We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits

The pause only works if you plan for it. Here’s how to get ready to truly rest.Whether you’re heading into a sabbatical, PTO, or just a long weekend, this episode helps you actually get ready to rest. Lindsey shares three readiness reflections — Finance, People, and Program — to gauge if your org (and you) can sustain time away.You’ll learn how to design an “only-call-me-if” checklist that protects your peace and keeps operations smooth—so you can step away without second-guessing. Then, run a Start–Stop–Continue to help your team prioritize what truly matters, pause what can wait, and sustain the rhythms that make your culture healthy. These simple tools turn time off from something stressful into something strategic.Part of the Power of the Pause series, this conversation reminds nonprofit pros, educators, and helpers everywhere that rest isn’t a reward — it’s a leadership practice.Episode HighlightsPreparing for a Powerful Pause: The Need for Rest (01:00)Extended Breaks & Sabbaticals: Overcoming Resistance (03:00)Readiness Reflections: Finance, People, Program (04:54)The Role of a Co-Leader & Timing Your Leave (08:46)Somatic Practice: Breathe and Bloom (feat. Marisol Pineda Conde) (10:51)Emergency Checklist: Planning for Critical Issues (13:48)Start, Stop, Continue: Transitioning Responsibility (17:58)Somatic Exercise with Marisol Pineda Conde (21:30)Visualization for Restoration & Setting Intentions (23:50)Affirmations and Reflective Questions for Readiness (27:58)www.weareforgood.com/episode/planforapauseSupport the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Get ready for a warm and inspiring episode, friend, as we welcome the visionary leaders behind a truly groundbreaking moment: the phenomenal merger of Girl Rising and She's The First. We sit down with Christina Lowery, Nidhi Shukla, Kate Kiama, and Tammy Tibbetts, the women fearlessly charting this new course 💖For years, these two powerhouses have been dedicated to transforming girls' education and leadership. Now, they've united their missions to create one mighty, global force for change 🤝Tune in to learn how they’re innovating for empowerment, with a sneak peek at powerful new programs that are helping girls build unshakeable confidence and chase their dreams. You’ll walk away with valuable, real-world takeaways on navigating the complexities of partnership, and how these leaders keep everyone focused on a shared, unwavering belief in a future where every single girl can learn, lead, and thrive 🌱Ready to be inspired by the true power of partnership? Let's dive deep👇Episode HighlightsMeet the Visionary Leaders (00:53)Girl Rising’s Origin Story (02:37)She’s the First’s Journey (06:57)The Urgency of the Merger (11:27)Global Education Crisis Statistics (13:41)Big Dreams for a Unified Future (17:25)Challenging Nonprofit Merger Norms (19:24)Scaling Up for Systemic Change (26:16)Joining Forces as a Community (33:53)Everyone’s “One Good Thing" for the Future (34:37)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/653Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, Whiteboard and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Meet Maria (Director of Marketing + Data Management, Second Harvest Food Bank) and Charles (Senior Vice President at RKD)🤝. In this episode, dive into their inspiring journey of digital transformation at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Together, they share how embracing innovation helped build a connected ecosystem that fuels smarter decisions and deepens donor relationships💡Feel the impact when mission-driven purpose blends seamlessly with thoughtful technology, unlocking personalized connections that bring generosity and kindness to the forefront. Through heartfelt stories and inspiring insights, Maria and Charles show how innovation can truly fuel the soul of philanthropy.From practical tips to uplifting stories, this episode offers valuable lessons for anyone passionate about making a positive impact — whether you’re in the nonprofit world or simply curious about the role technology plays in social good 🌍Episode Highlights: Digital Transformation Journey (03:00)Aligning Mission and Technology (09:00)Building Donor Relationships (15:00)Challenges and Successes (21:00)Future of Nonprofit Engagement (27:00)Charles Lehosit One Good Thing (29:45)Maria One Good Thing (30:21)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/652Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, Whiteboard and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Meet Christina Martin Kenny 🤝, founder of Guava Tree Strategies. In this episode, Christina shines a light on sustainable fundraising and why keeping passionate staff is so important in nonprofits. She shares her inspiring journey into social impact, blending personal stories with her professional experience.Christina busts common fundraising myths like the pressure to bring in money instantly and instead champions building genuine, lasting relationships with donors. She also opens up about fundraiser burnout and the weight of unrealistic expectations, reminding us to honor the people behind the work ✨Tune in for a heartfelt reminder that philanthropy is about people and the love we pour into our causes. Episode Highlights: Christina's Journey into Social Impact (02:29)Understanding Sustainable Fundraising (09:14)Tactical Steps for Fundraising Success (18:46)The Importance of Retention in Fundraising (18:46)Supporting Fundraisers for Long-Term Success (28:14)Avoiding Burnout During Year-End Fundraising (38:16)Misconceptions About Fundraising Goals (40:20)Christina’s One Good Thing (42:22)Episode Shownotes: www.wearforgood.com/episode/651Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, Whiteboard and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Have you ever wondered how pausing life for a moment can truly transform your well-being? 💫Welcoming you back to the series, we begin with Lindsey sharing her heartfelt journey through a recent micro-sabbatical and how intentional breaks can be a powerful tool for recovery and wellness. She introduces the transformative “three Rs” of recovery: Rest, Restoration, and Right-Sizing the Mental Load 🌿Lindsey reminds us that caring for our whole selves—mind and body—is essential. By opening up about her own struggles with burnout and the breakthroughs she’s experienced, she offers practical tips anyone can use to create better balance between work and life. This episode warmly invites you to pause, prioritize self-care, and start your own path toward lasting harmony and joy.Tune in to learn how you can take those first steps to a healthier, more balanced you 💛Key Takeaways: Micro-sabbaticals can be as effective as longer breaksIntentionality in breaks leads to better recovery outcomesBurnout may not be solved by a sabbatical aloneRest, restoration, and right-sizing the mental load are crucial for recoveryMental health days are not always sufficient for true recoveryPlanning and organization can alleviate mental load stressSupport from others can enhance personal recovery effortsCreating a balanced work-life integration is key to wellnessEpisode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/3recoverySupport the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

In this special episode, join Sonya Perez-Lauterbach as she warmly guides us through a truly transformative meditation designed to nurture your mental, emotional, and physical well-being 🌿 This gentle session invites you to pause, take a deep breath, and reconnect with your inner resilience—creating a peaceful oasis amid daily chaos 🌬️ Embrace this beautiful opportunity to release your burdens and open yourself to clarity, focus, and joy right here, right now. Let’s take this moment together to restore balance and renew your spirit 🙏Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/sonyameditationSupport the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Meet Tammy 🤝, the President + Founder of Fundraising Transformed and the Author of ‘Calling All Heroes’. With over 30 years of experience in fundraising, Tammy Zonker shares personal insights that have shaped her human-centered approach. She emphasizes empathy and trust as the foundation for genuine donor relationships, creating real, lasting connections. Tammy offers practical strategies to inspire donors to become lifelong advocates and build authentic, impactful partnerships that truly resonate.This episode is for anyone who believes in the power of thoughtful, compassionate giving to change lives ✨Episode Highlights: Tammy Zonker's Journey and Empathy in Fundraising (02:20)Reclaiming the Concept of Heroes in Fundraising (05:19)The Five Pillars of Human-Centered Fundraising (08:12)Building Trust and Authentic Partnerships (11:18)Navigating Power Dynamics in Fundraising (14:19)Transparency and True Partnership with Donors (17:18)The Courage to Release Donors (19:42)Understanding Mid-Level Donors (22:03)Listening as a Strategy for Small Shops (27:21)The Power of Open-Ended Questions (31:34)A Story of Generosity and Community (35:07)Tammy’s One Good Thing (40:00)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/650Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, Whiteboard and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Retention is about relationships. But most donor communications either feel too rushed or too robotic. This session is about doing things differently with the power of AI, done responsibly.We’re sitting down with three organizations that are using AI to help them show up better for their donors: writing magnetic messaging, personalizing with care + actually deepen connection. We’ll talk about how they’re saving time, scaling touchpoints, and staying true to their voice along the way.You’ll hear the tools they’re using, the prompts that are working, and where they’ve drawn the line on what not to automate. It’s real talk on using AI to build trust… not just create more output.Episode HighlightsRetention as a Love Language (05:14)Building Lasting Relationships with Donors (10:38)Using AI to Build Trust (15:54)Ethics in Storytelling and Communication (21:23)Practical Tools and Workflows for Retention (33:36)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/649Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, Whiteboard and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Our dear friend Christal Cherry and Founder + CEO of The Board Pro and F3 Fabulous Female Fundraisers is back for a third time—yes, a true 3-peat in podcast appearances—bringing her wealth of experience in transforming nonprofit boards into vibrant, engaged communities. 💙 In this episode, we go beyond the usual board meeting routine to explore how to create meaningful involvement throughout the year. Christal highlights why understanding the unique strengths and passions of each board member matters and shares practical tips for using those qualities to drive effective fundraising and leadership. If you’re working through complex board dynamics or looking for ways to deepen your nonprofit’s impact, this episode is packed with strategies and inspiration to help you succeed.Tune in for a warm and insightful conversation that will shift how you think about your board and unlock new ways to foster a supportive and innovative board environment.Episode Highlights: Engaging Boards for Fundraising (02:22)How to Overcome Board Disengagement (05:18)Strategies for Board Engagement (08:13)The Importance of building and maintaining Board Relationships (11:32)Recruitment and Succession Planning for Boards (17:18)How to Activate Boards for Impact (20:06)The Role of Boards in Challenging Times (23:08)Finding Community as a Leader (29:15)Christal Cherry’s One Good Thing (34:20)Resources: Little Bit of Good (The Board Shakeup Podcast): Listen Here on SpotifyThe Board Pro WebsiteEpisode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/648Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, Whiteboard and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Feeling overwhelmed as the year comes to a close? Discover practical strategies to craft impactful year-end fundraising campaigns without losing your sanity. Learn how to harness storytelling to create emotional connections, and gather insights from experts who reveal what truly motivates donors. Explore marketing ideas that are budget-friendly and the importance of self-care amid the hustle. Plus, dive into tactics for building a supportive community, ensuring your campaign is a springboard for long-term engagement.