The NonProfit Nook

Wendy Kidd explores the essential steps for successful nonprofit fundraising events, emphasizing planning before, during, and after the event to maximize impact and build lasting relationships.

keywords

nonprofit, fundraising, event planning, donor engagement, sponsorship, post-event follow-up

key topics

Pre-event goal setting and data analysis

Targeted guest invitation strategies

Securing sponsorships and in-kind donations

Creating a compelling fundraising moment

Post-event follow-up and relationship building

Links

LinksGet the companion checklist here: https://www.thenonprofitnook.com/pl/2148762744

https...

Wendy Kidd shares the five biggest mistakes nonprofits make with their annual events and how to avoid them, focusing on branding, event flow, leadership roles, donation methods, and mission focus.

keywords: nonprofit events, fundraising, event planning, nonprofit strategy, donor engagement

key topics

Links:

https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook

https://thenonprofitnook.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged

Chapters

00:00Introduction: Common issues at...

In this episode, Wendy Kidd discusses the challenges nonprofit leaders face in establishing systems amidst their busy schedules. She emphasizes that systems are essential for creating time and reducing overwhelm. By starting with simple documentation of existing processes, leaders can gradually build effective systems that enhance organizational efficiency and sustainability. Wendy provides practical steps for tracking tasks, refining processes, and ensuring knowledge transfer within the organization, ultimately advocating for a systematic approach to nonprofit management.

Links:

Boss Day Sign Up: https://bosslevelengaged.myflodesk.com/bossday2

https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/business-coach

https...

In this conversation, Wendy Kidd interviews Colleen Mier, the Executive Director of Foundation for C.H.O.I.C.E., a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring at-risk youth in North Texas. Colleen shares the origins of the foundation, its structured curriculum aimed at empowering students, and the importance of community engagement and volunteerism. The discussion highlights the transformative power of mentorship and education in shaping the futures of young individuals.

Links:

Www.foundationforchoice.org

linkedin.com/in/colleen-mier-43674131

https://www.instagram.com/foundation_for_c.h.o.i.c.e

In this conversation, Tawnia Wise shares her insights on nonprofit leadership, the common pitfalls faced by nonprofit organizations, and the importance of strategic thinking and self-care for leaders. She discusses her book 'Become a Nonprofit Pro' and emphasizes the need for sustainable practices in nonprofit management. Tawnia also highlights the significance of financial literacy and the necessity of building organizations that can outlive their founders.

Links:

https://www.wiseresourcedevelopment.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawniawise/

Become a Nonprofit Pro

https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook

https://thenonprofitnook...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Nook, Wendy Kidd interviews Rolanda Macharia, the founder and executive director of Lift R & R, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential resources and hope to individuals in need. Rolanda shares her passion for helping others, the mission of Lift R & R, and the importance of collaboration among nonprofits. She discusses the challenges faced by nonprofits, success stories of individuals they have helped, and how people can get involved with Lift R & R.

Links

https://liftrandr.org/

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DWaNz4miT/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd interviews Anh Nguyen, the Director of the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of Missing Pieces Support Group. Anh discusses the organization's mission to support women and families experiencing pregnancy loss through curated care packages and support groups. The conversation highlights the importance of acknowledging pregnancy loss as a significant grief event and offering appropriate resources. Anh shares inspirational stories, volunteer needs, and upcoming initiatives, including meditation groups and fundraising events. Listeners are encouraged to support Missing Pieces and connect with Anh for more information.

Links:

https://missingpiecessupportgroup...

In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd tackles prevalent myths that hinder nonprofit organizations. She addresses misconceptions such as non-profits shouldn't make a profit, nonprofits can't pay well, nonprofits are competitors, and the anxiety around fundraising. Wendy emphasizes the importance of financial sustainability, fair compensation, collaboration, and relationship-based fundraising to build stronger and more effective nonprofits. Tune in to learn how to challenge these myths and improve your organization's practices.

Links:

https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook

https://thenonprofitnook.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged

00:00 Welcome to...

In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd is joined by Andrew Lee from First United Bank to discuss the importance of cultivating strong relationships between nonprofits and their banks. With nearly 18 years of banking experience, Andrew highlights key benefits and strategies for nonprofits, emphasizing the importance of open communication and understanding the organization's needs. He also shares practical advice on financial management, internal controls, and common mistakes to avoid. This episode provides valuable insights for nonprofit leaders seeking to strengthen their financial foundation.

Links:

Andrew’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/an...

In this episode of The Nonprofit Nook, host Wendy Kidd interviews Michael Garrett, a nonprofit innovator and efficiency strategist, about the practical use of AI in the nonprofit sector. Garrett discusses treating AI as a new employee that requires onboarding and training to become effective. They delve into how nonprofits can utilize AI for grant writing, managing tasks, and social media. Garrett also highlights the importance of constantly questioning AI outputs and feeding it accurate information. They conclude with actionable tips for nonprofit leaders to get started with AI and avoid common pitfalls.

Links:

https...

In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd welcomes back Kendria Taylor, a learning and development expert with over 20 years of experience. Kendria shares her insights on the importance of perception for nonprofit leaders, particularly focusing on the perceptions of Executive Directors by the public, board members, and staff. The discussion covers strategies for aligning personal behavior with organizational mission, improving communication, and developing empathy. Kendria also offers practical advice for Executive Directors and boards facing conflicts, emphasizing the need for honest self-assessment and structured communication. Listeners are encouraged to consider how they are perceived and to...

This episode is a little different—Hannah McGinty interviewed host Wendy Kidd for her podcast, Outsmart the Hustle, and they’re cross-posting the conversation so both audiences can hear it. Wendy doesn’t typically share her personal journey or businesses on The NonProfit Nook, but she opens up here to illustrate why systems matter for nonprofits and small businesses. They discuss the importance of systems in nonprofit and small business operations, exploring how effective systems can create freedom, consistency, and improve client experiences. Wendy shares her journey from event planning to empowering business owners through her venture, Boss Level Engage...

In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd converses with Dana Riley, the donor relations manager for The Samaritan Inn, North Texas' largest nonprofit homeless program. They discuss the organization's strict yet transformative program requirements designed over its 42-year history, emphasizing financial independence, mental health counseling, and job readiness. Dana highlights the evolution of The Samaritan Inn from serving single men to accommodating families in a purpose-built campus. They delve into the organization's recent takeover of Community Lifeline Services, which includes a grocery store-style food pantry and emergency assistance programs. Dana shares heartening success stories and underscores...

In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd discusses the critical importance of year-end campaigns for nonprofits with guest Manuel Mesa, a seasoned nonprofit strategist and technology innovator. Manuel emphasizes that nearly 30% of annual donations occur in December, with about 10% happening in the last three days. They discuss practical strategies such as segmenting donors, effective communication methods, and setting specific goals. The episode also highlights Benevolate, a CRM platform designed by Manuel to streamline nonprofit operations. Useful tips for enhancing donor relationships and ensuring campaign success are provided, making this a must-listen for nonprofit leaders aiming to...

In this episode of The Nonprofit Nook, host Wendy Kidd welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Searing, an associate professor at UT Dallas specializing in nonprofit management and leadership. They discuss the critical importance of formal education in the nonprofit sector, highlighting how structured education provides essential knowledge, expanded networks, and validated credentials. They also address the evolving challenges brought on by AI and the necessity of data literacy for modern nonprofit professionals. Dr. Searing shares insights on the emotional journey associated with adult learning and the impactful difference education can make in the nonprofit sector, illustrated by real-life success stories. Finally...

In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd interviews Niki and Bob Calabrese, the Executive Director and Tech Director of Dallas Flashers, respectively. The Dallas Flashers is a nonprofit organization that organizes flash mobs to bring joy and mental health benefits to its participants and audiences. Niki shares insights on the diverse group of individuals involved in the flash mobs and how the organization unexpectedly ventured into the mental health sector. Bob discusses his technical role in the organization. The podcast also delves into the success stories of participants, the importance of community involvement, and the various...

This episode of The NonProfit Nook, hosted by Wendy Kidd, focuses on the importance of time management for nonprofit leaders. Wendy discusses how time management isn't about control, but about creating the freedom to focus on what matters, rest without guilt, and lead with clarity and purpose. She provides practical tips, such as tracking how time is spent, setting clear priorities, using time blocking, and building habits around these new routines. Wendy also addresses potential resistance to change and the importance of clear communication. The episode emphasizes that good time management is about doing what matters most and maintaining...

In this episode, host Wendy is joined by Tayler Cusick Hollman, a marketing consultant and founder of Enji, a user-friendly marketing tool designed for small businesses and nonprofits. Tayler shares her decade-long experience in helping small businesses and nonprofits, diving into the unique marketing challenges nonprofits face. The conversation covers the importance of marketing for nonprofits, debunking myths about marketing, and how to shift mindsets to be more confident in marketing efforts. Tayler provides actionable steps to reduce overwhelm, including setting content pillars, choosing appropriate marketing channels, and maintaining consistency. They discuss the role of Enji in simplifying marketing...

In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd interviews Ananya Nagendra, the young founder and CEO of the Letters of Light Foundation. Inspired by her mother's journey with chemotherapy, Ananya started the organization to provide cancer patients with handwritten letters of encouragement, preventive health workshops, and resources on mental wellness. With chapters across various schools and over 850 youth volunteers, the foundation partners with oncology centers to support cancer patients both mentally and emotionally. Ananya details the foundation's operations, her involvement with social workers, and the importance of mental health in cancer care. She also discusses the newly...

In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, hosted by Wendy Kidd, Dr. Colette Portis dives deep into the intricacies of strategic planning for nonprofits. They discuss how a robust strategy can lead to remarkable results, such as a nonprofit quadrupling its budget in a single quarter. The conversation covers the typical time frame for strategic planning, methods for accelerated planning, and the essential steps for effective implementation. Dr. Portis shares valuable insights on accountability, time management using brain science, and the importance of communication with internal and external teams. The episode is packed with practical advice and resources to...

In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd and guest Dr. Colette Portis from the Red Development Group continue their strategic planning series. They discuss the often-overlooked aspect of team development and delve into the essential elements of effective strategic planning for nonprofits. The conversation covers the importance of revisiting mission and vision statements and setting measurable goals. Dr. Portis outlines the 15 crucial plans that comprise a comprehensive strategic plan, including goals, financial planning, and community engagement. This episode is packed with actionable insights designed to help nonprofit leaders develop robust strategies that align with their organizational...

Today's episode features Dr. Collette Portis, an award-winning business strategist, who joins Wendy to discuss the fundamentals of strategic planning in the nonprofit sector. They cover the importance of not trying to handle everything in-house, the roles and responsibilities of key participants, the necessity of hiring an outside expert, and essential preparatory steps before the first strategic planning meeting. This episode is the first of a three-part series on strategic planning, focusing on actionable steps and effective implementation.

Links:

https://linktr.ee/reddevelopmentgroup

https://amzn.to/42h8UiE - JUST Strategy By Dr. C...

In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd talks with Shannon White, Founder and Executive Director, and Kim Hughes, Administrative Director of Grace to Change, a nonprofit outpatient treatment center in Collin County. Shannon and Kim share their inspiring personal stories and discuss the vital work their organization does to support individuals struggling with addiction. They highlight the services provided, such as intensive and supportive outpatient programs, free lifelong aftercare, substance abuse evaluations, and individual and family counseling. The conversation also touches on the challenges of running a nonprofit, the importance of community support, and ways for...

Navigating Bookkeeping for Nonprofits: Tips, Tools, and Best Practices

In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd is joined by Kelsey Gleason, co-owner of Educated Bookkeeping, to explore the distinct challenges and strategies of bookkeeping for nonprofits versus for-profit businesses. They discuss the importance of understanding financial reports, customizing chart of accounts, and the significance of training and quality control for volunteer bookkeepers. They also cover practical tips on selecting a professional bookkeeper, using QuickBooks features like classes and projects, and highlight a crucial financial metric every nonprofit board should monitor. The episode aims to...

Spotlight on McKinney Rotary Club: Service, Community, and Leadership

In this episode of 'The NonProfit Nook,' host Wendy Kidd interviews Stephanie Talley, the 2025-2026 President of the Rotary Club of McKinney. Stephanie shares her experiences and the impactful work of the Rotary Club, highlighting their community service projects, international aid, and commitment to diversity and growth. The discussion covers the Rotary Club's history, successful projects like the Bonnie Wenk Park All Abilities Playground and Direction 61:3 partnership, and ways people can get involved. Listeners will gain insights into the vital role of Rotary in community service and...

Maximizing Impact: Inside the Communities Foundation of Texas and North Texas Giving Day

In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd converses with Heather Lothes, Donor Relations Officer at the Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT). The discussion focuses on the role and impact of CFT in North Texas, emphasizing its efforts to support local nonprofits and philanthropic activities. They delve into the details of North Texas Giving Day, a significant regional initiative designed to boost donations and awareness for local nonprofits. Heather shares insights on how nonprofits can maximize their success on this day and...

In this episode of 'The NonProfit Nook,' host Wendy Kidd and guest Kendria Taylor, a learning and development expert, delve into the importance of creating a culture of feedback within nonprofit organizations. They discuss the definition and the significance of providing various types of feedback: reinforcing, redirecting, impact, and reflective. Kendria shares practical models such as the 'GOOD' model for effective feedback and provides strategies for personalizing feedback based on communication styles. The episode emphasizes that consistent, thoughtful feedback can build trust, enhance morale, and boost organizational performance. Kendria also offers listeners free tools to improve their feedback...

In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd speaks with Manuel Mesa, a seasoned nonprofit strategist and current president of the Dallas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Manuel shares his extensive experience in fundraising, the importance of building genuine relationships with donors, and details about AFP’s resources and membership. He discusses the Donor Bill of Rights and provides valuable insights into donor-centric communication. Manuel also shares touching personal stories, illustrating the deep connections he has made with donors and how these relationships have led to significant contributions. The episode concludes with practical advice on...

Spotlight on Community Champions: Kim Sanchez and the Impact of McKinney Little Free Pantry and Collin County NeighborHUB

In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd welcomes Kim Sanchez, a philanthropist and founder of McKinney Little Free Pantry and Collin County NeighborHUB. Kim shares her journey from starting her businesses in 2005 to creating impactful community initiatives that aim to serve neighbors in need. Learn about the inspiration behind these projects, the challenges they face, and the unique solutions they offer, such as the anonymous food pantries and a future social services advocacy center. This episode...

The NonProfit Nook – Teaser Episode Show Notes

Host: Wendy Kidd, Owner of Boss Level Engaged

About the Podcast:

Welcome to The NonProfit Nook, the go-to podcast for nonprofit leaders, board members, staff, and community champions who want to build stronger, smarter organizations and make a real impact. Hosted by Wendy Kidd, a business owner and nonprofit leader with over 20 years of experience, this show is your resource for honest conversations and practical advice.

What to Expect: