Episodes

The traditional 60/40 stock/bond portfolio is on pace for its worst performance in 80 years and Treasury bonds might register their worst performance in 200 years! Investor anxiety seems to be rising in lock-step with interest rates. All this contributes to a high level of uncertainty for those who oversee endowments and foundations. In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis help investment committees (or any nonprofit leader overseeing investments) combat market uncertainty through four key ...

High-performing organizations are characterized by strong leadership, a clear goal, and strategic investments. In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Jeffery Perry, founder & CEO of Lead Mandates LLC. They discuss the major drivers of success for high-performing organizations (especially nonprofits). You will learn the following: The importance of having a clear sense of purpose for your organization Evolution in asset allocation strategies and endowment management The key to a...

With continued market volatility, a rising US dollar, and upcoming midterm elections, it’s time for our third Quarterly Quick Take of 2022. In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Brad Long, CFA®, partner and deputy chief investment officer at Fiducient Advisors. They discuss timely market and economic updates, including important portfolio implications for investors. You will learn: The deception of bear market rallies (and why you should beware) The impact of a strengthening U...

Some investment committees are reluctant to own alternative investments because they don’t understand the space well. Or perhaps they are intimidated due to the complexity and cost. In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Anthony Novara, CFA®, research director of Fiducient Advisors’ marketable alternatives group. They demystify hedge fund investing and its role in effective portfolio management, especially amidst high market volatility. You will learn: Five primary strategies u...

Did you know economic stability can lead to instability? Is it possible to spend less today in order to spend more later? Investors encounter such paradoxes regularly, which can be deeply damaging to nonprofits and endowments. In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis discuss five major investing paradoxes you must keep in mind, especially during times of market volatility and economic uncertainty. You will learn: How to overcome the “complacency challenge” and achieve long-term stability Wh...

When raising funds for a new project, are you factoring in operating costs? What type of board and investment committee members do you recruit? How has spending and investing changed in 2022? These are just some of the questions nonprofit leaders are asking today. In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Dr. Jim Reynolds, president at Millikin University. Having worked in higher education for over three decades, Dr. Reynolds shares his experience in advancing an organization’s mis...

Fundraising, both on a small and large scale, can be difficult when markets are down, and there is global turmoil. In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Brian Gawor, CFRE, vice president of research at Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL) and host of the Fundraising Voices Podcast. Brian shares actionable strategies to boost donor engagement and achieve better outcomes for fundraising campaigns. You will learn: Six variables of the “fundraising equation” that nonprofit leaders should kno...

With high inflation, slowing growth, volatile capital markets, and political unrest in Eastern Europe, it’s time for our second Quarterly Quick Take of 2022. In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Brad Long, CFA®, partner and deputy chief investment officer at Fiducient Advisors. They discuss the current and future outlook for capital markets, the U.S. economy, and international trends. You will learn: Portfolio positioning under current inflationary pressures Market and econom...

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...

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...

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 hi...

Effective governance is key to a nonprofit’s success. It provides strategic direction to your organization. There are multiple factors to consider — board and committee structures, decision-making authority, and investment policies, to name a few. In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Julia Boisvert, a member of Murtha Cullina LLP’s Health Care and Tax-Exempt Organizations Practice Groups. Together, they help nonprofit leaders improve their governance structure and overall oper...

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...

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 e...

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 fin...

With looming interest rate hikes, market corrections, and ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, it’s time for our first Quarterly Quick Take of 2022. In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Brad Long, partner, and deputy chief investment officer at Fiducient Advisors. They provide timely insights into the current economic and market conditions, both in the U.S. and abroad. You will learn: How rising interest rates can influence equity valuations Potential economic repercussions of...

There may come a time when your nonprofit experiences a large inflow of cash. For some organizations, this happens when they’re not expecting it at all! In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with David Piccerelli, president at WSBE Rhode Island PBS and a client of Fiducient Advisors, who has experience in managing an endowment that went from zero to $80 million overnight. You will learn: The first step you should take before investing your newfound wealth How to have an investment ...

Inflation, interest rates, upcoming midterm elections… There are so many variables that can impact your nonprofit’s investment portfolio in 2022. In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Bob Doll, CFA, chief investment officer at Crossmark Global Investments, Inc. Bob Doll makes calculated predictions and forecasts on what will drive U.S. equity markets and the global economy. You will learn: Why endowments and foundations might expect stocks to earn half as much going forward Ex...

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 o...

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 migh...

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...

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 valua...

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: ...

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...