Built for Good

Built for Good

By Mazlo, Kian AlaviBusinessNon-Profit
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Built for Good episodes

  • The Surprising Impact of Food Production on Climate and Biodiversity

    In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Dr. Jason Clay, Senior Vice President, Markets & Food and Executive Director of the Markets Institute at the World Wildlife Fund, to explore how food systems impact climate change and biodiversity, and what we can do to create a more sustainable future.

    Dr. Clay shares insights on sustainable agriculture, innovation, consumer choices, and the systemic changes needed to build healthier and more resilient food systems. 

    In this episode, we explore:

    • The global impact of food production on climate, biodiversity, and water use
    • Innovations in sustainable farming and supply chain efficiency
    • The idea of “producing more with less” by improving efficiency and reducing waste
    • The role of technology, small-scale processing, and localized food systems
    • How consumer choices and market signals can accelerate change
    • Policy and systemic approaches to transforming agriculture
    • The importance of biodiversity and ecosystem services for food security
    • Practical steps we can take, including supporting local farmers, buying seasonal food, reducing waste, and staying informed

    Explore World Wildlife Fund: https://www.worldwildlife.org/
    Explore Mazlo: https://www.mazlo.com/  


    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest Dr. Jason Clay

    00:37 - Overview of the food system's impact on climate and biodiversity

    02:09 - The challenge of feeding a growing population sustainably

    03:52 - Growing up on a Missouri farm and early decision-making skills

    06:29 - How farm life teaches responsibility and responsibility in food choices

    08:46 - The urgency of systemic change in agriculture and food production

    10:56 - Addressing global water and land challenges through regional solutions

    13:14 - The importance of biodiversity for crop pollination and climate resilience

    15:17 - Food's dual role as a greenhouse gas emitter and sink

    17:03 - How nature-based solutions can sequester carbon

    18:04 - California's water crisis and implications for agriculture

    20:46 - When might a global food crisis emerge without intervention?

    22:29 - Innovations: regional food hubs, local processing, and crop diversification

    25:28 - Supporting local and seasonal foods in American diets

    28:12 - The importance of transparency in food production and supply chains

    31:49 - Tackling food waste and improving storage practices

    35:40 - The influence of policy, education, and systemic change

    40:35 - Strategies for individual consumers to support sustainable food systems

    44:36 - The role of corporations and incentives in transforming agriculture

    50:04 - Infrastructure investments and smallholder inclusion

    55:18 - The importance of data, collaboration, and shared learning across sectors

    59:37 - Creating community and cooperative models for equipment and labor sharing

    62:53 - Viewing food production through a kaleidoscope of possibilities

    65:09 - How to start becoming informed and involved as consumers

    66:36 - Final messages: supporting local, seasonal choices, and staying informed


    1 hr 8 min
  • Part 2: The Hidden Power of Saying "Yes" More in the Nonprofit Sector

    Summary

    (If you want to hear Part 1 of Kian Alavi’s conversation with Oliver Hack, be sure to check out the previous episode.)

    In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi continues his conversation with Oliver Hack, Director of Fiscal Sponsorship at Social Good Fund, for a conversation about creativity, leadership, innovation, and the realities of building sustainable organizations in the nonprofit sector.

    Oliver shares his perspective on creating space for creativity, encouraging courageous leadership, and building systems that allow teams and mission-driven leaders to thrive. He explores the role of fiscal sponsorship in helping people turn their ideas into meaningful work while emphasizing the importance of studying the problem, understanding the business and revenue model, and making thoughtful decisions before starting a nonprofit.

    The conversation also dives into the importance of community and collaboration within the fiscal sponsorship field, the value of saying “yes” more often, and how leaders can balance passion with risk, sustainability, and long-term impact. Oliver discusses why organizations sometimes need to adapt their strategies without losing sight of their core purpose, and why courage, flexibility, and resilience are essential for navigating challenging times.

    From fostering innovation to making smart strategic choices, Oliver offers practical insights for nonprofit leaders and community builders looking to create lasting impact.


    Soundbites:

    "Innovation in the nonprofit sector is rare, but it's crucial to push beyond what's there and above where you think you can."

    "Leadership requires earning the right and having the courage to make hard choices in a highly regulated environment."

    "Institutional funders need to seed nonprofit endowments to ensure long-term sustainability and allow for strategic decisions."

    "The nonprofit sector is about community coming together to solve community issues, and trust is essential."

    "Encouraging an environment of creativity and rewarding it is key to solving problems in innovative ways.


    Links:

    Get the book "The Jewish Gospels": https://www.amazon.com/Miles-Davis-Autobiography-Orange-Press/dp/1595584684
    Explore Social Impact Commons: https://www.socialimpactcommons.org/

    Explore Schulman Consulting: https://schulmanconsulting.com/

    Explore Social Good Fund: https://www.socialgoodfund.org/
    Explore Mazlo: https://www.mazlo.com/


    Timestamps:


    0:00 - Hook

    0:16 - Introduction To Built To Good

    0:47 - Introduction To Oliver Hack

    02:20 - Funding Creativity 

    03:44 - Navigating Nonprofit Funding and Creativity

    06:46 - The Importance of Rest and Creative Thinking

    09:40 - The Four-Day Work Week: A New Perspective

    12:17 - Understanding Fiscal Sponsorship and Its Challenges

    16:58 - Building Community in Fiscal Sponsorship

    20:22 - Innovation in Nonprofit Sector: Saying Yes More

    23:19 - The Role of Passion in Nonprofit Leadership

    26:48 - Evaluating Nonprofit Ideas: The Importance of Research

    32:09 - The Reality of Nonprofit Startups

    37:41 - Strategic Decision Making in Nonprofits

    47:39 - Courage and Adaptability in Nonprofit Leadership


    55 min
  • Part 1: The Hidden Power of Saying "Yes" More in Nonprofit Leadership

    In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Oliver Hack, Director of Fiscal Sponsorship at Social Good Fund, for a powerful conversation about nonprofit leadership, financial sustainability, innovation, and the courage required to lead through challenging times.

    Drawing from decades of experience across philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and fiscal sponsorship, Oliver shares practical insights on building strong teams, understanding your organization’s financial position, and creating systems that allow organizations to grow beyond any one individual.

    Kian and Oliver also explore the unique challenges of the nonprofit business model, the responsibility of nonprofit boards, the importance of investing in people, and why organizations need more flexibility and financial reserves to navigate difficult moments. The conversation closes with a powerful discussion about creativity, experimentation, and pushing beyond what already exists to create meaningful innovation in the nonprofit sector.


    Get the book "The Jewish Gospels": https://www.amazon.com/Miles-Davis-Autobiography-Orange-Press/dp/1595584684
    Explore Social Impact Commons: https://www.socialimpactcommons.org/

    Explore Schulman Consulting: https://schulmanconsulting.com/

    Explore Social Good Fund: https://www.socialgoodfund.org/
    Explore Mazlo: https://www.mazlo.com/

    Soundbites:

    Soundbite 1: Nonprofit Leadership Insight: Highlight a moment where the speaker discusses the importance of mentorship and leadership qualities.


    Soundbite 2: Challenges in Nonprofit Sector: Focus on a segment discussing financial challenges and the need for sustainable business models.


    Soundbite 3: Innovation and Creativity: Capture a part where the speaker talks about fostering creativity within constraints.


    Soundbite 4: Role of Boards: Select a portion discussing the responsibilities and impact of effective board members.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Hook

    00:22 - Introduction to Built For Good

    00:53 - Introduction to Oliver Hack and the episode's theme

    02:30 - History between Oliver and Kian

    04:10 - The importance of organizational legacy and culture

    7:15 - Financial literacy as a cornerstone of nonprofit leadership

    9:16 - Challenges faced by nonprofits in a turbulent economy

    12:16 - Rethinking revenue models and the irrational nonprofit business

    15:16 - The critical role of business background in social sector success

    18:15 - The capacity of boards and how to improve their impact

    21:16 - Using endowments and reserves to weather financial crises

    24:20 - The power of giving nonprofits more room to innovate

    27:16 - Courage and confidence for nonprofit leaders

    30:15 - Managing the human side: relational work and dealing with friction

    33:00 - The importance of intentional onboarding and continuous learning

    37:16 - The value of creative experimentation and learning from constraints

    41:16 - Supporting staff well-being through rest and intentional time off

    46:15 - Ending


    47 min
  • Mastering Fiscal Sponsorship: Models, Challenges, and the Future

    In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Gene Takagi, Principal of NEO Law Group. Gene Takagi shares deep insights into fiscal sponsorship, its models, challenges, and the future of nonprofit governance. This conversation explores how to standardize understanding, improve advocacy, and build a resilient sector.


    Key discussion topics include the importance of Models of fiscal sponsorship (Model A and C), Legal and ethical considerations in fiscal sponsorship, and Strategies for sector organization and advocacy.

    Explore New Law Group: https://www.neolawgroup.com
    Explore Mazlo: https://www.mazlo.com/


    Sound Bites


    "We need a common language to avoid confusion."

    "Community building is the future of sector resilience."

    "Are we a Starbucks or McDonald's model?"

    "Funders should invest more in sector education."

    "Public trust and legal compliance are vital."


    Disclaimer


    This topic may contain legal materials and information intended solely for educational and informational purposes. Nothing contained herein constitutes legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney.


    Chapters

    00:00 Listen First Then Come Up With A Solution

    0:20 Built For Good Introduction

    0:51 Gene Introduction And Background

    1:40 Acknowledging Each Other Work

    2:43 Understanding Fiscal Sponsorship

    7:27 Challenges and Misunderstandings in Fiscal Sponsorship

    13:24 The Need for Stronger Advocacy and Education

    21:23 Language and Communication in Fiscal Sponsorship

    31:16 Funding and Support for Fiscal Sponsorship

    34:18 The Evolution of Fiscal Sponsorship Guidelines

    38:40 Community Engagement in Fiscal Sponsorship

    40:48 Understanding Fiscal Sponsorship Models

    48:52 Innovations in Fiscal Sponsorship

    53:22 Legal and Compliance Challenges

    59:17 Building Public Trust and Accountability

    01:06:01 Legal Support for Nonprofits

    01:13:29 The Future of Nonprofits and Community Building

    1:18:38 Ending


    1 hr 20 min
  • The Hidden Crisis in Nonprofits: Data, Burnout, & Funding Cuts

    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

    37 min
  • Stay in Your Lane: What Nonprofits Get Wrong About Growth and 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

    55 min
  • How to Change the World Without Power or Permission

    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

    1 hr
  • From Networks to Opportunity: How Colorwave Builds Economic Mobility

    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

    51 min
  • Fear, Algorithms, and the IRS: Erin Bradrick Reveals What’s Really Happening to Nonprofits

    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

    54 min
  • From Diplomat to Nonprofit Hero: Ajani Husbands’ Impact Journey

    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

    53 min

About Built for Good

From the publisher's feed

Built for Good is for the community builders driving missions that matter. Host Kian Alavi shares real stories, hard-won lessons, and data that challenges assumptions, helping you move with more clarity and less guesswork. Each episode delivers actionable insights to accelerate decisions and make meaningful work less of a solo struggle.