Nonprofit Counsel Podcast

Nonprofit leadership takes center stage in this robust conversation with Sarah Tuakli Cooper. Host May Harris brings this discussion to life on the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, highlighting Sarah's dual roles as executive director and board chair. With decades of experience, Sarah explores how conflict resolution, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as authentic nonprofit governance, create stronger organizations. She also shares how women of color can embrace courage, self-care, and voice in leadership. This episode offers practical strategies for building strong board and executive partnerships, reminding us that effective nonprofit leadership requires advocacy, collaboration, and a clear vision.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How strong nonprofit leadership helps align the roles of board chair and executive director for greater impact

Why conflict resolution and grace are essential tools for advancing nonprofit governance

The importance of embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into nonprofit strategy and culture

Ways leadership for women of color strengthens voices, builds courage, and drives mission-focused change

Practical steps to enhance nonprofit collaboration and sustain community engagement

Subscribe to The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast and stay ahead on the legal and strategic insights that help nonprofits thrive. Join the conversation and empower your mission with expert guidance every episode.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Sarah Tuakli Cooper: a woman of color, from teaching in England to volunteering with CASA, her path to nonprofit governance and executive director roles

04:00 Balancing passion and conflict resolution within the nonprofit sector, managing differences while staying mission-driven

08:00 The critical partnership between the board chair and the executive director: the linchpin of effective nonprofit leadership

14:03 Superficial approaches can weaken nonprofit governance; nonprofits should stand firm on their missions and practice courageous leadership

17:12 Advice for young women of color entering the nonprofit sector, focusing on self-care, courage, and embracing authentic leadership for women of color

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Discover how strong nonprofit leadership, effective conflict resolution, and authentic nonprofit governance can transform organizations and drive long-term success.

Learn why diversity, equity, and inclusion, courageous leadership for women of color, and meaningful nonprofit collaboration are essential for thriving communities.

Gain insights on building trust between the board chair and the executive director, enhancing nonprofit leadership, and sustaining impact in the nonprofit sector.

Explore strategies that align nonprofit governance, strengthen nonprofit collaboration, and ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the heart of mission-driven work.

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Sarah Tuakli Cooper is the Executive Director at the Elementary Institute of Science, established in Southeastern San Diego in 1964 to ensure Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in STEM. She spent 20 years teaching computer composition and studio production in London, before moving to San Diego in 2008. She currently co-chairs the Jobs and Education Working Group for the San Diego Promise Zone and has served as Treasurer and Chair of the Board for the United Women of East Africa Support Team. Sarah's global perspective, extensive background in tech education, and commitment to serving diverse San Diego communities inform a leadership approach that is focused on Inclusion and Belonging in fields that are traditionally exclusive. In 2022, she was recognized as a Woman of Influence in Technology in the San Diego Business Journal and is increasingly sought after as a thought leader on issues of diversity in tech.

Sarah Tuakli Cooper - LinkedIn

Elementary Institute of Science

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

For Profit Law Group - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram

Nonprofit Counsel - LinkedIn

Nonprofit boards, board governance, philanthropy, donor engagement, and nonprofit strategy are front and center in this episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast. Host May Harris sits down with Ryan Ponsford, co-founder of Gateway for Good and founder of Main Street Philanthropy, to talk about how giving and board service can create deeper connections, stronger organizations, and even help reunite a divided world.

Ryan shares his journey from private banking into the nonprofit sector, starting with his first uncomfortable board experience where asking tough questions revealed major financial issues. He explains why healthy boards welcome questions, why unhealthy boards avoid them, and how board members can move from being "bobbleheads" to true mission-driven leaders

You'll also hear the story behind Main Street Philanthropy, a program that teaches families, students, and communities how to give with purpose—focusing on love of humankind rather than just writing checks. Ryan reveals why he believes giving is the key to rebuilding empathy and connection in today's divided society

✅ Why asking tough questions is the duty of every nonprofit board member ✅ How Main Street Philanthropy teaches financial literacy, trust, and empathy through giving ✅ Why redefining philanthropy as "love of humankind" empowers everyone to be a philanthropist ✅ How giving together builds stronger families, boards, and communities

Is your nonprofit ready to align investments, policies, and technology with your mission? Visit NonprofitCouncil.com to access strategies and tools to help you build sustainable impact and lead with confidence.

• 0:00 Why giving starts with action: "Feelings follow actions"

• 1:00 Meet Ryan Ponsford: from private banking to nonprofit boards

• 2:04 First board experience: silence, questions, and red flags

• 4:41 What healthy vs. unhealthy boards look like

• 6:32 The duty to ask questions and avoid being a "bobblehead board"

• 7:49 Different types of boards: working, fundraising, and governance

• 10:48 Founding Main Street Philanthropy: giving as a teaching tool

• 13:27 Students discovering empathy through giving—even rival gang members

• 18:18 Redefining philanthropy: love of humankind, not money

• 20:07 Scaling the program: 100+ classes nationwide and digital tools

• 23:23 Helping families navigate wealth transfer and avoid division

• 26:40 Why family conversations matter more than spreadsheets

• 33:00 Asking the right questions vs. floating on the surface

• 34:39 Final encouragement: start small, do something kind, and let giving lead to empathy

Key Takeaways

🔹 Healthy boards thrive on questions—silence is a red flag 🔹 Philanthropy is about empathy and love, not just writing checks 🔹 Giving creates connection and can reunite divided communities 🔹 Families who talk openly about values and wealth transitions avoid conflict later

Guest Bio

Ryan Ponsford is the co-founder of Gateway for Good, a public benefit corporation, and founder of the nonprofit Main Street Philanthropy. With a background in private banking and wealth consulting, Ryan helps families and organizations connect across generations and communities through intentional giving. His passion lies in redefining philanthropy, strengthening nonprofit boards, and showing that giving is the action that leads to empathy and love.

Resources & Links

• For Profit Law Group - Website - https://www.fplglaw.com

• Nonprofit Counsel - Website - https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/

• https://www.ryanponsford.com/

• https://www.gatewayforgood.com/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanponsford

#NonprofitBoards #BoardGovernance #Philanthropy #DonorEngagement #NonprofitStrategy #CommunityConnection

Nonprofit strategy, food insecurity, food waste, donor engagement, and community building are at the heart of this episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast. Host May Harris sits down with Tania Marino, Culinary Director at Gather and board member of the Golden Eagles, to explore how nonprofits can mobilize communities to fight hunger and waste.

Tania shares the history of Gather, one of the oldest social service agencies in the U.S., and how its programs—from mobile markets to rescued-food meal prep—are helping thousands of families access healthy, dignified meals each month. She also talks about building partnerships, creating volunteer-powered programs, and leading with creativity to solve food insecurity challenges.

Her journey from New Zealand farm life to international finance to nonprofit leadership is an inspiring reminder that the path to impact often weaves business, passion, and service together.

What You Will Learn in This Episode

✅ How Gather fights food insecurity with mobile markets, food rescue, and prepared meals ✅ Why reducing food waste also tackles climate challenges like methane gas ✅ How volunteers and partnerships power sustainable nonprofit programs ✅ Why collaboration and belief are essential for new nonprofit founders

Is your nonprofit ready to align investments, policies, and technology with your mission? Visit NonprofitCouncil.com to access strategies and tools to help you build sustainable impact and lead with confidence.

Key Timestamps

• 0:00 Opening thoughts on food waste and collaboration

• 0:42 Meet Tania Marino, Culinary Director of Gather and Golden Eagles board member

• 1:20 Supporting USA Rugby Sevens and lessons on culture-building

• 3:09 How culture drove the U.S. women's rugby team to Olympic bronze

• 5:31 History of Gather: a 200-year-old food security nonprofit

• 7:21 The "Gus the Bus" mobile pantry and serving 60+ towns

• 10:23 Culinary programs: food rescue and meal preparation

• 11:47 Environmental impact: saving food from landfills, reducing methane

• 12:57 Who benefits most: seniors, single parents, unsheltered populations

• 13:27 Volunteers, chefs, and partnerships powering the kitchens

• 14:28 The Seacoast Waste Map coalition and partnerships with restaurants

• 16:29 Guidance for founders: trial, error, and community collaboration

• 19:57 Building community through partnerships and shared services

• 22:03 Tania's journey: from New Zealand farm to international finance to nonprofit work

• 25:26 Gather's women-led leadership team and culture of collaboration

Key Takeaways

🔹 Community-driven solutions like Gather's Gus the Bus make food access more equitable 🔹 Rescuing food not only fights hunger but also reduces harmful methane emissions 🔹 Volunteers and partnerships are the backbone of sustainable nonprofit programs 🔹 Founders succeed when they combine vision with collaboration and persistence

Guest Bio

Tania Marino is the Culinary Director at Gather, a 200-year-old social service agency in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, dedicated to fighting hunger with dignity. She also serves on the board of the Golden Eagles, supporting U.S. Rugby Sevens. With a background in international finance and a lifelong passion for food, Tania now leads programs that rescue hundreds of thousands of pounds of food each year and transform them into meals for families, seniors, and individuals facing food insecurity.

Resources & Links

• For Profit Law Group - Website - https://www.fplglaw.com

• Nonprofit Counsel - Website - https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/

• Gather - Website - https://www.gathernh.org/

• Tania Marino - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tania-marino-8562442a/

#NonprofitStrategy #FoodInsecurity #FoodWasteSolutions #DonorEngagement #CommunityBuilding #NonprofitLeadership

Nonprofit startup strategy, fundraising, board governance, and leadership—these are the challenges every founder faces. In this episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, host May Harris talks with Traci DeForge, founder and CEO of Produce Your Podcast and co-founder of the Podcast Professionals Association.

Traci shares her personal journey of moving past 20 years of hesitation to finally launch a nonprofit. Together, she and May dive into the realities of forming a 501(c)(3) versus 501(c)(6), building a board, setting up revenue streams, and navigating nonprofit founder compensation. They also celebrate the release of May's book How to Start a Nonprofit That Will Change the World—now available in print, digital, and audio formats

Whether you're intimidated by the IRS paperwork or overwhelmed by conflicting information, this episode lifts the fog and shows you how to start a nonprofit the right way, with clarity and confidence

✅ Why starting a nonprofit requires both strategy and respect for regulators ✅ The difference between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) designations and why it matters ✅ How to structure boards, manage conflicts of interest, and set reasonable compensation ✅ Why nonprofits must operate like businesses with clear revenue strategies

Is your nonprofit ready to align investments, policies, and technology with your mission? Visit NonprofitCouncil.com to access strategies and tools to help you build sustainable impact and lead with confidence.

• 0:00 Two types of nonprofit founders: fear vs. no fear

• 1:18 Meet Traci DeForge: producer, co-founder, and nonprofit client

• 4:05 How the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast and book were born

• 5:58 Why audio content is critical for reaching today's audiences

• 8:01 Future resources: courses, webinars, and nonprofit education

• 11:05 Understanding nonprofit revenue streams: gifts, grants, and fee for service

• 14:07 Fundraising events: what C3s vs. C6s can and cannot do

• 15:10 Nonprofits are businesses: the myth of "no profit" debunked

• 18:55 Overcoming 20 years of intimidation to launch a nonprofit

• 21:00 The questions every founder should ask before filing paperwork

• 26:08 Building a board: size, structure, and avoiding conflicts of interest

• 31:38 Founder and co-founder compensation: what's reasonable and what's not

• 37:22 Who should read How to Start a Nonprofit That Will Change the World

• 42:16 Final reflections: turning fear into respect and taking action

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

🔹If you want to start a non-profit, contact a professional who can help you navigate the steps to avoid future penalties.

🔹Most people are only aware of the designation of a 501C3. However, there are other designations a nonprofit can take. A professional can help you make those decisions.

🔹To begin a nonprofit, one must have a healthy respect for the regulations and the IRS. This isn't a fear; it's learning and respecting the rules.

Guest Bio

Traci DeForge is the founder and CEO of Produce Your Podcast and co-founder of the Podcast Professionals Association. With more than 30 years of experience in media and business consulting, Traci brings transparency to her own nonprofit journey, sharing how she moved past fear to build an organization that supports podcast service professionals.

Resources & Links

• For Profit Law Group - Website - https://www.fplglaw.com

• Nonprofit Counsel - Website - https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/

• Traci DeForge - Produce Your Podcast - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracilongdeforge

• Produce Your Podcast - Website - http://produceyourpodcast.com

#NonprofitStartup #BoardGovernance #NonprofitStrategy #NonprofitFundraising #NonprofitLeadership #StartANonprofit

Nonprofit marketing, donor engagement, and storytelling are no longer optional. In this episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, host May Harris sits down with Jules Taggart, founder and CEO of Wayward Kind and fractional Chief Marketing Officer. Jules explains why today's nonprofits can't rely only on friendships, snail mail, or one-off campaigns to reach donors.

She explains how social media, storytelling, and a multi-touchpoint approach are critical to donor engagement in today's crowded nonprofit landscape. You'll learn why empathy plus utility is the secret to effective marketing, how to segment your audiences, and how even small nonprofits can build momentum without overwhelming their teams

What You Will Learn in This Episode

✅ Why modern donor engagement requires multiple touchpoints across channels ✅ How to move past the stigma of marketing and embrace storytelling ✅ Practical steps to start marketing strategically without overwhelming your team ✅ Why stakeholder conversations generate the most effective content

Is your nonprofit ready to align investments, policies, and technology with your mission? Visit NonprofitCouncil.com to access strategies and tools to help you build sustainable impact and lead with confidence.

Key Timestamps

• 0:00 Why donor engagement is no longer one touchpoint

• 0:47 From agency founder to fractional Chief Marketing Officer

• 2:24 The "M word" stigma: why nonprofits resist marketing

• 4:08 Donor behavior shifts: from snail mail to social media

• 8:19 How to start marketing strategically without overwhelm

• 9:41 Empathy + utility: the two keys to great nonprofit marketing

• 10:12 Finding part-time marketing help (copywriters, contractors, CMO)

• 13:04 Marketing beyond donors: reaching program participants & clients

• 15:24 Why talking to stakeholders creates your best content

• 16:48 What a fractional Chief Marketing Officer really does

• 18:54 How to engage your board in marketing efforts

• 20:19 Final tip: talk to stakeholders before doing anything else

Guest Bio

Jules Taggart is the founder and CEO of Wayward Kind, where she helps nonprofits align marketing strategy with fundraising and strategic plans. As a fractional Chief Marketing Officer, Jules provides both strategic guidance and hands-on execution, ensuring nonprofits use their limited resources effectively to grow donor engagement, attract participants, and strengthen their storytelling.

Resources & Links

• For Profit Law Group - Website - https://www.fplglaw.com

• Nonprofit Counsel - Website - https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/

• Wayward Kind - Website - https://waywardkind.com/

• Jules Taggart - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julestaggart

#NonprofitMarketing #DonorEngagement #StorytellingForImpact #NonprofitGrowth #FractionalCMO #NonprofitLeadership

How do you launch and sustain an individual giving program—especially if you're starting from zero? In this episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, host May Harris talks with Kelly McLaughlin, founder and CEO of From Scratch Fundraising.

Kelly shares her personal journey from organizing bake sales at age five to creating a consultancy that helps nonprofits design mission-centered, trust-based philanthropy strategies. She explains why the best fundraising isn't about tote bags or galas—it's about building authentic donor relationships aligned with your mission.

You'll also hear tips for keeping development directors engaged (and reducing turnover), how to identify the right donors for your cause, and why nonprofits should stop copying other organizations and start fundraising in ways that align with their unique mission.

✅ How to build mission-centered donor relationships that last ✅ How to identify and reach your ideal donors without chasing every platform ✅ How to retain development directors with realistic, data-driven goals ✅ How budget collaboration can unlock major gifts, like a $60K donation

Is your nonprofit ready to align investments, policies, and technology with your mission? Visit NonprofitCouncil.com to access strategies and tools to help you build sustainable impact and lead with confidence.

Key Timestamps

• 0:00 Donor relationships vs. transactions

• 2:00 Kelly's early start in fundraising

• 4:00 Launching From Scratch Fundraising

• 8:20 The From Scratch Framework for small nonprofits

• 13:00 Finding your ideal donor beyond demographics

• 15:10 When TikTok makes sense (and when it doesn't)

• 17:00 Development director burnout and retention strategies

• 20:30 How budget collaboration unlocked a $60,000 donor gift

• 23:00 Why "fundraising unicorns" don't exist

• 26:30 Final tip: Keep it simple and mission-centered

Key Takeaways

🔹 Donor engagement grows when you align fundraising with your mission 🔹 Retain development directors by setting realistic, data-driven expectations 🔹 Stop chasing every platform—focus where your donors actually are 🔹 The best fundraising tactics are born from your unique mission, not trends

Guest Bio

Kelly McLaughlin is the founder and CEO of From Scratch Fundraising. With nearly two decades in nonprofit development, she has helped organizations of all sizes—from startups to established multimillion-dollar nonprofits—launch successful individual giving programs. Her passion is helping nonprofits build from the ground up with strategies rooted in trust, mission, and sustainability.

Resources & Links

• From Scratch Fundraising

• Nonprofit Counsel Podcast

#NonprofitFundraising #DonorEngagement #MissionCentered #NonprofitLeadership #FundraisingStrategy #TrustBasedPhilanthropy

What does it take to set up and manage a nonprofit endowment the right way? How can boards align investments with mission values while avoiding restrictions that limit flexibility? And where does artificial intelligence (AI) fit into the future of nonprofit operations?

In this episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, host May Harris sits down with Kate Azar, Director of Nonprofit Strategy at PNC Institutional Asset Management, to unpack the strategies, risks, and opportunities nonprofits face when managing endowments and exploring new tools like AI.

From policies and donor restrictions to responsible investing, ESG, and AI efficiency in donor communications and reporting, this conversation helps nonprofit leaders think intentionally about the future of governance, investments, and technology adoption.

What You Will Learn in This Episode

✅ When an endowment is right for your nonprofit—and when it isn't ✅ How to align investment policies with mission and ESG values ✅ Why flexible policies matter for crisis readiness (like COVID) ✅ The risks and rewards of AI adoption in nonprofits

Is your nonprofit ready to align investments, policies, and technology with your mission? Visit NonprofitCouncil.com to access strategies and tools to help you build sustainable impact and lead with confidence.

Episode Timestamps

• 0:00 – Why nonprofits are slow to adopt new tech but how AI creates efficiencies

• 1:03 – Meet Kate Azar, Director of Nonprofit Strategy at PNC

• 2:28 – When an endowment makes sense for nonprofits

• 5:01 – Donor restrictions, policies, and risks with endowments

• 7:00 – Mission-aligned investing and ESG considerations

• 9:20 – The importance of flexible endowment policies during crises

• 12:01 – Keeping policies updated: "spring cleaning" for governance

• 13:19 – Nonprofits, AI, and efficiency gains

• 15:12 – Risks: data privacy, bias, and security with AI

• 17:02 – Using AI for fundraising, donor messaging, and reports

• 20:03 – Policies for AI use in nonprofits

• 23:06 – Final thoughts: policies, people, and preparing for generational shifts

• 26:03 – Succession planning and generational wealth transfer

Key Takeaways

🔹 Endowments aren't for everyone – weigh immediate needs vs. long-term impact 🔹 Mission-aligned investing matters – ESG and responsible investing extend your nonprofit's values beyond programs 🔹 Policies must evolve – outdated policies can cripple a nonprofit during a crisis 🔹 AI can boost efficiency – but requires policies, risk awareness, and intentional adoption

Guest Bio: Kate Azar

Kate Azar is the Director of Nonprofit Strategy at PNC Institutional Asset Management, where she helps nonprofits align investments, governance, and fundraising strategies with long-term sustainability. With experience as CEO of the Long Beach Public Library Foundation and deep expertise in endowments, ESG investing, and nonprofit operations, Kate brings practical and mission-focused insights to boards and executives navigating today's fast-changing environment

.

Resources and Links

• For Profit Law Group - Website - https://www.fplglaw.com

• Nonprofit Counsel - Website - https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/

• https://www.pnc.com/en/corporate-and-institutional/institutional-investment-management/iam-home.html

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kazar/

#NonprofitLeadership #NonprofitEndowments #ESGInvesting #NonprofitAI #NonprofitStrategy #BoardGovernance #NonprofitCouncilPodcast

The nonprofit sector is more than service—it's advocacy, innovation, and one of California's largest economic forces. In this milestone 20th episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, host May Harris speaks with Geoff Green, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits).

Geoff shares insights on nonprofit advocacy, policy reform, board engagement, funding challenges, and legislative priorities shaping the sector in 2024 and beyond. From the Nonprofit Equity Initiative and government contracting reform to the ongoing debate over the Johnson Amendment, Geoff explains why nonprofit leaders must stay politically engaged.

If you're a nonprofit executive, board member, or advocate, this conversation will help you understand the power of nonprofit policy engagement and how CalNonprofits amplifies the voice of more than 10,000 organizations across the state.

What You Will Learn in This Episode

✅ Why the nonprofit sector is one of California's largest employers and a hub for innovation ✅ How the Nonprofit Equity Initiative is reforming state contracting and funding ✅ Why the Johnson Amendment matters in an election year—and what's at stake in court ✅ Practical ways nonprofits can engage in advocacy without partisanship

Key Takeaways

🔹 Nonprofits are problem solvers – filling gaps where government and private industry cannot 🔹 Advocacy is not optional – if nonprofits aren't at the table, they're on the menu 🔹 Policy shapes sustainability – from wages to contracts, nonprofit survival depends on legislation 🔹 Collective voice matters – one nonprofit is powerful, but 10,000 together can shape systems

• 0:00 Why the nonprofit sector is the most creative problem solver

• 1:15 What CalNonprofits does: advocacy, education, and research

• 3:17 Geoff's journey from fundraising to policy leadership

• 5:27 Why defining nonprofits by what they aren't is limiting

• 8:03 Innovation and risk-taking in the nonprofit sector

• 9:20 Legislative priorities and the Nonprofit Equity Initiative

• 11:45 Assembly Bill 590: advance payments for state contracts

• 13:11 Challenges with PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) lawsuits

• 15:07 Wage increases, housing costs, and nonprofit funding limits

• 17:13 How CalNonprofits mobilizes members for advocacy

• 19:01 Boards, advocacy, and political misconceptions

• 20:25 The Johnson Amendment and election year risks

• 22:24 Why nonprofits must be at the policy table

• 24:09 $1 to $20 ratio: why nonprofits must influence public spending

• 25:33 Membership, resources, and collective voice through CalNonprofits

Geoff Green is the CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits), where he leads advocacy, research, and education efforts for the state's nonprofit sector. With decades of experience in fundraising, coalition building, political advocacy, and nonprofit leadership, Geoff has been a longtime member and board chair of CalNonprofits. Today, he champions policy reform, funding equity, and nonprofit sector visibility, ensuring that nonprofits remain central to California's civic and economic life.

• For Profit Law Group - Website - https://www.fplglaw.com

• Nonprofit Counsel - Website - https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/

• California Association of Nonprofits - Website - https://calnonprofits.org

#NonprofitAdvocacy #NonprofitLeadership #NonprofitPolicy #CalNonprofits #JohnsonAmendment #NonprofitCouncilPodcast

Running a nonprofit takes more than passion, it takes strategy, leadership, and the ability to answer the all-important "So what?" for funders, boards, and communities. In this episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, host May Harris sits down with Dr. Crystal Trull, founder of CT Nonprofit Consulting and faculty member in nonprofit leadership at the University of San Diego.

Crystal shares candid insights from her work as an executive director, consultant, and board development expert. From tackling the myth of the "unicorn" executive director to teaching boards how to stay intentional, she reveals why mission alignment, collaboration, and transparency are the keys to healthy nonprofit governance.

Whether you're a nonprofit board member, executive director, or aspiring leader, this conversation will help you strengthen governance, recruit better boards, and build stronger relationships that drive impact.

✅ Why the myth of the "unicorn" executive director hurts nonprofits ✅ How to recruit and engage board members who reflect your mission and community ✅ Why the "So What" factor is essential for winning funders' trust ✅ Tips for building strong relationships between boards and executive directors

Want to strengthen your nonprofit's board and leadership? Visit NonprofitCouncil.com to access strategies, tools, and insights to recruit better boards, support your executive director, and lead with clarity.

👉 Want templates and step-by-step nonprofit leadership training → https://nonprofitcounsel.com/leadership-accelerator

🔹 Mission comes first – every board decision, recruitment, and program must tie back to mission 🔹 Intentional recruitment matters – boards must reflect their community and bring lived experience, not just titles 🔹 Boards and executives share responsibility – governance fails when boards expect EDs to do it all 🔹 Transparency is critical – honesty about challenges builds trust and sustainability

• 0:00 Why boards can't expect a "unicorn" executive director

• 1:03 Meet Dr. Crystal Trull, nonprofit consultant and educator

• 2:28 Crystal's education and career journey from ED to PhD

• 5:02 Why advanced nonprofit education and research matter

• 7:01 How research informs nonprofit practice and consulting

• 8:03 What nonprofits really ask for: money and board members

• 9:20 Post-COVID shift from competition to collaboration

• 11:04 Helping organizations articulate their "So What"

• 13:09 Challenges of working with established boards

• 14:00 Recruiting intentional, diverse, and representative board members

• 16:20 Setting expectations for new board members from day one

• 18:01 Why board development must stay on the agenda

• 19:01 Healthy board–executive director relationship

• 20:09 Why EDs shouldn't be expected to do it all

• 22:17 The importance of transparency in executive searches

• 23:06 The role of strong board chairs and vice chairs

• 24:33 Final advice: remove personal agendas and focus on mission

Dr. Crystal Trull is the founder and principal of CT Nonprofit Consulting, where she helps nonprofits strengthen boards, strategy, and leadership. With experience as a nonprofit executive director, consultant, and educator at the University of San Diego, Crystal brings a unique blend of practitioner expertise and academic insight. She specializes in board development, governance, nonprofit leadership, and strategic planning.

• For Profit Law Group - Website - https://www.fplglaw.com

• Nonprofit Counsel - Website - https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/

• Crystal Trull - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-trull-phd-2a8a7914/

• CT Nonprofit Consulting - Website. https://www.ctnonprofitconsulting.com/

Hashtags: #NonprofitLeadership #BoardDevelopment #ExecutiveDirectors #NonprofitGovernance #NonprofitCouncilPodcast #MissionDriven #NonprofitStrategy

Philanthropy and social entrepreneurship are reshaping how nonprofits, foundations, and businesses create impact. In this episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, host May Harris speaks with Dr. Paula Cordeiro, global leader in education, philanthropy, and social innovation.

From her decades of experience in education and nonprofit leadership to her work with foundations and microfinance, Paula shares how impact investing, benefit corporations, and social enterprises are shifting the global ecosystem. She explains how collaboration across sectors nonprofit, government, and for-profit creates sustainable solutions, and why philanthropy has the power to be catalytic in addressing today's biggest challenges.

This conversation is a masterclass for nonprofit leaders, foundation boards, and social entrepreneurs who want to harness business practices, philanthropy, and innovation to drive lasting social change.

What You Will Learn in This Episode

✅ What social entrepreneurship really means and how nonprofits and for-profits are blurring sector lines ✅ Why impact investing is reshaping philanthropy and endowments worldwide ✅ How benefit corporations, B Corps, and ESOPs empower employees and communities ✅ Why collaboration and coalitions are the future of philanthropy and nonprofit sustainability

👉 Want templates and step-by-step nonprofit leadership training → https://nonprofitcounsel.com/leadership-accelerator

Key Takeaways

🔹 Social entrepreneurship is a global movement—from Ashoka Fellows to Newman's Own and King Arthur Flour 🔹 Philanthropy is catalytic—foundations can lead change by aligning grantmaking with impact investing 🔹 Legal frameworks are evolving—benefit corporations and B Corps open new doors for mission-driven business 🔹 The next generation demands purpose—young professionals choose employers with strong ESG and community values

Episode Timestamps

• 0:00 Why philanthropy is catalytic for social change

• 1:02 Introducing Dr. Paula Cordeiro

• 1:32 Paula's journey from education to philanthropy and microfinance

• 3:23 What social entrepreneurship really means (Girl Scouts example)

• 5:01 The paradigm shift in nonprofit and business collaboration

• 6:19 Global social entrepreneurship: Ashoka, Skoll Foundation, and beyond

• 7:49 Newman's Own, King Arthur Flour, and examples of social enterprise

• 9:13 Legal frameworks for benefit corporations and the Ben & Jerry's story

• 10:28 Why the ecosystem needs lawyers, accountants, and advisors trained in new business models

• 12:00 How philanthropy has changed over the last 20 years

• 13:25 Impact investing conferences and global networks

• 15:03 Why foundations and universities are adopting ESG-aligned portfolios

• 16:59 Collaboration across nonprofits, corporations, and foundations

• 18:35 Younger generations driving change with conscious consumerism and values-based career

• 21:21 Global examples: employee-owned cooperatives in Rwanda

• 22:40 Paula's 2025 global seminar in San Diego, Spain, and Rwanda

• 25:03 Who should attend: nonprofit leaders, board members, and impact investors

• 26:12 Final thoughts: why social innovation is growing exponentially

Dr. Paula Cordeiro is a globally recognized leader in education, philanthropy, and social innovation. Former Dean at the University of San Diego, she has worked in K–12 education, microfinance, nonprofit leadership, and international philanthropy. She serves on multiple foundation and nonprofit boards and has been deeply involved in impact investing, social entrepreneurship, and benefit corporation development. Today, she mentors the next generation of leaders in USD's Master's in Social Innovation program while continuing to advance global initiatives in philanthropy and sustainability.

Resources and Links

• For Profit Law Group - Website - https://www.fplglaw.com

• Nonprofit Counsel - Website - https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/

• Paula A. Cordeiro - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-a-cordeiro-9297b96/

• Ashoka: ashoka.org https://www.ashoka.org/en-us

• Skoll Foundation: skoll.org

• SOCAP Conference: socialcapitalmarkets.net

• Global Impact Investing Network: thegiin.org

#SocialEntrepreneurship #ImpactInvesting #Philanthropy #BenefitCorporations #BCorps #NonprofitLeadership #NonprofitCouncilPodcast #Sustainability