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Why fractional support can help nonprofits do more with less Nicole Kirkorian Elmes, CEO of MissionWell, joins James Misner to talk about her path from Disney and DoorDash into nonprofit support work, and why fractional services can be a smart fit for organizations that need senior-level help without adding full-time headcount. They also dig into what nonprofits actually need to run well, from finance and HR to board support, and why the sector is often more resilient and resourceful than people assume. In this episode: How her career at Disney and DoorDash shaped a people-first leadership style focused on making life easier for othersWhy she moved into nonprofit and faith-based work after finding herself drawn to boards, church service, and community leadershipWhat “fractional” means in practice: flexible support that can scale up or down based on organizational needHow MissionWell can function as a finance department, HR partner, or board support resourceWhy a fractional model can cost less than hiring a full in-house team, while also reducing management burdenThe kinds of work MissionWell handles, from bookkeeping and controller-level finance to CHRO work and organizational designHow board services help clarify oversight, recruiting, and the division between staff and board responsibilitiesWhat Nicole is seeing across the nonprofit sector, including growth in niche organizations and strong appetite from donors and supportersWhy strong systems, clear roles, and good HR practices matter if a nonprofit wants to “run like a business” in the right waysHow volunteer leadership is different from employee management, and why finding the “low lift” is key to avoiding burnoutTimestamps 00:00 – Meet Nicole Elmes and her journey to MissionWell 01:16 – From Disney and DoorDash to nonprofit leadership 03:06 – How church and board service led her to MissionWell 04:50 – Disney’s Tangled and a successful movie launch 06:45 – Understanding fractional support for nonprofits 09:39 – MissionWell’s finance, HR, and board services 11:27 – The growth of specialized nonprofit organizations 14:45 – Cost benefits of fractional vs. in-house support 16:36 – Technology, digitization, and strategic efficiency 18:05 – The challenges of wearing multiple hats 20:25 – Why nonprofit leaders hesitate to outsource 21:59 – Nicole’s biggest surprises in the nonprofit sector 25:11 – Running nonprofits with a business mindset 27:49 – Rethinking volunteer leadership and preventing burnout 30:46 – Challenges and lessons from scaling MissionWell 32:15 – Connecting with Nicole and MissionWell Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on LinkedinConnect with Nicole: Missionwell Official WebsiteConnect with Nicole on Linkedin

Daniel Drewski on Character, Collaboration, and Fundraising That Lasts James Misner talks with Daniel Drewski, president and CEO of International Leadership Institute, about developing leaders across more than 100 nations and 70 languages. They explore why character is foundational to effective leadership, how to collaborate across cultures, and what sustainable fundraising looks like for nonprofits and ministries.Daniel shares lessons from his career in politics, hospitality, education, and global ministry including how to build systems that can outlast any one leader. Key topics Daniel’s journey to leading International Leadership Institute as its first successorThe importance of local leaders and character developmentThe “tyranny of the urgent” and the apartment-fire analogyFour keys to collaboration: shared goals, success measures, support, and communicationNavigating cultural differences with graceHow scarcity thinking affects partnershipsBuilding sustainable fundraising systems and prioritizing relationshipsLessons from an event with competing goalsDaniel’s vision for developing leaders and closing leadership gapsTimestamps 00:00 – Introducing Daniel Drewski and global leadership 00:31 – Daniel’s journey at International Leadership Institute 01:49 – Local leadership and community transformation 03:24 – Character development in leadership 04:14 – The apartment-fire analogy and leadership urgency 06:36 – The tyranny of the urgent and succession 08:28 – Cultural differences and good character 11:52 – Shared goals, success measures, and communication 13:20 – Scarcity thinking and its impact on partnerships 14:14 – Turning concerns into action 18:28 – Fundraising lessons and sustainable systems 20:36 – Major gifts, grassroots support, and relationships 24:45 – Fundraising failures and lessons learned 28:06 – The importance of clear fundraising goals 29:48 – Stewardship and scarcity 31:17 – Daniel’s five-year vision for leadership 33:45 – Preparing leaders for growth 34:56 – Connecting with Daniel and International Leadership Institute Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on LinkedinConnect with Daniel: International Leadership Institute Official WebsiteConnect with Daniel on Linkedin

Fundraising for the Long Game: Trust, Strategy, and River Conservation James Misner talks with Karyn Bryant, Director of Philanthropy at American Rivers, about building donor relationships that last. They explore how fundraisers can pair strategy with genuine care, shape conservation stories around what matters to donors, and make the ask at the right time. In this episode How Karyn’s career in fundraising began in river conservationWhy effective fundraising needs both relationship-building and strategyHow American Rivers connects healthy rivers to people, wildlife, and communitiesHow to tailor a conservation story to a donor’s interestsWhat makes an appeal letter compelling—and why the postscript mattersHow to recognize when a donor may be ready for a larger askLessons from asks that were too high or came too soonWhy Karyn’s advice to struggling fundraisers is simple: pick up the phoneTimestamps 00:00 — Meet Karyn Bryant, Director of Philanthropy at American Rivers 01:24 — How Karyn became a fundraiser 02:51 — Why fundraising needs both relationships and strategy 04:39 — What can go wrong when strategy is missing 05:31 — Why strategy alone isn’t enough 06:30 — What American Rivers does and why rivers matter 07:52 — Connecting environmental work to people and belonging 08:57 — How to tell a dam-removal story in a way that resonates 11:30 — Why it helps to introduce a story before making an appeal 13:24 — Elements of an effective appeal letter 15:15 — The importance of the postscript 16:17 — What it means to play the long game with donors 18:49 — Building donor relationships through intentional touchpoints 20:29 — Signs a donor may be ready for a larger ask 22:04 — What Karyn learned from a too-high ask 24:05 — When a major ask comes before the relationship is ready 25:56 — New tools and opportunities in river restoration 28:16 — Advice for fundraisers: pick up the phone 29:44 — Where to find Karyn and American Rivers Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on LinkedinConnect with Karyn: American Rivers Official WebsiteConnect with Karyn on Linkedin

Emily Nichols on building institutional fundraising that actually scales Emily Nichols, Chief Development Officer at Accion Opportunity Fund, joins James Misner to talk about how she grew an institutional fundraising function from roughly $1 million to $10 million, why relationship-based fundraising still wins, and what it takes to fund a mission-driven organization in a more donor-directed environment. They also unpack what a CDFI is, how Accion Opportunity Fund lends to underserved small businesses, and the lessons learned from a grant that looked promising on paper but ultimately failed. Key topics How Emily built and led World Relief's institutional fundraising team.Why foundation and corporate fundraising still works, if you go beyond cold RFPs and build relationships.Emily's path to mission-driven work, from family and faith to International Justice Mission.What Accion Opportunity Fund does as a digital-first nonprofit lender and CDFI.How CDFIs differ from banks and serve borrowers often considered unbankable.Accion's coaching and accelerator programs, including Brewing the American Dream with Sam Adams.Accion's impact: $1B+ lent, ~100,000 jobs, and 90%+ repayment rates.Today's fundraising challenges, including the rise of donor-directed funding.How to build partnerships by making the internal champion look good.A failed $250,000 grant at World Relief and the lesson it taught.Tactical advice for smaller organizations starting institutional fundraising.Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome and recap of Emily's World Relief success 00:50 - Building the institutional fundraising team 02:23 - Is institutional fundraising worth it? 03:18 - Relationships plus strong proposals 04:31 - Why Emily chose mission-driven work 05:42 - What Accion Opportunity Fund does 06:50 - What a CDFI is 08:31 - Why many clients are unbankable elsewhere 10:13 - Coaching and accelerator programs 11:05 - Brewing the American Dream 12:42 - Accion's impact: $1B+ lent, 100,000 jobs 14:19 - Fundraising in a new era 16:09 - Mega gifts and donor-directed funding 20:35 - Building relationships from the first conversation 22:09 - Why the internal champion matters 23:46 - A failed $250,000 grant 27:00 - Turning failure into strategy 28:24 - Advice for smaller organizations 30:32 - How to connect with Emily and Accion Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on LinkedinConnect with Emily: Accion Opportunity Fund Official WebsiteConnect with Emily on Linkedin

Mary Pat King on Leading Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Through COVID, Hurricanes, and Growth James Misner talks with Mary Pat King, CEO of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, about her journey from PR and youth programs to leading a major nonprofit through a pandemic. They discuss the organization's structure, the challenges girls face today, and the tough financial and staffing calls needed to keep the mission going. Mary Pat shares how she stepped into the CEO role in March 2020, the influence of her father's legacy on her career path, and why she believes Girl Scouts builds purpose, skills, and lasting friendships over a 10-year journey. They also cover membership trends, hurricane recovery, funding, and shared leadership. Key topics Her path from PR to youth program leadership (Safe Kids Worldwide, American Diabetes Association, National PTA)Earning her CAE credential before applying for the CEO roleBecoming CEO just as the pandemic hitHow the organization is structured (troop leaders, service units, volunteers, staff, Girl Advisory Board)Why Girl Scouts is more than "cookies, crafts, and camps"Today's girls: screen use, social comparison, mental health, risky behaviorMembership growth, then setbacks from hurricanesFunding sources: cookies, grants, corporate support, donationsStaffing cuts (85 to 77) for financial sustainabilityUsing Lencioni's The Advantage and the Working Genius framework to build a stronger teamImproved staff satisfaction through shared leadershipLong-term goals: membership growth, camp redevelopment Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:31 – Career path: PR to nonprofit leadership, father's influence, earning CAE, landing the CEO role 02:49 – Becoming CEO in March 2020, leading through the pandemic shutdown 03:09 – Girl Scouts beyond "cookies, crafts, and camps"; org structure (troop leaders, service units, staff, camp) 10:58 – State of girls today: screens, mental health, social comparison, gender differences online, AI 17:23 – Membership trends, hurricane disruption, and recovery 20:23 – Funding model and the role of cookies 21:38 – Staffing cuts and sustainability challenges 23:14 – Leadership decisions: executive team, Working Genius framework, shared leadership, and avoiding the trap of doing it all yourself 30:30 – Long-term goals and how to connect with Mary Pat Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Mary: Girl Scouts Official WebsiteConnect with Mary on Linkedin

How Trees Helps Smallholder Farmers Build Prosperity and Restore Land James Misner speaks with Cate from Trees about how a nature-based organization uses regenerative agriculture, trees, and local leadership to help smallholder farmers in East Africa improve soil health, diversify crops, and strengthen livelihoods. They also discuss why climate work is inseparable from people, how carbon markets fit into nonprofit revenue, and what happens when partnerships are not the right scaling strategy. Key Topics Cate shares her career path from advertising to public health, consulting, and Trees, where her work combines curiosity, persuasion, community, and mission.Trees uses trees as a starting point to support regenerative agriculture with smallholder farmers in Africa.Its mission is twofold: restore land and unlock prosperity for farmers.Cate explains farmer-led, locally rooted delivery, including informed consent and community-based support.Farmers move from monocropping and degraded soils to diversified farms with 4–5 crops in year one and 12–15 by year three.The model improves food security, dietary diversity, composting, pest management, savings, and market access.Village savings and loans help farmers save, lend, and reinvest in their farms and communities.Cate and James discuss why framing climate work through people makes funding more compelling.Trees adapts its approach to local soil, education, markets, and gender norms across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.Cate explains why Trees moved away from broad partnerships when they began affecting quality and capacity.The conversation closes with how carbon credits can generate additional revenue for farmers and Trees while requiring verification and long-term permanence. Timestamps 00:00 — Opening the conversation and Cate’s career path 03:10 — What Trees is and why trees are only the starting point 06:07 — How smallholder farmers experience the program 08:22 — Farm redesign, composting, and integrated pest management 09:45 — From diversified farms to savings groups and small businesses 12:47 — Why climate work must be framed through people 15:09 — Scaling across countries without losing local fit 19:23 — The partnership model that did not work 22:28 — Translating the story for donors and outside audiences 26:12 — Revenue diversification and why carbon markets matter 32:52 — How to connect with Trees and Cate Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Cate: Trees for the Future Official WebsiteConnect with Cate on Linkedin

How NeighborWorks Capital Uses Nonprofit Lending to Expand Affordable Housing James Misner talks with Jim Peffley of NeighborWorks Capital about the affordable housing crisis, how community development financial institutions work, and the power of collaboration across the nonprofit housing sector. Jim shares his path from growing up in affordable housing to leading an institution that helps nonprofit developers access capital. They discuss the scale of the housing shortfall, how NeighborWorks Capital is structured, and why the network's collective strength gives smaller developers more leverage with investors. Key topics Jim shares how Brookview Apartments shaped his views on housing.His path went from banking to housing finance to affordable housing investing.They discuss the affordable housing continuum, from public housing to homeownership.Jim describes the scale of the housing shortage and its pressure on families.More housing alone isn't enough if it's unaffordable or blocked by zoning.NeighborWorks Capital is a nonprofit CDFI lending to housing developers.It finances land acquisition, infrastructure, and construction.The organization borrows close to $100 million a year, with $400 million in tax credits.The NeighborWorks network collectively rivals major for-profit developers.Jim explains organizing developers to negotiate better terms with investors.A failed Fannie Mae effort taught him to listen closely to customers first.Intelligent risk-taking is essential in mission-driven leadership.He closes by encouraging orgs to connect with local NeighborWorks members. Timestamps 00:39 - Jim's path into affordable housing 01:33 - From banking into housing finance 03:41 - Today's affordable housing landscape 04:55 - Scale of the housing shortfall 06:30 - Housing insecurity's effect on opportunity 07:58 - Why more homes isn't the whole solution 09:13 - Who NeighborWorks Capital serves 10:56 - Types of financing it provides 11:51 - Why banks invest in it 12:56 - How the nonprofit model sustains itself 14:48 - Annual borrowing and lending scale 15:23 - Tax credit investments and capital stack 16:40 - Affordable units the network produces 17:10 - Why collective bargaining power matters 18:18 - NeighborWorks nonprofits as innovators 19:26 - How scale advantages leave smaller groups behind 22:19 - Listening as a superpower with funders 23:44 - Why new partnerships require flexibility 25:44 - Advice for frontline organizations 27:01 - Why NeighborWorks members are the right partners 28:43 - The collaborative culture of the CDFI space 29:28 - What NeighborWorks Capital hopes to change next 31:02 - Headwinds facing affordable housing 33:40 - Where to find Jim and NeighborWorks Capital Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Jim: Neighborworks Capital Official WebsiteConnect with Jim on Linkedin

Therese Tetzel on Building Empower Girls Camp to Change Girls’ Trajectories James Misner talks with Therese Tetzel, founder of Empower Girls Camp, about leaving a 30-year corporate career to build a research-informed program that helps shy or at-risk girls develop confidence and resilience. They also discuss why short, consistent donor updates beat broad, generic appeals. Key topics Empower Girls Camp aims to deeply impact a small group of girls rather than many superficially.Therese left a 30-year corporate career after questioning its purpose, sparked by tutoring Sifa, a young refugee who couldn't read — Sifa's first camp became the turning point.Serves girls 9–11 who are shy, withdrawn, or facing hardship at home — a "precision intervention disguised as a STEM camp."Selection uses a 12-point counselor questionnaire and a scoring system built with a child psychologist.Therese designed the program using her corporate product-development background, planning it out on butcher paper.Lessons learned: not every parent says yes, so a response plan was needed; in fundraising, local relationships and short, frequent donor updates beat long newsletters.Donors want to see impact, not a sales pitch — regular updates build trust.Vision: keep adding schools and girls yearly, aiming for 20 schools. Timestamps 00:00 - Why nonprofit missions differ from corporate ones 00:28 - Meet Therese Tetzel and Empower Girls Camp 00:59 - Leaving corporate America after asking "What am I doing here?" 02:28 - Meeting Sifa and discovering the power of tutoring 03:10 - Teaching a six-year-old refugee to read in a month 04:07 - The first camp experience that changed everything 05:47 - From one camper to a broader model 06:17 - Launching a nonprofit with no prior experience 07:59 - Building the model from the American Camp Association study 09:26 - "Precision intervention masquerading as a STEM camp" 10:13 - Identifying the girls most likely to benefit 11:12 - The 12-point questionnaire and selection process 12:21 - Building the process on butcher paper 13:17 - Using school data to predict enrollment 14:14 - Parent permission, photo releases, vaccination records 15:27 - What didn't work: assuming every parent would say yes 17:10 - Fundraising lessons: local giving matters most 18:26 - Why sales skills don't translate to fundraising 19:27 - Donor communication needs to happen often 20:24 - Short, frequent updates over long newsletters 21:34 - Keeping the cause front and center for donors 23:14 - Donors want impact, not merchandise 24:46 - Showing outcomes multiplies donor joy 25:10 - Milestones can also lead to grants 26:16 - Growth plans: more schools, girls, funding 27:37 - How to connect with Therese 28:17 - Why the organization is uniquely focused Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Therese: MPower Girls Camp Official WebsiteConnect with Therese on Linkedin

Helping Up Mission, Baltimore, and a life shaped by serving people in crisis James Misner talks with Daniel Stoltzfus, CEO of Helping Up Mission in Baltimore, about the personal calling that led him into addiction recovery and homelessness work, the mission’s 140-year history, and how it navigates changing policies while staying focused on trust, relationships, and transformation. Daniel also shares how a life-changing experience at age 19 shaped his path, along with insights on Baltimore’s recovery, nonprofit leadership, succession, and sustainable funding. Key Topics Daniel’s calling began at 19 on the Relief Bus in NYC.Isaiah 58 shaped his view of service and vocation.Helping Up Mission was founded in Baltimore in 1885.Its original mission included women and children.The mission expanded to women and children in 2020.Daniel sees this growth as returning to its roots.Baltimore shows both deep need and real renewal.Overdoses, crime, prayer, and partnerships shape the city.Daniel supports housing, harm reduction, and recovery together.Recovery depends on trust, relationships, and readiness.Timestamps 00:00 - Daniel’s introduction and why this matters 00:52 - Mission service and street addiction in NYC 03:12 - The moment in Maria Hernandez Park that changed his life 04:20 - Isaiah 58 and his call to service 05:42 - 30 years in addiction, homelessness, and poverty work 07:16 - Helping Up Mission’s founding in 1885 08:42 - Historic board minutes and early mission language 10:05 - Expanding from men’s shelter to recovery and women’s services 11:33 - Discovering the founder lived near today’s campus 13:15 - Why rescue missions emerged during economic crises 15:12 - What early records reveal about resilience 16:36 - Emergency funds, near closures, and faith 18:20 - Why Baltimore is often misunderstood 19:19 - Street outreach and active addiction 20:15 - Overdose deaths and the people behind the numbers 22:14 - A vision for Baltimore’s recovery 24:09 - Prayer, churches, leaders, and the city 26:32 - Succeeding a long-tenured CEO 32:41 - Housing first, harm reduction, and recovery 34:36 - 12-step and Christ-centered recovery 37:21 - Narcan and going beyond harm reduction 39:39 - Why strong nonprofits embrace paradox 40:27 - What failed: oversimplifying with a hotline 41:26 - Telling client stories with dignity and consent 42:55 - Building diversified nonprofit revenue 45:03 - Helping Up Mission’s next 5–10 years 47:39 - Connecting with Daniel and Helping Up Mission Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Daniel: Helping Up Mission Official WebsiteConnect with Daniel on Linkedin

Building Bridges and Moving Hearts with Josh Yerkes: Stories, Funding, and Mission Impact In this conversation, Josh Yerkes Vice President of Development at Global Outreach International—shares how storytelling, unscalable donor engagement, and documentary filmmaking fuel the organization's mission to send missionaries worldwide. Discover the power of personal touches in fundraising, the challenges of donor retention, and innovative ways to inspire support for global missions. Key Topics: The role of faith-based organizations in international missionsThe importance of storytelling in donor engagement and fundraisingUnscalable yet impactful donor stewardship tacticsHow documentary films can energize mission-focused givingLessons learned from fundraising failures and setbacksStrategies for building long-term donor loyaltyThe significance of personal, experiential touches in supporter relationshipsEffective use of social media and video content to tell compelling stories Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Josh Yerkes and Global Outreach International 00:39 - What Global Outreach does annually—mission, support, training 01:10 - Josh’s background as a missionary kid and career transition into nonprofit leadership 03:15 - The path from YMCA leadership to global missions and fundraising 06:44 - The storytelling approach and its impact on fundraising success 07:14 - The influence of personal stories and experiences in donor relationships 09:12 - Using sensory memories like chlorine smell to craft compelling stories 10:20 - How Global Outreach funds its mission: impact, partnership, and broad-spectrum investing 13:24 - Strategies for increasing revenue and donor retention 14:23 - The importance of personalized thank-yous and stewardship 16:33 - The power of experiential gifts and unscalable acts of generosity 18:53 - The value of personal gestures in donor loyalty and supporter engagement 20:45 - Overcoming scarcity mindset in fundraising and supporting loyal supporters 22:36 - The importance of focusing on supporter loyalty over immediate metrics 23:14 - Lessons from fundraising failures and experimenting in the space 26:46 - A personal story of a failed year-end campaign and lessons learned 27:24 - Announcing the upcoming documentary project "Beyond River's Edge" 29:18 - How storytelling through film can galvanize support for missions 31:09 - Practical ways to connect with Josh and collaborate in global missions Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Josh: Global Outrech International Official WebsiteConnect with Josh Yerkes on Linkedin

Empowering Future Leaders: Junior Achievement, AI, and the Future of Nonprofit Storytelling Join us as James Misner sits down with Kim Morgan, President of Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County, to talk about preparing young people for the future through financial literacy, experiential learning, and career readiness. Kim also shares how her nonprofit team is using AI to work smarter, strengthen grant writing, and create more effective storytelling that puts donors and audiences first. In this episode: How Junior Achievement uses experiential learning to teach financial literacy, entrepreneurship, communication, and critical thinkingWhy students need hands-on experiences to build confidence and prepare for real-world successKim’s path to Junior Achievement after 18 years at United Way and a two-year career breakWhat it means to return to leadership refreshed, focused, and not burnt outHow Kim’s team adopted AI for grant writing, communications, and strategic planningWhy AI should be treated as a coworker that supports, not replaces, peopleThe role of storytelling in fundraising and why the donor should be the heroHow Finance Park, BizTown, and Dream Accelerator are shaping the next phase of growth Timestamps: 00:00 - James introduces Kim Morgan and Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County 00:27 - What Junior Achievement is and how it connects learning with experiences 01:38 - Kim’s view of today’s students and the confidence gap in financial literacy 03:31 - Why real-world experiences create lasting learning 04:20 - How Kim became leader of Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County 05:19 - Her years at United Way and what she learned from the role 07:12 - What it’s like to work in a large fundraising organization 09:43 - Why Kim took a two-year career break 13:24 - How the break made her a better leader 14:08 - Why nonprofits need to embrace AI 15:03 - Practical ways Kim’s team uses AI every day 16:38 - How staff members are responding to AI adoption 17:38 - Thinking of AI as a coworker 19:46 - Fundraising growth through stronger products and donor alignment 23:17 - Storytelling that centers the audience, not the organization 26:08 - Why nonprofit leaders struggle with simple, clear messaging 29:05 - What success looks like in five years 30:02 - How to connect with Kim and learn more about Junior Achievement Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Kim: Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County Official WebsiteConnect with Kim Morgan on LinkedinStoryBrand by Donald Miller

$500K to $25 Million: How Feiro Marine Life Center Funded a 13,000 Sq Ft Rebuild Discover how Melissa Williams transformed the Feiro Marine Life Center from a small community museum into a $25 million funded marine education hub. Learn the strategic partnerships, fundraising tactics, and resilience that powered their growth despite setbacks, and gain insights into making impactful organizational leaps. Key Topics: Melissa Williams shares her transition from Chicago's Shed Aquarium to Feiro and her nonprofit journeyThe unique "David and Goliath" story of raising $25 million for Feiro's new aquariumBuilding strategic partnerships, including NOAA collaboration, to elevate project credibilityNavigating federal funding allocations and private fundraising from $500,000 to $25 millionOvercoming challenges with a major project reimagining and managing a six-year delayCultivating donor relationships through tours, events, and impact storytellingStrategies for rural organizations to leverage community support and major giftsThe importance of perseverance and self-care during long fundraising campaigns Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Feiro's location 00:19 - Melissa's background, incl. Shed Aquarium 01:12 - Feiro's growth into a $25M project 01:39 - Early excitement and community ties 03:17 - Visitor experience: tide pools & exhibits 04:43 - Plans for the new 2028 center 05:52 - Scaling the facility for growth 07:01 - Deciding to launch a capital campaign 07:58 - Securing federal funds & NOAA partnership 09:44 - State/federal funding & grant challenges 10:15 - From $500K budget to $25M raised 11:12 - Hiring a development director 12:02 - Feasibility study & donor cultivation 14:41 - Volunteer engagement & outreach 15:32 - Setbacks and reimagining the plan 16:54 - Keeping the team motivated 17:39 - Melissa's resilience strategies 19:48 - Earned revenue: 30% to 70% 21:29 - Donor cultivation, urgency & matching funds 22:39 - Rural fundraising challenges 23:37 - Giving, connections & pledge management 24:54 - Momentum through perseverance 26:01 - Advice for leaders with big visions 27:12 - Connect with Melissa & Feiro 28:36 - Closing thoughts & appreciation Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Melissa: The Feiro Marine Life Center's Official WebsiteConnect with Melissa Williams on Linkedin

Discover how technology and AI are transforming nonprofit work, enhancing donor relationships, and increasing efficiency in this insightful conversation with David Blyer, CEO of Arreva. Main Topics: The evolution of technology in nonprofits over 25 yearsChallenges with disconnected systems and integrationThe role and future of AI in fundraising and donor managementBuilding trust and protecting donor data with AIPractical steps for nonprofits to adopt new tech with limited resources In this episode: David Blyer shares his journey from software entrepreneurship to solving nonprofit data challengesThe importance of integrated systems in donor engagement and fundraisingHow AI can streamline communication, improve donor retention, and enhance decision-makingKey considerations for responsible AI use, including donor data privacyThe future of technology in nonprofits, including AI embedded into daily operationsPractical advice for nonprofits on adopting technology within budget constraintsTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and David Blyer’s background in nonprofit technology 01:12 - Early career and transition into solving nonprofit data problems 02:38 - Identifying the gap: disconnected nonprofit systems 03:57 - How Arreva simplifies donor management for nonprofits 06:42 - Current challenges nonprofits face with multiple systems 08:00 - The importance of timely communication for donor retention 09:56 - Impact of delayed donor communication on giving behavior 11:22 - The role of technology in building trust and relationships 13:00 - Retention statistics and the importance of stewardship 14:26 - Overcoming resource limitations for technology investment 15:48 - The significance of integrated all-in-one solutions 18:10 - Practical steps to streamline nonprofit operations and data management 19:12 - Engaging the board for technology approval 20:36 - How nonprofits can fund technology using existing resources 21:28 - The current state and potential of AI in nonprofits 22:18 - The practical benefits and risks of AI adoption today 23:45 - AI in crafting communication, fundraising, and donor insights 25:38 - Using AI responsibly to protect donor privacy 26:47 - Data protection principles with AI in nonprofit contexts 29:28 - The future of technology and AI in nonprofits over the next decade 30:25 - How AI will enhance fundraisers and personalize supporter engagement 33:03 - The ongoing importance of trust and relationships in fundraising 34:20 - Arriva’s unique offerings and how they improve nonprofit data systems 36:39 - Connecting with David Blyer and Arreva 37:09 - Final thoughts: technology as an enabler for mission-driven work Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with David: Arreva Official WebsiteConnect with David Blyer on Linkedin

How the Okanagan Science Center Leads with Community and Innovation Join us as Dione Chambers, director of the Okanagan Science Center, shares her journey from chemistry and nanotechnology to leading a beloved community science hub. Discover how she navigates fundraising, community engagement, and innovation in a small-town setting. Main Topic: Transitioning from science to nonprofit leadershipCreative funding strategies during challenging timesLeveraging digital platforms for education and revenueLeading through crisis: fire and pandemic responsesBuilding community support for capital campaigns In this episode: Dione's career path from nanotech to nonprofit leadershipThe role of traveling exhibits and unique programs at a small science centerHow moving online during COVID opened new revenue streamsLessons learned from managing a fire and operational disruptionsStrategies for community engagement and communicationPractical advice for leaders: building teams and prioritizing fundraising Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Dione Chambers and the Okanagan Science Center's unique story 00:21 - The location and community context of the Okanagan Valley 01:08 - Dione's transition from chemistry and nanotech to nonprofit leadership 01:33 - How her diverse experiences shape her approach to managing the science center 02:28 - What visitors experience at the science center, including exhibits and animal displays 03:00 - The popularity of axolotls and other unique science experiences 04:27 - Funding structures and revenue strategies, including moving online 05:09 - Deep dive into the center’s online platform and educational offerings 06:08 - The role of web-based programs for school groups and community 07:05 - Supporting teachers with accessible resources 07:35 - Looking ahead: fundraising plans and engaging community support 08:22 - The upcoming $10 million capital campaign and early donor engagement 09:38 - The importance of dedicated fundraising focus for nonprofit leaders 09:57 - Challenges faced with the canceled science festival and lessons in crisis management 12:52 - Navigating the fire emergency and restoring community trust 15:44 - The 'plant bingo' event as a creative response during closures 17:16 - Community resilience and communication during crises 18:51 - Marketing lessons learned from the fire and signage challenges 20:43 - The importance of multi-channel communication in busy community environments 22:50 - Leadership lessons: building teams, delegating, and self-care 24:00 - Connecting with Dione and the Okanagan Science Center for further engagement Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Dione Chambers: Okanagan Science Center Official WebsiteConnect with Dione Chambers on Linkedin

Transforming Attitudes and Building Communities: How Kupenda Promotes Disability Inclusion and Breaks Down Stigma Cynthia Bauer of Kupenda shares her journey from wildlife biology to leading a global movement against disability stigma. Learn how strategic partnerships, grassroots work, and smart measurement tools drive lasting change worldwide. In this episode: Cindy's story and Kupenda's originsHow disability stigma is rooted in cultural beliefsScaling impact through local partner organizationsKey partnerships (World Hope International, World Relief)Faith and community leaders' role in reducing stigmaFundraising lessons: skip capital campaigns, build long-term relationshipsMeasuring impact, from workshops to community ripple effectsLessons from unsuccessful initiatives like teacher trainingIntegrating disability into development and social justiceHow philanthropic funding is allocated today Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro to Cynthia and Kupenda 00:21 - Cindy's story, discovering stigma in Kenya 01:36 - Kupenda's accidental founding 02:55 - From basic aid to root causes 03:34 - Faith and community leaders shifting beliefs 04:36 - What Kupenda does today; meaning of the name 05:57 - Engaging influencers for inclusion 06:27 - Scaling via local partnerships 07:37 - Early fundraising, hiring a development director 09:14 - Government/foundation funding & measurement 10:53 - Demonstrating impact through studies, stories 11:46 - Lessons from teacher-training setbacks 12:28 - Influencing others without direct implementation 13:03 - Building disability-inclusive development models 14:19 - Partnerships in Sierra Leone and Malawi 15:56 - Reach: working with 27+ organizations 16:51 - Storytelling and communicating impact 18:02 - Measuring stigma reduction, transformation 22:27 - Case story: a mother and her children 23:45 - Lessons from failed quick fixes, segregated education 26:01 - Fundraising pitfalls: capital campaigns, one-off events 28:51 - Mindset shift during crises like COVID-19 29:20 - Cindy's vision for Kupenda's next decade 31:09 - Disability as a shared development lens 32:52 - State of philanthropic giving to disability causes 33:33 - Impact of shifting perceptions, systemic inclusion 34:16 - How to connect with Cynthia and Kupenda Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Cindy: Kupenda Official WebsiteDocumentary: Climbing Kilimanjaro with Kids with DisabilitiesUnlikely Gifts PodcastConnect with Cynthia Bauer on Linkedin