 Nothing we've learned over last year. It is definitely how to pivot. So today's a bit of a pivot episode. We of course have Julia Patrick here. Julia is the CEO of the American Nonprofit Academy. Also referred to as my sensei because she is very knowledgeable, very wise, very experienced in the nonprofit sector has served on many boards, too many to count has really dedicated her life, her career, her personal time, passion and pleasure to the philanthropic community. So thank you so much Julia for having this wonderful idea. Right when the pandemic hit March of last year, 2020, to say, let's show up, let's be of service. I was grateful to accept the invitation. I'm Jarrett Ransom, I'm her nonprofit nerd, but I'm also your nonprofit nerd because there's plenty of this nerdiness to go around. Also known really as the CEO of my own firm, the Raven Group, which started in 2009. So going on 12 years strong, cannot believe it. I think if that's the right math. So grateful to show up each and every day to join you Julia for these conversations. And again, I'm very grateful to our presenting sponsors. We are so lucky to have the commitment, the investment and really just the participation of these presenting sponsors. Julia, many of these, as we say, have been with us from the beginning and most of them are tech related. And that's one of the big topics we've talked about over the last 18 months is really the advancement in technology. So these sponsors exist to help you, your organization move your mission-driven goals forward in, around and throughout your community. So please do check out these sponsors. They are fantastic, their products, their services, their heart, they are dedicated also to the philanthropic sector. So thank you to our sponsors. You know, Jarrett, you're so right. And I thought today, maybe what we could do is we could chat a little bit about what, as we move into this last quarter, what are some of the things that we're seeing? What are some of the opportunities? You and I really pulled this together over a weekend, the nonprofit show we had, I had my business, you had your business, not really knowing what was gonna be coming down the pike. Every week, I mean, I should say every day has been different, changes. Just when we think, okay, this fall you might be returning to normal, see whatever that is. We had another spike in all sorts of changes. But I still think it's important to figure out if there are some paths that we can see moving forward that aren't just so reactionary, that might be still a new way of doing things. And so I'd love to have that conversation with you. And I'll start by asking you, when we had the second spike and all those organizations and I know you are involved in some of them with your professional guest hosting and MC work that you do, what happened? What did you see with folks that were like, yay, we finally get to do our fall breakfast or our fall luncheon, we're back. And then, okay, no, we can't. What's been your experience and what are you seeing moving forward? You know, it has been interesting to watch. One of the phrases I've noticed that I continue to say is as we continue to navigate forward and navigate these uncertain times, because it really is, you know, we had Mitch Stein on with the pond earlier and he literally was in, I think, New York. He had planned an event the day before. So within 24 hours, then, you know, he was contacted to say new restrictions on the venue itself and this was literally 24 hours. So back to, if there's anything we've learned, we've really learned how to pivot, how to be nimble. So I really think what's happening right now when it comes to functions and event space and gathering individuals together, first of all, we really have to trust in the individual to make the decision for themselves, right? Like offer the opportunity, because I even saw this truly with my faith-based congregation. I just received an email from the pastor saying, we are coming back to in-person gathering, starting on Sunday, here's the new guidelines. We will continue our virtual service as well and we really trust you and empower you to make the right decision for you. And so the latest event that I was able to be an MC for was in-person. It was quite small in comparison to two years prior. There was cameras on me as well as, you know, the screens that planked the stage. And so really having that multi-level approach, you know, it was streamed on social media, it was recorded, it was, you know, available to people to attend in-person. And so I think that is something that will continue regardless is I think now that we have included this advanced technology. And again, we keep talking about the advancements in technology. I really think that that will stay at some level in perpetuity, a level of, I don't know if it's hybrid or conjunction. I don't know what it is, but I really think that will continue. So let me ask you this, in your community breakfast, and if I can call it that, it was a community breakfast, correct? Yes. And it had an ask, it had a financial ask. Yes. Did that event have some sort of component so that the folks watching from their personal devices, whether it be at home or office or anywhere on the planet, did it have something where they could hit a button and they could donate or was it just more of a broadcast? It was more of a broadcast. And I think that's fascinating. Now what I would also suggest for anyone, you know, we talk often about the lower third, Julia, you do, and really having this like at the bottom, yes, the QR code, right? I've seen that on news stations that will say, and this QR code. And I think that is a great way for us to continue that implementation of engagement, interaction, donations is to create this QR code that goes straight to your donation page or your campaign page. You know, one of the things I want us to talk about today is Giving Tuesday. So really having that special QR code on any virtual platform that directs the person automatically, whether it's a computer, a TV, whatever, to go to that landing page. Right. I think that's the thing where I feel like there could be a great opportunity or division and that is in this digital divide where we can actually have people watching on their phones, laptops, desktops, TVs, smart TVs. If we don't have a situation where we have some sort of thing going on, then we're going to be really missing out. And this is a big problem. Yes. This is a really, really big problem. And so it seems to me that we must, must, must understand that we have to be stepping up. That we have to be looking at this as a stop gap. Oh, it's an emergency. Well, I think stepping up, but staying steps ahead, you know, like even thinking forward, what is trending next? And again, we've talked often about staffing boutique who has really been frontline from the New York community. And really, you know, it's like, what can we glean from our friends, our neighbors, our, you know, colleagues and other parts of the nation, other parts of the world? How can we stay steps ahead so that we are right there engaged with our community, engaged with our constituency base and engaged with continued engagement? Because that is, you know, again, going back months ago, we talked about many organizations sat on the sidelines. They said, we're going to push that pause button, right? And you simply can't. You simply cannot do that. So, yeah, so we really need to continue that engagement. I think so too. And I think that for those of us in the nonprofit sector that are still planning, hosting, co-host, sharing, whatever you want to say about these events, we need to start having these dialogues about what is it that our guests want? What is it they expect? What are they liking? Are they liking that they can do something from their office or their home and still donate? Or is it that in-person piece that is what makes them give more? I suspect, and I don't know what you think, Jared, before we talk about the next thing, I suspect that if the easier we make it, the more money that we're going to be making on this digital side. Right. That you don't have the, I mean, I hate to use this word, but you don't have the interruption of going to an event, getting ready, getting dressed, parking, da-da-da-da-da. I mean... Well, not to mention that one of the trends we have definitely seen is this remote, like continuous remote work community. And so many of our constituencies, while they were local or at least in our geographic area, they may no longer be. So they may be tied to your mission and still feel like they are part of that community, but they can now live in another part of the nation. So there's that level of nuance as well. Talking about what you had just mentioned, Julia, I love going from meeting to meeting to conference to conference right here. Like, I enjoy this. Well, you know, my daughter, who's almost 30, went to an all-girls school here in our community. And she, a big part of her high school education part was the community and the socialization and all that. She really, really liked that. And throughout her life, she said, I realized that the further away I got from my school, I realized the power of that community. And we were talking and she said, you know, with these digital events, I can be right back in. Yes. I thought that was so interesting. Now she's a different demographic who sees community digitally, right? I don't know if a donor's parent, you know, the parental or the grandparent age is gonna feel that way. I'm not exactly sure the jury's still out, but I think it can become that way. I'm more familiar we are. I think so. I grew up in a really small town. I could not wait to get out of the community. And I'm probably more connected now to that community in a small town rural South Carolina than I was when I was, you know, biting tooth and nail wanting to get out of there because the relationships that are built can continue to foster in this digital atmosphere that takes me to Giving Tuesday because this is a digital campaign. So you've, you know, engaged in that local community, that geographic, you know, community, whatever that might be, Julia. And so now just like your daughter, myself, there's so many of us that are still connected to communities even though we are distanced by, you know, geography. And so having Giving Tuesday now, it's coming up November, right? I think it's November the 20th this year. So that is an opportunity to really engage and tap into your community. Again, focused on return on relationship. That has been a theme, I think for us, is this return on relationship. And so Giving Tuesday is a great campaign, great opportunity for all of us, all of you, to really engage in your community, reconnect through this return on relationship. And I would say that check your community, you check your state, like what days, in some cases some of the states have a little bit different of a Giving Tuesday situation. If you're not engaged in that as a nonprofit, I have to really say it's, I think, a great opportunity. It's not without its controversy. I know a lot of CEOs and CFOs that are like, no, we think it diverts attention and time and energy. But you know what? I have grown to think that that's not the case, Jared, and maybe that's something we can also chat about. I see Giving Tuesday as a way to bring the concept of philanthropy and giving to everyone. Because oftentimes in most communities and states, there are matching dollars, there are awards, there's all sorts of media attention. And I think it's a way, it's just one more opportunity to get your message out. And I would love to get your feedback on that. Well, it has been controversial and there are multiple giving days. So each state typically has, for instance, an Arizona Gives Day, a Utah Gives Day, a Florida Gives Day, and then there's Giving Tuesday, which is this national opportunity. And then many institutions, in particular higher ed institutions, also have a day of giving for that institution. So my alma mater, whom we've had on a couple of times, Lander University in South Carolina, also has a day of giving. So that is in addition, now that's a third, right? That's three focused days of giving in and above their annual campaigns. And so it does come with some controversy. I have seen that, heard that, and been a part of those conversations. But I do think that when people are looking to give and they want to be part of this philanthropic day, regardless of your campaign, if they want to give to you, they will seek you out. Well, and I think it's gotta be part and parcel of a larger strategy. You can't put all your eggs in one basket, no matter what you do. And I also think that it needs to be looked at as what is it doing in relationship to everything else that you're doing and how does it move forward? I mean, if giving Tuesday, which is traditionally around Thanksgiving, right? But let's say you always have a huge event on Wednesday or Thursday or whatever, that might not jive. I mean, you might have to say, okay, wait, we're gonna do it. Yeah, but I think I've seen the best success when there's a campaign. Let's say we want to purchase this mobile unit for our programming, and then you use Giving Tuesday or your state's Giving Day as a piece of that campaign's communication strategy. So like one action? Yes, so it is one part of the strategy, but it's not just an end all be all. So it could be, especially for Giving Tuesday, it could be something like, the purchase of holiday meals if your mission is tied to hunger, or it could be shelter for individuals experiencing homeless for the holiday season or for these coldest nights of the year. So I think if we tie it to an overarching strategy and use that day, whether it's the state Giving Day, the Giving Tuesday, I think that is one piece of the strategy for a campaign, but I don't think it is all encompassing of the campaign. You know, Jarrett, I love that. You are the non-profit nerd, by the way, apparently. I have glasses to prove that, you know. That's great. Get out on the glasses, sister. I haven't worn them in a while. Oh my God, I would wear them, but then if I took these off, I wouldn't be able to do the show because I couldn't see, but I'll put my finger here like it's tight. That's right, that's right. Okay, so this is a concept I really like that what you said because a lot of what these Giving Days have is they have the thermometers that show, okay, this is where we started, this is where we're getting, and there's so much research out there that says people like to close out a campaign. Yes. You're close to reaching a goal or something of like that. That's a big, big incentive for a lot of people to participate. So let's say if you were just saying, okay, on Giving Tuesday, we are going to try and fund this product or this, like you said, mobile unit or whatever. You can be talking about that. I think that's something the media would love. You can, you know, your numbers. Your board members, it's a great opportunity to engage your board, your staff, your volunteers so that you can see that thermometer meet or better yet, exceed. Yeah. I love that. And I don't think we've had enough people talk about that. It just seems like it's an overall add to our coffers mentality. As part and parcel, before we move on, I do want to mention that we have one of my favorite guests of all time, Stephen Shaddick coming on. After Giving Tuesday, this will be, I think, the seventh year he has done this. And this is what he does. Every year he chooses, I think, seven or 10 organizations that he has some relationships with, but most he does not. And he sends a donation and then he tracks it, he writes about it. He doesn't necessarily declare who it was, but he'll declare what the segment is within our sector, you know, the nine main segments. And then he kind of tracks what happens as a donor to this group on this particular day. And he's going to come on the show and talk about it. That's right. He is riveting, riveting. Yes, that's going to be a fun episode. Stephen has been with us. He's with Bloomerang, of course, CFO. And phenomenal. He, you know, has a book out that's on our book list. So if you have not checked out the book list, AmericanNonprofitAcademy.com robots make bad fundraisers. A great book, great, great, great book. And that's one of those things that I'm, if you're looking for your team to have some sort of book to read, it's not just for your fundraisers. And there's a whole chapter on Giving Tuesday. Yeah. Yeah. And it's really insightful, but I don't want to end this part of our chat seeming like we're bashing Giving Tuesday because we're not, but I just think we need to be looking at it with a new lens and really amplifying all the energy that's going into it and determining what we can do. Yeah, I think holistically. And again, you know, today's episode, we wanted to share with you about what we've seen, what we've been hearing. Of course, we dedicate Fridays to ask and answer. So if today's conversation might have peaked some questions or some, you know, conversations that you'd like us to take a little further, let us know. There are multiple ways in which you can engage with us, TheNonprofitShow.com, we're on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, contact us directly. So many good things happening, but it is the final push of the year. It's a marathon, not a sprint, but more than 30% of dollars come in in these final months. So this is a big opportunity for us to finish the year strong and to help us start next year on a good foot. Yeah, it's really an amazing time. And you know, I think what happens, I know just with the people that I meet day in and day out and certainly Jared, the people that you meet day in and day out, we get so, we're still so involved in this bizarre pandemic. And many of us would say pandemics because of all the different things that have been going on in our world, it has not left us a lot of time to find some quiet and be reflective and to think about what are some of the opportunities that we have ahead of us. We've tended to be very reactionary, which is, hello, that's what we've needed to do. But I think maybe the message here today is to where can we find some quiet and some time to think about new ways of doing things? Or as you say, Jared, all the time, what is it you're gonna keep? Which I love that question. We ask that so often of our guests, okay, what are you gonna keep? What did you do that you didn't think you were gonna do ever, but you did and now you wanna move it forward? Those are big questions. I think so. And we've been due first, Jacob. I've said this now almost two years ago. I think we're seeing this and I think that many of the things that have worked for us will stay and we will continue to champion that to expert level. So we're still learning, all of us, we're still very much in this what we'll work for, where we are now. Again, technology advancements, collaboration, we're hearing from our community. So I think there is a lot that we will keep. Yeah, I think so too. I think it's an exciting time. Well, hey, Jared, thank you so much today for actually letting me spend this time with you. I don't often get to do that. It's really cool just to have a discussion between the two of us, especially with all these things that we've been seeing and are continuing to see. I don't know about you, but a lot of people just share things with me and open up and say things. Sometimes I'm like, oh my gosh, it's really a privilege to be hearing so many different voices and then being able to articulate that, hopefully articulate that back out to our viewers. So this has been really a pleasure to hear some of your thoughts and get some perspective as we move into this year like no other, but in many ways, a great year. A great year. And tomorrow we are going to talk. We've got so many great conversations, but tomorrow it's going to be about broadcasting fundraising events and program engagement. So a little bit about that hybrid approach of what's here to stay. So really looking at how to best engage your audience in these broadcast fundraising events. And Friday's going to be really interesting. I'm kind of bummed that I'm going to miss it, but you have the president of the USS Midway Foundation on. Yes. Which everybody I've told is, they've been like, oh my God, I've been on that museum. It's a massive, massive aircraft carrier, famous, famous war machine from World War II and beyond, stationed in San Diego Harbor. Is it Harbor or Bay? I guess it's Harbor. You can call it the Harbor. And so the president is going to be on with you, Jared, doing Ask and Answer. Ask and Answer, yes. The representative with Fundraising Academy as well. And so Friday again is reserved for Ask and Answer. If you have any questions, send them to us, but I am looking forward to Friday. So I am sorry you'll miss the conversation, my friend. I know, I know. I was able briefly to chat with her and she was fascinating and super cool. So I just think it's going to be a lot of fun. Hey, as we end this special segment of the nonprofit show, we certainly want to express our gratitude to all of our sponsors who allow us to have this conversation every day now, almost for two years, we were just moving on our 400th episode. I thought I would mention too, Jared, none of our sponsors edit us or tell us what we can talk about, tell us what we can't talk about. I don't think I've ever said that before, but I think it, and I think it's important to know that we are never hogtied to their message. Which is pretty powerful. Very powerful, yeah. So appreciative to have all of our amazing sponsors. Thank you so much for showing up and allowing these conversations to continue in a very unscripted way because we are literally bringing to you, our time, our expertise that we have seen in our local community, but also through our thought leaders across the nation. So thank you to our sponsors. Yeah, it's been amazing. Well, hey, as we like to end every episode, we want to remind you to stay well, so you can do well. We'll see you back here tomorrow, everyone.