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 innovative digital strategies.

Topics We Cover:

• James Thorne’s transition from the food industry to nonprofit fundraising
• The foundation and mission of Quirk
• The importance of blending traditional and nontraditional fundraising methods
• How e-commerce can support nonprofit fundraising through print-on-demand and dropshipping
• An introduction to the sweepstakes model as a powerful fundraising tool
• Legal distinctions between raffles and sweepstakes and their implications for nonprofits
• The challenges and benefits of running charity sweepstakes, with insights from "Vehicle for Good.
• Future opportunities for expanding nontraditional fundraising efforts to support a broader range of nonprofits

To Learn More and Connect with James:
Vehicle For Good Website
Quirk Growth Website
@VehicleForGood
@QuirkGrowth

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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 from outbound to inbound marketing. Geng shares insights on the impact of these changes, the importance of SEO, the value of in-person conferences, and their approach to leveraging both short-term experts and long-term roles.

Topics We Cover:

• The transformation of Civic Champs since the last interview
• Shifting from outbound to inbound marketing strategies
• The importance of SEO and content creation for nonprofit visibility
• Leveraging in-person conferences and external advisors for growth
• Balancing delegation and personal involvement in sales and fundraising
• Challenges and lessons learned from outbound sales and contractor engineers
• The role of technology in refining and automating processes
• Strategies for attracting and retaining purpose-driven talent

To Learn More and Connect with Geng:
Civic Champs Website
E-mail Geng@CivicChamps.com
Geng Wang on LinkedIn

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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 development and marketing programs from the ground up, significantly boosting donations.

Topics We Cover:

• Julie Edwards’ transition from marketing to nonprofit work
• Building development and marketing programs from scratch
• Ethical persuasion in fundraising and donor relations
• Overcoming the fear of asking for donations in nonprofits
• The importance of donor retention over acquisition
• Creative and cost-effective ways to thank donors
• Real-life stories of impactful donor appreciation gestures
• Current trends in donor behaviour post-Covid and adapting to them

To Learn More and Connect with Julie:
The Nonprofit Maven Website
Julie Seymour Edwards on LinkedIn
E-mail Julie@theNonprofitMaven.co

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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 impact on the community, and the challenges of scaling while staying true to its mission. This heartfelt conversation highlights the transformative power of giving back and the importance of ethical impact measurement.

Topics We Cover:

• The origins and mission of Kickback, inspired by Jamal’s personal experiences
• How a simple pair of shoes can boost a child's confidence and sense of equality
• The expansion of Kickback's mission to include sports, arts, and education programs
• Organizing community events like basketball tournaments, haircuts, and educational workshops
• Corporate partnerships in enhancing the impact of nonprofit initiatives.
• Challenges of sustaining a nonprofit financially and ensuring fair compensation
• The importance of mentorship and personal growth in nonprofit leadership
• Ethical ways to measure and report impact while respecting the humanity of those served

To Learn More and Connect with Jamal:
Donate to Kickback
Kickback.org
Kickback Foundation on LinkedIn
Kickback Foundation on Instagram

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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 detailed discussions on retreat planning, staff alignment, and adapting to future trends, Heather provides a comprehensive guide to creating and maintaining effective strategic plans for nonprofits.

Topics We Cover:

• Heather Hooper's personal journey and inspiration for joining the nonprofit sector
• The critical role of strategic planning in achieving a nonprofit's mission and vision
• Crafting a concise, actionable four-page strategic plan
• The importance of quarterly and annual planning retreats for staff alignment
• Balancing in-person and virtual meetings for effective strategic planning
• Integrating new systems and processes to support organizational goals
• Ensuring team buy-in and alignment amidst staff turnover
• Future trends in strategic planning, including agility, DEI initiatives, and the ethical use of AI

To Learn More and Connect with Heather:
Heather Hooper on LinkedIn

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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 faced by younger nonprofit founders and offers practical advice for those looking to make a difference.

Topics We Cover:

• Breanna’s early start in nonprofit work: Founding a bullying prevention organization at 16
• Transitioning from founder to nonprofit coach
• Differences between younger and older nonprofit founders
• Balancing personal passion with professional conduct
• Practical advice for aspiring young founders
• Vision clarity, team building, resilience, and adaptability
• Importance of experienced guides for young nonprofit leaders
• How personal experiences drive nonprofit passion and commitment

To Learn More and Connect with Breanna:
@coach_breannalashell on Instagram
www.breannalashell.com
breanna@breannalashell.com

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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 Africa. Together, we look into the motivations, challenges, and strategies for nonprofits looking to broaden their impact on a global scale.

Topics We Cover

• Morgan's origin story from a second-grade teacher to an international nonprofit leader
• Key strategies for establishing trust with international donors
• Adapting to different cultural norms when working in new regions
• The pros and cons of partnerships and establishing local offices
• Tips for reaching out and maintaining relationships with donors abroad
• Technology that helps expand nonprofit storytelling and fundraising internationally
• Understanding the why when expanding to abroad

To Learn More and Connect with Morgan:
FundraisingBeyondBorders on Instagram
Morgan Gross on LinkedIn
FundraisingBeyondBorders Website
Agents of Nonprofit - Authentic Storytelling Narrative Episode

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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 fundraising, the rise of innovative donation channels, and the evolving expectations of younger donors.

Topics We Cover:

• Evan’s unexpected transition from political campaigns to nonprofit fundraising
• The impact of COVID-19 on fundraising strategies and practices
• Emerging trends in donation channels, including cryptocurrency and live-streaming platforms
• Engaging Gen-Z donors and their unique expectations
• The importance of transparency and real-time communication with supporters
• Balancing traditional fundraising methods with innovative approaches
• Building stronger relationships through donor involvement and co-creation
• Strategic budgeting and the importance of adaptability in resource allocation
• Future trends in nonprofit fundraising and the focus on community building

To Learn More and Connect with Evan:
Evan Johnson on LinkedIn
Email EJohnson@ProjectHope.Org
Project Hope
Email EvanJ@USA.com

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