Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

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.  #FromTheArchives 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: 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/

Now more than ever, it’s essential that nonprofit leaders build a strong, adaptable team. But how do you find, keep, and mold top talent that aligns with your organization’s mission? Today’s guest, William Vanderbloemen, shares key strategies for building, running, and maintaining a great team that is dedicated to your organization’s values and mission.  Rob’s guest, William Vanderbloemen, is the Founder and CEO of Vanderbloemen. His company specializes in helping churches, schools, and nonprofits find leaders who fit their mission and culture. Vanderbloemen’s mission is to help teams not just fill a position, but build leadership that will last for the long haul.  William explains the importance of creating a strong organizational culture and emphasizes that this culture should be clear and intentional from the start. He believes that organizations need to adapt to changing environments while staying true to their core values. William shares that hiring the right people is not just about filling a role, but finding individuals who are aligned with the mission of the organization. He adds that it’s important for leaders to clearly explain to potential staff members, what makes their organization unique. William touches on the critical role of clear communication in leadership. If leaders seek honest feedback from their staff, then they must develop a culture of giving and asking for feedback regularly. Finally, he believes that resilience and flexibility are key traits for leaders to develop in order to navigate the challenges of today’s world.  Guest Links: Connect with William on LinkedIn  Vanderbloemen.com   Be The Unicorn book Culture Tool  This Episode is sponsored by: Links to Resources: Want to work with a leadership and life coach, check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/ 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/  Join the discussion over on Rob’s LinkedIn page Summary William Vanderbloemen discusses the importance of recruitment and retention in the nonprofit sector. He shares his experience starting Vanderbloemen, a cause-based search firm, and emphasizes the need for nonprofits to prioritize soft skills when recruiting new staff. He also highlights the significance of clearly articulating the organization’s mission and values to attract the right talent. Additionally, Vanderbloemen emphasizes the role of a healthy organizational culture in recruitment and retention, and suggests using tools like theculturtool.com to assess and improve culture. In this conversation, Dr. Rob Harter and William Vanderbloemen discuss the importance of organizational culture and employee satisfaction in the nonprofit sector. They explore the eight cultural values that shape behavior within an organization and how to assess and improve culture. They also discuss the impact of culture on employee retention and the need for organizations to adapt to the changing expectations of millennials and Gen Z. The conversation highlights the value of feedback and collaboration in creating a positive culture, as well as the importance of balancing professional development with organizational efficiency. Takeaways Recruiting the right people at the right time is crucial for staff retention in nonprofits. Soft skills, or human-to-human skills, are essential for success in the nonprofit sector. Nonprofits should clearly articulate their mission and values to attract the right talent. A healthy organizational culture is key to recruitment and retention in nonprofits. Assessing and improving organizational culture is crucial for nonprofit organizations to create a healthy and effective work environment. Understanding the cultural values that shape behavior within an organization can help identify areas for improvement. Employee satisfaction and well-being are key factors in retaining staff, especially in a generation that values career mobility. Involving staff in the decision-making process and addressing their feedback can lead to a more engaged and committed workforce. Balancing professional development with organizational efficiency requires identifying the right timing and opportunities for growth. Quotes “Businesses may or may not have a value that drives them. Why do they have a better solution for staffing than the people who are living for a cause?” “Soft skills, H2H skills, are the ball game in nonprofit.” “The ones that succeed are the ones that say, ‘Here’s the one thing we do that very few people do.'” “We’re all the same age or skin color or gender, but we are all the same in our behavior around our eight cultural values.” “What is the biggest rock that we’re getting right of these eight areas? What are we just really doing well?” “If you focus so much on your culture that you could get six or seven years instead of four or five, because the cost to replace a staff person, it takes time, it takes energy, you lose momentum, it takes money.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:01 Recruitment and Retention in the Nonprofit Sector 06:16 The Importance of Soft Skills in Nonprofits 11:56 Articulating Mission and Values to Attract Talent 15:22 The Role of Organizational Culture in Recruitment and Retention 17:33 Assessing and Improving Culture 19:36 The Impact of Culture on Employee Retention 22:40 Addressing Employee Satisfaction 27:12 Adapting to the Expectations of Millennials and Gen Z 29:45 Creating a Feedback-Driven Culture 31:45 Balancing Workload and Professional Development

How can nonprofits effectively support underserved students in achieving higher education? How do you encourage both the student and their family members to believe in their potential to achieve more? Today’s guest, Dr. Johanna Moya Fabregas, explains how her nonprofit is empowering the next generation through education and emotional support.  Rob’s guest, Dr. Johanna Moya Fabregas, is the Executive Director of Con Mi MADRE, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Latina girls and their loved ones through education and emotional support. The organization’s mission is to ensure these young women achieve higher education and are well-prepared for the workforce, supported by their families throughout the process.  Johanna explains how her background in higher education and her passion for impacting youth, led her to transition into nonprofit leadership. She shares how Con Mi MADRE’s dual-generation approach supports both the students and their loved ones, fostering a deep connection that drives academic and personal success. Johanna believes in the importance of addressing both the social-emotional and academic needs of students, starting from middle school through college. She also describes how the program includes workshops, college visits, and a leadership series that helps students and parents alike. Johanna emphasizes the significance of building long-term relationships with the families they serve, which is key to achieving an impressive college persistence rate. She also highlights the organization’s commitment to cultural affirmation, ensuring that students can embrace their full identity as they pursue their professional goals. Finally, Johanna discusses the impact of Con Mi MADRE’s annual gala awards event, which celebrates community leaders and raises funds for the organization.  Mentioned:Connect with Johanna on LinkedIn Con MI MADRE website  This Episode is sponsored by: Links to Resources: Want to work with a leadership and life coach, check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/ 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/  Join the discussion over on Rob’s LinkedIn page Summary: Dr. Johanna Moya Fábregas, the executive director of Con Mi Madre, shares her journey from a career in education to leading a nonprofit organization. Con Mi Madre is a dual-generation program that supports girls in sixth through twelfth grade and their mothers or a loving adult in their family. The program focuses on social-emotional support and academic preparation to help students achieve a post-secondary degree and be prepared for the workforce. They provide a comprehensive curriculum, parent workshops, a networking group, and a leadership series. Con Mi Madre also collaborates with local school districts to bridge the gap between students and their families, providing ongoing support and resources. The organization has achieved a 72% college persistence rate among its high school graduates, thanks to their long-term relationship building and comprehensive support. Con Mi Madre’s approach to multicultural education and empowerment impacts the community they serve by affirming students’ cultural identities and celebrating their achievements. They also host an annual event, the Corazon Awards, to honor community members and raise funds for scholarships. To learn more about Con Mi Madre, visit their website or follow them on social media. Takeaways Con Mi Madre is a dual-generation program that supports girls in sixth through twelfth grade and their mothers or a loving adult in their family. The program focuses on social-emotional support and academic preparation to help students achieve a post-secondary degree and be prepared for the workforce. Con Mi Madre collaborates with local school districts to bridge the gap between students and their families, providing ongoing support and resources. The organization has achieved a 72% college persistence rate among its high school graduates, thanks to their long-term relationship building and comprehensive support. Con Mi Madre’s approach to multicultural education and empowerment impacts the community by affirming students’ cultural identities and celebrating their achievements. The annual Corazon Awards event honors community members and raises funds for scholarships. The program focuses on social-emotional support and academic preparation to help students achieve a post-secondary degree and be prepared for the workforce. Con Mi Madre collaborates with local school districts to bridge the gap between students and their families, providing ongoing support and resources. The organization has achieved a 72% college persistence rate among its high school graduates, thanks to their long-term relationship building and comprehensive support. Con Mi Madre’s approach to multicultural education and empowerment impacts the community by affirming students’ cultural identities and celebrating their achievements. Sound Bites “I wish I had an organization like the one we have when I was a first-gen college student, as an immigrant, as someone who moved to this country and had to learn the language and navigate all of that.” “We support supporting the parents, for instance, through there is an organization called EGBI. It’s like a small business incubator. So you’re supporting the parents and that communicates to the student from an early age that you care not just about a number or an achievement on paper, you care about the well-being of their whole family.” “It’s building a long-term relationship and that is not just between the student and us, but they’re part of a larger community, and that organization is like a big family.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Transition to Nonprofit Leadership 02:08 Overview of Con Mi Madre’s Program and Approach 06:57 Collaboration with School Districts 09:47 Achieving a 72% College Persistence Rate 14:37 Influence of Public Education Background on Nonprofit Leadership 17:21 Multicultural Education and Empowerment 20:47 The Corazon Awards and Community Impact 23:27 How to Learn More About Con Mi Madre

In a recent survey of nonprofit workers across the United States, a staggering 74% reported that they are seeking another job. And out of those seeking new employment, 65% are unsure they will remain working in the non-profit sector. This is a serious issue that nonprofit organizations must focus on. Today’s guest, Michelle Flores Vryn, shares more data from this survey and how nonprofit leaders can mitigate this staff retention problem.   Rob’s guest, Michelle Flores Vryn, is the co-author of the 2024 Social Impact Staff Retention Report. Michelle and Evan Wildstein led the project, administering the survey online to nonprofit organizations and their employees. Anonymous responses were collected from across the United States and included participants from a variety of roles and ranges of experience levels.  Michelle shares the top three reasons they found that workers were leaving their current roles. She explains that respondents feel they lack adequate compensation and support, and over 80% would be more satisfied if they could have more flexibility and autonomy over their time. Michelle believes organizations who want staff to work in person, must be more intentional about the use of office time. She describes which roles are seeing the most turnover right now and why. Michelle believes one of the biggest factors in turnover rates is the desire of nonprofits to constantly scale. She urges nonprofit leaders to become more realistic about what can be accomplished with the resources available to them. Michelle also highlights the importance deeper connection between leaders and their staff, and what that looks like in practice. She also encourages organizations to start opening up discussions on the use of AI in the workplace, and why it’s important to get the whole team involved and on the same page. Finally, Michelle shares where one can access this report and explains how nonprofits should effectively utilize the report’s findings to improve staff retention overall. Mentioned: 2024 Social Impact Staff Retention Report  Survey: AI and Data Equity in Nonprofits  Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn Connect with Evan on LinkedIn  Episode – How to mitigate the staff retention challenge (with Julia Devine)  Episode – Is Servant Leadership Making A Comeback? (with Evan Wildstein)  This Episode is sponsored by: Links to Resources:Want to work with a leadership and life coach, check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Summary: In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter interviews Michelle Flores Vryn about a study on nonprofit staff retention. The study found that the top three reasons for nonprofit workers considering leaving their jobs were: having too much responsibility without support, lack of clear pathways for growth, and inadequate compensation and benefits. The study also revealed that staff with less than 10 years of experience were more likely to consider leaving, while those with more than 10 years were more likely to stay. The conversation also touched on the importance of flexible work conditions, managing budgets, and the use of AI in nonprofits. keywords nonprofit, staff retention, turnover, responsibilities, growth, compensation, benefits, experience, flexible work, budget management. The top three reasons for nonprofit workers considering leaving their jobs are having too much responsibility without support, lack of clear pathways for growth, and inadequate compensation and benefits. Staff with less than 10 years of experience are more likely to consider leaving, while those with more than 10 years are more likely to stay. Flexible work conditions, such as hybrid or remote options, are highly valued by nonprofit staff and can contribute to longer-term retention. Nonprofits should balance their budgets while improving compensation and benefits to stay competitive and current with industry standards. Leaders should prioritize the well-being of their staff and build relationships with them to create a positive culture and prevent turnover. AI and technology can be used to create efficiencies and reduce workload, but it requires open and collaborative conversations within organizations to determine the best approach. -“The top three reasons were having too much responsibility without support, lack of clear pathways for growth, and inadequate compensation and benefits.” – “82% of people said, if I were gonna stay, it would be because of more hybrid or remote working options.” -“Leaders who are very invested in the well-being of their staff are not only the leaders that we need now, but I think at some point they’re going to be the only leaders who are successful.”

Amy Freitag Most of you have heard of community foundations, but do you know how they work and what makes them unique? These organizations pool donations to support local projects, schools, and charities, ensuring funds stay within the community. Today’s guest, Amy Freitag, shares why community foundations are so powerful, and the benefits of collaborating with your local foundation. Rob’s guest, Amy Freitag, is the President of The New York Community Trust. The New York Community Trust is a grantmaking foundation that funds nonprofits, by effectively stewarding the funds of their donors. The foundation has been proudly serving New York for 100 years.  Amy, a community philanthropist with many years of experience, passionately describes the mission and history of The New York Community Trust and her role as President. She explains what a community foundation is and how it differs from private foundations and traditional nonprofits. One of these differences is their grant-making process. Amy describes what makes their process so effective, and shares how many grants they issue each year. She also lists different reasons why people decide to contribute to community foundations, and benefits to doing so. Finally, Amy recounts specific examples of collective giving in the communities they serve, to demonstrate how impactful it truly is. Mentioned:Connect with Amy on LinkedIn The New York Community Trust  This Episode is sponsored by:  Links to Resources:Want to work with a leadership and life coach, check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com

Nikki Clifton Human trafficking today has become one of the most overlooked humanitarian crises of our time. It is a shockingly widespread problem, with an estimated 27.6 million victims worldwide. And on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, it’s time to bring this hidden issue out of the shadows. Rob sits down with Nikki Clifton, the head of the UPS Foundation, to discuss the organization’s efforts to combat this devastating humanitarian crisis. While there are a lot of organizations that focus on prevention and rescue, the UPS Foundation is tackling a critical but often overlooked aspect of human trafficking — the aftercare and support for survivors. Through partnerships with organizations like Wellspring Living, the foundation is providing housing, counseling, and job training to help victims get back on their feet.  They discuss the issue of human trafficking, how the UPS Foundation focuses on long-term support for survivors, what led the UPS Foundation to make combating human trafficking a primary emphasis, and how nonprofits can collaborate best with law enforcement and government agencies to address human trafficking issues more effectively. Nikki also provides advice for how other nonprofits can raise awareness about human trafficking even if it’s not their primary mission and shares the foundation’s unique approach as both a funder and a provider of volunteers to support the work of other nonprofits addressing human trafficking. Mentioned: UPS Website UPS – Delivering Hope – The Balancing Act Polaris Project Website This Podcast is sponsored by:  Links to Resources: Want to work with a leadership and life coach, check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com

AI has been a topic of conversation for many of us in the nonprofit sector. Is the reliance on AI a good thing or a bad thing? Will the implementation of AI completely eliminate jobs? Like most things in life, it’s nuanced.  Today’s guest, Bertina Ceccarelli, explains how AI is affecting jobs in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, and ways we can utilize this smart technology wisely.  Rob’s guest, Bertina Ceccarelli, is the CEO of NPower. Npower is a national nonprofit that seeks to empower underrepresented talent to pursue careers in technology. The organization offers training programs and certifications and also provides social service support to its students during the program.  Bertina shares trends she is seeing across all sectors, regarding the impact of AI on jobs. She explains that while AI is completely replacing some employees in certain roles, other opportunities are opening up for workers who are skilled at using AI. This is a reminder for those concerned about this shift, to recognize that disruption often brings new, positive opportunities. Bertina believes artificial intelligence tools can help nonprofit leaders do more and be better. To illustrate her point, she shares an example of how NPower uses AI to train the staff to be trauma-informed. While there are many benefits to using this technology, Bertina reminds us to approach it with careful oversight. Speaking of oversight, she stresses the importance of knowing what data is being used to train these AI models. She warns nonprofit leaders to be vigilant to prevent using a biased model. Finally, Bertina describes the one thing AI cannot do for your nonprofit, that you must be intentional about developing as a leader.  Mentioned: Connect with Bertina on LinkedIn NPower website  This Episode is sponsored by: Links to Resources: Want to work with a leadership and life coach, check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Summary In this episode, Rob interviews Bertina Ceccarelli, CEO of NPower, about the impact of AI on nonprofits. They discuss how AI is affecting staffing in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, with lower-wage jobs being automated and higher-skilled jobs being disrupted. They also explore how nonprofits can proactively mitigate the negative impact of AI by leveraging it to free up staff time for more meaningful work. They emphasize the importance of human connection and trust in the nonprofit sector and discuss the potential for AI to enhance trauma-informed service. Overall, they highlight the need for collaboration between tech companies, tech training organizations, and nonprofits to ensure an inclusive and ethical AI workforce. AI, nonprofits, staffing, automation, higher-skilled jobs, efficiency, human connection, trust, trauma-informed service Takeaways AI is impacting staffing in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, with lower-wage jobs being automated and higher-skilled jobs being disrupted. Nonprofits can proactively mitigate the negative impact of AI by leveraging it to free up staff time for more meaningful work. Human connection and trust are essential in the nonprofit sector and cannot be replaced by AI. AI has the potential to enhance trauma-informed service by providing training scenarios for staff to practice recognizing and responding to trauma. Collaboration between tech companies, tech training organizations, and nonprofits is crucial to ensure an inclusive and ethical AI workforce. Titles The Impact of AI on Nonprofit Staffing Enhancing Trauma-Informed Service with AI Sound Bites “Lower-wage jobs are getting diminished or eliminated, while higher-skilled jobs are getting disrupted by AI.” “AI can free up staff to spend more time with clients and provide better social support services.” “Apprenticeships and paid internships for AI-related jobs can help open doors for overlooked talent.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:12 The Impact of AI on Nonprofits 05:12 Proactively Mitigating the Negative Impact of AI 07:22 Empowering People vs. Empowering Tech 10:20 Enhancing Nonprofits with AI 14:42 Replacing People with AI 19:41 Ensuring an Inclusive and Ethical AI Workforce 22:47 The Role of Human Connection and Trust 25:30 AI and Trauma-Informed Service 28:33 Conclusion and Call to Action

Tiara Green As leaders of nonprofits, receiving donations or grants from corporations is essential to our ability to provide services that make an impact. It’s important we are effective in our approach to obtaining financial gifts from these large organizations. Today’s guest, Tiara Green, shares some best practices regarding corporate philanthropy.  Rob’s guest, Tiara Green, is the President of the national nonprofit, Accessia Health. They are committed to providing financial assistance and support to patients with rare and chronic medical conditions. Accessia Health provides case management, education, and financial support for health insurance premiums, medication, copayments, travel, and other medical expenses. Tiara shares the two biggest lessons she has learned when navigating corporate philanthropy. She recognizes the power of having both data and alignment, to show corporations how they will benefit from supporting the nonprofit’s mission. Tiara explains why it’s vital for nonprofit leaders to truly understand the goals of the corporations they are seeking funding from. She describes the many different ways a nonprofit leader can obtain the information needed, to decide if the missions align or not. Tiara explains the mission of Accessia Health and how the organization is focused on health equity and financial affordability for the people it serves. Tiara describes two of the most important methods her organization implements to expand their effectiveness. One of these methods is to develop strategic partnerships. She describes the best way to start doing this. She also advises nonprofit leaders to avoid a very ineffective method that wastes valuable time and hurts morale. Finally, Tiara shares an important leadership lesson that has made the biggest impact on her career and personal life.  Summary: Tiara Green discusses best practices and important lessons in corporate philanthropy. She emphasizes the importance of data in demonstrating impact and aligning with the goals of corporate partners. Tiara also highlights the barriers to health equity and financial affordability in the healthcare industry and the role of nonprofits in addressing these issues. She shares the fundraising methods that have been effective for Accessia Health, including storytelling and forming strategic partnerships. Tiara emphasizes the importance of clear communication, trust, and transparency in leadership. She invites listeners to connect with Accessia Health through their website and social media. Takeaways Data is critical in demonstrating impact and securing corporate grants. Aligning with the goals of corporate partners is key in building long-term partnerships. Barriers to health equity and financial affordability in healthcare include systemic issues and social determinants of health. Nonprofits can address these barriers through community partnerships and strategic collaborations. Effective fundraising methods include storytelling, highlighting key differentiators, and forming strategic partnerships. Clear communication, trust, and transparency are essential in leadership. Accessia Health can be contacted through their website and social media. Effective Fundraising Methods for Nonprofits Best Practices and Lessons in Corporate Philanthropy Quotes “Data tells a story.” “Alignment with goals and objectives is key.” “Humanizing everything we’re doing makes a difference.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Corporate Philanthropy 02:59 Effective Fundraising Methods for Nonprofits 07:58 Barriers to Health Equity and Financial Affordability in Healthcare 14:26 Assisting Individuals with Rare and Chronic Conditions 20:56 Strategies for Fundraising Success 24:14 Leadership Lessons: Clear Communication and Trust 26:21 Connecting with Accessia Health Mentioned: Connect with Tiara on LinkedIn Accessia Health  Dare to Lead book This Episode is sponsored by: Quorum:  https://www.quorum.us/  Links to Resources:Want to work with a leadership and life coach, check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com

Jacob Harold, author of The Toolbox: Strategies for Crafting Social Impact and Co-founder of Candid Nonprofits are driven by the desire to create social change in their communities and in the world overall. Today’s guest, Jacob Harold, explains why creating a map of your intentions, developing storytelling, and using mathematical modeling are all great tools to bring about social change.  Jacob is the author of The Toolbox: Strategies for Crafting Social Impact and Co-founder of Candid. In 2019, Candid was formed from a merger of the two organizations known as GuideStar and Foundation Center. Candid is a nonprofit that provides comprehensive data and insights about the social sector. Jacob believes that while it is not possible to predict the future, it can be helpful for nonprofits to map out a clear hypothesis of how they intend to bring about social impact. He also believes that by stating clearly your intentions for social impact, you are creating opportunities for both accountability and learning. Jacob explains how using mathematical models and measurement can offer benefits to nonprofit organizations, and why it does not have to be complicated to use. He also explains how using the tool of storytelling can help you to figure out who your nonprofit is focusing on, what challenges you are confronting, and how to get to that better place in the end. When speaking of different tools nonprofits can use, Jacob highlights the importance of influencing behaviors in a morally respectful way, in order not to be manipulative. Finally, Jacob describes why Guidestar and Foundation Center merged to form Candid, and his hope for working side by side with other similar organizations.  #FromTheArchives Mentioned: Jacob’s website Connect with Jacob on LinkedIn Candid website The Toolbox book  This Episode is sponsored by: Donorbox Quorum 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/

Lynn Margherio, founder and CEO of Cradles to Crayons As nonprofit leaders, we often find we are filling a gap in society by resolving specific needs the government or the private sector is not addressing. Rob’s guest, Lynn Margherio, explains how her twenty year organization has been filling a large gap that affects approximately 1 in 5 children across the United States. Lynn is the founder and CEO of Cradles to Crayons. Cradles to Crayons provides children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive—at home, at school, and at play—for free. Cradles to Crayons collects and distributes new and high-quality used children’s goods by engaging and connecting communities.  Lynn shares why she originally started Cradles to Crayons twenty years ago. She defines what “clothing insecurity” is and why it is such a big problem across the country. Importantly, Lynn explains how her organization has been able to avoid mission drift and that their collaborative approach to their mission is what keeps them moving in the right direction. She shares some light bulb moments of realization she had, that has helped the organization grow into what it is today. Lynn explains what her organization does in order to maintain growth and retention when it comes to staff and volunteers. Finally, Lynn shares some of the biggest challenges she is facing as nonprofit leader and their goals to end clothing insecurity on a larger scale, as they move forward. #FromTheArchives Mentioned: Connect with Lynn on LinkedIn Cradles to Crayons website Follow Cradles to Crayons on Instagram This Episode is sponsored by: Donorbox Quorum 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/