Podcasts about nonprofit optimist

Today's guest is Joan Garry, author of Guide to Nonprofit Leadership and host of the Nonprofits are Messy podcast. Molly MacCready (host of the Nonprofit Optimist podcast) and Joan discuss the importance of knowing what activities fuel you, how to define success and impact beyond the typical metrics, and some ways to learn and grow as a nonprofit following this unexpected pandemic time. Joan shares from her experiences of working with small nonprofit leaders within the Nonprofit Leadership Lab, along with her own years as a nonprofit leader, board member, and donor.  See our website for more show notes: www.nonprofitoptimist.com/blog/npo-047-joan-garry

In this episode of the Nonprofit Optimist, host Molly MacCready shares her experience with starting a Giving Day for her small nonprofit, CROSO. They started their giving day in 2019 and have successfully completed 3 annual giving days now and are preparing for their 4th in April 2022. In this episode, Molly explains what a giving day is and all the logistics about how to set one up for your nonprofit, including setting the date, identifying the goals and incentives to motivate people's involvement, and a thorough explanation of the communications plan her organization followed.   To see the notes from today's episode, visit: www.nonprofitoptimist.com/blog/npo-046-giving-day To learn more about CROSO, the featured nonprofit, visit: www.CROSO.org/ 

My guest today is Kim Morris, the project coordinator for River Keepers, a nonprofit based in Fargo, North Dakota. River Keepers' mission is to advocate for safe and sustainable use of the Red River of the North and they work with the communities in both Fargo and Moorhead, MN. In today's episode, you'll hear us talk about project planning and event planning, how the pandemic impacted their programming, how Kim's organization engages over 2,000 volunteers each year, and also the importance of networking and affinity groups.   Nonprofit Optimist information: Website: www.nonprofitoptimist.com Email: nonprofitoptimist@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitoptimist Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitoptimist Suggest a new guest:   https://www.nonprofitoptimist.com/futureguest   Find River Keepers online: Website: https://www.riverkeepers.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverKeepersFM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fmriverkeepers/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RiverKeepersofFM Contact them: https://www.riverkeepers.org/contact/

In today's episode, host Molly MacCready sheds some light on her own experiences and thoughts regarding the past 18 months as well as discusses self-care. While a self-professed amateur at self-care, Molly does share some of the lessons she's recently learned about how to create some balance within her schedule by leaning into untraditional work hours.   Nonprofit Optimist information: Website: www.nonprofitoptimist.com Email: nonprofitoptimist@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitoptimist Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitoptimist Suggest a new guest:   https://www.nonprofitoptimist.com/futureguest   Find the CROSO (Child Restoration Outreach Support Organization) online: Website: https://www.CROSO.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CROSO.Uganda Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CROSO_Uganda

In today's episode, Tessa Vierk (co-founder of the Chicago Tool Library) chats with Molly about their founding story, recruiting volunteers, creating their membership model, and the power of saying "not right now." The Chicago Tool Library's goal is to provide equitable access to tools, equipment, and information to allow all Chicagoans to learn, share, and create. If you visit our website, you can see more notes and topics of today's conversation.   Nonprofit Optimist information: Become a Patron of the Nonprofit Optimist: www.Patreon.com/nonprofitoptimist Website: www.nonprofitoptimist.com Email: nonprofitoptimist@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitoptimist Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitoptimist Suggest a new guest:   https://www.nonprofitoptimist.com/futureguest   Find the Chicago Tool Library online: Website: https://www.chicagotoollibrary.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicagotoollibrary Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotoollibrary/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GwFhYPzlLw Email them: team@chicagotoollibrary.org

I would guess that when Nonprofit Jenni Show listeners email me, about half of the emails are asking for my advice about how to start a new nonprofit organization supporting a cause they feel really passionate about. I love that passion--we need more of that spirit in the world! But is starting a nonprofit organization really the most effective way to create meaningful, lasting change in the areas that matter most? In this week’s star-studded podcast episode, two of my favorite nonprofit thought leaders share their advice on what you should consider before you decide to form a new nonprofit organization.   First, Randy Hawthorne (CEO of Nonprofit Hub and podcast host of the Nonprofit Hubcast) shares his perspective on how aspiring philanthropists and do-gooders should decide whether starting a nonprofit is the right way to support their favorite cause. He shares some questions you can ask yourself to figure out whether you would be able to sustain a nonprofit organization in the long term. Then Molly MacCready (Founder/Executive Director of CROSO and podcast host of Nonprofit Optimist) shares the story of how she founded her nonprofit organization in her junior year of college, and what she would have done differently with the benefit of hindsight. She also offers some direction for people who think starting a nonprofit may not be the way to go, but aren’t sure where to turn next. Our guests this episode are:--Randy Hawthorne from Nonprofit Hub and the Nonprofit Hubcast--Molly MacCready from CROSO and Nonprofit Optimist Our sponsors this episode are:--Little Green Light, Jenni’s favorite donor management system. Check out their free resource library full of ebooks about fundraising at www.littlegreenlight.com/jenni and use the discount code JENNI to receive $150 off your first year of donor management services.--DipJar, Jenni’s favorite alternative to cash donation boxes. Empower your donors to make credit card donations with DipJar’s fun light-up donation gadget! Visit dipjar.com/jenni for a 5% discount on your first purchase.  Nonprofit Jenni provides consulting services and coaching calls for nonprofits and social impact organizations seeking guidance in the areas of Marketing, Fundraising, Growth, and Starting Up. Visit nonprofitjenni.com to learn more. All information in the Nonprofit Jenni Show is very general in nature, and may not apply to your specific nonprofit organization. Please direct clarifying questions to Nonprofit Jenni by visiting nonprofitjenni.com. Produced by Wayfare Recording Co. Music by Emily Summers. ©2020 Nonprofit Jenni. All Rights Reserved.

Part 2 of 2! Julia Gatten is the Communications Director for AfricAid and she shares some of the biggest lessons she's learned about how to tell your story to donors. In this conversation, we talk about branding, messaging, and logos. It was important to AfricAid to involve stakeholders in that process from both Tanzania and America, and it's great to hear their process.  You can check out the outline of topics discussed here: NPO 042.   Nonprofit Optimist information: Become a Patron of the Nonprofit Optimist: www.Patreon.com/nonprofitoptimist Website: www.nonprofitoptimist.com Email: nonprofitoptimist@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitoptimist Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitoptimist Suggest a new guest:   https://www.nonprofitoptimist.com/futureguest   AfricAid information: Website: https://africaid.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/africaid Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africaid/ Blog: https://africaid.org/blog/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFGYeM1pqVG1hydExxFBnwQ  

Julia Gatten is the Communications Director for AfricAid and she shares some of the biggest lessons she's learned about how to tell your story to donors. In this conversation, we talk about how AfricAid puts together their weekly blogs through contributions of staff in Tanzania and America, and how they engage a volunteer in a substantial role. We also discuss the role of email in their communication strategy, as well as videos. You can check out the outline of topics discussed here: NPO 041.   Nonprofit Optimist information: Become a Patron of the Nonprofit Optimist: www.Patreon.com/nonprofitoptimist Website: www.nonprofitoptimist.com Email: nonprofitoptimist@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitoptimist Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitoptimist Suggest a new guest:   https://www.nonprofitoptimist.com/futureguest   AfricAid information: Website: https://africaid.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/africaid Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africaid/ Blog: https://africaid.org/blog/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFGYeM1pqVG1hydExxFBnwQ   Check back for part two of my interview with Julia where we'll talk about branding, messaging, and how to involve stakeholders in that process.

Sean MacCready and Stephenie Lazarus from Horizons for Youth share the lessons they have learned about partnering with donors, creating a major giving program, and participating in their first Giving Tuesday. You can check out the outline of topics discussed here: NPO 040.   Nonprofit Optimist information: Become a Patron of the Nonprofit Optimist: www.Patreon.com/nonprofitoptimist Website: www.nonprofitoptimist.com Email: nonprofitoptimist@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitoptimist Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitoptimist Suggest a new guest: https://www.nonprofitoptimist.com/futureguest   Horizons for Youth information: Website: https://horizons-for-youth.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/horizonsforyouthchicago/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/horizons-for-youth/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/horizonsforyouth/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/horizonsfy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwQBb3ge9e0nURG2SrXECrA   Additional Links from our Conversation: NextAfter: https://www.nextafter.com/

Dr. Susan Blaustein of WomenStrong International shares the lessons she's learned about community and international development through her work. You can check out the outline of topics discussed here: NPO 039.    Nonprofit Optimist information: Become a Patron of the Nonprofit Optimist: www.Patreon.com/nonprofitoptimist Website: www.nonprofitoptimist.com Email: nonprofitoptimist@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitoptimist Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitoptimist   WomenStrong International information: Website: https://www.womenstrong.org/ Blog: https://www.womenstrong.org/stories Email: info@womenstrong.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womenstrongintl Twitter: https://twitter.com/womenstrongintl

Super quick episode sharing a fun announcement (picture here!) and a few shout outs.   Website: www.nonprofitoptimist.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitoptimist Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitoptimist   Become a Patron of the Nonprofit Optimist: www.Patreon.com/nonprofitoptimist   Back to regular interview-style episodes on Tuesday! Get excited!!!

Through her experiences abroad, Molly MacCready felt compelled to make a difference in the world by helping those will less. She founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and hosts a podcast to help other nonprofit leaders.  Guest Biography Molly MacCready is the executive director of CROSO, Child Restoration Outreach Support Organization, a nonprofit she founded in 2007 that provides post-secondary scholarships to former street children in Uganda. Molly is also the host and producer of the Nonprofit Optimist podcast where she talks with other small nonprofit leaders about the lessons they've learned in their work. In her free time, she loves to play games, hang out with her nieces & nephews, scuba dive, kayak, and travel. Show notes: http://www.inspiredmoney.fm/054 In this episode, you will learn: Why you might consider supporting a smaller nonprofit organization over a big one. Tips for evaluating a small nonprofit organization. How technology is changing the way we engage with nonprofits. Find more from our guest: Twitter Instagram Linkedin Croso (Child Restoration Outreach Support Organization)  croso.org Instagram Twitter Facebook Youtube Nonprofit Optimist Podcast nonprofitoptimist.com Facebook Instagram Twitter Mentioned in this episode: Chartitynavigator Guidestar Charitywater Thanks for Listening! To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter or Facebook. To help out the show: Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Your ratings and reviews really help, and I read each one. Email me your address, and I'll mail you an autographed copy of Kimo West and Ken Emerson's CD, Slackers in Paradise. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Special thanks to Jim Kimo West for the music.

Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/nonprofitoptimist For $2 or $4 per month, support the Nonprofit Optimist podcast! Today's Guest: Rose Hart         As a lifelong resident of Marshall County, WV, was part of the first graduating class of John Marshall High School in 1969. She spent 30 years of her career working for the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier, before co-founding Appalachian Outreach, Inc. in 2002. She now serves as the Executive Director of AOI. In 2012, Rose also completed her certification in Nonprofit Management through WVU.          In addition to her work with Appalachian Outreach, Inc., Rose is an active member in her local community and church. She's currently involved with the local Long Term Recovery Committee, Local Emergency Planning Committee and WV VOAD (West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster). She's also a member of St. Jude Parish in Glen Dale WV, where she is the RCIA director, Eucharistic Minister, and Lector, and she is a member of God’s Children of Love prayer group in Moundsville, WV. She completed the Diaconate / Pastoral Ministry program of the Diocese of Wheeling – Charleston in 1987 with a certificate in adult formation. Nonprofit Spotlight: Appalachian Outreach, Inc.       Guided by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and inspired by the Holy Spirit, the mission of Appalachian Outreach is to help relieve the burden of poverty and the loss of dignity suffered by the people of Appalachia who, through no fault of their own, struggle to meet the basic needs of daily life.       They continually look for contacts in counties where accessibility and opportunity are limited and other charitable agencies are lacking or struggle to meet local need. They also look for contacts locally that will support the mission of Appalachian Outreach, therefore building a network where the dignity of all is respected and the love of God is proclaimed through prayer, word, and deed. Lessons Learned: In our conversation, Rose shares her experience of leading Appalachian Outreach, Inc. and how it originally got started. Some of the key lessons she has learned through this work are outlined below:  When getting started: Realized applying for permits would be time and resource intensive. Instead, asked the mayors of each surrounding county if they could solicit their residents. Led to not only a "yes" in response to that question, but also some really positive public relations opportunities for the mayors and for leadership boards within the community. "We're too successful to stop now." Need to build relationships with local contacts. Created an advisory board of someone who knows each area well. In order to build trust, you have to go where people are. "Sit on the porches and listen." Partner with existing organizations! Funding from/through the Government NIPS - Neighborhood Investment Program Allows for donations to be made as a tax credit to the donor. Rose and her co-founder approached small county commissioners and talked to them about the good they were providing for the county. In return, the commissioners provided some compensation for transportation of the goods. Income generating opporunities: Run a store house where they sell building materials at a discounted rate and they only had to pay for transportation. Mountain Resource Sharing of Good Network Clothing donations to World Mission Clothing Find Appalachian Outreach, Inc. online: Website: http://www.appalachianoutreaching.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AppalachianOutreach/ Go Fund Me campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/transportation-for-appalachia

Announcements: Molly will be at Podcast Movement conference next week! If you'll be there- email me: nonprofitoptimist@gmail.com. Come to our Nonprofit Meetup! Attend the panel where Molly and other nonprofit rockstars will be speaking!  Molly's husband (Sean MacCready) has a great podcast you should check out-- The Philanthropy Podcast.  Review the Nonprofit Optimist on iTunes. Free Online Resources: Doodle Polls: Doodle.com Google Drive: Google Forms Canva: Canva.com Facebook Groups: E.D. Happy Hour Nonprofit Happy Hour   All show notes available at www.nonprofitoptimist.com

Carrie Collins-Fadell is the executive director of the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona and is today's guest on the Nonprofit Optimist! Our conversation is dedicated to fundraising through events and Carrie has great ideas to share on this! Carrie has been able to plan and execute several large events for their organization and this year, they offered a run/walk for the first time. This interview occurred at the beginning of March and since then, Carrie's event happened and they surpassed their goals, so be sure to listen to her tips! Show notes: Nonprofit Optimist Recommend future guests! Sign up for a 30 minute consult!

My guest today is Shay Beider, the founder and executive director of Integrative Touch for Kids. Shay has been a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine for the past 17 years. Integrative Touch for Kids is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to enhance well being, minimize suffering and facilitate healing for children with chronic, acute and life limiting illnesses. In our conversation, Shay and I discuss their business model, using volunteers not only for programming, but also for fundraising, and most fundamentally - always seeing the patients as the master teachers. Shay is such a passionate advocate for the works she does, and I think you’ll find there are many lessons to be learned from her approach that can apply to your small nonprofit.   New opportunity: 30 minute consultation-   nonprofitoptimist.com/consult   Show notes for today's episode: Nonprofit Optimist

Beth Rosenberg founded Tech Kids Unlimited, a not-for-profit technology-based educational organization for kids ages 7 to 19 with special needs. In our conversation, she discusses how she initially connected with donors and how she keeps finding new connections whether on a train or through LinkedIn. This is another great episode of the Nonprofit Optimist, so be sure to listen in!   To see show notes for today's episode visit: www.nonprofitoptimist.com

In preparation for receiving the Joe Belle Memorial Young Alumni Award from the University of Dayton, host Molly MacCready takes this opportunity to reflect on the lessons she learned at UD. In light of our current society, themes of power inequities emerged and Molly shares wisdom from the Marianists for how nonprofits might build stronger communities.   This episode is much shorter than our typical episode, but we'll return to our normal content next week.   For show notes, please visit: www.nonprofitoptimist.com

Anoop Jain is the co-founder and U.S. director of Sanitation and Health Rights in India (SHRI). SHRI was founded in 2011 to alleviate India's sanitation crisis. As an organization, SHRI believes that all humans deserve to live a life dignified by improved access to toilets. Anoop's experience differs from most guests on the Nonprofit optimist. In this episode, the moments that highlight that most are when he discusses  volunteers, sustainability, purpose of board members and even how he views his own role in SHRI. I think you'll appreciate this episode for the questions it will make you ask and the reflection it will encourage.   To see the show notes, visit: www.nonprofitoptimist.com.

Today, Molly is joined by Mark Mullins, board president of Just Live Inc. Just Live inc is a nonprofit out of southern Wisconsin that focuses on suicide prevention and promotes education awareness in their local communities. In our conversation today, Mark shares about their largest fundraiser each year- a music festival- and also the opportunities for collaboration.   To see the show notes, visit www.nonprofitoptimist.com.

After working with Solidarity Bridge for the past ten years, executive director, Ann Rhomberg, shares how she manages her staff of eight. From clear expectations and weekly meetings to the importance of spending time together as a staff, Ann and Molly discuss what has made the Solidarity Bridge staff work so well together. If you currently are in a management role, or you aspire to be some day, this is a great episode for you!   To see the show notes, visit www.nonprofitoptimist.com. 

Kim Popa, co-founder and executive director of Pones, talks about how her nonprofit uses dance to create powerful change. Beginning with her own story of founding Pones, Kim discusses the lessons she learned along the way... including the need to avoid the "shoulds" that might lead you away from your mission and organizational heart. In staying true to Pones, they have made intentional strides with their board of directors to reflect the company of dancers and instructors and to create space for dialogue among dancers and board members. This episode is full of creative ideas and perspectives on how to approach nonprofit management that I think could be useful to all nonprofit professionals.   For more information and to see the show notes, visit: www.nonprofitoptimist.com.

Machelle Norling, founder and executive director of Hope Now shares helpful suggestions about cultural context and how to work in communities where you're not local. Machelle also shares a great list of questions that anyone thinking about starting a nonprofit should be asking. To learn more about the work of Hope Now, visit their website: www.hopenow.asia. gmailTo see the show notes, visit: www.nonprofitoptimist.com

In this week's episode, Molly veers from the typical interview format and shares from her own experience of leading a nonprofit how they have navigated creating and implementing expectations for the board of directors and organizing functional committees. Molly also touches on how to help transition board members off the board, which can be tricky in small nonprofits.

Executive director, Nancy Cowles, shares her experiences with disseminated information and changing practices around child safety products. In this episode she shares the power of storytelling, the importance of coalition building and how to function on a limited budget. This is definitely an episode that can benefit all small nonprofits!   For shownotes, please visit: www.nonprofitoptimist.com

Lee Ann Eiland, the Development Manager for Playworks Illinois, shares how Playworks integrates their mission into their work culture as well as their interaction with each donor. Lee Ann and I also discuss some of the lessons she’s learned along the way about who donors are and the different approaches to reach each specifically. From ideas for unique fundraisers to different approaches to direct marketing campaigns, this is an episode of the Nonprofit Optimist that you won't want to miss!  You can find links, comments and photos about all of these topics in our show notes- www.nonprofitoptimist.com.  

Adam Walker, co-founder of nonprofit 48in48, shares their bold vision and the ways in which 48in48 are changing the landscape of nonprofit websites. If you are interested in learning how to scale your organization or how to improve your marketing, this is a great episode for you! Also, there are free tools shared in the episode that you won't want to miss!   Show notes can be found at www.nonprofitoptimist.com.

Monika Jones serves as Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair of The Brain Recovery Project and is a co-founder of the organization. Through this work, Monika has learned many lessons including the importance of knowing your stuff, where to find funding (and when to know your limitations), how to build community, and she has some helpful suggestions for tools for productivity.   To see the show notes, visit: www.nonprofitoptimist.com

Today's Guest: Jake Teitgen Jake is a native Hoosier who lives in Noblesville, Indiana. Jake lives with three strong-willed and wonderful women: his wife, Alicen, and daughters, Julia & Genevieve. He graduated from Notre Dame in 2008 with a degree in marketing before starting work at Our Lady of Grace, a Catholic church in Noblesville. Jake coordinates youth ministry, young adult ministry, and communications at Our Lady of Grace. He also serves on the Board of Directors at Bethlehem Farm and has been inviting others to join him on adventures to this community in West Virginia since 2005. Nonprofit Spotlight: Bethlehem Farm Bethlehem Farm is a Catholic Community in Appalachia that transforms lives through service with the local community and the teaching of sustainable practices. They invite volunteers to join them in living the Gospel cornerstones of service, prayer, simplicity and community. Story of Good: Michael and Everett Michael, a high school student, was leading two weeks of service trips at Bethlehem Farm. A project that was assigned to him was to help build an extension for a man named Everett. Everett was not a very social person, but by the second week, Michael and Everett had formed an unlikely friendship that Jake was able to witness while he was doing service there. Lessons Learned: Jake shared so many wonderful nuggets of information about small nonprofit formation. Here are some of the highlights: - The importance of strategic planning (or "master planning" as he refers to it). He talked about who was involved, how their facilitator helped and how it has led to their organization being able to stay on mission. - Bethlehem Farm has an interesting base requirement for all board members- they must love the mission of Bethlehem Farm. As such, they meet three times a year for a full weekend at the Farm and then have an additional conference call in the remaining quarter of the year. - The Summer Servant Program is a great way to tap into volunteer (or small stipend) leaders who offer an amazing value to Bethlehem Farm. They've become an integral support role for the summer programs and a neat opportunity to get involved for an intense but short period of time. Next Interview: Dr. Chris Stout, Founding Director of the Center for Global Initiatives   Never miss an episode of the Nonprofit Optimist podcast by clicking the links below to subscribe!

In this interview with Anna Mayer, Executive Director of Taller de José, the Nonprofit Optimist explores how to increase your staff without increasing your budget, how to support your organization through transitions in leadership and how to include the voice of all stakeholders when structuring your boards. This is a great conversation and the first interview to be featured on the Nonprofit Optimist.   To see the shownotes, visit www.nonprofitoptimist.com. 

Welcome to the Nonprofit Optimist podcast! In this first episode, I introduce the three goals for this podcast: Encourage the development of small organizations by sharing lessons learned. Increase the awareness of good that is occurring in the world. Provide a platform to showcase awesome nonprofits. The nonprofit featured in this episode is CROSO (Child Restoration Outreach Support Organization). In addition to hosting this podcast, I am the founder and executive director of CROSO. CROSO is a nonprofit that provides college scholarships for former street children in Uganda. To learn more about how (or why) this nonprofit got started and how we've slowly grown as an organization, listen to the episode! Show notes can be found at www.nonprofitoptimist.com.