprofits #podcast

As the principal of teenyBIG, Emily Taylor helps nonprofits at an inflection point make big decisions that affect their community so they can move from indecision to intentional, next-level growth. She empowers bold leaders to gather the information they need to make big decisions with buy-in so they can move from a holding pattern and into next-level growth. Emily discusses the need for nonprofits to reset and make strategic decisions in the post-COVID world, the challenges of strategic planning, and the importance of taking a step back before diving into the process.   What You Will Discover:  ✔️ Listening to the community and staying connected to the humanity behind the work of nonprofits is essential for making informed and impactful decisions. ✔️ Balancing vision and analysis is crucial in making strategic decisions. Organizations should consider both the big picture  ✔️ Strategic planning is not always the right solution for every organization. It is important to customize the approach and create a useful tool that aligns with the organization's goals and needs. —————————————— Emily Taylor works with nonprofit leaders whose organizations are at an inflection point - they're ready to catapult their mission into their next stage of growth. Leaders who seek Emily's expertise know they need to shift their decision-making from intuitive to intentional but are unsure of how to start that process.  She first grounds the organization in 'who they are' to help them prioritize the challenges that lie ahead. To achieve this, Emily applies her individualized strategic listening methodology with an organization's community, allowing teams to 'see their value' and align their decision-making as an organization, not just the CEO. She helps them prioritize their big decisions and builds a foundation for organizational decision-making. As a result of this process, Emily's clients are able to paint a solid picture of their organization, one that is viewed similarly internally and externally, preparing them for their next stage of growth.  Her clients are empowered to move forward by shifting their decision-making from intuitive to intentional. Emily attributes her success to her unique ability to balance left and right brain thinking - to make sense of people's emotions and motivations and apply them to strategic thinking, including all the perspectives that make us human. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-taylor-teenybig/ Website: https://www.teenybig.com/ —————————————— Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place!   #nonprofits #podcast

Veronika Trufanova always had a passion for environmental sustainability, making her the perfect fit for her role as Director of Development at the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, a historic linear park system in Boston that introduced one the first example of green infrastructure in the nation. Nika now works to sustain the parks impact on the city while growing awareness for its rich history, a huge task in a city with over 650,000 residents.  Nika discusses how Sherry's fresh perspective has revamped her team's strategic plan while generating morale throughout her organization. The two share about the power of curiosity in young fundraisers, and how that energy can translate to your relationships with donors.   What You Will Discover:  ✔️ A well-thought-out, purpose driven strategic plan can unlock the spark your organization needs to take on that big capital campaign ✔️ It's important to take a step back from the everyday grind and celebrate wins, even the smallest victories, to boost morale in your staff and donors ✔️ The most important trait a young fundraiser can have is a curiosity for understanding their organization's mission ✔️ By truly understanding the needs of your organization, you can create a personal and generous atmosphere that allows your donors to really feel like they're making an impact —————————————— Veronika (Nika) directs the Conservancy's fundraising program, including individual, corporate, foundation and government grants, the annual giving program, and other special fundraising initiatives. Nika previously worked at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, where she led the Institutional Giving program for over six years, raising unrestricted, project-based and campaign support from corporations, foundations and government granting agencies. She also held several roles on the development team at the Harvard Art Museums, encompassing database management, development operations and donor and member events. Nika holds a bachelor's degree in Art History from Haverford College. She is an avid tea drinker and an unabashed Italophile. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronika-trufanova-5770bb8/ Website: https://www.emeraldnecklace.org/ —————————————— Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place!   #nonprofits #podcast

Suzy Myers Jackson didn't expect to have a career in fundraising, but when the opportunity to lead an organization that aligned with her passion for theatre presented itself, she hit the ground running. After 17 years at Opening Act New York, Suzy became the Executive Director of SparkYouth NYC. Now, she's bringing a refreshing style of tried and true fundraising opportunities to expand opportunities for young people in New York City.   What You Will Discover:  ✔️ We all learn from experience, but establishing a process to evaluate and adapt to those experiences can make all the difference for your organization ✔️ Skills you have developed prior to becoming a fundraiser will always come in handy, like theatre! ✔️ Prioritizing relationship building leading up to the event makes a tremendous impact on how successful the event is for your organization ✔️ Relationships held by members of your Board of Directors can bring new energy to your events and lead to future connections —————————————— Suzy Myers Jackson is the Executive Director of SparkYouthNYC, an organization that ignites growth in community-based, youth-centered organizations through a three-pronged model of financial investment (trust-based, multi-year, unrestricted support), capacity building (SparkYouth's unique Cofactor Lab), and peer support (Executive Director Leadership Collective). Suzy became Executive Director at SparkYouth following 5 years of service on SparkYouth's Board of Directors and 6 years as a SparkYouth grantee. Suzy's nonprofit background spans nearly 20 years and encompasses a diverse range of expertise, including: fundraising, board development, nonprofit management, strategic planning, leadership coaching, and program development. Suzy was the longtime Executive Director of Opening Act, where she grew the organization's reach from 3 to 57 of NYC's most high-need public schools and increased revenue by 80 fold. Under her leadership the organization became a leader in Social Emotional Learning outcomes. Suzy has also been a consultant for such organizations and corporations as Harlem Educational Activities Fund, HBO, the Center for Anti-Violence Education, Youth INC, Brandworkers, STEM From Dance, and INCLUDEnyc. She has developed multiple campaigns and professional development workshops that have been implemented by organizations to raise funds, deepen relationships with key stakeholders, and build a thriving organizational culture. Suzy received her BFA from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. She currently lives in Brooklyn with her partner and young sons.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzy-myers-jackson-6157419/ Website: https://sparkyouthnyc.org/ —————————————— Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place!   #nonprofits #podcast

Melissa Hilton uses her diverse background to get the most out of the relationships she holds with her donors. As the Vice President of fundraising efforts for Erie Family Health, a $100M+ FQHC, you have to think outside of the box to not only maintain relationships with donors, but help them understand the most important needs of your organization, and the funds it requires to achieve that. Sherry and Melissa discuss FQHC's, the balancing act of managing your annual fund with a capital campaign, and dive into the details of how your relationships  truly impact your fundraising efforts.   What You Will Discover:  ✔️ Fundraising is an opportunity to build relationships and communicate the great work of an organization. ✔️ Outside help, such as consultants and coaches, can provide fresh perspectives and valuable tools for fundraising success. ✔️ Tools like the conversation prompt and the case for support can simplify and enhance fundraising conversations. ✔️ Balancing the annual fund and a capital campaign requires strategic planning and understanding donor preferences. —————————————— Melissa Hilton joined Erie Family Health Centers (Erie) in 2012 and currently leads its fundraising efforts as Vice President, Development and Executive Director, Erie Family Health Foundation. In this capacity, she is responsible for developing and executing strategies to expand governmental and philanthropic support to advance Erie's mission. A skilled relationship-builder, Ms. Hilton oversees a team of 10 and leads initiatives to deepen philanthropic partnerships to help sustain Erie's capacity to bring affordable, holistic and exceptional healthcare to more than 88,000 patients—and growing. Earlier in her Erie career, Ms. Hilton also oversaw the Marketing team and grew this function to encompass internal and external communications, advertising and digital marketing, branding and graphic design, and community engagement. Prior to joining Erie, Ms. Hilton served in roles of increasing responsibility over 16 years at The Field Museum. Most recently, she was Vice President, Board Relations and Senior Director, Institutional Advancement, where she worked in partnership with the Museum President to manage the work of The Field's 85-member board of trustees and directed planned giving. Her professional experience also includes working as a public finance investment banker, as a legislative assistant and press secretary for a member of Congress, and as press assistant at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Ms. Hilton received a bachelor of arts degree in English from Yale University where she graduated summa cum laude and a master of business administration from the Yale School of Management. Ms. Hilton is a member of the Advisory Council for GirlForward and serves as a member of the Yale Alumni Fund (YAF) Board of Directors and Co-Chair of YAF Agents for her undergraduate class.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hilton-4632463/ Website: https://www.eriefamilyhealth.org/ —————————————— Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place!   #nonprofits #podcast