Nonprofit on the Rocks

Matt talks to Liz Lin, President of the LAFD Foundation, an organization whose mission is to supplement the fire department’s budget by providing first responders with essential equipment, new technology, and educational resources that would otherwise go unfunded.

The duo discusses the growing challenges faced by the LAFD as a result of the pandemic and the increase of wildfires in recent years; things people can do to better prepare themselves and their homes from fire danger, how robots are helping fight fires, and how learning all the acronyms the FD uses is like learning a foreign language. And, Matt learns a very special lesson: that firemen are so much more than just shirtless calendar eye candy.

Matt talks to Jasmin Shupper, Founder of the Greenline Foundation, an organization committed to combating redlining by trying to close the racial wealth gap and facilitate access to the wealth-building that home ownership affords, by giving grants to qualified people of color for down payments and home maintenance assistance.

The pair discuss the role systemic racism has played in keeping people of color (and other minorities) from having equal opportunity when it comes to access to homeownership; their common bond in having kick ass grandmothers who broke through nearly insurmountable barriers to become champions for minority home and land ownership; and what they would say to Oprah should she listen to this interview!

Matt talks to Shelby Williams-Gonzalez, President and CEO of Inner-City Arts in downtown Los Angeles, an organization that believes in the transformational power of the arts, and whose mission is to engage young people in the creative process in order to shape a society of creative, confident and collaborative individuals.

The pair discuss the transition from artist to executive; how to build a strong team; the delicate balance a good leader strikes between delegation and ownership; and, most importantly, from where the term “shitfaced” is derived.

Matt talks to Lori Laqua, Managing Director of the SMUIN Contemporary Ballet Company in San Francisco.

The pair discuss the state and importance of the performing arts and artistic expression; the changing landscape of how we consume art; and how and what it means to have a career in the arts. The two also share a mutual appreciation for men in tights.

Matt talks to Molly Snow, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Los Angeles, a nonprofit that empowers the next generation of women through sport and mentorship, building confidence and developing social emotional skills that will benefit girls for a lifetime.

The pair discuss the importance of positive self-talk, how executive directors have to wear many hats in order to be successful, and ways to find joy during the pandemic. They also reminisce about the days before social media, when a Texas Instrument calculator was the height of technology.

Matt talks to Michele Broadnax, CEO of the Los Angeles Education Partnership, a 38year-old educational equity nonprofit organization. primarily partnering with LAUSD, bringing forward education transformation from “diapers to diplomas.”

The pair discuss the importance of being a good fundraiser, how to best support teachers and your colleagues during the pandemic, and how being a mediocre student doesn’t keep you from being successful.

Plus, Matt “Mattsplains” how to best use celebrities to advance your organization.

Matt talks to Rhea Wong, nonprofit consultant, fundraising expert and host of her own popular podcast – and yes, Nonprofit on the Rocks competitor, The Nonprofit Lowdown.

The pair discuss topics ranging from the importance of “The Ask,” how to engage your board in the fundraising plight, rethinking the rubber chicken gala, and how they can combine forces to take down those pesky “church podcasts.”

And as this is a “cross-over” event episode, and Rhea is going to air her own version of this episode on her podcast, they pair “flip the script,” and Rhea interviews Matt about Envision Consulting and his own nonprofit journey. It’s a great opportunity for listeners to learn more about our fabulous host and what he does and why!

Matt talks to Julie Lacouture, fundraising strategist and founder of Good Ways, Inc. a consulting firm that helps nonprofits raise money, awareness and supporting digital tools. (She also co-hosts the podcast, “How We Run: Tips and Tales of Nonprofit Success” with Trent Stamp, but since they’re a competitor, we won’t mention that again.)

The pair discuss topics ranging from, “what makes a good ask?” to “how and when to approach your donors.”

Matt talks to Heidi Johnson, founder of Charity Matters, a nonprofit (and podcast) whose mission is to share the fascinating stories of innovators, entrepreneurs, and modern-day heroes who set out to solve the problems of humanity with their incredible journeys of service.

After tragedy struck Heidi’s life, she was struck with the notion that the best way through her grief was to get outside of herself by helping others. And thus, a life of service, and connecting people to causes, began.

Matt talks to Elissa Barrett, Esq. Executive Director of the Western Justice Center, an organization that empowers people to strengthen their communities and build a healthy democracy by growing their conflict resolution skills, providing a much-needed, ”antidote to the politics of division gripping our nation.”

The pair discuss a wide range of complex topics and challenges facing our society such as, bridging the growing divide in our country, the importance of diversity hiring, and the evolving LGBTQIA+ experience.