The NonProfit Times TV recently sat down with Jennifer Ferro, general manager of the LA public radio station KCRW, to talk about how to change an organization's culture. Here is an excerpt from that interview (Note: Questions and answers are paraphrased):
NPTtv: Jennifer, what were some of the challenges you faced coming to an organization that was used to doing things a certain way?
Jennifer Ferro: I think my position was a bit unique, because I came from inside the organization [she was promoted to her current position after two years as assistant general manager], so the biggest challenge for me is trying to see this organization as an outsider would. I know the personalities involved in the organization really intimately, so one thing you have to do as a leader is to look strategically at your organization, and look at the roles people play. So that's what I've been working on the most right now.
NPTtv: What kind of problems did you see that you wanted to change?
JF: The structure of the organization. Because it had started really from nothing and grew up around that, there was basically no structure. It was the leader, me, and everybody else. There are some benefits to that, but there are also obvious structural challenges with it as well. As we go forward in the future, that's the one thing we need to address: How can we create an organization that maximizes what we do already, but at the same time fosters innovation.
NPTtv: When you became general manager, how difficult was it putting your own stamp on the position without changing what the organization was already used to?
JF: That is one of the advantages of coming from the inside. Because I came from within, people already knew me, they trusted me, and they supported me. A lot of the changes that I wanted to make with the board leadership, the staff, all that kind of stuff, those were things that people were not fearful of because they understood who I was and what I was about. You do have to be sensitive to what people want, however. When you come into an organization with no structure, what ends up happening is that people have their own way of working. When there is a threat to habits, there can be some backlash. That hasn't happened to KCRW, but there is a certain level of anxiety. Anxiety can be good, but it can also be damaging. So I've just had to manage that.
***
Make sure to check out the full interview with Jennifer Ferro on NPTtv.
Showing posts with label The NonProfit Times TV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The NonProfit Times TV. Show all posts
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
NPTtv Summary: United Way's Growth Stunted
Note: This is a summary from a story in the newest webcast of The NonProfit Times TV.
While overall giving picked up in the last year, contributions to United Way Worldwide slowed down. According to the agency's latest figures, total income last year grew to $4.2 billion, a $100 million increase. That amount represents a slower gain than the $255 million that the organization saw in the previous year.
The reason for this decrease seems to stem from the fact that traditional workplace giving campaigns, which is the source for a large amount of United Way's contributions, were down in 2010, according to the numbers from Giving USA.
Overall public support accounted for $3.8 of United Way's revenue. While this is up slightly from 2009, it is still lower than the more than $4 billion raised in 2008. To see the whole video on this story, visit NPTtv.
While overall giving picked up in the last year, contributions to United Way Worldwide slowed down. According to the agency's latest figures, total income last year grew to $4.2 billion, a $100 million increase. That amount represents a slower gain than the $255 million that the organization saw in the previous year.
The reason for this decrease seems to stem from the fact that traditional workplace giving campaigns, which is the source for a large amount of United Way's contributions, were down in 2010, according to the numbers from Giving USA.
Overall public support accounted for $3.8 of United Way's revenue. While this is up slightly from 2009, it is still lower than the more than $4 billion raised in 2008. To see the whole video on this story, visit NPTtv.
9/21/2011 NPTtv Webcast Available
The newest edition of The NonProfit Times TV has just been released. Here are the stories included in the webcast:
- "Two Top CEO Jobs Open"-Peter Goldberg of Families International passed away, and Jill Schumann of Lutheran Services in America resigned, leaving two CEO vacancies at the two nonprofits.
- "A 'Cereal' Killer?"-A nonprofit is sued by Kellog's because of logo.
- "United Way's Growth Stunted"-While overall giving was up last year, contributions to United Way Worldwide slowed down.
- "Re-Branding For Next 30 Years"-MADD and Gifts In Kind International Re-brand.
- "Changing An Organization's Culture"-Interview with Jennifer Ferro of KCRW.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Nonprofits And For-Profits: Can They Work Together?
Note: This is a summary of a story in the latest episode of The NonProfit Times TV
Nonprofits and for-profit corporations sometimes have an uncomfortable partnership of money and mission. This hasn't been the case with Livestrong, the charity founded by champion cyclist Lance Arsmtrong. The organization has had a long and successful history of positive relationships with corporate sponsors. The NonProfit Times TV recently caught up with Chris Brewer, senior manager of development communications at Livestrong, and found out why they have been so successful in these sometimes challenging partnerships: (NOTE: These interview highlights have been paraphrased)
NPTtv: How does Livestrong go about finding corporate sponsorships?
Chris Brewer: Livestrong makes sure that the sponsors they are working with don't just want to slap their brand on something. They want their partnerships to be more than just the corporation writing a check to them; They want them to be engaged. Brewer cites their relationship with Nike as an example of their ideal corporate sponsor. They have not only been able to create a successful line of merchandise using the Livestrong brand, but they have also delivered the organization's message across the globe.
NPTtv: What can the average nonprofit learn from the way Livestrong uses Lance Armstrong?
CB: Brewer reminds listeners that Lance was not that well known an athlete when the organization first started. He also tells nonprofits that they have to make sure that if they do use a celebrity to promote their organization, they have to make sure it's the right fit. You can't just assume because the person is a celebrity that they will help your cause.
**
Check out the full interview with Chris Brwer at The NonProfit Times TV.
Nonprofits and for-profit corporations sometimes have an uncomfortable partnership of money and mission. This hasn't been the case with Livestrong, the charity founded by champion cyclist Lance Arsmtrong. The organization has had a long and successful history of positive relationships with corporate sponsors. The NonProfit Times TV recently caught up with Chris Brewer, senior manager of development communications at Livestrong, and found out why they have been so successful in these sometimes challenging partnerships: (NOTE: These interview highlights have been paraphrased)
NPTtv: How does Livestrong go about finding corporate sponsorships?
Chris Brewer: Livestrong makes sure that the sponsors they are working with don't just want to slap their brand on something. They want their partnerships to be more than just the corporation writing a check to them; They want them to be engaged. Brewer cites their relationship with Nike as an example of their ideal corporate sponsor. They have not only been able to create a successful line of merchandise using the Livestrong brand, but they have also delivered the organization's message across the globe.
NPTtv: What can the average nonprofit learn from the way Livestrong uses Lance Armstrong?
CB: Brewer reminds listeners that Lance was not that well known an athlete when the organization first started. He also tells nonprofits that they have to make sure that if they do use a celebrity to promote their organization, they have to make sure it's the right fit. You can't just assume because the person is a celebrity that they will help your cause.
**
Check out the full interview with Chris Brwer at The NonProfit Times TV.
Half Of Adults In Louisiana Are Volunteers
Note: This is a summary from a story in the latest episode of The NonProfit Times TV.
A new study by Louisiana State University revealed a fascinating statistic: More than half of the state's adult population volunteer their times to nonprofit or religious groups. In fact, LSU says that the rate is probably more than the 51% found in an April survey. The survey was commissioned by Volunteer Louisiana, and it interviewed 720 people 18 or older in 216 cities and towns. Most of the respondents also said that they considered the work they do to be helping, not volunteering.
A new study by Louisiana State University revealed a fascinating statistic: More than half of the state's adult population volunteer their times to nonprofit or religious groups. In fact, LSU says that the rate is probably more than the 51% found in an April survey. The survey was commissioned by Volunteer Louisiana, and it interviewed 720 people 18 or older in 216 cities and towns. Most of the respondents also said that they considered the work they do to be helping, not volunteering.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Online Micro News Sites Showing Bias
Note: This is a summary of a story from the latest episode of The NonProfit Times TV
Micro news sites formed as nonprofits have been popping up all across the country, but they aren't exactly passing the sniff test when it comes to objective journalism.
According to a recently released study by the Pew Research Center's Project For Excellence in Journalism, more than half of these sites have an ideological bias in their reporting. The study also found that the more ideological sites tended to be funded mostly or entirely by one organization. Sites with a more balanced political perspective had multiple funders.
The most liberal sites were nine, operating under the umbrella of the American Independent News Network. This group is funded by a variety of organizations, including the Open Society Foundation. The most conservative sites were 12. They all shared the common name Watchdog (i.e. "Alaska Watchdog"), and were funded by the Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity.
Micro news sites formed as nonprofits have been popping up all across the country, but they aren't exactly passing the sniff test when it comes to objective journalism.
According to a recently released study by the Pew Research Center's Project For Excellence in Journalism, more than half of these sites have an ideological bias in their reporting. The study also found that the more ideological sites tended to be funded mostly or entirely by one organization. Sites with a more balanced political perspective had multiple funders.
The most liberal sites were nine, operating under the umbrella of the American Independent News Network. This group is funded by a variety of organizations, including the Open Society Foundation. The most conservative sites were 12. They all shared the common name Watchdog (i.e. "Alaska Watchdog"), and were funded by the Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity.
Microsoft Ups Its Production Donation Program
Note: This is a summary from a story in the latest episode of The NonProfit Times TV.
Microsoft has announced an update to its software donation program that is designed to give nonprofits easy access to technology. The computer giant says its reaching more than 40,000 organizations around the world each year. This has led to nearly $4 billion of donated software since the program started in 1998.
As part of the update, Microsoft is increasing the amount of Microsoft Office products that can be requested from six to ten titles. They are also adding three new categories of nonprofits eligible for software donations, including medical research organizations, private foundations, and amateur sports/recreational organizations. For more information on these changes, go to http://www.microsoft.com/nonprofit.
Microsoft has announced an update to its software donation program that is designed to give nonprofits easy access to technology. The computer giant says its reaching more than 40,000 organizations around the world each year. This has led to nearly $4 billion of donated software since the program started in 1998.
As part of the update, Microsoft is increasing the amount of Microsoft Office products that can be requested from six to ten titles. They are also adding three new categories of nonprofits eligible for software donations, including medical research organizations, private foundations, and amateur sports/recreational organizations. For more information on these changes, go to http://www.microsoft.com/nonprofit.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
New NPTtv Webcast Available
The newest episode of The NonProfit Times TV is out! Here are the stories in the new webcast:
- NPT Unveils The Annual Power and Influence Top 50: The NonProfit Times unveils the annual Power & Influence Top 50 most influential executives in the nonprofit world.
- Microsoft Ups Its Production Donation Program: Microsoft to give more free software to nonprofits.
- Online Micro News Sites Showing Bias: A Pew study shows more than half of nonprofit micro news sites have a bias.
- Half Of Adults In Louisana Are Volunteers: Adult volunteers abound in Louisiana.
- Partnering With Corporate Sponsors: Nonprofits and for-profits sometimes have an uncomfortable partnership of money and missions.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
NPTtv Summary: Grassley's At It Again
Note: This is a summary from a story from the newest episode of The NonProfit Times TV.
A familiar senator to nonprofits is back to his old tricks.
Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) introduced legislation that will go after charities that put money in off-shore accounts to avoid paying income taxes. The senator, who has put nonprofits under federal scrutiny for the past several years, wants to block such organizations from getting federal grants from a program that helps prisoners re-enter society.
This move comes a year after a committee hearing showed that the Boys & Girls Clubs held more than $50,000,000 off-shores in the Camen Islands, British Virgin Islands, and Bermuda.
A familiar senator to nonprofits is back to his old tricks.
Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) introduced legislation that will go after charities that put money in off-shore accounts to avoid paying income taxes. The senator, who has put nonprofits under federal scrutiny for the past several years, wants to block such organizations from getting federal grants from a program that helps prisoners re-enter society.
This move comes a year after a committee hearing showed that the Boys & Girls Clubs held more than $50,000,000 off-shores in the Camen Islands, British Virgin Islands, and Bermuda.
NPTtv Summary: Giving Is Picking Up
Note: This is a summary of a story from the newest episode of The NonProfit Times TV.
For the 10th consecutive month, fundraising is on the rise. The latest numbers from Blackbaud show that from March to May, overall charitable revenue went up 11.3% from 2010. These numbers come from $2.3 billion in 12 months revenue from 1,383 nonprofits. In addition, organizations of all sizes are experiencing growth for the first time since the Great Recession. Those specific numbers are as followed:
For the 10th consecutive month, fundraising is on the rise. The latest numbers from Blackbaud show that from March to May, overall charitable revenue went up 11.3% from 2010. These numbers come from $2.3 billion in 12 months revenue from 1,383 nonprofits. In addition, organizations of all sizes are experiencing growth for the first time since the Great Recession. Those specific numbers are as followed:
- Medium and large organizations grew by 10%
- Small organizations (those with less than $1 million in annual fundraising revenue) grew by 17.6%
- Fundraising at arts and culture organizations grew nearly 12%
- Human services and environmental groups were still down from their year earlier results.
NPTtv Summary: Going Into Orbit
Note: This is a summary of a story from the newest episode of The NonProfit Times TV.
That's one small step for man. One giant leap for nonprofits.
NASA has announced that the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) will develop and manage the US portion of the International Space Station. CASIS will help make sure the station's unique capabilities are available to the broadest possible cross-section of the US scientific, technological, and industrial communities.
CASIS will conduct their work at the Space Life Sciences Lab, which is located near NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Much of their work will involve identifying opportunities non-NASA uses, linking scientific review and economic value. Potential research and development opportunities will be matched with funding sources. The organization will also increase awareness among schools and students about using the station as a learning platform.
That's one small step for man. One giant leap for nonprofits.
NASA has announced that the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) will develop and manage the US portion of the International Space Station. CASIS will help make sure the station's unique capabilities are available to the broadest possible cross-section of the US scientific, technological, and industrial communities.
CASIS will conduct their work at the Space Life Sciences Lab, which is located near NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Much of their work will involve identifying opportunities non-NASA uses, linking scientific review and economic value. Potential research and development opportunities will be matched with funding sources. The organization will also increase awareness among schools and students about using the station as a learning platform.
New NPTtv Webcast Available For 7/27/2011
We have just released the newest webcast of The NonProfit Times TV for July 27th, 2011. Here are some of the stories in this episode:
- Going Into Orbit-A nonprofit has been picked to manage the International Space Station.
- Giving Is Picking Up-Fundraising on the rise for 10 months.
- Grassley's At It Again-Sen. Charles Grassley is going after nonprofits again.
- Great Online Learning Site-Using online methods for education and staff training.
- Can You Succeed With Social Media?-Nonprofits using social media.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Ethnic Donors: NPTtv Interviews Nelson Bowman
In fundraising, targeting the best prospects is very important. In order to raise the most money possible, you have to be able to identify the top donor groups out there, and focus a lot of attention on them. Nelson Bowman, director of development at Prairie View A&M University, spoke to The NonProfit Times TV about why targeting ethnic donors should be a key priority for fundraisers. Specifically, we asked him the following questions:
- Why should nonprofits be thinking about specifically targeting ethnic groups when it comes to their appeals and giving programs?
- How is messaging different when targeting specific ethnic groups?
- Anything else to think about besides the message or the type of message? Are there other aspects to the giving and the philanthropy among those ethnicities that a charity would have to think about before setting out in that direction?
- Any other specific strategies or other strategies that charities should be thinking about when they set out to appeal to other ethnic groups?
- Do charities target ethnic groups now, or is it a matter of making it front of mind and reminding them that the demographics showing that you should be appealing to different donor groups by ethnicity?
- Anything else charities should think about when just starting out a program like this, to focus a little more on ethnic groups in their appeals; is there a good first step or two that they should do before they engage?
NPTtv Summary: Bates Tops List Of Most Expensive Colleges
Note: This is a summary of a story from the newest episode of The NonProfit Times TV.
Looking to spend a little more on colleges this year? Then these schools will be right up your ally.
The US Department of Education has released a list of the most expensive colleges in the country. Maine’s Bates College, with a price tag of $51,300, was named the priciest private, nonprofit college for 2009-2010. In comparison, the average price of tuition for a public university was under $6,400. Here are some other colleges on the list:
Looking to spend a little more on colleges this year? Then these schools will be right up your ally.
The US Department of Education has released a list of the most expensive colleges in the country. Maine’s Bates College, with a price tag of $51,300, was named the priciest private, nonprofit college for 2009-2010. In comparison, the average price of tuition for a public university was under $6,400. Here are some other colleges on the list:
- Connecticut College: $51,115
- Middlebury College, Vermont: $50,780
- Sarah Lawrence College, New York: $41,968
NPTtv Summary: Clinton To Launch Micro-Lending Plan
Note: This is a summary of a story from the newest episode of The NonProfit Times TV.
In an effort to help small business owners in regions that were devestated by the recession, Former President Bill Clinton has launched a micro-lending plan that he hopes will bring much needed capital to these struggling businesses.
Called Kiva City, it was announced during the annual Clinton Global Initiative Summit. The effort will be headed by micro-lending nonprofit Kiva, as well as Visa, Inc. Kiva City will offer small business lending strategies to suffering American cities like Detroit, Milwaukee, and Pittsburgh. They will also give out loans of about $7,000, which will be used to pay rent, buy equipment, or cover other daily operations.
In an effort to help small business owners in regions that were devestated by the recession, Former President Bill Clinton has launched a micro-lending plan that he hopes will bring much needed capital to these struggling businesses.
Called Kiva City, it was announced during the annual Clinton Global Initiative Summit. The effort will be headed by micro-lending nonprofit Kiva, as well as Visa, Inc. Kiva City will offer small business lending strategies to suffering American cities like Detroit, Milwaukee, and Pittsburgh. They will also give out loans of about $7,000, which will be used to pay rent, buy equipment, or cover other daily operations.
NPTtv Summary: End of Nonprofit Board Ban?
Note: This is a summary of a story from the newest episode of The NonProfit Times TV.
Could a 15-year ban be coming to an end?
If The Office of Government Ethics (OGE) has its way, federal employees will be allowed to serve on nonprofit boards without approval from their agencies. The organization published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to do away with that regulation, which has existed since it was first passed in 1996. They noted in their new proposal that the supposed conflicts of interest between an employee’s job and their financial duties to a nonprofit are more theoretical than real. Therefore, they argued, the regulation was not necessary.
Whether this rule will become law is anybody's guess, but it's certainly something to keep an eye on.
Could a 15-year ban be coming to an end?
If The Office of Government Ethics (OGE) has its way, federal employees will be allowed to serve on nonprofit boards without approval from their agencies. The organization published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to do away with that regulation, which has existed since it was first passed in 1996. They noted in their new proposal that the supposed conflicts of interest between an employee’s job and their financial duties to a nonprofit are more theoretical than real. Therefore, they argued, the regulation was not necessary.
Whether this rule will become law is anybody's guess, but it's certainly something to keep an eye on.
NPTtv Summary: We're Out Of Here: Two Nonprofit CEOs Call It Quits
Note: This is a summary of a story from the newest webcast of The NonProfit Times TV.
Two major nonprofit CEOs came back after the July 4th weekend to decleare their independence from their organizations.
Steve Gunderson, of the Council on Foundations, and Robert D. Reischauer, of the Urban Institute, announced they were stepping down from their positions. Gunderson, who was CEO for six years, announced he would be retiring effective September 1st. In an open letter on the COF website, he said it was “the right time for a transition.”
Reischauer, who lead the Urban Institute for 11 years, will step down as CEO at the end of 2011. During his tenure, the organization established the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center and refocused its interdisciplinary research on welfare reform for low-income working families.
Two major nonprofit CEOs came back after the July 4th weekend to decleare their independence from their organizations.
Steve Gunderson, of the Council on Foundations, and Robert D. Reischauer, of the Urban Institute, announced they were stepping down from their positions. Gunderson, who was CEO for six years, announced he would be retiring effective September 1st. In an open letter on the COF website, he said it was “the right time for a transition.”
Reischauer, who lead the Urban Institute for 11 years, will step down as CEO at the end of 2011. During his tenure, the organization established the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center and refocused its interdisciplinary research on welfare reform for low-income working families.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
New NPTtv Out Tomorrow
The newest webcast of The Nonprofit Times TV will be out tomorrow! Here's a sneak peek at the stories you can expect to see:
- "We're Out Of Here"
- "New Federal Rules For Boards"
- "Clinton Launches Micro-Lending Plan"
- "The Most Expensive Colleges"
- "Targeting Ethnic Donors"
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
NPTtv Summary: 9/11 Charities After Bin Laden
It was the news many September 11th charities had been waiting for: Osama Bin Laden is dead.
But even after the death of 9/11 mastermind in May, these charities insist their will be no changes in the work they do. For example, Voices of September 11th still held its annual fundraising gala in New York City, featuring former Mayor Rudy Giuliani. In addition, plans for the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks are still moving forward.
Other charities are following this path as well. World Cares Center Executive Director Lisa Orloff says that she believes the news of Bin Laden’s death will have no affect on their anniversary event, or their fundraising strategies. Orloff did not plan to comment specifically on Bin Laden's death, but she did say her group's outreach towards communities would adjust to this monumental change. She did not, however, go into specifics.
But even after the death of 9/11 mastermind in May, these charities insist their will be no changes in the work they do. For example, Voices of September 11th still held its annual fundraising gala in New York City, featuring former Mayor Rudy Giuliani. In addition, plans for the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks are still moving forward.
Other charities are following this path as well. World Cares Center Executive Director Lisa Orloff says that she believes the news of Bin Laden’s death will have no affect on their anniversary event, or their fundraising strategies. Orloff did not plan to comment specifically on Bin Laden's death, but she did say her group's outreach towards communities would adjust to this monumental change. She did not, however, go into specifics.
NPTtv Summary: NYC Starting Financing Agency For Nonprofits
Note: This is a summary of one of the stories from the latest webcast of The NonProfit Times TV.
In an effort to help NYC nonprofits get low cost, tax-exempt financing, Mayor Michael Bloomberg is starting a new agency. Called the New York City Industrial Development Agency (NYCIDA), it previously issued tax-exempt bond financing for nonprofits capital projects. But since January 2008, it hasn’t been able to deliver such financing because of a change in the law. Under its new form, NYCIDA will provide financing to help NYC nonprofits expand or upgrade their facilities.
The new agency is sure to be a welcome addition to nonprofits in the Big Apple, many who have gotten the their funding from other states. According to the Mayor’s Office, more than a dozen groups have gotten out-of-state funding, totaling more than $337 million since June 2009.
In an effort to help NYC nonprofits get low cost, tax-exempt financing, Mayor Michael Bloomberg is starting a new agency. Called the New York City Industrial Development Agency (NYCIDA), it previously issued tax-exempt bond financing for nonprofits capital projects. But since January 2008, it hasn’t been able to deliver such financing because of a change in the law. Under its new form, NYCIDA will provide financing to help NYC nonprofits expand or upgrade their facilities.
The new agency is sure to be a welcome addition to nonprofits in the Big Apple, many who have gotten the their funding from other states. According to the Mayor’s Office, more than a dozen groups have gotten out-of-state funding, totaling more than $337 million since June 2009.
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