Agents of Nonprofit

In this episode of "Agents of Nonprofit," host Alexander Lapa dives into the world of blockchain and cryptocurrency with guest Drew Simon, a nonprofit expert turned crypto enthusiast. They explore how these technologies are reshaping the nonprofit sector, from facilitating donations to ensuring transparency in charitable activities.Topics We Cover:How Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are breaking free from the art world and being used to represent physical assets for charitable purposesHow Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) can help nonprofits organize communities, make collective decisions, and ensure transparency in their actionsEnsuring the immutability of nonprofit activities, attracting donors who value transparencyEngaging younger generations in the nonprofit sector through cryptocurrency and blockchain, with potential for larger donations and associated tax benefitsAccessing educational resources to navigate this new frontierThe potential of blockchain and cryptocurrency technology and the importance of highlighting its constructive use cases in rebuilding trustThe Future of GivingTo Learn More and Connect with Drew Simon:E-mail DrewDrew Simon on LinkedInCryptoAltruism.orgSupport the show

In this episode of "Agents of Nonprofit," host Alexander Lapa interviews David Wachs, the CEO and founder of Handwrytten, a company specializing in automated handwritten note services. They discuss the significance of donor appreciation and how Handwritten's innovative technology is transforming the nonprofit sector.Topics We Cover:What Handwrytten doesThe vital role of expressing gratitude to donors and how it impacts donor retentionHow notes are personal, less intrusive, and drive interaction and donations effectivelyThe story behind Handwrytten's inceptionA deep dive into the patented technology used by HandwryttenThe ability to replicate individuals' signatures, adding a personal touch to each note and enhancing authenticityHandwrytten's support for multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, Greek, and Cyrillic characters. Challenges associated with replicating Asian character sets are also addressedTo learn more and connect with David:Handwrytten WebsiteHandwrytten on LinkedInHandwrytten on InstagramSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, we get into the captivating journey of Nichole Montoya, the founder of Cheddar Up, a game-changing tool for nonprofit payment solutions. Nichole's inspiring story takes us from her corporate consulting background to the challenges and triumphs that led to the creation of Cheddar Up. Listen in as she shares her insights on entrepreneurship, the importance of balance, and the evolution of Cheddar Up as a versatile payment and form collection platform.Topics We Cover:Nichole's realization of the inefficiencies in traditional payment methodsUnderstanding the need for user-friendly group payment tools despite not being a technical expertNavigating the complexities of starting a company while raising young daughters, managing mommy guilt, and the importance of a support systemEncouraging words for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the value of starting and learning along the wayHow the company got its unique name Cheddar Up's mission to simplify payments and forms for groups and nonprofitsTo Learn More and Connect with Nichole:CheddarUp.comCheddar Up on InstagramCheddar Up on FacebookSupport the show

In this episode of "Agents of Nonprofit," hosted by Alexander Lapa and featuring guest Veronica LaFemina, listeners gain valuable insights into building effective remote teams in the nonprofit sector. Veronica, an experienced adviser to nonprofit CEOs and department leaders, digs into organizational strategy, leadership, and team management, shedding light on crucial aspects of nonprofit work in the age of remote and hybrid work models.Topics We CoverVeronica's extensive background in public affairs and creative agencies, including managing remote and multi-office teamsThe rise of remote work, both before and during the pandemicThe need for tailored approaches based on individual preferences and role requirementsInvolving team members in shaping remote work policies and norms, advocating for an agile approach to refine working models based on feedback and outcomesThe challenges of remote work, including communication, expectation setting, and productivity trackingBalancing Autonomy and AccountabilityChoosing appropriate check-in schedules based on work pace, with a focus on daily stand-up meetings for fast-paced environments and longer timelines for othersTo Connect with Veronica and Learn More:Veronica on LinkedInLaFemina & Co. WebsiteAsynchronously Working Blog PostSupport the show

In this insightful episode of "Agents of Nonprofit," host Alexander Lapa engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Katherine Lacefield, an expert in fundraising for non-human causes within the nonprofit sector. Katherine's extensive experience sheds light on the unique challenges faced by organizations advocating for animals and the importance of shifting perspectives to foster greater compassion and interconnectedness in philanthropy.Topics We CoverLegal complexities in Canada, where animal-focused nonprofits struggle to obtain charitable status due to restrictions on political advocacy, impacting their access to grants and tax receipts for donorsHuman-animal connection and its role in motivating individuals to support non-human causesThe societal perspective that pits animal causes against human causesThe complexity of public perceptions in philanthropy, and the difference between organizations focusing on cute animals like pandas while overlooking the protection of less visually appealing species.Framing issues in a relatable way to influence public attitudesFuture Trends in PhilanthropyTo Learn More & Connect with Katherine:LinkedInSupport the show

In this episode of "Agents of Nonprofit," host Alexander Lapa engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Yulia Zhernovaya, a tech advocate for enhancing nonprofit operations.They explore Yulia's journey from volunteering to her role in bridging the gap between nonprofit missions and technological advancements. The episode delves into the challenges and potential of technology adoption in the nonprofit sector, shedding light on key strategies for nonprofits to enhance their efficiency and impact.Topics We Cover:Yulia's evolution from volunteering and mentoring to advocating technology in nonprofits, inspired by her global experiences and affinity for technology.The realization of the technology gap between a retail career and manual processes prevalent in nonprofit operationsHow Yulia found synergy with GiveEffect, a CRM platform designed to meet the specific needs of nonprofits.The challenge of fragmented technologies in nonprofits and the need for cohesive integration to avoid inefficiencies and information silosThe value of centralized data to understand supporters holistically, uncover untapped engagement opportunities, and enhance impactStrategies for nonprofits to select the right technology platforms aligned with their growth trajectory and unique needsYulia's insights into overcoming resistance to change, the fear of automation-induced job loss, and prioritizing technology implementation to drive efficiencyTo Learn More and Connect with Yulia:Yulia on LinkedInGiveEffectGiveEffect on LinkedInSupport the show

In this episode of "Agents of Nonprofit," host Alexander Lapa engages in an enlightening conversation with Carlos Restrepo about the fascinating world of digital asset fundraising.From the emergence of Web3 technology to the potential of NFTs and metaverse platforms, this episode delves into innovative strategies that nonprofits can use to diversify their revenue streams and connect with a broader audience.Topics We Cover:Carlos' transition from the healthcare industry driven by the unique blend of purpose and efficiency present in nonprofit work.The evolution of Web3 technology and the ownership of digital assetsHow organizations can leverage Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) in their fundraising effortsMetaverse platforms like Upland, where nonprofits can engage creators and donors in virtual spaces that align with their missionThe importance of aligning digital assets with an organization's mission and how diversifying income sources through technology can foster adaptability and innovation.Exploring platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, where burgeoning communities discuss crypto, NFTs, and Web3The challenges and opportunities in the adoption of NFTsTo Learn More and Connect with Carlos:Carlos on LinkedInSupport the show

In this episode of "Agents of Nonprofit," host Alexander Lapa engages in a thought-provoking conversation with guest Anthony A. Dicks Jr. to explore the intricate landscape of leadership development within the ever-evolving technology-driven world.Anthony, a leader with a rich family legacy in leadership, shares his insights and experiences, highlighting the importance of authentic connections and the challenges of leading in virtual work environments. The podcast delves into the nuances of remote work, the impact of AI on leadership, and the future trends that leaders need to be prepared for.Topics We Cover:Anthony's Leadership JourneyThe Superpower of Equipping LeadersThe analogy of assembling Legos without a manual is used to describe leadership, underscoring its complexity in the tech landscape.Anthony underscores the importance of authentic connections and how virtual leadership has become both complex and disruptive.The shift towards addressing complex challenges in today's fast-paced environment.Trust, Commitment, and Compassion in Remote LeadershipAI's Impact on LeadershipFuture leadership trends, highlighting the need for addressing issues of loneliness and anxiety stemming from technology.The role of leaders in creating environments that offer not only productivity but also meaning and community.To Learn More and Connect with Anthony:Anthony on LinkedIn180 Management GroupSupport the show

In this podcast, the founder of Water, Health, and Opportunity (WHO) organization, John Renouard, shares his inspiring journey of creating an impactful nonprofit aimed at providing clean water to rural villages in Africa. He discusses the unique model of using human-powered drills owned by local drill teams to ensure sustainability and financial independence within the communities.The conversation also steers into the organization's efforts to combat female genital mutilation (FGM) and empower the victims to seek justice. John's stories highlight the transformative impact of clean water on communities and the importance of community involvement in creating sustainable solutions.Topics We Cover:The origin and mission of Water, Health, and Opportunity (WHO) organization.The village drill: A human-powered solution to drilling wells in remote areas.Empowering local communities through ownership and financial sustainability.The impact of clean water on health, agriculture, and economic growth.A heartwarming success story of an all-girls school transformed by access to clean water.Combating female genital mutilation (FGM) through collaboration with local authorities.Future plans: Expanding clean water projects and fighting against FGM.To Learn More and Connect with John:WHOlives.orgE-mail JohnDonate to WHOlivesSupport the show

In this podcast episode, Taj Carlson, the founder of Inciter Data, shares her incredible journey of working with nonprofits and leveraging data and technology to drive positive change. Taj's superhero origin story began when she collaborated on evaluation projects with nonprofits after her academic career. A turning point occurred when she witnessed an HIV prevention organization struggling with data management on paper forms, inspiring her to dedicate herself to bringing technology to nonprofits for improved data management.Taj emphasizes the critical role of reporting in data management and discusses the common challenges faced by nonprofits in generating useful reports. Many organizations use separate systems for different functions, leading to data silos. Taj advises mapping reports to data sources to identify essential data fields necessary for reporting.Topics We Cover:The journey of Insider Data and Taj Carlson's superhero origin story in nonprofit data management.Challenges faced by nonprofits in generating useful reports and mapping reports to data sources.Approaches to integrating disparate systems like Microsoft Access, Salesforce, and HubSpot.Understanding the differences between data warehouses and data lakes and when to use each.The importance of data governance and its role in improving data reliability and organizational alignment.Practical examples of how data governance reduces stress, frustration, and waste.Specific benefits of implementing good data governance, including risk mitigation, time savings, and improved decision-making.To Learn More and Connect with Taj:Inciter.ioTwitterLinkedInSupport the show