Agents of Nonprofit

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Sara Hoshooley, the visionary behind Connect for Good, a groundbreaking platform reshaping the Canadian nonprofit landscape. From her unexpected entry into the sector during the 2008 financial crisis to her passion for bridging the resource gap, Sara shares insights into her journey and the mission driving Connect for Good.Topics We Cover:Sara Hoshooley's accidental immersion into the nonprofit world during the 2008 financial crisis, leading to impactful volunteer work in Belize and grassroots fundraising initiatives.Sara's response to the scarcity of resources and connections within the Canadian nonprofit sector, addressing challenges faced by small nonprofits and businesses seeking to engage with themThe inclusive and accessible nature of Connect for GoodNuances of the Canadian nonprofit landscape: language considerations, regional differences, and the platform's broader scope compared to similar initiatives like Tech SoupExpanding awareness, forging partnerships with nonprofit serving businessesAnticipation for future city launches, including Toronto in summer 2024, and the collective impact Connect for Good aims to achieve in the Canadian nonprofit sectorTo Learn More and Connect with Sara:https://connectforgood.ca/Support the show

Renowned author Seth Godin discusses redefining work in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing significance-driven approaches over traditional capitalism. Topics include organizational culture, fostering genuine connections, collective problem-solving, and embracing discomfort for growth and collaboration.

Join us in this episode of Agents of Nonprofit as we sit down with Jennifer Drago, a seasoned expert in the nonprofit sector. Uncover the superhero origin story of Jennifer's journey from pre-med to leading in the nonprofit world. Explore the intriguing concept of nonprofit life cycles, where they discuss key stages, diagnostic tools, and the pivotal transition from startup to sustainable growth. Gain practical insights into assessing, aligning, and overcoming challenges at each stage for a thriving nonprofit.Topics We Cover:Nonprofit lifecycles: discussing stages like startup, growth, and maturity, emphasizing the need for alignment in foundational elementsThe Nonprofit Lifecycles Institute's self-assessment tool, a valuable resource for nonprofits to evaluate their life cycle stage and foster effective growthChallenges faced by nonprofits in the startup phase and Jennifer's insights on building a strong board, governance, and financial models for sustainable growthPractical advice on regular assessments, adapting to changes, and navigating potential decline, with Jennifer sharing resources like the Nonprofit Life Cycles Institute and Board SourceTo Learn More and Connect with Jennifer:Nonprofit Lifecycles InstituteBoard SourcePeak to ProfitJennifer Drago on LinkedInSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, your host Alexander Lapa dives deep into the world of The Nonprofit Hive, a groundbreaking community facilitating impactful connections within the nonprofit sector. Joined by industry veterans Tasha Van Vlack and Dave Norris, the trio explores the origins, mechanics, and heartwarming success stories of this game-changing platform.Topics We Cover:The birth of the Hive and how it's transforming the nonprofit landscape with its innovative approach to fostering one-on-one connectionsThe Nonprofit Hive's unique matching process, utilizing LinkedIn and a no-password sign-up for seamless experiencesEmphasis on respectful communication and a solicitation-free environmentImmediate responses through ProofPilot and in-depth surveys driving continuous improvementSuccess stories that warm the heart, showcasing how The Nonprofit Hive connections lead to invaluable resources for nonprofit professionals"Swarms" and AI-generated prompts that promise to take nonprofit networking to the next levelTo Learn More and Connect with Tasha and Dave:TheNonprofitHive.comTasha Van Vlack on LinkedInDavid Norris on LinkedInSupport the show

In this episode of "Agents of Nonprofit," we sit down with Elenoa Fuka, a key player in the Science Philanthropy Alliance (S.P.A.), for an eye-opening discussion. Elenoa shares her unconventional path from government service, through tech, to a pivotal role in the nonprofit sector.Topics We Cover:The genesis of the Science Philanthropy Alliance, born out of a need to counter declining government funding for basic scienceInsights into the Alliance's distinctive approach, providing free advice and tailored support to philanthropists, addressing the challenges faced by newcomers and seasoned foundations alikeHear about high-profile acknowledgments from philanthropic heavyweights like Priscilla Chan and Ross BrownFrom working alone to becoming a trusted advisor to over 50 foundations and individualsThe optimistic outlook for the Alliance's future impact on shaping the philanthropic landscapeTo Learn More and Connect with Elenoa:SciPhil.orgFacebook.com/SciPhil.orgLinkedInX (Formerly Twitter)Support the show

In this episode of "Agents of Nonprofit" we sit down with Rachel Bearbrower to unravel the intricacies of systems and time management for nonprofits. Rachel, with her extensive background as an executive director and a mentor for small shop executives, shares invaluable insights into optimizing operations. From her accidental entry into the nonprofit realm to teaching stewardship and retention strategies, Rachel delves into the four critical systems—schedule management, project management, operations management, and executive management.Topics We Cover:Rachel's journey from nonprofit leadership to mentoring small shop executivesFour key systems for enhancing personal and organizational efficiency: schedule management, project management, operations management, and executive managementLearn about cutting-edge tools that can revolutionize appointment scheduling, goal organization, and planningThe delicate balance between digital and analog systemsPractical tips for reclaiming time, improving efficiency, and achieving a healthy work-life balance in the nonprofit sectorTo Learn More and Connect with Rachel:Sprout Nonprofit PodcastInstagramLinkedInSmallShopStrategies.comSupport the show

Join me in a captivating conversation with the superhero of interactive media, Renee Mancino, as they unravel the mysteries of Request for Proposal (RFP) responses in the nonprofit realm. From superhero origins to battling the nuances of RFI, RFQ, and RFP, this episode is your guide to navigating the nonprofit proposal universe.Topics We Cover:Renee Mancino's journey from a family business to the world of interactive media.The superhero approach to RFPs: A transparent and equal playing field for all vendors.Tips for standing out: Tailoring responses, understanding project objectives, and embracing creativity.Crafting compelling narratives and personalized videosTransparent RFP processes: Sharing budgets and streamlining selection with anticipation and preparationFuture trends in RFP proposalsTo Learn More and Connect with Renee:Email RenMancino@gmail.comSupport the show

Welcome to a special holiday episode of Agents of Nonprofit! I sit down with a true superhero, my dad, George Lapa. Join the heartwarming conversation as George shares his unique life story, from escaping war-torn Latvia to a career shift from engineering to a fulfilling retirement as a tech-savvy volunteer.Join this festive episode for a delightful blend of family anecdotes, tech tales, and the genuine joy that comes from making a difference in the nonprofit world.Happy New Year and we look forward to speaking with more nonprofit superheroes in 2024!Support the show

Today we're joined by Derek Kessen for an insightful exploration into the world of building thriving teams and making impactful decisions in the nonprofit landscape. Delve into Derek's journey from financial markets to the nonprofit world, driven by a mission to infuse business acumen into the heart of nonprofits. Explore a four-pillar formula for long-term organizational success and uncover the power of wise decision-making in nonprofit leadership.Topics We Cover:Derek's journey and the motivations behind transitioning from financial markets to the nonprofit sectorBusiness Principles for NonprofitsThe significance of a clear organizational purpose and leveraging data for impactful decision-makingUnderstanding that decisions aren't set in stone and the vital role of revisiting and adjusting for organizational growthDerek's insights on aligning teams with decisions and fostering a collaborative cultureThe importance of cultivating a unified direction within the organization for amplified impactPractical tips for overcoming common challenges and creating a thriving nonprofit ecosystemTo Learn More and Connect with Derek:Derek on LinkedInOnCenter WebsiteOnCenter Consulting on LinkedInSupport the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, we have a captivating conversation with Lindsay McGuire, a seasoned board member with a passion for diverse causes. We unravel the world of board membership, its profound impact on personal growth, and it's significance in the nonprofit sector. Lindsay shares her journey from a local food bank intern to contributing to boards like Make-A-Wish and Junior League of Indianapolis. This episode provides valuable insights into the multifaceted world of nonprofit board membership, offering a compelling narrative that encourages personal growth, community building, and impactful service.Topics We Cover:Lindsay's personal journey rooted in her mother's influence, sparking her love for service and communityThe motivations behind becoming a board member, emphasizing the opportunity to align with passion areas and contribute to causes beyond one's daily careersThe self-development aspect of board serviceSense of community and connection that board service fosters, uniting like-minded individuals to work toward shared goalsSetting clear expectations for board members, advising potential candidates to seek clarity on time commitments, financial contributions, and specific roles within the organizationRepresentation of the audience being served, diversity of age on the board, and overall board diversityThe need for boards to modernize their approach, making meetings more accessible and efficientTo Learn More and Connect with Lindsay:Lindsay McGuire on LinkedInJunior LeagueFurther Listening: Lindsay on Unpopular Opinion PodcastSupport the show