Agents of Nonprofit

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Morgan Gross, a seasoned international development professional, to explore the intricacies of expanding nonprofit operations beyond borders. Morgan shares her journey from being a second-grade teacher to co-founding a nonprofit and eventually leading international fundraising efforts across Africa. Together, we look into the motivations, challenges, and strategies for nonprofits looking to broaden their impact on a global scale.Topics We CoverMorgan's origin story from a second-grade teacher to an international nonprofit leaderKey strategies for establishing trust with international donorsAdapting to different cultural norms when working in new regionsThe pros and cons of partnerships and establishing local officesTips for reaching out and maintaining relationships with donors abroadTechnology that helps expand nonprofit storytelling and fundraising internationallyUnderstanding the why when expanding to abroadTo Learn More and Connect with Morgan:FundraisingBeyondBorders on InstagramMorgan Gross on LinkedInFundraisingBeyondBorders WebsiteAgents of Nonprofit - Authentic Storytelling Narrative EpisodeSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, we're with guest Evan Johnson to explore the rapidly changing landscape of nonprofit fundraising. Evan shares his unique journey from political campaigns to becoming a key player in Project Hope, a global health and humanitarian organization. Together, we delve into the pre- and post-pandemic shifts in fundraising, the rise of innovative donation channels, and the evolving expectations of younger donors. Topics We Cover:Evan’s unexpected transition from political campaigns to nonprofit fundraisingThe impact of COVID-19 on fundraising strategies and practicesEmerging trends in donation channels, including cryptocurrency and live-streaming platformsEngaging Gen-Z donors and their unique expectationsThe importance of transparency and real-time communication with supportersBalancing traditional fundraising methods with innovative approachesBuilding stronger relationships through donor involvement and co-creationStrategic budgeting and the importance of adaptability in resource allocationFuture trends in nonprofit fundraising and the focus on community buildingTo Learn More and Connect with Evan:Evan Johnson on LinkedInEmail EJohnson@ProjectHope.OrgProject HopeEmail EvanJ@USA.comSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, we're with Rolanda McDuffie, a seasoned CPA specializing in nonprofit accounting. Rolanda shares her 25-year journey from a church volunteer to running her own CPA firm, dedicated to helping nonprofits achieve financial health and compliance. We delve into the intricacies of nonprofit accounting, the importance of audit readiness, the challenges of grant management, and the transformative impact of technology and AI in the sector.Topics We Cover:The critical aspects of financial management in the nonprofit sectorHow accurate financial records, strong internal controls, and compliance with grant terms can make or break a nonprofitThe differences between nonprofit and for-profit accounting, the importance of a knowledgeable board, and how technology can streamline financial processesKey differences between nonprofit and for-profit accountingThe importance of accurate and comprehensive financial recordsEnsuring audit readiness: Best practices and common pitfallsChallenges and strategies in grant managementTo Learn More and Connect with Ronda:Book: Creating a Successful Nonprofit by Knowing the NumbersRolanda S. McDuffie, CPA WebsiteSupport the show

Ed Harris, Founder of Blue Hills Digital, shares insights on nonprofit websites. Topics include importance of websites, elements of effective design, when to redesign, choosing tools, content decisions, and pros/cons of platforms like WordPress and Squarespace.

In this compelling episode of Agents of Nonprofit, we dive into the intricacies of conflict management within nonprofit organizations with expert mediator Carol Bowser. Drawing from her rich background in mediation and conflict resolution, Carol shares insightful strategies and real-world experiences, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by mission-driven organizations. This episode offers nonprofit leaders invaluable guidance on addressing and preventing workplace conflicts, fostering a more cohesive and productive environment.Topics We Cover:How Carol Bowser’s early involvement with a local nonprofit during law school sparked her passion for conflict resolutionThe different ways conflicts can surface across various nonprofit sectors, from healthcare to educationSymbolic significance of core values like trust and communication in managing conflictsRecognizing the signs of inefficiency and frustration caused by unresolved conflicts, and their impact on organizational performanceManaging Power DynamicsChallenges of transitioning from a startup mindset to a structured environment as nonprofits growThe potential and limitations of using AI to aid in conflict resolution, enhancing professional communication while maintaining the human touchTo Learn More and Connect with Carol:Carol on LinkedInConflict Management Strategies on LinkedInConflict Management Strategies WebsiteSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Billy Starr, the visionary founder of the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC). Billy shares his heartfelt journey from personal loss to creating one of the most successful cancer fundraising events in history. Discover how a small bike-a-thon with 36 participants evolved into a monumental event with over 6,000 riders and $1 billion raised for cancer research. Topics We Cover:Billy Starr's motivation rooted in personal loss and the Appalachian TrailThe first PMC ride and its unexpected successExpansion from one route to 16, involving thousands of participants and volunteersUnique approaches like the fundraising minimum and corporate partnershipsBuilding a dedicated, multigenerational participant baseManaging routes, weather, and volunteer coordinationExpansion plans, higher fundraising targets, and new event formatsTo Learn More and Connect with Billy:Pan-Mass Challenge WebsiteBilly Starr Talk at TedxBostonSupport the show

In this episode of "Agents of Nonprofit," I sit down with Alejandro Mayoral to explore the intersection of technology, nonprofit work, and indigenous empowerment. Alejandro shares his journey from computer science student to nonprofit founder, discussing the grassroots approach to co-creating projects with indigenous communities in Mexico and Canada. Together, we explore the challenges and opportunities within the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural nuances and fostering technological empowerment.Topics We CoverAlejandro's transition from computer science to nonprofit work with indigenous communitiesThe grassroots approach to co-creating projects with indigenous communities in Mexico and CanadaThe role of technology in preserving and revitalizing indigenous culture, including digital art and online communitiesStrategies for creating inclusive training programs and fostering cultural pride within the tech industryOvercoming systemic barriers and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in tech companiesMeaningful engagement and mentorship in preparing indigenous talent for success in the corporate worldAdvocating for systemic changes in how talent is valued and compensated within the nonprofit sectorHow interested individuals can connect with the Indigenous Friends Association and support their missionTo Learn More and Connect with Alejandro:https://www.instagram.com/indigenousfriends/https://www.tiktok.com/@indigenousfriendshttps://www.facebook.com/indigenousfriendshttps://www.indigenousfriends.orghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/23674037/info@indigenousfriends.orgSupport the show

In this captivating episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I invite Jeremy Stern to unravel the secrets behind transforming nonprofit fundraising through innovative business strategies. From personal anecdotes to practical insights, this episode is a must-listen for nonprofit professionals seeking to elevate their fundraising efforts and make a lasting difference in their communities.Topics We Cover:From childhood aspirations to grassroots nonprofit leadershipRedefining nonprofits as mission-driven entities with transformative potentialLeveraging business practices for sustainable impact in the nonprofit sectorThe power of data-driven decision-making and goal setting in nonprofit successGamification, recognition, and intrinsic motivation in driving fundraising effortsEncouraging nonprofits to invest in technology and strategic initiatives for long-term growthJeremy's wealth of experience offers actionable advice for nonprofits navigating the fundraising landscapeTo Learn More and Connect with Jeremy:Jeremy Stern on LinkedInDrive by Daniel H. Pink BookSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I engage in a thought-provoking conversation with executive coach Jenny Mitchell. They delve into the realm of mindset in the nonprofit sector, exploring how shifting from scarcity to abundance can fuel personal and organizational growth. From neuroscience to negotiation strategies, they uncover practical insights for navigating challenges and fostering meaningful connections.Topics We Cover:The power of mindset in the nonprofit worldHow embracing an abundant mindset can transform personal and organizational outcomesPractical strategies for shifting from scarcity to abundance, drawing from neuroscience and psychologyNegotiation tactics and interpersonal dynamics, with a focus on active listening and understandingMisconceptions about mindset work and uncover the transformative potential of intentional livingThe power of vulnerability and self-awareness for resilience and growth in the face of challengesTo Learn More and Connect with Jenny:Jenny Mitchell on LinkedInChavenderUnderdog Leadership PodcastEmbracing Ambition BookSupport the show

Today we dive into the world of prospect research in the nonprofit sector with special guest Mark Egge. From unexpected beginnings at the Indiana University Foundation to the intricacies of deciphering donor behavior, this episode explores the fusion of data-driven insights and human intuition in fundraising strategies.Topics We Cover:Mark shares their unconventional path from music to research, drawing parallels between interpreting music and piecing together information in prospect researchGoals of prospect researchThe importance of collaboration between researchers and fundraisers in cultivating strong donor relationships and driving fundraising successFrom wealth screening to individual profiling, gain insights into the nuanced process of prospect research and the balance between individual and group analysisFormulaic vs. qualitative approachDiscover the role of data and analytics in decision-making processes, including the value of systematizing data and predictive modeling in identifying potential donorsMaximizing fundraising potentialReflect on the importance of thinking big and leveraging research to unlock the full potential of donor relationships in achieving fundraising successTo Learn More and Connect with Mark:Mark Egge on LinkedInItasca Partners WebsiteHow To Measure Anything BookSupport the show