We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits

While at AFP ICON, Jon and Becky were thrilled to sit down with some of our favorite people (live and in-person!). During these conversations, 6️⃣ key trends emerged. This week we're exploring Fundraising Effectiveness Project data, how generosity looks different, and what's building within the data revolution. We believe deeply in the democratization of free ideas so hope you'll tune in. Grab a notebook and prioritize your self-growth today

Meet Karen. She's often heard saying fundraising isn't about the dollars, but rather what the dollars can do. After leading and mentoring teams that raised more than $1 billion during her three-decade career, she launched Philanthropy Innovators to help organizations reimagine what's possible in fundraising and advancement. We're exploring everything from building organizational capacity to taking care of our teams. Karen is full of wisdom and we can't wait to share her perspectives with the community

Meet Virgina. We feel like we are getting a treat today as we spend time with one of our favorite leadership coaches of all time. She's in her 20th year in the nonprofit sector and has worked with incredible organizations like The Apollo Theater, the Puerto Rican Conservation Trust, New York University, and the City University of New York. Her love of coaching and empowering others is expansive and she's the founder of Founder of Fund Strategy, a fundraising strategy and coaching consultancy. She's bringing her expertise on how to stop shrinking ourselves and our capacity. Tune in to get into the right mindset to unlock innovation and creativity

While at AFP ICON, Jon and Becky were thrilled to sit down with some of our favorite people (live and in person!) including Noah Barnett, VP of Marketing at Feathr. Tune in for key findings from Feathr's recently released State of Nonprofit Marketing Report. This report is 24 pages full of statistics and insights built directly off responses from over 400 marketers, fundraisers, leaders, and experts in the nonprofit and association sectors. One big discovery? Nonprofits who began by investing in understanding their community are having the greatest returns as they understand the power of discovery. Remember: Discovery first, strategy second. Tune in for more incredible insights

Meet Tim. Not only is he Director of Corporate Brand at Neon One, but he's also the Vice Chair of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, which helps nonprofit organizations increase giving at a faster pace by providing them with tools for tracking and evaluating their annual growth in giving. He's bringing his expertise and insights from recent fundraising reports and sharing the role email marketing plays in successful fundraising strategies right now. If you tuned in for episode 317, you might be asking yourself, “Two email convos in one week?” Yup! It's really that important. Don't miss it!

Meet Katelyn. After working with leading nonprofits and managing multi-million dollar digital fundraising campaigns, she fell in love with email marketing and its power to raise funds and increase ROI. She's walking us through a mini email marketing masterclass and how to stand out in overflowing email accounts. Tune in as we dive into the marketing channel that has the highest return on investment

It's time to reimagine the funder/nonprofit relationship. We're putting a flag in the ground to talk about how to evolve relationships and processes and make the grantee/funder relationship as symbiotic, empowering (and simple!) for all. This third conversation is examining authentic relationships and the role funders play in supporting wellness. Today's guest Liz Aybar Conti is the CEO of Margulf Foundation and gets the most joy and energy from engaging with grantees and learning more about the communities they serve. The Margulf Foundation is committed to expanding and improving learning opportunities for all youth in Colorado and beyond by partnering with leaders who are reimagining education with youth, families, and communities to move toward a more just and equitable future. Tune in to hear from a funder's perspective on creating collaborative spaces of belonging, where all people feel cared for and accepted

Meet Matt. This fundraiser, author and CEO, once helped take an org from $275,000 raised to $51 million in seven years

Meet Amina. This founder is on a mission to fuel women's empowerment and gender equity in Africa using photography as the catalyst. Amina came to Canada in 1972 as a refugee from Uganda and grew up connected to two vastly different countries and cultures. Her love of photography led her to spend 15 years in the film in TV industry until she founded Cameras for Girls. Through this nonprofit, participants receive a camera to keep and take part in a 4-phase photography and business-skills program to support their career goals. Tune in to hear about this incredible org that has successfully trained 47 girls in Uganda and created pathways for 65% of them to have full-time paid work in photography-related careers

It's time to reimagine the funder/nonprofit relationship. We're putting a flag in the ground to talk about how to evolve relationships and processes to make the grantee/funder relationship symbiotic, empowering (and simple!) for all. This second conversation is exploring creative funding and threading story in your ask with Sean Couch. As the President and Co-Trustee of the J.W. Couch Foundation, he believes funders can/should be doing more than simply writing a check.Over the last five years, Sean has led his family's private foundation to donate nearly $10 million in grants to various nonprofit organizations across the country. They've participated in direct charitable activities to help nonprofit organizations raise greater awareness with high-production video assets and provided technical assistance to numerous boards. Don't miss this behind-the-scenes look at what really happens within foundations and how they want to partner with you on a deeper level

Meet Ashley. Ya'll. We gotta talk about the jaw-dropping + disruptive + groundbreaking way Cornell reimagined its team structure to unleash radical engagement. Reorganizing teams can be anxiety-inducing, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Cornell's restructure led to a paradigm-shifting ripple in engagement - like moving from raising $600M to nearly $1B in less than three years

Meet Cody. Who wants to make events easier ane more streamlined?

It's time to reimagine the funder/nonprofit relationship. We're putting a flag in the ground to talk about how to evolve relationships and processes and make the grantee/funder relationship as symbiotic, empowering (and simple!) for all. Joining us is Hillary Fulton, Founder and principal of Hopeful Consulting. She's bringing her expertise from the nearly two decades she spent with one of the country's largest health funders, the Colorado Health Foundation. We're talking about how we can work together more seamlessly, how to have more open conversations, and what grantees and funders can both do to reimagine the way we chase impact - together. This is a don't-miss episode for any nonprofit org looking to strengthen their relationships with funders

Meet Lindsey. She's a fierce advocacate for folks on the margins, she builds human-centered, anti-racist systems to inform strong adult school climates. She's the executive director at The Teaching Well, a nonprofit wellness organization founded on Ohlone land in Oakland, CA. They're a majority BIPOC, identity-forward team, we believe we can no longer bypass the educator to get to the student. Lindsey fights with the strength of her ancestors behind her for the liberation of her own children and young people everywhere. Don't miss the story of this incredible organization and human.Today's GuestLindsey Fuller, Executive Director, The Teaching WellFor more information + episode details visit: weareforgood.com/episode/409.About our Sponsor BloomerangSupport for this show is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit empowering kids and teens through the game of golf. To listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron visit bloomerang.com/weareforgood.About our Sponsor VirtuousVirtuous helps charities reimagine generosity through responsive fundraising, volunteer management, and online giving,  and we love it because this approach builds trust and loyalty through personalized engagement. Learn more today at virtuous.org.Cosmic specializes in designing + building websites that help social impact + climate action organizations build brand awareness, nail their impact story, and turn digital advocacy into real-world actions. Schedule a free 25 minute consultation with, Eric Ressler, Cosmic's Founder and Creative Director at designbycosmic.com/good We're so excited to announce the launch of Fundraising is Funny - a new podcast launching in the We Are For Good Podcast Network with our good friends Lynne Wester and T. Clay Buck.Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can come find them at fundraisingisfunny.com - Can't wait to see you there. Support the showSupport the We Are For Good PodcastWe believe education is for everyone. We strive to make our teaching as forward-thinking, accessible, affordable and inclusive as possible. Your generous support will help power the #ImpactUprising, free resources and community for change-agents globally. Join the We Are For Good CommunityYou can think of it as the after-party to each podcast episode

Meet Brett. As a founder, he's passionate about improving education and goes deep to understand problems and create solutions. With his brother David, he founded Remind.com which is now used by 30 million active users who send billions of messages to families with the goal of giving students an opportunity to succeed Together, they also founded Omella in 2019 after seeing the difficulty educators have collecting money. He's, in his own words, obsessed with helping customers. Tune in for Brett's formula for building a company (or organization!)LearnBrett's formula for building a companyProven tips for acquiring + retaining customersHow to set KPIs and actually track themFor more information and episode details visit: weareforgood.com/episode/408.About our Sponsor BloomerangSupport for this show is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit empowering kids and teens through the game of golf. To listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron visit bloomerang.com/weareforgood.About our Sponsor VirtuousVirtuous helps charities reimagine generosity through responsive fundraising, volunteer management, and online giving,  and we love it because this approach builds trust and loyalty through personalized engagement. Learn more today at virtuous.org.Cosmic specializes in designing + building websites that help social impact + climate action organizations build brand awareness, nail their impact story, and turn digital advocacy into real-world actions. Schedule a free 25 minute consultation with, Eric Ressler, Cosmic's Founder and Creative Director at designbycosmic.com/good We're so excited to announce the launch of Fundraising is Funny - a new podcast launching in the We Are For Good Podcast Network with our good friends Lynne Wester and T. Clay Buck.Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can come find them at fundraisingisfunny.com - Can't wait to see you there. Support the showSupport the We Are For Good PodcastWe believe education is for everyone. We strive to make our teaching as forward-thinking, accessible, affordable and inclusive as possible. Your generous support will help power the #ImpactUprising, free resources and community for change-agents globally. Join the We Are For Good CommunityYou can think of it as the after-party to each podcast episode

Join Jon and Becky alongside two brilliant nonprofit digital marketers - Noah Barnett and Dana Snyder for a robust discussion about the basics of digital marketing

Meet Marc. He is one of the country's leading voices and advocates for restoring humanity to the American criminal punishment system. He's the Founder and President of the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice, a nonprofit that launched in 2020 and allows members of free society to connect with people in prisons to discover firsthand our common humanity and advocate for systemic change. As a professor at Georgetown University, his “Prisons and Punishment” course has become one of the most sought-after courses — co-taught with his childhood friend, Marty Tankleff, who was wrongfully imprisoned for almost 18 years. Students re-investigate likely wrongful conviction cases and create documentaries that suggest innocence and advocate for exonerations. Join us for this conversation that we hope will open your hearts to recognize the humanity in all of us. 

Meet Cherian. This dynamic and innovative fundraiser believes that tech can be accessible to everyone especially the small to medium nonprofit. Following two decades of frontline fundraising, he founded Nonprofit Operating System, a comprehensive platform designed to help organizations streamline their operations and maximize their impact. If you tuned in for 2023 Trend #6: Humanize the Digital Experience this conversation is an excellent part two with practical applications and encouragement. Tune in to learn how technology can help make room for the human elements of our jobs - authenticity, creativity, and empathy

Join us for a special two-part series of How to Find + Land a Good Job in the Nonprofit Sector This Year. This week is for individual job seekers. Jon and Becky are joined by Brooke Hodnefield and Tim Foot from Slingshot Group. Alongside our nonprofit hiring expert friends, we're exploring cultures of hiring, where to start your journey, how to flex your network for good, and practical advice to keep moving forward. Tune in to get re-energized around your job search

Meet Alia. While studying engineering at MIT, she traveled to Sri Lanka for tsunami relief work. It was there that her world unexpectedly changed when she met an 11-year-old girl who would change the trajectory of her life forever. This encounter led her to found Emerge Global, an award-winning nonprofit that supports survivors of child sexual abuse in Sri Lanka in healing and developing their self-sufficiency.  In her work with children who've endured trauma, sexual abuse, and exploitation, she's centered her work on community, listening and ethical storytelling. Tune-in for an episode that's heart-wrench and heart-warming

Meet Javan. He's on a mission to help nonprofits achieve the same level of impact and recognition as major brands. While working as an art director, he found himself pulled toward mission-focused work where his skills could make an even bigger difference. This led him to work with Invisible Children, an org gained worldwide attention through their creation of the Kony 2012 campaign. Javan then founded Donately and Fifty & Fifty to support the many causes and organizations that need that same level of storytelling and digital support. Javan is speaking out language in this episode and has so much wisdom to share with the We Are For Good community

OverviewJoin us for a special two-part series of How to Find + Land a Good Job in the Nonprofit Sector This Year. This week is for individual job seekers. Jon and Becky are joined by Brooke Hodnefield and Tim Foot from Slingshot Group. Alongside our nonprofit hiring expert friends, we're exploring cultures of hiring, where to start your journey, how to flex your network for good, and practical advice to keep moving forward. Tune in to get re-energized around your job search

We're flipping the script on the 400th episode

Meet Brett. He's the Global Lead for TikTok for Good, TikTok's social impact content program that inspires and encourages users to have a positive impact on the planet and those around them

Welcome back to our Friday Series, 9️⃣Trends that Matter in 2023. Today we're lifting our final trend, Trend #9: Normalize Rest. We're all about asking the bigger question here, “What if you cared as much about yourself as you did your mission?” Here to explore this topic with us is Kimberly O'Neil, an award-winning professor, executive leader, and social good expert who was the youngest African-American female city manager in the United States

Meet Luis. He's the President of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), a national nonprofit improving the nutrition, health, and well-being of people struggling against U.S. poverty-related hunger through advocacy, partnerships, and by advancing bold and equitable policy solutions.

Meet Sonya. When this incredible human entered our midst in the We Are For Good community, we just knew we'd met a kindred spirit. As a certified Leadership and Change Management Coach, she shares her critical insight and support with clients, empowering them to navigate change with more resilience, clarity, and joy. She's sharing her perspectives on the unique challenges that leaders in the social sector face. Plus, her one good thing, just might be one of our favorites ever

Welcome back to our Friday Series, 9️⃣Trends that Matter in 2023. Today we're diving into Trend #8: Lock Arms for Impact. We can't go at this alone to accomplish the Impact Uprising. This is going to look a lot like breaking down walls, leaving our silos, and solving for the bigger picture - together. Joining the conversation is Anne Marie Dougherty, CEO of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. She's sharing her experience around partnerships and moving in lockstep together with other organizations. Tune in to get inspired to do more together

Meet Valerie. This proud New Yorker is an accomplished marketing and technology leader with over 20 years of experience across sectors. While working in media and entertainment (Project Runway marketing royalty here

Meet Brian. He's the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of RevJen Group, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders and their organizations. Through revenue capacity-building workshops, facilitated peer groups, and community membership, RevJen amplifies the impact of leaders in the social sector. Brian is bringing his more than 20 years of experience and unique insights on building and scaling successful organizations to the podcast. Tune in for this conversation about what's possible for nonprofits as they scale while still sustaining the people and the finances to do more good in the world. 

Welcome back to our Friday Series, 9️⃣Trends that Matter in 2023. Today we're breaking down Trend #7: Be a Change Agent. This is the year to find your voice and stand proudly in support of a mission or movement. You have the power to make a difference in the world with your voice. Here to add a spark to this conversation is Tania Bhattacharyya, founder of Lumos Marketing and rockstar fundraiser (she's raised nearly $8M during her career!) Her superpower is lighting up women and leaders of color voices, opening doorways of opportunity and influence. Don't miss this conversation - we hope you'll walk away empowered to share your voice, story, experience and ideas

Meet Michelle and Adrienne. We have two dynamic leaders in the house

Meet Jeff. From high school teacher to Congressional campaign manager to U.S. Marine, Jeff has dedicated his life to serving others. Today, he's the Director of Advocacy at No One Left Behind, the longest-standing nonprofit dedicated to our local allies from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Tune in to hear how No One Left Behind is advocating to keep our allies safe and provide them with the support they need. 

Welcome back to our Friday Series, Trends that Matter in 2023. We're going to explore Trend #6: Humanize the Digital Experience today on the podcast. With the emergence of new AI, humanizing the digital experience is more important than ever. Here with us is Nejeed Kassam, Co-Founder and CEO of Keela and Co-Founder of Fundraising Kit, to explore how nonprofits can bring humanity to the forefront of digital experiences. Tune in for a conversation about creativity, building systems of belonging, and how we can work with technology to make our work more human.

Meet Patton. This nonprofit consultant and coach has worked with nearly 275 organizations on their leadership development, fundraising and strategic planning. On his podcast Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Patton chats with nonprofit leaders around the world and in 2022 he published a book by the same title. We're talking about how you can identify your leadership goal and create a detailed plan to get you there.  If you're at an organization looking to invest in the next leader or an employee looking to step into that leadership role, he has the advice to support you on either path. Don't miss it! Learn Barriers that exist around leadership development and how to overcome themHow to identify your leadership goalsThe importance of wellness in the sectorToday's GuestPatton McDowell, Founder, PMA Nonprofit LeadershipFor more information and episode details visit: weareforgood.com/episode/388.About our Sponsor VirtuousYou know we believe Everyone Matters - and we've witnessed the greatest philanthropic movements happen when you both SEE and activate donors at every level, and Virtuous is the platform to help you do just that. Virtuous helps charities reimagine generosity through responsive fundraising, volunteer management, and online giving,  and we love it because this approach builds trust and loyalty through personalized engagement. Learn more today at virtuous.org.About our Sponsor Feathr Feathr is trusted by more than 1,000 nonprofits of all sizes — from the Humane Society and Meals on Wheels to IJM .Don't rely on magic to hit your goals next year. Use Feathr to elevate your digital marketing campaigns and grow impact in 2023.Learn more and get started today at Feathr.co. And, be sure to tell them We Are For Good sent you! Start Learning in We Are For Good PRO Today!Join us inside We Are For Good's professional development experience and community: We Are For Good PRO. We're offering a special discount to our podcast listeners- use code PODCAST at checkout to take 15% OFF your professional development for a year. We can't wait to get you equipped and activated. Visit www.weareforgoodpro.com to start learning today!Support the showSupport the We Are For Good PodcastWe believe education is for everyone. We strive to make our teaching as forward-thinking, accessible, affordable and inclusive as possible. Your generous support will help power the #ImpactUprising, free resources and community for change-agents globally. Join the We Are For Good CommunityYou can think of it as the after-party to each podcast episode

Meet Mary. As a frontline fundraiser, she built her own software to crunch the numbers saving herself time and energy and her fundraising results skyrocketed

Welcome back to our Friday Series, 9️⃣Trends that Matter in 2023. Today we're exploring Trend #5: Community is Core. It's no secret that we believe community everything, and we want to empower you to co-build a community around your missions. The philosophy of community building is no longer “build it and they will come.” True community is building WITH people. Plus, this conversation means we get to hang out with one of the best community builders we know, Floyd Jones, Director of Community and Partnerships at Givebutter. Join us as we chat about building, engaging and  activating those nearest and dearest to build movements that have the power to change the world

Meet Meena. She's a community data strategist who helps nonprofits and social impact agencies advance human-centered data insights - focusing on equitable research tools and analyzing engagement. She helps nonprofits and social impact agencies with mindful research practices for a social justice-centered community. Plus, she's just an incredible human who volunteers as advisor to 10+ amazing small-shops across North America, mentors immigrant women in technology and data science-related careers and is creating an online school called Data Is For Everyone! Don't miss this conversation that will help us humanize data and put these principles into action

Meet Jacob. This former Greenpeace activist, social change strategist and former President and CEO of Guidestar (now Candid) has seen social movements rise to make lasting impact in our world. His recent book “The Toolbox: Methods and Mindsets for Maximizing Social Impact” is the book for changemakers and he's exploring the concepts in the book with us on the podcast

Welcome back to our Friday Series,  9️⃣ Trends that Matter in 2023 Today we're breaking down Trend #4: Marketing is Mission. Marketing is no longer a facet of your mission, it IS your mission manifested. Eric Ressler, Founder and Creative Director at Cosmic, is joining us for the conversation to break down why communication, design and marketing are keys to organizational success. Join us as we explore how the way you attract, market and find your believers is mission work.

Meet Lissie. She's the Foundation and Fellowship Program Director for the 776 Foundation, an org we truly believe will change the world. It was founded to fund problem-solvers combatting inequity worldwide through brilliant and creative methods. Focused specifically on climate change as a “technological, social, and political issue,” the fellowship's first round of funding was awarded to 20 individuals under the age of 23. Tune in to hear how young people are empowered with tools, resources and network to combat climate change

Meet Greig. He's the Executive Director of Little Free Library, an org that builds community, increases access to books and inspires readers

Welcome back to our Friday Series,  9️⃣ Trends that Matter in 2023

Meet Christy. She believes words matter. As a communications consultant and ethical storytelling purist, she guides nonprofits through the process of creating storytelling that is both ethical and effective. She's talking through how to bring humanity front and center as we collect and share stories. Her love of ethical storytelling is contagious - tune in for inspiration and practical tips.

Meet Tulaine. She's a social entrepreneur, educator and community organizer. She serves as Co-CEO at New Profit, a venture philanthropy org that backs social entrepreneurs who are advancing equity and opportunity. She's sharing how leaning into proximity, though listening and valuing people's lived experience, can lead to true transformation. Don't miss Tulaine's heartwired counsel that had us nodding along the whole conversation. LearnThe power of proximity in the social impact spaceExamples of proximate leadership + insightHow busyness can be a cover for mediocrityToday's GuestTulaine Montgomery, Co-CEO, New ProfitEpisode HighlightsTulaine's story and journey to where she is today (4:00)Proximity as a value (11:45)Listening (15:00)How the social sector can rise up to meet this moment (19:00)Example of proximate insight + leadership: GirlTrek (26:00)A powerful moment of philanthropy in Tulaine's life (41:00)Tulaine's One Good Thing: The Stockdale Paradox - have unshakeable faith and an unblinking eye. (52:00)For more information and episode details visit: weareforgood.com/episode/378.About our Sponsor Neon OneTechnology alone can't solve the challenges nonprofits face. That's why Neon One provides software that empowers you to manage constituents all while giving you the resources and support you need to connect to what matters most - your people and their passions. Learn more about how Neon One is helping nonprofits create stronger connections by visiting neonone.com/weareforgood.About our Sponsor Feathr Feathr is trusted by more than 1,000 nonprofits of all sizes — from the Humane Society and Meals on Wheels to IJM .Don't rely on magic to hit your goals next year. Use Feathr to elevate your digital marketing campaigns and grow impact in 2023.Learn more and get started today at Feathr.co. And, be sure to tell them We Are For Good sent you! Start Learning in We Are For Good PRO Today!Join us inside We Are For Good's professional development experience and community: We Are For Good PRO. We're offering a special discount to our podcast listeners- use code PODCAST at checkout to take 15% OFF your professional development for a year. We can't wait to get you equipped and activated. Visit www.weareforgoodpro.com to start learning today!

Welcome back to our Friday Series, 9️⃣ Trends that Matter in 2023

Meet Meg. She's Co-Founder and President of George Philanthropy Group, where their team has raised over $1B as major gift advisors, Meg's career changed when she learned which questions to ask and how to pose them. She's sharing those lessons learned including 1) how to qualify your major gift asks and 2) ensuring your asks will be strategically aligned. This episode is a must-listen for fundraisers with big dreams for 2023 - tune in! 

Meet Antoinetta. She's a courage curator, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategist, author and CEO at I Follow the Leader LLC. She's a big believer in the power of consistently cultivating courage. We're so excited for her to join us on the podcast today and share her playbook for how we can step out of complacency and into courage - don't miss it. 

Last week, we kicked off our Friday Series on 9️⃣ Trends that Matter in 2023 with a tonesetting conversation.

Meet Alex. He's the Director of Programs + Impact at Born this Way Foundation. That's right - Born This Way Foundation - as in the nonprofit co-founded and led by Lady Gaga and Cynthia Germanotta

Meet Tony. If you term “planned giving” strikes either fear or confusion in your heart, get excited, because we brought the OG of planned giving knowledge and dispelling  tired myths about this part of our business. For more than two decades, he's been starting and growing planned giving programs at nonprofits across the United States. He's sharing how to know when your nonprofit is ready to take this step and what it takes to set up a planned giving program. Tune in to have all your planned giving anxieties eased