In this insightful episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I'm joined by Lacey Kempinski, a former fundraiser turned entrepreneur, to explore the evolving concept of work-life balance in the nonprofit sector. Lacey shares her personal journey of navigating motherhood while maintaining her career and the founding of Balanced Good, a company that supports nonprofit leaders, particularly women, with parental leave solutions.

Topics We Cover:

• The challenges of balancing work and parenthood in the nonprofit sector
• Work-life integration: Why it’s a more sustainable solution than work-life balance
• How nonprofit leaders can manage parental leave without causing burnout or resentment
• The importance of offering flexible work environments to reduce burnout
• Differences between parental leave policies in Canada vs. the U.S.
• The difficulties of filling senior roles temporarily during parental leave
• The importance of grassroots advocacy and systemic changes for better parental leave policies
• Collaborating with organizations and policymakers to improve parental leave benefits

To Learn More and Connect with Lacey:
Lacey Kempinski on LinkedIn
Balanced Good on LinkedIn
BalancedGood.com
@BalancedGood on Instagram

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

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Puneet Luthra, a government relations expert with a deep commitment to the nonprofit sector. Puneet discusses the critical role these relationships play in influencing policy, securing funding, and driving change on social issues. Drawing from his wealth of experience, Puneet provides practical advice on building strategic partnerships with government bodies, aligning nonprofit goals with public priorities, and fostering long-term, collaborative efforts to create lasting societal impact.

Topics We Cover:

• Puneet’s journey into nonprofit-focused government relations and his early experiences with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada
• The importance of aligning nonprofit goals with government priorities
• How nonprofits can influence public policy and secure funding through strategic government relations
• Navigating the complex dynamics between nonprofits and government entities
• Understanding the motivations of high-net-worth individuals and government bodies to foster better relationships
• Real-world examples of nonprofit persistence in addressing long-standing societal issues
• The value of maintaining neutrality and avoiding partisan stances when engaging with the government
• Practical steps for nonprofits starting their government relations efforts, including identifying key stakeholders and reaching out to local representatives

To Learn More and Connect with Puneet:
GovernmentRelations.ca
Puneet.Luthra@gmail.com

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In this insightful episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Jarrett Ransom, affectionately known as "The Nonprofit Nerd," to discuss her passion for nonprofit work, her unique journey, and her philosophy on fostering wellness and abundance within the sector. Together, we explore the importance of moving away from scarcity-driven mindsets, embracing wellness in nonprofit organizations, and creating sustainable systems to support employees and communities alike.

Topics We Cover:

• How Jarrett Ransom earned the title "The Nonprofit Nerd" and what it means to her
• The early life experiences that shaped Jarrett’s passion for philanthropy
• Why involving children in community service fosters lifelong habits of giving
• Understanding scarcity vs. abundance mindsets in nonprofit organizations
• How shifting to an abundance mindset impacts organizational culture and effectiveness
• The connection between giving and personal well-being for individuals and teams
• Practical ways to incorporate wellness initiatives into nonprofit workplaces
• Tackling financial challenges and ensuring fair compensation for nonprofit employees

To Learn More and Connect with Jarrett:
Jarrett Ransom on LinkedIn
@nonprofit_nerd on Instagram

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I chat with Caroline Griffin about the transformative power of donor-centric messaging. Caroline shares her unique journey from aspiring Broadway performer to nonprofit professional, weaving together her passion for communication and storytelling. This conversation offers actionable tips for strengthening donor retention and deepening connections through thoughtful messaging.

Topics We Cover:

• Caroline Griffin’s inspiring pivot from theater to nonprofit work
• What "donor-centric messaging" really means and how it goes beyond just using names in emails
• The 7:1 ratio of value-based communication to fundraising asks—and why it works
• How timing and planning can transform your nonprofit’s fundraising strategy.
• The power of open-ended questions like “Why did you donate?” in uncovering donor motivations
• Leveraging AI tools to analyze donor data and draft impactful communications
• Balancing personalization with scalability as nonprofit donor lists grow
• Practical tactics for engaging donors on social media, via SMS, and through email

To Learn More and Connect with Caroline:
Caroline Griffin on LinkedIn
E-Mail Caroline Griffin

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, we welcome Emma Cotner, co-founder of Learn and Earn, an inspiring initiative providing essential online education resources to Ukrainian refugee students affected by the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Emma discusses the program’s unique approach to supporting students aged 9-16 with critical resources like Chromebooks and internet access, the challenges of scaling, and plans for sustainable growth.

Topics We Cover:

• The origin story of the Learn and Earn program and its mission to support Ukrainian refugees
• How Emma and her classmates identified a gap in educational resources for displaced students
• The role of social media and Ukrainian influencers in scaling the program's outreach
• Key challenges in providing Chromebooks and internet access to refugee students in need
• The significance of launch events in building community and teaching tech skills
• Funding efforts, including an annual gala and individual donor contributions
• Scaling issues and the impact of a growing waitlist on program sustainability
• Plans for future expansion, including corporate partnerships and streamlined logistics

To Learn More and Connect with Emma:
Learn and Earn Website
Contact Learn and Earn

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Ben Freda, a former corporate lawyer turned nonprofit leader, to discuss his transformative journey into mission-driven work. We dive into the potential of AI in nonprofits, the ethical implications of advanced AI, and the steps organizations can take to harness technology for meaningful impact.

Topics We Cover:

• Ben’s journey from corporate law to nonprofit consulting, and what fueled his decision to change careers
• How an unexpected volunteer role inspired Ben’s passion for community-focused work
• The current impact of AI on nonprofit operations, from automating tasks to boosting productivity
• Why generative AI, like ChatGPT, is especially useful for small to medium-sized nonprofits
• The potential of predictive AI to improve donor management and fundraising strategies
• Challenges that nonprofits face in adopting AI, particularly around data organization and cost
• Ethical considerations surrounding AI, including the potential risks of advanced general intelligence (AGI)
• A hopeful vision for the future, where AI enables nonprofits to focus on tasks requiring human connection and creativity

To Learn More and Connect with Ben:
AI Consulting
BFCDigital.com
Email Ben@BFCDigital.com

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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 journey from creative entrepreneur to nonprofit consultant
• Why nonprofits often lag behind in digital marketing—and how to change that
• Integrating marketing and fundraising efforts to maximize impact
• Using storytelling as a tool for effective donor engagement
• Understanding modern audience behaviors and adapting to their expectations
• Overcoming organizational resistance to digital marketing innovation
• Practical tips for writing authentic, relatable nonprofit emails
• Finding a balance between professionalism and personality in communication

To Learn More and Connect with Christina:
Purpose & Profit Club Podcast
Splendid Consulting Website
Splendid Consulting on Instagram

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