The Kids Table: Presented by Pond

Between pandemic fatigue, crises abound, and a troubling economy to boot - fundraisers are stressed like never before. Join us for our practical pep talk during The Raise More Together Summit. Three “All-Stars” from our podcast will walk you through how to claim your power as a nonprofit fundraiser. From recognizing non-traditional sources of power to approaching tough conversations, we will cover it all. While making sure you're taking care of yourself along the way. 

The Community Centric Fundraising movement was born from a 2015 article published by nonprofit thought leader Vu Le calling for folks to rethink donor-centric nonprofit models. Since then thousands of fundraisers have contributed to the movement that provides thought leadership, community & support for evolving models of fundraising & philanthropy. Their values & findings can enhance any nonprofit's fundraising practices and we'll walk through many of them in this session with CCF Leaders Michelle Flores Vryn & Marisa DeSalles. 

“We'll never have enough money for that” is just too common a mantra in nonprofit work. The fear of never having enough money actually drives worse financial decision making and a toxic short term focus. What if we started from a place of “what do we need to reach our goals” and then plan a business model to provide for those needs? Join us to learn how to effectively transition from a place of scarcity to abundance in your mindset, strategy & financial planning. 

Nonprofit leaders so often feel like they're burning the candle at both ends - jobs rooted in care for others can be incredibly draining and require serious mental health care. The missions we are on are monumental - so we need a more sustainable approach to achieve real change. Join us to learn how to avoid burnout within your team by creating a supportive culture.

No one can argue with helping sick kids or puppies, but what do you do when you're fundraising for a cause that isn't so agreeable? Many nonprofits are agitators for positive change that can be unpopular with many groups. Join us to  jumpstart your inner activist: staying true to your values while still raising a lot of money! 

On this episode of The Kids Table, we're talking to Jamila Harris-Morrison, Executive Director of ACHIEVEability- an organization that has been breaking cycles of poverty in her community for over 40 years.  Jamila has great advice for how to show up authentically while tackling personally-relevant challenges. This conversation had great lessons on building trust, developing partnerships, and establishing goals that help a community-driven organization do its best work.

Today's guest is Ariel Schwartz, Managing Director of the Center for Social Impact Strategy at the University of Pennsylvania. As a social researcher and self-proclaimed “perpetual student,” Ariel's deep understanding of the impact world combines both academic and practical insights to inspire ambitious change-making. As Ariel put it, social impact work is an “act of hope” intended to improve a world that we know could be so much better. Stay tuned for key learnings about community collaboration, the role of nonprofits, and how all of us can make a positive impact every day.

My guest today is Dan Lammot, Co-Founder and CEO of Threshold.World- and avid surfer- currently living in Puerto Rico by way of Philadelphia. Dan has founded multiple technology companies all aimed at doing good in the world- or in his words: “help people stand a little taller and walk a little straighter:” as his dad used to do as an orthopedic surgeon. Although Dan may not describe himself this way, he's a serial entrepreneur- he's built companies, sold them, and rebuilt more. From this experience's he's learned so much that he shared with us during our chat: how to collaborate, how to stay flexible, and how to make better decisions as an organization. This one was a great conversation about the intersection of cloud technology, impact, and leadership: hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 

Today we're talking with a  special guest: Dr. Jennifer Beer. She's an expert on negotiation, conflict resolution, and mediation. She also spent  20 years teaching negotiations at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. What Jenny knows about negotiating through power dynamics could fill a book- literally- as she wrote the industry standard book on mediation, but we squeezed in as much of her knowledge as possible in this hour. Hope you enjoy! 

Native to Philadelphia,  Perry has spent his entire career in nonprofit and impact work: researching, funding, and working alongside all kinds of organizations: particularly those that impact LGBTQIA+ communities. We covered all kinds of tension points: being gay when it wasn't exactly supported, should people in impact actually go get a higher ed degree, the importance of money (and when you don't make enough of it in nonprofits)- the list goes on. This one was a great balance of the academic, the personal, and the practical: enjoy! 

Today we're talking to Katrina Keating, Executive Director of the Community Center at Visitation. Katrina will be the first to tell you- she's the quintessential outsider in the community she serves: she didn't grow up there, and she came to the center armed with exactly 0 years of nonprofit leadership experience. But with honesty, humility, and a lot of grace, Katrina has grown into her role- and impacted the community in real, moving ways. If you're feeling like an imposter- or not sure if you're doing things right- Katrina's story is a refreshing take on how to approach your work head-on. Hope you enjoy this one! 

Today we're talking with Cory Donovan, Executive Director of Impact PHL. Cory founded ImpactPHL on the fundamental assumption that most people want to do good in the world- but they might be unwittingly approaching it the wrong way- especially when it comes to their investments. Cory challenges people to re-think the idea of doing good with one hand, while investing with the other- and instead challenges people to think about investment as a fundamental vehicle to do good (AND create value). Pull up a chair- and maybe be inspired to re-think where your money sleeps at night. 

Today's guest is Morgan Berman, Executive Director of Life Science Cares Philadelphia. Morgan is an internationally-recognized, award-winning entrepreneur who has been recognized by The United Nations Foundation as one of the Top 10 Female Entrepreneurs to watch. In addition to her Executive Director role, she's the founder of Glitter: an app that pays people to pick up litter. Pull up a chair for a master class on bringing an entrepreneurial mindset to social impact. 

Today we're talking with Margaret Berger Bradley, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Ben Franklin Technology. She describes herself as a community investor- and throughout her entire career, she's focused on using markets, assets, and- yes- MONEY- to create impact. We talk about how investments and impact can actually be in the same pocket- and how, as Margaret puts it, “we're all just catching up with the nuns” when it comes to thinking about bringing money and impact together. 

Today we're talking to Patrick Calihan- Executive Director of Tech Impact. Patrick left his corporate gig at Discover, a company with tens-of-thousands of employees, to his current company with ten people- all with the mission of demystifying tech for the Executive Directors of nonprofits. Patrick has the unique perspective on the differences- and misunderstandings- between for-profit and nonprofit industries, and how we can align better across all sectors for a better world. Hope you enjoy this one!

Mitch talks to Eddie Izzary, Community Impact Lead at Social Venture Partners, Philadelphia. Eddie is a powerful example of how being exactly who you are can translate into powerful leadership: she began her work in the front-lines of community-based nonprofits, working with Philadelphia communities dealing with drugs and human trafficking. She then transitioned to the foundation side, where she uses her own experience and skills to organizations accountable for fighting poverty. Pull up a chair and get inspired to use your own superpowers for impact! 

On this episode of The Kids Table, we're talking to Terrill Haigler, better known as “YaFavTrashman” to his 30,000 followers on Instagram. Terrill is a former sanitation worker in Philadelphia who has used his voice, charisma and influence to advocate for sanitation work - and all other essential workers- in Philadelphia and surrounding communities. We hope you'll enjoy this conversation with the self-proclaimed “Beyonce of Trash-” and maybe learn something about how to turn social media fame into real impact.

On this episode of the Classroom Edition, we're learning where donations are going in the future- and (spoiler alert!) it's somewhere digital. From cryptocurrency, to stocks, non-cash donations are growing- and we're here to help you get comfortable with the next generation of giving. Pull up a (virtual!) chair, and let's get started.

Today we're talking about one of the most powerful tools in donor engagement: data. Donor data can help guide your decisions, but not all organizations are set up to use it to their maximum advantage. Our guests cover everything from finding the right CRM, using data to engage with donors, and even some things you might not be thinking about, like staying on top of data privacy. Get ready to make the most of your donor discovery tools!

Today we're covering one of our most fun topics yet: all things Gen Z. Not on TikTok? Never heard of Twitch? Never fear: our guests today are experts on engaging the next generation of your organization's most important donors, content creators, and - as one of our guests suggested - your future Junior Board members.

Today we're talking about impact tracking: we know great outcomes lead to more funding, but sometimes capturing those outcomes can feel like an impossible puzzle.  And even if you don't think you're a data person, in this day and age, data is for everybody.  Make  impact tracking less mysterious and more tangible, with easy to implement tactics and strategies that can get you on your way to measuring your impact today.  

This episode's topic: something we've all probably dealt with in one way or another since 2020: keeping hybrid teams aligned. If you're working remotely, working in a hybrid model, or not really sure how you'll be working in the near future, our panel of experts cover how to keep your team feeling connected even when you don't always see each other in person. 

We know it's scary to decide on technology investments, but we've invited some pros to the table today to tell us how to be efficient and strategic with your process from start to finish. Whether you're deciding on a new software, have been gifted some technology by a donor, or you're trying to get your Board on board - we've got some solutions for you. ⁣

Today we're covering something that almost everyone has been talking about: hiring. If you're struggling to fill openings in this difficult hiring environment- and a lot of us are- this team of experts will help you take a step back to review your recruitment and hiring process. Pull up a chair, and then walk away ready to find your perfect match! 

Today's episode covers a common occupational hazard for nonprofit leaders: rejection. And one of the biggest sources for rejection? Grants. Our industry experts talk through tactics, technology, and advice to make the most of your investment in grant fundraising - while also protecting your mental health. 

On this episode, we cover how to not lose steam when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion within your organization: including how to involve your board,  how advocate for yourself, and even red flags to watch for when it comes to incorporating DEI practices. Pull up a chair! 

Today's conversation hits on a timely topic in the age of The Great Resignation: professional development and team culture. We cover how to make your professional development plans and team culture resignation-proof with a team of experts. So pull up a chair- and stay awhile, please! 

They're the secret weapon of nonprofits: volunteers. Today we cover how to bring them in, manage them, and keep them coming back with a team of experts who give us tips and tricks for managing your volunteer base like a pro. 

Jonny Imerman has some good life advice that he learned the hard way: sometimes you don't need to fight to find your purpose. Often times, it finds you.As a serial entrepreneur, Imerman has many missions, and the first one found him when he was diagnosed with cancer at age 26. His experience led him to found Imerman's Angels, an organization dedicated to supporting cancer patients by pairing them with cancer survivors as mentors - so no one fights alone.Imerman has gone on to start other nonprofits - including one that helps nonprofits make their swag more swag-y, and brings curiosity, passion, and fun to everything he touches. Pull up a chair to feel what it's like when a serial entrepreneur collides with the impact space.

What's it like to work on a problem you don't think will ever be solved - especially when that problem makes you really, really angry? Alex Roque is the President and Executive Director of the Ali Forney Center, the nation's largest center dedicated to helping the LGBTQ homeless community. Having been raised by nonprofits himself, he couldn't imagine doing other work - but he also doesn't see an end to the prejudice  that drives members of the LGBTQ community out of their homes. How do you keep going when you're not optimistic about a solution? Pull up a chair to find out. 

Remember when you got your first computer? Josue De Paz does -  his mother bought him one before he even got a bed! She understood something that Josue lives out every day as the CEO of First Tech Fund: that kids explore their future through technology. Pull up a chair for Josue's story as he navigated his career an education as an undocumented immigrant, and how he pays his experience forward for other kids through First Tech Fund. 

What started out as an attempt to provide a homeless person with a sandwich eight years ago quickly transformed into a mission to humanize homelessness. Adina Lichtman simply began by embracing the idea that these people were her ‘neighbors on the street' and what they actually needed were dry, clean socks.As she built relationships with her neighbors on the street, she realized the power of friendships and relationships. In order to break the stigma around homelessness, she needed to bring people together. Her mission to meet your neighbors while meeting their needs didn't come easily as she faced hesitancy within the corporate world. But she worked relentlessly to come up with creative solutions. With two published children's books and several corporate partners, her tenacity has paid off. If you have ever felt underestimated at The Kids Table, this one's for you.

Glennda Testone is the Executive Director of NYC's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Community Center (affectionately known as "The Center."). You might think this community is pretty homogenous, but you'd be wrong: it's incredibly intersectional, with a ton of competing priorities - all happening on a very public stage. Pull up a chair and listen to Glennda's fascinating take on how to best manage a public leadership role with very passionate and diverse stakeholders. 

Lauren Blodgett was representing young, immigrant women in NYC for years. And even though the odds of these women  winning their case went from 20% to 80% when attorneys like her provided representation, she realized they needed much more than legal support.  Lauren talks through how to move through emotionally-heavy work and just DO THE THING - and  how she founded a thriving community and digital platform for immigrant women in just a couple of years. 

JD Beebe has gone from selling costume beards on the internet to founding one of the most effective tech companies dedicated to thanking donors - and he's found success through always finding the fun. Professional goofballs, tune in and take note. 

Brian Derrick has made a career- and become Instagram Famous- by making  "boring shit" (his words!) accessible to everyone. Don't miss his thoughts on how communicate even the most mundane details of your mission - and why digging into the details matters now more than ever. 

On this very special episode, we're counting down the top five lessons we learned  sitting with our guests at The Kids Table this season. You won't want to miss it! 

After battling mental health issues at a young age, Amy Hanna realized the importance of self-worth and community support. She started The Respect Team, an organization that empowers teens across Northeast Indiana by teaching self-respect and respect for others. Pull up a seat at the table and hear how Amy's dynamism, creativity, and vulnerability embolden her to thrive.

Chris Angellatta was just a few weeks into his tenure as CEO of the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne when COVID hit. Suddenly, he was faced with all of the complexities of keeping a cornerstone organization afloat through a pandemic: everything from childcare for essential workers to just keeping the org financially healthy without the same direct revenue. He did it- he's still doing it- and his success is less about operational excellence than you might think. In this episode, Chris talks about how being a servant leader is foundational for his success - and gives us proof that strong relationships are what can carry us through even the toughest of times. 

David Buuck saw that government programs were failing too many parents caring for their adult children with developmental disabilities - so he took a giant leap and created CASS Housing: a visionary housing initiative for adults with developmental disabilities. To make it happen, he had to make use of an innovative financing model that some thought might be too-good-to-be-true: until it was a reality. If you need a little inspiration from someone who truly lives his mission, this one's for you. 

Brenda Gerber has done a lot of things first - from de-stigmatizing mental health in her community to being the only woman in many [corporate, government, nonprofit, and foundation] rooms.  Wherever she's been, she's been living at the "tip of the spear-" and she's got a tender dose of courage to take you into your week. 

Even if you've worked with private sector giants, you still might find yourself sitting at the Kids Table at some point. Just ask Brett Meyer, who founded Impact Upgrade after a tech career with companies like Twilio and Disney. Brett talks with us about what it's like defect from the Adults Table, what the private sector could learn from nonprofit leaders, and the challenges of founding a tech company in the impact space.

There's non-profit, there's for-profit - and then there's the in-between, where our guest Heather Presley-Cohen has built a successful career. As the CEO of two organizations, her work pulls from a unique cross-section of sectors, including nonprofit, private enterprise, government and tech. Her newest venture, a mobile app called Club 720, aims to turn 1 million Black moms into first-time homeowners over the next five years. If you're finding yourself navigating all kinds of spaces to create and sustain impact - public, private, government - this one is definitely for you.

People talk a lot about "bringing your whole self to work" but you've never seen anyone do it quite like Kristin Giant. Find someone else who can so eloquently articulate the beauty and pain of doing impact work and somehow has you laughing one moment and crying the next. (We'll wait!) In addition to being  Pond's Chief Growth Officer,  Kristin is also the founder of the Family and Friends Fund- an innovative grassroots fund empowering the BIPOC community.  If you need a dose of authenticity, inspiration, and passion to propel you to be your best self- whoever that is - this one's for you. 

If you're looking for help making a difference in your community when it comes to confronting overwhelming systemic racism and injustice - this one's for you. Lisa Givan is the Vice President of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Belonging at Indiana Tech. She has worked as a diversity practitioner for decades, and is an expert at navigating systems change - without sugarcoating or mincing words in the process. Her perspective on organizational change is applicable to Fortune 500 companies, small startups, and nonprofits alike . And wherever you work, you'll be reminded of the importance of relationships  when it comes to evolving yourself and your teammates. 

Josette Rider is  CEO of one of the most decorated chapters of Big Brothers Big Sisters. She got there by believing fiercely in people - and  by leaning on  for-profit business practices. If you need some practical optimism in your day to remind you  how much good can be unlocked in others, this one's for you. 

Connie Heflin is Executive Director of Super Shot, a grassroots organization that provides immunizations. She's a master class in collaboration, so you wouldn't expect  her to be at the center of any controversy - but that's where she found herself after COVID-19. Connie shares what she learned from working through a crisis, and the need to remain flexible when working with your community. If you're a grassroots leader - or maybe facing a little bit of controversy yourself - this one's for you. 

Here's the thing about Andrew Gritzmaker: even if you don't feel like your best today, he'll get you fired up. When Andrew stepped into his role as CEO of Habitat for Humanity Fort Wayne, the stakes could not have been higher - and his impact speaks for itself.  If you're about excellence at the Kids Table, without apology or compromise, this one's for you. 

Today, we're joined by Wallace Butts, the Lead Pastor and CEO at Love Church Ministries. A lifelong entrepreneur and self-proclaimed "father to the fatherless," Wallace has developed a series of businesses within his ministry, helping set local youth on a path to success and independence when they leave the foster system. Working with youth of different needs, skills, and interests means he is constantly innovating - and, as we discuss, he is no stranger to pursuing a vision at an incredibly steep cost. This one's for the believers, the dreamers, and the doers. Get ready for some inspiration to be an agent for powerful change - even when others may not understand your work.

Mitch Stein and Kristin Giant talk about the concept behind The Kids Table and why this topic of power dynamics in the impact industry is so important to discuss.