Agents of Nonprofit

Making a decision about the right technology to use in your nonprofit? One with the right functions to add relevance to your objectives? What’s the best short term vs long term path to take tech-wise? Should nonprofits adopt new tech such as AI? Kevin Christoper George, a tech expert joins Alexander to answer these and more!Kevin is the founder of Green Merits Consulting, an organization that focuses on research, selection and data analysis of cloud based software solutions for nonprofits. He has previously worked in tech with Blackberry, Oracle and Kupo.In this episode, he shares his diverse insights on technology for nonprofits topics including; making the right long vs short term technology decisions for a nonprofits, the Request for Proposal process and what to consider in having a successful one, the ‘shiny new tech syndrome’ and whether it is good for nonprofits.Topics we coverKevin’s superhero origin storyHow to conduct a successful RFP ProcessQuestions nonprofits should consider for a successful RFP ProcessFocusing not just on adding features but on value added to the organizationNot every problem is tech-relatedMilestones to overcome that help the adoption of new techLong term vs short term choices for technologyLacking cohesion in technology decisions across teamsThe shiny new tech syndromeTo learn more and connect with Kevin:Website: https://www.greenmerits.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevincg/Support the show

‘We're not going to change capitalism, but we can change the way that capitalism thinks about how to engage with mission-driven organizations.’ -Tracy KronzakWhat is an impact economy? How can nonprofits ensure to make profit without neglecting the integrity of social impact? What are partnerships for good? Is an impact economy really attainable? Tracy Kronzak answers all these with practical examples. Tracy is a technology expert with over 10 years experience in technology for nonprofit. She has a background in policy analysis and previously worked with Salesforce.org.The topics we coverTracy’s superhero origin storyWhat is the ‘Impact Economy’?Finding a balance between revenue and impactWhat organizations need to do to incorporate the Impact organization systemsHow revenue and impact work together in favor of a nonprofitPartnerships for goodConcrete examples of partnerships for goodIs an ideal impact economy attainable?How to get in touch with TracyTo learn more and connect with Tracy:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracykronzak/Podcast: https://nowitmatters.com/insights/why-it-mattersSupport the show

Wondering which CRM works best for your nonprofit? How to sustain your CRM after employees leave over time? Looking for CRM recommendations? Julia Devine shares valuable insights on this week’s episode.Julia Devine is the co-founder of Devine & Parker Consulting, a firm which supports nonprofits, helping them create their strategy for technology implementation, training staff on usage, support in building technology infrastructure needed for success focusing on fundraising and marketing programmes. She shares her own journey into nonprofit technology consultancy, some of her favorite CRMs, recommendations for handling complexities around tech implementation and more. The topics we cover:Julia’s superhero origin storyJulia’s favorite CRMs for nonprofits right nowOffering nonprofits support as they adopt new CRMsWho is Devine & Parker Consulting’s ideal client?How Julia assesses a nonprofit before setting up their CRMNext steps after the nonprofit is assessedHow to plan for continuity of CRM systems even after employees leaveHow confidence is built in the client about receiving external supportThe future of Devine & Parker ConsultingHow to get in touch with Julia To learn more and connect with Julia Devine:Julia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-devine-155bb3122/Website: https://www.devineparker.com/Support the show

Are you tired of aimlessly searching for potential donors for your nonprofit organization? Do you want to get the most out of your fundraising efforts and build strong teams?On the podcast today is Regina Alhassan, who answers these questions and more. She is the CEO of Research Pro and has 23 years of experience in prospect development consulting and getting big donations. Regina is an expert at finding potential donors by searching for their zip codes and using fundraising methods that are open to everyone. This episode is a must-listen for nonprofits that want to find potential donors, build trust in their teams, and get the most out of their fundraising efforts by managing their data well. Regina's knowledge of inclusive fundraising, searching by zip code, building equity, and data management will give your nonprofit valuable information that will help it do better. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field.The topics we coverRegina’s superhero origin storyInclusive fundraisingZip Code searching and other segmentation tactics for potential donorsBuilding equity in internal stakeholder teamsWhy building equity and zip code searching are the most important aspects of fundraisingHow openness on the equity discussion has increased overtimeManaging data from potential fundraisersHow to create segmented strategies for different fundraising groupsRecommended tools for nonprofitsTo learn more and connect with Regina:Regina’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginaalhassan/Research Pro Website: https://www.theresearchpro.com/Support the show

This week, we are joined by Geng Wang to talk about Civic Champs, a volunteering CRM. Geng Wang is the CEO and co-founder of Civic Champs, a platform designed to help volunteer managers, coordinators and organizations manage their volunteers from recruitment to reporting.In this conversation, Geng Wang walks us through the features available on the Civic Champs app and how beneficial they are to volunteer managers to make their management process more efficient. He covers; what the Civic Champs features are and how they work, the pricing of Civic Champs, how to engage volunteers to become donors, using Civic Champs alongside other CRMs and the future of Civic Champs. The topics we cover:●  Geng’s superhero origin story●  How the name Civic champs came about●  How the different Civic champs features work●  Engaging volunteers to donate and share feedback●  Kiosk mode that enables mobile volunteer management●  How often  Civic Champs updates their platform●  Offers and free trials to help volunteer managers make a decision●  How Civic Champs co-exist with other CRMs /partners●  What is the pricing like on the Civic Champs platform●  What does the future look like for Civic Champs To learn more and connect with Geng:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gengwang/Website: https://www.civicchamps.com/Support the show

Do you want to learn the insider secrets of Salesforce success? Join us on the 50th episode of Agents of Nonprofit podcast as your normal host Alexander Lapa becomes the guest to today’s host: Tim Lockie.Alex is a Salesforce Architect for nonprofits and host of this podcast. He will take us through his story and his journey to mastering Salesforce, plus share best practices when it comes to choosing a Salesforce consultant/agency. We'll also dive into why he started podcasting and why he believes it's so important.The topics we cover:Exploring Alex’s early interest in technologyAlex’s thinking process on starting the podcastAlex’s digital nomad lifestyleLessons from travelingAlex’s transition from Siebel to SalesforceImportance of trust in Salesforce's successBenefits of Salesforce for nonprofitsWhy Alex chose to serve nonprofitsProblems Alex solves for nonprofits with SalesforceBest practices for working with Salesforce consultant: How to choose the right Salesforce consultantTo learn more and connect with Alex:LinkedIn ProfileDryad Consulting (Alex's company) Dryad Receipting (tax receipting app for Canadian nonprofits using Salesforce): The "Good Enough" Consultant (newsletter for Salesforce consultants): And, of course, subscribing & sharing this podcast! Support the show

This week, Heather Burright is welcomed to the show to discuss learning strategies and solutions, change management, and empowering your people as a nonprofit.Heather is a learning and leadership development consultant and the founder and principal consultant at Skill Masters Market. She has created hundreds of learning experiences from in person training, self-paced experiences, virtual classroom, and has worked with dozens of leaders to help them achieve their organizational professional development goals. The conversation is about learning strategies, which are roadmaps that outline what people need to do to be successful within an organization and how the organization can help them achieve that success.The topics we cover:Why you need to invest in and empower your people as a nonprofitUnderstanding learning strategies for nonprofitsAnalysis, design, and implementation of learning solutionsHow to facilitate virtual meetings and trainingThe development cycle for leadership training implementationUnderstanding change management and instructional design for nonprofitsHow to work with skeptical clients and silent resisters in projectsTraining and technology solutions for nonprofitsBest practices for instructional design for nonprofitsTo learn more and connect with Heather:Heather’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/heather-burright/ Skills Masters Market LLC: skillmastersmarket.com/Support the show

Is being your company's Salesforce expert something you're interested in? Do you want to exceed expectations while optimizing and reducing your workload? If so, this episode is for you.Joining us on the podcast is author and Salesforce expert Jodi Hrbek, who’s spent over 20 years using Salesforce. She is an expert in setting up and optimizing the Salesforce platform for businesses of all sizes. She shares her wealth of experience and knowledge about using Salesfrorce, the Salesforce admin role, and achieving best results with Salesforce in this episode.The topics we cover: How Jodi started her Salesforce career About Jodi’s book, Rock Your Role as a Salesforce Admin, and her motivation for writing.If Rock Your Role as a Salesforce Admin is a good entry-level bookWhy you need to evaluate your reason for pursuing a Salesforce admin roleThe character and competencies a Salesforce admin should have The difference between being an admin and being proactiveFuture career paths for an admin in SalesforcePros of pursuing a career in SalesforceTo learn more and connect with Jodi:Jodi’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jodihrbek/ Her book, Rock Your Role as a Salesforce Admin: https://www.amazon.com/Rock-your-Role-Salesforce-Admin-ebook/dp/B0B9KMMRMM Support the show

‘Of people with disabilities that are unemployed, over half of them have a university degree.’ - Chad LeamanDisabilities can have a significant impact on a person's social and economic standing. Those with disabilities face barriers to education, employment, and social participation, which can limit their opportunities and cause poverty, limit access to healthcare and other services, and reduce their overall quality of life. Also, people with disabilities may have to pay more for the equipment and accommodations they need, which can make their finances even worse. However, with the right support and accommodations, people with disabilities can lead fulfilling and successful lives.A nonprofit taking action to make this happen is Neil Squire, and joining me on the podcast is Chad Leaman, their Director of Innovation. Chad shares how Neil Squire serves and empowers people with disabilities through technology, knowledge, and passion.The topics we cover:Chad’s superhero origin storyChad’s inspiration to work with Neil SquireThe Makers Making Change programExamples of disability technology and innovationsNeil Squire’s ideas and solutions and how they come to fruitionThe value of volunteers with technical skills to Neil SquireHow Neil Squire validates and vets ideas Neil Squire’s business/funding modelTheir digital literacy, employment, and assistive technology effortsEmpowering disabled communities with digital devices, affordable internet, and learning opportunitiesAddressing negative stigmas disabled people face in employmentTheir work with accessible video gaming To learn more and connect with Chad:Neil Squire Website: https://www.neilsquire.ca/Chad Leaman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadleaman/ Makers Making Change Program: https://makersmakingchange.com/ List of Neil Squire’s Assistive Technologies: https://makersmakingchange.com/assistive-devices/ Support the show

Are you a non-profit leader who is overworked and undersupported? Do you find it hard to keep your staff, board, or team interested? Feeling overwhelmed by the constant pressure to meet your organization's goals and raise money? If so, this episode provides a solution for you.Susan Kahan, Founder and Principal of Sapphire Fundraising Specialists, joins us to discuss how her company helps nonprofits work better and raise more money, retain staff, keep board members engaged, and get to know their donors better.The topics we cover:Susan’s superhero origin storyWhy Susan started Sapphire Fundraising SpecialistsHow Sapphire serves nonprofitsThe value of coaching for executives and leadersWhy nonprofit leaders do not collaborateHow to keep your staff and board members from burning outHow to attract and keep new talentThe ideal nonprofit profile Sapphire servesWhat Sapphire does to help nonprofit in change managementCreating realistic strategies that align with nonprofit current resources and capabilitiesSusan’s technology and software recommendations Recommendations for social mediaWhy you need to keep your systems integratedHow to make sure your donation page is operationalTo learn more and connect with Susan:Susan's Website: https://sapphirefundraisingspecialists.com/ Susan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-kahan/ Support the show