The Just Be Cause Podcast

Hey, lovely listeners!

Get inspired with this episode of the Just Be Cause Podcast as we chat with Emily Rasmussen, founder of Grapevine, about a game-changing model for philanthropy—Giving Circles!

What if everyday people could pool their resources, collaborate, and drive transformative impact in their communities, without the daunting burden of starting a nonprofit? Whether you’re a nonprofit professional battling burnout or simply someone passionate about making a difference, this episode will open your eyes to new possibilities in collaborative giving.

We dive deep into why Giving Circles are more accessible, sustainable, and empowering than traditional philanthropic models. Can regular folks truly reshape the way charitable funds flow into grassroots causes? Is this the answer to more equitable and community-driven social impact? Plus, learn how nonprofits themselves can harness Giving Circles to build an engaged, recurring donor community—and even spark inter-organizational collaboration for bigger solutions.

Join us for a fun, insightful exploration into manifesting your philanthropic dreams with community, connection, and trust. Ready to rethink giving and take action for the causes you care about most? Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode!

Check out the Grapevine here

Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

Hey, lovely listeners!

Get ready for a high-energy, insight-packed episode of the Just Be Cause Podcast as I sit down with the incredible David Griffiths—aka David the Digital Creator—for a deep dive into the world of digital content and building authentic online communities. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, artist, or social entrepreneur, this conversation will get you thinking:

• How can your passion fuel powerful impact online?
• What does it really take to cut through the noise and create content that resonates with your audience?
• And, in a world obsessed with going viral, is it better to chase trends or focus on true connection?

Together, we unpack the secrets behind growing a purposeful social media presence, from mastering content strategy and identifying your core audience, to leveraging AI tools and keeping things real and relatable. You’ll hear practical tips, real-life stories, and actionable steps you can use right now—no matter how limited your time or resources may be.

Is your cause ready to stand out and spark change in the digital age? Tune in for a fun, inspiring, and truly empowering episode that will leave you fired up and full of new ideas!

Connect with David on LinkedIn here

Under 1M$ in annual revenue? Hop on the Packed with Impact Giveaway here:

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Episode resources

• ⁠Wow Digital⁠

• ⁠Free Nonprofit Website Audit by Wow Digital⁠

• ⁠Nonprofit Digital Success Podcast⁠ (hosted by David)

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Hey, lovely listeners!

Are you ready to ignite your nonprofit’s digital presence and make your mission truly shine?

On this inspiring episode of the Just Be Cause Podcast, we welcome digital guru David from Wow Digital to uncover the secrets every nonprofit needs to know about building powerful, effective websites.

• Why do so many nonprofit websites miss the mark—and what simple tweaks can make yours stand out and actually drive donations?
• Is your online presence as accessible and inclusive as it could be?
• Are you leveraging your website as the ultimate marketing and acquisition machine, or letting potential supporters slip away?

Join David and I as they dive into actionable tips, common digital pitfalls, and game-changing mindsets that will help you transform your website from bland to brilliant. Whether you’re a tech novice or a digital pro, you’ll leave with ideas and inspiration to take your nonprofit’s impact to the next level—because doing good deserves to look and feel extraordinary.

Tune in and get ready for a fun, practical, and empowering episode that will help your cause shine online!

The Just Be Cause Podcast is your stop for all things fundraising for nonprofits.

Hey, lovely listeners!

In this episode of the Just Be Cause Podcast, we’re joined by the insightful Laura Hartley—a leadership coach, climate activist, and founder of the Scintilla Center. Together, we’ll dive deep into the heart of climate change advocacy and explore why it’s so much more than just a scientific or political issue.

• What if climate action demands inner transformation as much as it does outer change?
• How has capitalism shaped our relationship with the planet—and each other?
• Could the burnout and scarcity mindset we often face in the nonprofit sector be holding us back from real impact?

We’ll unravel the complex ties between capitalism, scarcity, and the environmental movement, and shine a light on the spiritual and imaginative skills we urgently need. Listen in for bold ideas, practical wisdom, and honest reflections on everything from eco-anxiety and burnout to the power of curiosity, collaboration, and self-care for changemakers.

Tune in for an inspiring, thought-provoking conversation about what it really takes to build a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world—from the inside out!

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn

Scintilla Center

Hey, incredible changemakers!

This week on the Just Be Cause Podcast, we sit down with internationally recognized volunteer expert Karen Knight for an energizing conversation all about the untapped power of volunteers in the nonprofit sector.

We’re peeling back the curtain on classic misconceptions—why do so many organizations feel like they have a “recruitment problem,” when what they really face is a retention or engagement challenge? Should you really try to keep every volunteer forever? And how can collaboration, flexibility, and a little creativity turn your volunteer program from a black hole into a launchpad for lasting impact?

From funny tales about baby penguin cuddling (it’s not what you think!) to bold ideas like a “volunteer passport,” we break down concrete strategies for onboarding, recognition, and nurturing genuine relationships with your supporters.

Whether you’re just starting a volunteer program or looking to take yours to the next level, you’ll discover why people—not just dollars—are your most important asset.

Ready to rethink everything you know about volunteer management? Tune in for fresh perspectives, practical tools, and a healthy dose of inspiration!

Learn more about Karen's Hands-on Volunteer Recruitment Program here

Find Karen's website here

Find Karen on LinkedIn

Hey, lovely listeners!

In this off-script episode of the Just Be Cause Podcast, we’re joined by the bold and passionate Carolina Yanez, a.k.a. "The Trashy Lady," whose mission is as unique as her nickname!

Tune in as we dive into Carolina’s one-of-a-kind peer-to-peer fundraising campaign, where she picks up trash around Montreal to raise money for animal welfare—all while building a brighter, cleaner community.

During this live coaching call, we’ll unpack fresh strategies for innovative fundraising, the power of creative activism, and what it takes to inspire others to join your cause. How can you turn an everyday act into a movement? What happens when you blend environmental activism with animal advocacy? And how can nonprofits break free from tired tactics to spark real social change?

Get ready for an inspiring, fun, and actionable conversation that will challenge you to think outside the box, embrace experimentation, and supercharge your next campaign. Don’t miss this episode—there’s something here for every changemaker!

Inspired by Carolina's work?

Support her campaign here

Hey, amazing changemakers!

On this episode of the Just Be Cause Podcast, we welcome the insightful Jack Kammer for a conversation sure to get you thinking. We’re diving into a topic that rarely sees the spotlight in the nonprofit world: the unique social issues faced by men and boys. What happens when we only focus on one side of the gender equality conversation? Can philanthropy move beyond “us versus them,” or are we stuck in a cycle of zero-sum thinking when it comes to causes and funding?

During our conversation, Jack and I tackle everything from childhood experiences of sexism, to the origins and evolution of feminist movements, to eye-opening statistics about gender-focused funding.

Together, we question the cultural norms that shape how we talk about—and fund—programs for the next generation. Shouldn’t every cause have a place at the table? What would it look like to build bridges instead of walls in the nonprofit sector?

Tune in for a fresh, inspiring, and fun exploration of intersectionality, empathy, and the power of inclusive collaboration. Prepare to challenge your assumptions and leave with a whole new perspective on cause-driven work.

Learn more about Jack Kammer's work:

Male-Friendly Media

Hey, wonderful listeners!

This week on the Just Be Cause Podcast, we’re taking you on an inspiring journey with John David Graham, the multifaceted founder of Good Samaritan Home—a transformative housing and mentoring program for individuals reentering society after prison. From wild career detours to compassion-driven innovation, John’s story is a testament to second chances and the power of community-driven solutions.

Tune in as we unpack the stigma surrounding formerly incarcerated individuals, explore the interconnected challenges of mental health, addiction, and homelessness, and dive deep into what it truly means to offer hope and belonging to the most vulnerable. What happens when society greets returning citizens with judgment instead of opportunity? Can genuine partnerships and storytelling shift our perceptions and spark systemic change? How can nonprofits balance focus with flexibility to better serve evolving community needs?

Bring your curiosity (and a box of tissues—you might need it!), and join us for an uplifting, eye-opening conversation about courage, purpose, and the relentless pursuit of doing the right thing… just because.

Important links

John's website

Good Samaritan Home website

John's book: Running As Fast As I Can

Share your thoughts with us!

Thanks for listening to Just Be Cause Podcast! I'm Katherine Lacefield the founder and head consultant of Just Be Cause Consulting.

My goal is to partner with YOU nonprofits and philanthropic organizations to help you make a positive impact in your community.

With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, I help organizations optimize their operations with key knowledge in various domains, such as fundraising strategy, grantmaking research, communications, and development.

Sign up to my newsletter, The Nonprofit Nuggets for FREE fundraising advice, tools and guidance!

Sign me up!

Grab your Packed with Impact Bundle here

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Tune in for an inspiring and eye-opening episode of The Just Be Cause Podcast as we interview nonprofit photography powerhouse Michelle Riley of Lens for Change! This week, we're diving deep into the transformative impact of authentic visual storytelling for nonprofits. 

• Ever wonder why certain campaign photos spark action while others fall flat?
• Curious about the ethical minefields of using images in fundraising, advocacy, or disaster response? 

Michelle shares her journey from newsrooms to launching Lens for Change, reveals surprising pitfalls with stock and AI-generated photos, and offers real-world strategies to help even small nonprofits capture compelling, mission-driven images. We’ll unpack the dos, the definite don’ts, and the incredible power of photos to build trust, inspire donors, and drive meaningful change.

Ready to rethink how you share your story and elevate your cause? Press play for actionable tips, fascinating stories from the field, and a fresh look at why authenticity always matters most. Don’t miss it!

Resources mentioned

Michelle's article in The PhiLanthropic Year:

The Power and Responsibility of Nonprofit Photography 

Michelle's LinkedIn

Lens for Change website

Share your thoughts with us!

Thanks for listening to Just Be Cause Podcast! I'm Katherine Lacefield the founder and head consultant of Just Be Cause Consulting.

My goal is to partner with YOU nonprofits and philanthropic organizations to help you make a positive impact in your community.

With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, I help organizations optimize their operations with key knowledge in various domains, such as fundraising strategy, grantmaking research, communications, and development.

Sign up to my newsletter, The Nonprofit Nuggets for FREE fundraising advice, tools and guidance!

Sign me up!

Access the Just Be Cause Nonprofit Toolbox here 🧰!

Hey, lovely listeners!

This episode of the Just Be Cause Podcast is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration as we sit down with Erika Carley, the nonprofit monthly donation queen and chief development leader at National Angels. 

We're breaking down the secrets behind building resilient monthly giving programs, and tackling tough questions like: 

- Why do so many nonprofits overlook the power of recurring donations? 

- How can cultivating authentic donor relationships transform not just revenue but your entire organizational culture? 

- And what simple stewardship tactics can help you retain supporters for years—even decades?

Listen in as Erika shares her proven strategies for donor retention, operational systems, and heartfelt stewardship that’s changing the game for chapters across 14 states. 

We’ll discover how nonprofits can leverage mindfulness, consistency, and community to overcome scarcity thinking and secure a thriving future. Plus, hear real-world stories of transformation in foster care and fundraising alike, and walk away ready to make recurring giving the backbone of your nonprofit’s success.

Ready to unlock new ideas, reimagine your donor experience, and infuse some joy into your fundraising strategy? Tune in and get inspired!

Connect with Erika Carley and her work

Linkedin

Angel Alliance monthly giving program

National Angels

Share your thoughts with us!

Thanks for listening to Just Be Cause Podcast! I'm Katherine Lacefield the founder and head consultant of Just Be Cause Consulting.

My goal is to partner with YOU nonprofits and philanthropic organizations to help you make a positive impact in your community.

With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, I help organizations optimize their operations with key knowledge in various domains, such as fundraising strategy, grantmaking research, communications, and development.

Sign up to my newsletter, The Nonprofit Nuggets for FREE fundraising advice, tools and guidance!

Sign me up!