Agents of Nonprofit

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, we reconnect with Geng Wang, CEO of Civic Champs, to explore the remarkable evolution and growth of the organization over the past year and a half. Civic Champs, dedicated to optimizing volunteer management for nonprofits, has undergone significant changes in team composition and outreach strategy, shifting from outbound to inbound marketing. Geng shares insights on the impact of these changes, the importance of SEO, the value of in-person conferences, and their approach to leveraging both short-term experts and long-term roles. Topics We Cover:The transformation of Civic Champs since the last interviewShifting from outbound to inbound marketing strategiesThe importance of SEO and content creation for nonprofit visibilityLeveraging in-person conferences and external advisors for growthBalancing delegation and personal involvement in sales and fundraisingChallenges and lessons learned from outbound sales and contractor engineersThe role of technology in refining and automating processesStrategies for attracting and retaining purpose-driven talentTo Learn More and Connect with Geng:Civic Champs WebsiteE-mail Geng@CivicChamps.comGeng Wang on LinkedInSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Julie Edwards, the Nonprofit Maven, to discuss the crucial role of thanking donors in the nonprofit sector. Julie shares her journey from marketing and communications to becoming the Director of Development and Marketing for a local humane society. She highlights how she built successful development and marketing programs from the ground up, significantly boosting donations. Topics We Cover:Julie Edwards’ transition from marketing to nonprofit workBuilding development and marketing programs from scratchEthical persuasion in fundraising and donor relationsOvercoming the fear of asking for donations in nonprofitsThe importance of donor retention over acquisitionCreative and cost-effective ways to thank donorsReal-life stories of impactful donor appreciation gesturesCurrent trends in donor behaviour post-Covid and adapting to themTo Learn More and Connect with Julie:The Nonprofit Maven WebsiteJulie Seymour Edwards on LinkedInE-mail Julie@theNonprofitMaven.coSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I interview Jamal Burger, the founder of Kickback, a youth-led movement from Toronto, Canada. Jamal shares his personal journey from growing up in a low-income neighbourhood to creating a nonprofit that provides footwear and support to underprivileged youth. He discusses the organization's evolution, its impact on the community, and the challenges of scaling while staying true to its mission. This heartfelt conversation highlights the transformative power of giving back and the importance of ethical impact measurement.Topics We Cover:The origins and mission of Kickback, inspired by Jamal’s personal experiencesHow a simple pair of shoes can boost a child's confidence and sense of equalityThe expansion of Kickback's mission to include sports, arts, and education programsOrganizing community events like basketball tournaments, haircuts, and educational workshopsCorporate partnerships in enhancing the impact of nonprofit initiatives.Challenges of sustaining a nonprofit financially and ensuring fair compensationThe importance of mentorship and personal growth in nonprofit leadershipEthical ways to measure and report impact while respecting the humanity of those servedTo Learn More and Connect with Jamal:Donate to KickbackKickback.orgKickback Foundation on LinkedIn Kickback Foundation on InstagramSupport the show

In this insightful episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I chat with Heather Hooper, a consultant and executive director of Dementia Alliance of North Carolina. Heather shares her journey from personal tragedy to a dedicated career in the nonprofit sector, revealing how strategic planning can transform organizational vision into actionable goals. Through detailed discussions on retreat planning, staff alignment, and adapting to future trends, Heather provides a comprehensive guide to creating and maintaining effective strategic plans for nonprofits.Topics We Cover:Heather Hooper's personal journey and inspiration for joining the nonprofit sectorThe critical role of strategic planning in achieving a nonprofit's mission and visionCrafting a concise, actionable four-page strategic planThe importance of quarterly and annual planning retreats for staff alignmentBalancing in-person and virtual meetings for effective strategic planningIntegrating new systems and processes to support organizational goalsEnsuring team buy-in and alignment amidst staff turnoverFuture trends in strategic planning, including agility, DEI initiatives, and the ethical use of AITo Learn More and Connect with Heather:Heather Hooper on LinkedInSupport the show

This illuminating episode of Agents of Nonprofit is with Breanna LaShell and her dynamic journey in the nonprofit sector. From founding a bullying prevention organization at 16 to becoming a nonprofit coach, Breanna shares invaluable insights on managing and leading impactful nonprofits. This episode delves into the unique challenges and advantages faced by younger nonprofit founders and offers practical advice for those looking to make a difference.Topics We Cover:Breanna’s early start in nonprofit work: Founding a bullying prevention organization at 16Transitioning from founder to nonprofit coachDifferences between younger and older nonprofit foundersBalancing personal passion with professional conductPractical advice for aspiring young foundersVision clarity, team building, resilience, and adaptabilityImportance of experienced guides for young nonprofit leadersHow personal experiences drive nonprofit passion and commitmentTo Learn More and Connect with Breanna:@coach_breannalashell on Instagramwww.breannalashell.combreanna@breannalashell.comSupport the show

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