The Nonprofit Podcast

Send us a textBranding can be a major pain point for nonprofits, but a strong nonprofit brand can help you raise more money, increase social awareness and build a solid reputation, which is why Cara and Jena are tackling the basics of brand building today. Joined by Ronald Pillay, Donorbox Director of Brand Communication, they unpack the basics of getting your brand on point and working for you, no matter how big or small your organization, or budget is.  Ronald’s background in creative direction and social sciences adds a visual storytelling layer that takes a brand from bland to beckoning beacon, building out from your mission basics to create a clear, credible and authentic identity without breaking your budget. You can find more about this on our Donorbox Nonprofit Blog, with resources to help you create a useful strategy for building or boosting your organization’s brand here: https://donorbox.org/nonprofit-blog/building-a-strong-nonprofit-brand or reach out for additional support at Spotlights@donorbox.orgSupport the show

Send us a textIn this episode, Cara is joined by Donorbox Brand Ambassador, Jena Lynch, unpacking the hard work that goes into developing- and sustaining - productive and effective donor relationships.  Jena’s heart for helping others drives the incisive, and profoundly practical, insights she shares.  From her time on the frontlines of fundraising to her daily engagement with nonprofits of all sizes across the globe as a brand ambassador, Jena has a wealth of proven tips for making the most of your donor relationships.  Together with Cara’s passion for fundraising practices and fundamentals, this is an actionable episode from start to end.If you would like to hear (and see) more of Jena, she can be found, along with all of The Nonprofit Podcast and a selection of webinars on some of the topics covered on this episode, here: https://www.youtube.com/c/DonorboxOr Spotlights@Donorbox.org  to reach out,  or share your opinions and experiences with Cara and Jena. Support the show

Send us a textHope is a mighty emotion that can make even the most dire circumstances bearable!  Founder of Maya’s Hope,  Maya Crauderueff, recognized this after the death of her mother and took the decision to be the bringer of hope to orphaned, impoverished, and special-needs children everywhere, so they would know that they were loved, cared for, and were not alone.Cara and Maya dig deep into the journey, from one woman on a mission to delivering hope globally, touching on the role of volunteers, especially focused on program delivery in conflict areas, and the challenges of fundraising as the world’s attention shifts away from the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Ukraine, a key focus area for the organization, and how online fundraising tools can make all the difference to sustaining support for both crises and ongoing causes.Today Maya’s Hope provides Emergency Surgeries to children who otherwise would not be able to receive medical care due to poverty and lack of support.  They cover immediate needs such as diapers, wipes, formula, medicines and medical equipment or therapy for impoverished children with special needs.   Whether providing funding for loving caregivers, vitamin-rich formula, or access to quality medical care, Maya’s Hope improves lives, one child at a time!  You can support them here: Maya's Hope (mayashope.org)  or https://www.facebook.com/MayasHopeSupport the show

Send us a textIt’s all about our furry friends today as Cara sits down with Austin Meadows, Executive Director of “For the Love of Alex”.  Providing emergency funding for life-saving veterinary care of pets of low-income families For the Love of Alex has been the difference between life and death for many pets since starting in 2013.  Started by Elizabeth Hedges, who sadly passed away in February of 2018, For the love of Alex is named after her cat, Alex, who went to join Elizabeth in early May this year, after bringing an opportunity for healing to many domestic pets and families. Cara and Austin follow the story of how For the Love of Alex began when Alex had a medical emergency and required surgery.  The experience made Elizabeth wonder what would happen if she was not in a position to afford Alex’s surgery. And so, For the Love of Alex was started with the mission to provide emergency funding to save the lives of pets in need. By the 3rd year, the dedicated founder was able to raise $1M in online donations.  Today the organization remains committed to saving lives and bringing hope to low-income pet owners and families and you can support them, or apply for services for your pet here: https://www.fortheloveofalex.org/Support the show

Send us a textIn this crossover podcast with Neighbors With No Doors, Cara interviews Josiah Haken about his journey from kitchen salesman, to Starbucks barista, to outreach worker, to CEO. We discuss the root causes of homelessness and the impact of holistic engagement and care coordination.Founded in 1989, City Relief has mobilized thousands of volunteers to compassionately serve those struggling with homelessness by providing hope and resources that lead towards life transformation. Josiah leads a team of volunteers delivering a model of volunteering that enriches the lives of all who participate in the program.  He is widely recognized as the “go-to person” in New York City when it comes to teaching others how to engage with the homeless. He leads workshops with many of NYC’s major organizations that deal with homelessness, as well as with many faith communities in NYC, NJ and across the US.Josiah is the host of Neighbors With No Doors, a remarkable long-form podcast that really gets to grips with meeting the challenges of homelessness with dignity, support and respect.   You can find out more about City Relief, Josiah and his committed team here:City Relief: https://cityrelief.org/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neighbors-with-no-doors/id1617288086YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0_F9YMtjVM7wVd-70fQxwTwitter: https://twitter.com/withnodoorsDonorbox, helping you help others.Free Donate Button - Donorbox Nonprofit Fundraising SoftwareSupport the show

Send us a textBelieving in yourself is very difficult to do when your society sees you as “less than” because you’re a girl. It’s nearly impossible without support. Global Sojourns Giving Circle, in partnership with local changemakers, provides this support to girls and young women across the southern African region.Cara sits down with founder Priscilla Plummer, and Zambia-based Mentor Gloria Mubita, to unpack how GSGC provides grants to community-based organizations run by dynamic changemakers.  By providing mentorship to youth, with a focus on empowering girls and the ultimate goal of breaking the cycle of deep poverty, GSGC illustrates how investing in girls is one of the most effective ways to both uplift families and communities. Since its inception, GSGC has been committed to a focus on girls and local leadership. Influenced by the many benefits Priscilla herself received from supportive mentors in her youth, and her commitment to “going deeper” in understanding, she recognized the importance of empowering local mentors for local youth and providing an educational component for donors. The results of this work show us, on a daily basis, that empowering local people leads to more meaningful and sustainable impact.Find out more about Global Sojourns Giving Circle’s work and donate here: Global Sojourns Giving Circle (gsgivingcircle.org)Support the show

Send us a textNova Ukraine is dedicated to providing humanitarian aid and raising awareness about Ukraine in the United States as well as in the rest of the world.  They established solid relationships and worked hard to grow partnerships over the past several years. Because of this, Nova Ukraine was able to get right to work as tension built at the Ukrainian borders and formed part of the first response as the missile attacks started at the end of February. In the States, they’ve worked with individuals and partnerships to raise money and deliver tons of medical supplies and generators, load cargo planes, and provide accommodations to hungry and tired people and animals in and outside Ukraine. Yulia Zimmermann may be listed as the Marketing Lead for the organization, but after 30 minutes with her, you will know that for Yulia and Nova Ukraine, this is just the start.  Their passion and commitment to supporting a free and independent country will continue until peace is restored.  Yulia still has family struggling to leave, but her compassion and commitment to working for all affected Ukrainians is both compelling and inspiring. Links to the music, book, and performance Yulia recommends are listed below. Learn more about the organization and how you can help here: https://novaukraine.org/donate/Resource links:1. Music video by Florence+Machine, shot in Kyiv, Nov 2021 > Florence + The Machine - Free2. Music band Dakha Brakha3. Book: Red Famine STALIN'S WAR ON UKRAINE By Anne Applebaum4. Bay to Breakers + Nova Ukraine Running Fundraiser5. Events: https://novaukraine.org/war-time-events/6. NU Get involved: https://novaukraine.org/getinvolved/Support the show

Send us a textChad Martz was in Ukraine in late February overseeing Hungry for Life compassionate projects that included orphan care and food programs in the central-eastern regions for communities based in Nikopol, Poltava, and Mariupol. On February 24, as Russia invaded Chad, his Ukrainian wife Mary and their extended family, became the nucleus of Hungry for Life’s operations in the area that now sits in the eye of the storm.Today Cara sits down with Chad, now in western Ukraine, and Jeremy Roberts to discuss how this small organization has transformed into a frontline emergency responder, the inspiring support of volunteers, and the challenge of fundraising as the conflict continues to shatter lives.Canada-based Hungry for Life has been working in Ukraine since 2004, helping groups engage in compassionate projects such as widow care, food programs, social assistance, and building projects. Today together with local partners, volunteers and funds raised in Canada and around the world they continue to support as many in dire need as they can.You can reach out and/or donate here: https://www.hungryforlife.org/donateSupport the show

Send us a textThe conflict in Ukraine continues to take a terrible toll as it enters the second month.  In response to the ever-increasing humanitarian need, we connected with two nonprofit organizations that have been able to pivot their on-the-ground programs and respond to the challenge of distributing emergency aid through local partnerships and networks.Jeremy Roberts, IT Director of Hungry For Life International (HFL), and Yulia Zimmermann, co-founder of Nova Ukraine, share both their organizations’ strategies and needs going forward in a frank discussion.  Covering how in moments of extreme need the shared objective becomes a common goal, presenting opportunities to partner with other nonprofits who are better positioned to deliver the life-saving aid as quickly, safely, and efficiently as possible.Canada-based Hungry for Life has been working in Ukraine since 2004, helping groups engage in compassionate projects such as widow and orphan care, food programs, social assistance, and building projects. Hungry For Life's projects are primarily located in the central-east of the country, in the areas of Nikopol, Poltava, and Mariupol. We will be catching up with Jeremy and colleague Chad, on the ground in Ukrainein the coming week to find out more, but you can reach out and/or donate here: https://www.hungryforlife.org/donateNova Ukraine is dedicated to providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine and raising awareness about Ukraine in the United States as well as in the rest of the world.  They have to date delivered over 3 tons of medical supplies, millions of dollars in food and emergency aid, and partnered with others to provide accommodation to refugees in and outside of Ukraine.  Find out more and donate here: https://novaukraine.org/donate/Support the show

Send us a textRigid gender stereotypes are a public health crisis. For girls, gender stereotypes are the root cause of body hatred and shame, eating disorders, depression, low self-esteem, and low leadership ambition. For boys, gender role expectations are the primary driver of depression, risk-taking activities, substance abuse, suicide, and violence.The mission of today’s featured nonprofit, The Representation Project, is to fight sexism through films, education, research, and activism. They use media to challenge harmful gender norms and stereotypes. In the past decade, they have launched two national conversations that have changed the hearts and minds of millions. Join us in discussion with Dr. Caroline Heldman, Executive Director of The Representation Project, and find out more about the struggle to create a more equitable world where all humans can reach their full potential!Support the show