Q: I'm the Executive Director of the Fresno Nonprofit Advancement Council and I would like to figure out how to add podcasts to our website and links to podcasts on our partners' websites.

Patrick O'Heffernan responds:

So, you want to start a podcast? Well, fortunately, not only is it easy and inexpensive, there is lots of advice on the web on how to do it. 

Before I give you a list of websites that can take you step by step through the process, my advice is to use a Mac. Apple's Macintosh computers are designed for podcasting: they come with the software built–in (GarageBand) and a hosting service (iWeb) that does it all for you. You will need:

• A microphone
If your PC came with a Creative or Labtec microphone , you can use that but you should get a good microphone.  You can buy an adequate mic at a computer store for $15 -$20 or you can spend up to $100. In general, the quality of the microphone is the most important determinant of the quality of your sound.  Also, get a small table-top stand for it and a breath cover or screen to eliminate that "breathless effect".

• A connecting cable
You need to get a cable if the mic does not come with one that plugs into the jack in your computer.  Or, if it does but it is the wrong size, you will need an adapter.  RadioShack should have everything you need.

• Software
If you use a Mac, it comes with GarageBand, which has a podcast element.  If you use a PC, try WebPod Studio for Windows or Audacity (which you can download here).

• Headphones
Good ones.  You will appreciate them.

• A Podcast host
If you use a Mac, just sing up for iWeb and follow the instructions to set up a podcast host. It costs about $100 a year. If you use a PC, try Podbean. It is free and easy.

• A quiet room
...with lots of soft surfaces that absorb sound. Don't forget to turn off your phone when you start a recording!

• Something to say
It helps to outline or even script your podcast, at least a first.

For step by step, check out these sites:
- http://www.jakeludington.com/podcasting/20050222_recording_a_podcast.html
- http://www.macworld.com/2005/04/secrets/junecreate/index.php
- http://www.howtostartapodcast.com/
 

Q: I am setting up a non-profit scholarship foundation aimed at teaching students with learning disabilities. We are at the point where we need to structure a sliding scale for the scholarships. How do we go about setting something like that up?

Patrick O'Heffernan responds:

First, establish the criteria. Colleges often use the following data:
* Household income
* Existing savings for college
* Outside earnings (summer jobs, campus jobs)
* Other aid (fellowships, salary for serving as a lab tech or teaching associate
* Athletic scholarships
* Major

These are a good place to start. 

Depending on your objectives, you might add in or substitute gender, sexual orientation, disability and/or race. Don't forget to check with your attorney that recent legal decisions will not impact your effort.

When you have determined which criteria can best achieve your objectives (such as "encourage women of color from lower income families to obtain degrees in engineering"), determine metrics and assign points to your criteria to determine the amount of the scholarship. In the example above, your sliding scale might look like this this:
 
Family income:
* $0 - $30k/year = 5 points
* $31k - $40K = 4 points
* $41k - $55k = 3 points
* $56k - $65K = 2 points
* Over $65k = 0 points

Financial criteria:
* College savings (set up point scale)
* Outside earnings (set up point scale)
* Other aid (set up point scale)
* Athletic scholarships (set up point scale)
etc.

Then allocate your scholarships based on points; the more points the more aid.