Tag: Endowments

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Episode 73 – AI in Action: Transforming Nonprofit Efficiency and Impact with Benjamin Aase

Episode 73 – AI in Action: Transforming Nonprofit Efficiency and Impact with Benjamin Aase

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As the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize industries, nonprofit organizations are increasingly dependent on it.

Join Bob DiMeo, Devon Francis, and guest Benjamin Aase, principal with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA), to hear how nonprofits can leverage AI and other technologies to improve operational efficiency and decision-making.

You’ll discover:

  • Top three pain points for nonprofits in deriving meaningful insights from data
  • Practical applications of AI and technology in fundraising, grant writing, and report automation
  • Ben’s advice to nonprofit leaders who may be intimidated by AI
  • Future outlook for the technological landscape relating to nonprofits
  • And more!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Benjamin Aase | CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) | Show Me the Results: A Practical Guide to Program Evaluation with Chari Smith | The Future of AI: Trends, Opportunities, Risks, and More! with Altan Wuliji | Insights by Fiducient Advisors (Research, Blogs, Podcasts)

About Our Guest:

Benjamin Aase is a principal with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA). As a member of the national nonprofit leadership team, Ben leads the firm’s nonprofit digital services. CLA’s team of 900 nonprofit professionals serves over 10,000 nonprofits nationally through integrated wealth advisory, outsourcing, digital, audit, and tax services to help them succeed professionally and personally.

Ben earned his BA in Economics from Colorado College and an MBA from the University of Minnesota. Ben is a board director and investment committee member of the Cargill Foundation, a co-founder of Impact Hub MSP, a former Bush Fellows Selection Committee Member and a judge in the Meda Million Dollar Challenge, and a former review board member for the Impact Ventures division of the Minnesota Cup. Ben is also co-founder of the Minneapolis Professional Chapter of Net Impact. Ben was recently named a (Real) Power 50 by Minnesota Business Magazine.

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Episode 72 – The New And Important Role Bonds Can Play in Your Portfolio – Including Endowments, with Wesly Pate

Episode 72 – The New And Important Role Bonds Can Play in Your Portfolio – Including Endowments, with Wesly Pate

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Fixed-income markets have changed dramatically.

As bonds garner growing interest from investors (including endowments and foundations), it boils down to fit, and is it possible to achieve your portfolio return target with less risk?

Learn more about the role of fixed income in a portfolio with Bob DiMeo, Devon Francis, and guest Wesly Pate, CFA®, Senior Portfolio Manager at Income Research + Management (IR+M). They talk about portfolio diversification, credit risk, liquidity, inflation, private credit, and much more.

You’ll discover:

  • Higher real return expectations from fixed-income 
  • The significance of liquidity and high-quality fixed income in your portfolio 
  • Fixed income as a hedge against uncertainty and adverse scenarios
  • Credit risk considerations and opportunities for yield without compromising quality
  • And more!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Wesly Pate | Income Research + Management | Fiducient Advisors 2024 Outlook – Prepare Not Predict | Insights by Fiducient Advisors (Research, Blogs, Podcasts)

About Our Guest:

Wesly joined IR+M in January 2011 and was named Senior Portfolio Manager in 2022. In his role as a Senior Portfolio Manager, Wesly is focused on portfolio construction, sector analysis, and contributing to the investment decision-making process, specifically for private clients and taxable institutional portfolios. Prior to joining IR+M, Wesly was an Equity Analyst at Eastern Investment Advisors.

Wesly has a BBA in Finance from Georgia State University, an MBA in Finance from the Boston University School of Management, and an MS in Accounting from the University of Massachusetts Amherst Isenberg School of Management.

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Episode 71 – Quarterly Quick Take: Market Updates and International Diversification with Brad Long

Episode 71 – Quarterly Quick Take: Market Updates and International Diversification with Brad Long

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With a surprisingly strong quarter in the books, it’s time to uncover the latest updates on the markets and the economy, and how they may impact your portfolio, endowment, or foundation.

Join the insightful conversation between Bob DiMeo, Devon Francis, and returning guest Brad Long, CFA®, Chief Investment Officer at Fiducient Advisors. They talk about year-to-date results, the complex reality of inflation’s “messy middle,” and what to potentially expect going forward.

You’ll discover:

  • How Fiducient’s three main themes for 2024 have played out so far
  • The importance of global diversification (despite the recent domination of US equities)
  • The role of growth versus value investing styles in a well-rounded portfolio 
  • The cyclical nature of various economic and market forces
  • And more!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Brad Long | Insights by Fiducient Advisors (Research, Blogs, Podcasts)

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Episode 70 – The Future of AI: Trends, Opportunities, Risks, and More! with Altan Wuliji

Episode 70 – The Future of AI: Trends, Opportunities, Risks, and More! with Altan Wuliji

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Artificial intelligence (AI) drove markets last year and continues to dominate the news today.

But what does it mean for the investments you oversee?

Learn about the transformative potential of AI on your portfolio in this episode with Bob DiMeo, Devon Francis, and guest Altan Wuliji, CFP®, principal and senior consultant at Fiducient Advisors. They explore how AI is reshaping traditional industries, impacting portfolio construction, and enabling operational efficiencies for organizations.

You’ll discover:

  • How you’re likely already invested in AI (even if you don’t know it)
  • AI applications in fundraising, mission impact, and evaluation
  • The risks and benefits of integrating AI into investment strategies and portfolio construction
  • Notable AI trends in 2024 and beyond
  • And more!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Altan Wuliji | Cultural Institutions’ Investment Policies, Practices and Performance | Association Reserves: Policies, Practice and Performance | Peer Benchmarking Using the 2021 NACUBO-TIAA Study of Endowments | Insights by Fiducient Advisors (Research, Blogs, Podcasts)

About Our Guest:

Altan provides investment consulting services to financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private investors. He services clients by providing advice and expertise on asset allocation, portfolio design, investment policy statements, manager search process, and overall investment management.

Prior to joining the firm in 2014, Altan was a Senior Planner at Balasa Dinverno Foltz and an Analyst at RegentAtlantic Capital. Altan earned a Bachelor of Science in Financial Planning from the University of Illinois and a Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University. Altan was awarded the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as the President’s Congressional Scholarship which provided the opportunity to serve within the United States House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. Altan achieved the Certified Financial Planner® designation in 2012 and is a Level II CFA Candidate in the CFA Program. He was a member of the Midtown Auxiliary Board and enjoys competing in triathlons.

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Episode 69 – Show Me The Results: A Practical Guide to Program Evaluation with Chari Smith

Episode 69 – Show Me The Results: A Practical Guide to Program Evaluation with Chari Smith

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Nonprofit organizations, and their donors, have become increasingly vigilant about measuring success and effectiveness.

This new dynamic can significantly impact the type of resources a nonprofit attracts!

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Chari Smith, founder of Evaluation Into Action and author of Nonprofit Program Evaluation Made Simple. They tackle the pressing issue of program evaluation and its role in demonstrating impact and making data-driven decisions.

You’ll discover:

  • The need to look beyond numbers and articulate tangible impact
  • How program evaluation can benefit fundraising and capital campaigns
  • Practical guidance to get started (if you’re new to program evaluation)
  • Real-life examples of organizations benefiting from program evaluation
  • And more!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Chari Smith | Evaluation Into Action | “Nonprofit Program Evaluation Made Simple” by Chari Smith | Insights by Fiducient Advisors (Research, Blogs, Podcasts)

About Our Guest:

Chari Smith believes evaluation should be accessible, practical, and usable. She founded Evaluation into Action to help nonprofit professionals create realistic and meaningful program evaluation processes. She has taught several workshops helping nonprofit professionals understand the value and use of program evaluation.

Chari is the 2023 President-Elect with the Oregon Program Evaluators Network (OPEN). She is a proud member of the American Evaluation Association (AEA) and the International Society of Evaluation Education (ISEE). She is also an adjunct faculty member for the University of Portland’s Pamplin School of Business Nonprofit MBA program. Her book Nonprofit Program Evaluation Made Simple: Get Your Data. Show Your Impact. Improve Your Programs. provides step-by-step instructions on how to do program evaluation.

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Episode 46 – Taking on ESG Initiatives Amidst Global Turmoil with Habib Subjally

Episode 46 – Taking on ESG Initiatives Amidst Global Turmoil with Habib Subjally

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Gas prices have spiked exponentially. Inflation is at 40-year highs. World peace is disrupted due to the war in Eastern Europe.

Amidst all of this global turmoil, how should investors think about  ESG investing? How can organizations advance mission-aligned initiatives?

Find out in this episode, as Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Habib Subjally, senior portfolio manager and head of global equities at RBC Global Asset Management. Habib shares thoughtful insights and strategies for effective ESG integration within an organization your organization and yoru portfolio.

You will learn:

  • Why the current momentum in ESG investing is here to stay
  • How ESG investing can lead to greater commercial success and financial returns
  • Ways to navigate the complexities of the current ESG landscape (and some trending investment themes)
  • How portfolio managers can adopt ESG initiatives despite a lack of standardized industry data
  • And more!

Tune in to learn more about incorporating ESG into your current investment process!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Habib Subjally on LinkedIn | RBC Global Asset Management | Fiducient Advisors’ Guide to Mission-Aligned Investing

About Our Guest:

Habib Subjally is a Senior Portfolio Manager and the Head of RBC Global Equity at RBC Global Asset Management, where he leads a team of 11 global sector specialists. Prior to joining the firm in 2014, Habib spent eight years managing global equities and building his team to its current structure. Previously, he held lead positions in small- and mid-cap equities as well as global and North American equities at other asset management firms.

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Episode 45 – How Can Mission-Driven Nonprofits Improve Performance in Today’s Environment? with Sally Blount

Episode 45 – How Can Mission-Driven Nonprofits Improve Performance in Today’s Environment? with Sally Blount

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Every organization must take the time to stop, reflect on its performance, and ask, “Are we doing the best we can with our current resources?”

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Sally Blount, president, and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, one of the largest human service providers in the Midwest serving more than 500,000 people annually. Sally sheds light on the current environment for nonprofits and strategies to advance your charitable mission.

You will learn:

  • The process of re-evaluating and enhancing your nonprofit’s performance
  • Caveats to keep in mind while scaling your organizational services
  • Factors that lead to effective governance and ideal committee structures
  • The importance of aligning your investment portfolio with your core values
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how you can help your organization prosper in the current environment!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Sally Blount on LinkedIn | Email Sally | Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago | Episode 42: “Investment Considerations, DEI, Nonprofit Leadership and More with Mellody Hobson” | Nonprofit Fundraising and Cryptocurrencies

About Our Guest:

Sally Blount is president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Moreover, she is the professor of strategy at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, where she is also a proud alumna and former dean. An internationally recognized thought leader in management and business education, Blount is a highly rated professor and sought-after speaker on leadership development, board governance, and organizational transformation. From 2004-2010, Sally served as dean of the New York University undergraduate College of Business and vice dean of the Stern School of Business. In both deanships, Blount was a record-setting fundraiser, partnering with and leading teams that completed two capital campaigns that were transformational for their institutions, together raising more than $550M. Blount also sits on the board of two Fortune 500 companies, Abbott Laboratories and Ulta Beauty, as well as the boards of the Joyce Foundation and the Economic Club of Chicago.

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Episode 44 – Nonprofits in Higher-Ed: Current Outlook, Opportunities, and Challenges with Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich

Episode 44 – Nonprofits in Higher-Ed: Current Outlook, Opportunities, and Challenges with Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich

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This can be a challenging environment for nonprofit organizations, especially those in higher education, contending with investments, revenue, operations, and more.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, president at Concordia University-St. Paul. They discuss the current outlook for higher-ed organizations, including major opportunities and challenges facing them today.

You will learn:

  • Latest trends in enrollment, operations, and advancement in the higher education space
  • Reasons to focus on sustainability and long-term results while overseeing endowments
  • The impact of rising interest rates on an organization’s finances
  • Tips to help achieve greater alignment among committee and board members
  • And more!

Tune in to learn about the current opportunities and challenges for nonprofits, especially in higher education!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Brian Friedrich on LinkedIn | Email Brian Friedrich | Concordia University, St. Paul | Endowments & Foundations Consulting at Fiducient Advisors

About Our Guest:

The Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich is the 10th president of Concordia University, St. Paul. Prior to returning to his alma mater, Friedrich served as President of Concordia University, Nebraska from 2004-2019, holding several positions in development and administration. He was appointed as vice president for institutional advancement in 1997 and was named the president of Concordia Foundation, Inc. in 2003 before being named president in 2004. Friedrich is a vice president of the Concordia University System, member of the Colloquy Committee of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, trustee of Mill Neck Foundation and Lutheran Friends of the Deaf boards, a director of the Council of Independent Colleges of Nebraska, a director of the National Association of the Council of Independent Colleges and Universities, a member of the Seward Rotary Club and St. John Lutheran Church.

 

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Episode 42 – Investment Considerations, DEI, Nonprofit Leadership, and More with Mellody Hobson

Episode 42 – Investment Considerations, DEI, Nonprofit Leadership, and More with Mellody Hobson

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How concerned should we be with market and economic trends? How can we improve our DEI efforts? What are opportunities and challenges should nonprofit leaders be focusing on? These are some of the pressing questions we hear from clients.

Join Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis as they speak with one of the most in-demand guests Mellody Hobson, co-CEO & president at Ariel Investments, a firm managing nearly $18 billion in assets. Mellody shares valuable insight into current investment trends, along with strategies to make your organization more diverse and inclusive.

You will learn:

  • Effectively diversifying your portfolio, given the recent performance of various asset classes
  • Ways to overcome the “unconscious bias” that sabotages your DEI efforts
  • How to evaluate investment managers and firms through a DEI lens
  • Valuable advice for nonprofit leaders to help them drive positive, systematic change
  • And more!

Tune in to hear Mellody Hobson’s expert insights on how investors, including nonprofit organizations, can thrive in the current environment!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Mellody Hobson on LinkedIn | Ariel Investments | “The Difference: How the Power of Diversity Creates Better Groups, Firms, Schools, and Societies” by Scott Page

About Our Guest:

As Co-CEO, Mellody Hobson is responsible for management, strategic planning, and growth for all areas of Ariel Investments outside of research and portfolio management. Outside of Ariel, Mellody is a nationally recognized voice on financial literacy. She currently serves as Chair of the Board of Starbucks Corporation and as a director of JPMorgan Chase. Previously, Mellody served as Chairman of the Board of DreamWorks Animation until the company’s sale and was also a long-standing board member of the Estée Lauder Companies. Mellody’s community outreach includes her role as Chairman of After School Matters, a Chicago non-profit that provides area teens with high-quality after school and summer programs. Additionally, she is vice chair of World Business Chicago; co-chair of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art; and a board member of the George Lucas Education Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies.

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Episode 41 – Peer Benchmarking Using the 2021 NACUBO-TIAA Study of Endowments with Devon Francis

Episode 41 – Peer Benchmarking Using the 2021 NACUBO-TIAA Study of Endowments with Devon Francis

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The NACUBO-TIAA Study of Endowments is a great benchmarking tool for college and university endowments.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis discuss the key findings from the latest release of the study including noteworthy trends for colleges and universities on investment returns, asset allocation, ESG investing, and a lot more.

You will learn:

  • What nonprofits should keep in mind while comparing performance with peer groups
  • How investment strategies and returns might differ based on endowment size
  • Latest spending trends among college and university endowments
  • The growing adoption of the OCIO model, ESG investing, and DEI policies
  • And more!

Tune in to gain useful insights and how your endowment compares to peers in recent years!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | 2021 NACUBO-TIAA Study of Endowments | Commonfund Benchmarks Study® of Independent Schools | Ep. 14: Your Guide to Endowment Spending Policy With Devon Francis | Ep. 24: The Benefits and Pitfalls of OCIO Endowment Management With Matt Porter | Ep. 28: How Nonprofits Can Drive Results Through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion With Cynthia Primo Martin

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