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!

Matt talks this week to The Rev. Matt Hackworth, a member of senior leadership for L'Arche USA, an organization committed to helping people with and without intellectual disabilities to live in community, together.

Matt and Matt come from drastically different backgrounds. Matt Kamin is a Jewish, native Californian. Matt Hackworth is a Christian Reverend from the South. However, the two share a love for spirituality, a strong compulsion for humanitarianism, and a shared compassion for those with intellectual disabilities.

Tune in to this thoughtful conversation which centers largely on the overlap of religion and nonprofit work. (Religious organizations typically receive the largest share of charitable donations [around 30%] each year.) And the mission work of many religious organizations connects congregations with nonprofits globally. They also touch on the importance of hiring people with differences and the gifts and opportunities that are missed when people are overlooked.

Join host, Matt Kamin, as he talks to Patricia Ostiller, CEO of Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley, a nonprofit that uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities and breaking down barriers to care.

Normally, Matt likes to “Mattsplain” the listeners, educating them on various elements of nonprofit leadership, but in this episode, Patricia took the reins! She “Patriciasplained,” in depth, just how she was able to lead a 3.8 million dollar capital campaign for a new building (you read that right) as well as enlightened us about how to engage your board and hold them accountable with contracts and scorecards. And Matt and Patricia share thoughts on the challenges of fundraising and reaching donors. Hints: be fearless and take “no” as “not right now.”

“ED or Not to ED,” a spirited guide to taking nonprofit center stage and knowing when to take a bow.

Matt talks to Dawn L. Brown, CEO of the EmpowHER Institute, an organization that empowers girls and young women in marginalized communities by giving them the skills necessary through education, training and mentorship to become confident, college, and career-ready.

The pair focus on being an executive director; how to get there, what it takes when you do, and how to know when it’s time to step away. Dawn talks about the mentors who inspired her and also breaks down DEI, defining what each component really means and how to actually implement systemic change, not just use the popular term. And Matt reveals the secret to getting more of those little bottles of booze on the airplane.

Host and Envision Consulting co-founder, Matt Kamin, talks to producer Ashley Waterson about the upcoming new season and new format of the podcast that brings happy hour interviews with nonprofit leaders, directly to the listener.