The Nonprofit Podcast

Send us Fan MailThink of Us & Sixto Cancel Fostering Hope, Driving Change!Using technology to forge critical human connections may seem counter-intuitive, but the innovative and life-changing work Think of Us is driving in the US foster care system is doing exactly that!  Founded by today’s guest, Sixto Cancel, Think of Us is a research and design lab for foster care, driving equitable systems change so that the youth and families most impacted by the system have the greatest power and opportunity to reshape it.Sixto’s personal journey through the foster care system has shaped his purpose in tackling an outdated and sterile bureaucracy and defined his decision to give those who need it most a “voice in the choice” by anchoring policy changes in the lived experience of those within the system.  But like any ‘Big Ask’ policy change needs metrics to move forward, and here Sixto’s maverick approach to using technology really stands out.  From the initial idea for an app with self-help videos (and not a tech developer in sight) to the Think of Usof today representing over 38,000 people in the Lived Experience Network, they are bringing informed, dynamic and effective changes to ‘a broken system’.From student start-up to lobbying The White House, Sixto and his team at Think of Us are creating a world in which data-driven change is raising awareness, and the critical funds needed to address the many inequities entrenched in a system that no longer represents the challenges facing foster children and youth.To find out more, donate or support Think of Us click here: https://www.thinkof-us.org/If you have ever doubted the value of data in delivering social change programs this episode is about to change your lived experience.  Join Jena and the very data-savvy Sixto today, to take your nonprofit to the next level tomorrow!If you have any questions, or a story to share reach out to Cara at Podcast@Donorbox.org or find out more at DonorboxSupport the show

Send us Fan MailHow big a deal is your year-end giving campaign, and is it worth the work?  Short answer?  Huge, and YES!!!As Giving Season preparation information starts to dominate your social media and inbox, you might be wondering if Giving Season campaigns are really ‘All That’?  And if so, how to navigate the next 5 months of campaign creation, implementation and follow-up?Join Cara and Jena to unpack key campaign planning priorities, timing, and available support, tools and tactics to unlock any potential analysis paralysis on your Board or management team.  Taking the lead from large nonprofits with well-established, winning campaigns delivering high-impact results, they explore workable strategies for small to medium organizations using the successful planning that sits behind the big wins!Click here for your free resources: https://poweredby.donorbox.org/podcast-givingday-resources/If we have inspired you to get ahead of the curve you can join Cara’s Giving Season Masterclass series with our special podcast 30% discount, using the promo code PODCAST to register.  Find out more from Cara in the episode, or register here: https://academy.donorbox.org/ If you have any questions, or a story to share reach out to Cara at Podcast@Donorbox.org or find out more at Donorbox - Getting you ready for Giving SeasonSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSpread the Vote founder Kat Calvin is inspiring and profoundly practical in her approach to resolving the daily challenges millions of Americans face in their struggle to obtain valid photo IDs.  Unconventional in her approach, fearless in her determination, Kat pulls no punches as she discusses the challenges and achievements Spread the Vote has faced and overcome in the past 5 years.Relying on strong volunteer support, particularly in election years, Kat’s approach to recruiting, training and retaining volunteers may hold some answers for your Giving Season planning, plus great advice on promoting recurring donations through monthly giving programs and the immediate impact of good storytelling all year round.  While her unusual thinking around nonprofit collaboration in the areas of grants and funding opens up a potential new avenue for small or start-up organizations to consider.Find out more, volunteer or donate to Spread The Vote here: https://www.spreadthevote.org/Join Jena and the catalyzing passion of Kat Calvin today, to take your nonprofit to the next level tomorrow!If you have any questions on the Nonprofit Fundraising Podcast, or a story to share reach out to Cara or Jena at - Podcast@donorbox.org  To kickstart your fundraising journey, visit: https://bit.ly/3SKfTdo today! Support the show

Send us Fan MailCara’s Top Time Management Tips and Strategies for Giving Season will take the bite out of year end planning for you and your team.  Most nonprofits start their Giving Season in October but our 3-2-1 countdown calendar puts you on the path to success from August, setting out step-by-step tactics and timing that will have you cool, calm and completely prepared for Giving Season success.  To help get a handle on your Giving Season planning Cara has created a clear, simple and easily actionable plan, and 3 downloadable resources to help you tame your time management over the next six months.  From making decisions without dithering, to a month-by-month checklist of activities, Cara unpacks procedures to alleviate pressure for nonprofit teams, freeing you up to focus on what matters, delivering on your mission!  Click here for your free resources: https://poweredby.donorbox.org/podcast-givingday-resources/If we have inspired you to get ahead of the curve you can join Cara’s Giving Season Masterclass series using our special 30% discount using the promo code PODCAST to register.  Find out more from Cara in the episode, or register here: https://academy.donorbox.org/If you have any questions, or a story to share reach out to Cara at Podcast@Donorbox.org or find out more at DonorboxSupport the show

Send us Fan MailGrants can be ‘Instrumentl’ in growing and sustaining your organization, but they can also be time-consuming and confusing.  Gauri Manglik, CEO and Founder of Instrumentl, a barrier-breaking grant discovery, research and tracking tool, talks to Cara about how the challenges of sourcing grants inspired her and her partners to create a single source for organizations seeking grants.Touching on her personal experiences and inspirations, Gauri unpacks the best use case for the platform, and digs deep into everything from eligibility to application pro-tips for nonprofit organizations of all sizes and geographic locations.  If you are questioning your strategy or weighing whether grants or Giving Season will be your focus for the second half of the year, Cara and Gauri will help guide that decision today in an episode packed with advice for nonprofits at all stages of development.  You can find helpful government and technology grant guides on our Donorbox Nonprofit Blog, here:Government Grants for Nonprofits: Who is Eligible and How to Get One (donorbox.org)Technology Grants for Nonprofits: Where and How to Find Them [2022] (donorbox.org)Plus Gauri has opened up Instrumentl’s resource repository for our listeners, which you can download for free here:The Ultimate Grant Writing Resources Collection: features over 100 pages of grant writing resources ranging from grants calendar guides to RFP evaluation tools.Live Grant Writing Classes: weekly live and free grant writing education featuring best-selling authors, educators and more.Grant Writing Classes On-Demand: 50+ hours of free grant writing education that can be watched by any grant writer regardless of skill levelSuccessful Grant Proposal Examples: The Ultimate List: this post digs into successful grant proposal examples to show how you can start winning grant funding for your organization.49 Grant Writing Resources: The Ultimate List: the most comprehensive list of grant tools and grant writing resources for nonprofits.8 Things That Only Instrumentl Can Do: learn what makes Instrumentl the definitive institutional fundraising platform for nonprofits.Anyone using code DONORBOX50 will save $50 off their first month or year of Instrumentl. You can sign up for a 14-day free Instrumentl account here: https://www.instrumentl.com/r/NPPodIf you have any questions, or a story to share reach out to Cara at Podcast@Donorbox.org, or find out more at DonorboxSupport the show

Send us Fan MailNever underestimate the value of your donation page!  Giving Season is on the way, so we’re taking a deep dive into the common and costly ‘mistakes’ we see on nonprofit donation pages with Donorbox Account Manager Bobbi-Jo Rockstrom to get you off to the best possible start to the season.  Cara and Bobbi-Jo unpack potential problems and offer quick fixes and simple suggestions for you to implement immediately to reap the benefits of a well-designed giving form.  Bobbi-Jo is passionate about sharing best practices to create the optimal donor experience, ensuring every organization uses all the tools available to them to catalyze funds for their cause.From layout to pay-out these tips will optimize your donation page, so hop on the inside track and take your page from functional to fabulous in a matter of minutes. If you are looking for more detail, we have an excellent resource on our Nonprofit Blog, you can download it here: 27 Donation Page Best Practices For Nonprofits - Tips and ExamplesIf you have any questions, or a story to share reach out to Cara at Podcast@Donorbox.org or find out more at DonorboxSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIf the idea of setting out an organizational strategic plan has you stumped, this episode with Cara and Tim Ardillo will spark your strategy in a matter of minutes.From why you should have a strategic plan to when you should be tackling the details, Tim has tools and tips that will get you where you need to be, fully informed and ready to implement! So take a few minutes to find out how a strategic plan will help your organization raise more funds, free up your staff and board’s time and talent, double down on your mission and build deeper connections with your donors if done right.We have an excellent resource, The Ultimate Guide on Creating a Strategic Fundraising Plan for Nonprofits, on our Donorbox Nonprofit blog.  You can download it here: The Ultimate Guide on Creating a Strategic Fundraising Plan for Nonprofits (donorbox.org)A little more about our guest: As a Senior Consultant at Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates, Tim provides strategic and philanthropic counsel to mission-based organizations.  With a development career that spans more than 20 years, Tim has experience in fundraising efforts ranging from annual fund development, major and planned giving, and campaigns.  Be sure to download Tim’s Strategic Planning Tip Sheet to get maximum value from your planning https://www.jgacounsel.com/wp-content/uploads/Maximizing-Strategic-Planning.pdfOr, you can contact or find out more about Tim here: jgacounsel.comIf you have any questions, or a story to share reach out to Cara at Podcast@Donorbox.org, or find out more at DonorboxSupport the show

Send us Fan MailThe Nonprofit Podcast Season 3 is here and we did not come to play!Tricked out with tools, tips and tactics to take your nonprofit to the next level this is a bite-sized show that will move your mission.  Join Cara, Jena & Jared for a season of inspiration, insight and information to implement immediately.  From strategies for sustainability & growth to fundraising fundamentals, we’ve got you covered going into Giving Season and beyond.This week Cara looks at the many benefits nonprofits gain by investing in email marketing, focusing on the one thing that every fundraiser should be obsessed with: saving money and increasing overall giving. We have a great resource to get today’s tactics working for you on the Donorbox Nonprofit Blog, just click the link: Email Marketing for Nonprofits: An Essential Guide (donorbox.org)If you have any questions, or a story to share reach out to Cara at Podcast@Donorbox.org or find out more at DonorboxSupport the show

Send us Fan MailNew Season Loading!!The Nonprofit Podcast is gearing up for Season 3!  Get ready for Thursday, July 14, when we’re back with quick tools, tips, and tactics to fuel your fundraising.  The new season is packed with great interviews featuring thought leaders, founders, fundraising professionals and tech wizards, making us your once-a-week inside track “must listen” podcast to get your nonprofit up to speed and fit for purpose as Giving Season gets going.Join us on Thursday, July 14, when Cara has a communication strategy basic that you can master in a matter of minutes with the right approach!If you have any suggestions or questions please reach out to us at Podcast@Donorbox.orgSee you on Thursday, July 14!Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn Part 2 of our two-part Summer Inspiration Special with Rachel Sumekh of Swipe Out Hunger, a little something to help you set your strategy wheels spinning over the July 4th weekend, we follow up with an in-depth discussion of Rachel’s decision to step down as Founder.  Honest, emotional and evocative these are two episodes that will remind you why you chose the nonprofit path, and when and why the time comes for Founders to move on.In this Episode, You Will LearnWhy Rachel is leaving her leadership role after a decade of service.Self-care methods for coping with stress, overwhelm, etc. How to find your focus, purpose or mission.Why it’s ok to be vulnerable in the workplace. The importance of storytelling as a leader. How Rachel values herself based on bringing joy and healing into the world instead of basing her value on accruing material wealth.The importance of being present and natural as a leader instead of overly polished.How Rachel is aware of “performing vulnerability ”in a strategic way and that she is on a journey to get back to a state of natural vulnerability and authenticity. “Mission before ego” as a framework for decision making.How tribalism (and identity based community) can be great AND when it needs to be checked. The pressures of coming from an immigrant family.How Los Angeles is a relationship economy and the power of a warm introduction.Rachel has a "no asshole" policy but with the caveat: if we can end hunger faster (Mission before ego) it might be ok to work with or partner with an asshole. “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb” — The bonds that you've made by choice are more important than the bonds that you are born into (family, a religious tribe, secret society, etc. ).Links and ResourcesPleasure ActivismEmergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds Ego is the EnemyStillness is the KeyTribalismSwipe Out Hunger Campus Partners / LocationsRachel Sumekh on LinkedInSupport the show