In this special Thanksgiving episode of "Nonprofit on the Rocks," host Matt Kamin welcomes back Michael Thatcher, CEO of the nonprofit rating website, Charity Navigator, for an insightful conversation about the state of the nonprofit sector in America. Together, they discuss the challenges facing nonprofits today, including declining public trust, reduced government funding, and the increasing need for community support. Michael shares inspiring stories of generosity, explains how Charity Navigator empowers donors to make informed giving decisions, and highlights the vital role nonprofits play in everyday American life. The episode also covers practical ways listeners can give back—whether through donations, volunteering, or joining a nonprofit board—and ends with a heartfelt reminder of the importance of gratitude and collective action. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in making a positive impact during the holiday season and beyond.

Matt is joined by Liz Lin, CEO of the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, to discuss the profound impact of the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. The conversation covers challenges faced by both the community and first responders, the critical role of the Foundation, and practical steps for preparedness and recovery.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Firsthand accounts of emergency response and the emotional toll on firefighters

• The mission and work of the LAFD Foundation in supporting firefighters with essential equipment, resources and station upgrades

• The importance of community support for first responders, including appropriate ways to show appreciation.

• Guidance for homeowners and families on disaster preparedness, evacuation planning and recovery resources.

• The ongoing needs of the LAFD and how public support makes a difference.

RESOURCES:

• Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: supportlafd.org

• LAFD official information: lafd.org

What really happens when you put two nonprofit insiders in a room and ask them to solve the sector’s toughest hiring puzzles? In this episode, we sit down with Tom O’Connor, founder of TOC Arts Partners, to decode the mysteries of executive search, organizational strategy, and the human side of leadership.

Tune in for a conversation that goes beyond résumés and reference checks. Tom shares why the best searches start with curiosity, how to spot the difference between a good candidate and the right candidate, and why transparency is the ultimate retention tool. Along the way, we explore the subtle art of “discovery,” the realities of uncertainty in the nonprofit world, and the power of building teams that are more than the sum of their job descriptions.

Highlights include:

• The “knife fight in a phone booth” reality of today’s talent market

• How to turn candidate feedback into organizational growth

• Why culture fit is more than a buzzword (and how to get it right)

• The secret to making hiring less transactional and more transformational

• Tom’s take on humility, humor, and the impact sector’s future

Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, a job-seeker, or just someone who loves a good story about people making a difference, this episode is your invitation to rethink what it means to build a great team.

It's a new season of Nonprofit on the Rocks! Host Matt Kamin is a nonprofit expert whose wealth of experience, wit and wisdom will help your nonprofit not only tackle today's challenges, but will also help build a stronger foundation for lasting impact in the future.

Tis the season of giving--giving thanks, giving gifts, and giving money to your favorite charities. To help you “navigate” the complex charitable giving landscape, Matt talks to renaissance man, Michael Thatcher, the CEO of the nonprofit rating website, Charity Navigator.

The pair discuss what makes a “good nonprofit;” how you measure impact; and the importance of strong leadership. They also delve into how you incorporate feedback into management; the possibility of a 360 review of Executive Directors; and the never-ending debate surrounding the controversial “80/20” rule that arbitrarily governs nonprofits’ financials.

And did you know they recently launched a program called “Causeway” that allows you to give to “cause” instead of a single charity? It’s essentially a mutual fund that spreads your donation to multiple orgs supporting the same mission.

Whether you’re a donor looking for where and how to give, or a nonprofit looking for how to get more traction or accurate information about your org on the site, this show has it all!

In this lively and heartfelt episode, Matt dives deep into the world of nonprofit with his longtime pal, Dr. Cid Pinedo, President and CEO of the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation. Cid shares his inspiring journey from aspiring priesthood in East LA to becoming the CEO of MAOF; his passion for helping under-resourced communities; the importance of serving with dignity; the challenges with government funding for nonprofits; and discovering the surprising love seniors have for Zumba!

Along the way, the friends share plenty of laughs, sips of tequila and bourbon, and heartfelt anecdotes about life's detours, the audacity of confidence, and the profound impact of helping others.

Whether you're into nonprofit work, curious about Sid’s billion-dollar dreams for MAOF, or just need some inspiration—and a laugh—this episode is for you!

SHOW NOTES:

00:00 Opening quote from Cid

00:21 Meet Your Host and Producer: Matt and Ashley

01:18 Celebrating Growth and Success

02:13 Family and Listener Engagement

03:41 Surviving the Heatwave

04:51 Matt's Radio Face and Sid's Introduction

06:09 A Heartfelt Conversation with Sid

07:20 Sid's Journey into Nonprofit Work

10:35 The Importance of Impact and Service

18:02 Balancing Leadership and Connection

21:16 Guiding Principles and Mentorship

31:10 Mentorship and Unexpected Opportunities

33:03 Creating a Welcoming Environment as a Leader

34:48 Ambitious Growth Plans for MAOF

38:34 Balancing Growth and Quality of Service

41:10 Engaging and Motivating Board Members

49:43 Challenges with Government Funding

54:07 Overview of MAOF's Services and Impact

57:33 Final Thoughts and Inspirational Messages

Matt talks to Jenny Mitchell, CEO, nonprofit coach, and author of “Embracing Ambition: Empowering Women to Step Out, be Seen and Lead.” The pair discuss the nitty-gritty of fundraising, including mastering the art of uncomfortable conversations and how to stay motivated and confidant when things aren’t going your way.

If you've ever thought about starting your own coaching business or wondered if it's time to bring in a coach, we've got you covered. Plus, Jenny reveals that "compassion" literally means “to suffer alongside.” Who knew suffering could be so... comforting?

This episode is all about boards! Matt talks all things board related with two experts, Jonathan Zeichner and Amy Friedman. All three of the voices on this episode have served as founders, executive directors, board members, and in the case of Matt and Jonathan: consultants. They have seen and experienced “the big board picture” from all angles and perspectives. They know, first hand, the good, the bad, and yes: the ugly.

The three share stories from personal experience as well as answer questions from listeners looking to learn more about how to navigate the sometimes-rough terrain of board culture. Matt and Jonathan also talk about Envision Consulting’s newest project: “Board Builders,” a subscription service that is a literal “one stop shop” for all your board service needs, from finding board members, to onboarding and mentoring both them and the staff that supports them.

Matt talks to Ed O’Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation.

The pair dive into everything from how a president, whose face is carved on Mount Rushmore, doesn’t already have a library, to how one goes about starting and fundraising for, such a massive project.

Additionally, they explore the conservation movement that TR started and the bipartisan support he, and the library named in his honor, have garnered in a divided Congress; the importance of knowing when it’s time to walk away (and, conversely, when it’s important to stay)

Ed also sheds light on working for the Emmy winning Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown and discusses his newly published book, “The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt: the Women who Created a President”

Matt talks to Samia Lemfadli, Founder and CEO of Change Food for Good, a New York City-based nonprofit organization dedicated to making sustainable agricultural technology more accessible to areas affected by food insecurity.

The pair discuss both the necessary mindset and practical steps one needs in order to start a nonprofit; how sustainable agriculture addresses food insecurity; how to make a big impact, even on a small budget. And climbing mountains, both figurative and literal!