In this heartfelt and tactical episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Kel Haney, a fundraising coach who champions the old-school power of the phone call. She breaks down why personal calls still work, even in the age of declining answer rates, and how nonprofits can use warm outreach to foster lasting donor relationships. From crafting compe…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Tammy Kyte of GiveWise, a digital platform that’s reshaping how Canadians approach charitable giving through donor-advised funds (DAFs). From stock donations to crypto, GiveWise is making generosity more flexible, accessible, and joyful—for both donors and the charities they support. Topics We Co…

In this powerful and compassionate episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Loretta Turner, a wellness educator and nonprofit advocate, to explore how nonprofit organizations can create sustainable, people-centered work cultures. Together, we dive into the roots of burnout, the importance of embedding care into organizational strategy, and h…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I'm joined by Daniel Francavilla to explore the intersection of marketing, storytelling, and nonprofit success. We discuss the critical role of strategic messaging, thought leadership, and authentic storytelling in helping organizations connect with their audience and drive real change. Topics We Cover: How a…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Khalid Cannon to discuss how sports and community mentorship can help children of incarcerated parents break free from societal stigma. Through long-term mentorship, structured funding, and a business-minded approach, the organization ensures kids have the opportunity to thrive beyond their ci…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Carmen Reis to explore the critical role of training in nonprofit success. The conversation also delves into AI’s growing influence in nonprofit education and the long-term benefits of investing in professional development. Topics We Cover: Why specialized training is essential for nonprofit p…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, we welcome Maria Rio to explore Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF)—a fresh, equity-driven approach to fundraising that prioritizes the needs of the community over individual donors. Maria breaks down the ten principles of CCF, compares it to traditional donor-centric models, and shares actionable insights fo…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, host Alexander Lapa speaks with Nagi Alsubai, founder of Peer Minds, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting mental health in the Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian (MENASA) communities. Nagi shares his personal journey, from struggling with mental health stigma to creating a peer mentorship program t…

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 fun…

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 p…

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 …

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: J…

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 non…

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: Kate…

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 se…

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 no…

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 h…

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 a…

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, em…

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 don…

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 Chromeb…

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 impac…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I dive into an insightful conversation with Christina Edwards, a seasoned consultant specializing in nonprofit marketing and fundraising. Christina challenges nonprofits to embrace agility, risk-taking, and genuine connection to better reach and resonate with today's audiences. Topics We Cover: Christina’s jo…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Sheri Chaney Jones, a leader in impact measurement for nonprofits, to discuss how data-driven strategies can strengthen nonprofit credibility, improve program effectiveness, and increase funding opportunities. Sheri shares her "renaissance of relevance" framework, highlighting why nonprofits m…

In this inspiring episode of Agents of Nonprofit, Alexander Lapa sits down with Aisha Addo, the visionary founder of Power to Girls, a nonprofit organization providing safe spaces and holistic support for Black and marginalized girls in Canada and Ghana. Aisha shares her personal journey, from overcoming societal expectations to establishing an org…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I welcome Candice Elliott, an expert in nonprofit employee wellness, to explore how organizations can better support their teams’ mental well-being. Candice shares insights on how nonprofits can enhance social infrastructure, offer meaningful non-monetary compensation, and adapt to evolving workplace dynamics…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, we're with Sean Kosofsky, an activist and nonprofit expert, to discuss the vital role employment contracts play in protecting nonprofit executives, especially Executive Directors. With practical advice on navigating contract negotiations, Sean highlights the importance of ensuring job security, avoiding board…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Camesha Cox, the founder of The Reading Partnership, a nonprofit transforming the literacy landscape for marginalized families in Canada. Camesha shares her journey from working in the UK to establishing The Reading Partnership in Toronto, emphasizing the power of community-driven solutions in ta…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Holly Rustick, an expert in grant writing, to uncover her incredible journey from accidental grant writer to industry leader. Holly shares her inspiring origin story, which began in the aftermath of the 2004 Asian tsunami, and reveals how she turned a career born from necessity into a thriving…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Eric Osuorah to unravel the transformative impact of artisanal marketplaces and the role of Web3 technology in their evolution. Eric, with his rich background in engineering, digital transformation, and philanthropy, provides a deep dive into how decentralized platforms are reshaping the way arti…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Maggie Kane, founder and executive director of A Place at the Table, Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can restaurant. Maggie shares the inspiring story behind the creation of the café, which offers a dignified dining experience for everyone, regardless of their financial situation. Learn how this inn…

In this inspiring episode of *Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Kenita Smith. Kenita candidly shares her journey, from the early misconceptions about nonprofit funding to becoming a grant-writing expert. She discusses the hurdles new nonprofits face when applying for grants, the importance of being "grant-ready," and how to build strong relation…

Due to some unforeseen circumstances (and a few unlucky coincidences), we won't have a full episode this week. Instead, I've recorded this quick update to keep you in the loop. This would be the perfect time to go back through our feed of 120+ episodes to find an interesting subject you might have missed (or re-visit a favourite topic/guest). We'll…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I welcome Jonathan Beck, a tech entrepreneur turned nonprofit innovator. Jonathan shares his journey from Silicon Valley to creating "WeGive," a platform that revolutionizes how nonprofits manage donations and engage with donors. He emphasizes the power of personalization at scale in fundraising and how a dee…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I talk with Dr. Bev Browning, a seasoned veteran in the nonprofit world and the author of "Grant Writing for Dummies." Bev shares her journey from Flint, Michigan, to becoming a leading expert in grant writing, offering invaluable advice for new nonprofits. Drawing from her extensive experience, Bev discusses…

This episode of Agents of Nonprofit features guest James Thorne, founder of Quirk Growth, a marketing and fundraising agency specializing in nontraditional approaches for nonprofits. James shares his unique journey from the food industry to launching a remote digital agency that empowers nonprofits to maximize their fundraising potential through in…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, we reconnect with Geng Wang, CEO of Civic Champs, to explore the remarkable evolution and growth of the organization over the past year and a half. Civic Champs, dedicated to optimizing volunteer management for nonprofits, has undergone significant changes in team composition and outreach strategy, shifting f…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Julie Edwards, the Nonprofit Maven, to discuss the crucial role of thanking donors in the nonprofit sector. Julie shares her journey from marketing and communications to becoming the Director of Development and Marketing for a local humane society. She highlights how she built successful devel…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I interview Jamal Burger, the founder of Kickback, a youth-led movement from Toronto, Canada. Jamal shares his personal journey from growing up in a low-income neighbourhood to creating a nonprofit that provides footwear and support to underprivileged youth. He discusses the organization's evolution, its impa…

In this insightful episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I chat with Heather Hooper, a consultant and executive director of Dementia Alliance of North Carolina. Heather shares her journey from personal tragedy to a dedicated career in the nonprofit sector, revealing how strategic planning can transform organizational vision into actionable goals. Through…

This illuminating episode of Agents of Nonprofit is with Breanna LaShell and her dynamic journey in the nonprofit sector. From founding a bullying prevention organization at 16 to becoming a nonprofit coach, Breanna shares invaluable insights on managing and leading impactful nonprofits. This episode delves into the unique challenges and advantages…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Morgan Gross, a seasoned international development professional, to explore the intricacies of expanding nonprofit operations beyond borders. Morgan shares her journey from being a second-grade teacher to co-founding a nonprofit and eventually leading international fundraising efforts across A…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, we're with guest Evan Johnson to explore the rapidly changing landscape of nonprofit fundraising. Evan shares his unique journey from political campaigns to becoming a key player in Project Hope, a global health and humanitarian organization. Together, we delve into the pre- and post-pandemic shifts in fundra…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, we're with Rolanda McDuffie, a seasoned CPA specializing in nonprofit accounting. Rolanda shares her 25-year journey from a church volunteer to running her own CPA firm, dedicated to helping nonprofits achieve financial health and compliance. We delve into the intricacies of nonprofit accounting, the importan…

In this episode, we're with Ed Harris, founder of Blue Hills Digital, to uncover the secrets behind effective nonprofit websites. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, Ed shares invaluable insights on website management and development, emphasizing the critical role a robust online presence plays in advancing an organization’s m…

In this compelling episode of Agents of Nonprofit, we dive into the intricacies of conflict management within nonprofit organizations with expert mediator Carol Bowser. Drawing from her rich background in mediation and conflict resolution, Carol shares insightful strategies and real-world experiences, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by miss…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Billy Starr, the visionary founder of the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC). Billy shares his heartfelt journey from personal loss to creating one of the most successful cancer fundraising events in history. Discover how a small bike-a-thon with 36 participants evolved into a monumental event with over…

In this episode of "Agents of Nonprofit," I sit down with Alejandro Mayoral to explore the intersection of technology, nonprofit work, and indigenous empowerment. Alejandro shares his journey from computer science student to nonprofit founder, discussing the grassroots approach to co-creating projects with indigenous communities in Mexico and Canad…

In this captivating episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I invite Jeremy Stern to unravel the secrets behind transforming nonprofit fundraising through innovative business strategies. From personal anecdotes to practical insights, this episode is a must-listen for nonprofit professionals seeking to elevate their fundraising efforts and make a lasting di…

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I engage in a thought-provoking conversation with executive coach Jenny Mitchell. They delve into the realm of mindset in the nonprofit sector, exploring how shifting from scarcity to abundance can fuel personal and organizational growth. From neuroscience to negotiation strategies, they uncover practical ins…