Fundraising HayDay

Let's Get Ethical

Every professional organization associated with grants and fundraising has a code of ethics members must agree to uphold. As professionals we are responsible for practicing our profession with the upmost integrity to maintain public trust. Ethics includes complying with applicable rules and regulations of our funders, and so much more. Take a dive into some specific ethical examples with our cohosts.

A Lesson for Nonprofits: The Rise and Fall of Elizabeth Holmes and Thernos

Elizabeth Holmes built a billion dollar biotech health business in Silicon Valley, but the board, investors, employees, and the public were all mislead. Lessons learned from the handling of her company, Theranos, can be applied to nonprofits and the care of grants. Take a listen to learn what not to do within your own organization. The study of Holmes and Theranos is a case study in fraud, misdeeds, and taking the phrase "fake it 'till you make it" way too far.

COVID-19 Grants, Loans, and Other Assistance

The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act was signed into law in early March. Since then, private and public funders alike have increased available funding to assist individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and other agencies in keeping services running. Join cohosts Kimberly Hays de Muga and Amanda Day as they discuss funding opportunities available as of March 26, 2020. 

Facing COVID-19: Staying Healthy & Helping Grantees

As grant professionals and fundraisers, we look to data, information, and resources to determine the best course of action when meeting the needs of the communities we serve. With the growing health pandemic of COVID-19, we need to lean on one another and share relevant health and safety concerns. Funders, both federal and private, across the country are stepping up their game by relaxing restrictions and providing flexibility to grantees. Join us in this bonus episode as we talk about safety, resources, and ways grantors can step up their game.

Transformative Top Ten: A List of Our Season 2 Favorites

Cohosts Amanda and Kimberly talk about their top ten favorite things discovered during Season 2 of the podcast. From books to technology to professional development, they share their favorites with you. Take a listen and see which ones might be the next item you decide to check out.

Keeping You Out of Jail One Procurement Discussion at a Time

Grant funding requires that you not only stick to your approved budget, but you also follow the funder's procurement and conflict of interest requirements. The Federal government is especially particular about both. Join us as we talk with Lucy Morgan, aka My Fed Trainer, about the procurement and conflict of interest specifics found within the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200). Ignoring either is likely to result in losing of grant funds, landing your organization on the suspension and debarement list, or worse.

GrantAdvisor: What the Yelp?

When you love or loathe a product or experience, you go online and write a review. It's the American way! GrantAdvisor applied the online review process to foundations, providing anonymous feedback and relevant information to grant seekers and grant funders alike. Hear our interview with Kari Aanestad, Co-Director of GrantAdvisor and Director of Advancement at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, and hear how the site (www.GrantAdvisor.org) is growing and foundations are using it for the greater good.

Ripped from the Headlines: Grants Gone Bad

Grants are not free money. As stewards of someone else's money, whether the tax payers, a family foundation, or corporation, we are always responsible for adhering to the funder's rules. That means we have to be above board in all things: truthful grant writing, documenting all our expenses, and accurately reporting the results of our project. Sadly, there are always stories in the news about individuals and organizations who bend and break the rules, and these are their stories.

OG Productivity Tools

There are so many technological tools for assisting professionals in their grant writing and management processes, but technology is not the only solution in our field. Join cohosts Kimberly and Amanda as they honor some of the OG (Original Grant) Productivity Tools they often use to get the job done. Sometimes, old school rules!

I Survived an OIG Audit & Lived to Tell the Tale

For individuals managing federal funds, a visit from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is basically your worst nightmare. Hear from cohost Amanda Day about one organization's experience and her hand in picking up the pieces after the fact. It was her first day on the job when she discovered her hiring was actually the result of said audit. Take a listen to find out lessons learned along the way.