Episoder
-
Running a nonprofit can be hard.
You’re leading a dedicated crew into the heart of challenging crises. But if you’re like most nonprofit leaders, no one trained you on how to set healthy boundaries, offer emotional support, or ensure your team’s time and talents aren’t undervalued.
Juggling all of this while also striving to make a positive impact through your mission can leave even the most fearless leaders feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, and lost.
So what’s the antidote?
Our guest today says the best place to start is by staying connected to your “why,” leading by example through hands-on involvement, and uplifting your people.
Ann Lee is the Co-Founder and CEO of CORE: Community Organized Relief Effort, an organization that collaborates locally and globally to provide equitable relief in the face of disasters. They have worked on five continents responding to natural disasters, conflict, food insecurity, disease outbreaks, climate change, and public health emergencies.
In this episode, Ann shares what she’s learned over the years—from co-founding this organization with film icon Sean Penn to how they expanded from 10 US-based employees to over 2,500 in a single year during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is one you don’t want to miss!
Looking for our key takeaways from this conversation? Find them on the show notes for this episode.
Links:Historic AgencyConnect with CORE on their LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, or their website.Connect with Ann on LinkedIn or InstagramConnect with Sean Penn on Instagram[BOOK] Culture Built My BrandMentioned in this episode:
Presented by Classy
Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising?At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy....
-
“As an employee of a nonprofit, you're maybe blessed to get paid for the work you do every day, but it doesn't mean you care about it any more or less than the people that are giving you money. And so, by drawing them in, you build an army of committed advocates and activists for your cause. You're having an impact on the hearts of your donors by drawing them in. You're making the world a better place by creating an army of generous people.” – Gabe Cooper
What if your nonprofit could inspire generosity that drives your mission forward and scales your impact? In this episode, we sit down with Gabe Cooper, founder and CEO of Virtuous, to explore how to go beyond transactional fundraising to build authentic, human-centered relationships that draw donors more deeply into your mission.
Gabe shares his insights on donor motivations—and how you can rope them in as advocates and activists for your cause. You’ll learn about the importance of the heart and how to give supporters a cause that shapes their personal identities. He also shares why it’s critical to consider the value donors receive through their generosity. By treating supporters as true partners in your mission, Gabe believes nonprofits can unleash a wave of support that fuels impactful change.
With his background in for-profit tech and software development, Gabe is passionate about product development and giving nonprofits best-in-class tools. In this episode, he shares key lessons on innovation and provides simple, strategic, actionable tips for launching your first, small-scale innovative venture.
Listen in as Gabe dives into how organizations can adapt to changing donor expectations, use human-centered design, and harness the power of generosity to drive their missions forward. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your donor relationships or take your fundraising to the next level, this episode offers a playbook for inspiring generosity that achieves more than you ever thought possible.
Contents
1 – Gabe’s introduction to philanthropy (03:05)
2 – The power of giving and importance of nonprofits (07:10)
3 – Putting donors at the center of the mission (16:45)
4 – Simplifying innovation (23:50)
5 – Harnessing human-centered design (31:18)
6 – Gabe’s parting advice (36:28)
LinksHistoric AgencyGabe Cooper on LinkedInGabe's book | The Responsive NonprofitCulture Built My BrandMentioned in this episode:
Presented by Classy
Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising?At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what
-
Mangler du episoder?
-
"You really have to be committed to your mission because if you are committed to your model and you just do things that serve the model because the model doesn't look broken, but it no longer serves your mission - you lose. And so having the courage to burn the ships and say, even though the ships could probably still sail, in order to really take hold of what I know we need to be doing, we need to let them go and to burn them so that we can fully take hold of the opportunity ahead of us." - Suzy Gray
Success feels great! Every nonprofit team is boosted by a good win. But is it possible for your team to get too comfortable with your current measure of success? Because the key to greater impact often involves stepping into uncharted waters, where risk and reward go hand in hand.
Suzy Gray, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Your Move, believes that to achieve meaningful growth, nonprofit leaders must embrace the discomfort of bold decision-making. And part of that involves detaching from past successes.
After a decade in corporate telecommunications leadership, Suzy left to pursue work that aligned with her purpose, ultimately co-founding Your Move with pastor Andy Stanley.
In this special Camp Redwood Session, Suzy shares about her nonprofit’s early success—and the daring “burn-the-ships” decision they made to expand their reach. Drawing from top tech company strategies, Your Move connected big data insights with ministry goals to build an innovative model for outreach. But as Suzy emphasizes, true impact requires constant evolution—and, for Your Move, focusing on where to find their audience now, not where they used to be.
With passion, purpose, and poise, Suzy offers insights on taking informed risks, innovating fearlessly, and making decisions that truly matter. Whether you’re facing the challenges of change, restructuring for impact, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode provides a roadmap for leading with confidence, courage, and purpose. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on leading your nonprofit through uncharted waters, staying true to your mission while pursuing bigger goals.
Contents
1 – Suzy’s background and transition to nonprofit (03:15)
2 – How to find what you love & love what you do (08:38)
3 – Burning the boats and focusing the mission (14:00)
4 – Suzy’s key learnings (25:30)
LinksHistoric AgencySuzy Gray on LinkedInYour Move CollectiveCulture Built My BrandMentioned in this episode:
Presented by Classy
Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising?At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion...
-
"95% of the world's pastors have no formal ministry training. And the best thing that we had done in all those years was training pastors and communities of poverty. So we said, “If it's not training urban ministers, it goes.” We got down to the nitty-gritty of one focus, which is training urban pastors and church leaders, because we believe that that will lead to healthier churches, which will then lead to the influencing of their neighborhoods to flourish." - Rev. Dr. Alvin Sanders
Courageous leadership isn’t just about making decisions. It’s about making the right ones, even when it’s difficult.
Rev. Dr. Alvin Sanders has a singular passion: to develop leaders, strengthen churches, and create redemptive communities that thrive in urban contexts. But getting there requires bold leadership, courageous decision making, and a willingness to narrow your focus to stay true to your mission.
In this episode, Alvin shares his journey as President and CEO of World Impact, an organization that has launched over 750 church-planting teams since 2016. He reveals the highs and lows of guiding the organization through a six-year mission overhaul—and how eliminating distractions is key to scaling nonprofit impact.
Alvin’s leadership at World Impact is driven by his deep commitment to social justice and community empowerment. He discusses how his upbringing and personal experiences instilled in him the belief that all people have gifts and abilities, inspiring him to equip church leaders to help people flourish in urban contexts.
Throughout the conversation, Alvin dives into the challenges of confronting injustice and broken systems, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement in making the world a better place. He also shares what he’s learned as he’s leaned into tough decisions, restructured management, and led with clarity and purpose.
Tune in for Alvin’s insights on collaboration, resilience, and courageous leadership—and discover a powerful blueprint for any nonprofit leader aiming to create lasting change.
Contents
1 - Growing up and early influences that shaped Alvin’s path (03:00)
2 - Alvin’s early experiences and calling to ministry (08:50)
3 - World Impact and their mission (12:50)
4 - Strategic leadership, collaboration & World Impact restructure (20:00)
5 - Implementing continuous improvement (28:30)
6 - Alvin’s biggest challenge and advice for leaders (30:15)
LinksHistoric AgencyAlvin Sanders on LinkedInWorld ImpactBernard's Story on YTCulture Built My BrandMentioned in this episode:
Presented by Classy
Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising?At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and
-
“We want to create an environment where people want to show up with all of their energy and enthusiasm to really do their best work. And at the same time, for that to be aligned with the organization's purpose and goals and values. That ultimately creates better organizational outcomes for customers, for donors, because they get someone on the phone that is engaged, or they look at something that was created by someone that was engaged. It all feeds into each other. ” - Jurriaan Kamer
In today’s fast-paced world, speed is often equated with progress. Acceleration is essential for nonprofits that seek growth and innovation. But speed for speed’s sake comes with risk, side-lining organizational values, goals, and team morale.
Enter Jurriaan Kamer, an organizational designer dedicated to reshaping organizations into more agile, human-centered workplaces. By balancing autonomy with alignment, Jurriaan and his team at Unblock are creating thriving environments where efficiency and culture work in tandem.
In this episode, Jurriaan shares how your nonprofit can tap into the power of a Formula 1 race team to accelerate your outcomes, adapt to change, and set up your team to perform at peak every day. You’ll hear tips on tackling team dysfunction and poor time management. Jurriaan also offers practical solutions for creating autonomous, collaborative, and high-performing teams, such as launching a regular cadence of retrospectives and establishing well-defined goals. Tune in to discover new ways to unlock your organization’s potential and accelerate your impact with the precision of a Formula 1 team.
Contents
1 - How Jurriaan developed awareness and adaptability
2 - Early work in complex systems and collaboration
3 - Lessons in agility and adaptability from Formula 1
4 - Assessing and understanding organizational needs
5 - Defining clear strategies
6 - Creating empowered, autonomous environments
7 - Balancing culture with efficiency
LinksHistoric AgencyJurriaan Kamer WebsiteJurriaan Kamer on LinkedInJurriaan’s book ‘Formula X’Unblock WebsiteCulture Built My BrandMentioned in this episode:
Presented by Classy
Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising?At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full...
-
“As CEO of Water4, every trip I take, I go out to communities, I spend the night and go house to house and see if the taps are working, talk to customers, see what's going on, see what life's really like. And then my job is to thank them for being a customer, not for them to thank me for being a benefactor.” - Matt Hangen
In a sector filled with beneficiaries and benefactors, one international organization is challenging outdated models and disrupting traditional power structures.
In this bonus episode from the Camp Redwood Sessions, meet Matt Hangen, the visionary CEO of Water4, a trailblazing nonprofit revolutionizing the fight against water scarcity through innovative, business-driven solutions. How? By treating access to water as a consumer service rather than a handout. As a result, Water4 is boosting health—and economic opportunities—throughout rural African communities.
Discover Matt’s journey and the bold strategies making waves across rural Africa. Get an insider look at the pivotal moments that shaped Matt’s in-the-trenches, consumer-focused mindset. Matt also shares how his early work revealed the limitations of traditional charity models and inspired Water4’s business-based approach. He explores why empathy is at the heart of his strategy and how a deep understanding of the end users' needs can drive real change. Tune in to this must-listen episode to explore new ways to drive social impact, think bigger, and make a lasting difference where it’s needed most.
Contents
1 - Early mentorship and nonprofit influences
2 - Traveling to Africa and work in water
3 - Understanding water scarcity and consumer audience
4 - Building an innovative consumer-focused model
5 - Scaling and growth opportunities
6 - Advice for nonprofit leaders
LinksHistoric AgencyMatt Hangen on LinkedInNUMA WaterWater4Culture Built My BrandMentioned in this episode:
Presented by Classy
Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising?At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.
-
“At that time, I really thought that money was the biggest issue. What I soon realized was that actually, not having money was not the biggest issue. The biggest issue was that the adults in my life were struggling so deeply, and there were severe mental health issues taking place. And so it was this shift from trying to eliminate adversity, to trying to pull a lever that actually could be pulled, which is just to get mental health resources into these high-need environments." - Rachel Miller
Have you ever set out to tackle one problem, only to realize there’s a much deeper, underlying problem that needs to get untangled first?
Meet Rachel Miller. She’s the founder and CEO of Closegap, a nonprofit dedicated to improving students’ mental health by addressing untreated trauma before it turns into a long-term, debilitating issue.
Believing money to be the big problem for students, Rachel set out to close the gap between immediate needs and resources. But as she reflected on her own devastating childhood trauma, she realized that the real demand was for life-saving mental health support that navigates students through the trauma that far too many kids have to face. With a strategic pivot, she turned CloseGap toward addressing the growing mental health crisis unfolding in our schools.
In this episode, Rachel shares how her own childhood struggles led her to the nonprofit she’s leading today with incredible courage, compassion, and commitment. We unpack Closegap's innovative, transformative approach to improving student mental health. We also explore unconventional nonprofit funding strategies and what it takes to foster a team dedicated to championing your cause. Tune in for an episode packed with inspiration and insights on building trust and persevering to make a greater social impact.
Contents
1 - Rachel’s upbringing and teenage struggles
2 - Closegap’s origins, and how its mission evolved
3 - History of mental health resources in schools
4 - Closegap’s model and revenue streams
5 - Power dynamics and donor relationships in nonprofit work
6 - The importance of strong teams and culture
LinksHistoric Agency988 Mental Health Crisis LineRachel Miller on LinkedInClosegapCulture Built My BrandMentioned in this episode:
Presented by Classy
Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising?At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what...
-
"Imagine a hospital environment and having a million different pieces of equipment from a million different manufacturers and trying to maintain that or to repair it would be really difficult. And so we standardized our equipment, we're standardizing our services and we're standardizing our practices and our policies and even the way that we manage people. I think now we've gone to a place where actually if we do standardize a lot of the practices, it allows us to deliver our mission better. And we can all get pretty excited about that." - Justin Narducci
Imagine for a moment that your mission is to provide vital surgery to children in some of the world’s most underserved communities. How do you deliver high-quality, life-changing care, especially through a global pandemic? What systems and procedures do you need to build for an international workforce, many of whom live and work in places crippled by a cost-of-living crisis?
Those are the challenges faced by Justin Narducci, president and CEO of Cure International, an organization dedicated to providing the highest standard of surgical care to vulnerable children living with disabilities in Africa and Asia. With a passion for serving and a love for data, Justin is not only leading the charge to bring world-class care to children who need it most, but also innovating ways to make his team’s work more simple and reproducible.
In this episode, Justin shares how a pivotal teenage experience inspired him to serve. You’ll learn about his background in international business, which led him to serve alongside the world’s top engineers at Boeing. Justin unpacks how his for-profit career informs his day-to-day leadership at Cure International—and how mastering the management of good systems and data can fuel wide-reaching global impact. Tune in for Justin’s top insights on purpose-driven leadership and his collaborative efforts to make a world-changing impact in global healthcare.
Contents
(2:30) Justin's background and the catalyst for conviction.
(4:52) For-profit principles that serve the nonprofit mission.
(9:36) Joining Cure International and facing the challenge of Covid.
(13:31) How metrics matter for nonprofits.
(17:02) Innovating with impact.
(26:05) Cultivating culture in an international operation.
(28:43) Tackling threats that face nonprofit missions
(32:56) Justin's advice for nonprofit leaders.
LinksHistoric AgencyCure InternationalJustin Narducci LinkedinCulture Built My BrandMentioned in this episode:
Presented by Classy
Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising?At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's...
-
"We have every intention of being as additive as possible to this space. I think change in general is uncomfortable, and I think in nonprofit work there can be an aversion to change and aversion to risk. And as much as possible, it's our job to show why we are not something to be afraid of." – Ben Collier
Many nonprofits are launched in response to a pressing problem. Yet so many struggle to address those problems effectively. The key to nonprofit success lies in their ability to offer viable solutions rather than simply managing the problem.
That’s the mindset that drives Ben Collier's work at FarmLink, an innovative organization bridging the gap between the food waste and hunger in the US.
Each year, 40% of food grown in the US goes to waste. At the same time, 34 million Americans face food insecurity. Food banks play a crucial role in addressing hunger. But their capacity is limited. That's where FarmLink is stepping in, connecting surplus produce with those in need. By adding a simple step to the process chain, FarmLink is helping end both food waste and insecurity.
In this bonus Camp Redwood Sessions episode, Ben Collier shares how FarmLink was founded out of a pandemic-era passion project—and the transformations it has experienced to turn it into a thriving nonprofit. Ben also reflects on his personal growth as a young CEO and the organization’s steep learning curves over the past few years. We’ll learn how FarmLink fits into the food conservation cycle and how they’re working to put a stop to the social stigma around food accessibility and solve hunger in America.
Contents
1 - FarmLink’s origin and pandemic-era roots
2 - Transitioning from a college project to a nonprofit foundation
3 - Ben’s leadership experience and evolution
4 - How FarmLink fits into the food donation ecosystem
5 - Ben’s outlook on change and innovation in the industry
6 - FarmLink’s philosophy on social stigma around food assistance
LinksHistoric AgencyThe Farmlink ProjectBen Collier on LinkedInAbundance: The Farmlink StoryCulture Built My BrandMentioned in this episode:
Presented by Classy
Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising?At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.
-
"It's always so important to me that there has to be a thing to do, right? It has to be empowering. Folks are more aware, but there's a level of fatigue, and there's also a level of disempowerment in that knowledge. So that’s the challenge: Making sure that folks aren't just aware, but that they feel like there's something they can do." - Nash Sheard
In nonprofit work, raising awareness around your cause is essential. But awareness is only the first step. The ultimate goal is to inspire action that leads to lasting change.
That’s precisely what Nash Sheard aims to achieve at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a nonprofit advocating for civil liberties in the digital security and privacy sectors. For over 30 years, EFF has held ground as frontrunners in the field. Yet as technology continues to play an increasingly significant role in our lives, it makes security and regulation more vulnerable than ever… and making their cause even more pressing.
In this episode, Nash shares compelling stories from his early days as an activist that led him to the nonprofit world. You’ll hear him describe how his firsthand experiences taught him the power of collaboration, what it means to be a true advocate, and the importance of empowering others to take action. We’ll delve into the history of EFF, exploring its founding and the ongoing fight for digital security in a rapidly evolving world. Tune in for Nash’s take on building trust and perseverance to develop a lasting connection with your audience that inspires lasting results.
Contents
1 - Nash’s introduction to advocacy and protesting
2 - First activist groups and introduction to digital security
3 - History of EFF and current activism
4 - Nash and EFF’s definition of advocacy
5 - Audience empowerment and cultivating trust
6 - Nash’s advice on diversity and inclusion
LinksHistoric AgencyThe Electronic Frontier FoundationNash Sheard on LinkedInJohn Perry Barlow's EFF Blog PostCulture Built My BrandMentioned in this episode:
Presented by Classy
Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising?At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.
-
"As nonprofits, we are often our own worst enemies because we live in these echo chambers. I think so often where we just talk the way we talk to the people that already talk the same way as us. And we miss making the biggest difference and tackling the biggest problems because we only want to talk to the people that want to talk just like us." - Thaddaeus Nichols
When it comes to tackling the biggest global problems, there's a celebrated proverb that's strikingly noteworthy: "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together."
That mindset guides Thaddaeus Nichols' work at International Justice Mission (IJM), an organization that combats trafficking and slavery, violence against women and children, and abuse of power. To help accomplish this, Thaddaeus is reaching millions of potential donors and activists. How? By harnessing partnerships. And, with the help of the NFL and passionate and committed football players, he’s even taken IJM’s message to the Super Bowl.
In this episode, you’ll hear Thaddaeus’ origin story. He shares how lessons he learned in childhood instilled in him an unwavering commitment to care for the poor and powerless—a legacy he continues to build on as Vice President of Partner Programs at IJM. You’ll also hear how solving global issues is a communal effort that takes more than one organization—and how harnessing partnerships helps build empathy, leverage scale, and create impact.
Contents
1 - A unique and formative upbringing
2 - Joining International Justice Mission
3 - Partnerships: Pathway to scale
4 - NFL Super Bowl partnership
5 - Harnessing engagement in the workplace
6 - How to get started and scale partnerships
LinksHistoric AgencyInternational Justice MissionThaddaeus Nichols LinkedInSuper Bowl AdCulture Built My BrandMentioned in this episode:
Presented by Classy
Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising?At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.
-
Future Nonprofit is back for Season 2, featuring a new lineup of visionary nonprofit leaders plus nonprofit-adjacent experts navigating the rapidly changing world and scaling social impact with innovation, boldness, and empathy. Check out the trailer for the upcoming season.
-
The organizations that we work with are structured and operating for where they used to be, not where they are today, much less where we're heading. And in today's pace of change, we as leaders have to be operating and structuring our organizations… for where we're going—not just for where we are today, much less for where we used to be. – Ted Vaughn
Producer and Historic co-founder Mark Miller is back with host Ted Vaughn to offer their top 10 books every nonprofit leader should read.
Pulling titles written by leaders in nonprofit, business, and brain science, Mark and Ted share stories, anecdotes, and top tips from books on psychology, behavior design, human-centered design thinking, and more.
Discover how to design experiences that turn one-time donors into repeat givers, use storytelling to improve staff operations, and help your nonprofit leverage technology and constant change to create the change that the world needs.
Mentioned in this episode:
Presented by Classy
Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising?At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.
-
“There's a younger generation of donors who really don't see themselves as much a donor as they do generous and wanting to stand for certain values. And so their contribution… is an expression of the injustice that they want to fight and their perception of themselves of being that: the fighter for justice and equality in the world.” – Mark Miller
Nonprofit leaders share a collective sigh of relief when the clock hits midnight on December 31. The year-end push is over, and you’re ready for a fresh start.
But how can you make sure this year is different—even better—than the last? How do you prepare for a pace of change that is guaranteed to speed up, faster than ever? You can set your team up for your best year yet by studying up on emerging nonprofit trends and making a plan to stay ahead of the curve.
In this special Trends episode, Future Nonprofit producer and Historic cofounder and partner Mark Miller offers a primer on 9 emerging trends to keep watch for in 2024. From changes in donor giving patterns to making your message stand out in a noisy election year, discover how you can gear up for the year ahead.
Trend 1: Focus on Service Design
Trend 2: Nonprofits Investing in Brand Marketing
Trend 3: Disruptive Messaging
Trend 4: Trained AI Models
Trend 5: Investment in Employee Experiences
Trend 6: Donor Personalization and Customization
Trend 7: Casual and Social Giving
Trend 8: Speed of Decision-Making
Trend 9: Going Beyond Impact Stories
Mentioned in this episode:
Presented by Classy
Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising?At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.
-
Thank you for an amazing Season 1 of Future Nonprofit!
We will be taking a break for the holidays and returning in 2024 with Season 2.
-
"I think this is when it hit me there must be a lot more ideas, innovation, and startups out there that could actually make a difference and could be transforming the way we're looking at the world, but they never have a chance.” - Bernhard Kowatsch
Great ideas are only the beginning. Without the right conditions and opportunities for success, many innovative and potentially game-changing ideas never may never come to fruition. That’s what Bernhard and his team at the World Food Programme Innovation Accelerator work to avoid.
His time at the World Food Programme began as the Head of Business Innovation, and after stepping away to build his start-up Share The Meal, he returned to the WFP to build and serve as the Head of Innovation Accelerator, the world’s biggest social impact startup accelerator. With a background in business consulting at BCG and successful leadership of Share The Meal, Bernhard Kowatsch leverages his extensive experience to support innovative ideas across the globe with the focus of ending world hunger.
In this episode, Bernhard will impart valuable insights on establishing a robust startup foundation, seamlessly integrating innovation into established organizations, and crafting compelling messages to secure funding and support.
Contents
1 - BCG, WFP, and Share The Meal
2 - Building a foundation for success: Advice rapid fire
3 - How to market innovations and earn funding
4 - The WFP Innovation Accelerator’s impact
LinksHistoric AgencyBernhard Kowatsch | LinkedInWFPWFP Innovation AcceleratorShareTheMealHow solar-technology enhances the livelihoods of women smallholder farmers in India: S4S IndiaCulture Built My BrandMentioned in this episode:
Presented by Classy
Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising?At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.
-
"Society throws up a lot of hurdles to people really trying to do it the right way, right? We, and the rest of society, should knock down those hurdles, but also give space so that people can thrive.” - Tom Vozzo
Success has everything to do with circumstance. Tom Vozzo believes that with the right support and opportunity, everyone has the ability to do good in them. His commitment to wanting to do good for others is what drove him to the nonprofit space after a nearly three-decade career in the for-profit world.
As the CEO of Homeboy Industries, Tom and his dedicated team focus on the rehabilitation and re-entry of gang members through transformative programs. Through firsthand experience, he has witnessed the profound effect of offering empathy and fresh opportunities to individuals facing challenges. This empathetic approach stands as a foundational pillar in Homeboy's remarkable success as an organization.
In this episode, Tom delves into the fusion of his corporate expertise with his unwavering commitment to investing in people. He shares insights on overcoming the scarcity mindset and imparts valuable advice for leaders in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors.
Contents
1 - Tom’s corporate experience
2 - Joining Homeboy
3 - Overcoming the scarcity mindset
4 - Building a supportive culture
5 - Balancing business and compassion
6 - Advice to leaders
LinksHistoric AgencyHomeboy IndustriesThe Homeboy WayThomas Vozzo - Chief Executive Officer - Homeboy Industries | LinkedInCulture Built My BrandMentioned in this episode:
Presented by Classy
Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising?At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.
-
"There is a decent chance that this works, and then if it works, and that if it can be what the vision and the promise is, then for our mission, which is to pioneer solutions to end global homelessness, it's actually irresponsible for us not to try it.” - Brett Hagler
When age-old problems aren’t being solved by current practices or aren’t keeping up with the rate at which they are growing, new solutions are needed. But new solutions require innovative ideas and a perfect balance between boldness and being calculated to pull them off.
Brett Hagler and his team at New Story think they have struck that balance. Their mission is to end global homelessness. To achieve this, they've conducted a rigorous analysis of what works and what doesn't within this space currently and developed a short list of things to be reimagined through New Story. Among the innovations to come from that approach has been their groundbreaking 100% funding model.
In this episode, we're joined by Brett Hagler, the CEO and Co-Founder of New Story, as he shares insights into his "just go do it" mindset, offers advice on embracing "unreasonable" endeavors, and unveils the model that New Story has built to usher innovation into a pressing and rapidly escalating world issue.
Contents
1 - Brett’s “just go do it” origin (1:47)
2 - How New Story started (7:52)
3 - Developing New Story’s key goals (12:53)
4 - The 100% model (15:14)
5 - Listening to feedback from his team (19:01)
LinksHistoric AgencyNew StoryNew Story | "No Small Dreams" (Documentary Film)Innovation - New StoryBrett Hagler - CEO, Co-Founder - New Story | LinkedInCulture Built My BrandMentioned in this episode:
Presented by Classy
Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising?At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.
-
“Your leadership might be a burn victim of failed innovation, which is: we want to say that we're for innovation, but we want 99 percent of all of the things that we try to work at 10, 000%. And that's just not how it works.” - Mark Miller
Innovation is a big buzzword in the nonprofit space right now. But it doesn’t have just to be a buzzword. While the word feels new and trendy, the act of innovation has always been what drives the industry forward. And any organization can be at the forefront of that drive into the future if they’re intentional about it.
Over the past seven episodes of Future Nonprofit, we have brought you various stories of innovative nonprofits and organizations and learned from their paths, but in this episode, we’re going to slow things down and go right to the basics.
Mark Miller, producer and co-founder of Historic joins host Ted Vaughn to break down five of the biggest trends in the nonprofit space and gives you practical tips on how to move with those trends.
Trends
1 - Taking Bigger Risks Through Structured Testing (1:29)
2 - Branded Monthly Giving Programs (6:02)
3 - Taking Gen Z Seriously (10:03)
4 - Leveraging Your Brand to Diversify Revenue (13:25)
5 - Workers Leaving the Nonprofit Sector (17:31)
LinksHistoric AgencyCulture Built My BrandMore InsightsMentioned in this episode:
Presented by Classy
Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising?At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.
-
"Still, you saw those moments of person-to-person care and outreach that really do illuminate what it means to be a Southwest Airlines warrior, and that is that we're in this together. We're going to take care of each other and we're going to figure out how to get out of this.” - Linda Rutherford
Tough times fall on all organizations. Whether it be from mistakes made within, unpredictable storms or financial events, and even pandemics… things can happen. And when they do, having a strong foundation of good culture and a committed team is going to make all the difference.
Southwest Airlines has spent its nearly six decades of existence building and maintaining a strong and healthy culture in its workplace. But the major winter storm of December 2022 put that culture to the ultimate test. When everything was going wrong, they were fortunate that their people were able to pull them through to the other side.
In this episode, Linda Rutherford, Chief Administration Officer of Southwest Airlines, shares the behind-the-scenes story of their storm experience. We'll gain insight into how their culture carried them through and we’ll offer valuable lessons on fostering resilience through culture within all organizations.
Contents
1 - Linda’s journey to Southwest (1:55)
2 - Southwest’s focus on culture (5:58)
3 - When the storm hit (7:39)
4 - How culture led them through (17:22)
5 - What they learned from the experience (19:14)
6 - How to build and maintain culture over time (22:05)
LinksHistoric AgencySouthwest AirlinesWinter Storm 2023Action Plan | Travel Disruption | Southwest AirlinesLinda Rutherford - Dallas, Texas, United States | Professional Profile | LinkedInCulture Built My BrandMentioned in this episode:
Presented by Classy
Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising?At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.
- Se mer
