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Nonprofit finance technology strategy is entering a new phase—and AI adoption is forcing leaders to rethink how teams operate, learn, and deliver impact.

Broadcast Live from Innovate 2026 in Washington, D.C., Jacqueline Tiso (Founder & CEO, JMT Consulting), Samantha Tiso (VP of Finance, JMT Consulting), and John Tiso (VP of Emerging Markets, JMT Consulting) share what nonprofit leaders are really facing when it comes to technology adoption.

Their dynamic isn’t just personal—it reflects what many nonprofit organizations are navigating right now: different generations, different learning styles, and a shared responsibility to move forward together.

Here’s the reality: nonprofits aren’t resisting innovation—they’re overwhelmed by it. Between daily operational demands and limited resources, the challenge isn’t access to tools—it’s finding the time, capacity, and strategy to use them effectively.

As Jacqueline explains, “Technology is driven by people… people think technology is driving them—but that’s actually not the case.” This shift in mindset is critical. AI isn’t replacing nonprofit professionals—it’s raising the bar for how they work.

Samantha brings it home with a practical warning: “If you don’t take the time to learn, you’re going to get left behind.” For nonprofit leaders, this means building intentional learning time into already full schedules—and treating training as a core operational investment, not a luxury.

And from a leadership standpoint, John Tiso emphasizes a critical skill: patience. As organizations adopt AI and new systems, leaders must create environments where learning curves are expected and supported—not rushed.

The trio also speak to:

Why AI adoption requires time, not just tools

How finance roles are evolving into strategic advisory positions

The importance of patience and personalization in multi-generational teams

Why nonprofit challenges haven’t changed in decades—and how technology can finally help address them

If you’re leading a nonprofit organization, managing finance, or evaluating new technology, this conversation and Innovate 2026 deliver a timely, grounded, and actionable perspective.

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Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_Show

Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PT

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Nonprofit board engagement strategy isn’t about sending more emails or chasing attendance—it’s about building clarity, structure, and purpose into how your board operates.

Katie Spencer, Founder of Zipline Consulting, breaks down why so many nonprofit boards struggle with disengagement—and what leaders can do to fix it. From unclear roles to outdated board structures, the issues are rarely about commitment—they’re about alignment.

As Katie shares, “If it feels like that meeting could have happened without me, then I am not likely to show up to the next one.” That single insight highlights a major challenge: board members disengage when they don’t see how they add value.

This fast-moving convo explores how nonprofit leaders can:

Align board roles with organizational strategy and growth phases

Recruit board members based on specific skills and needs

Replace passive meetings with active, outcome-driven engagement

Build systems that support accountability and long-term continuity

One of the most critical takeaways? The danger of “rubber stamp” boards. As Katie explains, “Every organization with a rubber stamp board will run up against a leadership continuity problem.” Without an engaged and informed board, transitions become risky and disruptive.

Instead, Katie introduces a practical framework built on four pillars: role clarity, defined work plans, strong systems, and a culture of ownership. These elements transform boards from passive participants into strategic assets.

If you’re leading a nonprofit, serving on a board, or preparing for organizational growth, this episode delivers actionable insights to strengthen governance and drive impact.

00:00:00 Introduction to Board Development Challenges
00:04:14 Why Board Apathy Happens
00:05:14 The Real Cost of Disengaged Boards
00:07:11 Creating Safe Space for Board Contribution
00:09:10 Matching Board Structure to Organizational Phase
00:12:09 Who Owns Board Strategy?
00:14:28 The Risk of Rubber Stamp Boards
00:18:48 Recruiting the Right Board Members
00:22:07 The Four Pillars of Board Effectiveness
00:27:00 Building Accountability and Ownership

#NonprofitLeadership #BoardDevelopment #TheNonprofitShow

Find us Live daily on YouTube!

Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!

Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_Show

Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PT

Send us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.com
Visit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

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Nonprofit fundraising event etiquette and strategy can make—or break—your organization’s reputation and donor relationships. In this Fundraisers Friday episode, Julia Patrick and Tony Beall share practical, real-world guidance on how nonprofit professionals should approach events with intention, discipline, and strategic awareness.

From alcohol policies to attire, plus-one considerations to event arrival timing, this conversation goes beyond surface-level advice. It challenges fundraisers to recognize that every action at an event reflects on their organization. As Tony notes, “You are held to a different standard when you are representing your organization.”

The episode also reframes fundraising events as relationship ecosystems, not transactional opportunities. In high-noise, high-energy environments, success isn’t about delivering the perfect pitch—it’s about creating connection. “In a crowded, noisy room… leave them with a feeling,” Tony explains. That emotional connection becomes the bridge to meaningful follow-up.

You’ll also learn:

Why early arrival and post-event positioning create strategic advantages

How to set goals for every event you attend

What to observe and learn from other organizations’ event setups

How to manage donor perception through small behavioral choices

Why guest experience and operational details matter more than you think

If you’re attending events without a clear strategy, you’re missing opportunities to strengthen relationships, elevate your brand, and improve fundraising outcomes.

00:00:00 Welcome to Fundraisers Friday
00:02:00 Why fundraisers are held to a higher standard
00:05:30 Alcohol and professionalism at events
00:08:00 Managing perception in event photography
00:11:00 Dressing with intention and event themes
00:14:00 The hidden cost of attending events
00:16:00 Business cards and preparation
00:17:30 The plus-one challenge and expectations
00:18:30 Navigating noisy rooms and making connections
00:21:30 Best timing: early arrival and exit strategy
00:24:30 Setting goals for event success
00:26:00 Evaluating event logistics and guest experience

#TheNonprofitShow #FundraisingStrategy #FundraisersFriday

Find us Live daily on YouTube!

Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!

Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_Show

Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PT

Send us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.com
Visit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show