Future Nonprofit

“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.

“We want to create an environment where people want to show up with all of their energy and enthusiasm to really do their best work. And at the same time, for that to be aligned with the organization's purpose and goals and values. That ultimately creates better organizational outcomes for customers, for donors, because they get someone on the phone that is engaged, or they look at something that was created by someone that was engaged. It all feeds into each other. ” - Jurriaan KamerIn today’s fast-paced world, speed is often equated with progress. Acceleration is essential for nonprofits that seek growth and innovation. But speed for speed’s sake comes with risk, side-lining organizational values, goals, and team morale. Enter Jurriaan Kamer, an organizational designer dedicated to reshaping organizations into more agile, human-centered workplaces. By balancing autonomy with alignment, Jurriaan and his team at Unblock are creating thriving environments where efficiency and culture work in tandem.In this episode, Jurriaan shares how your nonprofit can tap into the power of a Formula 1 race team to accelerate your outcomes, adapt to change, and set up your team to perform at peak every day. You’ll hear tips on tackling team dysfunction and poor time management. Jurriaan also offers practical solutions for creating autonomous, collaborative, and high-performing teams, such as launching a regular cadence of retrospectives and establishing well-defined goals. Tune in to discover new ways to unlock your organization’s potential and accelerate your impact with the precision of a Formula 1 team.Contents1 - How Jurriaan developed awareness and adaptability 2 - Early work in complex systems and collaboration3 - Lessons in agility and adaptability from Formula 14 - Assessing and understanding organizational needs5 - Defining clear strategies6 - Creating empowered, autonomous environments7 - Balancing culture with efficiency LinksHistoric AgencyJurriaan Kamer WebsiteJurriaan Kamer on LinkedInJurriaan’s book ‘Formula X’Unblock WebsiteCulture 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 CEO of Water4, every trip I take, I go out to communities, I spend the night and go house to house and see if the taps are working, talk to customers, see what's going on, see what life's really like. And then my job is to thank them for being a customer, not for them to thank me for being a benefactor.” - Matt HangenIn a sector filled with beneficiaries and benefactors, one international organization is challenging outdated models and disrupting traditional power structures.In this bonus episode from the Camp Redwood Sessions, meet Matt Hangen, the visionary CEO of Water4, a trailblazing nonprofit revolutionizing the fight against water scarcity through innovative, business-driven solutions. How? By treating access to water as a consumer service rather than a handout. As a result, Water4 is boosting health—and economic opportunities—throughout rural African communities.Discover Matt’s journey and the bold strategies making waves across rural Africa. Get an insider look at the pivotal moments that shaped Matt’s in-the-trenches, consumer-focused mindset. Matt also shares how his early work revealed the limitations of traditional charity models and inspired Water4’s business-based approach. He explores why empathy is at the heart of his strategy and how a deep understanding of the end users' needs can drive real change. Tune in to this must-listen episode to explore new ways to drive social impact, think bigger, and make a lasting difference where it’s needed most.Contents1 - Early mentorship and nonprofit influences2 - Traveling to Africa and work in water3 - Understanding water scarcity and consumer audience 4 - Building an innovative consumer-focused model5 - Scaling and growth opportunities6 - Advice for nonprofit leadersLinksHistoric AgencyMatt Hangen on LinkedInNUMA WaterWater4Culture 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.

“At that time, I really thought that money was the biggest issue. What I soon realized was that actually, not having money was not the biggest issue. The biggest issue was that the adults in my life were struggling so deeply, and there were severe mental health issues taking place. And so it was this shift from trying to eliminate adversity, to trying to pull a lever that actually could be pulled, which is just to get mental health resources into these high-need environments." - Rachel MillerHave you ever set out to tackle one problem, only to realize there’s a much deeper, underlying problem that needs to get untangled first?Meet Rachel Miller. She’s the founder and CEO of Closegap, a nonprofit dedicated to improving students’ mental health by addressing untreated trauma before it turns into a long-term, debilitating issue. Believing money to be the big problem for students, Rachel set out to close the gap between immediate needs and resources. But as she reflected on her own devastating childhood trauma, she realized that the real demand was for life-saving mental health support that navigates students through the trauma that far too many kids have to face. With a strategic pivot, she turned CloseGap toward addressing the growing mental health crisis unfolding in our schools. In this episode, Rachel shares how her own childhood struggles led her to the nonprofit she’s leading today with incredible courage, compassion, and commitment. We unpack Closegap's innovative, transformative approach to improving student mental health. We also explore unconventional nonprofit funding strategies and what it takes to foster a team dedicated to championing your cause. Tune in for an episode packed with inspiration and insights on building trust and persevering to make a greater social impact.Contents1 - Rachel’s upbringing and teenage struggles2 - Closegap’s origins, and how its mission evolved3 - History of mental health resources in schools4 - Closegap’s model and revenue streams 5 - Power dynamics and donor relationships in nonprofit work6 - The importance of strong teams and cultureLinksHistoric Agency988 Mental Health Crisis LineRachel Miller on LinkedInClosegapCulture 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.