Nonprofit Utopia Podcast

When Eric Weinheimer accepted the President and CEO position at Donors Forum, he says, his friend Kate Maehr, President and CEO of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, gave him a simple and clear directive: “Create a movement.”

If ever there was a time for a movement in the nonprofit sector, the time is now. Under Eric’s leadership, Donors Forum is eager to lead this movement, and works with all of its members – foundations, providers, advisors, corporations, and the government sector – and engaging other social purpose organizations to build healthier, safer, and richer communities in Illinois.

Call in live at (347) 884-8121. You don't need an account to listen, but, if you want to participate in an online chat, open a listener-only account at https://secure.blogtalkradio.com/register.aspx?type=listener to participate in a live chat.

Visit Valeriefleonard.com.  Archived episodes may be found at http://Valeriefleonard.com/NonprofitU, iTunes, Podcast Chart, Blubrry and Stitcher.

The state of Illinois  has been without a FY 2016 budget for nearly 4 months. While the Governor and Legislative Leaders have agreed to meet to begin to discuss a budget, significant damage has been done to local communities, clients and social service agencies.  Hundreds of thousands of  youth, elderly, people with disabilities, working poor—and the people who serve them—have been impacted by the cuts. Some social service agencies have cut programs and services while the need for the services have grown.  Some private foundations have stepped in to try to fill the gaps by providing general operating support and other assistance.  Even so, many agencies will have to close their doors and the people with the greatest needs will suffer more.  Who will take care of the “Least of These”? Join the discussion with Michael Holmes, the Executive Director of the Illinois African American Family Commission, to share your views and recommendations.

Call in live at (347) 884-8121. You don't need an account to listen, but, if you want to participate in an online chat, open a listener-only account at https://secure.blogtalkradio.com/register.aspx?type=listener to participate in a live chat.

Visit Valeriefleonard.com.  Archived episodes may be found at http://Valeriefleonard.com/NonprofitU, iTunes, Podcast Chart, Blubrry and Stitcher.

Angela Hall is a staff attorney at The Law Project, or TLP for short. She works primarily with the Small Business Program and the Homeownership Program. Prior to TLP, Angela was a solo practitioner whose legal practice consisted primarily of residential real estate transactions. She is also a licensed real  estate broker who was formerly affiliated with Lake Michigan Financial, Inc. Prior to having her own practice, Angela was an Associate at Robbins, Schwartz, Nicholas, Lifton & Taylor, Ltd. and counseled and litigated municipal law, real estate and employment discrimination cases. Early in her legal career, she was a Litigation Counsel at the Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission and a Cook County Public Guardian. Angie received her law degree from the University of Illinois College of Law and her Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University.

Call in live at (347) 884-8121. You don't need an account to listen, but, if you want to participate in an online chat, open a listener-only account at https://secure.blogtalkradio.com/register.aspx?type=listener to participate in a live chat.

Visit Valeriefleonard.com.  Archived episodes may be found at http://Valeriefleonard.com/NonprofitU, iTunes and Stitcher.

Did you know that tax exempt organizations are 2 times more likely than tax payers to be late with filing annual returns with the IRS? There are approximately 1.4 million registered organizations in the United States (IRS, October 2, 2014). Of this number, 579,114 registered organizations, or 40%, lost their tax exempt status as a result of not filing Form 990 for three years in a row.  Just two years ago, there were approximately 1.2 million nonprofit organizations with about 32% losing their tax exempt status for failing to file Form 990 three years in a row.  In contrast, about 85% of individuals and corporations file their income taxes (Form 1040) on time. Make sure your organization has completed the necessary filings to maintain tax exempt status.  Valerie F. Leonard will give an overview of all the filings organizations need to file at the federal and state levels in order to maintain compliance. You may download a supplemental article at https://www.scribd.com/doc/74798266/Just-Checking-Nonprofit-Compliance

Call in live at (347) 884-8121. You don't need an account to listen, but, if you want to participate in an online chat, open a listener-only account at https://secure.blogtalkradio.com/register.aspx?type=listener to participate in a live chat.

Visit Valeriefleonard.com.  Archived episodes may be found at http://Valeriefleonard.com/NonprofitU, iTunes and Stitcher.

In June 1990, Donald J. Dew was selected from a field of over 150 candidates to fill the position of President/CEO of Habilitative Systems, Inc. (HSI).  HSI is a vital Chicago-based health and human services organization which currently operates over 40 programs for thousands of children and families in need. Under Dew’s tenure, HSI’s budget has grown to approximately $7.5 million in 2015, signaling a significant increase in services to Chicago area residents during an adverse economic period.  The Illinois budget stalemate makes it increasingly difficult to deliver high quality services to people with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges, but HSI is up to the challenge.

Call in live at (347) 884-8121. You don't need an account to listen, but, if you want to participate in an online chat, open a listener-only account at https://secure.blogtalkradio.com/register.aspx?type=listener to participate in a live chat.

Visit Valeriefleonard.com.  Archived episodes may be found at http://Valeriefleonard.com/NonprofitU, iTunes and Stitcher.

Follow @VFLeonard and @NonprofitU

Revin Fellows has over 30 years experience in community activism and nonprofit management.  He is the current COO of Books Over Balls, a program geared to help inner-city youth make eduction a greater priority than sports. He has worked with Family Focus North Lawndale, managing programs to reduce teen age pregnancy and to prevent gang involvement and reduce truancy.  He has also been instrumental in advocating for the creation of the Illinois African American Employment Plan in an effort to bring the State’s employment of and contracting with African Americans on par with the percentage of African Americans living in Illinois.  Revin is an active participant in the Illinois African American Family Commission’s community advisory council, and Black Wall Street.  He has also been instrumental in the development of the A. Phillip Randolph Pullman Porter's Museum on Chicago's South Side. Regaradless of where he worked, Revin's personal goals remains constant: to empower African American constituents with the tools they need to control their eocnomic environment and become self-sufficient.   He will share strategies on how nonprofits, community activists and elected officials can perfect the inside-outside game to effect sustainable commuity change.

Call in live at (347) 884-8121. You don't need an account to listen, but, if you want to participate in an online chat, open a listener-only account at https://secure.blogtalkradio.com/register.aspx?type=listener to participate in a live chat.

Visit Valeriefleonard.com.  Archived episodes may be found at http://Valeriefleonard.com/NonprofitU, iTunes and Stitcher.

Follow @VFLeonard and @NonprofitU

Kara Kennedy joined Lumity as executive director in 2009. Under her leadership, Lumity has rebuilt itself, achieving consistent high customer satisfaction and increased financial stability during economically challenging times. The nonprofit job board, NPO.net, the finance services, and the computer technology center services has grown and expanded and the technology services are now focused to help nonprofits make informed choices on their technology needs. In addition, Lumity most recently expanded into recruiting and matching skill-based volunteers to nonprofits and STEM schools via The Community Corps to help with mentoring, training, and time-limited tech projects.  Tune in on Monday to learn how Kara and the Lumity team help nonprofits use technology to build community.

Call in live at (347) 884-8121. You don't need an account to listen, but, if you want to participate in an online chat, open a listener-only account at https://secure.blogtalkradio.com/register.aspx?type=listener to participate in a live chat.

Visit Valeriefleonard.com.  Archived episodes may be found at http://Valeriefleonard.com/NonprofitU, iTunes and Stitcher.

Follow @VFLeonard and @NonprofitU

Kate Pravera, PhD, the Academic Director and Founder of the UIC Certificate in Nonprofit Management will be a guest on Nonprofit "U" radio blog talk show on Monday, September 14, 2015, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nonprofit "U" is an online forum where nonprofit stakeholders can discuss the latest developments in the sector and increase their capacity to serve their clients and build sustainable communities. Kate Pravera will share insights on five trends in nonprofit management, and how nonprofit leaders can position themselves to "ride the wave". Enjoy a lively discussion on

1. Exercising democracy: the fundamental survival skill of the 2010’s

2. Innovation literacy (becoming literate in what authentic innovation is and how to do it)

3. Reframing mission (not just organizational but in social, civic, economic and political context)

4. Burying institutional silos, developing new alliances.

5. Cultivating inclusive leadership.

Call in live at (347) 884-8121. You don't need an account to listen, but, if you want to participate in an online chat, open a listener-only account at https://secure.blogtalkradio.com/register.aspx?type=listener to participate in a live chat.

Visit Valeriefleonard.com.  Archived episodes may be found at http://Valeriefleonard.com/NonprofitU, iTunes and Stitcher.

Follow @VFLeonard and @NonprofitU

The state of Illinois has over 36,000 registered nonprofit organizations that are eligible for tax exemption. These organizations are at various points in their development.  Some are startups, and  will never achieve their full potential, while others are institutions that have stood the test of time for over a hundred years.  What are the characteristics that separate sustainable organizations from the proverbial “fly-by-night” organizations that are here today, and gone tomorrow? 

Organizations that have long term sustainability tend to exercise excellent stewardship, yield results and have strong brands. Tune in as Valerie F. Leonard, an expert in community and organizational development, talks about ways organizations may strengthen their organizational capacity  to become powerful, productive and profitable.

Call in live at (347) 884-8121. You don't need an account to listen, but, if you want to participate in an online chat, open a listener-only account at https://secure.blogtalkradio.com/register.aspx?type=listener to participate in a live chat.

Visit http://valeriefleonard.com and http://valeriefleonard.com/nonprofitu

Follow @VFLeonard and @NonprofitU

If you could describe Kimberly George in four words, they would be “compassionate, committed, creative, and connector”.  This is her approach to her work as Teen Worker/College Readiness Specialist with CYC ABC Polk Brothers Center in Chicago’s North Lawndale community. With  over 25 years of experience, ranging from program development and implementation to administrative management and financial development, Kimberly’s approach is mission driven and based on the needs of the community she serves.

During Kimberly’s tenure at Chicago Youth Centers ABC Polk Bros Center, the College Readiness Program has assisted 80 West Side Chicago students to attend and succeed in college.   The high school graduation rate of students in the program is 100%; college attendance rate is 90%; college retention rate is 80%. Under Kim’s leadership, the Service Learning and Community Gardening programs have been recognized by The National Youth Gardening Association (2013), Muhammad Ali Peace Center (2014), Martin Richard Bridge Builder Foundation (2015), and GenerationOn – A Points of Light Foundation (2013, 2014).

Call in live at (347) 884-8121. You don't need an account to listen, but, if you want to participate in an online chat, open a listener-only account at https://secure.blogtalkradio.com/register.aspx?type=listener to participate in a live chat.

Visit http://valeriefleonard.com and http://valeriefleonard.com/nonprofitu

Follow @VFLeonard and @NonprofitU