Agents of Nonprofit

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with B Michelle Johnson about the art and strategy of advocacy. B Michelle Johnson offers practical insights on building momentum, educating policymakers, and using storytelling to make an impact—all while reframing advocacy as a collective journey rather than a zero-sum battle.Topics We Cover:What advocacy truly means, and why the public—not politicians—is often the real audienceThe power of small but relentless groups versus large one-time mobilizationsHow nonprofits can prepare for and respond to opposition effectivelyReframing “losing to win” as planting seeds for long-term changeThe role of education in bridging the knowledge gap between citizens and policymakersOvercoming scarcity mindset and embracing a bolder advocacy voiceThe importance of storytelling, showing up in person, and using AI tools for advocacyTo Learn More and Connect with B Michelle Johnson:B Michelle Johnson, CFRE on LinkedInSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with guest Marika Luneau to explore how Generation Z is transforming the nonprofit landscape. The conversation dives into the ways nonprofits can adapt to attract and retain young talent, why giving Gen Z voices a seat in leadership matters, and how personal branding and authenticity will play a defining role in the age of AI.Topics We Cover:Marika’s unconventional entry into nonprofit work through coworking spaces and mission-driven leadersHow Gen Z defines itself and the values driving their career choicesWhy Gen Z rejects toxic work culture and demands balance, inclusivity, and fairnessThe risks of passion exploitation in entry-level nonprofit rolesFreelancing and consulting: opportunities, pitfalls, and timing for young professionalsHow Gen Z’s digital fluency (social media, web, AI) modernizes nonprofit communicationThe case for inviting Gen Z voices into boardrooms and leadership spacesPersonal branding, authenticity, and why it matters more than ever in an AI-driven worldTo Learn More and Connect with Marika:Marika Luneau on LinkedInSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Joanna Lund-Pops to explore her inspiring journey from volunteer educator to advocate and coach in the nonprofit sector. Together, they unpack how organizations can move beyond stereotypes, embrace inclusivity, and make neurodiversity a core part of their practices.Topics We Cover:The joy of fostering “spark” moments in young learnersDefining neurodiversity vs. neurodivergence and why the distinction mattersCommon strengths of neurodivergent individuals, from creativity to pattern recognitionWhy universal practices, not one-off fixes, help all staff thriveThe hidden costs of “masking” in professional environmentsHow AI tools like ChatGPT can support both neurodivergent professionals and managersTo Learn more and Connect with Joanna:Email JoannaJoanna Lund-Pops on LinkedInSign-Up for a Free Neurodivergent Leadership ResetSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Courtney De Ronde, co-founder of Forge, to explore the critical role of financial clarity in nonprofit success. She breaks down the three key financial functions every nonprofit needs, explains how restricted funds can create confusion, and offers practical advice for organizations looking to strengthen their financial foundations.Topics We Cover:Courtney’s journey into nonprofit auditing and why she built a specialized practiceThe unique challenges of nonprofit finances, including volunteer boards and diverse business modelsHow Forge supports nonprofits through audits, virtual CFO/controller services, and management consultingThe three critical financial functions: bookkeeping, controllers, and CFOs—plus why fractional access worksWhy audits are more than compliance—they’re tools for accountability and credibilityThe importance of reconciled records, proper documentation, and clear internal controlsUnderstanding restricted gifts and their impact on organizational flexibilityPractical steps smaller nonprofits can take to build strong financial foundationsTo Learn More and Connect with Courtney:ForgeAhead.com Courtney De Ronde on LinkedInSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, host Alexander Lapa welcomes Jena Lynch from Donorbox to share her insights on how nonprofits can prepare for the busiest fundraising season of the year. From leveraging AI thoughtfully, to building month-by-month strategies, to communicating in ways that truly resonate, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help nonprofits thrive at year-end and beyond.Topics We Cover:Jena’s “superhero origin story” and how she found her path into the nonprofit sectorThe “triple squeeze” challenge nonprofits face today: funding cuts, declining giving, and rising service demandsWhy donor retention matters more than acquisition—and how just a 10% boost can transform lifetime valueThe 3C formula for success: connection, retention, and clarityA month-by-month framework for year-end fundraising (September through December)How to use AI responsibly for donor communication and engagementThe power of segmentation and tailoring messages for different donor groupsWhy slowing down, documenting strategies, and planning with intention lead to healthier organizations and sustainable resultsTo Learn More and Connect with Jena:Donorbox.orgJena Lynch on LinkedInSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with leadership and mental health advocate Dacia Moore about why mental wellness isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership essential. From “push-ups for your brain” to the power of margin time, this conversation blends personal stories, practical frameworks, and a call for leaders to model healthy habits for their teams.Topics We Cover:Why nonprofit leadership carries unique mental health challengesThe zigzag career paths that often lead to executive rolesViewing mental wellness as a daily leadership discipline, not a soft skillHow high-pressure roles mirror the demands placed on elite athletes“Push-ups for your brain” — Dacia’s daily mental health routineDelegating effectively and focusing on high-impact leadership tasksThe “margin time” analogy and how white space boosts creativity and decision-makingGratitude as a practical tool for resilience and perspectiveTo Learn More and Connect with Dacia:Dacia's SW Snippet NewsletterSupport the show

In this empowering episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I chat with Shannon Bowen, a former nonprofit executive turned career and leadership coach. From navigating career pivots to confidently negotiating job offers, Shannon reveals how nonprofit workers can build fulfilling, sustainable careers by embracing her bold mantra: Be picky, be expensive, be brilliant.Topics We Cover:Why Shannon transitioned from nonprofit leadership to career coachingHow nonprofit professionals can earn competitive (even six-figure) salariesThe difference between soft pivots and hard pivots when changing sectorsQuestions that reveal an organization's true culture during interviewsHow to negotiate more than salary—think PTO, flexibility, and bonusesThe risks of relying on verbal promises in job offersHow systemic pay inequity affects women and people of color in nonprofitsShannon’s career mantra and how to apply it to your next job searchTo Learn More and Connect with Shannon:Shannon Bowen on LinkedInDream Job Coaching with Monsoon LeadershipSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I welcome Mariah Monique, founder of Sponsorship Catalyst, to discuss how nonprofits can elevate corporate sponsorships from transactional support to mission-aligned, long-term partnerships. From choosing the right sponsors to knowing when to walk away, this conversation is packed with practical advice on diversifying revenue streams, understanding audience psychographics, and building relationships rooted in mutual value and trust.Topics We Cover:Why corporate sponsorships should be strategic partnerships, not one-time donationsHow the pandemic sparked a need for revenue diversification in nonprofitsThe “pie” metaphor for funding sources—and why over-reliance is riskyWhat makes a sponsorship offer valuable to both nonprofits and sponsorsThe power of mission alignment and saying no to the wrong sponsorshipsHow to identify and evaluate corporate partners based on brand valuesThe shift in language from “please donate” to “partner with us”Why understanding your audience’s psychographics unlocks better partnershipsTo Learn More and Connect with Mariah:Mariah Monique on LinkedInThe Sponsorship Catalyst WebsiteSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Scott Minger, Chief Development Officer at Vitamin Angels, to explore how strategic corporate partnerships have fueled the organization's exponential growth—from serving 25 million to 74 million women and children worldwide. For nonprofits looking to deepen their impact through corporate support, this conversation is packed with strategic insight and actionable takeaways.Topics We Cover:How a Walgreens partnership inspired Scott’s transition from retail to nonprofit workWhy unrestricted corporate funding is a game-changer for nonprofit scalabilityThe role of transparency and fiscal credibility in securing long-term partner trustCrafting stories that combine emotion, data, and urgency to inspire supportBuilding “credibility checking accounts” through consistent impact reportingAligning nonprofit mission with corporate business objectivesManaging competing goals across similar industry partners without losing integrityAdvice for nonprofits seeking to enter or grow in the corporate partnership spaceTo Learn More & Connect with Scott:Vitamin AngelsScott Minger on LinkedInSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with digital strategist Matthew Stafford to explore how the online landscape is rapidly evolving—and what that means for nonprofits. If you’re relying on a DIY website or wondering why your traffic isn’t converting, this conversation is for you.Topics We Cover:Why beautiful websites often fail—and how psychology and user behavior influence conversionsThe common pitfalls of DIY website design (and what nonprofits should do instead)The rise of AI search engines and the concept of AEO (Artificial Engine Optimization)How to increase your chances of being featured in AI-generated search resultsThe future of hyper-personalized websites: one visitor, one unique experienceData privacy concerns and how even anonymous users leave digital fingerprintsHow platforms like Google and Facebook track behavior across the webWhy websites should be tools for connection, not shields from itTo Learn More and Connect with Matthew:BuildGrowScale.comMatt@BuildGrowScale.comSemrush SEO Traffic StudySupport the show