Nonprofit fundraising transparency with Pooya Pourak
03/12/24 • 37 min
1 Listener
In episode 93 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Pooya Pourak discuss the importance of transparent, impact-centric fundraising, the use of technology for efficiency, and the necessity of fair compensation for nonprofit employees. They delve into the nuances of donor engagement, exploring how to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance and collaboration. They also discuss the potential of AI in the sector, while maintaining the human element that is essential to nonprofit work.
Episode Highlights:
09:40 - Donor Engagement and Trust:
Pooya presents statistics on donor engagement and trust, highlighting the disconnect between nonprofits and donors, and the strategies to improve transparency and communication.
12:00 Language and Fundraising:
The conversation shifts to the language used in fundraising and how it affects donor relationships. They discuss the importance of genuine, mission-aligned connections over transactional interactions.
14:00 Shifting Status Quo Assumptions:
Carol and Pooya discuss how nonprofits can break free from counterproductive practices and adopt strategies that promote long-term sustainability and diversified fundraising sources.
16:30 Nonprofit Ecosystem Complexity:
Pooya reflects on the complexity of the nonprofit ecosystem, including the roles of various stakeholders, from other nonprofits to donors, foundations, and policy.
22:00 Testing Hypotheses in Fundraising:
Pooya details the testing of two hypotheses aimed at increasing generosity and online giving, including the influence of unrestricted donations and the effectiveness of matching gifts.
31:00 The Future of the Nonprofit Sector:
Looking ahead, Pooya anticipates the growing role of AI in the sector and emphasizes the need to balance technological advances with maintaining the sector's human-centered approach.
34:00 Fair Compensation
The interview concludes with Pooya advocating for fair compensation in the nonprofit sector and encouraging a shift from competition to collaboration to enhance collective impact.
Guest Bio: Pooya Pourak
Pooya is co-founder and CEO of MatchNice, a social impact tech startup on a mission to connect the nonprofit ecosystem and maximize social impact. His team is working on a new kind of impact-centric fundraising platform to increase transparency, engagement and accountability in digital fundraising. Pooya brings 15+ years of experience leading digital transformation across business, government, and now the nonprofit sector. He is the Host and Producer of The Nonprofit Lab, a podcast dedicated to the journey of discovery in the nonprofit sector with an aim to uncover and shake up the status quo. Pooya runs his own consulting practice where he helps our government listen to the needs of diverse stakeholders and put their feedback into action to inform large-scale systems delivery. Pooya holds a Bachelor of Science from Georgia Institute of Technology in Industrial & Systems Engineering and is also a certified yoga instructor.
Important Links and Resources:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pooyapourak/
Charity Vest https://www.charityvest.org/
Google for Nonprofits https://www.google.com/nonprofits/
Be in touch!
✉️ Subscribe to Carol’s newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting
💻 Give us feedback on the show
🌟 Like what you heard? Please help share the podcast by leaving a rating & review.
😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn
In episode 93 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Pooya Pourak discuss the importance of transparent, impact-centric fundraising, the use of technology for efficiency, and the necessity of fair compensation for nonprofit employees. They delve into the nuances of donor engagement, exploring how to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance and collaboration. They also discuss the potential of AI in the sector, while maintaining the human element that is essential to nonprofit work.
Episode Highlights:
09:40 - Donor Engagement and Trust:
Pooya presents statistics on donor engagement and trust, highlighting the disconnect between nonprofits and donors, and the strategies to improve transparency and communication.
12:00 Language and Fundraising:
The conversation shifts to the language used in fundraising and how it affects donor relationships. They discuss the importance of genuine, mission-aligned connections over transactional interactions.
14:00 Shifting Status Quo Assumptions:
Carol and Pooya discuss how nonprofits can break free from counterproductive practices and adopt strategies that promote long-term sustainability and diversified fundraising sources.
16:30 Nonprofit Ecosystem Complexity:
Pooya reflects on the complexity of the nonprofit ecosystem, including the roles of various stakeholders, from other nonprofits to donors, foundations, and policy.
22:00 Testing Hypotheses in Fundraising:
Pooya details the testing of two hypotheses aimed at increasing generosity and online giving, including the influence of unrestricted donations and the effectiveness of matching gifts.
31:00 The Future of the Nonprofit Sector:
Looking ahead, Pooya anticipates the growing role of AI in the sector and emphasizes the need to balance technological advances with maintaining the sector's human-centered approach.
34:00 Fair Compensation
The interview concludes with Pooya advocating for fair compensation in the nonprofit sector and encouraging a shift from competition to collaboration to enhance collective impact.
Guest Bio: Pooya Pourak
Pooya is co-founder and CEO of MatchNice, a social impact tech startup on a mission to connect the nonprofit ecosystem and maximize social impact. His team is working on a new kind of impact-centric fundraising platform to increase transparency, engagement and accountability in digital fundraising. Pooya brings 15+ years of experience leading digital transformation across business, government, and now the nonprofit sector. He is the Host and Producer of The Nonprofit Lab, a podcast dedicated to the journey of discovery in the nonprofit sector with an aim to uncover and shake up the status quo. Pooya runs his own consulting practice where he helps our government listen to the needs of diverse stakeholders and put their feedback into action to inform large-scale systems delivery. Pooya holds a Bachelor of Science from Georgia Institute of Technology in Industrial & Systems Engineering and is also a certified yoga instructor.
Important Links and Resources:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pooyapourak/
Charity Vest https://www.charityvest.org/
Google for Nonprofits https://www.google.com/nonprofits/
Be in touch!
✉️ Subscribe to Carol’s newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting
💻 Give us feedback on the show
🌟 Like what you heard? Please help share the podcast by leaving a rating & review.
😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn
Previous Episode
Three stages of nonprofit leadership with Patton McDowell
In episode 92 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Patton McDowell explore the multi-generational nonprofit workforce, discussing the unique hurdles and opportunities that come with each stage of a non-profit career—from emerging leaders grappling with gaining practical experience to mid-career professionals encountering a plateau, and up to executive directors feeling isolated at the top. They underscore the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the benefits of strategic personal planning.
Show highlights:
Generational Workforce Challenges
Generational Workforce Challenges
[00:07:00] Discussion on the challenges faced by different generations in the nonprofit sector.
Opportunity and Experience for Emerging Leaders
[00:08:05] Patton talks about the emerging leader generation facing the issue of opportunity and joy market entry difficulties
Mid-Career Plateau
[00:19:25] Patton introduces the idea of a "mid-career plateau" and how to overcome it.
Non-Traditional Career Paths
[00:22:00] Carol discusses lateral moves and specialization as alternatives to traditional progression.
Executive Leadership Loneliness
[00:24:22] Patton discusses the isolation felt by those in executive leadership roles.
Co-Executive Director Model
[00:29:00] Carol asks Patton about shared leadership roles and his views on them.
Predictable Turnover
[00:33:00] Carol reflects on predictable turnover and proactive recruitment approaches.
Organizational Exchanges
[00:39:10] Patton and Carol discuss the benefits of organizational exchanges and site visits.
Personal Retreat for Leaders - [00:42:20] Patton recommends nonprofit leaders take personal retreats for strategic planning and Carol speaks on her own practice of personal strategic planning.
Guest Bio: Patton is the Founder of PMA Nonprofit Leadership, a coaching and consulting firm specializing in leadership development, fundraising, and strategic planning for nonprofits. He led fundraising efforts at two universities after starting his career at Special Olympics International. He's a Master Trainer for AFP Global, hosts the podcast Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, and authored a best-selling book of the same name. He holds a bachelor's degree from UNC Chapel Hill, an MBA from Queens University of Charlotte, and a Doctorate from the University of Southern California. Patton currently serves as an Executive in Residence at the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell University.
Important Links and Resources:
Patton McDowell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattonmcdowell/
PMA Nonprofit https://www.pmanonprofit.com/
Charlie Gilkey - https://www.productiveflourishing.com/
Be in Touch!
✉️ Subscribe to Carol’s newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting
💻 Give us feedback on the show
🌟 Like what you heard? Please help share the podcast by leaving a rating & review.
😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn
Next Episode
Navigating power and conflict within nonprofits with Rebecca Epstein
In episode 94 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Rebecca Epstein discuss the article that Rebecca wrote with Mistinguette Smith published in the Nonprofit Quarterly in 2023.
Paving a Better Way: What’s Driving Progressive Organizations Apart and How to Win by Coming Together. The conversation between Rebecca and Carol covers the intricacies and challenges of leadership and organizational dynamics within the nonprofit sector, particularly in the context of social justice work. Their discussion touches upon generational conflicts, power dynamics, organizational clarity, and strategies for effective leadership, especially in the recent crises we have all experienced over the past several years.
Episode highlights:
Generational and Cultural Dynamics in Nonprofits
[00:08:30] The recent increased conflict within organizations between leaders and staff, often on generational and racial lines. How these conflicts are similar and different to those of the past.
Addressing Internal Conflicts and Building Resilience
[00:15:30] Conflicts within organizations, such as public call outs and accusations of racism as well as the push for structural changes.
Organizational Clarity and Strategy
[00:20:30] The importance of organizational clarity regarding power and decision-making, and how it should reflect an organization's values and strategies.
The Challenge of Aligning Strategy and Leadership
[00:25:30] The challenges organizations face in aligning their leadership style with their identity and mission as well as aligning expectations across segments of staff.
Addressing Trauma in Nonprofits
[00:35:30] Understanding and addressing trauma embedded in social justice work – the trauma that stems from the issue the organization is addressing, intergenerational trauma, personal and interpersonal trauma. How might trauma at all these levels be addressed responsibly?
Current Trends and Challenges
The dialogue offers nonprofit leaders a range of insights and considerations for fostering healthy, effective, and resilient organizations that can navigate the complexities of social change work.
Guest Bio: Becca Epstein is a coach and consultant to social justice organizations and their leaders with over 20 years of experience in community organizing, organizational development, and nonprofit leadership. Becca is a co-founder of The Management Center, a former Vice President at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and a convener of the “Paving a Better Way” working group. Her practice focuses on leaders, organizations, and movements confronting strategic challenges, seeking transformation, and advancing equity and justice. Becca holds an MPA in Nonprofit Management and Public Policy from NYU, a BA in Anthropology from Amherst College, and is a Certified Professional Coach.
Important Links and Resources:
Learning From an Intergenerational Blowup Over Social Justice by Steve Kaagan & John Hagan
Rebecca Epstein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-epstein-797aa75/
https://www.beccaepsteincoaching.com/
Internal Family Systems - No Bad Parts: https://bookshop.org/p/books/no-bad-parts-healing-trauma-and-restoring-wholeness-with-the-internal-family-systems-model-richard-schwartz/16396062?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-_mvBhDwARIsAA-Q0Q7ZNqD5nvZg5Rc0AW1G0doLAO72cWnAFeCHvmKdI5QkEjpu1QDdtWIaAtc-EALw_wcB
Polarities - Polarity Partnerships: https://www.polaritypartnerships.com/
Related Episodes:
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Episode 75: Co-creation with Carol Hamilton and Danielle Marshall
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