What if businesses existed solely to give back? That’s the revolutionary idea behind the 100% for Purpose business model—one pioneered by Paul Newman over 40 years ago and now embraced by companies like Patagonia and Bloomberg.

In this episode, we’re joined by Alex Amouyel, CEO of Newman’s Own Foundation, to discuss how philanthropy and business can intersect in a way that truly serves communities. We dive deep into how Paul Newman reversed traditional governance by giving his for-profit company to a nonprofit—a move that wasn’t even legal at the time! Alex shares insights on why more companies are adopting this model, the challenges they face, and how philanthropy itself is evolving to become more inclusive and community-driven.

🌍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ How Paul Newman’s bold decision reshaped philanthropy
✔️ Why companies like Patagonia are following the 100% for Purpose model
✔️ How nonprofits can own and govern for-profit businesses for social good
✔️ What democratizing philanthropy looks like and why participatory giving is the future
✔️ The challenges and opportunities of funding a mission-driven organization

About Alex Amouyel

Alex Amouyel is the President and CEO of Newman’s Own Foundation and the author of The Answer Is You: A Guidebook to Creating a Life Full of Impact. She leads the Foundation’s efforts to continue its commitment to use 100% of profits from the sale of Newman’s Own food and beverage products to nourish and transform the lives of children who face adversity.

Resources & Links:

🔗 Newman’s Own Foundation – Learn about their mission and impact
🔗 Paul Newman’s Legacy – How his vision shaped philanthropy
🔗 MIT Solve – Alex’s work in driving innovation for global challenges
🔗https://www.100forpurpose.org/
🔗Alex’s TED Talk

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!
Ready to join them? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact.  

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Shilpa Alva is the visionary founder of Surge for Water, a women-led, women-centered nonprofit dedicated to providing marginalized global communities with access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health solutions. 

Under Shilpa’s leadership, Surge has impacted over 1 million lives and created more than 2,000 community jobs, while advancing sustainable water equity around the globe.

Shilpa’s journey—from her background in engineering and corporate consulting to full-time social entrepreneurship—is a compelling example of how diverse experiences can lead to impactful change. We explore:

• The critical importance of water equity and its connection to global health, education, and economic development.
• How Surge for Water’s innovative, community-led solutions are transforming lives in marginalized communities.
• Shilpa’s unique leadership perspective and her advice for aspiring social entrepreneurs.

Don’t miss this powerful conversation about the intersection of water sustainability, advocacy, and the global fight for equity.

Links & Resources:

• Shilpa Alva on LinkedIn
• https://surgeforwater.org/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/shilpa-alva-858b841/  
• Shilpa Alva at TEDx

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!
Ready to join them? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact.  

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

What if mentorship could help you grow your career, and your fundraising bottom line?  

This week, I’m joined by the amazing Ken Miller, CFRE—a powerhouse in the nonprofit world and a true advocate for professional growth. Ken is the president of Denali FSP Fundraising & Grant Consultants, a fundraising consultancy he founded in 2014 after a long and successful career in development. He’s also deeply involved in leadership roles with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and other organizations working to advance equity and excellence in philanthropy.

In our conversation, Ken shares his wisdom on mentoring, coaching, and workplace sponsorship—three powerful tools for helping fundraising professionals thrive. We explore what makes these relationships so valuable, how to find the right mentors and sponsors, and why they’re game-changers for anyone looking to grow in their career. Ken also opens up about his personal journey, lessons learned, and his passion for mentoring the next generation of nonprofit leaders.

If you’re in the nonprofit sector—or considering it—this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration to help you take your career to the next level.

Connect with Ken on LinkedIn. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The difference between mentoring, coaching, and sponsorship—and why all three matter.
• How to find mentors and sponsors who align with your goals and values.
• Why workplace sponsors can open doors that mentorship alone might not.
• Ken’s personal insights on supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion through mentorship.
• Practical tips for mentoring others and building meaningful professional relationships.

🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷

What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.

That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!
Ready to join them? Visit jcsocialmarketing.com/bloomerang to learn more and start making an even bigger impact.  

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Since his inauguration, President Trump has signed dozens of executive orders covering a broad range of issues, including many that impact charitable nonprofits directly or indirectly. Some won’t take effect immediately and will be challenged in court.

This slew of Executive Orders are threatening the communities we serve, and nonprofits must be ready to prepare, respond, and advocate like never before.

This fight is going to be tough—but nonprofits are tougher. That’s why I’ve invited Bethany Snyder, MPP on to the podcast to discuss actionable steps your organization can take right now to push back and protect your mission.

Bethany is the founder of Snyder Strategies, LLC, a boutique consulting firm she formed to share and leverage her deep understanding of the advocacy world with nonprofit and membership-based organizations. With nearly 25 years of experience in communications, advocacy, and public affairs, Bethany is a seasoned professional and a nonprofit advocacy expert. She has been on all sides of the advocacy desk - as a grassroots advocacy director, a lobbyist, a consultant, a comms director, and a US Senate staffer. Having worked for a range of organizations, she is passionate about ensuring that nonprofit and social justice organizations use their voices and expertise to influence policies that impact those most in need.

Listen to the episode to learn how to: 

• Prepare your organization for policy shifts
• Respond quickly to harmful changes
• Advocate for lasting change

Resources & Links:

• LinkedIn Live recording 
• Blog post: https://www.snyderstrategies.me/post/how-nonprofits-can-fight-back-against-harmful-executive-orders 
• Executive Orders Affecting Charitable Nonprofits, National Council of Nonprofits (regularly updated)

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

AI is reshaping the nonprofit sector, from improving efficiency to revolutionizing donor engagement—but how do we ensure it’s done ethically and effectively? 65% of nonprofits using AI report improvements in efficiency and productivity, with the biggest wins in communication and data analysis​. But 42% of nonprofits cite ethical concerns, such as data privacy and bias, as barriers to adoption​.

This week, we’re joined by Josh Hirsch, aka “The AI Dude,” a seasoned nonprofit strategist with over 17 years of experience. Josh is the Education and Training Strategist at FundRaise Up, a faculty member at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, and the host of The AI Dude Podcast. He’s dedicated to helping nonprofits navigate the intersection of technology and philanthropy.

Drawing insights from Josh’s expertise and the latest research, we’ll explore how AI can help nonprofits work smarter, not harder, while staying mission-focused. With 65% of nonprofits reporting tangible benefits like increased efficiency and productivity, and only 2% fully adopting AI, there’s plenty of room for growth and learning.

What You’ll Learn:

• How AI can help nonprofits overcome resource constraints and improve operations.
• Why starting with operational efficiency is the best first step for AI adoption.
• The ethical challenges of AI—like data privacy and bias—and how nonprofits can tackle them head-on.
• Real-world examples of AI creating meaningful change in nonprofit operations, from content creation to donor communication.

About Josh Hirsch:

Josh Hirsch is a seasoned nonprofit leader with over 17 years of experience. He serves as the Education and Training Strategist at FundRaise Up and is a faculty member at The Fund Raising School at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Josh also leads The AI Dude, a consulting firm dedicated to helping nonprofits harness the power of artificial intelligence. A skilled strategist and communicator, he specializes in AI, digital marketing, and social media, empowering organizations to thrive in the digital age.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Josh Hirsch’s Website: TheAIDude.ai
• Blog: Building Capacity with AI
• Blog: AI for Nonprofit Decision-Making
• FundRaise Up
• Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

Does cybersecurity seem like a terrifying topic? Don’t worry—we’re here to make it a smash hit! This episode is brought to you by RoundTable Technology—the Nonprofit IT Partner. For the tenth year in a row, they’re back with their FREE annual webinar, and this time, it’s bigger and bolder with a 2025 twist: Cyber Karaoke!

That’s right—RoundTable Technology is turning up the volume to teach you and your team exactly how to make your nonprofit more secure in the New Year, all while keeping things fun and engaging. With over 200 nonprofit clients, they know how to help organizations like yours hit all the right notes when it comes to cybersecurity.

Make it your New Year’s resolution to give your entire staff FREE cybersecurity awareness training. Don’t miss the encore—head over to NonprofitIT.com/best-ever

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

In this episode, we explore the art of scaling nonprofit impact with Dr. Johanna Moya Fábregas, executive director of Con Mi Madre. This Central Texas nonprofit empowers Latina girls and their mothers, combining social-emotional learning with college readiness. But the strategies Johanna shares extend far beyond one mission—her expertise in storytelling, partnership building, and inclusive leadership offers actionable insights for nonprofit professionals of all kinds.

You’ll learn how to:

• Build trust with your target audience to create generational impact.
• Use storytelling as a tool for fundraising and community engagement.
• Measure program outcomes effectively to secure funding and support.
• Lead with resilience and clarity in a mission-driven organization.

Whether you’re focused on fundraising, marketing, or executive strategy, Johanna’s leadership insights will inspire and inform your work.

About Johanna Moya Fábregas

Johanna Moya Fábregas, Ph.D., is a dedicated Latin American immigrant with 20 years of experience in education. She currently serves as the executive director of Con Mi Madre (CMM), a non-profit organization operating in Central Texas. CMM partners with local school districts to provide a curriculum focused on social-emotional learning and college readiness to students from 6th grade through their college years. Drawing on her extensive background in non-profit work, higher education, and public education, Johanna emphasizes collaboration across various sectors. Her key areas of focus include intercultural communication, fundraising, research, storytelling, and leadership. Through her efforts, she aims to highlight the significance of multicultural education and empowerment.

For more information visit Con Mi MADRE

Does cybersecurity seem like a terrifying topic? Don’t worry—we’re here to make it a smash hit! This episode is brought to you by RoundTable Technology—the Nonprofit IT Partner. For the tenth year in a row, they’re back with their FREE annual webinar, and this time, it’s bigger and bolder with a 2025 twist: Cyber Karaoke!

That’s right—RoundTable Technology is turning up the volume to teach you and your team exactly how to make your nonprofit more secure in the New Year, all while keeping things fun and engaging. With over 200 nonprofit clients, they know how to help organizations like yours hit all the right notes when it comes to cybersecurity.

Make it your New Year’s resolution to give your entire staff FREE cybersecurity awareness training. Don’t miss the encore—head over to NonprofitIT.com/best-ever to save your seat now. Here’s to a secure and harmonious 2025!

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Did you know that nonprofits using data to tell their stories are 70% more likely to secure major grants and build donor trust? In this episode, we dive into how your nonprofit can harness the power of data to amplify your message, establish authority, and communicate your impact effectively.

My guest, Drew Reynolds, founder of Common Good Data, shares actionable strategies to position your organization as a thought leader, win the confidence of funders, and scale your efforts to drive meaningful change.

About Drew: Drew Reynolds is a nationally recognized expert in nonprofit evaluation and storytelling. As the founder of Common Good Data, he helps nonprofits use data to showcase their effectiveness, secure major grants, and scale their impact. With years of experience supporting organizations in achieving measurable results, Drew blends data-driven insights with compelling narratives to drive donor engagement and organizational growth.

Drew has been featured on podcasts like Nonprofit Jenni Show and Nonprofit Vision, where he shares practical advice for nonprofit leaders looking to deepen their impact.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Be the Go-To Expert:
   • How to use data and storytelling to establish your nonprofit as a leader in your space.
   • Practical ways to build trust and credibility with funders, partners, and the community.
2. Turn Impact into Action:
   • Why data alone isn’t enough—and how to pair it with storytelling for maximum impact.
   • Real-world examples of nonprofits that nailed it and what you can learn from them.
3. Scale Up with Confidence:
   • How transparency and accountability can help you grow your donor base.
   • Steps to expand your funding and prove your nonprofit’s value with clear, data-driven results.

Resources You’ll Love:

• Common Good Data Website

Connect with Drew Reynolds:

• Drew Reynolds at LinkedIn
• Check out Drew’s work and resources at Common Good Data.

Ready to Step Up?
This is your moment. If you’re serious about building authority, engaging donors, and showcasing your nonprofit’s impact, this episode is packed with strategies to get you there. Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!

Does cybersecurity seem like a terrifying topic? Don’t worry—we’re here to make it a smash hit! This episode is brought to you by RoundTable Technology—the Nonprofit IT Partner. For the tenth year in a row, they’re back with their FREE annual webinar, and this time, it’s bigger and bolder with a 2025 twist: Cyber Karaoke!

That’s right—RoundTable Technology is turning up the volume to teach you and your team exactly how to make your nonprofit more secure in the New Year, all while keeping things fun and engaging. With over 200 nonprofit clients, they know how to help organizations like yours hit all the right notes when it comes to cybersecurity.

Make it your New Year’s resolution to give your entire staff FREE cybersecurity awareness training. Don’t miss the encore—head over to NonprofitIT.com/best-ever to save your seat now. Here’s to a secure and harmonious 2025!

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

This bonus episode is brought to you by RoundTable Technology—your Nonprofit IT Partner. For the tenth year in a row, they’re back with their FREE annual cybersecurity webinar, and this time, it’s bigger and bolder with a 2025 twist: Cyber Karaoke! 

Make it your New Year’s resolution to give your entire staff FREE cybersecurity awareness training. Don’t miss the encore—head over to NonprofitIT.com/best-ever to save your seat now. 

I also have another exciting announcement - Social Media for Social Good Academy is open for 2025 enrollment! It only opens once per year, so don’t wait. Go to www.socialgoodacademy.com to get all the details. You can enroll in the basic program or upgrade to get a follow-up session one on one with me. Class starts Feb 12th so don’t delay! You will learn: 

• How to use the highest performing social media platforms to grow your audience, get more visibility, and drive donations; 
• The latest trends nonprofits need to know in social media;
• How to build and grow a community with compelling content;
• How to use AI tools like ChatGPT to create posts;
• How social media fits into an overall digital fundraising plan, including your website and email newsletter. 

That’s socialgoodacademy.com and I hope to see you on the inside this year. 

Now let’s get to the episode! 

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

David Rhode is a seasoned nonprofit founder, consultant, and author whose career has centered on scaling impact for mission-driven organizations. In this episode, he shares valuable insights from his new book, Passion Isn’t Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders, a comprehensive resource for nonprofit executives, board members, and emerging leaders. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, teaching, and consulting, David reveals why passion, while essential, must be paired with strategic and practical leadership skills to drive meaningful change.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why passion alone isn’t sufficient for nonprofit success.
• Key frameworks and practical tools for nonprofit management.
• Tips for balancing vision with operational skill to scale impact.
• Self-care strategies for nonprofit leaders.
• How Passion Isn’t Enough can empower nonprofit leaders to drive lasting change.

David Rhode on LinkedIn
Passion Isn't Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders

Does cybersecurity seem like a terrifying topic? Don’t worry—we’re here to make it a smash hit! This episode is brought to you by RoundTable Technology—the Nonprofit IT Partner. For the tenth year in a row, they’re back with their FREE annual webinar, and this time, it’s bigger and bolder with a 2025 twist: Cyber Karaoke!

That’s right—RoundTable Technology is turning up the volume to teach you and your team exactly how to make your nonprofit more secure in the New Year, all while keeping things fun and engaging. With over 200 nonprofit clients, they know how to help organizations like yours hit all the right notes when it comes to cybersecurity.

Make it your New Year’s resolution to give your entire staff FREE cybersecurity awareness training. Don’t miss the encore—head over to NonprofitIT.com/best-ever to save your seat now. Here’s to a secure and harmonious 2025!

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, we’re joined by Cecilia Lee, Alumni Relations Principal at Communities In Schools (CIS), to discuss the powerful role alumni networks can play in driving nonprofit success. CIS—a national organization ensuring students have the resources they need to stay in school—has built a robust alumni engagement strategy that connects participants beyond graduation, turning them into lifelong supporters, advocates, and ambassadors.

Cecilia shares how nonprofits can leverage alumni to increase community outreach, event participation, and donor engagement. She explains how public recognition—through programs like the Distinguished Service Alumni Award—motivates alumni involvement and how CIS’s President and CEO, Rey Saldaña, exemplifies the potential of alumni who become leaders.

Whether you’re a nonprofit marketer, fundraiser, or executive, you’ll learn actionable strategies for building sustainable alumni networks that deepen engagement and drive long-term mission impact.

Key takeaways: 

• Alumni aren’t just participants—they’re future leaders and lifelong advocates.
• Public recognition matters. Celebrating alumni can drive engagement and inspire others to stay involved.
• Alumni ambassadors extend your nonprofit’s reach organically, promoting events, recruiting new supporters, and growing awareness.

Challenges are inevitable, but thoughtful engagement strategies can keep alumni connected through different stages of life.

About Cecilia Lee

Cecilia Garcia Lee is an immigrant Latina from Mexico. At the age of 3, her family
moved to Houston, TX where she attended school through post-secondary.
Cecilia attended Houston Baptist University and began her career working at an
elementary school for 2 years. She then transitioned to the non-profit sector, joining the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council in Houston, where she assisted and supported the creation of Girl Scout troops in underserved areas, focusing on predominantly black and brown communities.

Following her impactful work with the Girl Scouts, Cecilia joined Communities In
Schools of Houston (CIS) as a Case Manager at Milby High School. It was here that she discovered her true calling. She later moved to the Development department, where she successfully managed the organization's largest fundraising event for 13 years. During this period, Cecilia started engaging with former CIS students, leading these efforts for over 5 years locally.

Links:

• Communities in Schools
• LinkedIn: Communities in Schools National Office
• CIS Alumni Community

This Episode Sponsored By Neon One:

Convincing your board to invest in nonprofit tech can feel like a challenge. That’s why Neon One created ‘6 Steps to Sell Your Board on Nonprofit Technology.’ This guide walks you through identifying your needs, showing how technology can streamline operations, and tackling common objections—all to make your case confidently. Visit neonone.com/julia to download it free and empower your mission with the right tools.

Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts