Issue 24: Listen

I’m heading out to Washington, DC, for a few days to attend the annual Confab, a gathering of the nonprofit state associations put on by our partners at the National Council of Nonprofits.?

It's honestly my favorite conference of the year because they have an explicit rule about vendors like me needing to practice active listening during sessions and generally shut our mouths. They say it much nicer than that, but in practice, it's about not trying to “own” the room.

Nonprofit tech companies, in particular, can do well if they heed this advice. Listening has been the central theme this month, so I’m excited about what a resource- and data-rich newsletter this week is that I hope you enjoy.?

Generosity in Action

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of doing a workshop on recurring giving in my local community. I’ve long wanted to do more educational sessions like this and when I pitched our local AFP chapter on partnering up they were thrilled. Besides the fact that I had to bring my three kids, it was smooth sailing!?

We need to start pushing all aspects of how we support and build community in the nonprofit sector, which is why I was thrilled to partner with Ben Williams of the Connect Center to host the event. I'm very excited to begin implementing the idea of choosing nonprofit spaces to host educational events and networking sessions, so this was a good initial test.?

Not only did he open his space to have dozens of folks join us for a deep dive (and the very first showcase of the finalized Generosity Experience Design Framework!), but he was also gracious enough to give my three girls a space to play and have fun without distracting me from the work itself.?

I began the session by reflecting on how I have benefited from nonprofits, many of which were in the room. Clothing, food, shelter, art, love, and identity were all touched upon because that’s what we do as a sector—step up and take care of people.?

This is why I get so annoyed when I see the Top Leaders In The Nonprofit Sector, and honestly, they tend to be the same 50 people who work for very large nonprofits or foundations. I would not have been able to do my job yesterday without the leadership of people like Ben Williams,?Meghan Meyerson, and countless others stepping up, opening their doors, and giving space to chart a different path.?

It’s time to rethink what leadership looks like in our sector, and yesterday, I got a real look at it in action.?

Tips & Tricks

I wrote a new article that I’d love for you to read. It’s on the top volunteer survey questions to ask, but I had a lot of fun with this one. I’ll pop out my favorite resource from within to give you a taste of what I think is an exciting new way to think about answering specific questions that nonprofits have about how to put together actionable yet relevant engagement with their volunteers.

Data Dive

The report is out and the headlines are already starting to form - I’ll put the whole infographic for your own review below but I’ll draw out a few of my favorite interpretations:

• Andrew Olsen outlines why this data validates that? “you need an Individual donor strategy much more than you need that corporate partner strategy you've been having your team build, edit, rebuild, refine, and noodle over for months.”
• Daniel Greenspon is my go to on Donor Advised Fund trends, reflecting that “Overall, it is interesting to see Foundations and Public Society Benefit (mostly DAFs) organizations continue to see a larger and larger share of the total $557 Billion given away every year.”
• Gail Perry MBA CFRE and Kathryn Fuller Gamble did a great job in this live stream breaking down their thoughts on the newest data

Community Spotlight

I just want to give some love to Chris Strub this week, who has been a critical addition to the Neon One team. He’s not just putting in the work to make himself a better person by doing INSANE runs across the country (such as Alaska this past week!) but then helping put together another fantastic episode of Geneorisity Experience Live yesterday.?

If you haven’t watched it, please check out yesterday's awesome episode with Jean Marie Trick and Justin McCord . In the comments, let me know what term we should replace “feedback loops” with!?

Upcoming Events

Dream Big Summit is kicking off on July 23 for a whole week of exciting and immersive educational sessions. More to come but we’ve launched the registration here.

Mastering the Art of Inquiry: Enhancing Donor Engagement through The Socratic Method

June 27 2024, 2024 | 3:15 PM ET

In this session, you will learn how to ask powerful questions of your supporters and technology to gain deeper insights and foster a culture of generosity. Utilizing The Socratic Method, a time-tested approach to questioning and dialogue, we will guide you through creating impactful donor surveys.

Register

How Can Data Turn Dreams Into Reality?

July 22 2024, 2024 | 3:00 PM ET

Dream Big Summit is coming the week of July 22, kicking off with a special episode of Generosity Experience Live with Dana Snyder and Kirah Smith. This is going to be one of the most fun virtual educational learning experiences we’ve put together, so get your spot today!

RSVP

Giving Black Conference

August 1 2024, 2024 | 9:30 AM ET

Join us at The Giving Black Conference 2024 as we honor Black Philanthropy Month and Emancipation Day. This inspiring conference brings together diverse change makers and culture shifters. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired!

Register

Brandfluence 2024

August 21, 2024 | 12:00 PM ET

Join us for the first of its kind one-day summit designed exclusively for nonprofits and social impact businesses. Empower your brand to raise more money and drive more meaningful change in your communities.

Register

Monthly Giving Summit

September 5-6, 2024? 1:00 PM ET

Join Dana Snyder as she puts on THE virtual event experience dedicated to helping nonprofits build subscriptions for good.

Register

Final Thoughts

I’m honestly looking forward to the next few months. If I close my eyes and concentrate on the path forward for the work I’m trying to do, it becomes clearer and clearer every time I talk with a nonprofit leader who is running a growing nonprofit.?

You are ready for change.?

You are tired of business as usual.

You want to work with a tech company that seems like part of the team, not a thing that gets in your way.?

And you want to feel in control of how, when, and where that technology engages your community.?

That’s why I’m so thrilled about our release of text-to-communicate this month, June 29. This will allow nonprofits of all sizes to onboard within the CRM and begin sending campaign texts as well as individual texts (and responses!) while having full control of the budgeting so things don’t get out of hand.?

We were able to build this elegantly powerful feature by actively listening to our community. There are so many variables regarding pricing, functionality, needs, and wants; ultimately, it comes down to what will best support small—to midsize nonprofits.?

We won’t always get things right, but I’m so happy to work with a place that not only allows me to build community but also gives that community the space and place to meaningfully build the products that, in turn, serve them.?

Puzzle of the Week

I have a message to you about how to use Giving USA's report in your daily work.