The Just Be Cause Podcast

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Hey, lovely listeners!

Get ready for an inspiring conversation with Katherine Lacefield and Nick Adkins, founder of Pink Socks Life, about the power of small acts of kindness to create genuine human connection.

How can a pair of socks or a simple sticker open the door to empathy? Can schools use kindness to address bullying, loneliness, and even violence before they happen? And what can nonprofits do when grant funding disappears?

Together, they explore mission-aligned social enterprise, diversified fundraising, handwritten stewardship, social-emotional learning, and the ripple effect of choosing to “love more, fear less.”

Get ready for a thoughtful, joyful episode about collaboration, compassion, and changing the world one connection at a time.

Resources

• Pink Socks Life

• The Pink Socks Life book, available through the Pink Socks Life website, Amazon, and Audible

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Hey, lovely listeners!

This episode of the Just Be Cause Podcast brings you an inspiring conversation with Bree Carriglio, Executive Director at the Fund for Armenian Relief. In this conversation, we unravel how one organization shifted from emergency aid to a powerful model of long-term empowerment—addressing healthcare, education, economic development, and more.

What does it really take to help communities become resilient and self-sufficient? How do we engage the next generation of donors, and what are “gateway donations” and how can they help build lasting relationships?

Dive deep with us into innovative fundraising strategies, the art of transparent storytelling, and bold new ideas for youth engagement—think ambassador programs, creative challenges, and the potential of impact investing. If you’ve ever wondered how international nonprofits can foster true independence or how young people can become passionate philanthropists, this episode is a must-listen.

Join us for a fun, invigorating discussion on reimagining charity, sparking global connection, and crafting vibrant, future-ready philanthropy!

Connect with Bree on LinkedIn

Learn more about FAR

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Hey, lovely listeners!

Welcome to season 2 of the Just Be Cause Podcast where we are going beyond interviews and into Live Coaching Calls. We will be meeting with nonprofit leaders from around the world to talk about their mission yes, but also giving concrete advice to improve their fundraising!

On this episode, we’re connecting global impact with grassroots ingenuity as Deborah Stoner and Katherine Lacefield dive into the incredible story of Techies Without Borders.

Ever wondered how healthcare professionals in the world’s most remote communities access essential, up-to-date medical knowledge when internet or data just isn’t an option? Or how simple tech like USB drives and Raspberry Pis can bridge colossal inequality gaps in global health?

But also, how can we improve our donation pages to be more inspiring to potential donors?

Join us for an inspiring conversation about dismantling digital barriers, forging innovative nonprofit partnerships, and fueling global change on a shoestring budget. Discover what it takes to bring lifesaving education to the “last-mile” clinics, how generosity in sharing content can outshine cash, and why the future of medical equity might just fit on a thumb drive.

Ready to rethink what’s possible for nonprofit tech, fundraising, and impact? Tune in for practical insights, heartwarming stories, and an invitation to be part of something transformational!

Connect with Techies without Borders here

Hey, wonderful changemakers!

Tune in to this powerful episode of the Just Be Cause Podcast as we journey into the challenging yet hopeful world of peacebuilding with Rachel Locke and Jai-Ayla Sutherland. We’re unpacking the realities of identity-based mass violence in urban contexts—and more importantly, the courageous work being done to prevent it. Can we move beyond a constant state of global despair? What role do cities play in creating safer, more inclusive communities? And how do personal stories and collective strategies spark real change?

With inspiring insights from the groundbreaking book "Identity-Based Mass Violence in Urban Contexts," you'll discover why focusing on solutions (not just problems) matters, how collaboration across causes is key, and the crucial role of both grassroots and global action.

Expect honest dialogue, thoughtful analogies (even a few involving super weeds and cat videos!), and practical hope for anyone passionate about a more peaceful world.

Ready for a fresh perspective on violence, hope, and systems change? Don’t miss this engaging, thought-provoking episode!

Learn more about their work here:

1. ⁠Stanley Center for Peace and Security⁠
2. ⁠Peace in our Cities⁠
3. The Book: ⁠Identity-Based Mass Violence in Urban Contexts⁠

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman

• Just Be Cause Podcast episode with Faunalytics

Hey, lovely listeners!

This episode of the Just Be Cause Podcast features an insightful conversation with Clifford Brown, former USAID mission director. We're taking you behind the scenes of America’s foreign aid legacy—unpacking exactly what USAID did and why its work was so critical for global development, humanitarian solutions, and international cooperation.

We dive deep into real-life stories of economic empowerment, disaster recovery, and innovative funding models like endowments and investment guarantees—programs that have lived on for decades and transformed communities around the world.

We also dive into questions that many of us are asking:

• Are we missing the bigger picture when we think of foreign aid simply as charity?
• What happens to global nonprofit work when government funding dries up?
• Could more creative approaches to funding and collaboration build a more resilient, sustainable future for nonprofits everywhere—even in turbulent times?

Join us for a thought-provoking and inspiring journey as we explore the ripple effects of USAID’s closure, the invaluable skills lost in the sector, and actionable advice for diversifying your organization’s funding.

This episode is packed with stories, strategies, and hope for anyone passionate about conscious philanthropy and making a lasting difference—just because it’s the right thing to do.

Don’t miss it!

Episode Resources:

Clifford Brown's Substack: cliffordbrown.substack.com

Clifford Brown's Book: Inside USAID: An Odyssey of Foreign Assistance

Hey, changemakers!

Ready to rethink everything you know about design, marketing, and impact? On this episode of the Just Be Cause Podcast, host Katherine Lacefield welcomes digital design powerhouse Abb-D Taiyo of Drift Time, a B Corp agency at the intersection of purpose and intention. Together, they unpack how ethical digital marketing and intentional design can transform nonprofit campaigns—and the world.

• Is good design really exclusive?
• How do short-term sales tactics hurt long-term donor relationships and the planet?
• Can storytelling drive real change—without burnout or guilt trips?

From navigating frustration in creative careers, to actionable insights on transparency, donor stewardship, and building authentic community, this episode is packed with inspiration for anyone seeking more meaningful, sustainable impact.

If you’re craving bold ideas, practical examples, and a fresh take on how technology can serve social and environmental good, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Ready to design for change?

Tune in for a fun, illuminating, and game-changing discussion!

Resources

Find Abb-D on LinkedIn

Driftime: Abb-D's design and impact firm

Only.One⁠: People-powered campaigns that shape ocean and climate policy worldwide.

Hey, lovely listeners!

This episode of The Just Be Cause Podcast features an eye-opening conversation with Maxwell Ivey, aka The Blind Blogger, diving deep into the transformative power of digital accessibility for nonprofits.

Join your host, Katherine Lacefield, and Maxwell Ivey as they challenge the scarcity mindset and reveal how improving online accessibility benefits not only those with disabilities, but EVERYONE interacting with your campaigns, websites, and communications.

Are your fundraising pages overwhelming and confusing potential donors? Could a few small tweaks truly boost retention, loyalty, and inclusion—while setting your nonprofit apart? Discover actionable strategies for creating emails and websites that are welcoming, easy to navigate, and inclusive. From leveraging alt text and audio descriptions to the hidden advantages of minimalist design, this episode will inspire you to think bigger about stewardship, donor engagement, and building a truly conscious community.

Tune in for practical tips, myth-busting insights, and an uplifting reminder that accessibility isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a catalyst for impact and connection. Are you ready to make your nonprofit a place where everyone feels seen and empowered? Don’t miss this inspiring, fun, and insightful episode!

Want in on Maxwell's offer for a free homepage accessibility assessment?

Email him at: [email protected]

Maxwell's website: The Accessibility Advantage

Accessibility Resources

⁠Less Annoying CRM⁠

⁠Wave Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool⁠

Resources mentioned in the show

Podmatch: Get booked on more podcasts

Hey, lovely listeners!

Ready for a fresh take on donor stewardship in the age of automation?

In this episode of The Just Be Cause Podcast, host Katherine Lacefield sits down with Robert Nieves of LettrLabs to explore the power of authentic handwritten mail and its surprising impact on nonprofit fundraising.

Can real connection still break through the sea of AI-generated messages and endless email noise? Why do “old school” touches, like a letter on the fridge, matter more than ever for donor loyalty and engagement?

Tune in for practical strategies, industry secrets, and joyful anecdotes—like puppy-powered conference booths and personalized gratitude notes—that challenge conventional fundraising wisdom. Discover how purposeful automation, creative campaigns, and real human authenticity can help nonprofits stand out, deepen donor relationships, and multiply their impact.

This episode will inspire you to rethink how you communicate and connect—because sometimes, doing things “just because it’s the right thing to do” is the secret to lasting success!

Connect with Robert on LinkedIn here

Hey, lovely listeners!

Ready to rethink what animal welfare can look like? This episode of the Just Be Cause Podcast features an inspiring conversation with Brad Shear from the Potter League for Animals, diving deep into the revolutionary concept of the Community Navigator—a role that’s breaking down barriers and fostering trust between nonprofits and the people they serve.

Together with your host, Katherine Lacefield, you'll discover how animal organizations can become catalysts for stronger, more compassionate communities by centering dignity and non-judgment in their work.

• How does treating people with respect transform the lives of animals—and vice versa?
• What happens when nonprofits move past gatekeeping and instead become genuine partners in holistic support, collaborating with food pantries, shelters, and housing advocates?
• Can a simple bag of pet food really prevent an animal from being surrendered?

Get ready for real-world stories, actionable insights, and bold questions about the future of philanthropy and community care.

Tune in for an episode packed with hope, fresh perspectives, and practical ideas—perfect for anyone passionate about making a lasting impact for both humans and their beloved animal companions!

Resources

• Potter League for Animals
• Brad Shear on LinkedIn
• Q Give - Donation platform
• SPARC - Supporting People and Animal Relationships for Change
• Just Be Cause Podcast Faunalytics Episode

Book your free 30-minute strategy call with me here⁠

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Hey, lovely listeners!

Are you ready to rethink your Giving Tuesday strategy?

Tune in to this uplifting solo episode of The Just Be Cause Podcast with Katherine Lacefield, where she shares 10 actionable tips to make your Giving Tuesday campaign truly meaningful—without overwhelming your team or your donors!

From creative ways to mobilize support, steward donors, and leverage matching gifts, to the art of segmenting your email communications and making fundraising fun, Katherine Lacefield dives deep into what actually works for small nonprofits.

• Is Giving Tuesday really about great impact, or is it just another fundraising sprint?
• Could focusing on gratitude or sharing authentic stories make a bigger difference than chasing dollar goals?

Join us for a fresh perspective, real-life success stories, and a gentle push to ditch the stress and rediscover your joy in fundraising!

Get ready for an inspiring, practical, and energizing listen!

Resources

⁠Giving Tuesday email report⁠ by 1832 Communications

⁠Proofpact⁠: Easily collect stories from your community