In this episode of Changemaker Conversations, Alyssa and Lindsay break down one of the most overlooked yet mission-critical elements of strategic planning: defining clear roles for everyone involved. From staff and board members to constituents and facilitators, they unpack how each group contributes—and what happens when those roles blur.

Whether you’re gearing up for your next planning cycle or in the middle of one, this conversation will help you bring clarity, collaboration, and buy-in to your process.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

The four essential groups every strategic planning process needs

How to effectively engage your constituents from start to finish

Common pitfalls—like over-involved or under-involved boards—and how to avoid them

How strategic planning serves as a “microcosm” of your organization’s culture

Practical ways to balance diverse perspectives and build stronger alignment

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In today's challenging political climate, many nonprofit leaders are focused on what they can't say—but what if we shifted our attention to what we can say? In this episode of Changemaker Conversations, we're exploring strength-based communication and why it's more relevant than ever for nonprofits navigating anti-DEI pressures and funding restrictions.

Alyssa and Lindsay share their decade-plus journey developing strength-based communication frameworks with organizations like Feeding America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the McCormick Foundation—and the data proves it works. From increased donor engagement to stronger brand metrics, organizations taking this approach are seeing real results without sacrificing their values or their fundraising goals.

If you're struggling to stay true to your mission while adapting to new federal regulations and "off-limits language", or if you're simply ready to communicate about the people you serve in more empowering ways, this episode will show you how.

Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

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In this episode of Changemaker Conversations, Alyssa and Lindsay tackle one of the biggest things that holds nonprofits back: thinking too small about marketing. Moving far beyond the traditional view of marketing as just a fundraising tool, they make the case for marketing as a true mission driver that can advance every aspect of your strategic plan.

Drawing from their groundbreaking Nonprofit Marketing Manifesto, they share the 10 commitments that transform how organizations approach brand, messaging, and stakeholder engagement. From eliminating poverty porn to ensuring marketing is overseen at the executive level, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what's possible when marketing becomes a strategic lever for social change.

If you're ready to stop playing small with your marketing efforts and start treating marketing as the mission-critical work it should be, this episode is packed with practical insights to get you started!

Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

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What if your nonprofit's most effective strategy decisions weren't made in a boardroom, but in partnership with the very people you serve? In this episode of Changemaker Conversations, we're diving deep into the Shared Power Philosophy™—the belief that nonprofits develop their most impactful and equitable strategies by deeply involving all stakeholders, especially the people and communities they serve, in shaping their work.

In this episode, Alyssa and Lindsay share why centering constituents isn't just good practice—it's the secret sauce to nonprofit effectiveness. From California Rural Legal Assistance's multilingual strategic planning process to the Muhammad Ali Center's community-led response during social justice upheaval, you'll hear real examples of Shared Power™ in action.

Then, you'll learn simple frameworks you can begin implementing today to transform your organization into a Shared Power™ Nonprofit.

If you're ready to move beyond one-time stakeholder surveys and build genuine feedback loops that transform how your organization operates, this episode is your roadmap.

Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

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In this episode of Changemaker Conversations, we sit down with Kelly Mattox, Vice President of Campaign and Principal Gifts at Connecticut Children’s Foundation, to explore what it really takes to align marketing and fundraising for greater impact.

Drawing on her decades of nonprofit experience—including 14 years at Horizons National—Kelly shares insights on running major campaigns, building sustainable fundraising strategies, and creating lasting partnerships between marketing and development teams.

Whether you’re navigating a campaign, trying to improve internal collaboration, or just need a dose of inspiration, this conversation will leave you with practical ideas and renewed purpose.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

How to foster a healthy, collaborative relationship between marketing and fundraising

Why role clarity matters—and how to get it right

Lessons from creating a national Giving Day that raised millions

What makes a campaign truly sustainable beyond its launch

How to stay mission-connected in challenging fundraising climates

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In this episode of Changemaker Conversations, we're diving deep into board leadership and transformation with a unique perspective from co-host Lindsay Mullen. As a former board chair herself, Lindsay shares invaluable insights about building an engaged nonprofit board that can truly drive your mission forward.

If you're navigating the complex dance between board and staff roles or looking to transform your board from a working model to a strategic powerhouse, this episode delivers practical wisdom from someone who's been on both sides of the table.

Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

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Should your nonprofit be strategic planning right now? In this episode of Changemaker Conversations, Prosper Strategies co-founders Alyssa Conrardy and Lindsay Mullen say yes—but only if you’re doing it the right way.

They pull back the curtain on what makes a strategic plan actually work (and what makes it flop), drawing on lessons from their work with organizations like Feeding America and Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

You'll learn:

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In this inaugural episode of Changemaker Conversations, we're diving into what's keeping nonprofit leaders up at night in 2025. From sudden federal funding freezes to market volatility affecting donor confidence, we break down the four biggest challenges facing nonprofit leaders today—and more importantly, share practical solutions to address them.

If you're feeling the weight of leading in today's nonprofit landscape and looking for actionable strategies to navigate these unprecedented times, this episode is for you!

Here's what you'll learn in this episode: 

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Join us every other week as we pull you out of the day-to-day grind and refocus your attention on the big picture through candid conversations about building more impactful nonprofits with less friction and more joy.

Prosper Strategies principals Alyssa Conrady and Lindsay Mullen introduce their podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking to build better organizations.

Learn how to transform plans into action, improve board relationships,  center constituents, and lead with less friction, and more joy.

Visit changemakerconversations.com and prosper-strategies.com for more.