PODCAST · business
Nonprofit Optimist
by Molly MacCready
The Nonprofit Optimist podcast showcases positive change agents and talks through lessons that their small nonprofits have learned. With interviews of executive directors, founders, board members and staff leaders, we share practical advice based on real experiences working in the non-profit sector. Since most nonprofit professionals wear many hats, this is a great opportunity to learn how to grow your small nonprofit without needing to re-invent the wheel!
Episodes
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NPO 047: Redefining How We Measure Success (Joan Garry, Nonprofit Leadership Lab)
Today's guest is Joan Garry, author of Guide to Nonprofit Leadership and host of the Nonprofits are Messy podcast. Molly MacCready (host of the Nonprofit Optimist podcast) and Joan discuss the importance of knowing what activities fuel you, how to define success and impact beyond the typical...
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NPO 046: Starting a Giving Day for your Small Nonprofit (Molly MacCready, CROSO)
In this episode of the Nonprofit Optimist, host Molly MacCready shares her experience with starting a Giving Day for her small nonprofit, CROSO. They started their giving day in 2019 and have successfully completed 3 annual giving days now and are preparing for their 4th in April 2022. In this...
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NPO 045: Project Planning, Volunteer Engagement, & Networking (Kim Morris, River Keepers)
My guest today is Kim Morris, the project coordinator for River Keepers, a nonprofit based in Fargo, North Dakota. River Keepers’ mission is to advocate for safe and sustainable use of the Red River of the North and they work with the communities in both Fargo and Moorhead, MN. In today’s…
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NPO 044: Self-care, check-in, pandemic times (Molly MacCready, CROSO)
In today's episode, host Molly MacCready sheds some light on her own experiences and thoughts regarding the past 18 months as well as discusses self-care. While a self-professed amateur at self-care, Molly does share some of the lessons she's recently learned about how to create some balance…
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NPO 043: Founding story, Recruiting Volunteers, Membership Model, and the Power of No (Tessa Vierk, Chicago Tool Library)
In today's episode, Tessa Vierk (co-founder of the Chicago Tool Library) chats with Molly about their founding story, recruiting volunteers, creating their membership model, and the power of saying "not right now." The Chicago Tool Library’s goal is to provide equitable access to tools…
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NPO 042: Branding for Nonprofits with Stakeholder Input (Julia Gatten, AfricAid) - Part 2 of 2
Part 2 of 2! Julia Gatten is the Communications Director for AfricAid and she shares some of the biggest lessons she's learned about how to tell your story to donors. In this conversation, we talk about branding, messaging, and logos. It was important to AfricAid to involve stakeholders in that...
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NPO 041: Blogs, Email, and Videos for Nonprofits (Julia Gatten, AfricAid) - Part 1 of 2
Julia Gatten is the Communications Director for AfricAid and she shares some of the biggest lessons she's learned about how to tell your story to donors. In this conversation, we talk about how AfricAid puts together their weekly blogs through contributions of staff in Tanzania and America, and…
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NPO 040: Developing your Major Gifts Program (Sean MacCready and Stephenie Lazarus, Horizons for Youth)
Sean MacCready and Stephenie Lazarus from Horizons for Youth share the lessons they have learned about partnering with donors, creating a major giving program, and participating in their first Giving Tuesday. You can check out the outline of topics discussed here: NPO 040. Nonprofit Optimist...
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NPO 039: Creating Space for Local Voices (Dr. Susan Blaustein, WomenStrong International)
Dr. Susan Blaustein of WomenStrong International shares the lessons she's learned about community and international development through her work. You can check out the outline of topics discussed here: NPO 039. Nonprofit Optimist information: Become a Patron of the Nonprofit Optimist:...
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NPO 038: Announcement & Shout Outs
Super quick episode sharing a fun announcement (picture here!) and a few shout outs. Website: www.nonprofitoptimist.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/nonprofitoptimist Instagram: www.instagram.com/nonprofitoptimist Become a Patron of the Nonprofit Optimist: www.Patreon.com/nonprofitoptimist Back to...
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NPO 037: Utilizing Networks and Connections (Rose Hart, Appalachian Outreach Inc.)
Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/nonprofitoptimist For $2 or $4 per month, support the Nonprofit Optimist podcast! Today's Guest: Rose Hart As a lifelong resident of Marshall County, WV, was part of the first graduating class of John Marshall High School in 1969. She spent 30 years of her career...
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NPO 036: Maximizing Capacity- partnerships, interns, and professional development (Byron Sigcho-Lopez, Pilsen Alliance)
My guest for today’s episode is Byron Sigcho, the executive director of Pilsen Alliance, here in Chicago. Pilsen Alliance is a social justice organization committed to developing grassroots leadership in Pilsen and neighboring working class, immigrant communities in Chicago’s Lower West Side.…
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NPO 035: Free Online Resources (Molly MacCready, CROSO)
Announcements: Molly will be at Podcast Movement conference next week! If you'll be there- email me: [email protected]. Come to our Nonprofit Meetup! Attend the panel where Molly and other nonprofit rockstars will be speaking! Molly's husband (Sean MacCready) has a great podcast you...
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NPO 034: Growing your Funding Base (Stacy Horst, Erin's Hope for Friends)
Today’s guest is Stacy Horst, one of the founders of Erin’s Hope for Friends. Erin’s Hope for Friends believes that extending opportunities to form friendships to kids with High Functioning Autism Spectrum and Asperger’s can change their lives. In our conversation, Stacy shares how they formed...
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NPO 033: Event Planning for Small Nonprofits (Carrie Collins-Fadell, Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona)
Carrie Collins-Fadell is the executive director of the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona and is today's guest on the Nonprofit Optimist! Our conversation is dedicated to fundraising through events and Carrie has great ideas to share on this! Carrie has been able to plan and execute several large...
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NPO 032: Seeing Patients as Master Teachers (Shay Beider, Integrative Touch for Kids)
My guest today is Shay Beider, the founder and executive director of Integrative Touch for Kids. Shay has been a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine for the past 17 years. Integrative Touch for Kids is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to enhance well being, minimize suffering…
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NPO 031: The Power of Trust, Accountability and Incentives (Helene Dudley, TCP Global)
Helene Dudley is today's guest and she helped establish The Colombia Project in 2000, a zero-overhead, sustainable micro-loan program. This program evolved to include TCP Global in 2014 and now supports loan programs in 7 countries, including one with former Florida foster care youth in Miami....
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NPO 030: Taking Multiple Approaches and Sharing Lessons (Liz Ryan, Youth First Initiative)
Liz Ryan, President and CEO of Youth First Initiative, is the guest on today's show. Youth First is a national advocacy campaign to end the incarceration of youth by closing youth prisons and investing in community-based alternatives to incarceration and programs for youth. In this podcast…
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NPO 029: Email Communication and Maximizing Time (John Zimmerman, Casting for Hope)
My guest today is John Zimmerman, co-founder of Casting for Hope and also serves as the board chair and CEO. Casting for Hope is a nonprofit that focuses on attending to the financial, emotional and spiritual needs of women living with ovarian and gynecological cancers in western North Carolina.…
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NPO 028: Planning an International Trip for your Nonprofit (Margy and Randy Roberts, CROSO)
Margy Roberts has been a board member for CROSO (Child Restoration Outreach Support Organization) for the past 6 years. She and her husband Randy have been involved in CROSO as volunteers and donors since CROSO began in 2007. Last month, Margy, Randy and Molly MacCready (host of this podcast and...
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NPO 027: Getting Started, Fundraising and Collaboration (Carin Willis, Bridge for Pelvic Pain)
Carin Willis is the guest for today's episode and serves as the founder and executive director of Bridge for Pelvic Pain. Based in Colorado Spring, the Bridge for Pelvic Pains's mission is to connect the global community of chronic pelvic, sexual and genital pain patients to resources, education...
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NPO 026: Mentors, Managing Time and Networking (Megan Stith, United Way of Central Kentucky)
Today's guest is Megan Stith, President and CEO of United Way of Central Kentucky. We discuss the importance and values of mentors, recommendations for how to manage time (including some scheduling apps) and how to build strong partnerships with businesses and corporations through networking.…
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NPO 025: Creating your Support Network (Jen Cole, Clean Fairfax)
Today's Guest: Jennifer Cole has been the Executive Director for Clean Fairfax Council since January 2009. The mission of Clean Fairfax is to encourage environmental stewardship and urban sustainability in Fairfax County, Virginia through education, programming, and community involvement. Clean...
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NPO 024: Connecting Your Nonprofit to Funding (Beth Rosenberg, Tech Kids Unlimited)
Beth Rosenberg founded Tech Kids Unlimited, a not-for-profit technology-based educational organization for kids ages 7 to 19 with special needs. In our conversation, she discusses how she initially connected with donors and how she keeps finding new connections whether on a train or through...
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NPO 023: Feelings and Social Media (Jaz Limos, Saints of Steel)
Today's guest is Jaz Limos is the Founder and CEO of Saints of Steel. San Francisco native, Jaz, spent her career in Silicon Valley teaching leaders how to strategically grow their performance and build successful B2B teams. Seeing the rise of homelessness and lack of resources for underserved...
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NPO 022: Values in Programming and Employment Structure (Anne Taube, CYO Camp)
Anne Taube is the Assistant Camp Director for CYO Camp in Brown County, IN. In this episode, she shares how they have been intentional in making sure the core values they espouse for camp permeates every aspect of their organization, not just the camper's experience, but the structure of camp...
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Nonprofit Optimist - Episode 021: Power Inequities in Nonprofits and Community Building; Lessons learned from the University of Dayton
In preparation for receiving the Joe Belle Memorial Young Alumni Award from the University of Dayton, host Molly MacCready takes this opportunity to reflect on the lessons she learned at UD. In light of our current society, themes of power inequities emerged and Molly shares wisdom from the...
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Nonprofit Optimist - Episode 020: Challenging Conventional Nonprofit Notions (Anoop Jain, Sanitation and Health Rights in India)
Anoop Jain is the co-founder and U.S. director of Sanitation and Health Rights in India (SHRI). SHRI was founded in 2011 to alleviate India's sanitation crisis. As an organization, SHRI believes that all humans deserve to live a life dignified by improved access to toilets. Anoop's experience...
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Nonprofit Optimist - Ep 019: Bringing People Together and Raising Funds (Mark Mullins, Just Live Inc.)
Today, Molly is joined by Mark Mullins, board president of Just Live Inc. Just Live inc is a nonprofit out of southern Wisconsin that focuses on suicide prevention and promotes education awareness in their local communities. In our conversation today, Mark shares about their largest fundraiser…
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Nonprofit Optimist - Episode 018: Office Culture and Management Style (Ann Rhomberg, Solidarity Bridge)
After working with Solidarity Bridge for the past ten years, executive director, Ann Rhomberg, shares how she manages her staff of eight. From clear expectations and weekly meetings to the importance of spending time together as a staff, Ann and Molly discuss what has made the Solidarity Bridge...
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Nonprofit Optimist - Episode 017: Increasing Equity and Avoiding the "Shoulds" (Kim Popa, Pones)
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...
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Nonprofit Optimist - Episode 016: Cultural Context and Questions to Ask Before getting Started (Machelle Norling, Hope Now)
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…
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Nonprofit Optimist - Episode 015: Board Expectations and Creating Functioning Committees (Molly MacCready, CROSO)
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...
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Nonprofit Optimist - Episode 014: Power of Storytelling and Advocacy Work (Nancy Cowles, Kids In Danger)
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...
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Nonprofit Optimist - Episode 013: Infusing each Donor Interaction with your Mission (Lee Ann Eiland, Playworks Illinois)
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...
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Nonprofit Optimist - Episode 012: A Bold Vision and Nonprofit Websites (Adam Walker, 48in48)
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...
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Nonprofit Optimist - Episode 011: Becoming an Expert and Tools for Community (Monika Jones, Brain Recovery Project)
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…
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NPO 010: Online Resources and International Partnerships (Chris Stout, Center for Global Initiatives)
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...
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NPO 009: Strategic Planning And Board Membership (Jake Teitgen, Bethlehem Farm)
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...
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NPO 008: Engaging your Board of Directors (Liz Mills, Carlson Community Services)
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...
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NPO 007: Considerations for Starting a Nonprofit (Jennifer Smith, Black Butterfly Chicago)
Jennifer Smith, founder of Black Butterfly Chicago, shares her experience of starting a nonprofit-- what to expect, who to involve and how to keep perspective. This is a great interview for people interested in starting nonprofits or in the beginning stages because there's lots of advice that...
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NPO 006 - How to be a Valuable Board Member (Dr. Emily Richardson, Nanubhai Education Foundation)
Speaking from the viewpoint of an active board member, Dr. Emily Richardson shares what makes the Nanubhai Education Foundation board function so well. Their board members and staff are committed to staying connected to their mission and the diverse perspectives present on their board make their...
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NPO 005: Building a Young Professionals Board (Sharon Holdvogt, NPH USA)
As the chair of a relatively new Young Professionals Board, Sharon Holdvogt gave great insight into what she has learned in managing, recruiting and building this board. This is a great episode for anyone seriously considering adding a young professionals (or auxillary/associates board) to their...
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NPO 004: Collaboration and Gathering Information (Laura Ng, Traffick Free)
Laura Ng, executive director of Traffick Free, shares great tips on how to get started with a nonprofit organization. From the importance of gathering information to what kinds of boards to put in place, Laura gives encouragement, realistic advice and funny anecdotes along the way! She shares how...
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NPO 003: Working in an Office of One (Jamelyn Lederhouse, Global Glimpse)
As the only person on the Global Glimpse staff in the Chicago area, Jamelyn has found creative ways to build community and optimize her work. Intentional choices on where and how to work have led to a more efficient and fulfilling working experience. Chock full of practical suggestions that can...
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NPO 002: Finding volunteers, navigating transitions & board structure
In this interview with Anna Mayer, Executive Director of Taller de José, the Nonprofit Optimist explores how to increase your staff without increasing your budget, how to support your organization through transitions in leadership and how to include the voice of all stakeholders when structuring...
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NPO 001 - Introduction to the Nonprofit Optimist
Welcome to the Nonprofit Optimist podcast! In this first episode, I introduce the three goals for this podcast: Encourage the development of small organizations by sharing lessons learned. Increase the awareness of good that is occurring in the world. Provide a platform to showcase awesome...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Nonprofit Optimist podcast showcases positive change agents and talks through lessons that their small nonprofits have learned. With interviews of executive directors, founders, board members and staff leaders, we share practical advice based on real experiences working in the non-profit sector. Since most nonprofit professionals wear many hats, this is a great opportunity to learn how to grow your small nonprofit without needing to re-invent the wheel!
HOSTED BY
Molly MacCready
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Nonprofit Optimist have?
Nonprofit Optimist currently has 47 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Nonprofit Optimist about?
The Nonprofit Optimist podcast showcases positive change agents and talks through lessons that their small nonprofits have learned. With interviews of executive directors, founders, board members and staff leaders, we share practical advice based on real experiences working in the non-profit...
How often does Nonprofit Optimist release new episodes?
Nonprofit Optimist has 47 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Nonprofit Optimist?
You can listen to Nonprofit Optimist on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Nonprofit Optimist?
Nonprofit Optimist is created and hosted by Molly MacCready.
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