Agents of Nonprofit

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Ben Freda, a former corporate lawyer turned nonprofit leader, to discuss his transformative journey into mission-driven work. We dive into the potential of AI in nonprofits, the ethical implications of advanced AI, and the steps organizations can take to harness technology for meaningful impact.Topics We Cover:Ben’s journey from corporate law to nonprofit consulting, and what fueled his decision to change careersHow an unexpected volunteer role inspired Ben’s passion for community-focused workThe current impact of AI on nonprofit operations, from automating tasks to boosting productivityWhy generative AI, like ChatGPT, is especially useful for small to medium-sized nonprofitsThe potential of predictive AI to improve donor management and fundraising strategiesChallenges that nonprofits face in adopting AI, particularly around data organization and costEthical considerations surrounding AI, including the potential risks of advanced general intelligence (AGI)A hopeful vision for the future, where AI enables nonprofits to focus on tasks requiring human connection and creativityTo Learn More and Connect with Ben:AI ConsultingBFCDigital.comEmail Ben@BFCDigital.comSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I dive into an insightful conversation with Christina Edwards, a seasoned consultant specializing in nonprofit marketing and fundraising. Christina challenges nonprofits to embrace agility, risk-taking, and genuine connection to better reach and resonate with today's audiences.Topics We Cover: Christina’s journey from creative entrepreneur to nonprofit consultantWhy nonprofits often lag behind in digital marketing—and how to change thatIntegrating marketing and fundraising efforts to maximize impactUsing storytelling as a tool for effective donor engagementUnderstanding modern audience behaviors and adapting to their expectationsOvercoming organizational resistance to digital marketing innovationPractical tips for writing authentic, relatable nonprofit emailsFinding a balance between professionalism and personality in communicationTo Learn More and Connect with Christina:Purpose & Profit Club PodcastSplendid Consulting WebsiteSplendid Consulting on InstagramSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Sheri Chaney Jones, a leader in impact measurement for nonprofits, to discuss how data-driven strategies can strengthen nonprofit credibility, improve program effectiveness, and increase funding opportunities. Sheri shares her "renaissance of relevance" framework, highlighting why nonprofits must embrace data not only for accountability but also for continuous improvement in serving their communities.Topics We Cover:Sheri's journey into data analytics and her passion for measuring nonprofit impactWhy the "renaissance of relevance" is essential for nonprofit credibilityHow nonprofits can benefit from data-driven decision-making, especially during economic downturnsExamples of how data exposed unexpected program outcomes, leading to crucial changesTechniques for measuring intangible outcomes like confidence and self-sufficiencyUsing dashboards and data visualizations to build a data-centric cultureCommunicating impact through a three-point story: activity, quality, and benefitsThe importance of leadership commitment to foster a culture of continuous improvement and transparencyTo Learn More and Connect with Sheri:SureImpact.comSheri Chaney Jones on LinkedInSupport the show

In this inspiring episode of Agents of Nonprofit, Alexander Lapa sits down with Aisha Addo, the visionary founder of Power to Girls, a nonprofit organization providing safe spaces and holistic support for Black and marginalized girls in Canada and Ghana. Aisha shares her personal journey, from overcoming societal expectations to establishing an organization that empowers young women through mentorship, skill-building, and mental health support. Topics We Cover:Aisha's journey from foster care to founder of a groundbreaking nonprofitHow a powerful moment in church sparked her mission to support marginalized girlsBuilding Power to Girls from a small gathering into an international nonprofitThe organization’s holistic approach: personal development, mental health, entrepreneurship, and leadershipHow mentorship plays a central role in the nonprofit’s impactAdapting programs to meet the specific needs and interests of participantsPractical advice for nonprofit leaders: documenting processes, building accountability, and staying mission-focusedLeveraging technology to connect girls with resources and mentors across bordersTo Learn More and Connect with Aisha:PowerToGirls.comPower Talks PodcastPower To Girls InstagramPower To Girls LinkedInSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I welcome Candice Elliott, an expert in nonprofit employee wellness, to explore how organizations can better support their teams’ mental well-being. Candice shares insights on how nonprofits can enhance social infrastructure, offer meaningful non-monetary compensation, and adapt to evolving workplace dynamics like remote work, all while ensuring their teams thrive long-term.Topics We Cover:Candice’s journey from nonprofit board member to mental health advocateThe critical role of social infrastructure in supporting employees' well-beingHow nonprofits can offer non-monetary compensation like training and developmentBalancing remote vs. in-person work for diverse team needsStrategies for conflict resolution in a remote work environment"Regenerative practices" for long-term employee growth and avoiding burnoutThe mental health crisis in the workplace: why nonprofits need to take actionUsing employee surveys to identify stress points and improve workplace sustainability To Learn More and Connect with Candice:FortressAndFlourish.com@Back.Pocket.HR on InstagramThe Hearth PodcastSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, we're with Sean Kosofsky, an activist and nonprofit expert, to discuss the vital role employment contracts play in protecting nonprofit executives, especially Executive Directors. With practical advice on navigating contract negotiations, Sean highlights the importance of ensuring job security, avoiding board conflicts, and ultimately strengthening organizational stability.Topics We Cover:Sean's journey into activism and nonprofit workThe concept of "at-will" employment and its impact on the nonprofit sectorWhy employment contracts are less common in nonprofitsThe importance of contracts for nonprofit Executive DirectorsHow contracts protect Executive Directors from sudden termination and board conflictsMisconceptions about negotiating contracts while already employedStrategies for nonprofit leaders to showcase their value to the boardHow contracts benefit both nonprofit executives and their organizationsTo Learn More and Connect with Sean:Sign-Up for the Become Fireproof MasterclassThe Nonprofit Fixer WebsiteSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Camesha Cox, the founder of The Reading Partnership, a nonprofit transforming the literacy landscape for marginalized families in Canada. Camesha shares her journey from working in the UK to establishing The Reading Partnership in Toronto, emphasizing the power of community-driven solutions in tackling literacy challenges. Through inclusive, family-centered programs, Camesha discusses how her organization is disrupting systemic barriers to literacy and helping children thrive.Topics We Cover:The origins of The Reading Partnership and its early success in TorontoHow literacy disproportionately affects Black, racialized, and low-income children in CanadaThe impact of interactive, play-based learning in early childhood educationScaling "Kids Read" from a local to a national literacy initiativeThe development of a French version of the Reading Partnership for Parents programThe vital role of community collaboration in overcoming literacy challengesEmpowering parents and educators to build lasting literacy skills in childrenHeartwarming success stories from families transformed by the Kids Read programTo Learn More and Connect with Camesha:The Reading Partnership Website@TRPNow on X (Formerly Twitter)@TRPNow on InstagramDonate to The Reading PartnershipSupport the show

Holly Rustick, a grant writing expert, shares her remarkable journey from community development in Indonesia to leading a global freelance business. She dives into the challenges nonprofits face, including the burdens of the '50 hats' culture and insights on involving volunteers in grant writing. Holly discusses the strategic dual role of grant writers and the essential balance of hiring full-time staff versus outsourcing. Additionally, she highlights how technology and AI are reshaping the landscape of grant writing.

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Eric Osuorah to unravel the transformative impact of artisanal marketplaces and the role of Web3 technology in their evolution. Eric, with his rich background in engineering, digital transformation, and philanthropy, provides a deep dive into how decentralized platforms are reshaping the way artisans connect with consumers. Topics We Cover:What are artisanal marketplacesCentralized vs. Decentralized MarketplacesWhy  decentralized marketplaces are gaining traction, and what it means for artisans and consumersPotential downsides of decentralized platforms, including regulation and content controlHow decentralized marketplaces approach rule-setting and community involvementThe barriers to Web3 adoption and how to make it more accessible and user-friendly for everyday usersBuilding and Scaling Decentralized MarketplacesHow to create a unique value proposition and stand out in the decentralized marketplace spaceTo Learn More and Connect with Eric:Eric Osuorah on LinkedInAFOMA Marketplace WebsiteSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Maggie Kane, founder and executive director of A Place at the Table, Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can restaurant. Maggie shares the inspiring story behind the creation of the café, which offers a dignified dining experience for everyone, regardless of their financial situation. Learn how this innovative restaurant serves 200-250 meals daily through a model that blends volunteering, local sourcing, and a community-driven mission. Topics We Cover:How A Place at the Table’s pay-what-you-can model worksFostering community through dignified dining experiencesThe logistics of running a volunteer-driven restaurantCreative ways customers can support the restaurant's missionPartnering with local farms for fresh, seasonal ingredientsEngaging corporate sponsors to support a nonprofit initiativeOvercoming challenges in the restaurant industry as a nonprofitMaggie Kane's personal journey and motivation behind the mission of A Place at the TableTo Learn More and Connect with Maggie:A Place at the Table WebsiteA Place at the Table Facebook Visit A Place at the Table in RaleighSupport the show