I 501(c) You - The Podcast for NonProfit Board Members

A nonprofit's #1 currency is trust.  Any fraudulent activity by a nonprofit agency negates this trust. The Board has a role and responsibility to minimize the risk of fraud. This week, we discuss 10 tips for nonprofit boards to help mitigate fraud in their organizations.

Timestamps:

00:00 How nonprofit boards can mitigate fraud risk

01:40 #1-3 - Establish a Strong Ethical Culture, Implement Clear Policies and Procedures, Segregatio...

This week, we speak with Hal Williams. Hal is the creator of Results 1st and the author of the new book “Put Results First”.  Results 1st helps individuals and groups focus on results in each of their functions, activities, processes, and structures.

Together, Michael and Hal dive into the 4 parts of the book, including discussions on defining success before designing a program, how to improve nonprofit accomplishment, and being “a...

In recent interactions with nonprofit board members, there has been a difference in familiarity regarding the operational nuances between for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Given that many board members do not interact with the organization on a daily basis, there may be unintentional assumptions about how nonprofits operate. In this episode, we dive into the fundamental similarities and differences between nonprofit and for-p...

This week, we speak with Malcolm MacLeod. Malcolm is a board chair, retired nonprofit CEO, lawyer, and author of the book entitled, “The Practice of Philanthropy: A Guide for Foundation Boards and Staff.” Malcolm's book is the culmination of 19 years of experience spent as the president and CEO of the Johnson Scholarship Foundation. Those 19 years were not all smooth sailing. Malcolm had to learn by trial and error. He wished he ha...

In this episode, Michael shares insights from the Florida Philanthropic Network Annual Summit, highlighting five reasons why nonprofit professionals should attend conferences. He emphasizes networking, learning, idea generation, growth through association, and team building as essential benefits. Michael urges nonprofit leaders and board members to prioritize conference participation for personal and organizational development. Joi...

This week, we speak with Anne LeBaron, CEO of Take Stock in Children Manatee. Anne had quite the career in the for-profit world as former Sales, Marketing, HR and Recruiting manager before joining Take Stock Manatee as the CEO. Take Stock in Children Manatee is a mentor based organization that partners students with a mentor to earn a scholarship upon graduation from high school. Anne shares her experience transitioning from the fo...

This week, we discuss 3 easy ways to fundraise as a nonprofit board member. Fundraising as a nonprofit board member can be a contentious topic. Most people do not join a nonprofit board to fundraise. However, it is your responsibility as a board member to ensure the financial stability of your organization.

Fundraising as a board member does not mean you have to ask for money! Many people are uncomfortable making an ask. However, y...

This week, we speak with Janene Amick, CEO of Florida Cultural Group. Janene has been part of Florida Cultural Group (f/k/a Manatee Players, Inc.) for 19 years, beginning as a board member.

Together, we discuss her role as Chief Cheerleader, her approach for fund development, and how she encourages her board members to fundraise.  We also talk about how the role of CEO for nonprofit organizations has changed, staying up to date on ...

This week we are discussing leadership tips and ideas for nonprofit CEOs. In this episode, we cover 5 easy to implement leadership tips any nonprofit CEO can benefit from. 

Michael has been working with nonprofit CEOs for the past several years. These tips are a culmination of what has worked the best for these CEOs when it comes to stakeholder buy-in, time management, and board chair relationship growth.

Timestamps:

00:00 Tips and...

This week, we speak with Erin McLeod, President & CEO of Senior Friendship Centers. In this episode, we discuss her philosophy working with the board of directors, leadership style, and that board succession planning doesn’t always go as planned.

We also talk about her thoughts on transparent leadership, including staff in board meetings, and setting goals with the incoming board chair.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introducing Erin McLeod...

This week, we continue our conversation from episode 69, “You are the new board chair, now what?” In this episode, we discuss the keys to success as a board chair and top decisions to avoid. If you follow these keys, we believe you will have a successful tenure as board chair.

Timestamps:

00:00 Board Chair Orientation continued

01:20 Keys to success

04:20 Things to avoid

Join us every week as we release a new podcast with informati...

This week, we are speaking with Sarasota Orchestra’s board chair, Tom Koski. Together, we speak about how he got into philanthropy in Sarasota, fundraising for capital campaigns as a board chair, and the massive projects he has been involved with in Sarasota County.

The secret sauce to a capital campaign? Tom say's it is communicating the need. You take on massive projects because the sustainability of your organization is challeng...

Congratulations! You are the new board chair. Now what? Many organizations have just welcomed a new board chair, or will be welcoming one in the upcoming months. 

In this episode, we discuss the roles and characteristics of a board chair. We also touch on the initial steps a new board chair should take to get their tenure off to a positive start.

Timestamps:

00:00 You are the new board chair, now what?

01:05 Roles of the board chai...

This week, we are speaking with Jonathan Fleece, President and CEO of Empath Health. Empath Health is a $380m, 3000+ employee hospice, home health, and senior care oriented organization serving 60,000+ people from central to southwest Florida.

Jonathan shares with us how he came to be the CEO of Empath Health, the needs of a CEO from their board members, and merging nonprofit organizations.

“The two most important days in your life...

This week, we are discussing board ethics. How to remain ethical while on a board, typical examples of potentially unethical behavior, and a litmus test to determine whether or not you should take specific actions. 

“Are the actions I take going to break the public trust? Then you shouldn’t do it.”

Timestamps:

00:00 - Board Ethics

01:20 - It starts with the IRS and State code

02:50 - Why is this important?

03:20 - Specific examples

This week, we speak with Mary Ruiz, former CEO of Centerstone of Florida (f/k/a Manatee Glens) and newly elected board chair of MCR Health, Inc. In this episode, we discuss how Mary's experience as a CEO helps her be a more effective board member, why the Executive Committee may be a relic of the past, and how to get the most out of fellow board members. With her wisdom and experience, Mary gives valuable and useful tips for CEOs, ...

You do not need to create a new strategic plan every year. However, it would be of value to update your current strategic plan. We do this through a "strategy refresh". A short facilitated session in which we help you refresh your strategic plan with up-to-date information and knowledge. In an ever changing environment, your strategic direction should be influenced by the best and most recent information available.

Timestamps:

00:0...

As the year comes to an end, there are a few tasks nonprofit board members can complete to wrap the year up successfully. These short but powerful tasks can help you get a head start on the new year and be prepared for your board responsibilities in 2024.

Timestamps:

00:00 What can you do as a board member before the end of the year?

01:20 #1 - Read your bylaws

01:50 #2 - Catch up on meeting minutes

02:40 #3 - Tell someone about yo...

This week, we discuss aspects of nonprofit board membership prospective board members should consider before joining a board. Everyone on the board should be willing to give their time, talent, and treasure to their organization. Be sure to ask plenty of questions prior to joining a board to have a clear understanding of the level of commitment the organization is expecting.

Timestamps:

00:00 The Podcast for Prospective Nonprofit B...