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In this Nonprofit Spotlight episode, we sit down with Tina Ayala, President and CEO of Chicago Youth Centers (CYC), to explore how a 70 year old organization is still deeply rooted in community while adapting to today's realities for children, teens, and families across Chicago.With 21 sites across the south and west sides of the city, CYC provides early learning, out of school time, teen programs, and mentoring that follow young people from 15 months through college and into adulthood. Tina shares her personal 30 year journey at CYC, how the organization has responded to shifting funding landscapes, and why collaboration, mental health, and workforce development are central to their work today.About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.
Bob Ross is still helping public TV thrive- people love those "happy accidents!"Read more about the paintings here ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Shopify Masters | The ecommerce business and marketing podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs
Beekman 1802's founders turned crisis into opportunity, building a $92 million skin care brand by starting small, staying disciplined, and leading with heart.For more on Beekman 1802 and show notes click here Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.
In this episode of The Charity Charge Show, host Grayson Harris sits down with Karl Thomsen, Executive Director of Hope Ignites Cincinnati, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth through long-term academic and personal support.Karl shares how Hope Ignite's innovative approach—one that follows students from fifth grade through college or trade school—is helping young people overcome barriers, combat imposter syndrome, and build lasting confidence in their ability to succeed.About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.
SaaStr 829: A Hands-On Guide to SaaStr's New AI Tools with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin We delve into the functionalities of our SaaStr AI tools, including the AI Mentor, which has been engaged over 100,000 times, providing answers to various startup-related queries. You'll see a demonstration of how our AI VC tools, including a startup valuation calculator, pitch deck analyzer, and benchmarking tool, work effectively to help startups understand their valuations, get honest feedback on pitch decks, and connect with VCs. Additionally, explore our newly launched VC matchmaking system and other AI agents that have been integral in automating and enhancing SaaStr's operations. Experience these tools firsthand and discover how they can add value to your startup journey. Visit SaaStr.ai to access these tools for free and see the comprehensive suite of AI agents that we use. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:14 Exploring SaaStr AI Tools 01:15 Deep Dive into Digital Jason 04:20 AI VC Tools and Fundraising 05:26 Startup Valuation Calculator 06:07 Pitch Deck Analyzer 16:16 Benchmarking Your Startup 18:51 VC Matchmaking and Research 21:58 Conclusion and Q&A --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by Salesforce: Connect data, automate busywork and empower teams like nobody's business with the one platform that grows with you, every step of the way. Learn how Salesforce works for Startups at salesforce.com/smb. --------------------- If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December. SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year. We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London. Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com --------------------- Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026. With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year. But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait. Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.
Stephen Center is in its 41st year serving people experiencing homelessness in Omaha with a high-barrier emergency shelter, a residential addiction recovery program, and permanent supportive low-income housing with case management. CEO Chris Knauf explains why “shelter is not a bandage,” unpacks a recently defeated proposal to criminalize encampments, and shares how coordinated street outreach, collaboration with low-barrier partners, and new family shelter capacity are moving more people into stable housing.Listen forWhat a high-barrier shelter is and why Stephen Center keeps campus safe and soberHow case management and outreach drive an 82 percent positive exit rate from shelterThe difference between affordable and low-income housing and why the latter is criticalWhy criminalizing encampments fails and how Omaha pivoted to a 6-month pilot focused on servicesThe role of low-barrier partner Siena Francis House in the local ecosystemStephen Center's plan to double men's and women's beds and add 19 non-congregate family roomsA candid look at SNAP cuts, rising turn-aways (4,128 to date), and the need for system-level investmentAbout Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.
In this episode, Roy Jones sits down with Jordan Smith, Executive Chief Development Officer at Tree of Life Ministries in Purcellville, Virginia. Jordan shares how a moment of compassion in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina inspired his family to launch a ministry that now partners with more than 40 churches and serves thousands each year. Together, Roy and Jordan explore what it means to lead with humility across generations—how younger leaders can introduce innovation while honoring the wisdom of those who came before them. From implementing new technology to building bridges between Boomers and Millennials, Jordan offers powerful insights on faith-driven leadership, generational teamwork, and keeping Christ at the center of every mission.
Trish Davis, Vice President of Major Gifts & Planned Giving at Susan G. Komen, shares how true stewardship goes beyond fundraising—it's about listening, gratitude, and connection. From her service in the Air Force to leading national philanthropy strategy, Trish reveals how to build donor trust at scale, keep relationships personal in a digital age, and turn gratitude into lasting impact.
In this episode of What the Fundraising... Fundraising isn't just about asking; it's about understanding. The most successful fundraisers know that sustaining an organization couldn't be done with passion alone. Passion must be combined with skill, strategy, and authentic human connection. David Rhodes is an award-winning and bestselling author, keynote speaker, educator, deputy director at PennPAC, and founder of Dot Dot Org. With more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, David helped organizations and leaders grow with clarity, purpose, and sustainability. As for a former founder and executive director who led an organization for 15 years, he now focuses on CEO mentoring and coaching. David also teaches nonprofit branding and consulting at the University of Pennsylvania, bringing a practical, real-world perspective to the next generation of changemakers. He is the Axiom Business Book Awards Gold Medal winner for “Passion Isn't Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders,” released in November 2024, which helps nonprofit leaders develop the skills and confidence that are needed to lead beyond passion. He and his family now live in New York City. He joined us today to discuss the importance of skills beyond passion for nonprofit leaders. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn why passion alone isn't enough to sustain effective nonprofit leadership. Understand how to ask deeper questions that lead to transformational giving. Discover ways to navigate close donor relationships while keeping impact at the center. Understand the importance of embracing authenticity in fundraising conversations. Learn what practical strategies can develop the mindset and skills needed to lead with confidence and clarity. Get all the resources from today's episode here. Support for this show is brought to you by Zeffy. Zeffy is a game-changing fundraising platform built exclusively for nonprofits. Zeffy is a game-changing fundraising platform built exclusively for nonprofits. Unlike other platforms that take a cut of your hard work through credit card and transaction fees, Zeffy is 100% free from transaction and platform fees. That means every dollar you raise goes directly toward fueling your mission. Trusted by more than 50,000 nonprofits, Zeffy empowers organizations of every size to streamline their fundraising with tools to collect donations, sell tickets, and manage donors all in one place. Getting started takes less than 15 minutes, and once you're set up, you'll have more resources to put toward what really matters: your cause. Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven't already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you're looking to raise more from the right funders, then you'll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.
In this episode of the Charity Charge Show, we sit down with Robert Lewis Jr., President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, to explore how one organization is rethinking youth development across Boston and Chelsea.Robert shares how the Clubs are serving nearly 40,000 young people and families through nine club locations, centered on three core pillars: academic support, health and wellness, and workforce readiness. He also explains their recent decision to make membership cost free for all youth, why they see young people as Boston's future talent pipeline, and how bold civic leadership, strong teams, and deep community partnerships are driving real change.About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.
If you're ending your workday exhausted but can't point to how you actually moved your fundraising forward, you might be caught in the fundraising busywork trap.In this episode, I'm breaking down why so many nonprofit leaders confuse “activity” with “progress,” and how fear, comfort, and overthinking keep your mission stuck in motion but not momentum. You'll learn how to identify low-ROI tasks, make courageous decisions that drive funding, and replace cluttered calendars with confident action that actually grows your organization. Because the opposite of busy isn't lazy, it's focused.Topics:The fundraising busywork trap and how to recognize itWhy working harder doesn't always mean raising moreThe difference between “activity” and “aligned action”Adam Grant's concept of cognitive comfort and how it stalls growthWhy procrastination often disguises itself as preparationReal client examples: saying no to low-ROI events and sponsorship decksThe three ingredients of brave leadership: boundaries, focus, and supportWhy coaching and systems prevent burnout and build momentumFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links
Claudia Connor is a deeply committed non-profit leader and activist sharing her passion and experience in this riveting interview. For decades, Claudia has held leadership positions with agencies diligently working to create direct service programs and resources that impact our community members. Currently, she is the US Regional Representative with Church World Service, a faith-based organization transforming communities around the globe through just and sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement and disaster. Claudia has also held executive titles with CT Institute for Refugees & Immigrants (CIRI) and Save the Children. Claudia was a former criminal defense attorney working with Legal Aid in NYC with the Prisoners Rights Project, and is no stranger to defending civil rights and social justice. Her passion grew from her progressive and activist parents who modeled strength and resistance while she was growing up. She shares an experience while in college at UNC Chapel Hill that influenced her decision to join a student social justice group which ultimately changed the trajectory of her career. After years living abroad in Asia and Africa which ultimately deepened her viewpoint and commitment to social justice, she informs the listener of the many changes and necessary adaptations that have occurred in 2025 since federal funds have been challenging to depend on and sustain. Fundraising for CWS relies on communities, private foundations, and collaborations to engage in events like “crop walks” to help raise mission-critical funds for programming and services that directly benefit thousands of people while raising awareness about hunger and poverty. Her hopeful and positive outlook is her guiding light along with the inspiration of her colleagues and community despite the various challenges that percolate when leading a team during uncertain times.
Fundraising is full of familiar phrases—but some might be past their prime. In this episode, Bryan and Greg swap stories, share mild rants, and explore the words and clichés that feel tired, stale, or overused in nonprofit fundraising.
In this first episode of a three-part series on Stewardship Leader, Leo Sabo and Dr. Russell James discuss the biblical foundation of fundraising, focusing on the role of wealth holders in Christian ministry. Dr. James shares insights from his book, "The Biblical Fundraiser In Modern Practice: Helping Christians Enjoy Their Wealth," exploring how understanding God's perspective on generosity can transform donor engagement. The conversation delves into the importance of coming alongside wealth holders as authorized messengers, emphasizing a relational approach to fundraising that aligns with biblical teachings.Key Takeaways:Understanding God's perspective on generosity can transform donor engagement.Wealth holders should be approached as authorized messengers, not targets.Biblical teachings emphasize relational fundraising over transactional approaches.
This is a crucial episode! "Natives: The Series" is in the final days of its Seed & Spark fundraiser to complete the season. Listen in, fall in love with the show, and learn how you can support independent queer art by visiting nativestheseries.com. The Aunteas pour another hot cup of Communitea with the cast of Natives: The Series — the indie show shaking up what queer storytelling looks like. Ronald Marsh (creator), Cristian, and Mar'Shon join Yo Aunteas to spill about creating authentic stories of queer life in New York's public housing, the fight for funding, and why representation matters more than ever. Expect laughs, truth, and a bit of mess — because baby, these characters bring it all. ✨ Highlights: The 5-year journey behind Natives: The Series Representation of Black & Brown queer experiences Indie filmmaking and crowdfunding realities How acting helped them embrace authenticity What's next for the show — and yes, the tea on "more skin"
In this episode of the Charity Charge Show: Nonprofit Spotlight Series, we sit down with Brad McMonigle, CEO of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Cincinnati, to discuss how the organization is meeting rising community needs amidst economic uncertainty, reduced federal assistance, and the ongoing affordable housing crisis.Brad shares how St. Vincent de Paul is stepping up to provide rent and utility assistance, food and clothing, and free medication for individuals and families on the verge of homelessness. He also dives deep into the importance of collaboration among nonprofits, the challenges of sustaining services with limited resources, and how the Cincinnati community continues to rally together in times of crisis.About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.
Talking Taiwan's inaugural fundraising gala was on April 30th here in New York City at the elegant Eichholtz showroom in Chelsea. The gala was a celebration of Taiwanese American cuisine, culture and community. Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/talking-taiwans-2025-inaugural-fundraising-gala-ep-332/ We had Peter Lin's AAPI Jazz Collective perform, and food catered by 886 Restaurant, DAE tea and Taiwan Beer. It was a memorable, magical night and if you're wondering what you missed out on it, don't worry, later on in the episode I'll be sharing how you can watch the replay that we made of the event. We'll also share the Humanitix link where you can make a donation to watch the replay of the Talking Taiwan Gala. At the gala I interviewed comedian Esther Chen, Thomas Duh of DAE Tea, artist Kaarina Chu MacKenzie, and Jonny Lee, President of TAP-NY (Taiwanese American Professionals- NY chapter). And that's what we'll be sharing in this episode. Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/talking-taiwans-2025-inaugural-fundraising-gala-ep-332/
In this Nonprofit Spotlight, we speak with Clete Winkelmann and Sam Guillory from The Baby Fold, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building positive futures for children and families in central Illinois. They discuss the organization's rich history, core values, and the various programs they offer, including education, foster care, and adoption services.The conversation highlights the importance of effective communication with constituents and donors, strategies for staff retention, community collaboration, and future plans for the organization. The episode emphasizes the need for nonprofits to adapt to community needs and maintain a culture of trust and transparency.About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.
High-school teacher and nonprofit founder Diana Liberto Grove shares how she and her husband began fostering teens—and why she launched Shifting Gears to support youth ages 16–25 as they transition out of care. From Sunday dinners and tutoring to driver's ed partnerships and a vision for tiny-home communities and an emergency shelter, Diana lays out practical, community-powered solutions anyone can help with. It's a hopeful, action-oriented conversation about turning compassion into infrastructure. Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union Guest Bio: Diana Liberto Grove is the co-founder of Shifting Gears, a Maryland-based nonprofit focused on helping foster youth (16–25) build independence through life skills, education, employment, housing support, and community. A longtime Harford County high-school teacher and foster/adoptive mom, Diana creates safe spaces and trusted relationships that carry teens into adulthood—with programs like tutoring, Sunday dinners, creative outlets, and career readiness. Main Topics: · Diana's path into fostering teens and adopting (why teens need homes, trust, and consistency) · The birth of Shifting Gears and its focus on ages 16–25 (in-care to independence) · Current programs: Sunday dinners, book club, tutoring, driver's ed partnership, creative/skills shop plans · The big vision: tiny-home community, adult “boys & girls club” space, and an emergency shelter · Fundraising and volunteers: board needs, background checks, care closet, and in-kind skills (plumbing, design, tutoring, etc.) · Hard realities & hope: outcomes after agingSend us a textJoin us in spreading holiday cheer and making a child's Christmas magical! Agape Projects is hosting a special fundraising drive for our annual Toy Run, aiming to brighten the lives of children in need. Your generous contribution will help us bring joy and laughter to little hearts this holiday season. Together, let's make a difference and create unforgettable memories for the children in our community.
Recorded live in San Francisco during TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 week, this Fund/Build/Scale session brings together Cyan Banister (Long Journey Ventures) and Cristian Cibils Bernardes (Autograph) for a practical look at building consumer AI and the investor-founder dynamics that make it work. We dig into pre-traction signals that actually predict momentum, how to validate a weird idea, raise smart money, and ship products people return to. Cristian shares Autograph's first moment of value, retention indicators, and a trust-by-design stance; Cyan unpacks the decision rules and behaviors that earn a second meeting. Together, they outline small-budget experiments and the frameworks they use to create products that stick. For first-time founders and early operators, this episode delivers concrete steps you can start taking tomorrow. Thanks very much to Jenna Birch and the team at SISU for co-hosting and making this live recording possible! EPISODE BREAKDOWN (1:54) Why Cristian named Autograph's AI agent “Walter.” (3:37) When they connected, Cristian saw “a bunch of synchronicities along the way that just kept pointing in this direction.” (4:59) Cyan: “When he showed up and we were sitting together having coffee, I immediately was like, ‘yes.'” (6:03) The sheer number of coincidences linking these two is unsettling — “quantum entanglement” comes to mind. (8:18) Cristian and Cyan share their non-consensus takes on consumer AI. (10:53) Cyan describes the framework she's using to assess early signals as an investor. (12:51) “I will not look at your résumé. I won't look at what you did. Whatever you tell me in that interview is what I'm going to go off of.” (14:42) “Fundraising is grueling. It was 50 conversations before I met Cyan, and then I had, I think, another 30.” (16:53) Cyan's framework for backing vs. passing. (18:26) The three essential ingredients Long Journey Ventures seeks in founders. (22:00) What a “magically weird” founder looks like — and why they're so valuable. (26:15) A red flag that ensures you won't get a second meeting with Cyan. (27:52) A behavior that virtually guarantees a second meeting. (29:45) Cristian describes Autograph's moat. (34:40) “This whole thing doesn't work if the trust element isn't there.” (38:08) What founder-investor fit looks like in their working relationship. (41:57) One experiment founders should run this week. (43:10) The most underrated founder superpower. (44:10) “If you were interviewing for a job at an early-stage startup, what's one question you'd have to ask the CEO before you could take the offer?” RUNTIME 47:19 LINKS Cristian Cibils Bernardes Cyan Banister Autograph Long Journey Ventures The Ugly Duckling SISU SUBSCRIBE
Here's a crash course in what "not" to do when fundraising, what donors secretly loathe, and a short list of how to ask for money without breaking into hives. Listen in and learn . . .
Fundraising—it's part charm offensive, part emotional trapeze act, part caffeine-fueled chaos. Some days you feel like a philanthropic superhero, and other days you're crying into your donor database while searching for the 'undo' button. But you don't have to go it alone. Enter the Rainmakers: the mythical, magical, magnificently strategic fundraisers who know how to play the long game—with flair. What's their secret? These 10 fundraising principles. We're talking about donor stickiness, connection asks, custom everything, and enough 'You' language to make even Shakespeare blush. Strap in, folks. You're about to take a rollercoaster ride through fundraising best practices—Robin Williams style. Listen and learn . . .
Revenue First, Salaries Second Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. In launching a startup, the first goal is to generate revenue. Salaries come later and in some cases much later. Some founders look to the startup as a source of income. Fundraising from investors is not the answer to the salary question. Investors will not fund a startup that can't generate enough revenue to prove the market wants it. Fundraising comes into play when there's product and market validation. The product works, and customers will pay for it. Founders often take second jobs to pay their bills while the revenue ramps up. Once revenue is established and growing, then salaries come into the picture. It's often the case that the second job becomes a part-time job. Later, those part-time jobs will go away. Building a startup is hard work. Before launching, identify the path to revenue generation through an initial product. Selling will be the primary goal of everyone on the team every day. As a founder, consider how you can reduce your cost of living for a period of time while you ramp up the business. Investors look for commitment in founders who can make this situation work. It's tough, but it's doable. Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. Let's go startup something today. _________________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
Shopify Masters | The ecommerce business and marketing podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs
How Haley Pavone turned a college injury into an eight-figure convertible footwear brand built on curiosity, grit, and smart, sustainable growth.For more on Pashion Footwear and show notes click here Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.
This week on Giving Done Right, we're introducing you to another podcast we love: Nonprofits Now: Leading Today, from The Chronicle of Philanthropy. In this episode, two leaders, Kathleen St. Louis Caliento and Nick Grono, join Chronicle CEO Stacy Palmer to explain how they have engaged their board in financial efforts. As nonprofits face economic headwinds — including losses in federal funding, rising costs, and the possibility of a global recession — nonprofit boards play an increasingly essential role. Trustees help with strategy and can also be powerful donors and fundraisers. Yet fewer than a quarter of respondents to a Chronicle survey described their board members as enthusiastic fundraisers. Grono and St. Louis Caliento share their advice on how to inspire boards to champion your mission and share insights from their shared experience of working with trustees to manage unrestricted, multimillion-dollar grants from MacKenzie Scott. St. Louis Caliento runs Cara Collective, a Chicago nonprofit that helps low-income people find jobs. Grono heads the Freedom Fund, an organization that pools funds from donors who want to fight modern-day slavery. He's the author of “How to Lead Nonprofits: Turning Purpose into Impact to Change the World,” published in 2024.
In this episode of the Charity Charge Show we speak with, David Gaspar, CEO of The Bail Project, on how the organization posts bail at no cost for people who cannot afford it, then supports them with court reminders, transportation, and connections to services. He explains common misunderstandings about pretrial justice, highlights data from recent studies and The Bail Project's own publications, and reflects on leadership lessons as the organization approaches a milestone of 40,000 clients served.Episode HighlightsMission in one line: Help people fight their cases from a position of freedom and keep their lives stable while they wait for court.The problem: More than 500,000 people sit in jail on any given day because they cannot afford bail.What The Bail Project does: Posts bail for free, sends court reminders, provides transportation, and connects people to resources when and where needed.Why it matters: Pretrial jail time destabilizes jobs, housing, and family life. Supporting people to return to court protects stability and improves outcomes.Milestone ahead: Nearly 40,000 clients bailed out. About one third of those cases were dismissed, which points to significant unnecessary jail time.Practical proof: Simple tools such as reminders and rides reduce failures to appear and downstream warrants.About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.
In another special solo episode, Peter Walker dives deep into Carta's Q2 Fund Performance Report to unpack the data on what's really happening inside venture capital today.Peter walks through the critical benchmarks every GP and LP needs to know, from median and top-decile Net IRR, TVPI, and DPI across different vintages and fund sizes. He explains why the 2021 vintage is struggling, why small funds have higher performance dispersion, and how liquidity pressure is (or isn't) impacting GP behavior.He also introduces the single biggest theme defining venture in 2025: Concentration. Peter breaks down how this theme is affecting AI funding, geography, lead investor ownership, and even bridge rounds. Plus, he answers pre-submitted questions on follow-on strategy, liquidation preferences, and how to stand out to LPs in a crowded market.Q2 2025 VC Fund Performance Report:https://carta.com/data/vc-fund-performance-q2-2025/Subscribe to Carta's weekly Data Minute newsletter: https://carta.com/subscribe/data-newsletter-sign-up/Explore interactive startup and VC data, with Carta's Data Desk: https://carta.com/data-desk/02:03 – Chart 1: The VC fund universe (Fund sizes) 02:47 – Chart 2: Dry powder by fund size03:12 – Chart 3: Dry powder by vintage year04:14 – Chart 4: The hollowing middle of venture05:08 – Chart 5: LP count by fund size06:09 – Why are there fewer LPs in recent vintages?07:07 – Chart 6: The rise of the anchor LP07:51 – Digging into fund performance08:11 – What LPs really want to see (Net performance)09:03 – Chart 7: Net IRR by vintage year10:21 – Chart 8: IRR J-Curve (Why 2021 is struggling)11:59 – Chart 9 & 10: Top Quartile & Top Decile IRR13:05 – Chart 11: Do smaller funds outperform larger funds?14:55 – Chart 12: TVPI benchmarks (Median vs. Top Decile)15:34 – Chart 13-15: TVPI over time (Median, Top Quartile, Top Decile)16:50 – Why 3x net is a Top 10% goal, not Top Quartile17:15 – Chart 17: DPI (Money back to investors)18:26 – Chart 18: The psychology of liquidity (DPI > $1)20:01 – The broad venture context: Fundraising improves20:48 – Chart 20: The persistence of bridge rounds21:48 – Chart 21: Down rounds are decreasing23:04 – Are fund marks based on SAFEs? (No)23:55 – Chart 22: Time between rounds24:49 – Chart 23 & 24: Seed-to-A & A-to-B graduation rates27:39 – The 2025 Theme: Concentration28:05 – Concentration 1: The AI Boom29:31 – Concentration 2: More cash, fewer startups31:33 – Concentration 3: Lead investors are taking more32:52 – Concentration 4: "Preemptive" bridge rounds34:47 – Concentration 5: Geography (The Bay Area)37:46 – Start: Pre-submitted Q&A38:57 – Q1: Do mega-funds add value at seed?40:42 – Q2: How much should small funds reserve for follow-ons?42:47 – Q3: How common is investor-friendly structure? (Liquidation prefs)44:32 – On signaling risk45:35 – On LP pushback on fees & carry46:50 – On the state of exits (M&A vs. IPO)49:01 – On extended fund lifetimes (10 vs. 15 years)50:08 – On "no fee, carry only" funds53:10 – Key takeaways for fundraising GPs: Distinctiveness is keyThis presentation contains general information only and eShares, Inc. dba Carta, Inc. (“Carta”) is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services, and is for informational purposes only. This presentation is not a substitute for such professional advice or services nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business or interests. © 2025 eShares,
In this episode of The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson discuss the significance of keeping a coaching staff consistent as the football season draws to an end. They cover the benefits of staff continuity, such as consistency in coaching methods, the ability to delegate roles effectively, and fostering a supportive community among staff and their families. The hosts also explore reasons why coaches might leave a program, including opportunities for growth, financial reasons, or dissatisfaction with leadership. Additionally, they offer advice on how to handle the departure of a key coach by promoting from within and hiring the best possible replacements. The episode concludes with shout-outs to sponsors eSports and Winning Edge Performance Analytics, and information on upcoming coaching clinics and new resources available for football coaches.00:00 Introduction to the Coaching 101 Podcast00:31 Season Wrap-Up and Playoff Discussions02:50 Challenges with Private Schools in Playoffs04:30 Quote of the Week and Coaching Philosophy05:41 Fundraising and Performance Analytics06:31 Upcoming Clinics and Events11:31 Benefits of Keeping a Coaching Staff Together23:29 Building Trust and System Growth24:21 Reasons Coaches Leave a Staff25:44 Challenges of Coaching and Family Dynamics28:58 Leadership Styles and Staff Dynamics34:07 Handling the Departure of a Key Coach42:34 Advice for Aspiring Head Coaches45:24 Closing Remarks and Sponsor MessagesDaniel Chamberlain: @CoachChamboOK ChamberlainFootballConsulting@gmail.com chamberlainfootballconsulting.com Kenny Simpson: @FBCoachSimpson fbcoachsimpson@gmail.com FBCoachSimpson.com
Dear boss babe — we need to talk. ... Because no one warns you how chasing funding can quietly drain the very energy you need to build your dream. If you've ever refreshed your inbox waiting for an investor's “yes” or felt your worth tied to a dollar amount, this episode is your reset button. Today I get real about the emotional side of fundraising — the burnout, the rejection loops, and the quiet self-doubt that creeps in between investor calls. I open up about her own journey raising money for Silkenn and how I have learned that capital isn't the only thing worth chasing. You'll hear my powerful framework for protecting your energy while still playing big — what she calls your “Energetic ROI.” Because when the process feels heavy, it's not about giving up; it's about learning to align. This isn't just a fundraising strategy session — it's a reminder that protecting your peace is leadership, and rest is part of the work, too. Key Takeaways: How to spot burnout early when you're in fundraising mode Why your value doesn't fluctuate with the size of the check What it means to measure success by alignment, not approval How to turn rejections into redirection Ericka's go-to mindset practices for staying grounded while pitching
Send us a textNovember is Giving Season Go TimeIt's here - now is the time to transition your year-end campaigns from planning to performance. Your message is live, donors are active, and every touchpoint counts.In this episode, Jena and Cara break down how to confidently lead your campaign, stay engaged, and keep supporters connected through every moment of Giving Season.What you'll learnA simple 3-step rhythm to lead your campaign with clarityThe mistake that quietly stalls year-end fundraisingHow often to check campaign performance (and what to look for)Smart mid-month touchpoints that keep donors engagedPerfect for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, campaign managers, and anyone running year-end appeals.Don't forget your free featured resource from our sponsor, AppealMaker, The 2025 State of Direct Mail Survey, packed with fresh insights into donor behavior and communication trends.Download it here, and take a moment to explore how AppealMaker can strengthen your direct mail outreach.What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox's nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode:
Jego robaki karmione... odpadami z pieczarek smakują jak wołowina i są 3x tańsze. Bartłomiej Roszkowski, seryjny przedsiębiorca, po sukcesach w IT wszedł w świat DeepTech. Jak jego zespół i 70 pokoleń owadów mają zrewolucjonizować światowy rynek pet food?W tym odcinku audycji gościem jest Bartłomiej Roszkowski - seryjny przedsiębiorca, który buduje firmy od ponad 18 lat. Zaczynał od "bezczelnego" maila do USA, który dał mu wyłączność na Europę , budował porównywarkę ubezpieczeń , a następnie skalował globalnie Vue Storefront (Alokai).Opowiada o tym, jak przetrwać "uderzenie w ścianę" , 150 odmów od inwestorów i co wydarzyło się w 48 godzin, które zmieniły wszystko. Zdradza też, dlaczego po "bolesnym uderzeniu w czachę" i odejściu ze spółki IT, postanowił wejść w świat atomów, a nie bitów, i hodować robaki na niespotykaną skalę.Czy Twój pies i kot będą wkrótce jeść karmę z robaków o smaku wołowiny? Posłuchaj tej niesamowitej historii._________________PARTNERZY AUDYCJI - WSPÓŁPRACA KOMERCYJNA
Maximiliano Stochyk is Head of Sales at CoinTerminal, where he drives B2B sales, fundraising strategy, and go-to-market initiatives for Web3 projects. CoinTerminal's launchpad serves over 600,000 users, $2.2B in connected assets, and $80M+ in distributed value. Active in Web3 since 2014, Maxi has closed multiple seven-figure fundraising deals and leads a sales team that manages hundreds of calls with founders every month. He specializes in building scalable sales processes, negotiating multi-million-dollar partnerships, and advising projects on structuring and executing successful fundraising campaigns. In this conversation, we discuss:- Current state of Argentina - Crypto in Argentina - CoinTerminal's launchpad - Echo's $300M sale - The power of refundable rounds on CoinTerminal - GTM for crypto projects - Present day decentralized crypto fundraising - Token launchpads- The new playbook for early-stage growth CoinTerminal X: @CoinTerminalWebsite: cointerminal.comLinkedIn: CoinTerminalMaximiliano StochykInstagram: @mstochykduarte LinkedIn: Maximiliano Stochyk Duarte---------------------------------------------------------------------------------This episode is brought to you by PrimeXBT.PrimeXBT offers a robust trading system for both beginners and professional traders that demand highly reliable market data and performance. Traders of all experience levels can easily design and customize layouts and widgets to best fit their trading style. PrimeXBT is always offering innovative products and professional trading conditions to all customers. PrimeXBT is running an exclusive promotion for listeners of the podcast. After making your first deposit, 50% of that first deposit will be credited to your account as a bonus that can be used as additional collateral to open positions. Code: CRYPTONEWS50 This promotion is available for a month after activation. Click the link below: PrimeXBT x CRYPTONEWS50FollowApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicRSS FeedSee All
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption shows exactly how today's nonprofits can accelerate mission and amplify revenue by putting marketing and development on the same team! CEO & President Rita L. Soronen and SVP of Marketing & Development Jill Crumbacher explain how an approach that started 11 years ago matured into an integrated structure with shared goals, clear ownership, and board alignment. As Rita puts it, “there's just this intuitive sense…that one feeds the other,” adding that the shift “became very much an organic, ongoing conversation based on results.”Jill brings for-profit rigor to the model: a VP of Marketing and a VP of Development co-lead paired “mini teams” for every fundraising channel, tracked in Asana with crystal-clear metrics. “Building a brand builds fundraising and building fundraising builds a brand. It just does,” Jill says. She adds, “For every fundraising team, we have a marketing team that supports the fundraising team”—a simple but powerful mechanism that reduces friction, speeds execution, and raises standards across content, design, and segmentation.Rita details how leadership benefits from unified messaging: presentation materials, program context, and donor narratives are synthesized by one group that also collaborates tightly with program staff. She emphasizes stewardship and brand guardianship: “we're not just protecting the brand of children in foster care, we have Dave Thomas in our name… We're protecting that brand as well,” including the Foundation's decades-long partnership with Wendy's. The conversation also takes on today's polarized climate. “We're putting resources into the effort of how do we bring polarized conversations back together?” Rita notes, reinforcing the Foundation's focus on solutions that broaden support without losing mission clarity.Talent development is intentional. Jill shares how their marketers attend the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy to learn fundraising dynamics, while fundraisers learn marketing language and channels—so both “come out of the same gate.” The approach scales: the department grew from a handful of staff to 25, roughly split between development and marketing, with half of marketing embedded on fundraising squads and half focused on awareness, brand, and sector thought leadership.The result is a disciplined, collaborative culture that moves faster, communicates smarter, and raises more—while advancing permanency for children in foster care.#TheNonprofitShow #Adoption #NonprofitLeadershipFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show
Drawing Fundraising Skills From Other Areas Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. Fundraising requires a set of skills. Those skills can be found in other areas. Here's a list of skills and where to find them: Sales. Fundraising is fundamentally a sales process. One can transfer selling skills to fundraising. Marketing. Fundraising requires the ability to reach out to the investors to convey a message. One can use their marketing skills in promoting the fundraising campaign. Financial. Fundraising requires a basic knowledge of finances. One can use financial literacy from other areas and apply it to fundraising. Communications. Fundraising requires the ability to communicate with others. One can use communication skills in pitching to investors. People management. Fundraising can leverage a team effort. One can use the human resources to enable fundraising. Consider these skills for your fundraising. Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. Let's go startup something today. _________________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
After 200+ investor rejections, we finally raised $1M for our startup. In this episode, I share the real story behind our fundraising journey, lessons learned, and practical tips for founders facing rejection. Whether you're starting out or deep in the process, this is the advice I wish I had. Timestamps: 0:00 — Introduction & Podcast Background 3:30 — Fundraising Journey: Rella's Pre-Seed Story 8:15 — Reflections on Fundraising vs. Bootstrapping 11:06 — How to Pitch: Storytelling & Investor Outreach 21:08 — Tactics: Finding, Contacting, and Tracking Investors 27:48 — Mindset, Rejection, and Getting the First Check 30:08 — Alternative Funding & Closing Thoughts Sign up for my newsletter: https://thegrowthlist.beehiiv.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Would you believe me if I told you that emotional intelligence can transform donor relationships and drive sustainable fundraising growth? Bill Crouch is the visionary leader of BrightDot and the author of Start with Heart: The Secret Power of Emotions to Catalyze Fundraising Results. And according to Bill, there is REAL data to prove why resilience and empathy consistently outperform traditional metrics.Bill walks us through BrightDot's “Teach, Train, Transform” methodology and how one community college in Florida raised significant gifts by rethinking their team structure, board accountability, and donor strategy.He explains how handwritten notes, emotionally intelligent hiring practices, and even a 2 hour “Fundraising Focus” window each week can wildly change donor engagement outcomes. You'll leave this conversation with so many practical takeaways to catalyze your results and bring more meaning into your fundraising culture.Resources & LinksConnect with Bill at bill@thebrightdot.com and learn more about BrightDot on their website. Check out Bill's book: Start with Heart: The Secret Power of Emotions to Catalyze Fundraising Results.This show is brought to you by GivingTuesday! GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that started in 2012 with a simple idea: a day to do good. This year, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, join the conversation: share your favorite nonprofit's campaign, volunteer for a cause you care about, share an act of kindness, or encourage your audience to do the same. Use #GivingTuesday, tag @GivingTuesday, and visit GivingTuesday.org/Participate to get involved and inspire others! Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good. Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!
In this nonprofit spotlight, we sit down with Caroline Whistler, CEO of Third Sector Capital Partners, an organization dedicated to transforming public systems to advance equitable outcomes for all. Caroline shares how her team helps governments use taxpayer dollars more effectively by centering community voices, data-driven outcomes, and collaborative partnerships with nonprofits.This conversation explores how governments and nonprofits can align around shared goals, co-design better funding models, and foster systems that measurably improve people's lives.Key Topics DiscussedTransforming Public Systems: How Third Sector partners with local and state governments to make public funding more responsive to community needs.Outcomes-Focused Approach: Why measuring long-term improvements in people's lives—rather than activity counts—is the true measure of success.Government & Community Collaboration: How government agencies are learning from nonprofits and adopting human-centered design practices to improve outcomes.Case Study — Los Angeles County: A powerful example of how Third Sector worked with the Department of Youth Development to rewrite contracting processes, giving small community-based organizations better access to public funding.Scaling Successful Models: Lessons from LA now being replicated in counties like Cuyahoga (Cleveland) and Cook (Illinois), showing how philanthropy and nonprofits can drive systemic change.Advice for Nonprofits: Practical steps for nonprofit leaders to identify government partners, build relationships, and align around shared North Star goals.Shared Goal Setting in Action: How Third Sector helped the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative uncover root causes behind low college completion rates—and redesign funding to include wraparound supports like childcare and transportation.About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.
Send us a textThe life you want doesn't just happen. You have to build it! And, in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, my guest Olíver Eluz Infante tells us how he is building the life of his dreams, brick by brick. Today we discuss the importance of mutual aid, the intersection of gender identity, religion, and family, and the challenges faced by trans youth. Olíver also talks about the mission of Transanta, which aims to support trans kids who lack familial support, and the role of a campaign manager in processing letters and connecting youth with resources. We talk:12:01 - The mission of Transanta18:41 - The Role of a campaign manager32:34 - Feeding your younger self40:13 - The intersectionality of faith and gender identity55:02 - Finding love and healingEpisode References:WoodstockTransantaRead more about Olíver in his bio below:Olíver Eluz Infante is Afro Latine transmasc who is the campaign manager for Transanta, a mutual aid project that connects anonymous gift-givers with trans youth who are unhoused, in foster care, or otherwise without crucial support they need to thrive. He also participates in mutual aid efforts in his town of Ithaca, NY and does free house cleanings for folks with executive function issues. During the day he works as a tournant chef and is soon to begin earning his degree in early childhood education.https://www.instagram.com/eluzoliver/ https://www.instagram.com/transanta/ Dem Bois Inc. is seeking passionate, equity-driven leaders to join our Board of Directors. We're recruiting for several roles, including Board Chair, Fundraising & External Relations, Program & Community Engagement, and General Board Members, to help advance our mission to uplift and empower trans men of color. Click here to APPLY! Questions? Contact Joy King at joy@suitelifebusinesscoaching.com Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement! Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks. Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!
In a world where leadership is often measured by individual success, today's episode shifts the spotlight to the strength found in unity and shared purpose. Joining us is Carmen James Randolph, the Founding President and CEO of the Women's Foundation of the South, to explore how collaboration, compassion, and collective power can transform communities and drive lasting change. Carmen introduces the foundation's mission, which is to uplift the health, wealth, and power of women and girls across the South, and reflects on the challenges that nonprofit leaders face in sustaining their work amid funding cuts and burnout. Carmen emphasizes the vital importance of community and collective strength, urging leaders to rely on one another rather than operate in isolation. She shares insights on board engagement, highlighting how creative campaigns can inspire generosity and involvement. Throughout the discussion, Carmen advocates for clarity of vision, collaboration, and alliance-building as essential tools for social change. She emphasizes the importance of nonprofits forming strategic partnerships, exploring mergers, and collaborating to address the growing needs of their communities. The conversation concludes with mutual appreciation and a shared commitment to continue strengthening the sector through unity, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. In this episode, you will be able to: Understand the mission and impact of the Women's Foundation of the South. Recognize the importance of collective support in sustaining nonprofit leadership. Discover strategies to strengthen board engagement and donor participation. Learn how creative fundraising campaigns can inspire generosity. Examine how open communication fosters collaboration and mutual support. Embrace the power of unity and long-term planning for greater social impact. Get all the resources from today's episode here. Support for this show is brought to you by Zeffy. Zeffy is a game-changing fundraising platform built exclusively for nonprofits. Zeffy is a game-changing fundraising platform built exclusively for nonprofits. Unlike other platforms that take a cut of your hard work through credit card and transaction fees, Zeffy is 100% free from transaction and platform fees. That means every dollar you raise goes directly toward fueling your mission. Trusted by more than 50,000 nonprofits, Zeffy empowers organizations of every size to streamline their fundraising with tools to collect donations, sell tickets, and manage donors all in one place. Getting started takes less than 15 minutes, and once you're set up, you'll have more resources to put toward what really matters: your cause. Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven't already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you're looking to raise more from the right funders, then you'll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.
Is direct mail still relevant in today's digital world? In this insightful interview, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com talks with Mark Dreistadt, founder and president of Infinity Concepts, about why direct mail remains the foundation of successful fundraising—and how digital tools like email, Google ads, social media, and text-to-give options are transforming donor engagement for nonprofits and ministries. Discover practical fundraising tactics, donor acquisition strategies, and how to balance traditional and digital communication to maximize results. Learn why relationship building, speed of donor response, and a well-articulated vision are key to growing your ministry or nonprofit organization.
In this episode of the Charity Charge Show, we interview Richard Glover, CEO of the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens. They discuss the unique aspects of the zoo, its nonprofit structure, and the challenges and successes of leadership in a nonprofit environment. Richard shares insights on professional development, community engagement through events, and the importance of listening to both employees and the community to foster a welcoming environment. The conversation highlights the zoo's commitment to conservation, education, and creating inclusive experiences for all.About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.
Send us a message! Really!This week on the Get More Smarter Podcast, the money is pouring into primary elections in Colorado, but, really just for one party, can you guess which one? Best friend of the pod Christy Powell is back to break down the third quarter fundraising results in Colorado. Also, the shutdown shitshow continues into its sixth week, and most Americans aren't stupid, so they know who's to blame -- namely, the party who currently controls the House, the Senate, and the White House. And finally, the most potent weapon against the excesses of the Trump administration isn't Congress, and it's isn't even states or governors; it turns out that the courts are the last thing standing between the American People and full blown stupid techno-fascism. That's it for this episode! If you loved watching and/or listening to it as much as we loved recording it, you can thank us by subscribing to the pod wherever you listen, following us over on New Old Twitter AKA Bluesky, subscribing to our shiny new channel on YouTube, smashing that subscribe button on our Substack, and sharing this episode with your friends, your enemies, and your 8th favorite Member of Congress from Colorado! THANK YOU so much for listening, and we'll see you next time!
If you're done following the same old fundraising playbook, the polite one that keeps your goals small and your growth stuck, this episode is your permission slip to break the rules.In The Rule-Breaker's Guide to Year-End Fundraising, I share how safe, “board-approved” strategies are quietly capping your potential, and how modern fundraisers are rewriting the rules to build momentum, trust, and record-breaking campaigns. You'll hear how one of my clients ran two back-to-back campaigns that both exceeded goals by leading with authenticity, urgency, and story, not fear or etiquette. Because the truth is, safe doesn't scale. It's time to stop waiting for approval, stop softening your message, and start leading with conviction. Rule breakers don't just raise more money, they raise more energy, excitement, and impact.Topics:Why playing it safe keeps your campaigns stuck on repeatThe biggest lie in year-end fundraising (and what to do instead)How to release the “parking brake” on your campaigns and gain real tractionWhat modern, momentum-driven fundraising looks likeHow one client ran two campaigns in a row, and hit both goalsWhy innovation looks risky until it works (and then everyone copies it)How to stop fundraising like it's 2005 and lead with courage insteadFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links
What if I told you the most powerful major gift fundraising seminar of your life could happen in your favorite chair, no travel required? I just experienced it firsthand, livestreamed for three days, and let me tell you, the connections and insights our faculty delivered in a virtual setting blew me away. I'll never forget one moment: watching seasoned major gift fundraisers build new relationships and spark those “aha!” revelations during our virtual one-on-one “park bench” sessions. It made me realize that sometimes, the most meaningful growth happens when we step outside the expected.In this episode of The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast, I'm sharing my reflection from our recent “Excellence in Major Gift Fundraising Seminar.” Plus, why you might want to rethink what's possible for YOUR major gifts program.Listen in and pass it on to a colleague who needs some inspiration! As we close, I'm thrilled to invite you to our next three-day virtual Excellence in Major Gift Fundraising Seminar on January 27–29. Mark your calendar, rally your development team, and reserve your spot at modernicg.com. The opportunity to transform your major gift fundraising starts here.Review my show: Please review my show. After you click the link, scroll to the bottom, first tap to rate with five stars, and then tap “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you liked most about this particular episode or how you find my podcast helpful, valuable, insightful, or inspiring in some way. Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.
Your fundraising events are pushing away the donors you need most. It's time to stop hosting experiences that alienate the next generation and instead build a loyal community of young supporters who are excited to give.In this episode of the Hey Nonprofits podcast, host Trevor Nelson is joined by event fundraising expert AJ Steinberg to discuss how to solve the generational giving gap. AJ explains how to design new events specifically for a younger crowd by genuinely listening to their ideas. Learn simple ways to provide amazing hospitality and a white glove service that makes every guest feel special. AJ also shares advice on how to get your board members involved in fundraising and how to prepare your event for any potential disaster. This discussion provides a clear guide for nonprofit leaders who want to build a strong community and secure support from younger generations.
In this nonprofit spotlight conversation, Jo Ann Simons, CEO of Northeast Arc, discusses the organization's mission to support individuals with disabilities and the challenges faced in the nonprofit sector. She highlights innovative partnerships, such as swim lessons for children with autism, and the opening of a coffee shop to train individuals with disabilities. Joanne also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the potential of technology to enhance services in the future.
Entrepreneurs spend years hustling to grow their businesses, but too many leave life-changing wealth on the table simply because they don't know the rules of the exit game. In this episode of BizNinja Entrepreneur Radio, Tyler sits down with private equity expert and author Nick Bradley, who has helped lead more than $5 billion in successful exits, to break down how founders can scale smarter, negotiate better, and prepare themselves emotionally and financially for the biggest moment of their entrepreneurial journey.What You'll Learn• Why founders fail at exits they should win• The real difference between startup founders vs. scale-up builders• How private equity actually works behind closed doors• The two sets of rules in every deal: price vs terms• Why culture and transferable value matter more than you think• How roll-ups and acquisitions multiply valuations quickly• What it means to operate off the buyer's math• How founders can prepare emotionally for losing the CEO hat• Where the biggest growth opportunities are in the next decade Chapters00:00 Welcome to BizNinja & Meet Nick Bradley01:00 Nick's First Business and Early Entrepreneurial Spark03:30 Transition to Corporate and Discovering Private Equity06:00 Why Founders Fear PE and What They Get Wrong09:00 The Emotional Rollercoaster After Selling Your Business11:30 Prize vs Prey: How Buyers Judge Founders14:00 Price vs Terms: The Rules Most Founders Miss17:30 Preparing 12–36 Months Before an Exit19:30 Roll Ups, Arbitrage & Scaling Through Acquisitions23:00 Culture, Vision & Transferable Value in PE Deals26:00 Big Industry Opportunities on the Horizon27:30 Nick's Move to Dubai & Personal Growth28:30 Where to Connect with Nick & Final Takeaways
Have you ever chased your dream so hard that it started chasing your peace? In this episode, I get brutally honest about what it really takes to raise capital as a female founder—beyond the pitch decks and champagne toasts. If you've ever felt the pressure of hustle culture while trying to fund your vision, this one's for you. Whether you're bootstrapping, courting venture capital, or navigating rejection after rejection, I break down the emotional and strategic side of fundraising in today's shifting market—especially for women of color. You'll walk away knowing how to protect your energy, stay aligned with your purpose, and build your business without burning out. In this episode, you'll learn: How to know whether your business is truly venture-backable or better built for sustainable cash flow. The mindset shifts that help female founders navigate rejection and redefine success beyond investor validation. Why community fundraising and platforms like Wefunder are reshaping access to capital—and how you can turn your supporters into shareholders. Ready to own a piece of the glow-up? We just opened Silkenn's Community Investment Round—and this time, the gatekeepers are out and the girls are in. Join the movement at wefunder.com/Silkenn, become part of the Silkenn story, and snag some exclusive investor-only perks (think yacht days, mastermind dinners, and behind-the-scenes access). Try Huel Black Edition or the new Daily Greens RTD—now at Target stores nationwide! Grab 15% off your first order at Huel.com/BossBabe with code: boss babe key points: raising capital, fundraising, venture capital, hustle culture, female founders, community investment, women entrepreneurs, Wefunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Melanie Perkins is CEO and co-founder of Canva, currently valued at over $42 billion, generating over $3 billion in annual revenue, with more than 240 million monthly active users and, incredibly, eight consecutive years of profitability. But the journey was far from smooth. Melanie was rejected by over 100 investors during her first fundraising round, her team spent two years without being able to ship a new feature during a technical rewrite, and the company pivoted early from a yearbook publishing platform to become the design powerhouse it is today. Through it all, she maintained what she calls “column B” thinking: building toward a dream future rather than just using the bricks around you.We discuss:1. How “column B” thinking helped Melanie build Canva, by starting with an impossible vision rather than existing constraints2. The power of setting “crazy big goals”3. How Canva survived a painful two-year period without shipping any new features while rewriting their codebase4. How Melanie pushed through 100 investor rejections, and how she used each rejection to strengthen her pitch5. Canva's “two-step plan”: build one of the world's most valuable companies, then do the most good possible6. Melanie's vision for 2050 and why she believes imagination is the first step toward a better world—Brought to you by:Vanta—Automate compliance. Simplify security. https://vanta.com/lennyStripe—Helping companies of all sizes grow revenue: https://stripe.com/Justworks—The all-in-one HR solution for managing your small business with confidence: https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/trackclk/N9515.5688857LENNYSPODCAST/B33689522.424104489;dc_trk_aid=616485033;dc_trk_cid=237010502;dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;gdpr=$—Transcript: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/the-making-of-canva—My biggest takeaways (for paid newsletter subscribers): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/i/176082995/my-biggest-takeaways-from-this-conversation—Where to find Melanie Perkins:• X: https://x.com/melaniecanva• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieperkins/—Where to find Lenny:• Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com• X: https://twitter.com/lennysan• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennyrachitsky/—In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introduction to Melanie Perkins and Canva(04:44) Building a “column B” company(06:36) Operationalizing big visions(13:13) Crazy big goals and celebrations(22:00) Challenges and setbacks in Canva's journey(26:30) Fundraising and investor rejections(29:36) Leadership and growth lessons(34:38) Canva's goal-driven structure(35:46) Balancing work and personal life(38:02) Community-driven product development(40:37) The two-step plan for global impact(45:04) Canva's biggest launch yet(48:10) How Canva approaches product expansion(52:37) AI integration in Canva(53:56) AI corner(55:22) Melanie's vision for 2050 and beyond(01:00:07) Lightning round and final thoughts—Referenced:• Canva: https://www.canva.com/• Brian Chesky's new playbook: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/brian-cheskys-contrarian-approach• Building high-performing teams | Melissa Tan (Webflow, Dropbox, Canva): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/building-high-performing-teams-melissa• UserTesting: https://www.usertesting.com/• Figma: https://www.figma.com/• Adobe: https://www.adobe.com/• Calm: https://www.calm.com/• Gandhi's quote about happiness: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/mahatma_gandhi_105593• Help us improve Canva: https://www.canva.com/help/get-in-touch/general-feedback/—Recommended books:• Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration: https://www.amazon.com/Creativity-Inc-Expanded-Overcoming-Inspiration/dp/0593594649/• The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses: https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Startup-Entrepreneurs-Continuous-Innovation/dp/0307887898/• The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Moments-Certain-Experiences-Extraordinary/dp/1501147765• Designing the Obvious: A Common Sense Approach to Web and Mobile Application Design: https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Obvious-Common-Approach-Application/dp/0321749855—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com.Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed. To hear more, visit www.lennysnewsletter.com