In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Shannon Moe, founder of SMC Scribes. Shannon shares the evolution of SMC Scribes, a nonprofit consulting and grant writing organization focused on social justice nonprofits. The organization helps teams strengthen funding strategies, improve storytelling, and build sustainable infrastructure so they can better serve their communities.

She discusses her background in frontline community work, including early experience with Haight-Ashbury Free Medical Clinics and later work in nonprofit leadership, activism, and hospitality through Revolution Cafe in San Francisco. These experiences shaped her approach to social impact work and her belief in grassroots, place-based organizing.

A key focus of the conversation is how SMC Scribes operates as a team-based grant writing and strategy organization rather than a single consultant model. Shannon explains how the team breaks down RFPs, conducts research, performs equity reviews, and ensures that nonprofit language reflects the authentic voices of staff and program participants.

The discussion also explores the growing crisis in nonprofit funding. With federal cuts, increased competition for foundation grants, and the rise of AI-generated applications, nonprofits are facing increasingly low success rates. Shannon emphasizes the importance of authenticity, relationships with funders, and leading with success rather than deficit-based narratives.

A major theme is the disconnect between frontline staff and executive-level decision-making in nonprofits. Shannon highlights how misalignment often leads to unrealistic grant deliverables and operational strain, especially when program teams are not involved in funding design and proposals.

The episode also covers the increasing importance of data infrastructure in nonprofits. Shannon discusses how many organizations struggle with fragmented spreadsheets, manual reporting systems, and lack of capacity for data management. She advocates for funders to invest in administrative infrastructure, not just program costs, to ensure real impact measurement is possible.

Another key topic is collaboration within the nonprofit ecosystem. Shannon encourages organizations to move away from competition and instead form partnerships, co-apply for funding, and build shared strategies to strengthen collective impact.
The episode closes with reflections on leadership, sustainability, and purpose. Shannon emphasizes the importance of staying mission-aligned, listening to communities, and building systems that center frontline knowledge and lived experience.

This episode is especially valuable for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, grant writers, and anyone interested in building stronger, more collaborative systems for social impact.

Explore SMC Scribes: https://smcscribes.com/
Explore Mazlo: https://mazlo.com
About Mazlo: Mazlo helps fiscal sponsors automate fund management, enforce compliance, and reduce financial risk, all without disrupting your existing systems or workflows.

Timestamped Overview
00:00:29 Why moment and early work in frontline nonprofits
00:01:25 Activism culture and San Francisco influence
00:04:16 Revolution Cafe and transition into nonprofit work
00:05:27 Founding and evolution of SMC Scribes
00:05:54 Team-based grant writing model explained
00:08:13 Using authentic nonprofit voice in storytelling
00:10:01 Assessing funding history and donor ecosystems
00:11:55 Crisis in nonprofit funding and 2% success rates
00:12:50 Leading with success instead of deficit framing
00:14:04 Humanizing homelessness and lived experience stories
00:17:15 AI and the flood of grant applications
00:18:16 Rethinking grantmaking through relationships
00:19:27 Infrastructure gaps in nonprofit operations
00:21:47 Collaboration vs competition in nonprofit sector
00:23:00 “No systemic change without the frontline”
00:24:09 Disconnect between leadership and program staff
00:28:59 Executive director isolation and burnout
00:31:12 Why nonprofits are harder than traditional businesses
00:31:49 Importance of better data systems
00:33:16 AI tools for nonprofit reporting and operations
00:34:36 Funders need to support administrative costs
00:36:26 What separates thriving vs surviving nonprofits
00:37:31 Relationship building with funders
00:39:56 Reducing fear around AI in nonprofits
00:41:24 Advice to younger self
00:42:06 Community, purpose, and long-term fulfillment

#nonprofit #socialimpact #fundraising #leadership #grantwriting #communitybuilding #philanthropy #socialjustice #impact #collaboration

In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Manny Hernandez, CEO of The Diabetes Link. Manny shares the evolution of The Diabetes Link, a nonprofit focused exclusively on young adults living with diabetes. The Diabetes Link provides community, clinically validated guidance, and culturally relevant resources so that no young adult living with diabetes has to face these transitions alone.

He discusses how the organization has expanded across major U.S. cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Boston, while also growing internationally through online communities and university chapters in Canada. A key focus of the conversation is how The Diabetes Link empowers young adults to connect with peers facing similar challenges, reducing isolation and creating long-term advocacy leaders within the community.

A central theme throughout the episode is disciplined focus in nonprofit leadership. Manny explains why organizations must clearly define their core strengths, avoid mission drift, and intentionally partner with specialized organizations—particularly in policy advocacy. Rather than expanding into adjacent areas like obesity, The Diabetes Link prioritizes staying within its expertise while collaborating with external partners who bring deeper domain knowledge.

The conversation also explores the shifting funding landscape for nonprofits. With reductions in federal funding, increased competition for foundation grants, and the rise of AI-assisted grant writing, Manny highlights the growing importance of trust, transparency, and long-term relationships with funders. He also outlines how The Diabetes Link diversifies its funding through corporate partnerships, foundation grants, individual giving, and emerging earned-income strategies such as content licensing and referral-based revenue models.

A powerful story from the episode centers on a student-founded chapter at Columbia University. A young woman living with diabetes builds a campus community from the ground up, which later becomes a lifeline for another student recently diagnosed. Their connection transforms both of their lives and ultimately leads them into advocacy roles within the broader diabetes community.

The episode closes with reflections on leadership and personal growth, emphasizing humility, clarity, and the importance of listening more than speaking. Manny underscores that sustainable impact comes from staying aligned with mission, building strong relationships, and being willing to say no to opportunities that pull organizations off course.

This episode is especially valuable for nonprofit leaders, funders, and anyone interested in building mission-driven organizations grounded in clarity, collaboration, and community empowerment.

Explore The Diabetes Link: https://thediabeteslink.org/
Explore Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC): https://www.diabetespac.org/

Timestamped Overview
00:25:03 Building youth communities across cities and universities
00:25:31 Expansion into Canada and global online community
00:26:23 Expanding into community colleges and trade schools
00:27:09 Workforce readiness and long-term youth impact
00:28:20 Collaboration as the foundation of nonprofit success
00:29:02 Staying in your lane and recognizing core strengths
00:30:21 Partnering for policy advocacy impact
00:31:43 Example: connecting youth to insulin policy advocacy partners
00:33:19 Columbia University student-led chapter story begins
00:35:05 Newly diagnosed student finds community support
00:36:14 “Life is never going to be the same for them”
00:37:00 Funding mix: corporate, foundations, and industry support
00:40:49 Nonprofit funding pressures and increasing competition
00:42:09 Earned income: licensing and referral models
00:45:09 Expense discipline and mission focus
00:47:42 Relationships as the core of fundraising success
00:50:49 The importance of saying no to misaligned funding
00:53:16 Advice to younger self: listen more, speak less

#nonprofit #socialimpact #leadership #fundraising #communitybuilding #healthcare #diabetesawareness #youthdevelopment #collaboration #impact

In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Michael Sheldrick, Co-founder of Global Citizen. Michael shares his journey from a struggling student in Australia to leading one of the world’s most impactful advocacy organizations focused on ending extreme poverty.

The conversation explores how Global Citizen was built by turning awareness into action—mobilizing millions of people through campaigns, partnerships, and cultural moments like large-scale concerts. Michael breaks down the power of bold, audacious goals and why clarity of mission, not perfection, is what drives momentum.

Key themes include overcoming apathy, the importance of taking action without having all the answers, and the concept of “policy entrepreneurship”—how individuals outside of government can influence real policy change. Michael also discusses the growing challenges of loneliness, declining civic engagement, and the need for “radical connection” to rebuild trust and collective action.

The episode also dives into how Global Citizen is evolving—leveraging technology, AI, and new funding models to increase transparency and efficiency in philanthropy. Michael shares insights into their latest global campaign tied to the World Cup, aiming to raise $100 million for education and literacy initiatives.

This episode offers actionable insights for community builders, nonprofit leaders, and anyone looking to create meaningful impact—showing that change starts with small actions, clear goals, and the willingness to begin.

Explore Global Citizen: https://www.globalcitizen.org/

Get the book From Ideas to Impact by Michael Sheldrick: https://www.amazon.com/Ideas-Impact-Playbook-Influencing-Implementing/dp/1394202342
 
Explore the World Happiness Report 2025
https://worldhappiness.report/news/world-happiness-report-2025-people-are-much-kinder-than-we-expect-research-shows

Donate to the Global Citizen Education Fund: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/projects/fifa-global-citizen-education-fund/

Timestamped Overview
00:00 The importance of meaningful action and living with purpose
01:16 Introduction to Michael Sheldrick and Global Citizen
02:30 Early life, academic struggles, and a pivotal turning point
05:03 First exposure to global inequality and desire to create impact
05:38 Founding Global Citizen and early campaign experiments
07:17 The power of ambitious goals and taking action without certainty
09:10 Clarity over perfection: why bold ideas attract support
10:47 Early campaigns and mobilizing support through storytelling
12:42 Overcoming paralysis and the importance of simply starting
14:51 Understanding “policy entrepreneurship” and influencing change
18:46 How individuals can shape policy outside of government
20:06 Apathy, youth disengagement, and the loneliness epidemic
24:58 Declining civic engagement and the need for community spaces
27:04 Radical connection and making generosity visible
29:02 Building community to move from despair to hope
30:25 Global Citizen’s World Cup campaign and $100M education goal
33:58 Ensuring transparency and impact in philanthropy
36:29 Using AI and technology to scale funding and accountability
39:25 Building trust and reducing friction in nonprofit funding
40:19 Navigating stakeholder alignment and managing trade-offs
41:38 “Pragmatic idealism” and creating change through collaboration

In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with John Roussel, Co-founder and CEO of Colorwave. John shares the founding story of Colorwave, launched during the uncertainty of 2020 with a mission to close the wealth gap by connecting underrepresented professionals to opportunities within venture-backed startups.

Key discussion topics include the importance of networks in accessing startup careers, how storytelling and positioning impact hiring outcomes, and the structure of Colorwave’s fellowship model. John explains how the program equips participants with startup literacy, relationship-building skills, and direct exposure to hiring companies. He also discusses evaluating risk tolerance when transitioning into early-stage companies and the differences between startup environments.

The conversation also touches on adapting to changes in DEI funding, shifts in the venture ecosystem, and the growing influence of AI on hiring and workforce development. John highlights Colorwave’s focus on alumni leadership, partnerships, and upskilling initiatives to expand economic mobility. This episode provides actionable insights for professionals looking to break into startups, nonprofit leaders, and organizations focused on inclusive talent pipelines.

Explore Colorwave: https://www.thecolorwave.org/
Explore Mazlo: https://www.mazlo.com/

Timestamped Overview
00:00 Founding Colorwave during 2020
05:02 Launching the first fellowship cohort
06:05 Scaling nationally through remote programming
10:21 The power of relationships in startup hiring
14:11 How the Colorwave fellowship works
17:52 Economic mobility and compensation outcomes
20:53 Storytelling and positioning for startup roles
22:03 Evaluating risk tolerance in career moves
24:38 Adapting to changes in tech and funding
26:43 Community-led growth and alumni leadership
29:17 AI upskilling and future workforce strategy
#leadership #networking #network #socialimpact #founders #nonprofit #venturecapital

In the season finale of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Erin Bradrick, an attorney and principal at NEO Law Group, to dive deep into the complexities and challenges facing nonprofits today. Erin Bradrick shares her personal journey from litigator to nonprofit legal expert and offers practical advice for nonprofit leaders—especially for those just getting started or looking to strengthen compliance practices.

The discussion covers critical differences between for-profit and nonprofit legal requirements, the layers of compliance nonprofits face, and the increasing pressure many organizations feel around risk mitigation. Erin Bradrick unpacks what compliance means in practical terms, why nonprofits often face greater regulation than their for-profit counterparts, and how recent trends—such as heightened regulatory scrutiny and looming legislative threats—are impacting the sector.

The conversation also tackles hot topics like donor-advised funds (DAFs), the evolving landscape of big philanthropy, and the importance of nonprofits staying mission-focused amid uncertainty. Listeners will leave with actionable insights on maintaining organizational integrity, preparing for regulatory changes, and harnessing the power of collaboration within the nonprofit community.

nonprofitlawblog.com

https://www.neolawgroup.com/

Timestamped Overview
00:00 Intro & Erin’s Background
03:49 Leap of faith into law
09:23 Starting a nonprofit key considerations
11:27 Charity Compliance Requirements Overview
15:08 State AGs Charity Regulation Trends
18:29 Nonprofits Balancing Risk and Mission
21:21 Nonprofit Resource Allocation Challenges
26:09 IRS Data-Driven Audit System
28:37 Algorithm Transparency and Bias Concerns
33:31 Nonprofits Mission Over Entity
37:21 Nonprofit leadership and philanthropy concerns
39:13 DEI Order Targets Foundations
42:19 Nonprofit Foundation Rules Explained
44:26 Donor Advised Fund Nuances
50:12 DAF Donor Considerations Summarized
51:30 Nonprofit Legal Compliance Expertise

In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Ajani Husbands, Vice President & Senior Counsel at Build Up Companies and the Campbell Law Firm, to explore his multifaceted journey from his Caribbean roots to diplomatic service, law, and nonprofit leadership. Ajani shares powerful stories from his upbringing in Barbados, international diplomatic work, and efforts to support grassroots movements and community organizations.

Their discussion encompasses the challenges of movement building in hostile environments, the importance of lived experience and diversity in philanthropy, and how organizations like Build Up Inc. and the Campbell Law Firm are working to streamline nonprofit operations so leaders can focus on impactful work. Ajani explains the value of fiscal sponsorship, capacity building for BIPOC- and women-led organizations, and the shift towards collaborative, equitable philanthropy.

Listeners will gain insights on overcoming structural barriers, starting and scaling nonprofit projects, and practical tips for effective advisory relationships. The conversation emphasizes purposeful work, optimism in challenging times, and the critical importance of empowering communities to lead change. Helpful links to Ajani’s documentary and projects are included in the show notes.

Explore Ajani’s alcohol brand, 1966 Rum: https://www.drink1966.com/

Fiscal Sponsorship: 6 Ways to Do it Right
Book by Gregory L. Colvin

Timestamped Overview
00:00 Intro & Ajani’s Background
06:29 Diplomat to Lawyer Journey
09:47 Journey from Law School to Practice
10:55 Brave Nonprofit Legal Advisory Services
14:19 Discovering Diplomacy Through Friendship
18:11 Legal Support for Social Impact
23:14 Fiscal sponsorship simplified
25:03 Capacity Building Support Services
29:50 Decolonizing philanthropy discussions
31:24 Harriet Tubman Grant Skit
35:14 Streamline collaboration in philanthropy
39:16 Facilitating change through collaboration
42:33 Fundraising Challenges and Support
45:38 Choosing fiscal sponsor or independence
49:06 Intentional Innovation for Nonprofits
50:32 Decolonizing Philanthropy Focused Efforts

In this episode, host Kian Alavi sits down with Lisa Burger, Executive Director of Independent Arts and Media. Lisa shares her winding journey from law to arts management, breaking down the ins and outs of fiscal sponsorship—a lifeline for many small nonprofits and grassroots projects. The conversation explores the various models of fiscal sponsorship, including legal, financial, and practical implications for project leaders and fiscal sponsors.

Lisa gives real-world advice for nonprofits considering offering fiscal sponsorship, explaining key lessons learned around financial systems, HR management, compliance, and the importance of trust in sponsor-project relationships. The episode also explores common challenges, the importance of mission alignment, and the shift towards transparency and stability in the nonprofit sector, particularly in arts and media. Lisa rounds out the discussion with her personal motivations, current trends, and practical tips for potential applicants.

Connect with Lisa Burger & Independent Arts & Media
www.artsandmedia.net

—

Fiscal Sponsorship: 6 Ways to Do it Right
Book by Gregory L. Colvin

Connect with Schulman Consulting
https://schulmanconsulting.com/

Timestamped Overview
00:00 Intro & Lisa’s Winding Path: Law to Advocacy
04:30 Nonprofit Leadership Journey
07:14 Restructuring Toward Mission Fulfillment
11:34 Fiscal Sponsorship and IRS Compliance
14:24 Fiscal Sponsorship Models Key Responsibilities
16:07 Managing Growth in Fiscal Sponsorships
20:30 Adapting Growth to Legal Changes
23:22 W2 costs and budgeting
26:18 Tracking Reporting and Relationships
29:04 Learning Financial Oversight Systems
33:54 Conflict Over Payments and Termination
36:09 Fiscal Sponsor Fund Control Explained
38:51 Streamlining training and onboarding
44:20 Fiscal sponsorship upheaval persists
46:25 Finding the Right Fit

In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Michael Pace, founder and CEO of Social Good Fund—one of the nation’s most impactful nonprofits supporting grassroots changemakers. Michael shares his personal journey: the frustrations that inspired him to create Social Good Fund, how he intentionally lowered barriers to fiscal sponsorship, and the driving philosophy at the heart of his work—helping others shine their light into the world.

The conversation explores key learnings for emerging and established nonprofits, including the importance of building the right team, leveraging technology for greater impact, and prioritizing self-care to prevent burnout. Michael and Kian also discuss leadership values, the evolving fiscal sponsorship landscape, current sector challenges, and the power of nonprofit collaboration in times of uncertainty.

Michael’s inspiring stories, especially from seeing Social Good Fund’s real world impact in African communities, remind us of the direct and often unseen change nonprofits spark every day. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in nonprofit leadership, social innovation, and building resilient, mission-driven teams.

Timestamped Overview
00:00 Intro & Michael’s Background
05:26 Creating Community Support Initiative
08:08 Cultivating Joy and Positive Influence
10:54 Building Social Good Fund Origins
16:14 Building the Right Team
18:26 Finding Leadership Within
23:38 Navigating Technological Advancements Alone
24:14 Pioneering Real-Time Financial Access
28:04 Tech Adoption Challenges in Organizations
30:35 Creating Secure Work Environments
34:12 Burnout and Self-Reflection
39:36 Commitment to Community-Driven Culture
43:20 Unity in Adversity: Collaborative Resilience
44:32 Grounded Humanity Amidst Technology
50:13 Clean Water Access Transforms Village
51:27 Transformation Through Social Good Fund
54:56 Gratitude for Rare Insights

In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Sunita Mohanty, CEO and co-founder of Vibrant Practice, to explore the intersection of AI, healthcare, and social impact. Sunita shares her journey from a product leader at Meta to founding Vibrant, an operating system designed for modern, independent medical practices focused on functional and integrative medicine.

The conversation delves into the challenges clinicians face with disconnected workflows and manual processes and how Vibrant leverages vertical SaaS and AI to streamline operations while maintaining quality, security, and human connection. Sunita highlights the importance of thoughtful AI integration—keeping a “human in the loop”—and addresses critical issues like patient data security, privacy, and AI bias.

Sunita and Kian also discuss the implications of AI for nonprofit and social impact organizations, the societal shifts in workforce roles, and the balance between passion and strategy when building solutions that matter. Sunita’s insights offer actionable advice for community builders, entrepreneurs, and anyone considering how to thoughtfully apply AI in mission-driven work.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Intro & Sunita’s Background

03:20 The Challenge of Personalized Medicine

07:08 AI Enhances Doctor-Patient Interaction

11:11 2025: Year of AI Agents

14:03 Healthcare Data Collection and Security

17:41 Biased AI in Healthcare Data

21:27 AI with Expert Guidance

24:33 Building Expertise Without Junior Roles

27:18 Balancing AI Efficiency and Quality

30:14 Follow Passion, Not Doubts

34:07 Optimism and Realism

In this insightful episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Elena Chavez Quezada, a leader in philanthropy and social impact who has shaped policy and practice across nonprofits, government, and foundations. Elena shares her inspiring journey from growing up in New Mexico to navigating roles at Tipping Point, the Aspen Institute, the California Governor’s Office, and now, co-leading Starwise Solutions. The conversation dives deep into challenges facing philanthropy and nonprofits: power dynamics, the mechanics of moving money, and the persistent disconnect between funders and operators.

Elena discusses hard-to-solve issues—like risk aversion in funding, overcomplicated reporting processes, and operational struggles within nonprofits. Drawing from real stories, including a transformational intervention with Canal Alliance, she highlights the game-changing power of trust, radical transparency, and authentic relationships. The episode also explores fiscal sponsorships, the complexities they introduce for both funders and grantees, and how leveraging tech and operational excellence can streamline impact.
Listeners will walk away with actionable insights on building candid partnerships, navigating funding mechanics, fostering continuous improvement, and embracing failure as a pathway to growth.

Timestamped Overview
00:00 Intro & Elena’s Background
04:35 Bridging Policy and Ground Realities
07:14 Government-Philanthropy Collaboration Strategies
10:43 Philanthropy's Power Dynamics Dilemma
14:53 Vulnerability in Funder-Nonprofit Conversations
17:29 Building Trust in Funding Relationships
21:14 Emergency Grant Saves Vulnerable Service Organization
25:53 Philanthropy's Risk Aversion
27:05 Funder Concerns with Fiscal Sponsorship
30:25 Challenges in Due Diligence Process
36:16 Seizing Opportunities with Fiscal Sponsorship
39:02 Community Partnerships with Government
41:42 Optimizing Nonprofit Financial Data
44:22 Philanthropy's Shift Towards Risk and Innovation
48:49 Radical Transparency in Relationships
50:34 Navigating Early Challenges in Building