Agents of Nonprofit

In this inspiring episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Tonya Surman, CEO and co-founder of the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI), to explore her decades-long mission to redesign how nonprofits operate, collaborate, and finance their futures. As the conversation unfolds, Tonya challenges traditional ideas around ownership, scale, and capitalism, offering a vision of a regenerative, relationship-centered economy built on circular design principles.Topics We Cover:Tonya Surman’s journey from grassroots activism to nonprofit innovationThe founding vision of the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI)How shared resources evolved into a thriving social impact ecosystemThe power and mechanics behind community bonds as financing toolsStories of unlikely investors—from new Canadians to 25-year-old Gen Z womenThe challenges of scaling a nonprofit vs. a for-profit structureThe impact of COVID-19 and interest rates on nonprofit-owned real estateA bold vision for “exit to community” and reshaping capitalism with circular designTo Learn More and Connect with Tonya:SocialInnovation.orgE-mail TonyaSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Naomi Hattaway about the underestimated power of sabbaticals in the nonprofit world. Drawing from her personal journey and professional expertise, Naomi reframes sabbaticals as essential leadership and organizational tools—not luxuries. Together, they explore how intentional breaks can reduce burnout, reveal hidden inefficiencies, build leadership capacity, and foster healthier workplace cultures. From pilot programs and funding strategies to reintegration and equity, this conversation is a blueprint for sustainable nonprofit leadership rooted in rest, reflection, and resilience.Topics We Cover:Naomi explains the power of “leaving loudly”What a sabbatical really is—and what it isn’tBurnout, leadership longevity, and the myth of unlimited PTOWhy sabbaticals shouldn’t be exclusive to executive directorsHow to pilot a sabbatical and build a culture of restReintegration tips: what to expect and how to plan a smooth returnBudgeting for sabbaticals, including internal and external funding optionsPractical ways to embed rest into organizational culture without a full sabbatical policyTo Learn More and Connect with Naomi:NaomiHattaway.comE-mail NaomiSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I welcome Gregory Warner, founder of MarketSmart and creator of the Fundraising Report Card, for a deep dive into data-driven donor engagement. Whether you’re wrestling with donor retention or chasing ROI, this conversation offers a powerful blend of insight and strategy that reframes fundraising as a journey of shared values and lasting relationships.Topics We Cover:Why many nonprofits misuse surveys and feedback tools—and how to fix itThe “before and after” model for measuring impact and fundraising ROIWhat the Fundraising Report Card reveals about donor retention, upgrades, and lifetime valueWhy donor lifetime value (LTV) is the most predictive and essential fundraising metricHow to identify and re-engage lapsed major donors hiding in your CRMThe surprising statistic that 25% of major donors start at the major gift levelWhy relational fundraising beats transactional tactics—and how to offer lasting valueTo Learn More and Connect with Gregory:Fundraising Report CardGregory Warner on LinkedInGoogle's Zero Moment of TruthFundraising Effectiveness ProjectSupport the show

In this powerful episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Frank Velásquez Jr., founder of 4 Da Hood and the Ascending Leaders in Color program. Together, we discuss the need for identity-affirming spaces, how to involve white allies in meaningful ways, and why perfectionism and professionalism can be tools of exclusion. With vulnerability and insight, Frank walks us through his leadership journey—and how he's using it to create lasting impact.Topics We Cover:How Frank's journey from Disney to nonprofits led to the founding of 4 Da HoodWhy the Ascending Leaders in Color program was created and what “in color” truly meansThe importance of healing in racially specific spaces and how white allies can participate effectivelyHow race, gender, sexuality, and ability intersect in leadership spacesWhy code switching, colorism, and “professionalism” can harm authenticity in the workplaceThe three core questions Frank uses to spark deep, reflective group conversationsHow AI tools like Claude support program design—without replacing human-centered facilitationFrank’s vision of a future where programs like his are no longer needed because equity has been achievedTo Learn More and Connect with Frank:4 Da HoodE-mail Info@4DaHood.comFrank Velásquez Jr. on LinkedInSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I interview experienced grant writer DeaRonda Harrison about the evolving landscape of grant writing. From her early volunteer days to running a professional grant writing practice, DeaRonda shares insights on how nonprofits can stand out in an increasingly competitive funding world. She breaks down the key elements of being "grant ready," the importance of strategic storytelling, the ethical use of compensation models, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping the field. This episode is packed with actionable advice and forward-looking wisdom.Topics We Cover:The story behind DeaRonda Harrison’s journey into grant writingWhat it means to be “grant ready” — the documents and systems nonprofits need in placeWhy storytelling and personalization make or break modern grant proposalsCommon mistakes nonprofits make when writing or outsourcing grant applicationsThe rise of fractional grant writers and how retainer models workEthical considerations: Why percentage-based grant fees are problematicHow AI tools like ChatGPT are transforming — not replacing — grant writingA vision for the future: faster, more accessible, and fairer grantmaking systemsTo Learn More and Connect with DeaRonda:June First Firm Website & Grant ChecklistEmail DeaRonda Support the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Brynne Krispin, social media strategist and founder of Cause Fokus, to explore how nonprofits can strategically harness the power of social media. Whether you're managing a large team or running solo, this episode offers practical tools to help your organization build a thriving, mission-aligned digital community.Topics We Cover:Brynne’s journey from aspiring journalist to nonprofit social media strategistHow social media can support the full donor journey—from discovery to advocacyThe importance of audience-first strategy when choosing platforms (e.g., LinkedIn vs. Instagram)Why casual, authentic content outperforms polished messaging on social mediaTips for nonprofits on handling engagement without overwhelming their teamsHow humor, honesty, and experimentation build emotional resonanceThe debate around outsourcing vs. hiring a dedicated social media managerUsing AI to translate complex ideas into engaging digital contentTo Learn More and Connect with Brynne:Brynne on LinkedInCause Fokus WebsiteSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Diana Farias Heinrich to explore her inspiring transition from corporate project management to ethical storytelling in the nonprofit world. We discuss how nonprofits can elevate their storytelling by prioritizing consent, collaboration, and care to protect the dignity and safety of those whose stories they tell.Topics We Cover:Diana’s “superhero origin story” and how a Ghana water project changed her career pathThe risks and ethical pitfalls in traditional nonprofit storytellingThe critical importance of consent and protecting vulnerable populations in storytellingHow frontline staff and communications teams can collaborate effectivelyAn introduction to the EquaStory framework: Explore, Question, Understand, ApproveReal-world examples where rushed storytelling caused harm and how to avoid itThe value of investing time and building trust before publishing storiesThe responsibility nonprofits have when sharing others’ lived experiencesTo Learn More and Connect with Diana:Equa Story FrameworkEthical Nonprofit SummitHabra Marketing WebsiteSupport the show

In this heartfelt episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I welcome David Corke, a seasoned nonprofit leader whose career journey began in hospitality and evolved into a decades-long commitment to community service. From structuring meaningful relationships to navigating sector-wide funding challenges, David offers a deeply personal and practical look at how nonprofits can thrive by staying human-centered and mission-aligned.Topics We Cover:David’s “superhero origin story” from hospitality to nonprofit leadershipWhy relationship-building is the most undervalued asset in the nonprofit worldThe concept of proximity and capacity in strategic relationship managementHow to create sustainable nonprofit models through fee-for-service offeringsWhy owning your revenue stream creates stability and mission clarityBarriers to human connection in an overwhelmed, fast-paced sectorThe emotional and strategic value of loving the work you doUsing technology to free up time for people-centered leadershipTo Learn More and Connect with David:London Training Centre WebsiteDavid Corke on LinkedInSupport the show

In this inspiring episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Francesca Frederick to explore her unique path from aspiring dancer to nonprofit fundraiser—and now, tech startup CEO. Francesca opens up about how her early arts background led her to fall in love with the purpose-driven world of fundraising. From exploring different sectors to co-founding Grantyd, a platform that automates grant writing, she shares how curiosity and adaptability fueled her journey. The conversation dives into how AI and automation can support, not replace, the human side of fundraising, offering insights for professionals navigating this evolving space.Topics We Cover:Francesca’s unexpected transition from professional dance to nonprofit fundraisingThe benefits of being a “hopper” across different fundraising roles and sectorsWhy exploring niche areas can unlock new professional opportunities in nonprofitsThe founding story behind Grantyd and how tech emerged from a personal needStrategies for blending empathy with automation in the grant writing processHow to assess personal and organizational workflows for greater efficiencyThe importance of self-assessment in tech adoption—without falling into decision paralysisBalancing the promise of AI with the irreplaceable human elements of fundraisingTo Learn More and Connect with Francesca:Grantyd WebsiteFrancesca on LinkedInSupport the show

In this inspiring episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Amina Mohamed, founder of Cameras For Girls, about her transformative work empowering women in East Africa through photography and ethical storytelling. Drawing from her personal journey as a Ugandan refugee turned filmmaker, Amina shares how a single trip back to Uganda led to a grassroots movement that equips women with the skills, tools, and confidence to become storytellers, journalists, and agents of change. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in gender equity, storytelling ethics, and sustainable nonprofit impact.Topics We Cover:How Amina’s background in storytelling and refugee experience led to founding Cameras For GirlsThe ripple effect of teaching photography as a path to employment and self-expressionPartnering with journalism schools in Africa to close the practical training gap for womenWhy ethical storytelling is a radical act in nonprofit and development sectorsThe harm of traditional NGO language and why terms like “empower” can be problematicReal-world examples of participatory photography that honour consent and agencyHow equipment—from point-and-shoot to mirrorless cameras—can transform accessWhy changing the lens means changing the power dynamic in storytellingTo Learn More and Connect with Amina:Cameras For Girls WebsiteCameras For Girls LinkedInCameras For Girls on InstagramSupport the show