Nonprofit on the Rocks

Tis the season of giving--giving thanks, giving gifts, and giving money to your favorite charities. To help you “navigate” the complex charitable giving landscape, Matt talks to renaissance man, Michael Thatcher, the CEO of the nonprofit rating website, Charity Navigator. The pair discuss what makes a “good nonprofit;” how you measure impact; and the importance of strong leadership. They also delve into how you incorporate feedback into management; the possibility of a 360 review of Executive Directors; and the never-ending debate surrounding the controversial “80/20” rule that arbitrarily governs nonprofits' financials. And did you know they recently launched a program called “Causeway” that allows you to give to “cause” instead of a single charity? It's essentially a mutual fund that spreads your donation to multiple orgs supporting the same mission. Whether you're a donor looking for where and how to give, or a nonprofit looking for how to get more traction or accurate information about your org on the site, this show has it all!

In this lively and heartfelt episode, Matt dives deep into the world of nonprofit with his longtime pal, Dr. Cid Pinedo, President and CEO of the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation. Cid shares his inspiring journey from aspiring priesthood in East LA to becoming the CEO of MAOF; his passion for helping under-resourced communities; the importance of serving with dignity; the challenges with government funding for nonprofits; and discovering the surprising love seniors have for Zumba! Along the way, the friends share plenty of laughs, sips of tequila and bourbon, and heartfelt anecdotes about life's detours, the audacity of confidence, and the profound impact of helping others. Whether you're into nonprofit work, curious about Sid's billion-dollar dreams for MAOF, or just need some inspiration—and a laugh—this episode is for you! SHOW NOTES: 00:00 Opening quote from Cid 00:21 Meet Your Host and Producer: Matt and Ashley 01:18 Celebrating Growth and Success 02:13 Family and Listener Engagement 03:41 Surviving the Heatwave 04:51 Matt's Radio Face and Sid's Introduction 06:09 A Heartfelt Conversation with Sid 07:20 Sid's Journey into Nonprofit Work 10:35 The Importance of Impact and Service 18:02 Balancing Leadership and Connection 21:16 Guiding Principles and Mentorship 31:10 Mentorship and Unexpected Opportunities 33:03 Creating a Welcoming Environment as a Leader 34:48 Ambitious Growth Plans for MAOF 38:34 Balancing Growth and Quality of Service 41:10 Engaging and Motivating Board Members 49:43 Challenges with Government Funding 54:07 Overview of MAOF's Services and Impact 57:33 Final Thoughts and Inspirational Messages

Matt talks to Jenny Mitchell, CEO, nonprofit coach, and author of “Embracing Ambition: Empowering Women to Step Out, be Seen and Lead.” The pair discuss the nitty-gritty of fundraising, including mastering the art of uncomfortable conversations and how to stay motivated and confidant when things aren't going your way. If you've ever thought about starting your own coaching business or wondered if it's time to bring in a coach, we've got you covered. Plus, Jenny reveals that "compassion" literally means “to suffer alongside.” Who knew suffering could be so... comforting?

This episode is all about boards! Matt talks all things board related with two experts, Jonathan Zeichner and Amy Friedman. All three of the voices on this episode have served as founders, executive directors, board members, and in the case of Matt and Jonathan: consultants. They have seen and experienced “the big board picture” from all angles and perspectives. They know, first hand, the good, the bad, and yes: the ugly. The three share stories from personal experience as well as answer questions from listeners looking to learn more about how to navigate the sometimes-rough terrain of board culture. Matt and Jonathan also talk about Envision Consulting's newest project: “Board Builders,” a subscription service that is a literal “one stop shop” for all your board service needs, from finding board members, to onboarding and mentoring both them and the staff that supports them.

Matt talks to Ed O'Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation. The pair dive into everything from how a president, whose face is carved on Mount Rushmore, doesn't already have a library, to how one goes about starting and fundraising for, such a massive project. Additionally, they explore the conservation movement that TR started and the bipartisan support he, and the library named in his honor, have garnered in a divided Congress; the importance of knowing when it's time to walk away (and, conversely, when it's important to stay) Ed also sheds light on working for the Emmy winning Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown and discusses his newly published book, “The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt: the Women who Created a President”

Matt talks to Samia Lemfadli, Founder and CEO of Change Food for Good, a New York City-based nonprofit organization dedicated to making sustainable agricultural technology more accessible to areas affected by food insecurity. The pair discuss both the necessary mindset and practical steps one needs in order to start a nonprofit; how sustainable agriculture addresses food insecurity; how to make a big impact, even on a small budget. And climbing mountains, both figurative and literal!

Matt talks this week to The Rev. Matt Hackworth, a member of senior leadership for L'Arche USA, an organization committed to helping people with and without intellectual disabilities to live in community, together. Matt and Matt come from drastically different backgrounds. Matt Kamin is a Jewish, native Californian. Matt Hackworth is a Christian Reverend from the South. However, the two share a love for spirituality, a strong compulsion for humanitarianism, and a shared compassion for those with intellectual disabilities. Tune in to this thoughtful conversation which centers largely on the overlap of religion and nonprofit work. (Religious organizations typically receive the largest share of charitable donations [around 30%] each year.) And the mission work of many religious organizations connects congregations with nonprofits globally. They also touch on the importance of hiring people with differences and the gifts and opportunities that are missed when people are overlooked.

Join host, Matt Kamin, as he talks to Patricia Ostiller, CEO of Cancer Support Community, a nonprofit that uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities and breaking down barriers to care. Normally, Matt likes to “Mattsplain” the listeners, educating them on various elements of nonprofit leadership, but in this episode, Patricia took the reins! She “Patriciasplained,” in depth, just how she was able to lead a 3.8 million dollar capital campaign for a new building (you read that right) as well as enlightened us about how to engage your board and hold them accountable with contracts and scorecards. And Matt and Patricia share thoughts on the challenges of fundraising and reaching donors. Hints: be fearless and take “no” as “not right now.”

“ED or Not to ED,” a spirited guide to taking nonprofit center stage and knowing when to take a bow. Matt talks to Dawn L. Brown, CEO of the EmpowHER Institute, an organization that empowers girls and young women in marginalized communities by giving them the skills necessary through education, training and mentorship to become confident, college, and career-ready. The pair focus on being an executive director; how to get there, what it takes when you do, and how to know when it's time to step away. Dawn talks about the mentors who inspired her and also breaks down DEI, defining what each component really means and how to actually implement systemic change, not just use the popular term. And Matt reveals the secret to getting more of those little bottles of booze on the airplane.

Host and Envision Consulting co-founder, Matt Kamin, talks to producer Ashley Waterson about the upcoming new season and new format of the podcast that brings happy hour interviews with nonprofit leaders, directly to the listener.

Join host, Matt Kamin, as he talks to OG badass do-gooder and lifetime advocate for the under-served, Mary Jane Wagle, co-founder of W.O.R.K.S. (Women Organizing Resources, Knowledge and Services) an organization that provides quality, affordable housing and services to the underprivileged. Matt and Mary Jane discuss all things Founder-related, from how to stick through the hard times and when to throw in the towel. They take questions from listeners ranging from what to do when a founder won't step away to how to make a succession plan for one who is leaving; what do when a founder is misappropriating funds, to recognizing when it's time to pave the way for a BIPOC leader. And Matt reveals how he founded his first non-profit in an effort to find a boyfriend. (Spoiler alert: it worked.)

Matt and producer, Ashley Waterson, return from a long hiatus to discuss the upcoming new season of the show! New Season. New Format. Same Quality. Same Fun.

In this highly anticipated episode, Matt talks to his Envision Consulting co-founder and nonprofit expert, Allison Fuller. The pair discuss their long history with nonprofit and each other, relaying hilarious and poignant stories. Listeners are also treated to an expert clinic on nonprofit management, discussing everything from: what DEI truly means, to do's and don'ts of the interview process--including their favorite questions to ask candidates and the answers they want (and don't want) to hear.

Matt talks to Omi Crawford, Director of Law Rocks, a nonprofit whose mission is to promote music education for underprivileged youth and raise funds for local nonprofit organizations by combining the power of music and the generosity of the global legal community. The pair discuss the challenge of keeping an event-driven nonprofit afloat during the pandemic shutdown, whether or not celebrities are actually “silver bullets” of fundraising, the trials and travails of working parents – especially those running nonprofits, and how many lawyers are secret, undercover rock stars.

Matt talks to Edward Amey, CEO of Jay Nolan Community Services, an organization that supports children and adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. The pair discuss the mutually beneficial value of hiring adults with disabilities; what it takes to be the CEO of a nonprofit; the importance of having a supportive life partner; and why it took Matt getting chewed out by a client with a disability to realize, “Hey! They really ARE just like us!”

Matt talks to Tamika Farr, CEO of Pathways LA, a nonprofit that supports the healthy development and school readiness of young children from disadvantaged communities. The pair discuss the dual challenge of low-income families trying to afford childcare AND the inability for many childcare providers to make a living wage. They delve into the importance of negotiating a fair salary when starting a new job and the importance of fundraising when running a nonprofit. They remind listeners that childcare providers are not just babysitters, and that Guidestar can be used for more than just stalking other people's salaries.

Matt talks to Erin Huber Rosen, founder and executive director of Drink Local, Drink Tap, a nonprofit based in Cleveland, Ohio dedicated to improving water equity through projects, programming and partnerships because they believe access to clean water is a human right. The pair discuss what can be done on both a macro and micro scale to improve the sustainability of water and the environment. And Matt, once again, gets chastised for using single-use plastic and taking long showers (twice a day).

Matt talks to Bobbi Abram, CEO of the Pasadena City College Foundation. The pair discuss everything from the college's 30 million dollar grant from Mackenzie Scott to why Bobbi's (and Ashley's) longtime home town, Kansas City, is located in two states. They debate the merits of getting a college degree at all, and they reveal how when they first met, Bobbi thought Matt had “an overabundance of chutzpah.” (She was not wrong!)

Matt talks to Jamie Zavala, Executive Director of ArtworxLA, whose mission is to combat the epidemic high school dropout crisis by engaging students in arts programs that inspire them to stay in school and flourish as creative adults. The pair discuss the positive impact the arts can have on impressionable teens, the patience the interview process takes, and the importance of being your most authentic self. Matt also makes it his mission to find Jamie a suitable suitor!

Matt talks to Genevieve Riutort, the new CEO of the Westside Food Bank in Santa Monica, California, an organization whose mission is to end hunger in our communities by providing access to free nutritious food through food acquisition and distribution, and by engaging the community and advocating for a strong food assistance network. With a global pandemic, inflation on the rise, and a scarcity of infant formula on the shelves, WSFB's services have rarely been needed more than they are right now. Genevieve talks about the importance and impact of food banks, the best ways to help with food insecurity, and about her own journey from someone who needed food assistance herself, to now helping others. She also talks about her role as female CEO of color and how women should embrace their “*Inner Chad” (*TM Kim Peterson S2:E2) to get what they deserve.

Matt talks to Liz Lin, President of the LAFD Foundation, an organization whose mission is to supplement the fire department's budget by providing first responders with essential equipment, new technology, and educational resources that would otherwise go unfunded. The duo discusses the growing challenges faced by the LAFD as a result of the pandemic and the increase of wildfires in recent years; things people can do to better prepare themselves and their homes from fire danger, how robots are helping fight fires, and how learning all the acronyms the FD uses is like learning a foreign language. And, Matt learns a very special lesson: that firemen are so much more than just shirtless calendar eye candy.

Matt talks to Jasmin Shupper, Founder of the Greenline Foundation, an organization committed to combating redlining by trying to close the racial wealth gap and facilitate access to the wealth-building that home ownership affords, by giving grants to qualified people of color for down payments and home maintenance assistance. The pair discuss the role systemic racism has played in keeping people of color (and other minorities) from having equal opportunity when it comes to access to homeownership; their common bond in having kick ass grandmothers who broke through nearly insurmountable barriers to become champions for minority home and land ownership; and what they would say to Oprah should she listen to this interview!

Matt talks to Shelby Williams-Gonzalez, President and CEO of Inner-City Arts in downtown Los Angeles, an organization that believes in the transformational power of the arts, and whose mission is to engage young people in the creative process in order to shape a society of creative, confident and collaborative individuals. The pair discuss the transition from artist to executive; how to build a strong team; the delicate balance a good leader strikes between delegation and ownership; and, most importantly, from where the term “shitfaced” is derived.

Matt talks to Lori Laqua, Managing Director of the SMUIN Contemporary Ballet Company in San Francisco. The pair discuss the state and importance of the performing arts and artistic expression; the changing landscape of how we consume art; and how and what it means to have a career in the arts. The two also share a mutual appreciation for men in tights.

Matt talks to Molly Snow, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Los Angeles, a nonprofit that empowers the next generation of women through sport and mentorship, building confidence and developing social emotional skills that will benefit girls for a lifetime. The pair discuss the importance of positive self-talk, how executive directors have to wear many hats in order to be successful, and ways to find joy during the pandemic. They also reminisce about the days before social media, when a Texas Instrument calculator was the height of technology.

Matt talks to Michele Broadnax, CEO of the Los Angeles Education Partnership, a 38year-old educational equity nonprofit organization. primarily partnering with LAUSD, bringing forward education transformation from “diapers to diplomas.” The pair discuss the importance of being a good fundraiser, how to best support teachers and your colleagues during the pandemic, and how being a mediocre student doesn't keep you from being successful. Plus, Matt “Mattsplains” how to best use celebrities to advance your organization.

Matt talks to Rhea Wong, nonprofit consultant, fundraising expert and host of her own popular podcast – and yes, Nonprofit on the Rocks competitor, The Nonprofit Lowdown. The pair discuss topics ranging from the importance of “The Ask,” how to engage your board in the fundraising plight, rethinking the rubber chicken gala, and how they can combine forces to take down those pesky “church podcasts.” And as this is a “cross-over” event episode, and Rhea is going to air her own version of this episode on her podcast, they pair “flip the script,” and Rhea interviews Matt about Envision Consulting and his own nonprofit journey. It's a great opportunity for listeners to learn more about our fabulous host and what he does and why!

Matt talks to Julie Lacouture, fundraising strategist and founder of Good Ways, Inc. a consulting firm that helps nonprofits raise money, awareness and supporting digital tools. (She also co-hosts the podcast, “How We Run: Tips and Tales of Nonprofit Success” with Trent Stamp, but since they're a competitor, we won't mention that again.) The pair discuss topics ranging from, “what makes a good ask?” to “how and when to approach your donors.”

Matt talks to Heidi Johnson, founder of Charity Matters, a nonprofit (and podcast) whose mission is to share the fascinating stories of innovators, entrepreneurs, and modern-day heroes who set out to solve the problems of humanity with their incredible journeys of service. After tragedy struck Heidi's life, she was struck with the notion that the best way through her grief was to get outside of herself by helping others. And thus, a life of service, and connecting people to causes, began.

Matt talks to Elissa Barrett, Esq. Executive Director of the Western Justice Center, an organization that empowers people to strengthen their communities and build a healthy democracy by growing their conflict resolution skills, providing a much-needed, ”antidote to the politics of division gripping our nation.” The pair discuss a wide range of complex topics and challenges facing our society such as, bridging the growing divide in our country, the importance of diversity hiring, and the evolving LGBTQIA+ experience.

Matt talks to Laurel Mintz, Founder and CEO of “Elevate my Brand,” a digital and experiential agency that helps corporate and nonprofit businesses alike to, as promised, “elevate their brand.” Laurel dishes up her “secret sauce” to our listeners, helping them recognize the importance of setting a marketing budget and strategy, planning for events early, utilizing cross-promotions and multi-channel marketing platforms, and avoiding the dreaded “rubber chicken” gala dinners.

Matt talks to Afam Onyema, the founder and CEO of GEANCO, a family foundation, inspired by his father's promise to improve healthcare and save lives in his homeland, Nigeria. GEANCO saves and transform lives in Nigeria; fights disease and disability through free complex surgeries and maternal health and safe delivery; fights ignorance and gender inequality through the education and social support of young female victims of terrorism and sexism. Oh, and Oprah is a donor. Yes, THAT Oprah.

Missed an episode in the last two seasons? No worries! Matt and Ashley walk you through some of the highlights of the first two seasons in this informative and entertaining half episode, or "halfy"

Matt talks to Jim Elliott, founder of Diveheart, an organization that provides support educational scuba diving programs to any child, adult or veteran with a disability, with the hope of providing both physical and psychological therapeutic value to that person. Joining Matt and Jim is Ron Rispoli, a Diveheart board member and recreation therapist, educating and introducing young adults with severe physical disabilities to adaptive leisure activities, including scuba diving. Ron is also, himself, a Paralympic athlete in archery, having lost the use of his right arm in a childhood accident. The gentlemen discuss how Jim and Ron each discovered Diveheart and the incredible effects that water therapy can have on all types of individuals. Matt reveals that he is an epileptic, and thus is unable to dive per his doctor's orders—but in the future, he may be a *guinea pig to help researchers better understand his condition and how water therapy can help. The guys also explore why boards are important, what “in-kind donations” are, and define exactly to what “Chicagoland” refers.

Matt talks to Elena Brokaw, Executive Director of the Museum of Ventura County (and despite what her LinkedIn profile might say, she is the official--not the “interim” --director) The pair discuss why Elena loves working for nonprofit, how she and her team saved the museum from imminent closure, how working for Parks & Rec in real life is nothing like the TV show, as well as Elena's ambition to be discovered as “Annie” when she was growing up on an avocado farm.

Matt talks to Dr. Kristen Greer-Paglia, CEO of P.S. ARTS, an organization that provides high quality arts education in dance, theater, music and visual arts to children in underfunded school districts that lack access to the arts. Among the many topics covered, the pair explore how the arts and art therapy are vital to recognizing the different ways we express ourselves and communicate. They discuss the importance of treating all people with dignity, humanity and respect. And Kristen's 50th birthday plans to recreate Dirty Dancing – she and Matt are going to do “the lift” (Matt will be jumping and Kristen will be lifting.)

Matt talks to Ed Tepporn—himself an immigrant, immigrating from Thailand to Texas in the 1970s, the Executive Director of the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation, a former U.S. immigration Station that now serves to preserve the rich stories of Pacific Coast immigrants (from 80 different countries) and share them through educational initiatives and public programs. As Ed says, “connecting the history of the past with what's happening today and in the future.” The gentlemen discuss the spike in xenophobia, anti-immigration sentiments, and racism towards Asian-Americans in this country as a result of the pandemic. They decry their mutual challenges of being “otherized” as gay men—and for Ed, gay and Asian—and celebrate the wins of the right to marry their husbands and the legal protections marriage affords, as well as commend the contributions and positive impact of immigrants on US society and culture.

Matt talks to Amy Turk, CEO of the Downtown Women's Center in Los Angeles, an organization whose mission is to end homelessness for women in greater Los Angeles through housing, wellness, employment, and advocacy. The pair discuss the importance of trauma informed care and the mindset shift from, “what's wrong with this person?” to, “what happened to this person?” They debate the merits of homeless shelters vs. permanent housing solutions, and celebrate the presence of the long overdue conversation about how systemic racism can lead to homelessness. We also learn that Amy considers researchers to be celebrities and both Matt and Amy warn listeners about the dangerous pitfalls of the “reply all” email.

Matt and Ashley reveal the results of the Twitter poll as to what to call the show's followers, debate what a unicorn smells like and whether or not podcast awards are called "poddies;" introduce "Mattsplains Across America," and discuss the very real challenge of having to wear pants to work again in a post-pandemic era.

Matt talks to Fran Reilly, executive director of News Leaders Association in Washington, DC., a n organization that provides a network of support for journalists, especially helping new journalists develop leadership skills through mentoring and networking. Matt and Fran discuss the changing landscape of journalism; the rise of online readership and the concurrent rise of sources that lack credibility; the increase of a need to protect the free press, and how to successfully fundraise—even during challenging times.

Matt talks to Nick Arquette (yup, he's one of those Arquettes) the founder of Walk with Sally, an organization dedicated to supporting people—especially children—who have lost a loved one to cancer. Nick's mom died of cancer when he was a teenager and the impact of that lost changed his life forever. As a result, he has dedicated much of his life to helping make sure others who experience this tragedy are not alone in their journey through grief.

Matt talks to Mark Loranger, President and CEO of Chrysalis, a nonprofit devoted to helping people overcome barriers to employment and find and retain jobs. The gentlemen discuss topics ranging from viable ways to help stem the homeless crisis in this country, as well as whether or not Matt's Botox injections will make him look like George Hamilton in 10 years and if people working at foundations can outdrink them or not.

Matt talks to Kim Peterson, Vice President of Change Management at Aviva Family and Children's Services. What is Change Management, you ask? We asked Kim that question, too. Tune in for the detailed response. Matt and Kim also talk about DEI (or is it EDI?) and what nonprofits could be doing better, and reminisce about their bygone days of clubbing in West Hollywood. This episode has it all.

Matt talks to his high school pal, Jen Levy, the founder and Executive Director of the Beverly Hills Community Farm, an organization that cultivates greater health and well-being, by growing local food with hands-on community involvement. Jen advocates for sustainability via hydroponic farming, shorter showers, the elimination of single-use plastic and trying sorrel (aka “lemonade in a leaf”) Matt advocates for drinking Four Roses bourbon, the elimination of flushing after just peeing, and for voting for David as the hottest of all the 90210 guys.

Matt talks to Wendy Carpenter, CEO of Penny Lane, a nonprofit that helps empower children, youth and families by providing essential services to help them reach their highest potential. Wendy talks about how challenges in her childhood helped prepare her for the work she does today, and the importance and power of empathy. Matt shares the importance of not firing someone with the door closed, unless you're the closest to the door or an open window from which you can escape. This episode is full of both heart and humor; don't miss it!

Matt talks to Lisa Stein, CFAO of Story Corps, New York City resident, and our first East Coast guest! The pair talk about everything from life in the Big Apple, to life after the pandemic; questions to ask a potential board member, to questions Matt and Phillip's dog psychic answered for them. Yup, you read that right. Story Corps is the largest archive of oral history in the US, with stories stored in the Library of Congress. Will this conversation be among them? Time will tell.

Matt talks to the legendary Patti Paniccia, former professional surfer, and co-founder of the women's pro tour, a lawyer, a champion for gender equality, a broadcast journalist, a law professor, and mother of two. So, basically a slacker. Matt and Patti talk about her ground-breaking careers, her biggest successes and most terrifying wipeout, how far women have come in sports (and how far they still have to go), as well as cover hard-hitting topics, like referring to Malibu as “the bu,” and whether or not surfers really pee in their wet suits.

Matt talks to Mark Waterson, the well-dressed CEO of the Convalescent Aid Society, a Pasadena nonprofit that loans free, durable medical equipment. The guys discuss what it takes to be a nonprofit executive, what brings them joy at work in 2020, and whether or not Mark is a Speedo guy.

Matt talks to Iliana Tavera, Executive Director at Haven Hillls, a nonprofit that provides shelter and services for domestic violence survivors and their families. They reminisce about their shared experience being young EDs (a loooong time ago), the things they love the most about their jobs, and what they find the most difficult (and what their spouses find the most difficult) They also explore how the pandemic has impacted domestic violence and the organizations that work with survivors of it.

Matt talks to Carlyne Ervin, VP of HR at Chrysalis, an organization who's philosophy is that a steady job is a key step in a person's transition out of poverty and onto a pathway to self-sufficiency.

Matt talks to Carlyne Erivin, VP of HR at Chrysalis, transitioning people from poverty to self-sufficiency. Topics range from how to start your career in HR to craziest termination stories, to Matt demonstrating how NOT to behave if you want to keep your job.