Future Nonprofit

Today, your audience is more aware than ever before of injustices impacting our world. They’re eager to help, but unsure of the best way to make a difference. As a nonprofit leader, it’s your job to channel their passion into action. How? By sharing your story—and making it easy for others to amplify it.On Future Nonprofit, we often explore how to improve the way your organization operates. But without a strong growth strategy that amplifies your story, even the most noble nonprofit is like a sports car without gas in the tank—it’s got amazing potential, but it can’t go far.The good news: Tools like social media and crowdfunding platforms present your nonprofit with an unprecedented opportunity to expand your reach and broadcast your message.The challenge: All the freedom these tools offer can feel overwhelming. And with countless others vying for attention online, how can you make your message and your cause cut through all the noise?In this special episode, I’m sitting down with not one, but four guests to answer this key question. First, Krista Lamp—Senior Director of Nonprofit Communications at GoFundMe—gives us the inside scoop on what, why, and how modern audiences are supporting causes they care about.After that, three leading voices in the nonprofit space—Jared Walker of Dollar For, Mike McDonald of BibleProject, and Nate Rittenhouse of OneHope—offer hard-earned insights shaped by their distinct experiences in inspiring their audiences to action.In this conversation, you’ll learn what “impact creators” are and why they often have more actual influence than “influencers,” how you can empower trusted online voices to mobilize their communities for your cause, one large mistake that’s causing nonprofits to miss out on a ton of potential support, and much more.If you’ve been looking for ways to accelerate your growth without sacrificing authenticity, this one is for you.Want our key takeaways from this conversation? Take a look at the show notes for this episode: www.futurenonprofit.com/make-nonprofit-story-shareableMentioned in this episode:Presented by ClassyAre you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising? At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.

“Leadership is not just something that is relegated to middle management, upper management, executive leadership. Leadership is a culture that exists inside of your organization. If you truly want to make breakthrough products, experiences, campaigns; if you want your entire team from entry-level individuals up to your C suite to really be pushing the organization forward, every single person needs to be thinking of themselves as a leader, as a stakeholder in the organization.” – James BloedelWith the world shifting and changing faster than ever, it’s important to stay informed, challenge your thinking, and grow as a leader to guide your organization effectively and build deep trust and engagement with donors.In this episode, I’m joined by James Bloedel, Chief Strategy Officer at Historic. With a strong background working in the nonprofit sector, he is passionate about helping nonprofits across the globe design better ways of working that lead to creating an impact that is: fast, sustainable, missional, accessible, fully-funded, scalable, and down-right fun.Listen in as James helps us explore how to reach the crucial intersection where leaders can shape a meaningful organizational culture. Discover what product theory can teach you about differentiating yourself in a sea of nonprofits and businesses clamoring for your audience’s attention and how understanding the perspectives of the next generation will help you adapt to the shifting tides of donor engagement.As you seek to lead your nonprofit into the future, you won’t want to miss this year’s list of the top 10 books every nonprofit leader should read.Want the links to the books we mentioned? Check out the show notes for this episode: https://www.futurenonprofit.com/10-books-every-nonprofit-leader-needs-to-read-this-year/Mentioned in this episode:Presented by ClassyAre you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising? At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.

“When you see horrible things happen to innocent people, you can choose one of two paths. You can either go a route of bitterness and hatred and perpetuate a problem, or you can think—does this have to be like this?” - Thomas KeownWho is best equipped to drive lasting change for people facing challenging circumstances?Our latest guest on Future Nonprofit, Thomas Keown, has discovered a powerful answer to this question—and it's one you may not be expecting.Thomas grew up in Northern Ireland during a 30-year conflict known as The Troubles. For decades, all his community knew was war, fighting, and hate. But over time, Thomas came to realize that although injustices can transcend generations, so too can healing and hope.After going back to help the youth of his homeland as an adult, it became crystal clear to Thomas what kind of people are capable of making the most profound impact on world crises—the people who have made it out of those very crises.Today, Thomas is the founder and CEO of Many Hopes, a nonprofit that empowers children to overcome injustice and then equips them with the tools they need to help others do the same. Some of the children supported by Many Hopes go on to become lawyers fighting the very injustice they experienced and doctors providing the care they couldn’t receive—each one living proof of the power of survivor-driven change.In this special episode from our Camp Redwood series, you’ll discover what it takes to inspire support for causes that may be out of sight and out of mind, why Thomas's decision to return funds to some of his donors led to a surprising increase in giving, how a nonprofit closing its doors can actually be the ultimate success story, and so much more.If you’re looking to learn from a nonprofit that has mastered the art of building trust with their donors, their local outreach partners, and the people they serve, this episode is for you.Want our key takeaways from this conversation? Take a look at the show notes for this episode.Mentioned in this episode:Presented by ClassyAre you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising? At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.

“For me, that's really where you get the highest ROI. Just to hear from a person: this matters.” - Ryan SissonWhen’s the last time you thought to yourself, “Wow, this is real community”?That magical, visceral feeling of true human connection? It’s rare—feels like lightning in a bottle. Many nonprofit leaders have tried to capture it within the community they cultivate for their team, their donors, and the people they serve. But the truth is, it can be tricky to nail the secret sauce. Luckily, our guest knows the recipe for that kind of community—and it’s just three simple ingredients.Ryan Sisson is the CEO of Moniker Group, a collective of visionary entrepreneurs crafting spaces that are designed to help people not just gather—but truly connect. From coffee shops and retail stores to coworking spaces and creameries, Moniker creates environments that blend creativity, purpose, and hospitality.I (Ted) chose Ryan for this conversation because I’ve seen firsthand the powerful communities he cultivates. I’m thrilled to share with you his practical insights for creating environments where people feel safe to offer feedback, encouraged to share ideas, and excited to collaborate. In this episode, you’ll discover the one leadership trait that’s a prerequisite for effective communication, the secret to building a team culture so strong it sustains itself, why your people have the potential to make or break your brand, and so much more. If you feel like your organization is being held back by a lack of internal or external synergy, this one’s for you.Want our key takeaways from this conversation? Take a look at the show notes for this episode.Mentioned in this episode:Presented by ClassyAre you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising? At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.

“[She] asked me, ‘What's one thing we can give you so you never go back on the streets?’ And I told them, ‘If you give me a computer, I would never go back on the streets. And they did. And that gadget captured me from what the streets were offering and I teleported into a new world of possibilities.’” - Emmanuel TrinityHow do you create generational prosperity when the prevailing model of charity is focused on temporary poverty alleviation?For Emmanuel Trinity (who goes by Trinity), creating prosperity is about untapping the latent potential in communities—instead of using funds to combat the surface-level symptoms of poverty.Trinity grew up in the slums of Uganda, facing a dangerous and seemingly hopeless future. But everything changed when he was given a computer. With access to the internet, Trinity found work and transformed the trajectory of his life.That computer wasn’t his doorway to success—it was simply the key that unlocked the potential he had inside him all along. Now, Trinity is giving others the keys they need to do the same.  As the founder of era92, a nonprofit employment agency, Trinity empowers young adults facing poverty in Uganda with the opportunities they need to become active participants in rewriting their futures.In this episode, you’ll hear how education and employment can empower people to escape challenging situations, why it’s crucial to ask the people you’re serving what resources would truly make the biggest impact in their lives, the power of using your personal experience to inform your problem-solving approach, and more.If you’ve been unsure whether your efforts are serving the people you help to the fullest, this episode is the push you need to start asking the right questions.Want our key takeaways from this conversation? Take a look at the show notes for this episode.Mentioned in this episode:Presented by ClassyAre you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising? At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.

“I really think that we all have something we want to produce and give to the world, and that should be our ambition. And people are going to love you for what you give to the world. They're going to love you for your ambition.” - Remi SobomehinWhat’s the best way to make progress toward your mission?It’s a question many nonprofit leaders wrestle with. The truth is, sometimes making a real impact requires you to think outside of the box. Sometimes, it means turning your biggest challenges into your greatest opportunities. When Remi Sobomehin set out to empower Black and Brown teens with the skills they need to achieve personal and professional success, he ran into a problem: How do you reach teenagers when they’re spending a large amount of time on their smartphones?Remi decided that, rather than fighting against these habits, he’d factor them into his solution. As the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Ambition Angels, Remi created an app where teens can access a library of skill-building courses and earn money while they learn.In this special episode from our Camp Redwood series, Remi reveals the magic that can happen when you use an innovative approach to apply proven solutions, why patience is the key to sustainable nonprofit growth, why effective outreach means meeting people where they actually are, and so much more. If you feel like you’ve got the right solutions but your approach isn’t yielding results, this episode will provide just the inspiration you’ve been looking for.Want our key takeaways from this conversation? Take a look at the show notes for this episode.Mentioned in this episode:Presented by ClassyAre you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising? At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.

Running a nonprofit can be hard.You’re leading a dedicated crew into the heart of challenging crises. But if you’re like most nonprofit leaders, no one trained you on how to set healthy boundaries, offer emotional support, or ensure your team’s time and talents aren’t undervalued.Juggling all of this while also striving to make a positive impact through your mission can leave even the most fearless leaders feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, and lost. So what’s the antidote?Our guest today says the best place to start is by staying connected to your “why,” leading by example through hands-on involvement, and uplifting your people. Ann Lee is the Co-Founder and CEO of CORE: Community Organized Relief Effort, an organization that collaborates locally and globally to provide equitable relief in the face of disasters. They have worked on five continents responding to natural disasters, conflict, food insecurity, disease outbreaks, climate change, and public health emergencies.In this episode, Ann shares what she’s learned over the years—from co-founding this organization with film icon Sean Penn to how they expanded from 10 US-based employees to over 2,500 in a single year during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is one you don’t want to miss!Looking for our key takeaways from this conversation? Find them on the show notes for this episode.Links:Historic AgencyConnect with CORE on their LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, or their website.Connect with Ann on LinkedIn or InstagramConnect with Sean Penn on Instagram[BOOK] Culture Built My BrandMentioned in this episode:Presented by ClassyAre you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising? At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.

“As an employee of a nonprofit, you're maybe blessed to get paid for the work you do every day, but it doesn't mean you care about it any more or less than the people that are giving you money. And so, by drawing them in, you build an army of committed advocates and activists for your cause. You're having an impact on the hearts of your donors by drawing them in. You're making the world a better place by creating an army of generous people.” – Gabe CooperWhat if your nonprofit could inspire generosity that drives your mission forward and scales your impact? In this episode, we sit down with Gabe Cooper, founder and CEO of Virtuous, to explore how to go beyond transactional fundraising to build authentic, human-centered relationships that draw donors more deeply into your mission.Gabe shares his insights on donor motivations—and how you can rope them in as advocates and activists for your cause. You’ll learn about the importance of the heart and how to give supporters a cause that shapes their personal identities. He also shares why it’s critical to consider the value donors receive through their generosity. By treating supporters as true partners in your mission, Gabe believes nonprofits can unleash a wave of support that fuels impactful change.With his background in for-profit tech and software development, Gabe is passionate about product development and giving nonprofits best-in-class tools. In this episode, he shares key lessons on innovation and provides simple, strategic, actionable tips for launching your first, small-scale innovative venture.Listen in as Gabe dives into how organizations can adapt to changing donor expectations, use human-centered design, and harness the power of generosity to drive their missions forward. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your donor relationships or take your fundraising to the next level, this episode offers a playbook for inspiring generosity that achieves more than you ever thought possible.Contents1 – Gabe’s introduction to philanthropy (03:05)2 – The power of giving and importance of nonprofits (07:10)3 – Putting donors at the center of the mission (16:45)4 – Simplifying innovation (23:50)5 – Harnessing human-centered design (31:18)6 – Gabe’s parting advice (36:28)LinksHistoric AgencyGabe Cooper on LinkedInGabe's book | The Responsive NonprofitCulture Built My BrandMentioned in this episode:Presented by ClassyAre you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising? At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.

"You really have to be committed to your mission because if you are committed to your model and you just do things that serve the model because the model doesn't look broken, but it no longer serves your mission - you lose. And so having the courage to burn the ships and say, even though the ships could probably still sail, in order to really take hold of what I know we need to be doing, we need to let them go and to burn them so that we can fully take hold of the opportunity ahead of us." - Suzy GraySuccess feels great! Every nonprofit team is boosted by a good win. But is it possible for your team to get too comfortable with your current measure of success? Because the key to greater impact often involves stepping into uncharted waters, where risk and reward go hand in hand. Suzy Gray, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Your Move, believes that to achieve meaningful growth, nonprofit leaders must embrace the discomfort of bold decision-making. And part of that involves detaching from past successes.After a decade in corporate telecommunications leadership, Suzy left to pursue work that aligned with her purpose, ultimately co-founding Your Move with pastor Andy Stanley.In this special Camp Redwood Session, Suzy shares about her nonprofit’s early success—and the daring “burn-the-ships” decision they made to expand their reach. Drawing from top tech company strategies, Your Move connected big data insights with ministry goals to build an innovative model for outreach. But as Suzy emphasizes, true impact requires constant evolution—and, for Your Move, focusing on where to find their audience now, not where they used to be.With passion, purpose, and poise, Suzy offers insights on taking informed risks, innovating fearlessly, and making decisions that truly matter. Whether you’re facing the challenges of change, restructuring for impact, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode provides a roadmap for leading with confidence, courage, and purpose. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on leading your nonprofit through uncharted waters, staying true to your mission while pursuing bigger goals.Contents1 – Suzy’s background and transition to nonprofit (03:15)2 – How to find what you love & love what you do (08:38)3 – Burning the boats and focusing the mission (14:00)4 – Suzy’s key learnings (25:30)LinksHistoric AgencySuzy Gray on LinkedInYour Move CollectiveCulture Built My BrandMentioned in this episode:Presented by ClassyAre you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising? At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.

"95% of the world's pastors have no formal ministry training. And the best thing that we had done in all those years was training pastors and communities of poverty. So we said, “If it's not training urban ministers, it goes.” We got down to the nitty-gritty of one focus, which is training urban pastors and church leaders, because we believe that that will lead to healthier churches, which will then lead to the influencing of their neighborhoods to flourish." - Rev. Dr. Alvin SandersCourageous leadership isn’t just about making decisions. It’s about making the right ones, even when it’s difficult. Rev. Dr. Alvin Sanders has a singular passion: to develop leaders, strengthen churches, and create redemptive communities that thrive in urban contexts. But getting there requires bold leadership, courageous decision making, and a willingness to narrow your focus to stay true to your mission.In this episode, Alvin shares his journey as President and CEO of World Impact, an organization that has launched over 750 church-planting teams since 2016. He reveals the highs and lows of guiding the organization through a six-year mission overhaul—and how eliminating distractions is key to scaling nonprofit impact.Alvin’s leadership at World Impact is driven by his deep commitment to social justice and community empowerment. He discusses how his upbringing and personal experiences instilled in him the belief that all people have gifts and abilities, inspiring him to equip church leaders to help people flourish in urban contexts. Throughout the conversation, Alvin dives into the challenges of confronting injustice and broken systems, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement in making the world a better place. He also shares what he’s learned as he’s leaned into tough decisions, restructured management, and led with clarity and purpose.Tune in for Alvin’s insights on collaboration, resilience, and courageous leadership—and discover a powerful blueprint for any nonprofit leader aiming to create lasting change.Contents1 - Growing up and early influences that shaped Alvin’s path (03:00)2 - Alvin’s early experiences and calling to ministry (08:50)3 - World Impact and their mission (12:50)4 - Strategic leadership, collaboration & World Impact restructure (20:00)5 - Implementing continuous improvement (28:30)6 - Alvin’s biggest challenge and advice for leaders (30:15)LinksHistoric AgencyAlvin Sanders on LinkedInWorld ImpactBernard's Story on YTCulture Built My BrandMentioned in this episode:Presented by ClassyAre you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising? At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.