Agents of Nonprofit

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

In this inspiring episode of *Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Kenita Smith. Kenita candidly shares her journey, from the early misconceptions about nonprofit funding to becoming a grant-writing expert. She discusses the hurdles new nonprofits face when applying for grants, the importance of being "grant-ready," and how to build strong relationships with funders. Tune in for actionable insights on securing funding, sustaining a nonprofit, and the power of transparency in the nonprofit sector.Topics We Cover:Kenita's journey from single parent to nonprofit founderThe challenges of securing funding as a new nonprofitKey misconceptions about grant writing and 501(c)(3) certificationThe importance of data, impact stories, and sustainability in grant applicationsHow to become "grant-ready" and attract large foundationsBuilding trust with funders through transparency and honest communicationThe balance between restricted and unrestricted grants post-CovidMaximizing grant impact through collaboration and strategic partnershipsTo Learn More and Connect with Kenita:Starting My Nonprofit WebsiteStarting My Nonprofit InstagramStarting My Nonprofit FacebookSupport the show

Due to some unforeseen circumstances (and a few unlucky coincidences), we won't have a full episode this week. Instead, I've recorded this quick update to keep you in the loop.This would be the perfect time to go back through our feed of 120+ episodes to find an interesting subject you might have missed (or re-visit a favourite topic/guest).We'll be back up & running in no time with some more Agents of Nonprofit. Until then, keep doing good in the world!Support the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I welcome Jonathan Beck, a tech entrepreneur turned nonprofit innovator. Jonathan shares his journey from Silicon Valley to creating "WeGive," a platform that revolutionizes how nonprofits manage donations and engage with donors. He emphasizes the power of personalization at scale in fundraising and how a deeper connection with donors can enhance retention and impact.Topics We Cover:Jonathan's journey from Silicon Valley to the nonprofit worldThe inspiration behind creating "WeGive" and its core functionalitiesThe philosophy of "freely you've received, so freely give" and its impact on nonprofit workChallenges of achieving personalization at scale in nonprofit fundraising.How "We Give" compares to "Shopify for nonprofits" in managing donations and donor interactionsThe importance of meaningful, personalized communication in retaining donors.The role of digital tools in enhancing donor engagement and creating personalized donor experiencesStrategies for nonprofits to use raw, authentic content to connect with their audienceTo Learn More and Connect with Jonathan:WeGive WebsiteJonathan Beck on LinkedInE-Mail Jonathan@WeGive.comSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I talk with Dr. Bev Browning, a seasoned veteran in the nonprofit world and the author of "Grant Writing for Dummies." Bev shares her journey from Flint, Michigan, to becoming a leading expert in grant writing, offering invaluable advice for new nonprofits. Drawing from her extensive experience, Bev discusses the most common mistakes nonprofits make, from ownership misconceptions to board dynamics, and offers practical solutions to ensure long-term success. Topics We Cover:- The inspiring story of Dr. Bev Browning's journey from Michigan to becoming a grant writing expert- Five critical mistakes that can derail new nonprofits- The dangers of treating a nonprofit as personal property- Why involving your board in crafting the mission statement is crucial- The importance of a "give or get" policy for board members- How to effectively engage board members in fundraising efforts- The role of diversity and lived experience on nonprofit boards- Leveraging AI to enhance nonprofit operations and fundraising strategiesTo Learn More and Connect with Dr. Bev:Dr. Bev Browning WebsiteBev Browning on LinkedInSupport the show

This episode of Agents of Nonprofit features guest James Thorne, founder of Quirk Growth, a marketing and fundraising agency specializing in nontraditional approaches for nonprofits. James shares his unique journey from the food industry to launching a remote digital agency that empowers nonprofits to maximize their fundraising potential through innovative digital strategies.Topics We Cover:James Thorne’s transition from the food industry to nonprofit fundraisingThe foundation and mission of QuirkThe importance of blending traditional and nontraditional fundraising methodsHow e-commerce can support nonprofit fundraising through print-on-demand and dropshippingAn introduction to the sweepstakes model as a powerful fundraising toolLegal distinctions between raffles and sweepstakes and their implications for nonprofitsThe challenges and benefits of running charity sweepstakes, with insights from "Vehicle for Good.Future opportunities for expanding nontraditional fundraising efforts to support a broader range of nonprofitsTo Learn More and Connect with James:Vehicle For Good WebsiteQuirk Growth Website@VehicleForGood@QuirkGrowthSupport the show

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