Podcasts about nonprofits

In this episode, Candice sits down with Kira Shishkin, CEO of informed.now and a four-time serial entrepreneur whose journey began with a life-altering car accident that left him physically and cognitively disabled. After losing his memory and his ability to focus, Kira fought his way back through discipline, education, and relentless willpower. His recovery reshaped how he views attention, independence, and the responsibility we each have to think for ourselves.   In this episode, they discuss: How a traumatic brain injury and amnesia shaped Kira's understanding of attention The power of will and disciplined learning in cognitive recovery Why modern media incentives work against readers The dangers of echo chambers and information overload How informed.now delivers concise, fact-based news without bias The importance of safeguarding attention in a digital world Why independent thinking is essential for a healthy society   This inspiring conversation reminds us that when we protect our attention and reclaim our ability to think independently, we create the possibility for greater clarity, connection, and impact.   About Kira Shishkin: Kira Shishkin is the CEO of informed.now, the #1 news-by-text service in America. Kira is a 4-time serial entrepreneur & investor-advisor to leading technology companies. His experience spans investment banking, corporate strategy, and private equity investments in category-defining ventures. His education includes University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, and Stanford. Kira was in Forbes 30 Under 30. informed.now –a minimalist, SMS based news concierge helping people stay informed without overload www.informed.now www.KiraShishkin.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kirashishkin/https://www.instagram.com/kira.shishkinhttps://www.instagram.com/informed.nowhttps://www.facebook.com/Kira.Shishkin ----- Connect with Candice Snyder! Website: https://www.podpage.com/passion-purpose-and-possibilities-1/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candicebsnyder?_rdr Passion, Purpose, and Possibilities Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passionpurposeandpossibilitiescommunity/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpurposepossibilities/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicesnyder/ Shop For A Cause With Gifts That Give Back to Nonprofits: https://thekindnesscause.com/ Fall In Love With Artists And Experience Joy And Calm: https://www.youtube.com/@movenartrelaxation

Live from Joe's mom's basement (where the jokes are free but hospital care apparently isn't), the Stacking Benjamins crew tackles two very real financial stressors: surprise medical debt and a shifting housing market. First up is Amani Vance, who joined the Coast Guard at 19 and soon faced a nightmare scenario. What started as appendicitis escalated to severe sepsis after limited on-base resources and long waits for off-base care. After hospitalization, including treatment for an abscess and eventual appendix removal, Amani received a bill totaling roughly $43,000 to $45,000. And here's where it gets worse. She didn't qualify for VA help because she hadn't yet served 180 days. Accessing Coast Guard records proved difficult. The bill arrived after the care, opaque, overwhelming, and completely disconnected from what she had agreed to or expected. If you're a Stacker, you know this feeling. The stress isn't just the number. It's the lack of clarity. Amani shares how she started researching options, discovered the nonprofit Dollar For through Reddit, and used them to apply for hospital financial assistance. Dollar For helped her complete and submit the required forms, and within weeks, she was approved for 100% financial assistance, wiping out the bill entirely. Joe Saul-Sehy highlights an important takeaway. Nonprofit hospitals are legally required to offer financial assistance. Many for-profit hospitals offer programs, too. Income thresholds are often higher than people assume. The applications can be confusing, which is where advocates like Dollar For can make a huge difference. Instead of locking into $300 to $500 monthly payments for years, Amani walked away debt-free and with a completely different outlook. After Doug drops trivia about the youngest bank robber (yes, really), the crew pivots to housing. A recent Wall Street Journal/Redfin headline suggests the housing market may be tilting toward buyers, with more homes selling below list price and average sales around 8% under asking. Joe and OG break down what that means for Stackers, not in headline hype terms but practical life terms. What You'll Learn: Medical Bills and Financial Assistance: • Why medical debt feels different from other debt • How hospital financial assistance programs work • Why many people qualify but never apply • How nonprofits like Dollar For can help navigate the paperwork • Why you should always ask for itemized bills and assistance options Housing Market: Think Forward, Not Backward: • Why you shouldn't get stuck in your mortgage just because you locked in a low rate • How anchoring to past rates can cloud present decisions • Why negotiating power is shifting and how to use it • The importance of building financial margin when income rises • Smart, low cost staging tactics, including hiring a pro for just an hour of advice • How AI tools can help with pricing and presentation ideas The Big Takeaways: Before paying a massive medical bill, check whether you qualify for assistance. Financial stress often comes from confusion. Clarity is power. Housing decisions should be forward-looking, not emotionally anchored to the past. Margin and flexibility beat perfect timing. This Episode Is For You If: • You're facing medical debt and thought you had no options • You've been putting off dealing with a hospital bill because it feels hopeless • You're stuck in a low rate mortgage and wondering if you should move • You want to understand what's really happening in the housing market • You believe there's always more to the story than the bill or the headline Question for You: Have you ever negotiated or reduced a bill you initially thought was non-negotiable? Share your story in the Spotify comments or The Basement Facebook group. Your experience might help another Stacker avoid paying more than they should. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guest: Ryan Hall When severe weather is on the horizon, many people turn to their local meteorologist—but millions are heading to YouTube to get the latest from Ryan Hall, Y'all. With his signature down-to-earth style and real-time, no-nonsense weather coverage, Ryan has built one of the most popular and trusted weather communities online. But what's it really like to cover major weather events on social media's biggest stage? How does he balance entertainment with accuracy? And where does he see weather communication heading next? Today on Weather Geeks, we're pulling back the curtain with Ryan Hall himself. From storm-chasing stories to the power of digital weather, we're diving into how one YouTuber is changing the way we watch the skies.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ryan Hall, Y'all02:57 Ryan's Journey into Weather06:07 The Rise of Ryan Hall, Y'all08:49 Transitioning from Traditional Media to Digital11:15 The Evolution of Weather Communication14:37 Building a Community and the Y'all Squad17:12 The Role of Teamwork in Content Creation20:27 Navigating Severe Weather Coverage23:26 Addressing Misinformation in Weather Reporting26:25 The Impact of AI on Weather Communication29:26 Advice for Aspiring Weather YouTubersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Safe, clean drinking water should be a given. It is not.On this episode of The Charity Charge Show, host Stephen Garten sits down with Doc Hendley, founder and CEO of Wine to Water, to talk about the real story behind the organization, how it grew from a tip jar at a bar to serving millions of people, and what it takes to lead and scale a mission-driven nonprofit for more than two decades.Doc does not dress it up. He talks about mistakes, hard lessons, and why most nonprofits stay stuck under $2M in annual revenue. He also lays out what changed when Wine to Water stopped acting like a typical nonprofit and started building diversified revenue streams like a business.

I hear nonprofit leaders say this all the time: "We just need to become more fundable." But when I ask what that actually means, most people can't clearly explain it. So today, I want to talk about what fundable really means — not from the nonprofit's perspective, but from the funder's. If you've been doing the work but still not seeing consistent funding, this conversation will help you identify the real gap. Fundable is not a label. It's a position you build into your organization. And once you understand that, everything shifts.

A Community Comes Together to Honor Local Excellence Fresh off a Parisian adventure, Kaleigh Fincham returns to the Top of Virginia region with renewed energy and a mission: to orchestrate one of the Chamber's most meaningful events of the year. As Director of Events for the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber, Kaleigh joins host Janet Michael on "The Valley Business Today" to unveil the details of the 2026 Greater Good Awards, presented by Valley Health. More Than Just an Awards Ceremony The Greater Good Awards stand apart from typical business recognition events. Rather than simply celebrating success, this gathering honors the individuals and organizations whose vision, leadership, and dedication actively strengthen the region's quality of life. "This event is a little different," Kaleigh explains. "It really shows the community at its finest and celebrates the outstanding individuals and businesses whose vision, leadership and hard work strengthened the quality of life in our region." Scheduled for March 12th at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club, the semi-formal evening event runs from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. However, prospective attendees need to act quickly—tickets sell out rapidly, and Kaleigh warns that availability may be extremely limited by the time listeners tune in. The Theme: Gathering Gratitude This year's theme, "Gathering Gratitude," reflects the heart of what makes this event special. Kaleigh crafted the concept around the idea of pausing amid busy schedules, growing businesses, and packed calendars to recognize those making genuine differences in the community. "It's about taking that pause in the middle of busy schedules, growing businesses, and full calendars," Kaleigh shares. "Overall, just basically coming together as a community to recognize the people and organizations who are making a real difference here in the top of Virginia region." The theme resonates particularly well with presenting sponsor Valley Health, whose daily work embodies the spirit of community service. Kaleigh draws parallels between the healthcare provider's mission and the awards' purpose: "I think about the hands of doctors and nurses in our communities, the way they show up every single day for our families, our neighbors, and our businesses. It's a powerful example of how people come together in service of something bigger than themselves." Valley Health: A Partner in Community Excellence Chris Rucker, Chief Administrative Officer for Valley Health, joins the conversation to discuss why his organization continues to serve as the presenting sponsor year after year. His perspective reveals the deeper connection between healthcare and community prosperity. "Healthcare is an essential part of every community," Chris emphasizes. "It's an essential part of what determines the success and the livability and the trajectory of growth, the prosperity in every community." As the region's largest employer, Valley Health views its role as extending beyond patient care to include being a positive role model for other organizations. Moreover, Chris highlights Valley Health's extensive community involvement, which often happens behind the scenes. "We have some relationship and some involvement with just about every nonprofit organization in the community," he notes. The organization's mission of serving the community by improving health requires partnerships, collaboration, and avoiding redundancy—values that align perfectly with the Greater Good Awards' celebration of community impact. Eight Categories of Excellence The 2026 Greater Good Awards recognize achievement across eight distinct categories, each highlighting different aspects of community contribution: Small Business of the Year nominees include Capon Valley Bank and Summit Events, representing entrepreneurial spirit and local economic vitality. Large Business of the Year features First Bank, Shenandoah University, and Timber Ridge School - organizations whose scale allows them to make substantial community investments through volunteering, product donations, and strategic partnerships. Nonprofit of the Year acknowledges Access Independence, Winchester CCAP, and NW Works for their dedication to serving community needs. With nine to ten initial nominations, this category demonstrates the region's robust nonprofit sector. Entrepreneur of the Year celebrates Kelly Botta with Smartypants Medicine and Will Sparrow with Blue Bay Tech/Shallow Creek Electrical for their innovative business ventures. Citizen of the Year honors Kimberly Wilt with United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley, Tamara Green from Frederick County Department of Social Services, and Tracy Fitzsimmons of Shenandoah University for their individual community contributions. Emerging Leader Award recognizes rising stars Emily Windle from Winchester City Council Ward Two, Lauren Clouse from Winchester Rescue Mission, and Mario Wisdom with Crystal Clear Business Solutions—individuals just beginning their careers but already making significant impacts. Career Pathways Impact Award, recently renamed from the CTE Award, broadens its scope to include educators, CTE instructors, workforce development professionals, training providers, and community partners. This year's nominees are Devon Smith with Frederick County Public Schools, Michael Diaz with Virginia Works, and Sarah Weinstein with Winchester Public Schools. Finally, the Lifetime Community Impact Award remains shrouded in mystery. Unlike other categories, this recipient's identity stays secret until the evening of the event, creating an element of surprise and anticipation. "You've had to put your time in," Kaleigh notes. "Absolute dedication at its finest." The Selection Process: Rigorous and Fair The path to nomination involves more than popularity. Kaleigh receives nominations from various sources—Chamber members, community members, and even self-nominations from businesses and individuals. However, getting nominated represents just the first step. A committee composed of past Chairs of the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Board reviews all submissions against specific criteria. These include community involvement, ethics and character, leadership, creativity, growth, and for businesses, economic impact. Additionally, nominees must maintain good standing as Chamber members for at least three years. "We want the meat, not just, 'Oh, this person or this business is great to work for, work with,'" Kaleigh emphasizes. "We want the details." She encourages nominators to provide facts, numbers, and supporting documentation to help the committee make informed decisions. The rigorous process ensures the awards maintain their significance. "They're trying to bring the significance of the award ceremony back," Kaleigh explains, noting that without clear criteria, recognition risks becoming merely a popularity contest. Community Participation Opportunities While sponsorship opportunities have closed, community members can still contribute to the event's success through silent auction donations. Kaleigh welcomes creative contributions beyond standard gift cards—themed baskets, experience packages, travel opportunities, or unique local offerings that will capture bidders' attention. Janet herself offers to create an auction package featuring a guest appearance on "The Valley Today," complete with an orange microphone. Interested donors can contact Kaleigh at kfincham@regionalchamber.biz or call the office at 540-662-4118 extension 16. The deadline for auction item donations is Monday, March 9th, and Kaleigh offers to pick up items directly from businesses. A Partnership That Extends Beyond One Night The conversation reveals that Valley Health's relationship with the Chamber extends far beyond the Greater Good Awards. Kaleigh notes their involvement in Business at the Bloom, the Community Leadership Program, and the recently added Arising Leadership Program for high school juniors and seniors. "We greatly appreciate our partnership with Valley Health because it's not just this event that I've worked with individuals from Valley Health," Kaleigh shares. This ongoing collaboration demonstrates how meaningful partnerships strengthen the entire community ecosystem. Chris acknowledges the value of these diverse connections: "The number of nonprofits demonstrates, in my mind, and I'm sure to your listeners, just how many people are out there that really have care and passion to serve their community and whatever their particular area of interest is." Additional Sponsors Make It Possible While Valley Health serves as presenting sponsor, the event requires support from multiple community partners. Kaleigh gives special recognition to First Citizens Bank, YHB, Zwiesel Fortessa Tableware Solutions, City National Bank, and CNB Bank for their sponsorship commitments. Many of these organizations return year after year, demonstrating their belief in the event's community impact. The Bigger Picture Throughout the conversation, a central theme emerges: recognition matters. Being nominated alone represents a significant honor, as it means someone in the community values your contributions enough to put your name forward. Winning amplifies that recognition, but participation in the evening creates something equally valuable—a collective pause to appreciate the good work happening throughout the region. "Simply showing up is important," Kaleigh reflects. "So the night is about gratitude, but for work being done, for the partnerships being formed, for the impact that happens when we gather together as a community. It's not just an award ceremony. We all come together in gratitude and we, at the end of the day, strengthen as an entire region." As tickets dwindle and the March 12th date approaches, the Top of Virginia region prepares to gather in gratitude, celebrating not just individual achievements but the collective spirit that makes the community thrive. In a world that often rushes past moments of appreciation, the Greater Good Awards create space to pause, recognize, and honor those who make the region a better place to live, work, and grow. For those interested in attending, tickets remain available at regionalchamber.biz, though Kaleigh cautions they won't last long. The dress code calls for semi-formal attire in colors like sage green, gold, and champagne—fitting for an evening dedicated to celebrating the golden contributions of community champions.

Leadership transitions don't have to be terrifying revenue cliffs. In this conversation, Travis Craddock, CFRE and Founder of Craddock Strategies, reframes interim development leadership as a powerful strategic advantage—not a temporary patch.Too often, organizations view interim fundraising support as “a warm body in an empty seat.” Travis challenges that mindset directly. “It prevents rushed or misaligned hires that can be expensive,” he explains, positioning interim leadership as a disciplined pause that protects both donor relationships and long-term revenue health.Fundraising is built on trust. When leadership shifts, donors notice. Travis prioritizes immediate communication, transparency, and clarity so nothing falls through the cracks. Renewals are tracked. Grants are monitored. Donors are reassured. Strategy stays in motion.But here's where the real opportunity emerges.An interim professional arrives without emotional baggage. That means clearer data analysis, honest conversations about ROI, and strategic evaluation of legacy traditions. Should the gala continue? Is it delivering meaningful return? Are event attendees being cultivated into major donors? These are business questions—asked gracefully, but directly.Travis describes himself as “gracefully honest,” and that honesty becomes catalytic. Interim work isn't simply maintenance. It's an opportunity to elevate roles, revise job descriptions, shift from event-driven tactics to relationship-based fundraising, and align hiring with long-term strategic direction.He emphasizes data-driven decisions, CRM fluency, relationship-centered fundraising, and partnership with CEOs and boards. In many cases, he becomes the strategic driver—project-managing fundraising momentum while executives focus on mission execution.Three months may be the minimum engagement window. Six months may be ideal. But within that time, organizations can stabilize revenue, recalibrate strategy, build infrastructure, and hire with intention.Anything is possible when nonprofits embrace transition as transformation! 00:00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Interim Fundraising 00:02:30 What Craddock Strategies Provides Nonprofits 00:04:03 Interim Leadership Beyond a Temporary Fix 00:06:48 Expanding the Definition of the Fundraising Team 00:09:21 Strategy Versus Firefighting in Development 00:11:09 Evaluating Events and Return on Investment 00:14:18 Communicating with Donors During Transition 00:17:18 Hiring Timelines and Interim Engagement Length 00:18:32 Revising Job Descriptions to Match Strategy 00:23:01 Technology Investment and Infrastructure Mindset Find 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

On this podcast we look at the perils facing non-profit organizations in today's environment and why so many don't follow or don't even know the rules. Sheila Mix is the Executive Director of Community Services Inc an organization dedicated to helping non-profits thrive and comply with the many rules they must follow to survive.https://communitydevelopmentservicesinc.org/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Nonprofits exist to serve people — not paperwork.But too often, outdated financial systems slow growth, strain leadership, and pull focus away from mission-driven work.This week on Fostering Change, Rob Scheer sits down with Stephen Garten, Founder & CEO of Charity Charge, a Public Benefit Corporation built exclusively to support the financial needs of nonprofit organizations.Stephen launched Charity Charge in 2015 after recognizing a widespread problem: nonprofits were forced to rely on banking and financial tools never designed for how they actually operate. Today, Charity Charge serves more than 3,000 nonprofits nationwide, offering nonprofit-specific credit cards, bookkeeping and compliance tools, gift cards, and over $60 million in working capital — empowering leaders to focus on impact instead of infrastructure.Rob and Stephen also reflect on their recent crossover conversation, following Rob's appearance on Stephen's podcast, The Charity Charge Nonprofit Spotlight, where they continued discussing leadership, transparency, and sustainability in the social sector.

We sit down with Tulsa trail builder and race director Bobby Reese to map how Turkey Mountain grew to 70 miles, why Cold Turkey became a three-day fundraiser party, and how OKXC aims to unite Oklahoma racing with a rider-first spring series. From vintage 26ers to party enduro to short-lap XC, we keep it fun, fair, and community-led.• Turkey Mountain's trail expansion and wayfinding• Cold Turkey Fest schedule, formats, and camping• Enduro party timing and mini-enduro for beginners• OKXC vision, six-race spring calendar, short laps• Bales, Purcell, Mooser, McMurtry, Keystone, Arcadia• One-day state championship structure and goals• Team challenge rules and free first number plates• Nonprofit funding, sponsors, and community impact• Little Shredders kids racing and Saturday schedulesIf you have interest in any sponsorship of the OKXC series or this podcast, please reach out and let me knowInstagram @okxcraceserieswww.okxcseries.com 

People-centered HR isn't a luxury—it's essential. Learn how nonprofit leaders can build equitable, transparent, and humane people practices that strengthen their organizations, even amid uncertainty and limited resources. In episode 143 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton speaks with Megan Rolfe about: what it really means to practice people-centered HR in nonprofit and social-change organizations—especially small teams navigating limited resources, rising uncertainty, and growing demands for equity.  reframing HR not as a compliance or risk-management function, but as a shared set of agreements about how people work together.  equitable compensation, including the difference between living and thriving wages, transparency in pay practices, and  balancing risk, safety and boldness in today's environment Throughout, Megan emphasizes progress over perfection, collective responsibility, and the relief that comes from remembering: you don't have to do this all by yourself, all at once, or exactly right.   Episode highlights: [00:08:06] Finding HR by Accident—and Choosing It on Purpose   [00:10:05] Why Small Organizations Are Where HR Can Be Transformative   [00:12:50] What People-Centered HR Really Means [00:14:30] Protecting the Organization Because of the People   [00:18:52] Living Wage vs. Thriving Wage   [00:21:44] Start Where You Can: Entry-Level Pay Matters Most   [00:24:52] Concrete Steps Toward More Equitable Pay—Without New Money   [00:29:23] Why Pay Transparency Builds Trust   [00:31:07] Navigating Risk, Fear, and "Safety" in Uncertain Times   [00:34:15] Scenario Planning for People, Not Just Programs   [00:37:030] A Mantra for Leaders Carrying Too Much   Guest Bio: Megan Rolfe provides small social justice organizations with the HR support they need to move work forward and impact change. Having spent 15+ years supporting nonprofits and small businesses focused on making the world a better place, equipping the teams that most need capacity for their vital work holds a special place in her heart Important Links and Resources: Megan "MR" Rolfe Blue Swallow Consulting: Resources including working towards a thriving wage and first steps towards more equitable compensation Vega Mala Consulting: includes more resources on equitable compensation   Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them

Send a textIn this raw and hopeful conversation, you'll hear about the physical and emotional toll of nonprofit leadership and the intentional steps one ED took to not just recover, but to build an entire community dedicated to sector wellness. Laura Istead opens up about recognizing her own burnout, advocating for time off, and discovering the ways that she had normalized her own symptoms of stress. But this isn't just a cautionary tale. It's a blueprint for how nonprofit leaders can break free from the martyr mentality, find their people, and create the joy and connection that makes this work sustainable.On this week's episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Laura Istead, Executive Director of Two Wheel View and founder of the Social Sector Club. Laura has spent 15 years in the nonprofit sector and 8 years in executive leadership, and she's learned some hard lessons about what it takes to survive and thrive in this work. Nonprofit leaders will walk away with practical strategies for building peer support networks, recognizing the signs of burnout before it's too late, and understanding why treating yourself with the same care you give your community is essential.Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraistead/Support the show Connect with the show: Watch the episode on YouTube; follow Maria Rio on LinkedIn for more conversations and resources. Or support our show. We are fully self-funded! Book a Discovery Call with Further Together: Need help with your fundraising? See if our values-aligned fundraisers are a fit for your organization.

Resources shared in this episode: Gallop Poll January 2026 on AI use: https://apnews.com/article/ai-workplace-gemini-chatgpt-poll-4934bc61d039508db32bc49f85d63d99Build Consulting 5 Category AI Implementation Framework by Kyle Haines: https://buildconsulting.com/blog/a-strategic-framework-for-nonprofit-ai-investment/1: Return on Investment - what are you trying to do, and is an AI tool the best way to do it? 2. Technical and Data Feasibility - are you ready? Is your data ready? 3. Mitigating AI Risks - legal, ethical, reputational...4. Anticipating Costs - AI tools are not free5. Change Impacts - making sure intentional change management is in place.How AI is changing search, Yoast wrap up from 2025: https://yoast.com/seo-in-2025-wrap-up/ AI Literacy Measures and Suggestions from US Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ETA/advisories/TEN/2025/TEN%2007-25/TEN%2007-25%20%28complete%20document%29.pdfAI Literacy Measures: 1. Understand AI Concepts2. Explore AI Uses3. Direct AI Effectively4. Evaluate AI Outputs5. Use AI ResponsiblyDelivery Principles for AI Literacy Growth1. Enable Experiential Learning2. Embed Learning in Context3. Build Complementary Human Skills 4. Address Prerequisites to AI Literacy5. Create Pathways for AI Learning6. Prepare Enabling Roles7. Design for AgilityWebinar: How to Use AI Tools Safely at Your Nonprofit with Matthew Eshleman. https://communityit.com/webinar-how-to-use-ai-tools-safely-at-nonprofits/ _______________________________Start a conversation :) Register to attend a webinar in real time, and find all past transcripts at https://communityit.com/webinars/ email Carolyn at cwoodard@communityit.com on LinkedIn Thanks for listening.

A visit with Doug Chapiewsky, CEO & President of Kanso Software, and Cameron Bowman, CAAS Solutions Consultant at JMT Consulting, for a fast-moving, systems-first conversation on one thing every nonprofit runs on: trustworthy data.Cameron frames the moment we're in as “the golden age of software”—more tools, more dashboards, more integrations, and more AI than ever before. But that abundance comes with a price: fragmented systems, duplicated entries, and competing versions of the same truth. His fix is refreshingly operational. Data integrity isn't a buzzword; it's a checklist: accurate, complete, consistent across systems, timely, and traceable/auditable. When any one of those breaks, nonprofits pay for it in grant compliance headaches, restricted-fund confusion, audit stress, and board decisions made on shaky information.Doug brings the lens of housing—where data errors don't just create inconvenience; they disrupt funding, compliance, and real people's stability. Kanso's mission is to simplify a highly regulated, high-stakes domain where sensitive data is everywhere and staffing capacity is often thin. As Doug puts it, “Trust outweighs technology… and if we don't have that trust, it really gets right to your mission.” The episode drills into the reality that single-vendor “one system does it all” is fading fast; modern organizations operate in an ecosystem. That's why both speakers prioritize open systems paired with serious guardrails—especially when handling social security numbers, income data, and family composition.The conversation turns tactical with a Business Process Review (BPR): mapping where data originates, how it moves, who owns it, what controls exist, and where manual workarounds (shadow spreadsheets, email approvals, offline tracking) weaken audit trails and invite risk. Cameron lands a line every operations leader should post near their monitor: “Technology will amplify your process. It won't correct your misaligned workflows.”Finally, the duo urge nonprofits to build a cadence—monthly, quarterly, at least annually—to revisit processes, configuration, and integrations as funding rules, reporting needs, staff, and tech keep shifting. The message is clear: clean data isn't a finance luxury—it's a mission accelerant.#TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitTechnology #DataIntegrityFind 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

Today, Jon and Becky sit down with Analía Weber, Development Director at The Family Center / La Familia, to explore a bold paradigm shift for the nonprofit sector. One that begins with how we speak about ourselves.Analia's journey into fundraising didn't follow a traditional path. A lifelong dancer and arts leader, she pivoted careers at 39 and stepped into nonprofit development with heart, courage, and a willingness to begin again. Now, less than four years later, she's not only the Director of Development for a thriving, holistic family support organization — she's chairing a regional nonprofit sector partnership and advocating for a 10-year movement to reposition nonprofits as trusted experts and essential community leaders.In this episode, you'll hear:Why the language we use about “donors,” “nonprofits,” and “doing more with less” shapes power dynamicsHow nonprofits can shift from being seen as supplemental to being recognized as experts at the decision-making tableThe mindset of begin again — and why failure is part of the workHow La Familia funds the whole family through holistic, community-centered designA dance-inspired framework for leadership: show up, pay attention, tell the truth, and don't get attached to the resultsIf you're a nonprofit leader navigating uncertainty, funding shifts, or systemic barriers, this episode is your reminder: you don't have to have it all figured out. You get to begin again. And the sector's transformation starts with us.Episode Highlights: From dancer to development leader (2:46)​Finding La Familia and community (4:05)​Inside La Familia's holistic mission (7:49)​Funding the whole family (10:15)​Fundraising with dignity and new language (12:20)​A 10-year paradigm shift for the sector (16:01)​“Begin again” as a leadership mindset (19:25)​Analia's Story of Philanthropy (26:00)Analia's One Good Thing: Compositional improvisation for everyday choices (26:34)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/685//Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com Say hi

In this solo episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, Sarah Olivieri explores the often-overlooked connection between focus and trust inside nonprofit teams. We talk a lot about alignment. We talk about clarity. We talk about strategy. But trust? That often gets treated like something abstract—something that either exists or doesn't. In this episode, Sarah breaks down a simple but powerful chain reaction: Focus → Clarity → Perspective → Confidence → Trust When a team is truly focused on a shared objective—whether that's raising more money, serving more clients, reducing hours, or building something meaningful—noise gets cut away. With focus comes clarity about what we are doing and what we are not doing. That clarity builds perspective. Perspective builds grounded confidence. And that kind of confidence—calm, steady, non-ego confidence—creates real trust. Not just internally. Externally, too. When your team trusts itself and trusts each other, the outside world can feel it. Donors, clients, and potential hires are drawn to organizations that are clear, confident, and aligned. People want to be part of something meaningful. They want to say, "I helped make that happen." Trust fuels high performance. It lowers drama. It increases results. And it all starts with focus. In This Episode, You'll Learn Why lack of trust often stems from a lack of focus How focus reduces hesitation, second-guessing, and friction The connection between clarity and team confidence Why confidence must be grounded—not ego-driven—to build trust How internal trust translates into external credibility Why donors, clients, and staff are drawn to clear, aligned teams Who This Episode Is For Executive Directors and CEOs leading growing teams Nonprofit leaders experiencing friction or hesitation inside their teams Organizations are trying to improve culture and performance Leaders who want stronger donor and stakeholder trust About Your Host, Sarah Olivieri Bold, strategic, and refreshingly human… Sarah Olivieri is the go-to expert for conversations on aligned leadership, outcome delegation, and sustainable growth.She brings wit, warmth, and real-world wisdom to mission-driven founders, visionary CEOs, and change-makers who want more clarity, more joy, and more results. Most leaders hit a wall when success depends on them holding it all together. Sarah helps them change that by redefining leadership around outcomes instead of activity, empowering teams to own results that scale and freeing leaders to focus on the vision that drives them. A former director of three nonprofits and founder of five businesses, she has a rare ability to spot opportunity where others see chaos, shift stuck patterns, and build organizations that support both legacy and life. Sarah leads with the same mindset that made her an award-winning sailor: iterate on what works, stay focused in the storm, and never forget the joy of the journey. Links Website: saraholivieri.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-olivieri Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Candice sits down with Dr. Shivani Gupta, Ayurvedic practitioner, turmeric researcher, and author of The Inflammation Code. Dr. Shivani shares her personal health journey from being chronically sick as a child to discovering the healing power of Ayurveda in India. That turning point led her to dedicate her life to helping women reduce inflammation, balance hormones, improve gut health, and reclaim their energy naturally.   In this episode, they discuss: How Dr. Shivani's early health struggles shaped her path to Ayurvedic medicine The connection between chronic inflammation, brain fog, joint pain, weight gain, and fatigue Why turmeric and curcumin play a powerful role in reducing systemic inflammation How modern lifestyle factors increase inflammation in the body The critical role of sleep in clearing inflammation and restoring health What Elemental Design means and how understanding your body type can transform your wellness journey Why women's health is entering a new era of awareness and empowerment   This conversation is a powerful reminder that the body is designed to heal, and when ancient wisdom meets modern science, true vitality becomes possible.   About Dr. Shivani Gupta: Dr. Shivani Gupta is an Ayurvedic practitioner, turmeric researcher, and speaker who blends classical Ayurveda with functional medicine to help women calm inflammation, balance hormones, and restore energy. With a Master's in Ayurvedic Sciences and a PhD focused on turmeric, she translates ancient wisdom into simple daily rituals—Elemental Design™ personalization, Mental Inflammation™ resets, gut/estrobolome support, and spice-based micro-habits. Her book, The Inflammation Code (Hay House, February 2026), available now, is a practical, non-diet system for cooling chronic inflammation to improve brain fog, bloat, pain, sleep, and mood. Dr. Shivani is the host of the Fusionary Health Podcast and creator/host of the Emmy-nominated TV show Vibrant Health with Dr. Shivani Gupta, syndicated across the Southeast with a DME reach of ~6 million. A sought-after educator for midlife hormone health and metabolism, her work has been featured in MindBodyGreen, wellness summits, and regional TV and radio. She's spent over 20 years helping women and families build sustainable routines that actually stick—in real life. Learn more at shivanigupta.com.   Website: www.shivanigupta.com Use code "passion" to receive 15% off your Fusionary Formula Purchase The Inflammation Code book: www.theinflammationcode.com 7-Day Inflammation Detox Challenge:https://www.7dayinflammationdetox.com/optin1641313075014 Anti-Inflammatory E-Cookbook:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ItNJ1DV3XsOn5MwBbSpeTFH8o3KFu2qk/view?usp=sharing Instagram: @dr.shivaniguptahttps://instagram.com/dr.shivanigupta/ Facebook: @theshivaniguptahttps://www.facebook.com/theshivanigupta YouTube: @dr.shivaniguptahttps://www.youtube.com/@dr.shivanigupta Pinterest: @theshivaniguptahttps://www.pinterest.com/theshivanigupta ----- Connect with Candice Snyder! Website: https://www.podpage.com/passion-purpose-and-possibilities-1/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candicebsnyder?_rdr Passion, Purpose, and Possibilities Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passionpurposeandpossibilitiescommunity/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpurposepossibilities/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicesnyder/ Shop For A Cause With Gifts That Give Back to Nonprofits: https://thekindnesscause.com/ Fall In Love With Artists And Experience Joy And Calm: https://www.youtube.com/@movenartrelaxation

In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop sits down with Jake Hamilton, founder of Groundwire and Nockbox, to explore zero-knowledge proofs, Bitcoin identity systems, and the intersection of privacy-preserving cryptography with AI and blockchain technology. They discuss how ZK proofs could offer an alternative to invasive identity verification systems being rolled out by governments worldwide, the potential for continual learning AI models to shift the balance between centralized and open-source development, and why building secure, auditable computing infrastructure on platforms like Urbit matters more than ever as we face an explosion of AI agents and automated systems. Jake also explains Nockchain's approach to creating a global repository of cryptographically verified facts that can power trustless programmable systems, and how these technologies might converge to solve problems around supply chain security, personal data sovereignty, and resistance to censorship.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Groundwire and Knockbox02:48 Understanding Zero-Knowledge Proofs06:04 Government Adoption of ZK Proofs08:55 The Future of Identity Verification11:52 AI and ZK Proofs: A New Era14:54 The Role of Urbit in Technology18:03 The Impact of COVID on Trust20:51 The Evolution of AI and Data Privacy23:47 The Future of AI Models26:54 The Need for Local AI Solutions29:51 Interoperability of Knockchain and BitcoinKey Insights1. Zero-Knowledge Proofs Enable Privacy-Preserving Verification: Jake explains that ZK proofs allow you to prove computational outcomes without revealing the underlying data. For example, you could prove you're over 18 without exposing your full identity or driver's license information. The proof demonstrates that a specific program ran through certain steps and reached a particular conclusion, and validating this proof is fast and compact. This technology has profound implications for age verification, identity systems, and protecting privacy while maintaining necessary compliance, potentially offering a middle path between surveillance states and complete anonymity.2. Government Adoption of Privacy Technology Remains Uncertain: There are three competing motivations driving government identity verification systems: genuine surveillance desires, bureaucratic efficiency seeking, and legitimate child protection concerns. Jake believes these groups can be separated, with some officials potentially supporting ZK-based solutions if positioned correctly. He notes the EU is exploring ZK identity verification, and UK officials have shown interest. The key is framing privacy-preserving technology as protection against "the swamp" rather than just abstract privacy benefits, which could resonate with certain political constituencies.3. The COVID Era Destroyed Institutional Trust at Unprecedented Scale: The conversation identifies COVID as potentially the largest institutional trust-burning event in human history, with numerous institutions simultaneously losing credibility with large portions of the population. This represents a dramatic shift from the boomer generation's default trust in authority figures and mainstream media. This collapse is compounded by the incoming AI revolution, creating a perfect storm where established bureaucracies cannot adapt quickly enough to manage rapidly evolving technology, leaving society in fundamentally unmanageable territory.4. Centralized AI Models Create Dangerous Dependencies: Both speakers acknowledge growing dependence on centralized AI services like Claude, with some users spending thousands monthly on tokens. This dependency creates vulnerability to price increases and service disruptions. Jake advocates for local AI deployment using models like DeepSeek R1, running on personal hardware to maintain control and privacy. The shift toward continuous learning models will fundamentally change the AI landscape, making personal data harvesting even more valuable and raising urgent questions about compensation and consent for training data contribution.5. High-Quality Training Data Is Becoming the Primary AI Bottleneck: Stewart argues that AI development is now limited more by high-quality training data than by compute power. The industry has exhausted easily accessible internet data and body-shop-style data labeling. Companies are now using specialized boutique services with techniques like head-mounted cameras for live-streaming world model training. This scarcity is subtly driving price increases across AI services and will fundamentally reshape the economics of AI development, with implications for who controls these increasingly powerful systems.6. Urbit Offers a Foundation for Trustworthy Computing: Jake positions Urbit as essential infrastructure for the AI age because its 30,000-line codebase (versus Unix's three million lines) can be understood by individual humans. Its deterministic, purely functional, and strictly typed design aims for eventual ossification—software that doesn't require constant security patches. This "tiny and diamond perfect" approach addresses the fundamental insecurity of systems requiring monthly vulnerability patches. In an era of AI agents and potential prompt injection attacks, having verifiable, comprehensible computing infrastructure becomes existentially important rather than merely desirable.7. Nockchain Creates a Global Repository of Provable Truth: Jake's vision for Nockchain combines ZK proofs with blockchain technology to create a globally available "truth repository" where verified facts can be programmatically accessed together. This enables smart contracts or programs gated on combinations of proven facts—such as temperature readings from secure devices, supply chain events, and payment confirmations. By using Nock's abstract, simple design optimized for ZK proof generation, the system can validate complex real-world conditions without exposing underlying data, creating infrastructure for coordinating action based on verifiable private information at global scale.

This Week:  Systems & Processes So Your People Thrive Dylan Bassett helps you create your invisible infrastructure, so you can quietly reduce burnout, increase efficiency and make it easier for your nonprofit to grow. He shares the signs that your … Continue reading →

In your experience as a nonprofit L&D leader, has telling people what to do and forcing them to comply ever led to the behavior change you were looking for? Unfortunately, this doesn't work for two-year-olds, 52-year-olds, or those who work at your nonprofit.In this episode, I talk about how  it's culture, not compliance, that drives consistent performance, and that if we want to create change in our organization, we have to influence the culture around us. Tune in for practical ways to nurture and build on your nonprofit's existing culture for the best results over time.▶️ Why It's Your Nonprofit's Culture (Not Compliance) That Drives Consistent Performance▶️ Key Points:0:00:00 Understanding culture and how to nurture it0:06:30 Establishing shared strategic goals0:09:15 Creating and strengthening shared practices0:10:06 A practical starting point to shape cultureResources from this episode:Catch up with my interview with Julie Winkle Giulioni.Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

Nonprofits are often described as mission-driven. But sustaining a mission for more than a century requires more than passion. It demands discipline, evolution, collaboration, and a deep commitment to community.On this episode of the Charity Charge Show, we sat down with Claudia Aguirre, President and CEO of Baker Ripley, a $700 million nonprofit organization serving the Houston region. What followed was an honest conversation about disruption, scale, funding realities, collaboration, and what it truly takes to build an institution that lasts.Founded in 1907 by Alice Graham Baker as part of the Settlement House Movement, Baker Ripley was built on proximity to community.Today, its mission remains clear:Provide resources, education, and connection to vulnerable communities.The organization helps neighbors:EarnLearnBelongBe wellThrough programs including:Head Start and early childhood educationWorkforce developmentImmigration servicesEntrepreneurship supportYouth STEM initiativesSenior programsUtility and housing assistanceScale matters here. Baker Ripley operates with:$700 million annual budget98% public funding$200–300 million in support services annuallyApproximately $15 million in private and foundation funding used largely for innovationClaudia describes the model this way:“We are large when it's needed, and small when it matters.”

DC's violence interruption program has become one of the most controversial subjects in local politics. One program, Life Deeds, finds itself front and center in the upcoming corruption trial of a DC councilmember. Jenny Gathright and Megan Flynn from the Washington Post recently published a deep-dive investigation of the group and they're here to explain.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month.  Learn more about the sponsors of this February 23rd episode: Nace Law Group Johns Hopkins University Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

In recent years, we've seen the Arts District get less and less artsy. But this spring, an innovative arts organization called IndigenousAF is moving in to bring art back into the Arts District. Host Sonja Cho Swanson chats with the organization's co-founder, Fawn Douglas, about what this move means to her and the future of Las Vegas.  Learn more about the sponsors of this February 23rd episode: The Neon Museum Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

I hear this question constantly: "Where is the money?" Because from your side, it can feel like funding has dried up, donors have disappeared, and grants are harder than ever to secure. But I can tell you this clearly that the money didn't disappear. Funding doesn't move randomly. It moves toward clarity, structure, and reduced risk. If you've been working hard but still wondering why the money isn't reaching your organization, this conversation will help you see what funders see — and what needs to shift. The money is there. The question is whether you're positioned for it.

We lean into a timely business truth: nonprofit sustainability is built as much through belonging as through budgets. Cohosts Julia C. Patrick and Tim Sarrantonio welcome Rachel D'Souza, Founder and President of Gladiator Consulting, for a conversation that reframes community-building as a practical growth strategy for donors, volunteers, staff cohesion, and long-term resilience.Rachel describes nonprofits as one of society's last best “third spaces”—those informal gathering places that used to create trust across differences. With remote work, the pandemic's aftershocks, and algorithm-driven polarization, many people have fewer natural pathways into civic life. That shift creates risk for organizations relying on legacy participation habits. It also creates opportunity: nonprofits can intentionally become the place where people reconnect around shared purpose and shared outcomes.The discussion moves from theory into operating reality: boards at impasses, teams facing funding gaps, and leaders stuck in fight-flight-freeze. Rachel offers a pragmatic path forward—start with shared facts, clarify who holds which decisions, and practice disagreement before the stakes spike. “If you want to be better at conflict, that means you have to practice it, just like anything else,” she said, recommending simple meeting exercises that build the muscle of respectful debate.Tim grounds this in organizational dynamics leaders recognize instantly: misalignment between finance and fundraising can derail systems decisions, contracts, and staff trust—without anyone “hating” anyone. The fix is not heroics; it's earlier conversations, shared language, and a commitment to being in the room together.Rachel draws a bright line leaders need: discomfort is part of growth, but it is not the same as harm. When emotions run hot, the first move is often a pause—reset the temperature so people can listen to process, not just respond. This convo offers a hopeful business case: build community on purpose, and capacity follows. 00:00:00 Welcome and why community building matters right now 00:02:10 What Gladiator Consulting does and why “belonging” drives results 00:04:30 Nonprofits as “third spaces” and the business opportunity 00:06:10 Tim's real-life example of nonprofit spaces creating connection 00:08:00 Invitation culture making people feel welcome 00:10:10 People give through nonprofits and identity-based connection 00:11:30 Practicing conflict in meetings before stakes rise 00:14:05 Finance and fundraising misalignment as an operational risk 00:16:20 Shared clarity who decides what and why it matters 00:22:20 Pause tactics discomfort vs harm and moving forward #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitLeadership #CommunityBuildingFind 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

"...true charity is given, not with what is left over, but with what we need..."This week, I'm reading from the former Pope Francis and his homily from November 8, 2015.Reflection question:Are you asking for leftover generosity?  Or, are you asking for true generosity in your messages to donors?Reflection on quote:In our series on cultivating an abundance mindset, we discussed how that mindset affects donors and we discussed how we have to build that mindset within our ourselves.  As we end this short series, and there is so much more to say, let's discuss how we encourage our capital campaign teams and volunteers to ask out of an abundance mindset.As we have discussed in this series, true generosity creates a personal and life-giving transformation for donors. Donors thrive in an abundance mindset. Unfortunately, however, our capital campaign messages take on a scarcity mindset. Instead of sharing messages about giving from fullness, we beg for leftovers. Can you spare a dollar?  Every bit counts.  Would you just fill the gap? Remember us in your will. If you don't have other commitments. All of these phrases give the impression that the donor would only want to give to the capital campaign from their leftovers.  That wording deprives donors of true, sacrificial generosity.  As we train our staff, Board, and campaign volunteers, we must model an abundance mindset in our campaign materials and in messaging, wording, and scripts we use in building relationships with donors. What do you think? Send me a text. To explore small town capital campaign coaching deeper and to schedule an free explore coaching call, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

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Have you ever felt an inner pull to do something more meaningful—but didn't know where to start?On this episode of Smart Women Talk, we're joined by Alexis Ramsey, CEO of We Care Foster Care, for a powerful conversation about purpose, service, and choosing impact over comfort.Alexis shares how her global career in education led her back home—and into nonprofit leadership—where she's working to break the foster care–to–prison cycle and change lives through education, housing, and workforce development.If you're in midlife and feeling the nudge to step into something bigger, this episode will meet you right where you are.You'll hear:How a lifelong commitment to education led Alexis to foster care advocacyWhy midlife is often the moment purpose gets louderThe hard truths about nonprofit leadership (yes, it's still a business)What it takes to break the foster care–to–prison pipelineWhy fear isn't a stop sign—it's part of the pathIf you've ever wanted your money to reflect what matters most to you, this episode is a must-listen.Alexis Ramsey is the CEO and Executive Director of We Care Foster Care, where she leads efforts to support youth in foster care through education, stability, and long-term opportunity.An educator for more than 25 years, Alexis began her career in Detroit Public Schools before spending two decades teaching internationally in Malawi, Africa; Beijing, China; and Hanoi, Vietnam. Her work abroad included roles with USAID, the United Nations International School, and multiple international schools, serving students from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.Throughout her career, Alexis has helped write two national curricula and has remained deeply committed to a child's right to quality education. Her work centers on the belief that education must support the whole child—academically, emotionally, and socially—and serve as a foundation for breaking cycles of poverty and instability.Connect with Alexis at WeCareFosterCare.org.

Jim Davis, Executive Director of North County Philanthropy Council, and Neville Billimoria, Board President, discuss nonprofit leadership, collaboration, volunteerism, and the Impact Leadership Accelerator. They explore San Diego Gives, the Day of Giving, board governance, community engagement, and how executives can strengthen organizational impact through partnerships and purpose-driven strategy. Listen Where You Live!About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

 In this episode of You Can Mentor, Zach welcomes Dina Petty, founder and executive director of Mentors Care, a school-based mentoring program serving at-risk high school students across North Texas. Dina shares her powerful story of growing up in dysfunction and isolation, and how her pain ultimately became the foundation for launching a ministry that connects students with consistent, caring adult mentors on public school campuses. Together, they discuss the importance of leading with love over agenda, equipping mentors for the long haul, and partnering with schools to bring hope to students facing trauma, confusion, and hardship.If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.Want to go deeper?• Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community• Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop• Come to our annual You Can Mentor GatheringYou can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

This episode of "Gathering Ground" brings together two sector-shifting leaders: Bina Patel, CEO of Saathi Impact Consulting, and Vu Le, writer of the blog Nonprofit AF. With honesty and clarity, they join Mary to examine how the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors perpetuate inequality, reward compliance, and resist transformation.Together, they explore how movements are being co-opted, how "toxic intellectualizing" replaces real action, and why we must stop maintaining systems we claim to be dismantling.Episode Highlights:- Bina Patel on strategic compliance and the quiet parts that keep systems unjust- Vu Le on the myth of philanthropy and why nonprofits must get political- A call to stop obeying tyranny in advance and begin organizing for collective liberationLinks and Resources:- Saathi Impact Consulting – https://saathiimpact.com- Nonprofit AF Blog – https://nonprofitaf.com/If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gathering Ground and leave us a review! Follow Morten Group, LLC on Instagram @mortengroup for more updates.

Starting a new role as a nonprofit's fundraiser can feel like stepping onto the field mid-game—high expectations, limited time, and a lot of “what happened before I got here?” On this Fundraisers Friday, cohosts Julia C. Patrick and Tony Beall offer a practical, confidence-building roadmap for what a new development officer should focus on in the first 30 days—with the business realities of nonprofit revenue, relationships, and systems front and center.Julia sets the tone with honesty and heart, and Tony brings the steady reassurance every new fundraiser needs: “It's all about listening, learning, and building trust in your first 30 days.” From there, they lay out the early priorities that protect both results and stamina. First: get anchored in the mission. Tony makes the point that mission alignment isn't sentimental—it's operational. If you don't truly connect with the purpose, the work becomes an uphill climb.Next, they move into relationship strategy: creating a thoughtful internal and external “relationship tour” so you can meet leadership, board members, and key stakeholders the right way. The emphasis isn't speed—it's sequence, context, and smart preparation so those early conversations build momentum instead of misunderstanding.Then comes the systems side: CRMs, reporting, access issues, and the real-world obstacles that appear when prior staff have departed. Tony offers a realistic view of getting up to speed quickly, and Julia adds the on-the-ground reminder that you'll be meeting people immediately—so you'll need to document interactions in the CRM from day one.Finally, they elevate culture as a performance driver. Julia notes how pressure often lands on the development officer as “the savior,” and Tony reframes it: fundraising works best as a team effort, not a solo canoe trip. As Julia puts it, “It's the nucleus of the whole organization.” If you're new in the seat, this episode gives you both direction and permission: respect the past, build trust first, and then earn the right to recommend change. 00:00:00 Welcome to Fundraisers Friday 00:01:00 First 30 days focus for a new development officer 00:02:40 Mission alignment why it matters on day one 00:06:40 Relationship tour CEO board and key stakeholders 00:11:50 Systems and CRM access reporting and ramp up 00:15:40 Visibility scan marketing segmentation and social presence 00:18:00 Respect history build trust then recommend change 00:19:40 Fundraising pressure and why it must be a team sport 00:21:20 Culture shifts and board leadership impact 00:24:00 How to learn culture by asking better questions 00:26:10 Tony offers a 30 60 90 plan for development roles 00:28:10 How to request the PDF and episode close Find 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

356: AI Without Overwhelm: 4 Insights Nonprofit Leaders Can Use Now (Mary Gallivan)Episode SummaryAI is already reshaping how nonprofit teams work, and leaders who avoid it risk falling behind. In this episode, Mary Gallivan, Founder of Joyline Consulting, shares a practical, nonprofit-centered approach to adopting generative AI without fear or overwhelm. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience across fundraising, operations, grant management, and partnership development, Mary explains why AI literacy is quickly becoming a workplace expectation, why adoption is primarily a people and change management challenge, and how clear guardrails can actually speed progress. She offers simple, actionable steps for getting started, from picking one tool and creating a login to using prompts for faster first drafts, better tone, and more time for the human relationships that build trust and impact.About MaryMary Gallivan, MBA, helps nonprofits and mission-driven small businesses build sustainable capacity by improving how work actually gets done. As the founder of Joyline Consulting, she serves as a capacity partner to leaders and teams, helping them improve operations, adopt AI and modern tools, and implement practical systems that reduce friction, increase effectiveness, and support long-term sustainability. Her work is especially focused on organizations navigating growth, change, or tool overload who want hands-on support, not just strategy decks. Prior to founding Joyline, Mary held leadership roles at CNM Ingenuity, CCS Fundraising, Foundation For The Carolinas, E4E Relief, and the Jimmie Johnson Foundation. She holds a BA from Duke University and an MBA from Queens University and has completed multiple leadership fellowships and civic leadership programs.ResourcesMary Gallivan on LinkedinJoyline Consulting WebsiteEveryday AI One Pager (tips, guardrails, and starter guidance)SkillPop, Everyday AIBook: Zingerman's Guide to Giving Great ServiceFollow Your Path to Nonprofit LeadershipLearn more about the PMA and Armstrong McGuire merger

Key Trends in Donor-Advised Funds and AI's Role in Nonprofits In this episode of the Nonprofit Newsfeed, the hosts discuss significant trends shaping the nonprofit sector, focusing on Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and AI's evolving impact. Main Topics: Website Update: The Nonprofit Newsfeed site has been revamped for better user experience and branding. Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Predicted to exceed $450 billion in assets, indicating mainstream adoption. Nonprofits should adapt strategies to include dedicated DAF donation pages. DAFs are becoming accessible beyond ultra-wealthy donors. AI and Nonprofits: The era of "free AI" is ending, with rising costs expected for AI tools. Nonprofits need to strategize for continued AI access, possibly through collaboration. Digital inequity concerns as AI access may widen the gap for underserved communities. Candid's Strategy: Candid aims to become a key AI data source amid workforce reductions. Reflects challenges in content monetization due to AI-driven changes. Innovative Community Solutions: The Nomad Alliance in Utah operates a mobile shelter for the homeless, showcasing empathy-driven innovation. Key Insights: DAF growth offers new fundraising avenues but requires strategic adaptation. Rising AI costs necessitate proactive planning by nonprofits. Candid's pivot highlights changing data dissemination dynamics in philanthropy. Community-driven solutions like the Nomad Alliance demonstrate impactful innovation. Call to Action: Evaluate and update fundraising platforms for DAF contributions. Explore collaborative strategies for AI tool access as costs increase. Draw inspiration from innovative community projects for addressing local needs.

In this episode, Candice sits down with Mark Ruegg, a stage four pancreatic cancer thriver, holistic healing advocate, and co-founder of Boom Mar Productions. Mark shares how his life took an unexpected turn from building a successful career in child wrangling and production services to facing a terminal cancer diagnosis with only months to live. In this episode, they discuss:Mark's unexpected stage four pancreatic cancer diagnosis and prognosisHow surrender and trust became a foundation for healingThe role of meditation and Dr. Joe Dispenza's work in his recoveryWhy the body cannot heal in fight or flight modeThe importance of nutrition, movement, and lowering inflammationHow belief and positivity became essential ingredients in his healing journeyMark's mission to help others see that healing is possible This inspiring conversation is a powerful reminder that when belief and possibility outweigh the prognosis, healing, purpose, and hope can emerge in extraordinary ways. About Mark:Mark Ruegg is a Stage IV pancreatic cancer thriver, holistic healing advocate, and co-founder of BuMar Productions, a leading child wrangling and production services referral agency trusted by Disney, Walmart, and Target. Defying a grim prognosis through advanced medicine, spiritual faith, and transformative holistic practices, Mark inspires cancer patients and caregivers to believe healing is possible. With nearly 20 years in advertising and a passion for empowering others, he shares a message of hope, resilience, and active healing. Mark's story was recently featured in the Seena Magowitz Foundation's "Warriors" series, highlighting his commitment to helping others embrace their power to heal. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markallenrueggIG: https://www.instagram.com/markallenruegg/Substack: https://substack.com/@markruegg-----Connect with Candice Snyder!Website: https://www.podpage.com/passion-purpose-and-possibilities-1/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candicebsnyder?_rdrPassion, Purpose, and Possibilities Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passionpurposeandpossibilitiescommunity/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpurposepossibilities/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicesnyder/Shop For A Cause With Gifts That Give Back to Nonprofits: https://thekindnesscause.com/Fall In Love With Artists And Experience Joy And Calm: https://www.youtube.com/@movenartrelaxation

Show Notes: Sarah Pomeranz, founder of Consultants for Impact, provides an overview of the organization. Sarah explains that Consultants for Impact was born out of her own struggle as an early-career consultant at Accenture during the COVID-19 pandemic. She felt a dissonance between the problems she solved at work and broader societal issues, leading her to explore how her skill set could address global challenges like pandemics, climate crises, and democracy preservation. Sarah took a one-year leave of absence from Accenture to explore opportunities for high-impact work and decided to help other consultants build careers in the public interest.  What Consultants for Impact Does The organization offers a peer-to-peer advising approach and matches former corporate consultants with social impact roles. They provide resources like career check-in templates and Career Conversations to help consultants identify their core values and find impactful roles. The process involves self-paced reflection prompts, one-on-one conversations with an advisor, and access to a network of consultants and high-impact organizations. The Advising Process Sarah describes the first step in the process: applying for a Career Conversation on their website. Applicants are matched with advisors, who are all former consultants, and are given curated resources based on their interests and background. The Career Conversation involves reflection prompts on values, problem areas, and previous roles, followed by a one-on-one discussion to address uncertainties and challenges. Participants join the Consultants for Impact community, gaining access to opportunities, events, and resources. Career Guidance for Consultants Sarah explains that the career guidance is personalized, depending on the individual's starting point and career goals. She uses the example of an independent consultant curious about impact to illustrate the process, emphasizing the importance of career as a tool for making the world better. The organization encourages consultants to think critically about where their skills can have the most impact, using the SELF framework (Significance, Efficacy, Leverage, Fit) to evaluate opportunities. The goal is to find roles that offer high impact, credible interventions, and opportunities for outsized effect. Job Search in the Impact Sector Sarah emphasizes the importance of thinking critically about problem areas and interventions, rather than just focusing on personal interests. She discusses the concept of Value Over Replacement Player (VORP) to highlight the importance of choosing roles where you provide more value than the next-best candidate.. The organization encourages consultants to consider unusual organizations and problem areas where their skills can have a significant impact. Roles for Consultants Sarah outlines various roles that consultants can transition into, including entrepreneurship, chief of staff roles, policy positions, product management, and grantmaking. She provides examples of successful transitions and the range of compensation levels, from bare-bones salaries to high six-figure earnings. The discussion includes the trade-offs between income and impact, with Sarah sharing her own experience of sacrificing future income increases for a more meaningful career. The organization helps consultants navigate these trade-offs and find roles that align with their non-negotiable values. Applying to the Impact Sector The conversation turns to preparing resumes and LinkedIn profiles for the impact sector. Sarah advises being thoughtful about solving core problems for resource-constrained clients and avoiding a salesy approach. She emphasizes the importance of demonstrating impact with metrics and specific examples. The organization coaches consultants on how to portray their experience in a way that builds trust and credibility in the impact sector. Building Relationships with NonProfits Sarah discusses how Consultants for Impact has built relationships with nonprofits and foundations around the world and created a reputation for providing high-quality referrals. Early efforts focused on building personal relationships and attending conferences in relevant cause areas. The organization now receives more referrals than they can handle, thanks to their reputation for curating top candidates. They also partner with other ecosystems like Umbrex to reach more consultants and build awareness of their services. Evaluating the Impact of Nonprofits Sarah advises evaluating the impact of nonprofits by focusing on the significance of the problem they address and the neglected nature of the issue. She recommends looking for organizations with external evaluators and focusing on real impact metrics rather than vanity metrics. Consultants for Impact works with third-party evaluators and foundations to assess the efficacy of nonprofits and ensure they are having a significant impact. They also provide resources and recommendations for high-impact organizations, helping consultants make informed decisions about their career paths. Promotion of Services Sarah explains how Consultants for Impact promotes their services through ads on LinkedIn, Meta, and Reddit, targeting consultants who are interested in self-discovery and career change. They also participate in workshops and events to raise awareness and connect with potential clients. The organization is committed to finding product-market fit and continuously improving their services based on feedback and referrals. Sarah invites listeners to visit their website and attend upcoming workshops to learn more about their offerings and connect with the community. Timestamps: 02:12: Consultants for Impact's Mission and Services 03:26: The Career Conversation Process 08:01: Personalized Career Guidance and Impact Framework 10:30: Sophisticated Job Search Strategies 15:05: Roles and Compensation in the Impact Sector 22:19: Preparing Collateral for the Impact Sector 24:39: Reaching Out to Nonprofits and Building Reputation 31:14: Evaluating the Impact of Nonprofits 36:17: Promoting Consultants for Impact and Future Plans Links: Consultants for Impact's website Application for free 1:1 career advising Consultants for Impact Career Check-In Template  Understanding your Value Over Replacement Player (VORP): School for Moral AmbitionConsultants for Impact LinkedIn Refresh Guide Sign up for the Consultants for Impact newsletter, including 10 high-impact jobs every other week This episode on Umbrex: Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com. *AI generated timestamps and show notes.    

In this episode of The Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham sits down with Matt Potter, co-founder of PRAY.COM, for a candid conversation on how mission-driven leaders can build, test, and scale with both conviction and clarity. Matt shares his providential story—from adoption and early exposure to tech, to stepping into a calling that led to PRAY.COM's launch in 2016—and the leadership mindset that helped them pivot from ideas that sounded right to solutions that actually served people.Together, they unpack rapid obedience, “fail fast” experimentation, and the importance of building a culture where learning is safe. You'll hear how PRAY.COM moved from prayer-wall community features to guided prayers and devotionals, why data dashboards and AI tools (like PRAY Studio) matter for ministries today, and what it looks like to shift from founder-driven skill to scalable systems and leaders.

Message us!Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve a community where they can live, learn, and thrive. In this Whitley Penn Talks episode of our Whitley Penn Cares series, we introduce New Danville, a unique ranch style community in the Houston area that provides affordable housing, life skills training, and meaningful connection for adults who have aged out of the school system. From major campus expansion to a now famous chicken coop, this conversation highlights the impact of creating opportunity and independence with dignity.Key TakeawaysHow a napkin sketch turned into a thriving 42‑acre community for adults with intellectual disabilitiesA behind‑the‑scenes look at New Danville's classes, animal programs, and stories of growing independenceWhy demand for these communities is rising and how the Whitley Penn Philanthropic Fund helps power these programsThe beloved chicken coop story that highlights creativity, joy, and community supportWhy ListenIf you care about nonprofit impact and community support, this episode shows how a mission driven organization creates real outcomes for adults with intellectual disabilities. You will hear practical examples of scalable programs, powerful stories of independence, and how strategic funding helps organizations grow. It is an inspiring look at what effective, community centered work truly delivers.Fill out this form to have new episodes sent right to your inbox! Follow Whitley Penn on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X for more industry insights and thought leadership!

Director Mike Zarra joins Filmmaker Mixer to break down the making of Horrified — from crafting psychological tension to executing horror on an indie budget. He shares the creative decisions, production challenges, and post-production strategies that shaped the film's final cut.Joining the conversation is Jennifer Howell, founder of The Art of Elysium and the film's fiscal sponsor. Together, they discuss nonprofit partnerships, funding structures, and how fiscal sponsorship can empower independent filmmakers.If you're developing a genre film, navigating indie financing, or preparing for festival screenings, this episode offers practical insight into how films actually get made — and supported.

As a fundraising consultant and coach, Perry helps nonprofits develop strategies, systems, and relationships to improve their fundraising yield. She believes in creating environments that nurture all gifts - time, talent, treasure, testimony, and ties - honoring how each person is uniquely suited to make a difference within their community. Key Takeaways:Donors are partners who bring time, talent, treasure, testimony, and ties. When relationships are rooted in shared values and trust, financial support follows naturally. Sustainable fundraising honors the whole person rather than treating giving as a transaction.Scarcity culture fuels burnout, fear, and reactive decision-making. An abundance mindset focuses on transformation, sustainability, and long-term impact. Organizations that move beyond survival thinking create healthier outcomes for both staff and communities.Burnout drains capacity, while moral injury erodes trust and integrity. Misalignment between stated values and lived behavior is a common source of harm. Naming these dynamics is the first step toward healing individuals and institutions.True alignment requires that daily actions reflect the organization's declared values. Healthy conflict and psychological safety strengthen culture more than surface-level niceness. Leadership grounded in empathy and the Platinum Rule fosters belonging and lasting engagement. “People who show up to give, they often don't just want to write a check. They want to do whatever they can to help a cause that means something to them.” “Let's stop flattening people. Let's treat volunteers and donors with the same level of respect. Let's not just keep putting money on this pedestal.” “We want to treat people the way they want to be treated. We want to honor them. We want to acknowledge them. We don't want to just dismiss them and act like our way is the only way.”- Perry Radford Reach out to Perry Radford at:Website: radphilanthropy.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perryradford/    Let's Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit LeadersWant to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward. 2. Team Coaching + TrainingI work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you're growing fast or feeling stuck, we'll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together. 3. Board Retreats + TrainingsYour board has big potential. I'll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results.Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.comConnect with Maryanne about her coaching programs:https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect Book Maryanne to speak at your conference:https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker

This week on Planetary Radio, we mark a major leadership transition at The Planetary Society. Host Sarah Al-Ahmed sits down with Bill Nye, outgoing chief executive officer and newly appointed chief ambassador of The Planetary Society, and Jennifer Vaughn, incoming chief executive officer and former chief operating officer, for a candid conversation about this long-planned transition. Together, Bill and Jenn reflect on how the organization, under their shared leadership, grew into the world’s largest and most effective nonprofit dedicated to advancing the scientific exploration of space. Then, Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society, joins Sarah for What’s Up. They discuss an upcoming planetary alignment on and around February 28, 2026. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-jennifer-vaughn-ceoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nonprofit changes lives with free haircuts; Hays Blinckmann talks new book, 'Tiny Little Earthquakes'; Lifestyle changes to help you live longer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it really take to lead with courage in the nonprofit sector—especially when growth, complexity, and crisis collide?In this powerful conversation, Jon and Becky sit down with Glenda Testone, CEO of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab and co-host of Nonprofits Are Messy, to explore what it means to lead with integrity, accountability, and heart. With more than 14 years as Executive Director of New York City's LGBT Community Center—where she tripled the budget, led a $9M capital campaign, and guided the organization through transformational change—Glenda brings lived experience and hard-earned wisdom to the mic.Together, they unpack:How trust is built through transparency, vulnerability, and doing what you say you'll doWhy accountability isn't about fear management—but about strengthening mission and relationshipsThe mindset shift from “trying not to disappoint anyone” to deciding who you're willing to disappointPractical tools for prioritizing when everything feels urgentThe power of community—and why going it alone is a leadership trapIf you're navigating growth, wrestling with hard decisions, or feeling the weight of leadership, this episode is a reminder: you don't have to do this alone. Trust is the work. Community is everything. And sometimes the most meaningful wins come from getting it right for the people with the least power.Episode Highlights: Glenda's origin story and path to nonprofit leadership (2:41)Leading through growth, complexity, and making mistakes (6:27)Building trust and centering justice and connection (10:59)Reframing accountability to build trust (16:58)How to prioritize when everything feels urgent (21:23)Learning to say no and let go of people-pleasing (25:47)A powerful moment of philanthropy in Glennda's career (28:15)Playing the long game in fundraising relationships (32:31)One Good Thing: Don't go it alone in leadership (34:43)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/684//Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com Say hi

Nonprofit changes lives with free haircuts; Hays Blinckmann talks new book, 'Tiny Little Earthquakes'; Lifestyle changes to help you live longer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are pleased to announce the creation of Billy Shore's regular Substack Column. Click on or copy and paste this URL https://tinyurl.com/Billy-Shore to subscribe. In today's column, Billy talks about the horrific conditions children (many of them US citizens) are enduring while being illegally held in Migrant Detention Centers here in the United States.Today, we are reprising a episode that we feel is really important to be heard. In May of last year, we released a podcast with three thought leaders in philanthropy, Jeff Braddock, who co-founded Bridgespan Clara Miller, who led the Herron Foundation and the Nonprofit finance fund, and Daniel Stitt of the American Enterprise Institute, and what they spoke about, about how philanthropy shows up in the face of so many challenges that we're experiencing right now. Assaults on human service organizations, assaults on social justice programs, feels even more important today as those assaults continue. This week, for example, some of the news that I've been following is among the most disturbing of anything, and we kind of, it feels like we say that week after week as developments unfold. But the story about children being detained in Dilley, Texas reminds me of what James Baldwin said when he wrote, "These are all our children and we shall either profit by or pay for whatever they become." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If your board can't clearly articulate what you do in one sentence, your donors won't either.Brandy Walker is joining me to unpack why nonprofit leaders must get ruthlessly clear on the ONE thing their organization does exceptionally well. Not the 20 programs, not the calendar of activities, but the core impact.Brandy shares why embracing the “messy middle” builds trust, how to use lived experience as influence, and the one question that can completely reshape your growth trajectory: What do you want to be known for?P.S. We are in the final countdown to the FREE Monthly Giving Summit. Join me on February 25th-26th to master monthly giving.Resources & LinksConnect with Brandy on LinkedIn, learn more about Brand Worthy Solutions, and tune in to her podcast, Brandy Was Here. LettrLabs is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. LettrLabs helps nonprofits build lasting donor relationships through real, handwritten mail that's fully automated - turning moments of intent into meaningful connection. From thank-yous to impact updates, they help you cut through with mail donors actually open, remember, and trust. Register now for the FREE Monthly Giving Summit on February 25-26th, the only virtual event where nonprofits unite to master monthly giving, attract committed believers, and fund the future with confidence. The Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind: A high-touch Mini Mastermind + optional in-person retreat (May 6-8) for nonprofit leaders that have an existing monthly giving program and ready to take it to the next level with 1:1 and peer support. Applications close March 25th. 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...

How you talk to your funders shapes how they understand your work, your community, and your impact. Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with grant writer and fundraising strategist, Dani Fauklner, about why nonprofits must rethink traditional, jargon-heavy fundraising language. Together, they explore practical ways teams can audit and improve proposals, reports, and messaging. Learn how cross-team communication can help nonprofits secure funding without compromising integrity.

Foreign influence in American nonprofit organizations. It's real, it has influence on our public life, and Congress has taken note of it. Joining me to discuss the influence of foreign funding of voter registration, ballot initiatives, and the rest of the American nonprofit sector are three of Capital Research Center's experts on the topic: Senior […]