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Head to BernadetteMack.com for more resources.
Nonprofit leaders are famous for doing all the things—but when everything is a priority, nothing gets done well. In this episode of Profitable Nonprofits, we’re tackling the real reasons you’re stuck in the spin cycle of doing-too-much and showing you how to break free with strategic delegation, smart prioritization, and a little automation magic.
You’ll learn:
✅ Why the phrase “just delegate” feels like a joke for small teams (and how to rethink it)
✅ What delegation actually looks like when you’re not passing off a task—but a goal
✅ The unexpected benefit of having clear KPIs: permission to say no
✅ Why “not now” is sometimes the smartest delegation strategy there is
✅ How batching, scheduling, and AI tools can give you time back to focus on what matters
This episode is part real talk, part strategy session—and it’s made for the nonprofit leader who’s tired of running full-speed just to keep up. -
If your board meetings feel like a never-ending slog of reports, updates, and confusion—and then end with no real decisions—you’re not alone. But it doesn’t have to be this way. This week on Profitable Nonprofits, we’re sharing practical, proven strategies to tighten up your board meetings, boost engagement, and actually get things done.
In this episode, we cover:
✅ Why poor meeting design leads to disengaged board members (and wasted time)
✅ How to implement a consent agenda and cut your meeting time in half
✅ The #1 thing you should stop doing immediately (hint: it's live committee reports)
✅ Why doing pre-work before the meeting leads to better votes and better results
✅ How to work with your board chair to make meetings more strategic
This isn’t about micromanaging your board—it’s about giving them a reason to show up, speak up, and stay involved. If your meetings have ever ended with someone thinking, “That could’ve been an email,” this episode is for you.
💬 Leave a voicemail with your favorite takeaway: (914) 297-7692
🔗 Explore more nonprofit resources: BernadetteMack.com -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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🔗 Resources & Links: 📌 Get my Free Email Writing Prompts List → Here
📌 Watch my full email marketing training → https://www.bernadettemack.com/offers/rJ8oxfNZ/checkout
📌 More fundraising & nonprofit strategy at BernadetteMack.com
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✅ Why most nonprofit emails get ignored (and how to fix it)
✅ The 3:1:1 Email Strategy for donor engagement
✅ How to structure a simple, effective email sequence without overthinking it
✅ The power of sending value-packed, non-ask emails to build trust
✅ Easy ways to batch, automate, and test your emails for better results
Key Takeaways:
🔹 Stop only emailing when you need money. Build relationships with your donors year-round.
🔹 The 3:1:1 Email Strategy: 3 value-packed emails, 1 donor story, and 1 fundraising ask.
🔹 Keep emails short, easy to read, and from a real person—not a faceless organization.
🔹 Batch and automate your emails to stay consistent (because life gets busy!).
🔹 Test different subject lines and email formats to see what works best for your audience.
💡 Challenge for This Week: Try the 3:1:1 Email Strategy for your next donor email campaign. Does it change how donors engage with your emails? Message me on LinkedIn or leave me a voicemail at (914) 297-7692—I’d love to hear your results!
📌 Subscribe for future episodes →
🎧 Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe & leave a review—it helps more nonprofit leaders find this show! -
Nonprofits love to talk about best practices—but what if relying on them too much is actually holding your organization back? In this episode, we’re breaking down why I rarely use the phrase ‘best practices’ and why blindly following them can lead to stagnation, missed opportunities, and even failure. Instead of defaulting to what has worked for others, let’s talk about how to figure out what actually works for your nonprofit.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✅ Why ‘best practices’ can be dangerous when applied without adaptation
✅ How rigidly following industry norms led to major failures (like the Red Cross in Haiti)
✅ Why your unique audience, donors, and mission should dictate strategy—not trends
✅ When ‘best practices’ do make sense and how to adapt them for real impact
✅ How to replace ‘best practices’ with a test-and-learn approach
Key Takeaways: 🔹
Best practices are a starting point—not a rulebook. Customize strategies based on your nonprofit’s needs.
🔹 One-size-fits-all solutions don’t work. What’s effective for one organization might be ineffective—or even harmful—for another.
🔹 Ask better questions: Instead of “What’s the best practice?” ask “What actually works for us?”
🔹 Test, measure, and adapt. Build a culture that embraces strategic experimentation instead of blindly following trends.
💡 Challenge for This Week: Take a look at one ‘best practice’ your nonprofit follows. Is it serving you—or just something you’ve always done? If it’s not working, it’s time to rethink! Leave a voicemail at (914) 297-7692—I’d love to hear what you discover!
🔗 Resources & Links: 📌 Learn more about strategic fundraising & leadership at BernadetteMack.com 📌
🎧 Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe & leave a review—it helps more nonprofit leaders find this show! -
🔗 Resources & Links:
📌 Grab the Budget Worksheet & Finance Primer → Here
📌 Explore more growth-focused tools at BernadetteMack.com
📌 Subscribe to the podcast → Apple Podcasts
📌 Connect on LinkedIn & follow the LeaderShift newsletter
The name of this podcast might raise eyebrows—but that’s exactly why we need to talk about it. In this episode, we’re diving into why the term “nonprofit” does NOT mean “no money” and how this common misconception is holding organizations back.
Bernadette breaks down the real meaning of nonprofit status, explains the dangers of the scarcity mindset, and makes the case for why profitable nonprofits are not only possible—but essential. If you’ve ever felt guilty about budgeting for a surplus, hiring more staff, or investing in growth, this one’s for you.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✅ The truth about what “nonprofit” means (spoiler: it’s a tax status, not a business model!)
✅ How a scarcity mindset damages your organization’s mission, morale, and impact
✅ Why having money in the bank is not a bad thing—and can even be strategic
✅ The financial mindsets nonprofit boards must shift to truly support growth
✅ What “profitable” really means for nonprofit leaders and their teams
Key Takeaways:
🔹 Nonprofits are not supposed to struggle. They’re supposed to make an impact.
🔹 Operating in a scarcity mindset leads to burnout, underfunding, and missed opportunities.
🔹 Surplus budgets and strategic spending are part of being a healthy, mission-driven org.
🔹 Your mission deserves more money—and the people doing the work deserve fair pay.
🔹 A “profitable” nonprofit is one that invests wisely, grows intentionally, and scales its impact.
💡 Challenge for This Week:
Take a hard look at your current budget. Are you budgeting to simply survive—or to grow? What would change if you shifted to a surplus or strategic investment mindset? DM Bernadette or leave a voicemail at (914) 297-7692.
🎧 Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review so other nonprofit leaders can find us! -
🔗 Resources & Links:
📌 Free Course on Value Propositions by NextAfter → Why Should I Give To You?
📌 Grab my Mission/Vision/Values Workbook to refine your mission & messaging → BernadetteMack.com
📌 Subscribe for future episodes → Profitable Nonprofits
Struggling to get donations? It’s not your CRM. It’s not your mailing list. And it’s definitely not because people don’t care. The truth is, most nonprofits fail to answer the ONE question every potential donor asks: “Why should I give to you today instead of giving to someone else or not at all?” This episode dives deep into how to craft a powerful value proposition that makes your nonprofit the obvious choice for donor support.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✅ The real reason people aren’t donating to your organization (hint: it’s NOT a lack of generosity!)
✅ What a value proposition is and how to make yours appealing, exclusive, clear, and credible
✅ How to craft donation appeals that actually motivate action instead of getting ignored
✅ The importance of urgency in fundraising – and how to make donors feel that NOW is the time to give
✅ Real-world examples of weak vs. strong value propositions
Key Takeaways:
🔹 Appealing: Is your mission something people are excited to support? Does it feel urgent?
🔹 Exclusive: What makes your organization the best one to solve this problem? Why you and not another nonprofit?
🔹 Clear: Are you avoiding vague, jargon-heavy messaging and speaking directly to what donors care about?
🔹 Credible: Are your donation appeals realistic and believable? Can donors see their impact?
💡 Challenge for This Week: Take a look at your donation page or latest fundraising email. Does it clearly answer the donor’s question: “Why should I give to you today instead of someone else or not at all?” If not, take 10 minutes to refine your value proposition!
🎧 Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe & leave a review—it helps more nonprofit leaders find this show! -
Think your nonprofit’s biggest issue is fundraising? Think again. The real problem isn’t the amount of fundraising you’re doing—it’s whether you’re keeping the donors you already have. In this episode, I break down the 8 critical factors that determine your fundraising success and show you how to fix the real issues holding you back.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✅ Why fundraising struggles are often a symptom of deeper issues
✅ The 8 essential elements your nonprofit needs for consistent donor support
✅ Why your mission, vision, and value proposition might be outdated—and how to fix them
✅ How to engage, retain, and inspire your donors so they keep giving
✅ The #1 fundraising mistake nonprofits make (and how to avoid it)
Key Takeaways:
🔹 Fundraising isn’t the problem—donor retention is. Before you chase new donors, fix your foundation.
🔹 Your mission & vision must still be relevant. If they aren’t inspiring donors, it’s time for a refresh.
🔹 Create a strong value proposition. Donors need to see how their gift makes a real, tangible impact.
🔹 Your messaging matters. Give your audience an inside look at your organization, not just donation asks.
🔹 Community builds long-term support. Connect donors with each other and your mission to strengthen loyalty.
🔹 Track and use your data. The right numbers tell you what’s working and where to improve.
🔹 Ask more often—and at the right times. You’re probably not asking enough!
🔹 Thank donors consistently and meaningfully. Retention starts with appreciation.
💡 Challenge for This Week:
Review your mission statement, value proposition, and fundraising processes. Are they truly compelling? Are you ready for more donors, or do you need to fix your foundation first? DM me or leave a voicemail at (914) 297-7692—I want to hear what you discover!
🔗 Resources & Links:
📌 More nonprofit strategies → BernadetteMack.com
🎧 Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe & leave a review—it helps more nonprofit leaders find this show! -
Featured Gift:
Superman Comic Mack Variant #1 - DC Comics Jan 2018
Donation of the Week:
Explore More Discovery Museum
Title Note: A quote from The Man of Steel himself. -
Before I share this week’s gift and donation I have an update about a donation I made a few weeks ago to the Trilogy Maui Fire fund. You can listen to the entire message but I’ll share this part here.
“At this time, a confirmed 32 members of our Trilogy crew and staff, nearly a third of our workforce, have lost their homes. As we continue our fundraising efforts, we remind you that each contribution will go directly to our staff who have been directly impacted.”
This is a reminder to us all that the people of Maui still need our help.
Gift of the Week
When you find something unique it’s got to be shared! This week it’s a great children’s book. Though it’s for young kids, I enjoyed it too. The title: This is How We Do It, One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from Around the World by Matt Lamothe.
This is how we do it . . . Do you remember that song? Now you won’t be able to get it out of your head.
This book was perfect for my friend’s son who just turned 2. The author is also an illustrator and animator and it’s lovely. It’s a great book for parents to read to children. It’s also a great way for kids to learn that there are kids like them all over the world.
Donation of the Week
Give Directly was this week’s recipient. It was a campaign that was mentioned on the Jordan Harbinger show.
Jordan and his company put up a match challenge to raise funds called “Lift 2 Villages”. The funds will be transferred directly to families with substantial needs. The families typically live on $2 a day and it’s expected that the funds will go towards basic needs, access to water, and resources to help them take care of their families.
I love how they explain the concept of donating cash directly to people who need it. From the website: Despite the stereotypes, recipients of cash do not systematically waste or misuse it. We believe people living in poverty deserve the dignity to choose for themselves how best to improve their lives — cash enables that choice.
I hope you’ll check out the campaign and donate if you’re able.
Links
Trilogy Maui Fire Fund
Kākoʻo Maui Match Donation Fund, a campaign by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
‘Āina Momona Emergency Fundraiser for Maui Fires
This week's gifts:
This is How We Do It by Matt Lamothe
Lift 2 Villages campaign through Give Directly
Title Note: Lyrics from Montell Jordan's 1995 hit song "This Is How We Do It." Also, you might enjoy this bit of internet genius: This is Howie Dewitt
Show Notes provided by Sound Advice Strategies
If you’d like to support the show, you can send me your gift ideas or suggestions for nonprofit organizations that are doing great work where you are at [email protected] . You can also become an annual supporter or a nonprofit supporter by visiting my podcast page. -
If I were to change the tagline on this podcast from “the podcast that keeps on giving,” it would be “it’s NOT the thought that counts.” Let me explain. I was one of those people who always had good intentions but didn’t follow through. I’d see the perfect gift for someone but didn’t share it, so the thought ended up not really "counting" at all. Now that I am giving people the fun or unique gift that’s just right for them, both the recipient and I are benefitting from going beyond thinking about someone to taking action on it.
Gift of the Week
I sent a surprise gift to my cousin Danielle. She lives in New York, and we don’t get to each other very often. As usual, there’s a story behind this gift.
Back in the day, our family camped together in Allegany State Park. It started with tents, then became cabins, and now my family regularly reserves a large group camp with a main building and a bunch of cabins for everyone who wants to go. There’s also a tradition called “chicken night” where everyone shows up, even those who don’t camp. I recall games and skits and songs and loads of fun.
This year (as I was told) there were prize baskets at camp and my son (who was at the family camp for the first time) took all his tickets and entered them for the Buffalo Bills basket. It wasn’t meant to be. He didn’t win, but my cousin Danielle did. She claimed her basket and, on the way back to her seat, she turned and gave it to my son.
That’s how I came to give her a Buffalo Bills branded toiletry bag from Vera Bradley. Surprise and thank you Dani for being so kind and generous and Go Bills!
Donation of the Week
This week’s donation went to Caring for Friends, a Philadelphia-based organization that shares food and friendship with homebound, homeless & hungry people in greater Philadelphia.
I chose this organization because they are on my Bmail list (the one for my business supporting non-profits) and they are regular readers. I like to learn about my audience, so I pay attention to who is opening and reading my weekly messages.
I like that, on their donation page, Caring for Friends tells me what my money can do. Translating dollars into impact makes a big difference. They also do some creative things like sharing grocery lists and freezer locations in case people want to share home cooked meals.
The history of the organization is also impressive. One woman saw a need in her neighborhood and started Caring for Friends out of her home in 1974. Fifty years later, it has expanded to a network of 10,000 volunteers & 200 food pantries providing food and friendship in 5 counties.
As the founder says, “no one should be hungry or alone in a world of caring people.”
Links
Vera Bradley NFL Collection
Caring For Friends
Show Notes provided by Sound Advice Strategies -
Making an impact is important. I work with non-profit organizations, and they are all about impact. Giving gifts and making donations is just one way to show appreciation and support the work that others are doing. I hope you can share a gift with someone in your life and donate to a cause that inspires you.
Gift of the Week
One of my non-profit clients, Rocktown History from episode 4, decided to bring awareness to planned giving. They realized this was an opportunity and set about establishing a program. I’m happy to share how we did this, and the steps involved - . please contact me if this is something you’d like to hear more about.
This week’s gift went to Les, an expert on planned giving, who visited Rocktown History and shared, with the trustees, a lot of helpful insights and tips for a successful planned giving program. I found out that he had just retired, and he and his wife were getting ready to embark on a big trip to several National parks.
As a thank you, I got Les a personalized National Parks scratch off poster from Uncommon Goods. I think it was the perfect way to thank him for his help and a great way for he and his wife to commemorate the stops on their trip.
It’s so fun to pick up a little tidbit about a person, a small detail, and find a great gift that lets them know you paid attention to who they are and what they care about.
Donation of the Week
The relief efforts on Maui, Hawaii are what I donated to this week. Many people have lost everything they own, something I don’t think most of us can comprehend. Maui is also a special place for my husband and I and our family.
Years ago, we visited with my in-laws when our son was a year old. When we arrived, the road to our hotel was closed due to a wildfire. This was 2006. My husband’s co-worker had recently moved to NY from Hawaii and had given him the name and address of a friend and suggested he look him up when we were there. With no other option, that evening we navigated our way and found ourselves on the doorstep of a stranger hoping he could help us.
Fortunately for us, he was a thoughtful and kind person who welcomed us into his home for the night. The next morning, we woke up to find he lived at the top of a mountain with the most amazing views. That’s Maui for you. The people there really do embrace the ohana spirit.
I donated to three organizations. The Trilogy fund was a no-brainer since we’d booked excursions with them and wanted to help them support their employees and others.
A marketer I follow, Tarzan Kay, shared 2 other funds that her family member, who lives on Maui, recommended. I trust Tarzan and I knew that if she was asking on their behalf, I could be confident that my donation would go to the people who needed support.
Reminder: small gifts do make a difference. You don’t have to write a big check. Donations of all sizes help.
Links:
Personalized National Parks Scratch Off Posterg
Trilogy Maui Fire Fund
Kākoʻo Maui Match Donation Fund, a campaign by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
‘Āina Momona Emergency Fundraiser for Maui Fires
Show Notes provided by Sound Advice Strategies
Title note: There are 63 national parks and Hawaii is the 50th state.
If you’d like to support the show, you can send me your gift ideas or suggestions for nonprofit organizations that are doing great work where you are at [email protected] . You can also become an annual supporter or a nonprofit supporter by visiting my podcast page. -
I’m glad you are tuning in for this week’s gift and nonprofit donation. This is a do-over episode. I recorded it once and just didn’t like it so I’m taking another stab at it.
I am focused on making this easy, but I also want the stories to be interesting for you the listener. Going for the happy medium between ease and good storytelling.
Gift of the Week
This week’s gift is related to a recent trip. I met up with my besties (we sometimes call ourselves the “core four”) and we’ve been intentional about staying in touch. We used to be in the same area, but now that I’m not in the NYC/CT area we can’t just grab dinner so I’m glad we had our 42 hours of fun in Harrisburg, PA.
These are the people who’d be there for me anytime. I trust them implicitly and they know the real me and have grace for me when I’m not at my best. I hope you have people like this in your life.
One of our four, Filomena Finelli, had a birthday, so I brought her a small gift. You may remember her from my only interview episode. The gift was a dish towel from BlueQ that says, “Sometimes Blessings Look a Lot Like Bullshit”. Perfect for Filomena. She’s a down to earth person who can stay positive in the face of challenges and also admit that life isn’t fair.
BlueQ is an amazing place to get gifts for adults. They are fun, funny, and guaranteed to make the recipient laugh.
Donation of the Week
I decided to donate to an organization in Harrisburg that’s supporting local citizens. It’s a small city, and the capital of Pennsylvania. Like many cities they are dealing with homelessness so I donated to the Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness.
The organization consists of over 70 organizations, agencies, churches and other nonprofits, that mobilize resources to help the region’s families and friends who are homeless, or are dangerously close to becoming homeless.
Their website shares that they have a proven track record of helping people get back on their feet. Homelessness is a complicated problem and solutions are varied and they recognized that it would take a community effort to solve the crisis.
I love that they say they want homelessness to be rare, brief, and non-recurring. That’s a mission I can support.
Finally, I share an insight about nonprofit websites. If your cause is important, then it demands good marketing so that you can communicate the mission and its impact. People need to know about who you are and what you do.
Links:
The fabulous BlueQ company.
Home 231
Harrisburg Beach Club
Sawyers
Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness
Show Notes provided by Sound Advice Strategies
If you’d like to support the show, you can send me your gift ideas or suggestions for nonprofit organizations that are doing great work where you are at [email protected] . You can also become an annual supporter or a nonprofit supporter by visiting my podcast page.
Title Note: The core 4 had an adventure in Pennsylvania's capital city. -
If you’ve been following along, then you know we have covered all sorts of gifts. Some were expensive, some were nearly free, many were food-related, and a few others were personalized.
Donations have been just as varied and many of the organizations were new to me. I didn’t know about them and learning about the work they do, and the people they help has become one of the highlights of my week.
If you’d like to support me, you can send me your gift ideas or suggestions for nonprofit organizations that are doing great work where you are. You can also become an annual supporter or a nonprofit supporter by visiting my podcast page.
DM me on Instagram or you can email me: [email protected]
You can also share the show with someone you know. I try to keep it positive and share a bit of the good work going on in the world. Who couldn’t use more of that?
Gift of the Week:
This week’s gift is business-related. It’s a thank you gift for a job well done.
Being a consultant means I get to work with people I know and like and enjoy working with. One of my clients, V.I.P. Tours of New York has been updating their messaging and it was time to decide if they wanted to update or re-create their website. The only person for the job was Jenny Belanger of Jenny B Designs.
It went off without a hitch! The new site is fabulous, and it was done on schedule and with such ease for everyone involved.
As a thank you I gave Jenny a gift card to a local bookstore near where she lives. I love supporting local bookstores. I purchased a card from bookshop.org so the local store will receive credit when Jenny makes her purchase.
This is a great alternative that I didn’t know existed. It’s a perfect way to support locally owned stores.
Donation of the Week:
This week’s donations went to the Friends of the Waynesboro Library and the Friends of the Augusta County Library. In my area there are many libraries, so I donated to the two that I’ve used most.
I’m glad to support both groups, but it took much too long to figure out how to make a donation. I am motivated and will look until I figure it out, but others may not. People visit the site for other reasons and may not even know they can donate. Nonprofits: Please make it easier for people to support you.
Libraries do so much more for a community than just loan books. I hope that wherever you live, you have access to a great library and if you can, consider contributing.
Be sure to listen for the update to the week 11 episode. Thanks to Mal’s Palz for the t-shirt they sent.
Bookshop.org
Jenny B Designs
V.I.P. Tours of New York
Friends of the Waynesboro Library
Friends of the Augusta County Library
Show Notes provided by Sound Advice Strategies
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Hey, hi and hello. Happy you are here!
If you’d like to support the show, you can send me your gift ideas or suggestions for nonprofit organizations that are doing great work where you are. You can also become an annual supporter or a nonprofit supporter by visiting my podcast page.
This week, we got to celebrate my brother-in-law’s birthday. We had already planned to visit and go tubing so I got busy shopping for his gift.
What you need to know about Todd; he’s the guy who always has us laughing. If you are crying at Christmas, it’s probably because Todd has been on a roll and has you laughing so hard you’re in tears.
Title Note: A quote from Fletch (1985) which is a big Todd thing. I think he can quote the entire movie!
He’s got a great sense of humor and he’s not afraid to go there. He’s a much-needed source of comic relief. His humor comes from his big heart and a good place. Another reason he’s so fun to be around.
Gift of the Week:
I wish I could have found a funny gift for him, but you just can’t force that kind of thing.
For the perfect gift I went to CFO Trading Company which has a great selection of gifts that men seem to like.
My daughter and I picked out a Howler Bros. hat for him. But, I never like to give just one gift – it needs accompaniment. Something to add a little flair or round out the gift. Plus, if the main gift doesn’t hit the mark, at least there’s something to make it less of a flop.
So we picked out a fancy bar of soap made by Caswell-Massey. I know that may seem weird, but it smells amazing, and we decided it was the perfect add-on.
Donation of the Week:
On our way out of town for our tubing weekend, we passed a truck for the Blue Ridge Area Foodbank. It had a tagline that really grabbed me. Because everyone should have enough to eat.
Yes! That’s a perfect tag line. In one sentence they sum up the reason for their mission and the big vision for the work they do. This is something that everyone can get behind. On their site, they explain that food insecurity affects 1 out of 12 people including 1 in 12 children. They are doing incredible work helping to feed over 109,000 people every month.
I am glad I was able to donate and I agree with their mission. No one should be hungry.
CFO Trading Company
Howler Bros.
Caswell-Massey
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank
Show Notes provided by Sound Advice Strategies -
Howdy!
I hope you are getting some great gift ideas. Maybe you’re also thinking about how you can donate to an organization that’s doing good work. Giving to either is bound to make someone’s day better, including yours.
If you’d like to support the show, you can send me your gift ideas or suggestions for nonprofit organizations that are doing great work where you are at [email protected] . You can also become an annual supporter or a nonprofit supporter by visiting my podcast page.
Let’s set the scene for this week’s episode:
It’s July 1 and it’s my birthday. It’s summer and fun and there are parades and fireworks. It’s such a good time of the year and I love all the hoopla. Yes, I know the parades and fireworks aren’t for my birthday, but ever since I was a kid the two have been linked in my mind. Lots of festive fun.
When I’m researching and buying gifts for others, I can’t help but see things I’d like to buy for myself – so I took advantage of the fact that it’s my birthday and did just that.
Gift of the Week:
2 Books! These are little hardcover treats for myself.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Zero Days by Ruth Ware
I also gave myself some time alone. For someone who doesn’t like to ask for time for myself this was a nice treat. I went kayaking. By myself. It was lovely.
This reminded me that my word for 2023 is occupy. As in: take up space, be present where I am. Doing things alone and for me is a step in the right direction.
A spa day was also on the agenda. I enjoy this, but seldom schedule and plan this for myself. I loved it and I think I should do it more often. Before my time at the spa my family went with me for breakfast at a waffle shop which was perfect. Family time, then me time.
Donation of the Week:
This week’s donation went to the Maine Cancer Foundation in honor of my friend Christine Huber. She’s running in the Tri for a Cure, and I wanted to support her.
This is a women-only triathlon and it’s the biggest fundraising event for the cancer foundation in Maine. Another great benefit is that all the funds raised stay in the state of Maine which has a higher rate of cancer than the national average. I really wanted to support Christine (who is also one of my favorite jewelry designers) and I’m glad that they are doing such good work helping cancer patients in Maine.
Title Notes: ME is the abbreviation for the state of Maine and the episode is about gifts for myself and a donation to a Maine-based nonprofit.
Demon Copperhead by Kingsolver
Zero Days by Ware
Waffle Spot
Christine Huber Design on Instagram
Maine Cancer Foundation
Tri for a Cure
Show Notes provided by Sound Advice Strategies -
Do you love the Hallmark store as much as I do? I was delighted to find that one opened near my home. Gifts AND greeting cards. What’s better than that?
I picked up this week’s gift there, 7 magnets from the Quotable Magnets shop. I saw several things on their website that would be just perfect for a certain someone. Uplifting quotes and so much more.
Gift of the Week:
The magnets I purchased said “You Rock”.
I recently became a fitness instructor so I could teach my favorite class, BODYPUMP, and it ended up being a bit more challenging than I thought it would be. I’d been doing this workout for years so I’ve been surprised by what it actually takes to get certified.
To complete my certification, I had to teach and record a video of the class. 10 tracks choreographed to music. It was intense! 7 other instructors were the participants. They did so much to help me, so I wanted to give them something as a thank you for all the support.
The magnets were perfect because these women do completely rock! The magnets are a perfect small gift idea. Nice, meaningful, and adds a personal touch.
Oh, and I passed! I am now a certified Les Mills BODYPUMP instructor.
Donation of the Week:
This week is a duplicate. I received some correspondence from Direct Relief (episode 7) so I couldn’t resist donating to them again.
I heard from the director of partnerships and philanthropy, and he told me they liked the podcast and wanted to share it internally and encouraged me to tag them on social media. Getting the feedback and personal correspondence was great.
It’s important to highlight their work again because Direct Relief supports victims of natural disasters and while the news of earthquakes and hurricanes disappear from the headlines, the work goes on, so I know my donation is a small way of helping them continue to provide critical humanitarian aid.
Be sure to listen to the updates from previous gifts.
I heard from two organizations, one of which was a hand-written note which was especially nice.
If you’d like to support the show, you can send me your gift ideas or suggestions for nonprofit organizations that are doing great work where you are at [email protected] . You can also become an annual supporter or a nonprofit supporter by visiting my podcast page.
Quotable Magnets
Direct Relief
Show Notes provided by Sound Advice Strategies -
The Special HALFWAY Episode with Filomena Fanelli!If you’d like to support the show, you can send me your gift ideas or suggestions for nonprofit organizations that are doing great work where you are at [email protected] . You can also become an annual supporter or a nonprofit supporter by visiting my podcast page. It’s week 26! The halfway point of the year. For this week, I’ve been working on something special to mix things up while I celebrate the 26 weeks and gifts we’ve done so far.This week’s recipient is joining me on the podcast! My guest, Filomena Finelli, the CEO and founder of Impact PR and Communications located in Hudson Valley is here! Their clients include consumer brands, banking, construction as well as mission-based nonprofit organizations.She has a compelling story that I think everyone could benefit from hearing. She’s an incredibly accomplished businesswoman and one of my dearest friends.Gift of the Week This week’s gift came from the Foundry in Staunton, VA. That’s where I saw a painting with a quote from Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill, “Wiggle your big toe.”Filomena shares that the message is something she can look at any time she feels trapped or out of sorts. She shares that she’s recently been through a challenging time that started with some odd physical issues. She kept chalking up the warnings to being busy, being tired, and growing older.It was confusing and very humbling. She checked with her mom who encouraged her to go to a doctor and get checked out. Initial tests were not conclusive, and her doctor suggested she talk to a rheumatologist.A diagnosis followed after more blood work. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder and Filomena’s doctor shared that she may have likely had this predisposition and it showed up when other factors came into play.Suggestions when you aren’t sure what to do.Filomena shares that her own version of research and googling ended up scaring her which wasn’t helpful.Instead, she suggests getting information that’s appropriate for you specifically from your doctor and other reliable resources. She also shared that she made changes that weren’t easy. You’ll relate when she shares how she had to give away some of her favorite high heels. In true survivor mode, Filomena took her power back by giving away her shoes to friends and told them what they didn’t want, they should give away or donate.Hear how and why she decided to be open about her diagnosis. It’s inspiring to hear how she wants to create the space for others - especially her work team - to be okay with anything they may be handling in their own lives.Donation of the Week Of course, this week’s donation went to the Arthritis Foundation. It meant a lot to me to be able to make that donation in honor of my friend Filomena. The organization sent a letter to let Filomena know and she (at the time) was unaware and was touched.Hear how small donations really matter and why it’s more important than you know.More about Filomena:For nearly 25 years, Filomena Fanelli has enjoyed telling clients’ stories through public relations and continues to apply that enthusiasm in her role as the CEO and founder of Impact PR & Communications, Ltd., an award-winning public relations firm. Based in the Hudson Valley, the nine-year-old agency has a three-state footprint and clients that include top-selling consumer brands, key cultural destinations, prominent banking, construction and real estate development companies, mission-based nonprofits and more.Filomena got her start in the PR business at Rubenstein Associates, where she quickly rose through the ranks to become a vice president. Recognized as a top publicist, she worked on some of the firm’s major real estate and financial accounts, many of them household names. Today, she channels that energy to lead her own agency and help a diverse array of clients plot memorable events, secure speaking engagements, land leadership articles, craft sharp website content, engage in meaningful ways on social media and, of course, get their names in the news.Filomena has been lauded for her professional achievements and community involvement alike. A handful of her accolades include: being named an ATHENA Leadership Awards honoree, as well as one of the “Forty Under 40” by the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce; gracing the cover of Hudson Valley Magazine as one of its celebrated women in business; being recognized with a National Philanthropy Day Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Mid-Hudson Valley; and having her firm named a “Top Women-Run Workplace of the Year” by the Stevie® Awards, an international recognition.An involved community member, Filomena enjoys volunteering with various nonprofit organizations. She serves on the boards of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce and Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation. She was on the executive leadership team for American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign locally, and was also the Center for Prevention of Child Abuse’s One Too Many 5k chair and, subsequently, co-chair. Filomena spent many years on the executive committee of the Public Relations Society of America’s Counselors Academy and is past conference chair, conference co-chair and membership chair of that industry group. Previously, she sat on the board of the Women’s Leadership Alliance and Hudson River Housing, and has served on committees for The Arc of Dutchess, Family Services, the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum and Special Olympics New York. Filomena was also a founding committee member of HDSA Team Hope Walk – Hudson Valley, a community advisor for The Daily Voice and hosted HVNN.com’s video news show, “Business Newsmakers.”Filomena is the professional advisor for Marist College’s Public Relations Student Society of America, and a former adjunct professor and regular guest lecturer at the college. A frequent speaker, she has given talks for Senator Sue Serino’s Women’s Forum and presented at the prestigious 92nd Street Y in New York City, among other venues.Recently, Filomena has added another important descriptor to her resume, behind mom, wife, PR agency CEO, leader and volunteer: rheumatoid arthritis warrior. Diagnosed with the autoimmune disorder in Spring 2023, Filomena, with the support of her friends at the Arthritis Foundation New York, has made it her mission to keep moving, one step at a time, and to openly share her story of living positively with arthritis with her friends, family, colleagues and community to help raise much-needed awareness and funds to further scientific advances and treatment options. The Foundry Pop Up https://thefoundrypopups.com/The Arthritis Foundation https://www.arthritis.org/ Show Notes provided by Sound Advice Strategies
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Why 52 Gifts? I had an idea about this that was related to my consulting business. I work with non-profit organizations and hoped to do something that was helpful for them. Initially I thought I’d read fundraising letters and make suggestions to improve them. But I knew that wasn’t going to be very interesting to most people, so I went back to the drawing board. Last fall, I received some great gifts for different reasons, and many were unexpected and they inspired me. They made me want to give more gifts!
When I see cool things, I immediately know who will truly love it. I realized I think about this a lot, but seldom follow through. That was the spark for this podcast. I love the idea of a challenge each week, so the 52 Gifts podcast moved from and idea to a real thing that I’m doing!
If you’d like to support the show, you can send me your gift ideas or suggestions for nonprofit organizations that are doing great work where you are at [email protected] . You can also become an annual supporter or a nonprofit supporter by visiting my podcast page.
Gift of the Week
This week’s gift was for my husband. He was celebrating Father’s Day and his birthday, and I saw something I knew would be perfect - a Shibumi Shade. It’s a beach shade that works with the wind and it’s perfect for my shade-loving husband.
I also gave him a portable rocker chair with a canopy. So perfect for him. It’s the GCI Outdoor Sunshade Rocker and he loves it. He’s not the easiest person to buy for, so with these two gifts I think I really excelled.
Donation of the Week
This week I donated to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Did you know that 2 people die from skin cancer every hour? I couldn't believe it. Their website was great, and I received an automated receipt right away.
I love being in the sun, so I appreciated the facts on the site that explain the science and data behind skin cancer connected to tanning and sun exposure overall.
Shibumi Shade - https://shibumishade.com/
GCI Outdoor Sunshade Rocker - https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/gci-outdoor-sunshade-rocker-camp-chair
Skin Cancer Foundation - https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/what-we-do/
Show Notes provided by Sound Advice Strategies -
Aloha! That’s what was on tap for this week since I expected to be in Hawaii on a long-planned vacation. A medical emergency changed everything at the last minute. Our whole family was disappointed. Fortunately, we are all okay.
How to cope? I don’t like feeling disappointed (who does?) but it happens. I often find myself trying to find the silver lining, so I can move past being sad. That’s when the “everything happens for a reason” thoughts show up. Is that actually true?
Maybe everything isn’t meant to make sense. One thing that’s helped is looking for, and staying focused on, things in life that I can truly be thankful for. Gratitude helps.
If you’d like to support the show, you can send me your gift ideas or suggestions for nonprofit organizations that are doing great work where you are at [email protected] . You can also become an annual supporter or a nonprofit supporter by visiting my podcast page.
Gift of the Week
We were able to get to a beach even though it wasn’t Hawaii. Friends let us use their home in South Carolina which was so kind and generous, and we were truly thankful and wanted to express that with a gift.
We left them an olive oil and vinegar set from the Staunton Olive Oil company based in Virginia. We also selected a cutting board made from reclaimed wood. It’s small and beautiful and looks lovely with the set.
Because they weren’t going to be back to their home for a few weeks, it was important to select something that would last until they could use them.
I’m grateful for the vacation and the hospitable friends who helped us salvage the week. I hope to continue to look for the good.
Donation of the Week
This week we donated to the Lowcountry Gullah Foundation. It’s located on Hilton Head Island, SC (where we vacationed this week and many times before) and though I was slightly familiar with the Gullah, I really learned a lot more about the culture and history.
Mission: Lowcountry Gullah was developed to promote and more importantly document the richly significant Gullah culture and its contributions to the United States. As a historical resource and cultural tourism influencer, Lowcountry Gullah provides a necessary and central link to the cultural elements that have been woven into the fabric of our society.
https://stauntonoliveoilcompany.com/
https://lowcountrygullah.com/
Title Note: Mahalo means "thank you" in Hawaiian.
Show Notes provided by Sound Advice Strategies - Visa fler
