Manage Smarter 279 — Navigating Nonprofit Challenges with James Misner

HOSTED BY C. LEE SMITH AND AUDREY STRONG
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In this insightful episode, James Misner, founder and CEO of The Kipos Group, delves into the unique challenges faced by nonprofit organizations. We talk about how to navigate the fallout from a scandal using the Columbus Zoo as a case study. We also discuss when its time to identify a new vision for your nonprofit, using bicycle clubs as an example, and how to communicate it to your stakeholders.

With over 16 years of experience, James shares his expertise on leadership, team building, and fundraising strategies. He emphasizes the importance of major donors, transparency, and effective communication to build trust and sustain nonprofit growth. James also discusses his eight-​week fundraising accelerator program designed to help nonprofits optimize their strategies.

In this podcast for sales managers and executive leadership, Audrey Strong, C. Lee Smith and James Misner help you to answer:

What is the primary difference between nonprofit and for-​profit environments? 

James Misner highlights that in the for-​profit sector, businesses sell tangible goods or services, whereas nonprofits sell intangible outcomes, such as altruism and the satisfaction of contributing to a cause. This makes the sales cycle in nonprofits much longer and more challenging.

What is the biggest mistake nonprofits make that erodes trust?

The biggest mistake nonprofits make is failing to communicate effectively with their donors about how their contributions are being used. This lack of communication can lead to a significant drop in donor retention rates, which are already low in the nonprofit sector.

How can nonprofits rebuild trust after a scandal?

Rebuilding trust after a scandal requires a tremendous degree of humility and transparency. He advises starting with major donors to regain their trust, as they can serve as proof points for others, and emphasizes that this process can take over a decade.

How should nonprofits manage their fundraising teams? 

James Misner recommends setting up a sales process that measures controllable actions towards desired outcomes. He also suggests that nonprofit CEOs should find a chief revenue officer to handle tough business conversations, ensuring that the organization remains focused on its fundraising goals.

What is the role of major donors in nonprofit fundraising?

James Milner explains that individual major donors should make up at least 50% of a nonprofit's funding pie, as they are the most reliable source of funding. He emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with these donors to ensure the organization's financial stability

"Nonprofit folks aren't money driven. They're driven by this deep desire to solve really unsolvable problems in the world, problems that business hasn't figured out how to monetize, and how government just can't solve."

James Misner

#nonprofitmanagement #nonprofits #thekiposgroup #jamesmisner #managesmarter #managers #cleesmith #columbuszoo

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