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In this special Thanksgiving episode of "Nonprofit on the Rocks," host Matt Kamin welcomes back Michael Thatcher, CEO of the nonprofit rating website, Charity Navigator, for an insightful conversation about the state of the nonprofit sector in America. Together, they discuss the challenges facing nonprofits today, including declining public trust, reduced government funding, and the increasing need for community support. Michael shares inspiring stories of generosity, explains how Charity Navigator empowers donors to make informed giving decisions, and highlights the vital role nonprofits play in everyday American life. The episode also covers practical ways listeners can give back—whether through donations, volunteering, or joining a nonprofit board—and ends with a heartfelt reminder of the importance of gratitude and collective action. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in making a positive impact during the holiday season and beyond.

Matt is joined by Liz Lin, CEO of the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, to discuss the profound impact of the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. The conversation covers challenges faced by both the community and first responders, the critical role of the Foundation, and practical steps for preparedness and recovery. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: • Firsthand accounts of emergency response and the emotional toll on firefighters • The mission and work of the LAFD Foundation in supporting firefighters with essential equipment, resources and station upgrades • The importance of community support for first responders, including appropriate ways to show appreciation. • Guidance for homeowners and families on disaster preparedness, evacuation planning and recovery resources. • The ongoing needs of the LAFD and how public support makes a difference. RESOURCES: • Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: supportlafd.org • LAFD official information: lafd.org

What really happens when you put two nonprofit insiders in a room and ask them to solve the sector’s toughest hiring puzzles? In this episode, we sit down with Tom O’Connor, founder of TOC Arts Partners, to decode the mysteries of executive search, organizational strategy, and the human side of leadership. Tune in for a conversation that goes beyond résumés and reference checks. Tom shares why the best searches start with curiosity, how to spot the difference between a good candidate and the right candidate, and why transparency is the ultimate retention tool. Along the way, we explore the subtle art of “discovery,” the realities of uncertainty in the nonprofit world, and the power of building teams that are more than the sum of their job descriptions. Highlights include: • The “knife fight in a phone booth” reality of today’s talent market • How to turn candidate feedback into organizational growth • Why culture fit is more than a buzzword (and how to get it right) • The secret to making hiring less transactional and more transformational • Tom’s take on humility, humor, and the impact sector’s future Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, a job-seeker, or just someone who loves a good story about people making a difference, this episode is your invitation to rethink what it means to build a great team.

It's a new season of Nonprofit on the Rocks! Host Matt Kamin is a nonprofit expert whose wealth of experience, wit and wisdom will help your nonprofit not only tackle today's challenges, but will also help build a stronger foundation for lasting impact in the future.

Tis the season of giving--giving thanks, giving gifts, and giving money to your favorite charities. To help you “navigate” the complex charitable giving landscape, Matt talks to renaissance man, Michael Thatcher, the CEO of the nonprofit rating website, Charity Navigator. The pair discuss what makes a “good nonprofit;” how you measure impact; and the importance of strong leadership. They also delve into how you incorporate feedback into management; the possibility of a 360 review of Executive Directors; and the never-ending debate surrounding the controversial “80/20” rule that arbitrarily governs nonprofits’ financials. And did you know they recently launched a program called “Causeway” that allows you to give to “cause” instead of a single charity? It’s essentially a mutual fund that spreads your donation to multiple orgs supporting the same mission. Whether you’re a donor looking for where and how to give, or a nonprofit looking for how to get more traction or accurate information about your org on the site, this show has it all!

In this lively and heartfelt episode, Matt dives deep into the world of nonprofit with his longtime pal, Dr. Cid Pinedo, President and CEO of the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation. Cid shares his inspiring journey from aspiring priesthood in East LA to becoming the CEO of MAOF; his passion for helping under-resourced communities; the importance of serving with dignity; the challenges with government funding for nonprofits; and discovering the surprising love seniors have for Zumba! Along the way, the friends share plenty of laughs, sips of tequila and bourbon, and heartfelt anecdotes about life's detours, the audacity of confidence, and the profound impact of helping others. Whether you're into nonprofit work, curious about Sid’s billion-dollar dreams for MAOF, or just need some inspiration—and a laugh—this episode is for you! SHOW NOTES: 00:00 Opening quote from Cid 00:21 Meet Your Host and Producer: Matt and Ashley 01:18 Celebrating Growth and Success 02:13 Family and Listener Engagement 03:41 Surviving the Heatwave 04:51 Matt's Radio Face and Sid's Introduction 06:09 A Heartfelt Conversation with Sid 07:20 Sid's Journey into Nonprofit Work 10:35 The Importance of Impact and Service 18:02 Balancing Leadership and Connection 21:16 Guiding Principles and Mentorship 31:10 Mentorship and Unexpected Opportunities 33:03 Creating a Welcoming Environment as a Leader 34:48 Ambitious Growth Plans for MAOF 38:34 Balancing Growth and Quality of Service 41:10 Engaging and Motivating Board Members 49:43 Challenges with Government Funding 54:07 Overview of MAOF's Services and Impact 57:33 Final Thoughts and Inspirational Messages

Matt talks to Jenny Mitchell, CEO, nonprofit coach, and author of “Embracing Ambition: Empowering Women to Step Out, be Seen and Lead.” The pair discuss the nitty-gritty of fundraising, including mastering the art of uncomfortable conversations and how to stay motivated and confidant when things aren’t going your way. If you've ever thought about starting your own coaching business or wondered if it's time to bring in a coach, we've got you covered. Plus, Jenny reveals that "compassion" literally means “to suffer alongside.” Who knew suffering could be so... comforting?

This episode is all about boards! Matt talks all things board related with two experts, Jonathan Zeichner and Amy Friedman. All three of the voices on this episode have served as founders, executive directors, board members, and in the case of Matt and Jonathan: consultants. They have seen and experienced “the big board picture” from all angles and perspectives. They know, first hand, the good, the bad, and yes: the ugly. The three share stories from personal experience as well as answer questions from listeners looking to learn more about how to navigate the sometimes-rough terrain of board culture. Matt and Jonathan also talk about Envision Consulting’s newest project: “Board Builders,” a subscription service that is a literal “one stop shop” for all your board service needs, from finding board members, to onboarding and mentoring both them and the staff that supports them.

Matt talks to Ed O’Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation. The pair dive into everything from how a president, whose face is carved on Mount Rushmore, doesn’t already have a library, to how one goes about starting and fundraising for, such a massive project. Additionally, they explore the conservation movement that TR started and the bipartisan support he, and the library named in his honor, have garnered in a divided Congress; the importance of knowing when it’s time to walk away (and, conversely, when it’s important to stay) Ed also sheds light on working for the Emmy winning Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown and discusses his newly published book, “The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt: the Women who Created a President”

Matt talks to Samia Lemfadli, Founder and CEO of Change Food for Good, a New York City-based nonprofit organization dedicated to making sustainable agricultural technology more accessible to areas affected by food insecurity. The pair discuss both the necessary mindset and practical steps one needs in order to start a nonprofit; how sustainable agriculture addresses food insecurity; how to make a big impact, even on a small budget. And climbing mountains, both figurative and literal!

Matt talks this week to The Rev. Matt Hackworth, a member of senior leadership for L'Arche USA, an organization committed to helping people with and without intellectual disabilities to live in community, together. Matt and Matt come from drastically different backgrounds. Matt Kamin is a Jewish, native Californian. Matt Hackworth is a Christian Reverend from the South. However, the two share a love for spirituality, a strong compulsion for humanitarianism, and a shared compassion for those with intellectual disabilities. Tune in to this thoughtful conversation which centers largely on the overlap of religion and nonprofit work. (Religious organizations typically receive the largest share of charitable donations [around 30%] each year.) And the mission work of many religious organizations connects congregations with nonprofits globally. They also touch on the importance of hiring people with differences and the gifts and opportunities that are missed when people are overlooked.

Join host, Matt Kamin, as he talks to Patricia Ostiller, CEO of Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley, a nonprofit that uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities and breaking down barriers to care. Normally, Matt likes to “Mattsplain” the listeners, educating them on various elements of nonprofit leadership, but in this episode, Patricia took the reins! She “Patriciasplained,” in depth, just how she was able to lead a 3.8 million dollar capital campaign for a new building (you read that right) as well as enlightened us about how to engage your board and hold them accountable with contracts and scorecards. And Matt and Patricia share thoughts on the challenges of fundraising and reaching donors. Hints: be fearless and take “no” as “not right now.”

“ED or Not to ED,” a spirited guide to taking nonprofit center stage and knowing when to take a bow. Matt talks to Dawn L. Brown, CEO of the EmpowHER Institute, an organization that empowers girls and young women in marginalized communities by giving them the skills necessary through education, training and mentorship to become confident, college, and career-ready. The pair focus on being an executive director; how to get there, what it takes when you do, and how to know when it’s time to step away. Dawn talks about the mentors who inspired her and also breaks down DEI, defining what each component really means and how to actually implement systemic change, not just use the popular term. And Matt reveals the secret to getting more of those little bottles of booze on the airplane.

Host and Envision Consulting co-founder, Matt Kamin, talks to producer Ashley Waterson about the upcoming new season and new format of the podcast that brings happy hour interviews with nonprofit leaders, directly to the listener.

Join host, Matt Kamin, as he talks to OG badass do-gooder and lifetime advocate for the under-served, Mary Jane Wagle, co-founder of W.O.R.K.S. (Women Organizing Resources, Knowledge and Services) an organization that provides quality, affordable housing and services to the underprivileged. Matt and Mary Jane discuss all things Founder-related, from how to stick through the hard times and when to throw in the towel. They take questions from listeners ranging from what to do when a founder won’t step away to how to make a succession plan for one who is leaving; what do when a founder is misappropriating funds, to recognizing when it’s time to pave the way for a BIPOC leader. And Matt reveals how he founded his first non-profit in an effort to find a boyfriend. (Spoiler alert: it worked.)