I 501(c) You - The Podcast for NonProfit Board Members

Remote, Not Removed: Leading with Intentionality in a Remote Organization with Patty McIlreavy

This week, we speak with Patty McIlreavy, President and CEO of Center for Disaster Philanthropy. Together, we explore the intricate dynamics of nonprofit board governance, remote leadership, and the evolving landscape of disaster response. Patty shares the intentional strategies that keep her board engaged and effective, from fostering deep connections among members to balancing hybrid and in-person meetings. She highlights the importance of nurturing board relationships through regular touchpoints, in-person gatherings, and creating opportunities for meaningful interactions.
As we dive deeper, Patty discusses how being a remote organization has not hindered her nonprofit's mission, thanks to the trust and alignment with funders who believe in their global vision. We also explore a compelling concept: "all philanthropy is disaster philanthropy." Patty challenges organizations to recognize that vulnerabilities in their communities can disrupt their missions, urging them to be proactive in addressing systemic challenges, even if they're not directly in disaster work.
Center for Disaster Philanthropy Website
Timestamps:
00:00 Introducing Patty McIlreavy, President & CEO of Center for Disaster Philanthropy
03:50 Patty’s Career path and working in Africa
07:45 Leading a completely virtual organization
13:45 Getting the staff together, popping in on people, and office hours
17:12 Can leaders make the transition to virtual leading?
23:25 Having a fully remote board
28:40 Do funders care CDP is remote?
33:00 All philanthropy is disaster philanthropy
37:00 Parting words
38:35 Recapping with Read
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

5 Things Every Nonprofit Board Member Should Do Before Year-End

As we approach the end of the year, it's time for nonprofit board members to take action and set their organizations up for success in 2025. In this episode of I 501(c) You, we dive into five essential tasks that every board member should tackle before the calendar turns.
From conducting performance reviews for your Executive Director to lining up strategic priorities for the upcoming year, we've got you covered with practical advice to keep your organization on track. We'll also explore how to onboard new board members, optimize your year-end fundraising appeal, and show appreciation to your hardworking staff during this season of gratitude.
Timestamps:
(00:00) 5 Things Board members should do before the end of the year
(00:55) #1 Performance review for the Executive Director
(01:43) #2 Identify strategic priorities for next year
(02:25) #3 Onboard new board members
(03:07) #4 Year end campaign
(03:48) #5 Give appreciation to staff
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Don’t Lose Your Leader: The Critical Role of Executive Retention for Nonprofits with Joe Schaefer

In this episode, we speak with Joe Schaefer, an expert in employee retention and executive benefits to discuss the often-overlooked topic of retention strategies for nonprofit executives. Joe shares insights on the importance of retention plans from both board and executive perspectives, explaining how these programs can help nonprofit leaders attract and retain critical talent. Joe discusses different types of plans, including qualified and non-qualified options like 457 and split-dollar plans, and we discuss the benefits of these strategies for nonprofits facing recruitment and retention challenges.
Joe also provides examples of how customized retention solutions can prevent costly turnover, especially in roles that drive an organization’s mission and funding. Whether addressing board members concerned with stability or executives considering retirement, this episode highlights the value of thoughtful retention planning in strengthening the nonprofit sector.
Executive Benefits for Tax Exempt Organizations
Timestamps:
00:00 Introducing Joe Schaefer, Vice President - Atlantic Region for NFP 
02:35 What do Board Members need to know about Executive Retention plans?
04:30 What do executives need to know about Executive Retention plans?
06:45 From recruiting to retirement
07:30 When should a retention plan be implemented?
11:30 What should boards consider when thinking about retention plans?
13:10 Split Dollar plan explanation
18:15 Split Dollar on the 990
19:10 What size organization does this work for?
20:00 How do board’s start thinking about retaining an executive?
26:00 Find Joe on Linkedin
27:00 Recapping with Read
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Staying the Course: How Nonprofit Leaders Adapt in Challenging Times

In this episode of I 501(c) You, we dive into the essential role of nonprofit leadership during times of crisis. With recent hurricanes impacting Florida, we discuss how executive directors and board members can maintain focus and adapt effectively when unexpected events disrupt operations. Michael shares key insights on the importance of strategic priorities, staying visible to staff and stakeholders, and making tough decisions grounded in empathy and clarity. He also highlights the power of community resilience in Sarasota and beyond, emphasizing how collective support strengthens both individuals and organizations.
Timestamps:
00:00 It is great to be back!
01:05 The importance of strategic priorities
02:30 Leading in times of uncertainty
04:15 No action might be the best action

3 Concepts to Keep in Mind for Nonprofit Leaders

This week we discuss 3 ideas that have been on Michael’s mind. Number 1 is a concept created by The Patterson Foundation called Cope, Adapt, Innovate. Second is building on our podcast from last week and that is the idea that you cannot overpay for good talent. Third is how the CEO/Executive Director can manage their board.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Total disruption! Thoughts and prayers for those affected by Hurricane Helene
(00:40) Cope, Adapt, Innovate
(02:17) You cannot overpay for good talent
(03:23) CEO/ED managing their board
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

How to Retain your Executive Director

In this episode, we explore both financial and non-financial strategies to help your organization retain a superstar executive director. One of the key responsibilities of a nonprofit board is hiring, supporting, and—when necessary—replacing the CEO/Executive Director. If you have a top-tier leader, it's crucial to invest in their retention, as they will likely be in high demand elsewhere. With talent being harder to come by, we'll discuss how your board can take action to ensure your executive director stays for the long haul.
Timestamps:
00:00 Retaining Your CEO
01:30 #1 - Pay your CEO appropriately
02:20 #2 - Offer a bonus
02:40 #3 - Benefits and deferred compensation
04:10 Nonfinancial incentives
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Rocky Mountain Insights: Nonprofit views from a former for-profit consultant with Derik Timmerman

This week, we speak with Derik Timmerman, founder of Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions out of Golden, Colorado. Derik spent time in the military, serving 2 tours in Iraq before joining McKinsey & Company for 7 years. During his years at McKinsey, Derik realized he got more "soul food" from his work with nonprofits and left to start Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions.
Derik provides a unique perspective on nonprofit leadership. He brings with him his knowledge from McKinsey & Co. combined with a philosophical understanding of the nonprofit sector. Together, we discuss the major differences between for-profit and nonprofit talent, and how nonprofits should rethink hiring. We also discuss earned income for nonprofits, something Derik challenges any organization to invest in, and characteristics of an effective nonprofit board member and executive director.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introducing Derik Timmerman, Founder of Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions
03:50 A passion for compassion
05:20 For profits vs nonprofit in terms of talent
06:40 Why do nonprofits not invest as much in talent?
08:30 What makes an effective nonprofit board member and executive director?
13:05 What do board members need to understand about nonprofit operations?
15:18 What should a board understand about fundraising?
17:00 Current issues for nonprofit leaders
20:00 Earned income for nonprofits
24:20 Misunderstanding of nonprofit organizations and leaders
26:45 Writing The 40 Laws of Nonprofit Impact
28:40 Advice for nonprofit board members
30:10 Recapping with Read
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Building the Infrastructure for Successful Nonprofit Fundraising with Tracy Vanderneck

This week we speak with Tracy Vanderneck, MSM, CFRE and author of The 60-Minute Guide to Building the Infrastructure for Successful Nonprofit Fundraising. Together, we discuss Tracy’s background and her motivation for writing a book. Then, we dive more deeply into sections of the book and get Tracy’s expertise on the board’s role in fundraising, the development committee, and more.
Buy the book on Amazon!
Timestamps:
00:00 Introducing Tracy Vanderneck, MSM, CFRE
03:30 What do nonprofit board members need to understand about fundraising?
04:30 The board’s role in fundraising
11:00 Why write a book?
13:10 What is “infrastructure”?
17:10 High level thoughts on technology and performance indicators
19:55 What is a culture of philanthropy?
22:25 Developing a case for support
26:00 Development committee on the board
27:45 Final thoughts on board fundraising
31:00 Recapping with Read
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Before Joining a Board, be Passionate about the Mission with Gerhard Toth

This week, we speak to Gerhard Toth, Business Banking Manager at GTE Financial. Gerhard currently serves as a board member for United Way Suncoast and Braden River Soccer Club. When it comes to board service, Gerhard is led by passion. He chooses organizations that he truly aligns with the mission. In this episode, Gerhard discusses the difference between 501(c)3 and 501(c)6 board service, the big decision Braden River Soccer Club made recently, and characteristics of a good board member.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introducing Gerhard Toth
02:55 Why do you choose to serve on nonprofit boards?
04:40 Compare and contrast serving on UWS and Braden River Soccer Club
06:30 What is your role on the board?
10:16 How has serving on nonprofit boards helped you become a better leader?
12:10 501(c)3 vs 501(c)6 board service
13:45 Advice to potential board members
16:35 Big news for Braden River Soccer Club
20:20 In summary, it is about doing the right thing
22:20 Recapping with Read
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Revisit: How to Ensure Your Bylaws Protect You and Your Board with Cliff Walters

As we approach episode 100, we think it is time to revisit some past episodes. This week, we revisit episode 32 with Cliff Walters.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of bylaws with Cliff Walters of ​Blalock Walters, P.A.​ Cliff offers useful advice for people who are on a board or thinking about joining one. He covers important topics like how bylaws protect both the board members and the organization, explains the duties of board members, highlights risks they should be aware of, and discusses other key issues.
Timestamps:
02:10 – Interview starts
02:35 – Cliff introduces himself
03:30 – The importance of bylaws
04:55 – The Articles of Incorporation
05:30 – Cliff’s by-laws philosophy
07:30 – Should you change the Articles of Incorporation or the bylaws for consistency?
09:30 – Is there one area you organizations can improve upon?
10:20 – Every board member should read the by-laws
11:33 – Key parts of the bylaws
13:07 – What committees do you recommend nonprofits have?
17:55 – How should ad-hoc committees be structured?
19:45 – How should committees operate?
22:28 – Cliff’s advice for board member tenure
25:29 – Cliff’s advice for officer tenure
27:45 – Roles and responsibilities of the board
32:15 – Areas of risk the board should be aware of
37:25 – Advice for those who might be interested in serving on a board
39:35 – Recapping with Read
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast