Tag: Foundations

Feature Image 2021
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

By |

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature Image 2021
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

By |

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature Image 2021
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

By |

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)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature Image 2021
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

By |

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature Image 2021
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

By |

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature Image 2021
Episode 26 – Endowment Investment Considerations for Today’s Market — With Brad Long

Episode 26 – Endowment Investment Considerations for Today’s Market — With Brad Long

By |

If you’re looking for investment strategies that help your nonprofit stay relevant in today’s ever-changing markets, then this episode is for you.

In this show, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Brad Long, CFA, partner and research director at Fiducient Advisors, who oversees the firm’s global public markets. They discuss crucial investment considerations for endowments, such as active versus passive investing, portfolio diversification, and mission-aligned investment.

You will learn:

  • How to construct an optimal portfolio using both active and passive asset management
  • The need to diversify, especially now – and how allocation strategies can evolve over time
  • How your nonprofit can achieve mission-aligned investment objectives
  • Tips for investment committees to overcome emotions and make rational decisions
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how you can help your nonprofits prosper by making prudent investment decisions!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | BRAD LONG BIO | Brad Long on LinkedIn | Nonprofit Investment Stewards, ep. 24 – The Benefits and Pitfalls of OCIO Endowment Management — With Matthew Porter

About Our Guest:

As Partner and Research Director at Fiducient Advisors, Brad Long oversees the firm’s Global Public Markets research efforts with responsibility for global equity, global fixed income, and global real assets. He is also a voting member of the firm’s Investment Committee, member of the firm’s Discretionary Committee, Research Forum, Capital Markets Team, and Mission-Aligned Investing Committee. In 2019, Brad was named a “Rising Star” in City Wire’s annual Professional Buyer publication for his contributions in the investment manager research industry.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature Image 2021
Episode 25 – How Storytelling Can Benefit Your Endowment — With Park Howell

Episode 25 – How Storytelling Can Benefit Your Endowment — With Park Howell

By |

Oftentimes, the best way to communicate your nonprofit’s core values and mission to your audience is through storytelling.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis are joined by Park Howell, founder of Business of Story, brand storytelling strategist, and international keynote speaker. As the world’s most industrious storyteller, Park discusses how charitable organizations can craft and leverage compelling stories to communicate their investment strategies, exceed their fundraising goals, optimize their mission-aligned message, and ultimately amplify their impact.

You will learn:

  • How storytelling can improve your message to your endowment stakeholders
  • The ABT (And, But, Therefore) narrative that adds meaningful context to financial data
  • How storytelling turns your nonprofit into a purpose-driven brand that resonates strongly 
  • Why stories are a crucial component of ESG investing
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how you can help your nonprofit prosper using the art of storytelling!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Park Howell on LinkedIn | Business of Story | The Business of Story Podcast | The ABT’s of Selling™ Course | Brand Bewitchery: How to Wield the Story Cycle System™ to Craft Spellbinding Stories for Your Brand | The Narrative Gym for Business: Introducing the ABT Framework for Business Communication and Messaging | Nicholas Kristof’s Advice for Saving the World | How To Make Your Investment Committee More Effective

About Our Guest:

Park Howell is the founder of Business of Story, through which he has helped thousands of purpose-driven leaders master business storytelling and grow through a crystal clear vision and mission. As the world’s most industrious storyteller and a 30+ year veteran of branding, marketing and sales, Park works internationally with brand leadership, their marketers and sales teams to help them craft and tell endearingly authentic stories that sell. In addition to being an expert storytelling coach, Park also hosts the popular Business of Story podcast ranked among the top 10% of downloaded shows in the world.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature Image 2021
Episode 24 – The Benefits and Pitfalls of OCIO Endowment Management — With Matt Porter

Episode 24 – The Benefits and Pitfalls of OCIO Endowment Management — With Matt Porter

By |

With limited resources and staff, it can be difficult for investment committees to focus on both endowment management and the advancement of the organization’s mission.

This circumstance has compelled many nonprofits to consider the Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) model.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis are joined by Matt Porter, managing partner and head of endowments and foundations at Fiducient Advisors. Matt explains how an OCIO might help your investment committee optimize decisions, reduce administrative burden, and more efficiently approach portfolio management to better focus on your nonprofit’s long-term goals.

You will learn:

  • The key differences between an OCIO model and traditional investment consulting
  • Specific duties that can be offloaded by nonprofits through an OCIO approach
  • Major advantages and pitfalls of OCIO endowment management
  • How to outsource various responsibilities while still maintaining decision-making authority within your organization
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how the OCIO model can help today’s nonprofits optimize their investment management!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | MATT PORTER BIO | Matt Porter on LinkedIn | Investment Office at Fiducient Advisors: Creative and Flexible Management Solutions for Today’s Nonprofits

About Our Guest:

As Head of Endowments and Foundations, Matt Porter challenges firm members to think about and embrace innovation and knowledge development. As a Senior Consultant, he advises institutional clients on a variety of topics, including asset allocation, investment manager relations and portfolio rebalances. Matt is the Chair of the Investment Committee, which sets all investment policies for the firm, establishes the framework for asset allocation and reviews and approves investment managers.  Matt also leads the firm’s Endowment & Foundation Business Council and is a member of the firm’s Research Forum and Discretionary Committee.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature Image 2021
Episode 23 – Endowment Management and Operational Efficiencies: How Can You Achieve Both at the Same Time? — With Jeffrey Bethke

Episode 23 – Endowment Management and Operational Efficiencies: How Can You Achieve Both at the Same Time? — With Jeffrey Bethke

By |

Amidst financial planning and endowment management, it’s common for institutions to underestimate the impact that operations can have in sustaining a nonprofit.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis are joined by Jeff Bethke, managing partner at Ingenuity Advising, to help your nonprofit optimize both financial and operational planning. Jeff draws from his experience as former executive vice president and CFO at DePaul University to explain how educational institutions can overcome common investment challenges while developing operational efficiencies.

You will learn:

  • How to tackle the looming demographic crisis facing higher education
  • Effective endowment management strategies for schools
  • Ways in which your nonprofit’s finances and operations directly influence each other
  • Proven best practices for institutional governance and investment committee structures
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how you can achieve both financial and operational competence within your nonprofit.

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | FOUR SMART MOVES FOR INVESTMENT COMMITTEES | Jeffrey Bethke on LinkedIn | Ingenuity Advising | DePaul University | Niagara University | Navy Pier | Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) | Four Smart Moves for Endowment Investment Committees

About Our Guest:

Jeffery Bethke has more than 20 years of higher education and not-for-profit finance and operations experience and a decade in consulting and corporate management roles. Before launching Ingenuity Advising in 2021, Jeff served as executive vice president and chief financial officer at DePaul University, one of the nation’s largest private universities, where he oversaw the institution’s finance and budgeting functions, facility operations, human resources, information technology, internal audit, public safety, student housing, dining operations, community and government relations and other operational areas.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature Image 2021
Episode 22 – Achieving Your Charitable Mission Through Private Foundations — With Adam Newell

Episode 22 – Achieving Your Charitable Mission Through Private Foundations — With Adam Newell

By |

For high-net-worth families who are charitably inclined, private foundations are a great way to make an impact while maintaining control over your investments.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Adam Newell, partner at Fiducient Advisors and director of consulting at The Wealth Office®. Adam helps charitable foundations overcome common challenges, shares investment strategies used by successful families and discusses how foundations might avoid getting flagged by the IRS.

You will learn:

  • Portfolio management tips to help your foundation meet the 5% spending requirement
  • How private foundations differ from donor-advised funds
  • Tax considerations to keep in mind while making investment decisions
  • Ways to involve future generations in your nonprofit’s charitable mission
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how you can successfully manage your private foundation with Adam Newell.

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | FREE GUIDE: 6 Tips to Managing Nonprofit Investments | ADAM NEWELL BIO I Adam Newell on LinkedIn

About Our Guest:

As a partner at Fiducient Advisors and director of consulting for The Wealth Office®, Adam Newell, CFA®, CFP®, is responsible for the oversight of the firm’s Wealth Office® consultants and setting the strategic direction for the group’s consulting business. He also provides investment expertise to a number of high-net-worth families, private foundations, and nonprofit clients. Adam is a voting member of the Investment Committee that sets investment policy, establishes the framework for asset allocation and approves investment managers.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Archives

Categories