Agents Of Nonprofit podcast

42:54

How can nonprofits build stronger, long-term donor relationships? In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit , I sit down with Leigh Sandison, founder of Real Path, to discuss the importance of modernizing donor engagement strategies. Leigh shares insights from her journey in both corporate and nonprofit sectors, highlighting the gaps she noticed in fundraising approaches. She explains why many organizations struggle with donor retention, how outdated assumptions hinder fundraising success, and what nonprofits can do to build more effective, data-driven donor relationships. Topics We Cover: Leigh Sandison’s career journey from Macmillan Cancer Support to founding Real Path The common mistakes nonprofits make when mapping the donor journey Why many fundraising strategies are based on internal assumptions rather than real donor insights How qualitative research, like donor interviews, can reshape engagement strategies The challenges of donor segmentation and why nonprofits often attract the same demographics The cost of acquiring new donors vs. retaining existing ones – and why retention is key Strategies for calculating and increasing donor lifetime value (LTV) Hidden costs of donor acquisition and why nonprofits need to track their true fundraising expenses To Learn More and Connect with Leigh: Email Leigh@RealPath.ca RealPath.ca Leigh Sandison on LinkedIn Support the show…

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Why Staff Are Leaving & How to Fix It with Cindy Wagman 47:55

il y a environ 11 jours47:55

47:55

The nonprofit sector is facing a major HR crisis, with high turnover rates and a shortage of experienced professionals. In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit I speak with Cindy Wagman about the root causes of these challenges and explores innovative solutions like fractional fundraising. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, consultant, or industry professional, this episode provides actionable strategies to strengthen your organization and retain top talent. Topics We Cover: Cindy's journey from volunteering to nonprofit consulting Why nonprofits struggle to hire and retain skilled professionals The hidden costs of hiring underqualified staff for key roles How leadership gaps contribute to high turnover rates The impact of poor mentorship and training on nonprofit employees What fractional fundraising is and how it benefits small organizations The difference between fractional consulting and traditional consulting Tips for managing workload, setting boundaries, and choosing the right clients as a consultant To Learn More and Connect with Cindy: FractionalFundraising.co NonprofitFractionals.com Cindy Wagman on LinkedIn Support the show…

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How Maverick Leadership Drives Nonprofit Innovation with Sharon Lee 48:18

il y a environ 18 jours48:18

48:18

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit , I'm joined by Sharon Lee, a nonprofit leader with over 20 years of experience. With the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, Sharon challenges outdated industry practices and embraces innovative strategies to increase engagement and funding. Topics We Cover: How Sharon’s unexpected career shift led her to nonprofit work The importance of questioning outdated practices in nonprofit organizations Innovative fundraising strategies that move beyond traditional methods The power of storytelling and advocacy in driving systemic change Overcoming resistance when introducing new ideas in nonprofits Sustainable community projects and how they empower local populations Servant leadership and its role in creating lasting impact The future of nonprofit leadership and the importance of ongoing development To Learn More and Connect with Sharon: CPFF.ca Info@CPFF.ca Sharon Lee on LinkedIn Support the show…

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Smarter Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofits with Jessie Katz 38:11

il y a environ 25 jours38:11

38:11

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit , I sit down with fundraising expert Jessie Katz to uncover the secrets of quick wins in nonprofit fundraising. From high-ROI fundraising events to long-term donor engagement tactics, this conversation is packed with actionable insights that can transform any nonprofit’s fundraising approach. Topics We Cover: Jesse Katz’s journey from social work to nonprofit fundraising Why traditional fundraising methods may not be as effective as you think What constitutes a "quick win" and how to identify them in your nonprofit Real-life example: Turning a $3,000 event into $250,000 in pledges The importance of systematizing and replicating successful fundraising models How board members can use their networks to strengthen donor relationships Crafting a compelling case for support to drive donor engagement Moving beyond one-time donations: Building a culture of ongoing donor involvement To Learn More and Connect with Jessie: Jessie@zivphilanthropy.com ZivPhilanthropy.com Support the show…

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How Emotional Intelligence Shapes Leadership with Jennifer Gardner 41:51

il y a 5 weeks41:51

41:51

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit , I sit down with Jennifer Gardner, a former trial lawyer turned leadership coach, to discuss the vital role of emotional intelligence, empathy, and storytelling in effective leadership. Jennifer shares her journey from the courtroom to coaching, revealing how neuroscience and persuasion techniques can help nonprofit leaders engage stakeholders, influence change, and drive impact. Through real-world examples and research-backed insights, she explains why emotional intelligence isn’t just a soft skill—it’s the foundation of true leadership. Topics We Cover: How Jennifer Gardner transitioned from law to leadership coaching The science behind empathy, mirror neurons, and human connection Why sensitivity and emotional awareness are key to persuasion The role of emotional contagion in political and nonprofit leadership Balancing logic and emotion for effective persuasion Using storytelling, case studies, and data to inspire action Ethical influence: using persuasion for positive change How nonprofit leaders can develop emotional intelligence for greater impact To Learn More & Connect with Jennifer: JenniferBGardner.com Jennifer B Gardner on LinkedIn @iamjenniferbgardner on Instagram Empathy, mirror neurons and SYNC article Emotional Intelligence book by Daniel Goleman Support the show…

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Expert Email Marketing Tips for Nonprofits with Katelyn Baughan 38:29

il y a 6 weeks38:29

38:29

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit , I welcome Katelyn Baughan, founder of KB Digital, to explore the untapped potential of email marketing for nonprofits. Katelyn shares her journey from the tech world to nonprofit marketing and dives deep into strategies that drive engagement, retain donors, and boost fundraising success. Topics We Cover: Katelyn's journey from tech to nonprofit marketing and her passion for email communication Why email marketing outperforms other channels with a 36:1 ROI for nonprofits How A/B testing can improve engagement and reveal audience preferences Key email metrics to track: click-through rates, reply rates, and conversion rates The importance of maintaining a clean email list to optimize engagement and performance Strategies for balancing value-driven content with direct fundraising asks (the 80/20 rule) How segmentation and targeted newsletters can boost engagement with specific audience groups Tips for creating effective fundraising emails during critical periods like year-end campaigns To Learn More and Connect with Katelyn: KatelynBaughan.com Katelyn Baughan on LinkedIn Support the show…

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Mentorship, Recovery, and Empowerment with Ken Miller 50:13

il y a 7 weeks50:13

50:13

In this powerful episode of Agents of Nonprofit , I speak with Ken Miller, whose life journey is nothing short of transformative. After overcoming a tumultuous childhood, addiction, and time in prison, Ken turned his life around to become a mentor and advocate for young Black men facing similar challenges. Ken’s story highlights the importance of self-belief, mentorship, and breaking through mental roadblocks to achieve personal growth. Topics We Cover: Ken Miller’s early life struggles and transformation from foster care to Dartmouth College. The impact of addiction and incarceration on Ken’s life and his eventual turning point. The pivotal moments that led to Ken’s recovery and new sense of purpose. The significance of mentorship, particularly within the Black male community. Challenges faced by young Black men, including the absence of father figures and societal pressures. The impact of gang violence and how respect and recognition play a role in youth behavior. Ken’s approach to mentoring, starting with the question, "What is your dream?" Key books and concepts used in Ken’s mentorship practice to foster self-esteem and trust. To Learn More and Connect with Ken: KenMillerSpeaks.com Ken Miller on LinkedIn The Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden Support the show…

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Redefining Parental Leave in Nonprofits with Lacey Kempinski 35:36

il y a 8 weeks35:36

35:36

In this insightful episode of Agents of Nonprofit , I'm joined by Lacey Kempinski, a former fundraiser turned entrepreneur, to explore the evolving concept of work-life balance in the nonprofit sector. Lacey shares her personal journey of navigating motherhood while maintaining her career and the founding of Balanced Good, a company that supports nonprofit leaders, particularly women, with parental leave solutions. Topics We Cover: The challenges of balancing work and parenthood in the nonprofit sector Work-life integration: Why it’s a more sustainable solution than work-life balance How nonprofit leaders can manage parental leave without causing burnout or resentment The importance of offering flexible work environments to reduce burnout Differences between parental leave policies in Canada vs. the U.S. The difficulties of filling senior roles temporarily during parental leave The importance of grassroots advocacy and systemic changes for better parental leave policies Collaborating with organizations and policymakers to improve parental leave benefits To Learn More and Connect with Lacey: Lacey Kempinski on LinkedIn Balanced Good on LinkedIn BalancedGood.com @BalancedGood on Instagram Support the show…

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AI Through the Eyes of an 11-Year-Old: Ruby’s Insightful Take on the Future of Work and Play 29:09

il y a 9 weeks29:09

29:09

In this special New Year episode of Agents of Nonprofit , I'm joined by my niece Ruby for a refreshingly candid conversation about artificial intelligence, technology’s impact on jobs, and the possibilities of a utopian future. Ruby, a bright and curious sixth-grader, shares her concerns about robots replacing humans in the workforce and discusses her hopes for a world where people can pursue their passions without financial worries. Together, they dive into topics like Universal Basic Income, the ethics of AI-generated art, and what it might mean to live in a society without money. This engaging special episode blends thoughtful musings with a dash of youthful imagination - and next week we continue with our regularly scheduled episodes with the regularly scheduled format. Support the show…

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Crafting Government Relations Strategies for Nonprofit Impact with Puneet Luthra 50:21

il y a 11 weeks50:21

50:21

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit , I speak with Puneet Luthra, a government relations expert with a deep commitment to the nonprofit sector. Puneet discusses the critical role these relationships play in influencing policy, securing funding, and driving change on social issues. Drawing from his wealth of experience, Puneet provides practical advice on building strategic partnerships with government bodies, aligning nonprofit goals with public priorities, and fostering long-term, collaborative efforts to create lasting societal impact. Topics We Cover: Puneet’s journey into nonprofit-focused government relations and his early experiences with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada The importance of aligning nonprofit goals with government priorities How nonprofits can influence public policy and secure funding through strategic government relations Navigating the complex dynamics between nonprofits and government entities Understanding the motivations of high-net-worth individuals and government bodies to foster better relationships Real-world examples of nonprofit persistence in addressing long-standing societal issues The value of maintaining neutrality and avoiding partisan stances when engaging with the government Practical steps for nonprofits starting their government relations efforts, including identifying key stakeholders and reaching out to local representatives To Learn More and Connect with Puneet: GovernmentRelations.ca Puneet.Luthra@gmail.com Support the show…

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A Mindset for Wellness and Impact with Jarrett Ransom 47:44

il y a 12 weeks47:44

47:44

In this insightful episode of Agents of Nonprofit , I sit down with Jarrett Ransom, affectionately known as "The Nonprofit Nerd," to discuss her passion for nonprofit work, her unique journey, and her philosophy on fostering wellness and abundance within the sector. Together, we explore the importance of moving away from scarcity-driven mindsets, embracing wellness in nonprofit organizations, and creating sustainable systems to support employees and communities alike. Topics We Cover: How Jarrett Ransom earned the title "The Nonprofit Nerd" and what it means to her The early life experiences that shaped Jarrett’s passion for philanthropy Why involving children in community service fosters lifelong habits of giving Understanding scarcity vs. abundance mindsets in nonprofit organizations How shifting to an abundance mindset impacts organizational culture and effectiveness The connection between giving and personal well-being for individuals and teams Practical ways to incorporate wellness initiatives into nonprofit workplaces Tackling financial challenges and ensuring fair compensation for nonprofit employees To Learn More and Connect with Jarrett: Jarrett Ransom on LinkedIn @nonprofit_nerd on Instagram Support the show…

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Donor-Centric Messaging That Works with Caroline Griffin 36:30

il y a 13 weeks36:30

36:30

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit , I chat with Caroline Griffin about the transformative power of donor-centric messaging. Caroline shares her unique journey from aspiring Broadway performer to nonprofit professional, weaving together her passion for communication and storytelling. This conversation offers actionable tips for strengthening donor retention and deepening connections through thoughtful messaging. Topics We Cover: Caroline Griffin’s inspiring pivot from theater to nonprofit work What "donor-centric messaging" really means and how it goes beyond just using names in emails The 7:1 ratio of value-based communication to fundraising asks—and why it works How timing and planning can transform your nonprofit’s fundraising strategy. The power of open-ended questions like “Why did you donate?” in uncovering donor motivations Leveraging AI tools to analyze donor data and draft impactful communications Balancing personalization with scalability as nonprofit donor lists grow Practical tactics for engaging donors on social media, via SMS, and through email To Learn More and Connect with Caroline: Caroline Griffin on LinkedIn E-Mail Caroline Griffin Support the show…

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How Three Students Created a Lifeline for Ukrainian Refugees with Emma Cotner 23:32

il y a 14 weeks23:32

23:32

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, we welcome Emma Cotner, co-founder of Learn and Earn, an inspiring initiative providing essential online education resources to Ukrainian refugee students affected by the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Emma discusses the program’s unique approach to supporting students aged 9-16 with critical resources like Chromebooks and internet access, the challenges of scaling, and plans for sustainable growth. Topics We Cover: The origin story of the Learn and Earn program and its mission to support Ukrainian refugees How Emma and her classmates identified a gap in educational resources for displaced students The role of social media and Ukrainian influencers in scaling the program's outreach Key challenges in providing Chromebooks and internet access to refugee students in need The significance of launch events in building community and teaching tech skills Funding efforts, including an annual gala and individual donor contributions Scaling issues and the impact of a growing waitlist on program sustainability Plans for future expansion, including corporate partnerships and streamlined logistics To Learn More and Connect with Emma: Learn and Earn Website Contact Learn and Earn Support the show…

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Exploring AI’s Role in the Future of Giving with Ben Freda 51:32

il y a 15 weeks51:32

51:32

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Ben Freda, a former corporate lawyer turned nonprofit leader, to discuss his transformative journey into mission-driven work. We dive into the potential of AI in nonprofits, the ethical implications of advanced AI, and the steps organizations can take to harness technology for meaningful impact. Topics We Cover: Ben’s journey from corporate law to nonprofit consulting, and what fueled his decision to change careers How an unexpected volunteer role inspired Ben’s passion for community-focused work The current impact of AI on nonprofit operations, from automating tasks to boosting productivity Why generative AI, like ChatGPT, is especially useful for small to medium-sized nonprofits The potential of predictive AI to improve donor management and fundraising strategies Challenges that nonprofits face in adopting AI, particularly around data organization and cost Ethical considerations surrounding AI, including the potential risks of advanced general intelligence (AGI) A hopeful vision for the future, where AI enables nonprofits to focus on tasks requiring human connection and creativity To Learn More and Connect with Ben: AI Consulting BFCDigital.com Email Ben@BFCDigital.com Support the show…

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Transforming Nonprofit Marketing from Bland to Bold with Christina Edwards 39:49

il y a 16 weeks39:49