Nonprofit Leadership Podcast: "How to Be a Nonprofit Bestie" Summary

Release Date: November 17, 2024

Host: Dr. Rob Harder
Guest: Elena Fortner Newsome, Founder of Nonprofit Bestie

1. Introduction

In the latest episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harder welcomes Elena Fortner Newsome, the founder of Nonprofit Bestie—an organization dedicated to empowering women in nonprofit leadership roles. The episode delves into strategies for effective donor retention, the significance of personalized donor relationships, and the critical role of coaching in sustaining nonprofit success.

2. Guest Introduction: Elena Fortner Newsome

Dr. Harder introduces Elena Fortner Newsome, highlighting her dedication to supporting women leaders within small to medium-sized nonprofits. Elena shares her passion for helping nonprofit leaders enhance their fundraising capabilities and overall leadership skills to drive their organizations forward.

Quote:
"My mission is to provide a supportive, empowering space where these women can access the tools, the strategies and the guidance to make fundraising more effective and less overwhelming, just like a bestie would."
— Elena Fortner Newsome [04:53]

3. Overview of Nonprofit Bestie

Elena explains that Nonprofit Bestie focuses on equipping nonprofit leaders with essential fundraising skills and strategies. The organization offers bootcamps, training sessions, and coaching opportunities tailored to the unique challenges faced by women in nonprofit leadership.

4. Bestie Bootcamp: In-Depth Look

Bestie Bootcamp is a comprehensive 15-week program designed to master donor retention. Elena discusses how the bootcamp was inspired by a client’s need to improve donor retention, resulting in a 12% increase year over year despite late-stage engagement.

Quote:
"We are so excited to get that first gift that, you know, we forget to ask, why? Why did you give us money?"
— Elena Fortner Newsome [05:09]

The bootcamp covers topics such as defining donor personas, creating effective email campaigns, and utilizing advanced tools like segmentation and A/B testing. The program is structured to be turnkey and step-by-step, making it accessible even to those without a fundraising background.

5. Personalized Donor Journeys

Elena emphasizes the importance of personalization in donor relationships. She explains how understanding the reasons behind a donor's contribution can lead to more effective communication and stronger relationships.

Quote:
"Personalization helps to give that donor an experience. And that's what you're providing as a nonprofit, an experience and a feeling. And so they have to feel that you know them one on one."
— Elena Fortner Newsome [07:13]

Dr. Harder agrees, highlighting the irreplaceable value of human-to-human connections, especially in the age of AI.

6. Key Donor Retention Strategies

Elena outlines two primary strategies for improving donor retention:

1. Storytelling: Sharing impactful stories that demonstrate the difference donors make. For example, updating donors on how their contributions are used within the first 24 hours.

   Quote:
   "You're never going to... We really like storytelling. That's how we've talked since we're sitting in front of a fire in a cave."
   — Elena Fortner Newsome [09:01]

2. Segmentation: Tailoring communication based on donor personas to ensure relevance and engagement.

She also stresses the importance of treating donors as relationships rather than just sources of funds.

7. Addressing Staff Turnover in Nonprofits

The conversation shifts to the high turnover rates in nonprofit staff, particularly among development directors. Elena attributes this to the emotional toll of working in the nonprofit sector and the tendency of women to take on excessive responsibilities without adequate support.

Quote:
"You have to pay attention to your mental health. You can't just sit there. Back in the day, I would work 80 hours at a nonprofit because it always felt like it was so important."
— Elena Fortner Newsome [19:26]

Solutions Proposed:

• Implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Documenting processes to ensure continuity despite staff changes.
• Prioritizing Mental Health: Encouraging leaders to take care of their well-being to sustain their roles effectively.

8. The Importance of Coaching in Nonprofit Leadership

Both hosts acknowledge the crucial role of coaching in enhancing nonprofit leadership. Elena discusses how Nonprofit Bestie serves as a lifelong resource, providing ongoing support and guidance to nonprofit leaders.

Quote:
"If you can take the time and you can find the budget, you'll get it back. If you see a 5% increase in retention, you could have up to a 20% increase in donations."
— Elena Fortner Newsome [22:37]

Dr. Harder shares insights from his experience, noting that investment in coaching leads to significant organizational growth and sustainability.

9. Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

Elena announces an upcoming 5-day Donor Retention Challenge, inviting listeners to participate for free by signing up on the Nonprofit Bestie website. This challenge aims to implement immediate changes in donor retention strategies.

Quote:
"We have a lot of exciting things going on at Nonprofit Bestie. Next week we'll be starting a five day donor retention challenge..."
— Elena Fortner Newsome [25:25]

10. How to Connect with Nonprofit Bestie

Listeners interested in learning more or engaging with Nonprofit Bestie can reach out through various platforms:

• Website: www.nonprofitbestie.com
• Email: me@bestienprofitbestie.com
• Social Media: Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn

11. Conclusion

Dr. Harder wraps up the episode by thanking Elena Fortner Newsome for her invaluable insights and dedication to enhancing nonprofit leadership. He encourages listeners to subscribe, share the podcast, and engage with the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast community for more resources and interviews.

Notable Takeaways:

• Donor Retention Over Acquisition: Focusing on retaining existing donors yields higher returns.
• Personalization is Key: Tailoring interactions to donor preferences fosters stronger relationships.
• Community Support: Building a supportive network among nonprofit leaders enhances collective success.
• Invest in Leadership: Coaching and continuous learning are essential for sustainable growth and reducing staff turnover.

Final Thought:
Investing in effective fundraising strategies and leadership development through programs like Bestie Bootcamp can significantly enhance the impact and sustainability of nonprofit organizations.

Connect with Elena Fortner Newsome:

• Website: www.nonprofitbestie.com
• Email: me@bestienprofitbestie.com
• Social Media: Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn

Subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on:
iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Google Podcasts, and YouTube.

Keep making your world better and empower your nonprofit leadership journey!