Nonprofit Optimist

Latest Episodes:

Nonprofit Optimist - Episode 017: Increasing Equity and Avoiding the "Shoulds" (Kim Popa, Pones) Aug 09, 2017

Show notes

Kim Popa, co-founder and executive director of Pones, talks about how her nonprofit uses dance to create powerful change. Beginning with her own story of founding Pones, Kim discusses the lessons she learned along the way... including the need to avoid the "shoulds" that might lead you away from your mission and organizational heart. In staying true to Pones, they have made intentional strides with their board of directors to reflect the company of dancers and instructors and to create space for dialogue among dancers and board members. This episode is full of creative ideas and perspectives on how to approach nonprofit management that I think could be useful to all nonprofit professionals. For more information and to see the show notes, visit: www.nonprofitoptimist.com.

Nonprofit Optimist - Episode 016: Cultural Context and Questions to Ask Before getting Started (Machelle Norling, Hope Now) Aug 01, 2017

Show notes

Machelle Norling, founder and executive director of Hope Now shares helpful suggestions about cultural context and how to work in communities where you're not local. Machelle also shares a great list of questions that anyone thinking about starting a nonprofit should be asking. To learn more about the work of Hope Now, visit their website: www.hopenow.asia. gmailTo see the show notes, visit: www.nonprofitoptimist.com

Nonprofit Optimist - Episode 015: Board Expectations and Creating Functioning Committees (Molly MacCready, CROSO) Jul 28, 2017

Show notes

In this week's episode, Molly veers from the typical interview format and shares from her own experience of leading a nonprofit how they have navigated creating and implementing expectations for the board of directors and organizing functional committees. Molly also touches on how to help transition board members off the board, which can be tricky in small nonprofits.

Nonprofit Optimist - Episode 014: Power of Storytelling and Advocacy Work (Nancy Cowles, Kids In Danger) Jul 17, 2017

Show notes

Executive director, Nancy Cowles, shares her experiences with disseminated information and changing practices around child safety products. In this episode she shares the power of storytelling, the importance of coalition building and how to function on a limited budget. This is definitely an episode that can benefit all small nonprofits! For shownotes, please visit: www.nonprofitoptimist.com

Nonprofit Optimist - Episode 013: Infusing each Donor Interaction with your Mission (Lee Ann Eiland, Playworks Illinois) Jul 10, 2017

Show notes

Lee Ann Eiland, the Development Manager for Playworks Illinois, shares how Playworks integrates their mission into their work culture as well as their interaction with each donor. Lee Ann and I also discuss some of the lessons she’s learned along the way about who donors are and the different approaches to reach each specifically. From ideas for unique fundraisers to different approaches to direct marketing campaigns, this is an episode of the Nonprofit Optimist that you won't want to miss! You can find links, comments and photos about all of these topics in our show notes- www.nonprofitoptimist.com.

Nonprofit Optimist - Episode 012: A Bold Vision and Nonprofit Websites (Adam Walker, 48in48) Jul 05, 2017

Show notes

Adam Walker, co-founder of nonprofit 48in48, shares their bold vision and the ways in which 48in48 are changing the landscape of nonprofit websites. If you are interested in learning how to scale your organization or how to improve your marketing, this is a great episode for you! Also, there are free tools shared in the episode that you won't want to miss! Show notes can be found at www.nonprofitoptimist.com.

Nonprofit Optimist - Episode 011: Becoming an Expert and Tools for Community (Monika Jones, Brain Recovery Project) Jun 25, 2017

Show notes

Monika Jones serves as Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair of The Brain Recovery Project and is a co-founder of the organization. Through this work, Monika has learned many lessons including the importance of knowing your stuff, where to find funding (and when to know your limitations), how to build community, and she has some helpful suggestions for tools for productivity. To see the show notes, visit: www.nonprofitoptimist.com

NPO 010: Online Resources and International Partnerships (Chris Stout, Center for Global Initiatives) Jun 21, 2017

Show notes

Founding Director, Dr. Chris Stout, shares his insights from ten years of leading the Center for Global Initiatives. After receiving many requests for involvement that spread their all-volunteer board too thin, the board re-evaluated. Recognizing their strengths, the Center for Global Initiatives was able to build out their website to share resources and tools that would be useful for other nonprofits. These tools include their quarterly newsletter, their Facebook group and the excel sheet that Chris explained in detail. The excel sheet in particular is an incredible treasure trove of information that CGI has gathered over the years regarding which websites are best for different fundraising efforts, etc. Chris also spoke to the importance of creating long-standing relationships with local communities rather than "parachuting" in or assuming that we know best on how to address an issue. Sometimes this requires really listening and understanding what gaps in services actually exist. Always, it includes recognizing that we're a guest in their home. That sense of deference and respect for the local culture and professionals there was evident in Chris' attitude. For more information, please visit the shownotes: www.nonprofitoptimist.com.

NPO 009: Strategic Planning And Board Membership (Jake Teitgen, Bethlehem Farm) Jun 12, 2017

Show notes

Today's Guest: Jake Teitgen Jake is a native Hoosier who lives in Noblesville, Indiana. Jake lives with three strong-willed and wonderful women: his wife, Alicen, and daughters, Julia & Genevieve. He graduated from Notre Dame in 2008 with a degree in marketing before starting work at Our Lady of Grace, a Catholic church in Noblesville. Jake coordinates youth ministry, young adult ministry, and communications at Our Lady of Grace. He also serves on the Board of Directors at Bethlehem Farm and has been inviting others to join him on adventures to this community in West Virginia since 2005. Nonprofit Spotlight: Bethlehem Farm Bethlehem Farm is a Catholic Community in Appalachia that transforms lives through service with the local community and the teaching of sustainable practices. They invite volunteers to join them in living the Gospel cornerstones of service, prayer, simplicity and community. Story of Good: Michael and Everett Michael, a high school student, was leading two weeks of service trips at Bethlehem Farm. A project that was assigned to him was to help build an extension for a man named Everett. Everett was not a very social person, but by the second week, Michael and Everett had formed an unlikely friendship that Jake was able to witness while he was doing service there. Lessons Learned: Jake shared so many wonderful nuggets of information about small nonprofit formation. Here are some of the highlights: - The importance of strategic planning (or "master planning" as he refers to it). He talked about who was involved, how their facilitator helped and how it has led to their organization being able to stay on mission. - Bethlehem Farm has an interesting base requirement for all board members- they must love the mission of Bethlehem Farm. As such, they meet three times a year for a full weekend at the Farm and then have an additional conference call in the remaining quarter of the year. - The Summer Servant Program is a great way to tap into volunteer (or small stipend) leaders who offer an amazing value to Bethlehem Farm. They've become an integral support role for the summer programs and a neat opportunity to get involved for an intense but short period of time. Next Interview: Dr. Chris Stout, Founding Director of the Center for Global Initiatives Never miss an episode of the Nonprofit Optimist podcast by clicking the links below to subscribe!

NPO 008: Engaging your Board of Directors (Liz Mills, Carlson Community Services) Jun 05, 2017

Show notes

Liz Mills has been the Executive Director of Carlson Community Services for the past 10 years. CCS provides after school programming, a community garden and a fine arts concert series. In this episode, Liz shares the lessons she has learned about how to actively engage her board members, how to navigate tough conversations and also shares a great idea about "office hours." For nonprofits who have been around for a little while, this interview will be very valuable! For the show notes, please visit: www.nonprofitoptimist.com.

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