Episode 185 / Becky Endicott - Tips to Building a Strong Nonprofit Community

When it comes to nonprofit and social enterprise fund development, storytelling plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining donors. This week's conversation with Becky is about the power of movements in scaling impact and exploring how media can be effectively leveraged to drive real change.

Our communities are eager to become advocates for our cause, and it's our responsibility to equip them with the right tools to do so. In this episode, we unpack ways to create those tools for storytelling and strategies to amplify our stories and influence.

• 00:00 - Introduction

More about our guest today

Becky Endicott is a nonprofit development expert with a passion for innovative fundraising and community building. As a writer and marketing professional, Becky has over 40 years of combined experience alongside her business partner, Jon, leading teams in annual giving, stewardship, events, and major gifts. Together, they created a groundbreaking employee giving campaign model that has been adopted worldwide.

In 2020, they co-founded We Are For Good, a media company with a mission to modernize fundraising through kindness and community. Becky is also the co-host of the popular We Are For Good Podcast, which has garnered over 325,000 downloads. In 2021, she launched We Are For Good PRO, a platform that brings innovative ideas and training to nonprofit professionals, empowering them to increase their impact. Through her work, Becky is on a mission to reimagine nonprofit professional development and reshape the sector.

• 04:52 - The Journey of We Are For Good

Becky shares the powerful impact producing consistent content has had in creating a compounding effect on her organization and the nonprofit sector in general. Whether you are in the nonprofit or for-profit space, you'll find the story behind building We Are For Good both inspiring and relatable. It's a journey driven by determination, hard work, and authentic connections which has led to remarkable growth and a profound influence on the nonprofit world

• 06:38 - Movements and Impact

Becky shares a remarkable story of the impact We Are For Good is creating in Uganda, Africa. This inspiring story truly exemplifies the ripple effect of their work and the importance of letting your movement grow organically. As a nonprofit leader, you know that it takes consistent effort and a focus on meaningful connections to create real change. Therefore, we encourage nonprofits to tap into their full potential by igniting movements and retaining their own people.

• 19:43 - Consistent Content in Building Community

Taking the time to engage your audience before launching a new initiative is crucial. We shouldn't wait until the giving season approaches to start connecting with our community. Becky shares a practical framework for building a strong community and telling compelling stories through the content we create. Are you syndicating content to expand your reach without burning out? Are you responding to comments and engaging with your audience? Does your community feel a sense of belonging? These are essential steps in fostering trust and nurturing relationships with your supporters.

• 27: 10 - Challenges and Mindset Shifts

As individuals who have experienced burnout firsthand, we've learned to approach things differently and are here to advocate for a mindset shift in the nonprofit world. Rather than focusing solely on donor value based on financial contributions, it's essential to recognize 'believer value,' which includes the many meaningful ways people can contribute to your movement. By letting go of control and empowering your supporters, you can achieve remarkable results.

• 32:00 - Conclusion

The conversations we are holding this month are meant to help you navigate the challenges of the nonprofit sector and ignite real transformation in your communities. Becky is a true changemaker who comes with a wealth of knowledge on leading and growing a nonprofit. Tune in to this episode, and if you have any questions or would like to follow up, feel free to connect with us through the links below.

Mentions
We Are For Good

Becky on Instagram

Becky on LinkedIn

• Connect with me: https://jennynuccio.com/contact

• Follow along with my Weekly Wild: Sign Up!

• Find me on social media: Jenny Nuccio

• Work with me through one-on-one mentorship and strategic coaching sessions: Join me!

• Sign up to receive a copy of the podcast slides covered in this week's episode: https://jennynuccio.myflodesk.com/ry8jrddbfx