Nonprofit Vision With Gregory Nielsen

Your nonprofit has a mission that is vital to the community you serve, and you can't afford to be the best kept secret in town!  Scarlett Hawkins, a Senior Consultant in International Development, joins Greg to discuss not just the importance of narrative, but how to add a dash of audacity to build a compelling communication strategy that is embraced by the entire organization.  

Highly effective nonprofits leverage the tools of program evaluation to build a culture of continuous improvement.  This allows nonprofit and Board leaders to make better strategic decisions.  Chari Smith joins Greg to discuss the steps necessary to translate evaluation into action for your nonprofit. 

Many nonprofit leaders face uncertainty on their journey to mission impact.   In this episode, Janeal Ford joins Greg to discuss the importance of a clear, concise case for support, tips for choosing and working successfully with a grant writer, and guidance on identifying funders with a passion for your mission.

Following an intentional process of listening to and learning from their grantee partners, the Barr Foundation implemented a series of changes to enhance the relationship between the Foundation and grantees.  Kerri Hurley and Yvonne Belanger join Greg to discuss the importance of a strong relationship between philanthropy and nonprofits, and the efforts of the Barr Foundation to incorporate continuous feedback from their nonprofit partners to effect meaningful change.  

Within each nonprofit organization or movement, individuals play a variety of critical roles in pursuit of equity, inclusion, and justice.  Deepa Iyer is a South Asian American activist, writer, and lawyer.  Her areas of expertise include the post 9/11 America experiences of South Asian, Muslim, Arab and Sikh immigrants, national security and immigration policies, and racial equity and solidarity practices.  Currently, Deepa is a Senior Fellow at the new Race Forward.  Deepa joins Greg to discuss her recent article outlining a framework for understanding the roles you play within your social change ecosystem.  

Nonprofit professionals address complex community challenges each day in an effort to create communities in which everyone can thrive and have their needs met.  However, the profession currently faces a significant deficit of investment in the development of these critical leaders.  As funding challenges grow, leadership investment frequently suffers.  In this episode, Rusty Stahl -- President and CEO of Fund the People -- joins Greg to discuss the importance of leadership investment, tips to engage in this critical dialogue with funders and Board members, and a new Talent Justice Initiative.  

Nonprofit leaders and organizations face continuing challenges in efforts to diversify their boards, better serve their communities, and build sustainable staffing pipelines.  Amy Waninger, CEO of Lead at Any Level, works with organizations that want to build diverse leadership bench strength for a sustainable competitive advantage.  She is the author of multiple books including Network Beyond Bias: Making Diversity a Competitive Advantage for Your Career.  Amy joins Greg to discuss steps nonprofits can take to further their efforts in the areas of diversity and inclusion.   

Nonprofits operate in a dynamic environment where change is rapid and the need for talent and passion is great.  Skye Mercer is a human resources professional who is passionate about helping organizations create positive, productive work environments.  Skye joins Greg to discuss trends in nonprofit HR and strategies to create a promote from within culture.    

What does your brand represent to the community?  Looking to define or evolve your brand strategy?  Melissa Russom is a questioner, storysharer and strategic thinker obsessed with clarifying messaging for maximum (and purposeful) impact.  Melissa shares tools for better understanding your organization's brand, strategies to clarify your messaging, and tips to activate social media ambassadors.   

Dennis C. Miller is a nationally recognized strategic leadership coach and executive search consultant with more than 35 years of experience working with nonprofit board leadership and chief executives across the country. Dennis shares with Greg his inspirational journey from hopelessness and failure to happiness and success, a story of overcoming obstacles to achieve success. 

Jaime Campbell is the Co-Founder and CFO of Tier One Services, providing outsourced accounting and CFO services for organizations.  Jaime and Greg discuss tips to make the budgeting process collaborative, enjoyable, and ultimately successful in advancing the bold and compelling vision of your nonprofit organization.   

Jarrett Ransom, the self-described "Nonprofit Nerd," is the President and CEO of the Rayvan Group.   From start-ups to multi-million dollar charitable organizations, Jarrett has helped create sustainable fundraising strategies for over 20 years.  Jarrett and Greg discuss tips and leading practices for organizations of all sizes to create a compelling and achievable fundraising plan.   

Christine Robertson is a Vice President for Wist Data Solutions, helping nonprofits harness data to further their mission.  Christine and Greg discuss leading practices in managing donor data and tips when selecting or transitioning to a donor management system.   

Kyle Kramer is the Executive Director of the Passionist Earth and Spirit Center.  Kyle and Greg discuss mindfulness, meditation, and the many ways in which they can positively impact the health and performance of nonprofit leaders.   

Rebecca Dupras is an attorney and former Vice President of Development for a large philanthropic foundation.  Rebecca and Greg discuss the impact of a toxic workplace culture on an individual, organization, and the public trust.  Rebecca shares thoughts and considerations for staff members who find themselves in a similar situation.