Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

Sienna Nazarian Being young doesn’t mean one can’t make a difference. In fact, there is a lot we in the nonprofit space can learn from Gen Z leaders who have already made a big impact in their communities. Today’s guests; Sienna Nazarian, Robbie Khazan, and Dylan Zajac are exactly those kinds of leaders. These three are great examples of emerging leaders who are making their world better.  Dylan Zajac Sienna, Robbie, and Dylan were each recipients of The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards in 2023. The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards recognize young changemakers who have made a significant impact in leading initiatives that embody the values of “tikkun olam,” which means “repairing the world” in the Hebrew language.  These three Gen Z leaders describe the mission behind their respective nonprofit organizations and what the biggest challenges have been in starting a nonprofit at such a young age. Robbie, founder of Kiddo Byte, shares how his biggest challenge has been to find quality instructors who can teach computer science in a fun and exciting way. Sienna, founder of the Refugee Empowerment Project, explains that her biggest challenge when starting was establishing credibility as a high-schooler and trying to convince larger organizations to partner with her. Dylan, founder of Computers 4 People, believes that the biggest challenge when starting is taking an idea and turning it into a sustainable nonprofit. Robbie Khazan Each leader also addresses the misconception that Generation Z is full of coddled individuals who struggle with attention and resilience. They believe the misconception stems from the fact that this generation grew up in the digital age and thus, is the largest consumers of social media content. They also share great advice for other nonprofit leaders on how to recruit and retain Gen Z staff and volunteers. Finally, Sienna, Robbie, and Dylan share what they believe are the biggest challenges facing their generation today and their hopes for the future.  Mentioned: Connect with Sienna Nazarian https://www.linkedin.com/in/sienna-nazarian/ https://www.refugeeempowermentproject.org/ https://www.instagram.com/refugeeempowermentproject/ Connect with Robbie Khan https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbie-khazan/ https://kiddobyte.org/ https://www.instagram.com/kiddobyte/ Connect with Dylan Zajac https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylanzajac/ https://www.computers4people.org/ https://www.instagram.com/computers4people/ This Episode is sponsored by: Donorbox Holly Rustick Grant Writing & Funding Links to Resources:If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com For more episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, check out https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/

Did you know that we’re heading into an unprecedented wealth transfer? It’s been said that within the next few decades, as much as 68 trillion in wealth will pass from the Baby Boomers to the next generation, specifically Gen-xers and Millennials. This is a critical moment for nonprofits to connect meaningfully with their potential donors. So how can you best connect with donors in a truly meaningful way?  Rob’s guest on this episode is Lisa Greer, a philanthropist and entrepreneur, a convener and an author as of 2021. She’s the commissioner of the California State Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and the chair of the Giving Back Fund, and also has a new book called Philanthropy Revolution: How Inspired Donors Build Relationships and Make a Difference. Lisa Greer, philanthropist and entrepreneur Lisa addresses the potential transfer of massive wealth and what that means for nonprofits. She also shares why more nonprofits need to understand and accept donor-advised funds. One of the things she emphasizes is the need for fundraisers to treat donors as human beings and improve relationships and communication with potential donors. She discusses why nonprofit leaders must protect their organization’s brand, business and staff, and common mistakes to avoid manipulating donors when messaging about funding needs. She also explains the drawbacks of competition in the nonprofit sector as well as the huge opportunity in working with millennials both as potential donors and board members. Lisa shares why she believes nonprofits need to overhaul how they fundraise and how to maintain relationships with donors by treating them with the same care they show the communities they serve. Finally, she gives simple ways organizations can make donors feel valued and appreciated as a person instead of a dollar sign.         Links to Resources: Lisa Greer: https://www.lisagreer.com/ Philanthropy Revolution Book: https://www.philanthropyrevolution.com/ If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.comTo be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ Donorbox  Holly Rustick Grant Writing & Funding

Earl Foote, CEO, Nexus IT Consultants When it comes to becoming more efficient as a nonprofit organization, it can be helpful for nonprofit leaders to look outside the sector for insights and advice that one can apply to their organization. Today’s guest, Earl Foote, is a leader in the for profit sector who regularly networks with leaders in the nonprofit sector. He shares lessons he has learned over 25 years of running his company, and the transferable principles that can be applied to efficiently leading a nonprofit organization. Earl is CEO of Nexus IT Consultants. Nexus IT provides IT services and IT support for large and small companies across Utah. As Utah’s premier IT support company, they are committed to making sure business owners have the most reliable and professional IT service.  Earl shares what it was like in the beginning days of starting his company with only $500 and very little business experience. He describes how being disciplined during turbulent economic times was extremely important for his company. Earl believes that in order to handle the current market volatility in our present times, organizations must be vigilant about understanding what’s happening in their business, run experiments, and be willing to make big pivots. When it comes to attracting and retaining top talent, Earl explains that employees want to do meaningful work and be part of a truly supportive team environment. He also highlights that if there is dysfunction within the senior leadership team, the dysfunction will exist from the top all the way to the bottom. Finally, Earl shares steps nonprofit leaders can take, to achieve better outcomes and lasting success in their organizations.  Mentioned:Nexus IT Consultants Connect with Earl on LinkedIn  Tech Beat podcast This Episode is sponsored by: Donorbox  Holly Rustick Grant Writing & Funding Links to Resources:If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.comFor more episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, check out https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/

Beth Kanter and Allison Fine discuss how smart tech is changing the way we lead nonprofit organizations. They explore the use of smart tech and predictive analytics in the nonprofit sector, evaluating software and embracing technological changes, adapting to change during the pandemic, and the importance of asking stakeholders about their feelings.

Jocelyn Wyatt, CEO, Alight When we hear about the growing number of people being displaced from their home countries, we often assume it is conflict related, due to war or other political reasons. Did you know that weather related events are causing 21.5 million new displacements each year? It’s actually more than twice the number of displacements due to conflict or violence. Today’s guest, Jocelyn Wyatt, describes the effect climate change is having on the global displacement problem and how organizations like hers are focused on battling it.  Jocelyn is the CEO of Alight. Alight, formerly known as American Refugee Committee, is a global humanitarian organization working to effectively and compassionately respond to mass displacement of people worldwide. For 40 years, Alight has provided humanitarian assistance and is now working in over 20 countries around the world. When considering the future of humanitarian aid, Jocelyn recognizes that climate change will continue to displace more people from their homes. With that in mind, she shares some of the most effective strategies to serve all these displaced individuals. Jocelyn explains that the best way to help refugees settle in and grow into their new communities is to generate solutions with them by co-creating the programs that will best serve them.  She explains that the insights her organization gains directly from the displaced refugees, helps them to design really effective programs. When it comes to offering private sponsorships to refugees seeking a new home, Jocelyn explains which countries are the best examples of what it means to show generosity and support. Finally, she shares examples of countries that are going out of their way to help refugees, even though they themselves have limited resources and displacement problems.  Mentioned: Connect with Jocelyn on LinkedIn Check out the Alight website This Episode is sponsored by: Donorbox Holly Rustick Grant Writing & Funding

When you think about the nonprofit sector, are you looking at it with a “scarcity mindset” or an “abundance mindset”? Do you feel like you have already tapped out all your resources when it comes to finding new donors? Rob’s guests, Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott, believe that we need to be asking ourselves different questions as nonprofit leaders. They also share insights into wonderful opportunities that nonprofits are facing and how to take advantage of them. Becky and Jon are the founders of the media company, We Are For Good. They both host the “We Are For Good” podcast where they tell stories of nonprofit leaders who are making a big difference. Their show celebrates the power of philanthropy, and equips this generation of nonprofit leaders and philanthropists with the mindsets, tools and innovative ideas to make a bigger impact than any of us could ever dream to accomplish on our own. Jon and Becky met nearly 20 years ago, when Becky hired Jon as her graphic design intern at Oklahoma State University Foundation. They ended up sticking together their entire careers in the nonprofit sector, spanning from higher ed to healthcare philanthropy. With combined more than 40 years of experience, they grew up through the ranks and lead teams in nonprofit marketing, annual giving and major gifts. By trade he’s the designer, she’s the writer, and they call themselves “marketers disguised as fundraisers.” When it comes to thinking with an abundance mindset versus a scarcity mindset, Becky believes those in the nonprofit space need to seize the present by embracing abundant thinking and applying it to every aspect of their professional and personal lives. Jon urges leaders to not stress out about overarching trends and instead focus on what the controllables are. Jon and Becky offer their opinions on whether the nonprofit sector should be rebranded and how they would suggest it be done. Jon explains why it’s so important to own the impact one makes in the world, and that impact will attract “believers”. Believers, Becky explains, aren’t just donors who give money, but people who show up and grow movements within the nonprofit. They also describe ways to create a dynamic culture of philanthropy and specific examples of what that looks like. Finally, Jon and Becky share why nonprofit leaders need to start prioritizing community and self-growth, and why doing so will have a great impact on the future of their organizations.  Mentioned: Book: The Genersity Crisis Connect with Becky on LinkedIn Connect with Jon on LinkedIn We Are For Good website This Episode is sponsored by: Donorbox Holly Rustick Grant Writing & Funding Links to Resources:If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com For more episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, check out https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ 

Did you know that on average, most nonprofit leaders and organizations are only tapping into 13% of their current donors’ potential? In other words, 87% of your current donors are not being fully connected with your mission, which could in turn generate an exponential increase in their support of your organization. Rob’s guest today is Bob Westfall, Founder and Chairman of Westfall Gold, a donor fundraising agency with a program that moves donors from transactional giving to transformational giving, while turning supporters into ambassadors. Since its founding in 2002, this organization has organized 400 Major Donor weekend fundraising events and raised almost $1.4 billion dollars  on behalf of nonprofits, hospitals, churches and universities across the nation. Westfall Gold provides a service that helps nonprofits maximize their existing donors in order to make a difference with large philanthropic contributions, as well as encouraging philanthropy to become more central to these donors’ lives.     Bob Westfall, Founder and Chairman of Westfall Gold Bob shares why he’s invested his life into raising funds for so many organizations. He also will share along the way some surprising insights from his annual Generosity Report. He explains how organizations can tap into donors already in their database and the necessity of focusing on an organization’s transformational story. He breaks down what is most important when communicating with donors and how to unlock transformational giving. He describes what fundraising should look like, and why creating community, being intentional and cultivating relationships with donors is critical. Bob discusses how nonprofit leaders can build bridges of trust by making multiple deposits in the relationship “bank” before ever trying to make a withdrawal. He also explains the value of a nonprofit’s brand and how he approaches leadership with a focus on courage. Finally, he shares the two greatest challenges that are currently facing the nonprofit sector. #FromTheArchives Links to Resources: Westfall Gold – https://www.westfallgold.com/ Bob Westfall – https://bob-westfall.com/ The Courage Factor – https://www.amazon.com/Bob-Westfall/e/B0057DENKI%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com.To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ This Episode is sponsored by: Donorbox  Holly Rustick Grant Writing & Funding

Paul Martinez, Chief Leadership and Human Capital Strategist, W.K. Kellogg Foundation The breakfast food innovator, Will Keith Kellogg, started the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in 1930 to ensure all children have an equal opportunity to realize their full potential in life. Rob’s guest, Paul Martinez, explains the history of the foundation, its mission, and also offers important insights on leadership for nonprofit organizations. Paul is Chief Leadership and Human Capital Strategist at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The foundation is an independent, private foundation that believes all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive. WKKF invests in promoting thriving children, working families and equitable communities, as they seek to drive social change through community leadership. Paul shares the history of WKKF and that the foundation’s mission is to invest in the thriving of the next generation. He explains the specific geographic locations the foundation focuses on when it comes to the people they serve, and how they decided upon those areas. Paul shares how he himself received philanthropic assistance as a child, and working with WKKF has been a great opportunity for him to give back to others. He believes leadership is a social process and outlines the three important factors to having a successful community leadership network. Speaking of this, Paul describes a program that WKKF started a few years ago, called the Community Leadership Network Cohort, and how it impacts leaders on both a career level and personal level. For nonprofit leaders, Paul outlines important key aspects one needs to include in a leadership development program, which includes mastering self-awareness, encouraging self-care, and establishing trust.Finally, when it comes to measuring and sharing results with your donors, Paul gives his advice to nonprofit leaders who want to improve their process of obtaining this data.  Mentioned: WKKF Resources Page WKKF Community Leadership Network This Episode is sponsored by: Donorbox  Holly Rustick Grant Writing & Funding Links to Resources: If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com For more episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, check out https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ 

Timothy Higdon, President and CEO, Hearing Health Foundation Many nonprofit leaders don’t discuss the topic of planned giving, yet it can be a critical strategy for building a sustainable and robust nonprofit. Planned giving includes fundraising tools such as endowments and strategic reserves. Today’s guest, Timothy Higdon explains the differences between the two and the important things leaders need to consider when incorporating these planned gifts into their development strategy. Timothy is the President and CEO at Hearing Health Foundation. The Hearing Health Foundation is the largest private funder of basic scientific and applied research to find cures for hearing loss and related conditions. Timothy is also an adjunct lecturer at Columbia University in New York City. Timothy explains what planned giving is and how it is a great opportunity for one to leave a generous and meaningful gift to a charity, once they have passed away. He also explains the important differences between endowments and strategic reserves and how nonprofits can figure out which is more beneficial for their fundraising efforts.  When it comes to a development strategy, Timothy shares that a nonprofit should follow the rule of one-thirds, in order to have a balanced revenue portfolio. He also shares the important steps a nonprofit board should follow before establishing an endowment, which include a list of policies that need to be in place. Finally, Timothy highlights the important fiduciary responsibilities of board members and why they must clearly understand the legal, moral, and ethical duties of their board service.  Mentioned: Connect with Timothy on LinkedIn Document for Nonprofit Directors and Board Members This Episode is sponsored by: Heller Consulting  Amalgamated Bank Grant Writing and Funding

Today’s episode is Part 2 of a discussion on the biggest challenges that are facing the nonprofit sector. This discussion includes five, successful leaders in the nonprofit sector, who continue to discuss how nonprofits can improve and thrive.  Rob’s guests are Gayle Smith, Joan Garry, Alison Moore, Tony Martignetti, and Sara Lomelin. Gayle is the CEO of The ONE Campaign. Joan is the founder of Nonprofit Leadership Lab. Alison is the CEO of Comic Relief US. Tony is the host of Tony Martignetti Nonprofit Radio. Sara is the CEO of Philanthropy Together. All five of these leaders are not only passionate about the specific work they do, but they are also passionate about lifting up the sector as a whole. Rob opens up Part 2 of the discussion, by asking the panel how nonprofit organizations can improve the business side of their organizations while still maintaining their uniqueness. The panel believes that while nonprofits are not the same as a for-profit business, they do still have to have infrastructure and process in place, in order to ensure things run smoothly and efficiently. Leaders of nonprofits can pitch this type of infrastructure to their donors and team in a way that encourages the building of an organization that will have a stronger impact in the future. The panel also believes that nonprofits need to be cautious of how much they emulate for-profit organizations, so they don’t lose sight of their passion and mission. Finally, these insightful leaders explain why it is imperative for nonprofits to translate their uniqueness and importance, and how to do so in an affirmative way. Mentioned: Gayle Smith Joan Garry Alison Moore Tony Martinetti Sara Lomelin Links to Resources: If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com For more episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, check out https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/