Agents of Nonprofit

How can nonprofits build stronger, long-term donor relationships? In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Leigh Sandison, founder of Real Path, to discuss the importance of modernizing donor engagement strategies. Leigh shares insights from her journey in both corporate and nonprofit sectors, highlighting the gaps she noticed in fundraising approaches. She explains why many organizations struggle with donor retention, how outdated assumptions hinder fundraising success, and what nonprofits can do to build more effective, data-driven donor relationships.Topics We Cover:Leigh Sandison’s career journey from Macmillan Cancer Support to founding Real PathThe common mistakes nonprofits make when mapping the donor journeyWhy many fundraising strategies are based on internal assumptions rather than real donor insightsHow qualitative research, like donor interviews, can reshape engagement strategiesThe challenges of donor segmentation and why nonprofits often attract the same demographicsThe cost of acquiring new donors vs. retaining existing ones – and why retention is keyStrategies for calculating and increasing donor lifetime value (LTV)Hidden costs of donor acquisition and why nonprofits need to track their true fundraising expensesTo Learn More and Connect with Leigh:Email Leigh@RealPath.caRealPath.caLeigh Sandison on LinkedInSupport the show

The nonprofit sector is facing a major HR crisis, with high turnover rates and a shortage of experienced professionals. In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit I speak with Cindy Wagman about the root causes of these challenges and explores innovative solutions like fractional fundraising. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, consultant, or industry professional, this episode provides actionable strategies to strengthen your organization and retain top talent.Topics We Cover:Cindy's journey from volunteering to nonprofit consultingWhy nonprofits struggle to hire and retain skilled professionalsThe hidden costs of hiring underqualified staff for key rolesHow leadership gaps contribute to high turnover ratesThe impact of poor mentorship and training on nonprofit employeesWhat fractional fundraising is and how it benefits small organizationsThe difference between fractional consulting and traditional consultingTips for managing workload, setting boundaries, and choosing the right clients as a consultantTo Learn More and Connect with Cindy:FractionalFundraising.coNonprofitFractionals.comCindy Wagman on LinkedInSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I'm joined by Sharon Lee, a nonprofit leader with over 20 years of experience. With the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, Sharon challenges outdated industry practices and embraces innovative strategies to increase engagement and funding. Topics We Cover:How Sharon’s unexpected career shift led her to nonprofit workThe importance of questioning outdated practices in nonprofit organizationsInnovative fundraising strategies that move beyond traditional methodsThe power of storytelling and advocacy in driving systemic changeOvercoming resistance when introducing new ideas in nonprofitsSustainable community projects and how they empower local populationsServant leadership and its role in creating lasting impactThe future of nonprofit leadership and the importance of ongoing developmentTo Learn More and Connect with Sharon:CPFF.caInfo@CPFF.caSharon Lee on LinkedInSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with fundraising expert Jessie Katz to uncover the secrets of quick wins in nonprofit fundraising. From high-ROI fundraising events to long-term donor engagement tactics, this conversation is packed with actionable insights that can transform any nonprofit’s fundraising approach.Topics We Cover:Jesse Katz’s journey from social work to nonprofit fundraisingWhy traditional fundraising methods may not be as effective as you thinkWhat constitutes a "quick win" and how to identify them in your nonprofitReal-life example: Turning a $3,000 event into $250,000 in pledgesThe importance of systematizing and replicating successful fundraising modelsHow board members can use their networks to strengthen donor relationshipsCrafting a compelling case for support to drive donor engagementMoving beyond one-time donations: Building a culture of ongoing donor involvementTo Learn More and Connect with Jessie:Jessie@zivphilanthropy.comZivPhilanthropy.comSupport the show

 In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Jennifer Gardner, a former trial lawyer turned leadership coach, to discuss the vital role of emotional intelligence, empathy, and storytelling in effective leadership. Jennifer shares her journey from the courtroom to coaching, revealing how neuroscience and persuasion techniques can help nonprofit leaders engage stakeholders, influence change, and drive impact. Through real-world examples and research-backed insights, she explains why emotional intelligence isn’t just a soft skill—it’s the foundation of true leadership.Topics We Cover:How Jennifer Gardner transitioned from law to leadership coachingThe science behind empathy, mirror neurons, and human connectionWhy sensitivity and emotional awareness are key to persuasionThe role of emotional contagion in political and nonprofit leadershipBalancing logic and emotion for effective persuasionUsing storytelling, case studies, and data to inspire actionEthical influence: using persuasion for positive changeHow nonprofit leaders can develop emotional intelligence for greater impactTo Learn More & Connect with Jennifer:JenniferBGardner.comJennifer B Gardner on LinkedIn@iamjenniferbgardner on InstagramEmpathy, mirror neurons and SYNC articleEmotional Intelligence book by Daniel GolemanSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I welcome Katelyn Baughan, founder of KB Digital, to explore the untapped potential of email marketing for nonprofits. Katelyn shares her journey from the tech world to nonprofit marketing and dives deep into strategies that drive engagement, retain donors, and boost fundraising success. Topics We Cover:Katelyn's journey from tech to nonprofit marketing and her passion for email communicationWhy email marketing outperforms other channels with a 36:1 ROI for nonprofitsHow A/B testing can improve engagement and reveal audience preferencesKey email metrics to track: click-through rates, reply rates, and conversion ratesThe importance of maintaining a clean email list to optimize engagement and performanceStrategies for balancing value-driven content with direct fundraising asks (the 80/20 rule)How segmentation and targeted newsletters can boost engagement with specific audience groupsTips for creating effective fundraising emails during critical periods like year-end campaignsTo Learn More and Connect with Katelyn:KatelynBaughan.comKatelyn Baughan on LinkedInSupport the show

In this powerful episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Ken Miller, whose life journey is nothing short of transformative. After overcoming a tumultuous childhood, addiction, and time in prison, Ken turned his life around to become a mentor and advocate for young Black men facing similar challenges. Ken’s story highlights the importance of self-belief, mentorship, and breaking through mental roadblocks to achieve personal growth.Topics We Cover:Ken Miller’s early life struggles and transformation from foster care to Dartmouth College.The impact of addiction and incarceration on Ken’s life and his eventual turning point.The pivotal moments that led to Ken’s recovery and new sense of purpose.The significance of mentorship, particularly within the Black male community.Challenges faced by young Black men, including the absence of father figures and societal pressures.The impact of gang violence and how respect and recognition play a role in youth behavior.Ken’s approach to mentoring, starting with the question, "What is your dream?"Key books and concepts used in Ken’s mentorship practice to foster self-esteem and trust.To Learn More and Connect with Ken:KenMillerSpeaks.comKen Miller on LinkedInThe Speed of Trust by Stephen CoveyThe Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel BrandenSupport the show

In this insightful episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I'm joined by Lacey Kempinski, a former fundraiser turned entrepreneur, to explore the evolving concept of work-life balance in the nonprofit sector. Lacey shares her personal journey of navigating motherhood while maintaining her career and the founding of Balanced Good, a company that supports nonprofit leaders, particularly women, with parental leave solutions. Topics We Cover:The challenges of balancing work and parenthood in the nonprofit sectorWork-life integration: Why it’s a more sustainable solution than work-life balanceHow nonprofit leaders can manage parental leave without causing burnout or resentmentThe importance of offering flexible work environments to reduce burnoutDifferences between parental leave policies in Canada vs. the U.S.The difficulties of filling senior roles temporarily during parental leaveThe importance of grassroots advocacy and systemic changes for better parental leave policiesCollaborating with organizations and policymakers to improve parental leave benefitsTo Learn More and Connect with Lacey:Lacey Kempinski on LinkedInBalanced Good on LinkedInBalancedGood.com@BalancedGood on InstagramSupport the show

In this special New Year episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I'm joined by my niece Ruby for a refreshingly candid conversation about artificial intelligence, technology’s impact on jobs, and the possibilities of a utopian future.Ruby, a bright and curious sixth-grader, shares her concerns about robots replacing humans in the workforce and discusses her hopes for a world where people can pursue their passions without financial worries. Together, they dive into topics like Universal Basic Income, the ethics of AI-generated art, and what it might mean to live in a society without money.This engaging special episode blends thoughtful musings with a dash of youthful imagination - and next week we continue with our regularly scheduled episodes with the regularly scheduled format. Support the show

 In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Puneet Luthra, a government relations expert with a deep commitment to the nonprofit sector. Puneet discusses the critical role these relationships play in influencing policy, securing funding, and driving change on social issues. Drawing from his wealth of experience, Puneet provides practical advice on building strategic partnerships with government bodies, aligning nonprofit goals with public priorities, and fostering long-term, collaborative efforts to create lasting societal impact.Topics We Cover:Puneet’s journey into nonprofit-focused government relations and his early experiences with Big Brothers Big Sisters of CanadaThe importance of aligning nonprofit goals with government prioritiesHow nonprofits can influence public policy and secure funding through strategic government relationsNavigating the complex dynamics between nonprofits and government entitiesUnderstanding the motivations of high-net-worth individuals and government bodies to foster better relationshipsReal-world examples of nonprofit persistence in addressing long-standing societal issuesThe value of maintaining neutrality and avoiding partisan stances when engaging with the governmentPractical steps for nonprofits starting their government relations efforts, including identifying key stakeholders and reaching out to local representativesTo Learn More and Connect with Puneet:GovernmentRelations.caPuneet.Luthra@gmail.comSupport the show