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Podcasts

Listen to the weekly podcast “Around with Randall” as he discusses, in just a few minutes, a topic surrounding non-profit philanthropy. Included each week are tactical suggestions listeners can use to immediately make their non-profit, and their job activities, more effective.

Find “Around with Randall” on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Email Randall with a show topic: podcast@hallettphilanthropy.com

Email Randall with a thought regarding a specific show: reeks@hallettphilanthropy.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts
 
 
 
Special Edition 16: The Great Philanthropists - Joel Fleishman - Professionalizing Philanthropy into an Industry

Joel Fleischman, though not widely known, profoundly shaped modern philanthropy by professionalizing the field and championing transparency and accountability. His work at Duke University and his book A Great American Secret foresaw the growing influence of fewer major donors and the need for foundations to be held accountable for their impact. Fleischman’s legacy continues to influence how we approach giving and measure the effectiveness of philanthropic efforts today.

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Episode 202: Case Statements - And not Just for the Formal Large Campaigns

Today on Around with Randall, Randall Hallett explores the importance of developing concise, two- to three-page case statements for nonprofits, moving beyond traditional multi-page documents typically used in large campaigns. These shorter statements foster organizational alignment by clarifying needs and facilitating conversations between departments and leadership, ultimately enhancing donor engagement. By focusing on measurable outcomes and balancing emotional stories with data, nonprofits can create impactful mini-campaigns that resonate with potential donors.

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Episode 201: The Connection Between Hope & Philanthropy - Finding, Identifying, & Creating it-Personally & Organizationally

In this edition of Around with Randall, we examine the role hope plays in philanthropy and our communities. How does hope motivate action and foster resilience, especially in challenging times? Looking at historic examples, we see that hope is not merely an emotion, but a powerful catalyst for positive change, encouraging us to engage and uplift those around us in our quest to make the world a better place.

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Episode 200: Onboarding at a High Level - Bringing on new employees the right way (or being that new employee)

New employees, whether hiring or being one yourself, can be hard. In this episode, we delve into onboarding new employees, particularly within philanthropic organizations. What are the challenges? What does a thoughtful onboarding process (that extends beyond the basics like benefits, bathroom locations and parking information) look like?

A well-executed onboarding leads to stronger team integration, reduced confusion, and faster productivity—key factors in retaining top talent.

Plus, bonus insights! – How to create a welcoming environment that aligns with an employee’s professional goals, helping them feel valued from day one.

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Episode 199: What to Ask for in a Solicitation - Cost and General Requests Can't Compare to Impact

In this episode of Around with Randall, we explore a recent study on the best ways to ask for donations. We’ll chop up how the study reveals that donors respond most to requests framed around specific outcomes, such as the number of people their gift will help. At the end of the day, nonprofits need to rethink their fundraising strategies to maximize donor engagement and support.

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Episode 198: Accepting Innovation - The Change That Will Help Both Nonprofits and its Professionals

In this episode of Around with Randall, Randall explores the importance of embracing innovation in nonprofits and drawing parallels to Ignaz Semmelweis’s groundbreaking but initially rejected handwashing practice. Emphasizing that overcoming barriers to change—such as discomfort, fear, and resource constraints—is essential for organizational growth. Fostering internal talent, reinterpreting rejections as ‘not yet,’ and accepting small failures as part of the innovation process, allows nonprofits to better navigate the evolving landscape and enhance their impact.

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Episode 197: Selecting Board Members - The Correct Ones in the Correct Timeframe

Let’s talk about boards. Beyond traditional governance roles, board members' primary responsibility is connecting the organization with the community. It is mission critical to understand the importance of having a board who can build relationships, make introductions, and actively engage in the organization's mission. Create a diverse, well-connected board, visualizing community representation, and developing a long-term, strategic process for recruitment and good things will follow.

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Episode 196: The Journey of Philanthropy - And That Enormous Gift Alone Not Being the Holy Grail

This week Randall explores the shift from transactional to transformational gifts in philanthropy and the importance of building deeper, long-term donor relationships. He examines focusing on a donor's lifetime value, involving volunteer boards for engagement efforts, and learning from unsuccessful asks. And a reminder to appreciate the journey of giving, celebrating small victories and the meaningful impact philanthropy has on individuals and communities.

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Episode 195: Corporate Giving Trends | By Looking Back, the Future is More Clear

In this week’s episode of Around with Randall, our host reflects on an experience at a Giving Institute conference, and a discussion about corporate philanthropy. Randall leans in on the importance of understanding the history and evolution of corporate giving. Especially noting the shift from individual-driven philanthropy to employee engagement and community impact. We are also reminded that philanthropy is not just about money, but about making a meaningful difference.

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Episode 194: That Dreaded Evaluation: Why it is Hard and What to do to Make it Better

Evaluations can be challenging. They’re judgmental in nature and often ineffective. This week Randall emphasizes the importance of understanding organizational culture and using evaluations as a professional development tool rather than a mere judgment. We also talk about why leaders should avoid surprises and ensure evaluations are consistent with ongoing feedback, while employees should see evaluations as an opportunity for growth. The goal is to make the evaluation process less stressful and more constructive for everyone involved.

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Episode 193: Aesop was Right 2500 Years Ago – Why I Tell so Many Stories

Stories create connections by sharing personal experiences and vulnerabilities, helping others see their own paths through self-discovery. They are more memorable and engaging than mere lessons, as they evoke emotions and foster empathy. Effective storytelling should include personal failures, be relevant, concise, and provide a clear summary to ensure impact. Ultimately, storytelling builds trust and rapport, which are crucial for meaningful relationships in both personal and professional settings.

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Episode 192: Pet the Cat Backwards - Those Feline Like Special Events

Today we dig into a controversial topic - special events in nonprofit fundraising. The inefficiency and resource drain these events cause, taking away focus from building individual relationships. Perhaps partnering internally and externally to reduce staff involvement in events and using data to advocate for more effective fundraising strategies is the key. Where is the appropriate balance between strategic, relationship-based fundraising and event-centric efforts?

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Episode 191: Collaboration – Important, Underutilized, and Needed for Success

In this edition of Around with Randall, we focus on collaboration. From the moon landing to scientific discoveries, all rely on a collective effort rather than individual achievement. We will also address the benefits and challenges of collaboration, stressing the importance of clear roles, effective communication, and trust to overcome obstacles and achieve shared goals.

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Episode 190: The Decreasing Tenure of a Nonprofit CEO - Why and How Philanthropy Offices Should Help

In this episode of Around with Randall, we put nonprofit CEOs on a slide, place them under the philanthropic microscope and examine the alarming trends of burnout and high turnover rates among our nonprofit leaders. We also talk about the importance of effective board engagement, community interaction, and strategic planning in bolstering CEO tenure and organizational stability.

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Episode 189: Summertime (or Wintertime) Connection with Away Donors - Staying in Contact, Deeping Relations

In this episode of "Around with Randall," we discuss the challenges nonprofits face in maintaining donor relationships during the summer when donors are often away. We look at the importance of staying engaged through virtual events, personalized communications, and leveraging data to justify travel expenses for face-to-face interactions, with the ultimate goal of maintaining and deepening donor connections.

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Episode 188: The Six-Month Halfway Uplift - How to Have a Great Holidays by Planning NOW

Congratulations! You made it to July. Now, let’s look at how to maximize our efforts in the next six months, whether you follow a calendar or fiscal year. The key? Plan and focus on building strong relationships with your top prospects. Prioritize your efforts, set detailed plans, and establish good daily habits. Additionally, maintaining a balanced personal life is crucial for professional success. Let's prepare to make the next six months productive and impactful.

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Episode 187 - The Giving USA Report for 2023 - Highlights and Important Take Aways

At long last, Giving USA released its philanthropic giving data for 2023. Today, we eagerly dive into the numbers and more importantly, what they mean for non-profits and those who work in support of their missions. Philanthropic giving in the United States reached approximately $557 billion- an increase in pure dollars, but how does that stack up when adjusted for inflation? Uncover what the numbers really mean in this special episode of Around with Randall.

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Episode 186: Dealing with Difficult Donors - From Appropriate Involvement to Saying Goodbye

In the latest episode of Around with Randall, we delve into the issue of when it's necessary for nonprofits to part ways with certain donors. The delicate balance between financial necessity and maintaining organizational integrity. Hallett provides actionable insights on identifying problematic donor relationships and implementing strategies to uphold the nonprofit's mission and values, ensuring that leadership prioritizes ethical stewardship and staff well-being.

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