Tag: Nonprofits

Episode 40 – How Museums and Attendance-Dependent Nonprofits Can Thrive Post-COVID with Laura Lott

Episode 40 – How Museums and Attendance-Dependent Nonprofits Can Thrive Post-COVID with Laura Lott

Does your nonprofit’s success rely heavily on memberships and attendance?

If yes, then it’s likely that your organization faced a major downturn due to COVID-19.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Laura Lott, president and CEO at American Alliance of Museums. They discuss strategies to help attendance-dependent nonprofits, such as museums and zoos, thrive post-COVID.

You will learn:

  • New ways to engage your community and monetize your services
  • Why many organizations lack financial sustainability in the first place
  • Tips for more effective investment and spending policies
  • How investment committees can approach ethical investing
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how you can help attendance-dependent nonprofits prosper! 

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Laura Lott on LinkedIn | American Alliance of Museums (AAM) | AAM 2022-2025 Strategic Framework | How Museums Can Ethically Invest Their Money | Endowment and Foundations at Fiducient Advisors

About Our Guest:

Laura L. Lott began her tenure as president and CEO of the American Alliance of Museums in June 2015. A results-oriented, entrepreneurial, strategic leader with a track record of setting and achieving aggressive programmatic and financial goals, Laura served as the Alliance’s chief operating officer since 2010. Laura also led the 2012 re-launch of the Alliance, including rebranding the organization and rebuilding its technical infrastructure and web/mobile presence, and redesigning its membership and excellence programs — leading to a nearly 70 percent increase in museum membership and the organization’s first three profitable years in a decade. Prior to her work at the Alliance, Laura guided the evolution and growth of several nonprofit education organizations. Most recently, Laura served as chief financial officer and chief operating officer of The JASON Project, an international nonprofit education program at the National Geographic Society with a mission to inspire and motivate students to learn science through great explorers and events.

Episode 36 – Amplify Your Impact Through Strategic Philanthropy with Caren Yanis

Episode 36 – Amplify Your Impact Through Strategic Philanthropy with Caren Yanis

When you’re strategic with your philanthropy and strive for efficiency within your organization, you can do more good with less money.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Caren Yanis, principal at Croland Consulting, LLC, and a philanthropic advisor to families and businesses. Caren shares actionable insights and best practices for today’s nonprofits, family foundations, and endowments.

You will learn:

  • Current opportunities and challenges for philanthropists and charitable organizations
  • How to ensure strong governance, even when there are few rules to hold boards accountable
  • How to align your organization’s philanthropic practices with your values
  • Key points that every investment committee should keep in mind
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how you can amplify your impact through strategic philanthropy!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | 2022 Return Expectations Webinar | Caren Croland Yanis on LinkedIn | Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation | Poetry Foundation | Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) | Foundation Financial Officers Group (FFOG) | Episode 22 – Achieving Your Charitable Mission Through Private Foundat ions — With Adam Newell | Fiducient Capital Market Assumptions 

About Our Guest:

Caren Croland Yanis is the principal of Croland Consulting, a philanthropic consulting firm focused on helping high-net-worth families give well. As executive director of the Oprah Winfrey Foundations in the 2000s, Ms. Yanis helped Ms. Winfrey build her public and private philanthropy and went on to become president of Crown Family Philanthropies in Chicago. She is a board member of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University, a member of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute, a member of the Illinois Attorney General’s Charitable Advisory Council, and a board member of Friends of the Children.

Episode 35 – The Current Investment Environment: Where Do We Stand? Where Are We Headed? with Matt Rice

Episode 35 – The Current Investment Environment: Where Do We Stand? Where Are We Headed? with Matt Rice

Are stocks overpriced and about to tank? How will rising inflation impact your portfolio? How might the pandemic continue to impact the economy?

Find the answers to these questions in this episode, as Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis interview Matt Rice, Chief Investment Officer at Fiducient Advisors. They discuss key market trends from 2021 (stocks, bonds, and alternative investments) and what you can expect in 2022 and beyond.

You will learn:

  • The major asset classes that outperformed and what might to expect now
  • The outlook for all asset classes, considering rising inflation and the pandemic
  • Striving for better risk-adjusted investment return during uncertain times
  • The importance of diversification and long-term planning
  • And more!

Tune in to hear Matt Rice’s expert insights on the current investment environment!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Matthew Rice

About Our Guest:

Matt joined Fiducient Advisors in 2001. As Fiducient Advisors’ Chief Investment Officer, Matt leads the firm’s investment strategy and research efforts. He also advises a number of the firm’s nonprofit and corporate clients. Matt is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee, Research Forum, Investment Committee, Discretionary Committee and Capital Markets Committee. Matt has co-authored two books, including Nonprofit Asset Management (John Wiley & Sons), which was published in 2012 and The Practical Guide to Managing Nonprofit Assets (John Wiley & Sons), published in 2005. Matt is a CFA® charterholder and member of the CFA Society Chicago and a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA®). Matt received a BA in Economics from Northwestern University, where he also played on the 1995 and 1996 Big Ten championship football teams. Matt now leads an easier lifestyle chasing after his two young children.

Episode 34 – Investment Insights From a Global Religious Congregation with Jim Thomas

Episode 34 – Investment Insights From a Global Religious Congregation with Jim Thomas

Today, we have Jim Thomas, the CFO of the Clerics of Saint Viator, share timely investment insights for nonprofit investment leaders!

The Clerics of Saint Viator is an international Roman Catholic religious congregation.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis interview Jim about his experience in managing finances for a religious order. They also dive into several best practices for effective investment portfolio management that are relevant in today’s complex financial landscape.

You will learn:

  • The concept of perpetuity and how to prepare your portfolio for long-term success
  • How to rebalance your portfolio and ensure consistent asset allocation
  • Ways to ensure a more accurate screening of your portfolio for mission-aligned investing
  • Reasons to maintain a continuous dialogue with your organization’s stakeholders
  • And more!

Tune in to discover investment best practices that can help you emulate the success of the Clerics of Saint Viator!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | The Clerics of Saint Viator

About Our Guest:

Jim Thomas is CFO of the Clerics of St. Viator, an international Roman Catholic religious congregation headquartered just outside of Chicago. The Order has a vast footprint with numerous churches and schools throughout Illinois, other parts of the U.S., South America and beyond. Jim holds an MBA from Northwestern and  degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. Prior to joining the order, Jim served in numerous roles in the for-profit world including being COO of an aerospace/defense company, president of a consumer products company and a change agent at other organizations.

Episode 33 – Future Outlook on Equity Markets (2021 Year-end Updates) with David Bianco

Episode 33 – Future Outlook on Equity Markets (2021 Year-end Updates) with David Bianco

As the calendar flips to a new year, are you curious about what to expect from equity markets — both in the USA and globally?

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis are joined by David Bianco, CFA, chief investment officer for the Americas at the DWS Group. As one of Wall Street’s best known strategists, David shares timely insights on the current state of equity markets, along with portfolio management tips for 2022 and beyond.

You will learn:

  • The primary reason behind high current valuations
  • How to guard your nonprofit’s investment portfolio against future inflation risk
  • Why ESG investing is here to stay
  • Key market trends and returns since the beginning of COVID-19
  • And more!

Tune in to discover what you can expect from the equity markets moving forward!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | The DWS Group | David Bianco, Americas CIO

About Our Guest:

David Bianco, CFA, is the chief investment officer for the Americas at the DWS Group. David is a sought-after Wall Street strategist who publishes his own research, which appears in many publications and media outlets, including CNBC. With more than 20 years of investment research experience and a decade of experience as an equity strategist, David has held the position of Head US Equity Strategist for Bank of America Merrill Lynch Investment Research and Global Wealth Management. Before BofA, he spent seven years at UBS and five years at Financial Account Standards Board’s Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council.

Episode 32 – Become a Confident Leader with Dr. Karyn Gordon

Episode 32 – Become a Confident Leader with Dr. Karyn Gordon

Dr. Karyn Gordon has rightly said, “Great leaders drive communication, performance, and engagement.”

But how can you become a great leader at your nonprofit organization?

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis are joined by Dr. Karyn Gordon to answer this question. Dr. Karyn is the CEO of DK Leadership, a leadership and relationship expert, and a sought-after media personality. They reveal the skills required to become a confident leader and lead your nonprofit to success.

You will learn:

  • The importance of finding your purpose –– both for organizations and individuals
  • The three types of leaders: insecure, arrogant, and confident
  • Effective conflict resolution tips for investment committees 
  • How to improve your organization’s team dynamics by mastering five EQ skills
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how to become a confident nonprofit leader!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Dr. Karyn Gordon on LinkedIn | DK Leadership | “The Three Chairs: How Great Leaders Drive Communication, Performance, and Engagement” by Dr. Karyn Gordon | “Start With Why” by Simon Sinek | “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable” by Patrick Lencioni | “The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate The Three Essential Virtues” by Patrick Lencioni | The Next Chapter in the Active versus Passive Debate

About Our Guest:

Dr. Karyn Gordon is the CEO of DK Leadership, a leadership & relationship expert, entrepreneur, dynamic speaker, executive and family coach, TV personality (Good Morning America | USA and Cityline | Canada) and author of “The Three Chairs: How Great Leaders Drive Communication, Performance & Engagement.” In 2021, Dr. Karyn was nominated for the 29th annual RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award.

Episode 31 – Behind the Scenes of a Successful Foundation with Jay Ruderman

Episode 31 – Behind the Scenes of a Successful Foundation with Jay Ruderman

Are you looking for proven strategies to help your foundation thrive?

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation. Jay reveals principles that have guided the Ruderman Family Foundation in making prudent management, investment, and strategic decisions, and explains how other foundations can emulate their success.

You will learn:

  • Why nonprofits should focus on both advocacy and funding to amplify their impact
  • An unconventional way to look at ESG investing that leads to “double impact”
  • How to identify unique charitable opportunities and avoid replication
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how you can lead your foundation to success!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Jay Ruderman on LinkedIn | Ruderman Family Foundation | All Inclusive With Jay Ruderman (Podcast) | How To Make Your Investment Committee More Effective

About Our Guest:

Jay Ruderman is the President of the Ruderman Family Foundation, which focuses on the inclusion of people with disabilities worldwide and educating Israeli leaders on the American Jewish community. He also has served on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Funders Network and is a member of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee Executive Committee. In the fall of 2001, Jay became Deputy Director of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in New England. In 2005, Mr. Ruderman enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and became the liaison between the IDF and Diaspora Jewry. After his service in the IDF, he returned to AIPAC as the Leadership Director for AIPAC in Israel.

 

Episode 30 – One Year Anniversary Special

Episode 30 – One Year Anniversary Special

It’s been a year since Nonprofit Investment Stewards was launched!

A big thank you to all our wonderful listeners and guests who have been a part of this journey.

In this special episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis take a trip down the memory lane, highlighting some of their most memorable episodes. Then, they move on to share five invaluable – and timely – tips for nonprofit investment committees and other stakeholders who oversee endowments and foundations.

You will learn:

  • Key takeaways from some of our most-downloaded episodes
  • Many investment, governance and cost saving strategies to advance your nonprofit’s mission
  • How investment committees can think about lower expected returns
  • Bob’s and Devon’s favorite moments from the podcasting journey
  • And more!

Tune in to revisit some of our best episodes, as well as gain fresh insights on how to make your nonprofit thrive!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Endowment Investment Considerations for Today’s Market — With Brad Long | Your Guide to Endowment Spending Policy – With Devon Francis | How Nonprofit Leaders Can Overcome Today’s Challenges – with Dennis Morrone | Effective Investment Strategies for Healthcare Systems — With Russ Gronewold | 10 Habits of Effective Investment Committees | How the 2020 Elections Could Impact Nonprofit Investors — With Frank Kelly

 

Episode 29 – Nonprofits and Private Equity — With Matt Kaminski

Episode 29 – Nonprofits and Private Equity — With Matt Kaminski

With public equity markets reaching all-time highs in 2021, many investment committees are concerned about future returns.

Consequently, they are exploring or adding allocations to alternative investments, such as private equity.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Matt Kaminski, partner and research director at Fiducient Advisors, who directs the firm’s Global Private Markets Group. Matt shares valuable insights to how nonprofit organizations can make private equity investments an integral part of their portfolio.

You will learn:

  • Key updates on private equity markets (past performance and future considerations)
  • Factors a nonprofit must consider when investing in PE
  • The potential benefits and pitfalls of private equity investments in today’s markets
  • Why private equity may not only be right for large endowments or foundations
  • And more!

Tune in to learn strategies for effectively investing in private equity markets!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | LinkedIn: Matt Kaminski | Matt Kaminski | Private Markets Updates: Growth and New Highs

About Our Guest:

As Partner and Research Director, Matt Kaminski directs Fiducient Advisors’ Global Private Markets Group, overseeing investment research and due diligence efforts. He is also a member of the firm’s Investment Committee, Research Forum, and Trustee-Direct Discretionary Committee. Matt joined Fiduciary Investment Advisors, LLC in 2009, which combined with Fiducient Advisors in 2020. Prior to joining the firm, he was an Investment Analyst and member of the Consultant Relations team at Fidelity Investments. Matt received a BSBA from Stonehill College, is a CFA® charterholder, and a member of the CFA Institute and the Hartford CFA Society. With his free time, Matt is on the Finance & Audit Committee for Foodshare, Inc. (a nonprofit anti-hunger organization in the greater Hartford area). His personal interests include fishing and biking.

Episode 28 – How Nonprofits Can Drive Results Through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion — With Cynthia Primo Martin

Episode 28 – How Nonprofits Can Drive Results Through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion — With Cynthia Primo Martin

Focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is more than just the “right thing to do.” It can help your nonprofit make better decisions and achieve greater results.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Cynthia Primo Martin, founder of the Trustees of Color initiative. They discuss actionable strategies to create diverse investment committees, overcome common DEI challenges, and leverage DEI initiatives to achieve your core organizational mission.

You will learn:

  • Top recruitment and selection practices for nonprofit boards and investment committees
  • Why nonprofit leaders should be intentional with their DEI efforts
  • How “board readiness” helps you overcome personal biases & become more accessible
  • How diverse committees are more likely to achieve better investment returns
  • And more!

Tune in to gain valuable insights into how DEI plays an important role in charitable organizations.

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Cynthia Primo Martin on LinkedIn | Contact Cynthia: (302) 540-0196 or CPrimo@comcast.net | “Handbook for Nonprofit Leadership: Recruiting, Training and Engaging Trustees of Color” by Cynthia Primo Martin | “Diversity of Asset Managers In Philanthropy” by Global Economy Group | “Madam C. J. Walker’s Gospel of Giving: Black Women’s Philanthropy during Jim Crow” by Dr. Tyrone McKinley Freeman | “Focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” by Devon Francis

About Our Guest:

Cynthia Primo Martin is the founder of the Trustees of Color initiative, whose mission is to ensure that nonprofit boards are inclusive of people of color. Cynthia has served as a director and trustee of many nonprofit organizations, including the University of Delaware, Delaware Symphony Association, African-American Endowment Fund at DCF, and the Waterson Family Foundation. Earlier in her career, she served as human resources and equal employment opportunity director for a major insurance company. Cynthia is also the author of “Handbook for Nonprofit Leadership: Recruiting, Training and Engaging Trustees of Color.”