The Beacon: Recent Episodes
Lighthouse Counsel
Lighthouse Counsel partners with respected nonprofits to develop and implement strategies that increase mission awareness, organizational effectiveness and philanthropic support.
time or a large development staff. Whether your organization is launching its first planned giving effort or looking to build momentum, this conversation offers an encouraging place to begin.
Nick DeLuna, Senior Portfolio Advisor and Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and 2026 Board President of the United Way of Greater Nashville Young Leader Society, joins Brian Hassett to discuss how nonprofits can build lasting relationships with younger professionals. Drawing from his experience as both a volunteer leader and advisor to philanthropic families, Nick explains why volunteer opportunities often lead to deeper financial commitment, how corporate partnerships create natural pathways into community engagement, and why leadership exposure matters for emerging professionals. Mission-driven organizations looking to strengthen their pipeline of future donors, volunteers, and board members will find practical ideas they can begin applying today.
Rachel Hutchisson, Senior Advisor at Pyxera Global, explores how skills-based volunteering can help mission-driven organizations strengthen capacity beyond traditional volunteer roles. In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Rachel joins Del Martin to discuss how leaders can align professional expertise with real organizational needs, from strategy and technology to marketing and operations. The takeaway is practical: start with the strategic need, then match the right talent to the right work.
Ian Adair, CEO of the Seattle Police Foundation, makes a compelling case for attention-focused fundraising in a noisy world. In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Ian joins Dr. Stuart Gulley to discuss how mission-driven organizations can move beyond transactional messaging and hold donor attention through relational, value-based storytelling. The takeaway is practical: your board members, staff, donors and volunteers may be among your most powerful storytellers.
Josh Newton, senior vice president for Advancement and Alumni Engagement at Emory University, joins host John Stephenson on The Beacon Podcast for a conversation on how advancement leaders are adapting to shifting donor expectations, rising competition and changing institutional priorities.Drawing on his leadership of Emory’s record-setting 2O36 campaign, which surpassed its $4 billion goal, Josh shares perspective on donor engagement, campaign strategy, long-term institutional priorities and the leadership qualities advancement professionals will need in the years ahead.
Shawn Olds makes a compelling case that AI adoption starts with leadership, not technology. In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Shawn, founder of Ike Papalua and former co-founder and founding CEO of boodleAI, explains why nonprofit leaders should engage AI directly, set responsible policies and focus on practical value. His message is clear: AI can strengthen nonprofit leadership, communications, donor engagement and organizational capacity, but only when human judgment stays at the center.
Strong boards do more than govern. They help shape culture, elevate leadership, and position organizations for lasting impact. In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Rodney Bullard joins host John O’Kane to discuss the qualities of effective boards, common warning signs of underperformance and how organizations can identify future board leaders.Rodney Bullard is CEO of The Same House, a public benefit corporation focused on advancing economic mobility and bridging social division. He previously served as an officer at Chick-fil-A, where he established and led the company’s global corporate social responsibility platform, including community affairs, engagement, sustainability and the Chick-fil-A Foundation. A former JAG officer, White House Fellow, board director, and bestselling author of Heroes Wanted, Rodney brings a distinctive perspective on leadership and service.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Dr. Kent Keith, president of the Carlson Keith Corporation, former president of Chaminade University and former CEO of the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, joins host Dr. Stuart Gulley to reflect on leading a university through an existential crisis.His insight is direct. Organizations rarely fail overnight. They decline slowly until hard decisions can no longer be delayed. For leaders, the discipline of strategic planning, early action and honest evaluation is essential to avoid crisis. A meaningful perspective for nonprofit leadership and board development.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Cherian Koshy, vice president at Kindsight and author of Neurogiving, joins host Jeff Jowdy to explore what science reveals about generosity.The insight is clear. Giving is not driven by persuasion but by identity. When leaders align their message with how donors see themselves, trust strengthens and generosity follows. This has direct implications for donor engagement, major campaigns and nonprofit leadership. A timely reminder that effective fundraising starts with understanding, not tactics.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Dr. Lilya Wagner, senior advisor with Lighthouse Counsel and author of the book “Leading Up,” explores how meaningful leadership often happens without formal authority. Drawing on more than three decades as an educator, coach and practitioner, Lilya challenges the assumption that influence flows only from the top. She offers practical insight into how mission-driven professionals can move ideas forward, build momentum and lead with credibility from any role.Hosted by Lighthouse Counsel Senior Advisor Karen Baldwin, the conversation weaves together Lilya’s personal story from her early life as a refugee after World War II to her work shaping leaders across the nonprofit sector. With clarity and depth, she reminds listeners that some of the most powerful leadership is quiet, principled and transformational.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy is joined by Dr. Brett Jacobson, president of the Southern Association of Independent Schools, to explore the signals shaping the future of independent education. Drawing on national trends and SAIS research, Jacobson examines shifts in the education workforce, changing expectations around loyalty and work-life balance, and the evolving public perception of schools. While he names real challenges, including faculty shortages, fewer students and more educational choices, he also highlights encouraging indicators within independent schools, strong engagement, commitment to mission, and optimism about staying in the profession.The conversation turns to how heads of school and boards can respond with foresight rather than reaction. Jacobson emphasizes adaptive innovation, shared governance, and the importance of monitoring emerging trends before they become disruptions. He challenges leaders to balance daily demands with long-term strategy, remain honest about the weight of tradition, and build systems that allow schools to adapt while staying rooted in their mission. The episode offers clear, practical insight for leaders navigating complexity and preparing their schools to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Dr. Dan Heist, assistant professor at BrighamYoung University and co-founder of the Donor Advised Fund Research Collaborative,shares research-driven insight into how donors actually use donor-advised funds.Drawing on original data, he explains the trade-offs between DAFs and privatefoundations, addressing questions of donor control, administrative efficiency,transparency and payout behavior. The conversation moves beyond headlines to clarifywhy DAFs continue to grow and how donor intent operates within these vehicles.Hosted by Dr. Stuart Gulley, the episode offers practical guidance for nonprofit leadersseeking to better understand and steward DAF dollars. Dan introduces three distinctdonor patterns – tubs, tanks and towers – and explains how each behaves differently interms of timing, payout and engagement. He outlines concrete strategies for identifyingDAF donors, tracking them effectively and tailoring cultivation and solicitationapproaches accordingly, while also addressing policy and perception shifts likely toinfluence DAFs in the years ahead.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, The Rev. Dr. Stuart Gulley joins Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy for a wide-ranging conversation on what it takes to lead a campus with clarity, consistency and conviction. Drawing from three decades as a chief executive and his leadership at LaGrange College, Woodward Academy and Emory University, Stuart shares a simple but powerful discipline: Cast the vision constantly, in every setting, and pair it with stories that make the mission real. He describes how repeating core language and reinforcing it through lived examples helps faculty, staff, parents, alumni and students not only understand the mission but truly own it.Stuart also unpacks the ingredients of a high-functioning CEO and board relationship. These include longer-serving board chairs, leaders who understand governance and a clear system for addressing “rogue” behavior before it derails momentum. He explains how Woodward built succession strength through intentional development, including identifying future leaders early and launching “Leadership Woodward” to grow talent across the organization. The episode closes with timely reflections on moral leadership in a fraught climate, using mission as the North Star when pressure collides with values and a practical decision filter every leader can use: Can I live with this if it becomes public?
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Mary Humann Judson, founder of Judson Advisory Group and former president of The Goizueta Foundation, shares a candid, experience-based perspective on how foundations think and make decisions. Drawing on decades of work across family foundations, corporate philanthropy and large institutional grant makers, Mary emphasizes a central truth: Every foundation is different. She explains why understanding a foundation’s history, values, governance structure and decision-making process is essential for organizations seeking meaningful support.The conversation offers practical guidance for nonprofit leaders navigating grant seeking today. Mary discusses what happens behind the scenes once a proposal is submitted, what makes applications stand out and common missteps that can undermine credibility. She also underscores the importance of proactive communication, authentic relationship-building and treating funders as true partners. This episode provides clear, grounded insight for leaders seeking to align their mission with the right funders and build durable, trust-based foundation relationships.
In this special episode of The Beacon Podcast, senior advisor Dr. Karen Baldwin sits down with fellow Lighthouse Counsel senior advisor Dr. Howard Cohen for an engaging preview of his newly published book Leading Volunteers. Drawing on more than five decades in higher education and nonprofit leadership, Howard explains why leading volunteers requires a different mindset than leading employees and why persuasion, respect and process matter so deeply.Karen and Howard walk through real examples, including a powerful dialogue featured in the book, and explore the approaches every board chair and executive should master. If you work with volunteers or serve on a board, this conversation offers practical insight you can put to use right away. A thoughtful introduction to a timely and compelling new resource for mission-driven leaders.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Brian Flahaven, vice president for strategic partnerships at CASE, talks with host Dr. Bob Smith about the sweeping federal tax legislation known as HR 1 and how its major charitable giving provisions will affect higher education and other mission-driven organizations.Brian walks through the return of a charitable deduction for non-itemizers; new limits for high-income donors; and changes influencing donor advised funds, IRA gifts and corporate giving – and why and how these shifts will shape donor engagement, capital campaigns and strategic planning in the year ahead. Their conversation highlights the importance of clear donor communication, board awareness and bipartisan advocacy as institutions navigate a rapidly evolving policy landscape.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, fundraising leader Roger D. Ali, chair of AFP Global, joins Jeff Jowdy to explore how community and belonging are reshaping philanthropy. He shares why retention-first fundraising, authentic storytelling, and thoughtful use of AI are key to stronger donor engagement and lasting impact. A fresh look at the future of nonprofit leadership and fundraising strategy.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Bill Stanczykiewicz, senior assistant dean for external relations at Indiana University’s Lily Family School of Philanthropy, talks with Lighthouse Counsel Senior Advisor Dr. Lilya Wagner about changes in tax laws and in donor motivation.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Bill Stanczykiewicz, senior assistant dean for external relations at Indiana University’s Lily Family School of Philanthropy, talks with Lighthouse Counsel Senior Advisor Dr. Lilya Wagner about the Fund Raising School and its role in the charitable sector and the resources it offers to those in fundraising and nonprofit leadership; where the charitable sector is now in the evolution of its perception as being an ad hoc volunteer-based activity into a recognized, skilled profession with clear standards, training, ethics and career pathways; and what trends or changes in philanthropy he sees coming.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Birgit Burton, founder and CEO of the African American Development Officers Network, discusses the power of mentoring and its critical role in helping fundraisers reach their highest potential both for their own success and that of the organizations they serve. In her discussion with Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Susan Hosbach, Birgit talks about how mentoring has shaped her own professional development, how leaders can build a culture of mentoring—even when time is tight—and how mentors can be intentional about recognizing and nurturing talent that may not come from traditional backgrounds or networks.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Advisor Lilya Wagner welcomes Art Taylor, president and CEO of AFP Global. In their discussion, Art talks about AFP and why members of the charitable sector should join, changes in the charitable giving landscape, how AFP has evolved to address those changes and what he hopes to accomplish during his tenure as CEO.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Content Coordinator Margaret Gardner talks with Alan Clayton about organizations that “get it” and excel at raising the money needed to make their mission a reality.In their conversation, the author of the book “Great Fundraising Organizations: Why and How The World's Best Charities Excel at Raising Money” talks about the research that helped formulate the insights found in the book, some surprising findings, what a great fundraising organization looks like and the kind of leadership needed to help an organization excel at fundraising.
In part 2 of our interview with entrepreneur and philanthropist Maxine Clark, special guest host Parker Middleton speaks with the founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop about:• The founding of her community impact organization, Delmar DivINe• The benefits of nonprofit organizations collaborating and sharing a central location• How “taking the call” resulted in a wildly successful partnership• The importance of creating connections and nurturing relationships• How acquiring donors in the nonprofit world is like acquiring investors in the business world?
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, special guest host Parker Middleton speaks with visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist Maxine Clark, founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop.In their discussion, Clark shares insights into her career, including:• How her mother influenced her lifelong passion for entrepreneurship and problem solving• Her community impact organization Delmar DivINe• How communities can build to ensure sustainability
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with Dr. Russell James, author of “The Storytelling Fundraiser,” about storytelling and behavioral economics and how they affect fundraising.In their conversation, Russell addresses: • Insights on the storytelling arc as it pertains to fundraising • How fundraisers can craft a compelling story • How storytelling affects the brains and the actions of donors and potential donors
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy talks with Texas Tech’s Russell James about getting inside the mind of the planned giving donor.During their conversation, James answers questions including:• Why traditional fundraising methods don’t work for planned gifts• Fascinating research on how emotions and areas of the brain are triggered by planned gift solicitations• Top insights into how to overcome objections to planned gift conversations.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy talks with Wayne Olson, author of the book, “The Disney Difference: The Complete Guide to Adding Disney-Like Magic to your Corporation or Organization.”In their discussion, Wayne shares insights into:• Why Disney resonated with him as a child and continues to resonate with people of all ages• What "Disney magic" is and how it translates to nonprofit organizations in regard to leadership and fundraising• The top takeaways from Disney that nonprofit leaders can use to create those magical experiences for donors
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Carole Carter heads up a lively conversation with Sandy Howard and Gary Everton about leading productive, engaging board meetings that lead to involvement and philanthropic support.During their conversation, the trio talks about:• Maintaining a structured agenda while fostering an engaging environment where board members feel comfortable sharing ideas and taking an active role• Strategies for motivating board members to not only participate in discussions but also become more personally invested in the organization’s philanthropic initiatives• Integrating opportunities for fun, team-building or creative thinking into board meetings without compromising the focus on strategic goals and fundraising efforts
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Joan Bahner speaks with celebrated author, entrepreneur and mentor Louis Upkins about mindful living and how it affects leadership.In their discussion, Louis talks about:• The definition of mindful or purposeful living• How this mindset informs leadership and sets leaders up for success• How this concept plays out with regard to leaders at nonprofit organizations
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with longtime fundraising pros Stanley Weinstein and Dr. Pamela Barden. Stanley is the author of the first three editions of "The Complete Guide to Fundraising Management,” which Pamela updated and expanded for the fourth edition.In their discussion, they talk about:• The impetus and goal for writing the first edition• The reasons for updating and expanding the book• Changes in fundraising from the time the book was written to when it was updatedImportant takeaways for today’s fundraisers
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Carole Carter talks with her Lighthouse Counsel colleague, Senior Advisor Howard Cohen, about how to productively say no to a request while allowing the person to feel heard and keeping the lines of communication open.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Carole Carter talks with fellow Senior Consultant Howard Cohen. They role-play a scenario where the board chair has to deliver the unfortunate news that the board member has not been chosen by the nominating committee for another term on the board. Then they offer takeaways to help real chairs navigate this and other tricky conversations.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Dr. Lilya Wagner speaks with Dr. F. Willis Johnson about how faith-based fundraising is reimaging and impacting community. In their discussion, Dr. Johnson addresses issues including:• How churches and church-related organizations can engage in community activities and what impact that has on their fundraising• The pros and cons of faith-based organizations having closer ties and relationships with a community and advice on how to proceed• What community organizations might be most suitable for such a relationship
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Carole Carter talks with her Lighthouse Counsel colleague, Senior Consultant Howard Cohen, about creating and maintaining high-functioning boards.In their discussion, Howard addresses topics including:• The definition of a high-functioning board• Signs of a dysfunctional board• Tips for board chairs on how to shape an effective board.
In today’s episode of The Beacon Podcast, Margaret Gardner talks with Willeke van Rijn, CEO of The Resource Alliance, about how unity on various levels can increase the impact of the social sector.In their discussion, Willeke addresses issues including:• The power of community and what that means in terms of mission, fundraising and resource development.• The factors that affect all organizations when it comes to uniting for change.• Conditions within an organization that might interfere with it building a sense of community among its supporters.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel’s Margaret Gardner talks with Dr. Angelo Valenti about personal happiness and how to unravel the reasons we make living in joy so hard on ourselves. Dr. Valenti is the author of the book, “You're Making This Way Too Hard: Find Your EASY Way to NJOYLFE.”In their discussion, Dr. Valenti addresses issues such as:• Why and how we seem to be getting in our own way when it comes to finding our joy• How to overcome that and bring joy into or back into our lives• How leaders can benefit personally and professionally by finding their own joy
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy talks with Lighthouse Senior Consultant Victor Wilson about the challenges and hurdles leaders are facing today.In their discussion, Jeff and Victor address topics including:• Why pressure on leaders seems to be increasing• The biggest hurdles to successful leadership leaders face today• A checklist of things any leader must do to be the best possible leader they can be
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Dr. Lilya Wagner talks with long-time fundraiser and volunteer Jeff Lukacsena about diversity, equity and inclusion in the nonprofit world.In their discussion, Lilya and Jeff address issues including:• The importance of having true diversity on your fundraising team and how that translates into deepening relationships with donors.• The progress to that end being made in the nonprofit world• The difference between organizational culture and representation
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Carole Carter talks with Clark Baker about board engagement. Clark retired as CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston after more than 50 years working within the YMCA organization.In their conversation, Carole and Clark discuss:• The importance of making your board members your best friends• Keeping board members active and engaged• The biggest obstacles a nonprofit leader faces in establishing and nurturing an effective board.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Content Coordinator Margaret Gardner speaks with Nicole Rivera, vice president of programs for Musicians On Call, about recruiting and empowering volunteers.In their discussion, Nicole talks about:• The different roles volunteers play at Musicians On Call and how the organization goes about recruiting volunteers and communicating the benefits of volunteering• How Musicians On Call keeps volunteers feeling engaged, energized, valued and appreciated• How Musicians On Call supports volunteers who want to donate money or otherwise help with fundraising.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with Marty Dickens about building powerful and impactful boards. Marty recently retired as chairman of the board of trustees of Belmont University after serving 17 years in that role. In their discussion, Marty addresses issues including:• The definition of a powerful, impactful board• The key things a board chair needs to do to build and nurture such a board• Ways nonprofit board chairs can support and empower their boards
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Content Coordinator Margaret Gardner talks with Polina Pompliano, author of the book “Hidden Genius: The secret ways of thinking that power the world's most successful people” and founder of The Profile, a media organization that studies successful people and companies.In their discussion, Polina:• Explains the concept of hidden genius and how it pertains to leadership• Shares thoughts on some surprising insights she gained from her interviews• Outlines three top takeaways for unlocking hidden genius
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with Marty Dickens about an aspect of board leadership that doesn’t get talked about much – being ready, willing and able to stand up and make tough calls when they’re needed.Marty recently retired as chairman of the board of trustees of Belmont University after serving 17 years. In their discussion, Marty addresses:• Several challenges he has faced as board chair over 17 years and how he handled them? • The personality traits that define a successful board chair when it comes doing what needs to be done when an organization faces challenges• Advice for new board chairs when it comes to weathering any storms that come along.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Dr. Lilya Wagner leads a conversation about nonprofit leadership and management and the importance of project management in fundraising.Dr. Wagner is joined by Prof. Darryl Allen, partner and chief education officer at the Mentorship Institute. In their discussion, they’ll talk about:• The dangers of foregoing the best practices of project management when it comes to fundraising• The relationship between the fundraising folks and the rest of the team at the organization and how they can support one another• The essential elements of management that ensure the critical issues of accountability, transparency and sustainability are properly addressed
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Dr. Lilya Wagner speaks with Dr. Dwight Burlingame, a major contributor to the field of philanthropy in the United States for more than 30 years, about nonprofit education and professional development for fundraisers.In their discussion, Dwight explores:• The growing interest in fundraising coursework and degrees in higher education• What sets nonprofit management and fundraising courses apart from more general business programs• How nonprofit- and fundraising-specific education can help practitioners navigate the increasingly common intersection of nonprofit and for-profit missions
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Dr. Lilya Wagner talks with Harry Dorcus about the role of the chief financial officer in a nonprofit organization’s fundraising.Harry has 39 years of international financial management experience, with special emphasis on establishing new missions for the United States Agency for International Development, an independent agency of the United States government that is primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance.Harry addresses topics including:• Helping CFOs understand and commit to fundraising and the idea that it costs money to raise money. • Outlining a reasonable role for a CFO to play in an organization’s overall fundraising plan• How the CFO can practically and ethically share information from the finance office that will make the fundraiser’s job easier and better
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, special guest host Parker Middleton talks with Tom Johnson, former president of CNN, chairman and CEO of CNN News Group and former president and publisher of The Los Angeles Times about philanthropy and the heart of giving.In their discussion, Tom shares his thoughts on an array of topics around philanthropy and giving, including:• What compels him to get behind a cause with his time, heart, ideas and financial support.• How he decides what organizations to lend his name, networks and skill to.• What nonprofit leaders should know or do in order to work with volunteers like him.• How he handles it when met with a no from a prospective donor.And so much more.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with Jodi Weiss, senior client partner at global organizational consulting firm Korn Ferry, about leadership succession planning for nonprofits.In their discussion, Jodi and Jeff talk about issues including:• The importance of having a succession plan – and the consequences of not having one.• What organizations should be striving for in terms of a healthy culture of development that ensures the retention of key talent and encourages longevity.• What a successful succession strategy looks like.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy talks with Vern Snyder, former vice president for institutional advancement at the University of Toledo.In their discussion, Vern address topics including:• Major changes in institutional advancement, both positive and negative, over the course of his career.• The process of outlining goals to keep an institution moving forward.• Managing expectations and measuring success.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Karen Baldwin talks with Mike Richey, who retired recently as vice president of philanthropy and alumni engagement at the University of Kentucky after a five-decade career at the school.In their discussion, Mike addresses:• The motivation to stay committed to one university for 50 years.• Changes he’s seen in higher education philanthropy over the course of five decades.• What he considers important qualities to look for in hiring an advancement professional.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Harry Chapman talks with Dr. Russell James, professor in the School of Financial Planning at Texas Tech University, about making the ask. In their discussion, Russell addresses:• What Obi-Wan, Gandalf and Morpheus can teach us about major gifts. • The specific process to epic storytelling that puts the donor front and center as the hero. • The three-sentence roadmap that lets you know when you’re ready to make the right ask at the right time for the right thing.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Director of Business Development Ryan Woroniecki speaks with John Taylor, principal at John Taylor Consulting, a leading firm in the field of advancement, campaign management and board development, about preparing for a capital campaign.In their discussion, John addresses:• The Association of Advancement Services Professionals, which he founded in 2007. • How organizations should consider fundraising opportunities as they eye a capital campaign.• Recommendations for assessment tools organizations can use to determine their readiness for a capital campaign.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Martha Ross talks with Ken Cheeseman, head of school at The Webb School, a boarding and day school in Bell Buckle, Tennessee.In their discussion, Martha and Ken talk about:• The challenges of leadership and fund development at a boarding and day school. • Helping students who are attending from other countries deal with isolation and loneliness.• Fostering camaraderie and a feeling of family among students of different backgrounds, as well as between day students and those who live on campus.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Martha Ross speaks with Patricia Glaser Shea, founder and CEO of Being Giveful, about giving as a wellness practice and how individuals and nonprofits can foster a more giveful life.In their discussion, Pat addresses:• The benefits of developing a philanthropic mindset to our physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing• How to put that mindset into action• How nonprofit leaders can help to develop a giveful mindset within their organizations
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy welcomes Dr. Lilya Wagner and Dr. Mark Hager for a discussion on dysfunctional organizations.Mark and Lilya go way back to when they co-authored “Board members beware! Warning signs of a dysfunctional organization” in the late ‘90s for Nonprofit World magazine.In this lively discussion, they address the five most common signals that an organization is in trouble and what staff can do when they discern signs of dysfunction.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Director of Business Development Ryan Woroniecki talks with Micah James, manager of professional services at data management company Bloomerang, about technology for nonprofits.In their discussion, Ryan and Micah discuss topics including:• Some of the biggest advances in technology over the past decade and how they’ve empowered fundraisers• The important considerations nonprofits often overlook when thinking about purchasing fundraising technology• Proper implementation of new technology and the consequences of doing it poorly or too quickly.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Martha Ross talks with longtime independent school leader Brad Gioia about some of the changes he’s seen in the independent school landscape over his 40-year career.Martha and Brad talk about topics including:• How both students and parents have changed over 40 years in what they expect, what they want, what they need• How finances and fundraising have changed in independent schools• Changes in school culture and how important culture is to the longevity and success of a school
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Joan Bahner speaks with Bob Poole about donor relationships. For 14 years, Bob was senior vice president at Meherry Medical College and is now senior philanthropic advisor at Saad & Shaw.In their discussion, Joan and Bob talk about:• The unfortunate circumstance where fundraisers think of themselves more as salespeople rather than relationship builders• The consequences of that mindset• And how to change it
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Dr. Lilya Wagner speaks with Erik Daubert, who’ll be sharing insights from AFP’s Fundraising Effectiveness Project’s latest report.The Fundraising Effectiveness Project was created in 2006 as a joint project of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy at the Urban Institute to conduct research on fundraising effectiveness and help nonprofit organizations increase their fundraising results. Erik was the project’s first volunteer chair.In their discussion, Erik talks about:• The Fundraising Effectiveness Project, its purpose and origins• The FEP’s latest report, its top three takeaways and implications for nonprofits• Actionable items nonprofits should be doing as a result of the findings in the report
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Director of Business Development Ryan Woroniecki talks with David Lawson, the son of fundraising icon Doug Lawson, who passed away in 2020.In their discussion, David talks about:• Change management lessons gleaned from Doug’s role in helping to integrate Randolph-Macon College• Doug’s impact on the modern capital campaign• How organizations to which Doug left bequests honored his legacy and engaged his family.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Dr. Lilya Wagner talks with David Patrick King about the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and about what faith-based giving looks like now. David is the Karen Lake Buttrey director of the institute and associate professor of philanthropic studies at the school.In their conversation, Lilya and David discuss:• Why a secular, public university would have such a prestigious center for faith and giving • A thumbnail sketch of how and why this center was started and by whom• The tendency of churches to eschew the best practices and formal principles of fundraising because of the tradition of “God will provide.” • A summary of how the center can help anyone, but particularly faith-based organizations.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Content Coordinator Margaret Gardner talks with Willeke van Rijn, CEO of The Resource Alliance, about participative leadership and how it can transform the culture of an organization.In their discussion, Willeke:• Explains what participative leadership is• Offers examples of what it looks like in action• Talks about the importance of giving voice to team members to keep them feeling passionate and engaged
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy is joined by John O’Kane for a discussion on nonprofit boards and fundraising. John has been an influence in the nonprofit sector in the US for more than five decades and recently joined Lighthouse Counsel of counsel.
In their conversation, John talks about:
• The stumbling blocks that make board members uncomfortable with fundraising and how to overcome them. • How an organization can ensure that it’s recruiting the right board member at the right time? • Keeping board members engaged, interested and eager to do their part in fundraising.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Director of Business Development Ryan Woroniecki talks with Erik Tomalis, director of business development and chief evangelist at responsive fundraising platform Virtuous.
In their discussion, Erik shares some of the thought-provoking insights and questions from the joint Lighthouse Counsel/Virtuous 2023 Giving USA Briefing, including:
• His favorite panelist comments about the decline in donors and how organizations can effectively combat it
• The best way to build meaningful relationships from these important investors? And, were there any great panel comments on this subject? [Follow up, how can we meaningfully engage these donors when their initiatives would cause mission creep?]
• His top three takeaways from this year’s report and the panel discussion
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy talks with Héctor Colón, president and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Héctor also is a seven-time national boxing champion and the author of “My Journey from Boxing Ring to Boardroom: Five Essential Virtues for Life and Leadership.”
In their discussion about the qualities of impactful leadership that Héctor gleaned from his boxing career, he and Jeff talk about:
• Servant-leadership, what it means and what it looks like in today’s nonprofit world. • Hector’s five essential virtues for life and leadership. • Héctor’s experience of transitioning organizations from struggling to successful.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, OneCause CEO Steve Johns talks with Lighthouse Counsel Director of Business Development Ryan Woroniecki, about fearless leadership and what that looks like in the nonprofit world.Steve, author of “Fearless: Leadership Lessons at the Crossroads,” answers questions including:• What is fearless leadership and what does it look like in the day-to-day operations of a nonprofit?• How has leadership changed since COVID-19 pushed society into a new normal?• What are top takeaways for nonprofit executive directors and CEOs?
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Martha Ross speaks with Mark Stanek, head of school at Shady Hill School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.Mark shares his experience in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic as an education leader and addresses topics including:• The effect the pandemic has had on board and administrative team leadership operations.• Its impact on programs, services and facilities.• The Big Takeaway that the head of school learned along with everybody else.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Margaret Gardner talks with fundraising guru and rabble rouser Roger Craver. Roger is the editor of fundraising and communications blog The Agitator, which has been his main space for rousing rabble for more than a decade. So, it seemed only natural to ask, “What’s agitating you now?”Roger shares his thoughts on:• Direct response fundraising now and what the future holds• The quandary of why nonprofits seem more interested in acquiring new donors than retaining current ones• A lack of basic courtesy and common sense in the fundraising world
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Ryan Woroniecki talks with Nathan Chappell, author of the book, “Generosity Crisis: The case for radical connection to solve humanity’s greatest challenges.” In their discussion, Nathan explains what the generosity crisis is and answers questions including:• What are the implications of the generosity crisis to the nonprofit world and the missions it supports? • What is radical connection and why is it more important today than ever?• What is a high-level definition of artificial intelligence and where does it fit into all of this? • What does 2023 hold for donor retention and radical engagement?
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, fundraising icon Kay Sprinkel Grace talks with Margaret Gardner about how and why nonprofits should collaborate to increase their impact.Kay shares experiences and words of wisdom gleaned from her decades-long career and discusses:• How organizations retain their brand if they are collaborating or partnering with other nonprofits• How collaborating with other organizations affects a nonprofit’s ability to fundraise for its own mission• What happens if a successful collaboration leads to a merger
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Margaret Gardner speaks with Ted Bilich, founder and CEO of Risk Alternatives, about managing your nonprofit for resilience. Ted talks about the current economic landscape for nonprofits and answers questions including:• What makes this such an uncertain time for nonprofits?• What formula can nonprofits use to stay agile and resilient during times like this?• Should nonprofits be worried about the possibility of a recession on the horizon?• In light of that, what should they be doing right now to prepare for that and mitigate its impact on fundraising?
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Susan Hosbach speaks with Kevin Foyle, chairman of the global board for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, about AFP and what fundraisers and other nonprofit staff can expect from membership.During the interview, Kevin discusses:• What AFP is, its structure and goals and how it has changed over the years• What a fundraising or nonprofit professional can expect to gain from joining AFP• AFP events and why they’re important to attend
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Joan Bahner talks with author and PR pro Marc Whitt about the public relations in the nonprofit sector.Marc shares his eight habits that elevate a public relations professional to the masterful level and discusses topics including:• The changing role of public relations in fundraising for nonprofit organizations• How and why that role is changing• How PR for nonprofits is different from PR in the corporate world
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Susan Hosbach speaks with Kevin Foyle, chairman of the global board for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, about maximizing the role of volunteers in a successful fundraising campaign. During the interview, Kevin discusses:• The board’s role in a fundraising campaign• Specific ways to get board members engaged that they might be more comfortable with• Helping volunteers feel connected to and excited enough about the project and the campaign to help fund it
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Pat Duffy, co-founder of The Giving Block, joins host Margaret Gardner for a discussion on cryptocurrency.Pat provides a primer on the subject and answers questions including:• What is cryptocurrency is and how does it work?• How does cryptocurrency fit into the philanthropic landscape?• Why should nonprofits be accepting cryptocurrency?• How would a nonprofit start accepting cryptocurrency? • What roadblocks might organizations encounter? • How should nonprofits communicate with donors about it?
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy talks with Jennifer Turner, president and chief executive officer at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, about keeping donors engaged and giving during a crisis – when your mission isn’t crisis-related.Jennifer shared her experience in leading an arts organization during the pandemic and answers questions including:• What has been the game plan for keeping the performing arts center donors and other supporters engaged and giving, especially at the height of the pandemic. • What lessons can be learned for other organizations in that position, when their mission isn’t necessarily top of mind?• What is the role of leadership in cases like this? How can leaders support the communications, marketing and fundraising teams to keep donors engaged?
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Karen Baldwin speaks with Lisa Chmiola, founder and chief fablanthropist at Fablanthropy, about legacy giving. Lisa shares successful strategies and discusses:• What legacy giving is and why it’s important to both the organization and to the donor. • The biggest obstacles an organization faces when it comes to starting or making the most of a legacy giving program.• What a successful legacy giving program looks like and best practices.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with Glenn Cranfield, president and CEO at the Nashville Rescue Mission, about how nonprofit leaders can get out of their comfort zone and embrace risk – and why they should.
Glenn covers topics such as: • Why comfort zones are detrimental to nonprofit leaders and their organizations • The myths that keep nonprofits and their leaders risk averse • How leaders can leave their comfort zone behind, overcome fear and learn to embrace risk – and what that will mean to their organization and mission
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with Jennifer Filla, president and founder of Aspire Research Group, about the magic that makes for successful major gift fundraising.
Jeff and Jenn discuss what Jennifer calls the magic of major gift fundraising and talk about issues including:
• What major gift fairy dust is and why it’s something any organization or major gift officer can conjure • How to define and find best prospects • The difference between net worth and capacity and why it matters
In this episode of The Beacon, Margaret Gardner talks with charity and nonprofit lawyer Jess Birken about the poverty mindset and how it and the Overhead Myth are hurting nonprofits.
Jess discusses: • What the poverty mindset is and some of the common symptoms • What the Overhead Myth is • How together they hinder the important work of a nonprofit and, importantly, how nonprofits can get beyond them to thrive
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Harry Chapman talks with Dr. Bob Fisher, president emeritus of Belmont University in Nashville.
Bob shares about his visionary leadership at Belmont, where he earned the affectionate nickname “Bob the Builder” by driving more than $1 billion in new construction, renovations and property acquisitions and a fundraising campaign that exceeded its $326 million goal for student scholarships, faculty support, missions, athletics and more.
Bob talks about: • What Belmont was like when he first became president in 2000 • How his vision was received as it unfolded over decades • What organizations need to know about being bold and getting buy-in from necessary stakeholders • His connection to iconic musician Steve Winwood and how Winwood’s song, “While You See a Chance” informed his tenure at Belmont.
In this episode of The Beacon, Margaret Gardner speaks with Celeste Flores, US Communities Lead for Giving Tuesday, about making the most of the annual day of giving, which this year falls on November 29.
Celeste explains exactly what Giving Tuesday is and addresses topics including: • How Giving Tuesday originated • A timeline for an effective campaign - from initial planning to the day of and beyond • The biggest mistakes organizations make in regard to Giving Tuesday and opportunities for improvement
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with Glenn Cranfied, president and CEO at the Nashville Rescue Mission. Their discussion is about why and how nonprofits must stop competing with one another and work together to increase the impact for the people they serve.
Glenn discusses topics including:
• The scarcity mindset and how it hurts the ultimate goals of nonprofit organizations • What it looks like when organizations are in collaboration rather than competition • What makes it hard for organizations to grasp the idea of collaboration – what stands in the way and how those obstacles can be overcome
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Margaret Gardner talks with Bernard Ross, director of The Management Center, a global management consultancy working in the social impact sector, about behavioral science and its role in fundraising and change making.
Bernard shares insight from his book, “Change for Better,” which brings behavioral science out of the academic halls and makes it relevant to practitioners promoting social good though charitable fundraising.
In this episode, Bernard discusses:
• What behavioral science is and how it influences fundraising • Ethical issues around behavioral science and fundraising • Case studies that will help listeners really grasp these concepts
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel podcast coordinator Margaret Gardner speaks with Pamela Barden, president of PJ Barden Inc., about year-end direct-response fundraising.
Pamela warns that the time to think about year-end is, well, now and discusses:
• How year-end direct-response fundraising messages differ or should differ from other campaigns. • What a year-end direct-response fundraising campaign should look like. • One critical piece of advice nonprofits need to know concerning their year-end direct-response fundraising.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Communications Manager Yolanda Darville talks with Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Joan Bahner about the journey of African Americans and philanthropy.
In their discussion, Yolanda and Joan address issues including:
• The impact of African American philanthropy • Advice for nonprofits that want to diversify their donor base • Giving circles and how they have benefitted the African American community • Insights Joan has learned and how she used that knowledge to raise $3.5 million as vice president for institutional advancement at Fisk University.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Margaret Gardner talks with Bernard Ross, director of The Management Center, a global management consultancy working in the social impact sector, about an essential part of fundraising – making the ask.
Bernard shares insight from his book, “Making the Ask: The artful science of high-value fundraising, and answers questions including:
• What is decision science and how does it influence giving • What are the 5Ps pf making a successful ask • What are the biggest obstacles keeping fundraisers from doing their very best work for their organizations and how do they break through them?
This edition of The Beacon Podcast is a little different. We interviewed copywriting guru Tom Ahern, but we didn’t talk about Tom’s decades of experience. Instead, we asked Tom to talk about the inimitable Simone Joyaux, his wife of 37 years who passed away in 2021.
Simone’s birthday was in July, so we thought we would honor her memory with a discussion about some of her sage advice and, of course, some of the stories that made her a respected and beloved powerhouse in the fundraising sector in the United States.
In addition to Tom’s insights about Simone, he discusses:
• Why your $20 donors deserve your attention • Why research is crucial in fund development • Important questions to help donors feel heard
In this edition of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Gail Glasser talks with Steve Ives, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston, about things nonprofit leaders were able to glean from the chaos that was and, to some degree, still is the coronavirus pandemic.
In this discussion, Steve answers questions including:
• What are the greatest lessons the pandemic has taught you as a leader? • Did the YMCA of Greater Houston communicate differently with key donors during the pandemic? If so, how? • What lessons did the past two years provide to you and your team about the importance of relationship building and stewardship?
In this edition of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Kathy Gaston talks with Dick Horton, past president of the Tennessee Golf Foundation, about relationship building and its importance in fundraising.
Dick shared his insights on how organizations can harness the power of relationships to keep their fundraising going strong. Among the topics discussed:
• Making friends and nurturing relationships with prominent philanthropists • Developing a legacy giving program and the role it plays in an organization’s financial success • The best advice for nonprofits when it comes to relationship building
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with Jim Eskin, author of the book “10 Simple Fundraising Lessons,” about how to take the guesswork out of fundraising.
In this episode, Jim discusses:
• Why so many fundraisers seem afraid to ask for money • How they can overcome that fear • 10 simple fundraising lessons that can make fundraisers more successful on behalf of the organizations they work for
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, writer and podcast coordinator Margaret Gardner speaks with Chris Lyons, president of Brand United, NonProfit PRO and Book Business about NonProft PRO’s 2021 Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Study.
Chris shares insights on the study findings, as well as on peer-to-peer fundraising in general and why it’s an important tool in any organization’s fundraising toolkit.
Chris discusses:
• Key takeaways from the study for fundraisers and nonprofit organizations. • Why peer-to-peer is a valuable tool in organizations' revenue-producing toolkit. • Steps an organization should take to start a peer-to-peer program and what challenges it might encounter.
In this edition of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy talks with Gabe Cooper about responsive fundraising and why organizations should treat all of their donors like major donors. And, importantly, how they can.
Gabe offers insights on responsive fundraising and answers questions including:
• What is responsive fundraising and why is it necessary for nonprofits to engage with donors in this way? • What are the three parts of the responsive fundraising framework? • What are the biggest obstacles to nonprofits when it comes to responsive fundraising?
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant David Snow speaks with Rebecca Moffett, president of Vanguard Charitable, a national donor-advised fund provider and one of the nation's top grant makers.
Rebecca shares her insights on an important topic for nonprofits — how to encourage donors to budget for charitable giving, which results in higher amounts of giving, according to a Vanguard Charitable survey. For example, individuals who budget for charitable giving gave nearly seven times more dollars than those who don't budget, the survey found.
• In the discussion, Rebecca talks about the results of that survey and answers questions including:
• What eye-opening findings did the survey unearth that can help nonprofits engage more deeply with their donors and raise more money?
• How can nonprofits communicate with their donors about budgeting for their annual charitable giving?
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse President Jeff Jowdy talks with Bo Ryles, senior director with the National 4-H Council and an adjunct professor at the University of Georgia.
Bo has committed his career to helping young people deveop leadership skills they will use throughout their lives. In this conversation, he answers questions including:
• As a leader, what is the importance of being able to inspire, support and empower people and how do you achieve that kind of leadership?
• How can leaders draw from their personal passions to become better leaders?
ˆIs nonprofit leadership changing? What are the challenges and opportunities leaders will be addressing in the near future?
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Margaret Gardner speaks with Musicians On Call President and CEO Pete Griffin.
Pete talks about the coronavirus pandemic and how the organization connected with staff and donors. Pete answers questions including:
• How did Musicians On Call change the way it communicated with donors at the beginning of the pandemic?
• How did the organization stay connected with staff to make the transition into working through a pandemic less stressful?
• How did the pandemic inform the organization’s donor engagement and communications going forward? And what takeaways can other organizations glean from Musicians On Call’s experience?
In this edition of The Beacon Podcast, Karen Baldwin speaks to David Snow, a senior consultant with Lighthouse Counsel, about endowment development.
David discusses the importance of having an endowment for nonprofit organizations and outlines how to establish and manage endowments to ensure financial stability well into the future. David answers questions about endowment development including:
• What exactly is an endowment? Are there different kinds of endowments? • How does a nonprofit know when it’s ready to start an endowment? • How does an organization communicate with donors that endowment giving is a good thing and explain why it’s important?
In this edition of The Beacon Podcast, Margaret Gardner speaks with Patrice Tanaka, co-founder of Joyful Planet, a consultancy that helps people discover and live their life’s purpose and unleash their greatest success, fulfillment and joy.
Patrice discusses life and organizational purpose and how they can work together to create successful nonprofits and nonprofit leaders. Patrice answers questions including:
• What is “life purpose” and “organizational purpose,” and what is the difference between them? • Why is it especially relevant for nonprofits to an organizational purpose? • How should nonprofits communicate their organizational purpose with their donors?
About our guest
Patrice Tanaka is co-founder of Joyful Planet, a consultancy that helps people discover and live their life’s purpose. This is the subject of Patrice’s best-selling book, “Beat the Curve,” co-authored with renowned management consultant Brian Tracy and other business leaders.
Patrice’s book, “Becoming Ginger Rogers … How Ballroom Dancing Made Me a Happier Woman, Better Partner and Smarter CEO,” chronicles how her joy of ballroom dancing led to her award-winning track record in creative problem solving for some of the most successful global brands.
Patrice was co-founder of PadillaCRT, the largest, employee-owned PR agency in the United States, and co-chair for CRT/tanaka, which she helped found in with Richmond, Virginia-based Carter Ryley Thomas.
Patrice has been honored by many PR, marketing, business and civic organizations, including the PRWeek Hall of Fame 2016, PRSA Foundation, Public Relations Society of America, New York Women in Communications, the Association for Women in Communications, Girl Scouts of Greater New York, Asian Women in Business and the University of Hawaii.
Patrice is the immediate past co-chair and now executive board member of the Diversity Action Alliance and serves on the boards of nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping women and children, including the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, Dancing Classrooms and the American Friends of The Phelophepa Train of Hope (South Africa).
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Karen Baldwin speaks with Howard Cohen, a senior advisor at Lighthouse Counsel who has 50 years of experience in the area of leadership and strategic planning in the higher education sector.
Karen and Howard discuss the importance of strategic planning for colleges and universities, but the advice can easily be expanded to be useful for almost any type of nonprofit organization.
In their discussion, Howard answers questions including:
• Why is a strategic plan review important and what can it accomplish? • What are the components of a strong strategic plan? • When, how and why do strategic plans go wrong and how can they be righted?
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with Alice Ferris and Jim Anderson, the fundraising powerhouse team behind Goalbusters Consulting.
Jeff and the Goalbusters discuss how the pandemic is changing how we communicate with donors and, ultimately, how we raise money for our important causes. Jim and Alice share some great insights and some examples with surprising results. And they answer questions including:
What have you been seeing in regards to non-profits and fundraising over these past nine months of the pandemic?
What are some of the lessons that you've seen that all nonprofits can take away from the pandemic?
What advice would you give to nonprofits as we look to a new year, still filled with some uncertainty and hopefully a bit more hope?
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with Adam Dretler, a principal in the Nashville office of wealth management company Diversified Trust, which designs and implements portfolios that sustain the mission of institutions.
Jeff and Adam discuss a subject that is critically important to the financial health of a nonprofit organization but can seem intimidating. Adam offers a solid overview of investment governance for nonprofits and answers questions including:
What exactly is investment governance and how does it relate to the financial health and ultimately the mission of a nonprofit organization?
What are the three most important questions nonprofit leaders should ask themselves about investment governance?
How has the pandemic affected nonprofits when it comes to investment governance?
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy talks with Russell James, professor of charitable financial planning at Texas Tech University.
Jeff and Russell talk about the important part storytelling plays in planned giving and how it differs from storytelling for other kinds of fundraising. Russell answers questions including:
How do the stories that a nonprofit tells impact planned giving?
What are the element that should be included when crafting a story for planned giving purposes?
What one piece of advice is there for nonprofits trying to incorporate planned giving within their communications?
In this podcast, Margaret and Marc discuss Marc’s new book, “The Surprising Gift of Doubt: Use Uncertainty to Become the Exceptional Leader You Are Meant to Be” and how self-doubt can propel leaders out of their comfort zone and into greatness. Marc also talks about traits the make a great nonprofit leader, answering questions including:
• Self-doubt has long been thought to be something that holds people back. But in your book, you say that doubt is "actually a signal that you just might be on the verge of greatness." It seems counterintuitive. Would you explain that for us? • What have you discovered to be the most critical traits for successful leadership, especially for nonprofit leaders? • What is it that keeps potentially great leaders from reaching their potential — and how can they overcome that?
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with Jim Anderson, a founding partner of GoalBusters Consulting, about donor motivation and how properly motivating donors can lead to increased engagement and giving.
Jeff and Jim discuss the positive flip side of donor fatigue, which is donor motivation, and Jim answers questions, including:
• What are some types of donor motivation and how does a nonprofit determine what motivates its donors? • What are some misconceptions about why donors give? • What can fundraisers learn from the sales world about donor motivation?
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy talks with Dr. Kent Keith, author of “Anyway: The Paradoxical Commandments.” You no doubt have heard of the “paradoxical commandments” — if nowhere else, then on social media, where, unfortunately, they often are attributed to Mother Theresa.
The commandments are guidelines for finding personal meaning in the face of adversity, for example: People are illogical, unreasonable and self-centered — love them anyway.
In this conversation, Jeff and Kent discuss servant leadership and its role in the world of nonprofits and fundraising. Kent answers questions, including:
• What application is there for servant leadership in the nonprofit world? • What advice would you offer fundraising professionals today?
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy talks with Sally Bryant, president and CEO of Bryant Group, an executive search and leadership consulting firm.
Jeff and Sally discuss the hiring and workplace landscape in the nonprofit world and the effects the coronavirus pandemic has had on it. Sally shares her thoughts and answers questions including:
• What trends are emerging now from the pandemic when it comes to hiring, leadership and the workplace? • What advice do you have for professionals in education and health care when it comes to hiring and leadership? • How has remote working affected the workplace?
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy talks with Frank Parsons, principal consultant at Parsons consulting, where they provide leadership development, succession and executive recruiting services. In this conversation, Frank shares his thoughts on how nonprofit organizations can stay the course even in times when their leadership is undergoing changes, Frank and Jeff discuss four core competencies that are important to look for in nonprofit leaders, and Frank shares stories around leadership hiring. The discussion answer questions including:
• Why is it important for organizations to have a succession plan and leadership development strategy? • Is it better for an organization to fill leadership positions from within? • What qualities should an organization look for when hiring for leadership positions?
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy talks with Lilya Wagner, retired director of Philanthropic Service for Institutions, a consulting office specializing in services for faith-based organizations. In this conversation, Lilya shares her thoughts on the timeliest of subjects: cultural diversity and its important role in philanthropy. Lilya and Jeff discuss and define cultural intelligence and cultural competence, “code switching between cultures” and how fundraising professionals can ensure a more inclusive and diverse environment for staff and for donors.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy speaks with Jeremy Park, CEO of cityCURRENT, about identifying and maintaining relationships with corporate donors. Jeremy shares that and addresses:
• How nonprofits can identify which corporations they should seek a gift from • The importance of finding corporate donors whose values align with the mission of the nonprofit • How nonprofits can nurture and strengthen their relationships with corporate donors
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant David Key speaks with Patricia Ramirez Pinckney, founder of the RIMA Strategy & Marketing, about philanthropy in the Hispanic and Latino market.
In their conversation, Patricia and David explore what nonprofit organizations need to know about the most effective ways to connect and engage with this deeply charitable population and will answer questions such as:
• Why aren’t charitable organizations reaching out as frequently to Hispanic and Latino populations as they do to other demographics? • What are the major differences to consider within the Hispanic and Latino community? • What does volunteerism look like in Hispanic and Latino communities?
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy speaks with Cecil Staton, president and CEO of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), about how associations can advocate for their membership during the pandemic.
Cecil shares about the impact of COVID-19 on his association and shares:
• What his association’s leadership did to pivot and what changes were made at the beginning of the pandemic. • What steps the association took to assist its members; and, • What advice he has for other associations whose membership is especially impacted by the pandemic.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy and Dan Ryan, CEO and president of Ryan Partners, discuss succession planning and the importance of building bench strength. Dan explains:
• by which roles should have succession plans; • how to begin succession planning; • who's responsible for succession planning; and • what it means to build bench strength.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Joan Bahner speaks with Matthew Winston, former senior associate vice president for alumni relations at Virginia Tech, about diversity and inclusion in university advancement. Through their discussion, Matt explains why diversity and inclusion is a critical aspect of university advancement and answers:
• What areas in advancement typically fall short when thinking of diversity and inclusion. • How advancement professionals can keep diversity and inclusion in mind when communicating on behalf of the university. • What advice he has for an advancement professional looking to improve diversity and inclusion at their institutions.
“The better, the deeper, the more connected the relationship, the easier, the faster the resources, infrastructure, and so on will come.” – Derek Young
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy speaks with Derek Young, owner of YMG Enterprises, about strategically building relationships for your nonprofit. Believing that relationships are an organization’s most valuable asset, Derek shares: –How nonprofits should prioritize their relationships with various constituents. –How relationships can increase donor engagement. –What steps organizations can take to increase their boards’ participation in relationship-building.
About Our Guest Over the past 50 years, Derek Young has played nearly every position on the nonprofit team. In the mid-90s, Derek became Dollar General Corporation’s first head of corporate social responsibility. In that role, he reviewed more than 10,000 charitable contribution requests from nonprofits across the country and oversaw Dollar General’s Literacy Foundation. He also served as a CEO for 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee and a career development manager for INROADS of Nashville.
He has held numerous nonprofit roles which reflect his love for serving others. He was the first statewide board chairman for March of Dimes—Tennessee, and the first 4-time WalkAmerica chairman for March of Dimes—Nashville. He was the first Business Coordinator of the Year for INROADS who also worked for the organization, and the first Member of the Year for 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee who also served as their executive director. He was the first community engagement chairman for the Nashville Symphony Board of Directors and their Community Leader of the Year.
He has been a board member for Nashville State Community College, the Young Leaders Council, and the Edgehill Center. He has been a member of the Middle Tennessee Donors Forum, the People Services Committee, and the Youth Development Task Force.
He has been recognized as an AKA Community Legend; a Big Brother of the Year; a Delta Sigma Theta Man of Achievement; a 1999 graduate of, and facilitator for, Leadership Nashville; a Board Member and Diversity Volunteer of the Year for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce; and a Young Leader of the Year.
Over the past 30 years, Derek has served as an advisor, trainer, or keynote speaker for more than 100 nonprofits such as Gigi’s Playhouse, Martha O’Bryan, Oasis Center, and STARS.
Currently, he serves as the president and CEO of YMG Enterprises, LLC, a Nashville-based corporate culture consulting firm that helps organizations create a winning corporate culture. His culture strategies have helped hundreds of thousands of leaders across America move from good to legendary performance. Since 1987, he has conducted more than 5,000 consulting, training, speaking, and coaching programs in leadership development, performance management, diversity & inclusion, executive presence, sales & service, and strategic planning.
Derek and his wife Allyson live in Nashville with their four children. His motto is God first, others second and dreams third.
Follow Derek on Twitter: @DYSpeaker
Visit: https://derekyoungspeaks.com/
Visit: https://www.youngleaderscouncil.org/
“You need to be sensitive; you need to be a professional about how you approach people. But it is important to recognize that these are some of your best donors.” – Joe Chickey
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy speaks with Sharpe Group Vice President Joe Chickey about estate giving, and why it is especially important for nonprofits to focus on planned giving now. Joe addresses: Why people are being advised to look at their estate plans. How nonprofits can take advantage of this. What advice he would give to any listeners developing or refining estate plans.
About Our Guest Joe Chickey has more than 30 years of experience in the charitable arena, with a focus on gift planning. Based in Nashville, TN, he is a senior vice president and consulting director for Sharpe Group. He has spoken locally, regionally, and nationally on planned giving to estate planning councils, AFP, CASE and local CGP groups. His recent speaking engagements include the Chicago Council on Planned Giving, Colorado Summer Symposium, Middle Tennessee Planned Giving Council, and the Carolinas Planned Giving Conference. Joe recently completed a three-year term as a board member of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP).
Joe served as lead fundraiser for a $1.5 billion capital campaign at the University of Illinois and a $500 million capital campaign for a major hospital in Chicago. He has administered charitable remainder trusts, lead trusts, gift annuities, life estates, and IRA gifts.
He has experience as a gift planner on the nonprofit side and a bank trust officer on the for-profit side. For 14 years, he worked with nonprofit endowments, family foundations, and high-net-worth clients. His expertise includes estate and financial planning, asset management, and charitable planning.
As a vice president and trust officer for Regions Bank, he was a leader in the Endowments and Foundations Group and worked with more than 125 charities throughout the Southeastern United States. Prior to Regions, Joe was a vice president and business development officer for SunTrust Bank.
In the fundraising arena, he served as director of gift planning for the University of Illinois Foundation. He was also a major gift officer for Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and a planned giving officer for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Joe is active in the community. He is a past president of the Fifty Forward Endowment Board. He is also past president of the Planned Giving Council of Middle Tennessee and a past board member of the Chicago Planned Giving Council. He has served on the boards of the Boys & Girls Club, Family & Children’s Services, and Middle Tennessee Boy Scouts. Additionally, he has served on advisory boards for University School of Nashville, Abintra Montessori, and the Nashville Symphony.
Joe earned a bachelor of arts degree in finance from Rhodes College and a master’s degree in business administration from University of Illinois.
Follow the Sharpe Group on Twitter: @SharpeGroup Learn more about the Sharpe Group.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Bloomerang’s Chief Engagement Officer, Steven Shattuck, joins Jeff Jowdy for a conversation about fundraising automation. Steven explains what fundraising automation is and:
• How nonprofits can use automation to their advantage • The biggest dangers • Tips for implementing automation in your fundraising strategy
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy and Jay Lemons, president of Academic Search, discuss fundraising in higher education and the importance of maintaining relationships when fundraising. Jay shares:
• What university fundraising professionals can do every day to nurture relationships with the university. • How to keep alumni connected to their alma mater. • Trends in higher education advancement searches.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy and Bill McMorran, founder, senior partner and planned giving consultant with Green Oak Consulting, discuss the tools donors can use when making a planned gift. Bill shares:
• The different mechanisms donors can use to make a planned gift • The differences between those mechanisms • How these tools benefit both the donor and the nonprofit
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy talks with president of CZ Strategies, Dave Goetz, about nonprofit positioning strategies. Dave explains what a positioning strategy is and shares:
• How nonprofits can craft a positioning strategy • Who should be involved • When nonprofits should consider revising their strategy
“It’s in everybody’s best interest – ultimately the students’ – that the board chair and head of school are figuratively on the same page when it comes to governance and administrative responsibilities.” – Bill Mott
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy speaks with Bill Mott, an adjunct instructor for the master’s in education, independent school leadership program at Vanderbilt University and author of “Healthy Boards, Successful Schools.” Bill speaks about his book and describes the importance of the head of school and board relationship, especially as it pertains to the board chair. He also shares: –How to build a strong board culture. –The benefits of advisory boards. –How independent schools can use advisory boards.
About Our Guest Throughout his thirty-year career, Dr. Mott has had the privilege of working with many independent and faith-based schools. While focusing on closely consulting with heads of school and the board of trustees, he has also assisted with fundraising, strategic planning and leadership searches. His knowledge, wisdom, expertise and experience place him among the most sought-after consultants in the country.
In his third book on governance, Dr. Mott concentrates on the importance of building a thriving culture for the head of school and the board of trustees. The impact of governance and leadership on independent and faith-based schools cannot be overstated and Dr. Mott brings years of experience as both a head of school and trustee to this discussion.
“Healthy Boards – Successful Schools: The Impact of Governance and Leadership on Independent and Faith-Based Schools” is a book that will resonate with those who strive to be a best practices governing board. This is a comprehensive resource that heads and boards will seek out for years to come.
Dr. Mott has been the head of school at three different independent schools and a member of the board of trustees of several independent schools as well as other nonprofit organizations. Additionally, he has served as a consultant for over a decade and assisted numerous schools with governance, fundraising, planning and search issues.
Currently, Dr. Mott is an adjunct instructor at Vanderbilt University teaching governance for the masters’ program in independent school leadership. He is also on the faculty for the Peabody Leadership Institute for Independent Schools – a week-long comprehensive institute that features practitioners working with independent school leaders from around the world.
Dr. Mott received his Ph.D. in educational leadership from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College. He also holds a B.A. from the University of Mississippi. He and his wife Courtney have been married for over thirty-eight years, and they have two grown children.
Follow Bill: @WilliamRMottPhD
Williamrmottphd.com
“If you have met one foundation, you have met one foundation. Don’t treat all foundations the same.” – Steve Rasmussen
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy speaks with Steve Rasmussen, executive director of the Andrea Wiatt Carlton Family Foundation. Through their discussion, Jeff asks Steve for advice for fundraising professionals. Steve shares: What he wishes he knew as a fundraising professional after having a funder’s perspective The most important attributes of a successful fundraising professional
About Our Guest Steve has served the Andrea Waitt Carlton Family Foundation as executive director for the last 20 years.
He previously served as the Assistant to the President at his alma mater, Doane College in Crete, Nebraska, where he was responsible for three capital campaigns totaling $80 million. He has served on three associations of grant makers, a Governor’s community volunteerism commission and several music performance boards.
Steve has received the Humanitarian Award for volunteer work at Men of Valor, an award from Governor Bill Richardson for several years of chairing the New Mexico Community Volunteerism Commission, Youth Conservation Corps and the Alumni Builder’s Award for Lifetime Achievement from Doane College.
Steve and his wife, Minna, a retired elementary school teacher, are involved with prison ministry. And in his spare time, you might find Steve playing the tuba in his local community band.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy speaks with fundraising consultant Clay Buck about donor data, how to use it and how to keep it secure. Clay emphasizes the importance of maintaining donor databases in order to increase the effectiveness of your fundraising and addresses:
How to develop data-informed strategy How often data and strategy should be revised How nonprofits can keep their donor data secure
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy speaks with Vern Snyder about university advancement, the field from which he retired after a long and successful career. Vern discusses:
• The changes in university advancement over the decades • How university fundraising work differs from that of other nonprofits • Advice he would give to someone looking forward to a successful career in university advancement
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Joan Bahner, senior consultant, talks with Patrick Johnson, senior vice president of institutional advancement at Meharry Medical College. They discuss developing colleges’ relationships with corporations, foundations and other organizations. In their conversation, Patrick addresses:
• How corporations, foundations and other organizations differ from individuals in terms of giving. • Ways colleges can identify companies and organizations that would be good partners. • What a corporate engagement strategy should look like.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy speaks with Karen and Norm Baldwin about women and higher education leadership roles. Karen is a philanthropy consultant and the former vice president for advancement at The University of Alabama. Norm is also a consultant and professor emeritus at The University of Alabama. Together, they share personal experiences and research findings on women in higher education and address: • Common barriers encountered by women in higher education leadership roles. • Ways men and women can create an environment that promotes equal opportunity. • Advice for women looking to advance their careers in higher education.
“If you have five years or more, and you have individual donors who are roughly 55 and over, then you’re ready to embark on planned giving.” – Tony Martigentti
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy is joined by planned giving consultant and host of Nonprofit Radio, Tony Martignetti. As a planned giving expert, Tony advises nonprofits on: How to begin a planned giving program. What should be in place before a planned giving program is implemented. Why the Planned Giving Accelerator is a great option for small- to mid-sized nonprofits that are new to planned giving.
Bio: A recovering attorney, Tony Martignetti became a dedicated evangelist for the power and potential of planned giving when he helped Iona College establish its first planned giving program in 1997.
In 2003, he launched Martignetti Planned Giving Advisors, a consulting practice in which he works side-by-side with nonprofits to develop and execute successful planned giving programs to meet their fundraising goals. He has helped his clients raise more than $100 million through planned giving.
Seeing the vast opportunity for nonprofits of all sizes to benefit from planned giving, Tony launched Planned Giving Accelerator in mid-2020, a year-long virtual program that gives small- and midsize nonprofits the expertise, resources, tactics, and support necessary to establish a planned giving program.
You might also know Tony through his weekly podcast, Tony Martignetti Nonprofit Radio, where he picks the brains of authors, consultants, and thought leaders to help small to mid-size nonprofits grow and thrive. It is the #1 podcast for nonprofits.
“Have a plan. Be flexible with that plan; it will change. And then follow it regularly.” – Rick Byrd
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant David Snow discusses how Executive Director Rick Byrd successfully executed a virtual gala with the Houston Gulf Coast Chapter of JDRF. Rick shares: About JDRF and its fundraising activities. The factors that led JDRF to switch to a virtual gala instead of cancelling. JDRF’s preparation and execution of the virtual event; and The keys for a successful virtual gala.
About our guest
Rick Byrd is a nonprofit executive with over twenty years of management and development experience. Rick started his career with the YMCA of Greater Houston serving in a variety of positions, including executive director, district executive director and vice president of development/executive director of the YMCA of Greater Houston Endowment Foundation. Over the last three years, Rick has served as executive director of the Houston Gulf Coast Chapter of JDRF, leading efforts in community engagement, fundraising and awareness of type one diabetes and JDRF-funded research. During his tenure, Rick has been recognized for his fundraising achievements, as well as leadership capabilities. Rick also has a proven track-record of organizational revenue growth, board and volunteer development, strategic planning, and positive community relations.
Rick currently serves on the Board of the Houston Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, where he acted as Treasurer from 2017 – 2019. He is a founding member of the Wilchester Neighborhood Men’s Club, a 501(c)3, non-profit, which supports youth development, education and “neighbors in need”. Rick is married to Susan and they have two children, Alexander (17) and Elizabeth (13). In addition to being involved in his children’s various activities, he enjoys fly fishing, mountain biking, tennis, and spending time in Colorado.
“This arm’s-length fundraising culture ultimately interferes with the fundraising professional’s ability to accomplish their goals.” – Jason Lewis
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy speaks with Jason Lewis, managing partner of Lewis Fundraising and author of “The War for Fundraising Talent.” In their discussion, Jason explains how we can be better fundraising professionals and addresses: The case against arm’s-length fundraising. How to attract top fundraising talent. The lesson he would like every reader to take away from his book.
Bio: Jason Lewis, CFRE & AFP Master Trainer, provides the sector with an often-needed contrarian voice willing to question deeply engrained beliefs and assumptions of how effective fundraising really works. Whether writing or speaking, Jason challenges the prevailing wisdom about effective fundraising practices, hiring decisions and donor behavior. Jason is the founder of Lewis Fundraising and Managing Partner of BetterSchools LLC. In the last two decades, Jason has raised millions of dollars for a variety of non-profit organizations throughout the United States. Jason is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and a recognized member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Master Trainers. Jason earned his MS in nonprofit management at Eastern University in 2010 and graduated from the College of Executive Coaching in 2014.
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy speaks with Marc Whitt, the University of Kentucky’s Office of Public Relations and Strategic Communication’s director of media and strategic relations, about his new book, PR Lessons Learned Along the Way. In the book, Marc shares his advice for young PR professionals and inserts life lessons he has learned over his 35-years-long career. In his discussion with Jeff, Marc shares:
How becoming a sponge for an organization’s culture will make you a better fundraising professional; The importance of adjusting your story for the audience; and Three lessons he wants every reader to remember
“Coordination of the message is not luxury but is critical as institutions communicate with their donors.” – Marc Whitt
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Marc Whitt, director of philanthropy and advancement communications for the University of Kentucky’s Office of Public Relations and Strategic Communications’, joins Jeff Jowdy to discuss integrating fundraising and communications functions in higher education. Marc shares: The importance of messaging coordination. How fundraising messaging and communications differs from overall university messaging and communications. Advice for maximizing fundraising communications.
About our guest Marc Whitt is director of Media & Strategic Relations at the University of Kentucky Office of Public Relations and Strategic Communications. He also serves as a part-time instructor in UK's Department of Integrated Strategic Communication and is a former PR and marketing columnist for the national trade magazine, University Business. His first book, “PR Lessons Learned Along the Way: Strategies, Tips & Advice for the Higher Ed and Nonprofit Public Relations Professional” (Cherrymoon Media), is set for release in July 2020.
Marc is a frequent presenter having addressed such organizations as the American Association of State Colleges & Universities, International Town & Gown Association, Council for Advancement & Support of Education, and Brazil's International Higher Education Marketing Institute.
Recently Onalytica, a British-based marketing research firm that identifies social influencers, ranked Marc 21st among the "Top 100 Public Relations Influencers on Twitter."
Follow Marc: @MarcWhitt