The Just Be Cause Podcast

Access the Just Be Cause Nonprofit Toolbox here 🧰!

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Hey, lovely listeners!

Tune into this captivating episode of the Just Be Cause Podcast, where we dive into the transformative power of storytelling with Nathan Cody Young, our esteemed guest. Discover why narratives aren't just bedtime tales but essential tools for memory, learning, and leadership.

Have you ever wondered how a simple story could change the world, one organization at a time?

We're unpacking how narrative leadership can inspire bold visions and foster positive internal dialogues. From sharing personal growth journeys to leveraging tales for impactful fundraising, Nathan and our host Katherine guide us through redefining credibility and courage. Are you ready to challenge perfectionism in the nonprofit world and embrace a more humane approach to leadership? 

Join us for an inspiring, fun, and enlightening conversation that's set to revolutionize your storytelling prowess and organizational strategy!

More about Nathan Cody Young

Nathan Young is the owner and founder of StoryCulture Consulting. For over twelve years, he’s been helping leaders, teams, and organizations harness the power of storytelling to connect, inspire, and lead the narrative.

His work focuses on how personal and organizational stories shape identity and create influence, guiding leaders to craft narratives that resonate, inspire, build meaningful connections, and drive change.

He has worked with organizations such as Brookings, TEDx, Save the Children, WorldVision International, the Alzheimer's Association, the YMCA, the University of California San Diego, Indiana University, and many others.

By blending storytelling with leadership, communication, and team-building strategies, Nathan empowers individuals to discover their most compelling stories and use them to build trust, foster engagement, and inspire action. His workshops and coaching provide practical tools for leading with confidence, communicating with impact, and fostering deeper connections through the stories that matter most.

https://storycultureconsulting.com/ 

Resources mentioned during the show:

"Find Your Why" by Simon Sinek: A resource used by Nathan for helping leaders identify key life stories and develop purpose and value statements.

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 🧰!

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Hey, wonderful listeners!

Join us for a heartwarming conversation with Marlo on this episode of the Just Be Cause Podcast, where we dive into the impactful journey of Unchained and their groundbreaking Canines Teaching Compassion program. This inspiring initiative pairs incarcerated youth with rescue dogs, fostering empathy and personal growth through the power of animal companionship and positive reinforcement training.

Marlo shares the transformative impact this has on both the youths and dogs involved and delves into the challenges of maintaining safety and quality in such niche-focused programs. Can small-scale operations truly be more effective than wide-scale expansions? What does it mean to measure long-term impact over numbers served? Discover how the program's unique blend of youth development and animal welfare creates dual fundraising opportunities and encourages alumni to return as mentors.

Explore the dynamic world of nonprofit collaboration, creative partnerships, and the push for greater visibility and support. Could your involvement or donation be the catalyst for someone else's brighter future? Tune in and be inspired by how Unchained is changing lives, one paw at a time!

Get ready for an inspiring and insightful episode!

Donate to this wonderful organization here

Marlo Botello-Aepli serves as the Executive Director of UnChained, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering at-risk youth through its innovative Canines Teaching Compassion program. Under Marlo’s leadership, UnChained has expanded its impact, building partnerships with local facilities and providing young people the opportunity to train and care for shelter dogs, fostering empathy, responsibility, and life skills. With a background in nonprofit management and a passion for community outreach, UnChained was recognized as a CNN Hero in 2024 for her work advancing UnChained’s mission to transform lives—both human and canine.

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 🧰!

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Hey, wonderful listeners!

Dive into this eye-opening episode with Stephanie Jacobs on the Just Be Cause Podcast. We're unraveling the intricate world of nonprofit revenue diversification with the help of Scale Collaborative’s innovative approach. Could adopting entrepreneurial strategies be the game-changer your nonprofit has been waiting for?

Join us as we explore the shift from traditional fundraising to creative revenue strategies that align with your mission and amplify social impact. Discover real-life success stories like turning a moving service into a trauma-informed job opportunity or launching social enterprises from existing businesses. Are you curious about how strategic partnerships and innovative fee-for-service models can underpin financial sustainability?

This episode is packed with practical insights, touching on everything from asset sharing to cultivating invaluable relationships with funders. Perfect for those ready to challenge misconceptions, enhance their nonprofit’s resilience, and make a difference with mindful financial choices.

Gear up for a truly inspiring and insightful listen!

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Applications are now open for the Thriving Non-Profits Spring 2025 cohort.

This innovative, five-month program brings nonprofit leaders together to challenge beliefs about nonprofit fundraising and learn tangible strategies to increase resources. Participants come away with a whole new mindset and a revenue diversification action plan they can start using right away. 

Learn more and apply here or reach out if you have any questions! 

The Thriving Non-Profits Self-Paced Program offers the same comprehensive content as our cohort program, available in a flexible, online format. Learners can access the platform for a full year and access the content at their own pace. Self-paced learners get 3-months of free access to the Thriving Non-Profits Community Forum, where they can connect with like-minded leaders, access valuable resources, and gain ongoing support from program coaches and experts.

Use the code JUSTBECAUSE for a 20% discount on our Self-Paced course.

Stephanie Jacobs is the Program Coordinator for the Thriving Non-Profits

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 🧰!

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Hey, lovely listeners!

In this inspiring episode of the Just Be Cause Podcast, join us as we dive into the creative and fundraising adventures of our host's stepson, Kade Lacefield, a remarkable 10-year-old with a passion for philanthropy. Discover how homeschooling opened doors to innovative projects like crafting homemade ornaments and turning coffee grounds into exfoliants—all for a good cause!

We'll explore the multifaceted skills Kade developed, from graphic design to the art of salesmanship. How did these creative projects teach him essential life skills and spark a budding interest in nonprofit work? Can a child's genuine enthusiasm and determination inspire seasoned fundraisers to overcome their own fears of asking for donations?

Tune in to hear Kade's heartfelt advice for budding philanthropists and seasoned professionals alike. Learn how connecting different causes and striking up sincere conversations can boost your fundraising efforts.

Get ready for a fun, uplifting, and insightful episode that will leave you motivated to involve the whole family in your next fundraising campaign!

To make a 10-year old very happy, you can follow and engage on his Youtube channels here:

KadesterPro
kade! (that is not me!) 

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 🧰!

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Hey, wonderful listeners!

We're thrilled to have you join us for this compelling episode of The Just Be Cause Podcast, as we sit down with the insightful Lacey Kempinski. Dive into the world of nonprofit organizations and the often-unspoken challenges of managing parental and caregiver leaves. How can embracing change turn challenges into growth opportunities within your organization?

Discover the secrets to maintaining efficiency with the support of external consultants and coaches, and learn how to celebrate parental leave as a positive, transformational experience. We'll unravel the complexities of turnover costs and the true value of sustainable workload management, and explore the impact of effective planning when an employee steps away.

We will cover:

• How prioritized planning can transform your organization's dynamics. 
• The financial and organizational cost of turnover.
• How turnover, mentorship, and mission alignment intersect.
• The strategies you can use to make a parental leave as stress free for everyone involved.

Join us for an inspiring and insightful conversation that promises to provide valuable perspectives and actionable tools for nonprofits striving for positive impact and well-being.

Let's navigate these intriguing discussions and empower your organization to thrive!

Where to find Lacey Kempinski:

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceykempinski/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/balanced-good/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/balancedgood/

Website:
Home - balanced good.

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 🧰!

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Hey, lovely listeners!

Get ready to be inspired by a dynamic discussion with Krista Stelzmuller on this episode of the Just Be Cause Podcast. We dive deep into the intersection of technology and nonprofit work, exploring how innovative tools can revolutionize the sector. Learn how charity: water is leveraging cutting-edge tech to provide clean drinking water to developing countries and the role that a strong tech strategy plays in amplifying donor engagement and impact.

Throughout the episode, we tackle the tough questions:
 

• How can nonprofits shift from viewing technology as a cost center to seeing it as a revenue driver? 
• What are the keys to measuring return on investment in such mission-driven organizations? 

From the importance of a great product manager to the role of personalized donor experiences, our guests share actionable insights that could transform how your nonprofit operates.

Join us as we uncover the exciting possibilities for nonprofits willing to embrace technology, break free from the scarcity mindset, and elevate their effectiveness and storytelling. It's a fun, enlightening, and professionally inspiring episode you won't want to miss!

Get ready for a tech-savvy and thought-provoking episode!

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 🧰!

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Hey, lovely listeners!

Tune in to this more-than-needed episode of the Just Be Cause Podcast as we dive into the dynamic world of CRM systems with special guest Alexander Lapa, a Salesforce architect for nonprofits. We will explore the powerful tools and strategies that revolutionize how nonprofits manage their data and optimize their impact.

In this episode, we uncover the transformative benefits of CRMs for nonprofits, using real-life examples from animal shelters to enhance administrative efficiency and donor relations. Some of the questions we will answer are:

• How can a CRM prevent unsuitable animal adoptions AND maximize fundraising? 
• What role does AI play in modern nonprofit operations? 
• And why is it crucial for all organizational stakeholders to be involved in the implementation process?

Get ready to challenge your ideas about tech in the nonprofit sector and learn how to turn resistance into acceptance for smoother transitions. This inspiring and fun discussion is packed with practical insights that can help propel your organization to new heights!

Don't miss out—press play now!

Get in touch with Alexander Lapa

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://dryadconsulting.com

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!

Welcome to the latest episode of The Just Be Cause Podcast! 

In this enlightening conversation with our guest Sara Hoshooley, we delve into:

• The mindset shift needed to achieve abundance and attract donors
• Goal setting for your fundraising campaign
• Stewardship strategies you can implement in only 1 hour a week 

As we explore the challenges faced by small nonprofits, we share practical advice, valuable insights, and powerful strategies for effective fundraising. From the importance of regional specificity in platforms and resources to the significance of authentic storytelling, this episode provides a holistic approach to nonprofit work.

Get ready for a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to support organizations in their mission for positive change.

More about Sara

Sara is a fundraising consultant who LOVES working with nonprofit organizations to create customized fundraising plans that raise more money.

As a former small charity Executive Director she understands the challenges and opportunities facing small but mighty fundraising teams.

Her unique approach uses each organization's strengths to grow fundraising in an authentic and achievable way.

Websites: charityshift.ca and connectforgood.ca 

Recommended resources:

Donor Dock: Your best Stewardship Assistant CRM

Appsumo: Goldmine of cheap lifetime deals on nonprofit tools

Flodesk: Your link to get 50% off your first year of beautiful emails

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!

Hey there nonprofiteers!

Have you ever wondered why some fundraising campaigns fall flat while others go viral? Or maybe you're curious about the power of influencers and matching gifts in boosting campaign success?

In this latest episode of the Just Be Cause Podcast, I will take you on a ride packed with insider insights on how to best prepare for your next peer-to-peer campaigns. No more failed objectives or missed opportunities— I will spill the beans on the top five tips to nail your peer-to-peer campaign. 

Get your notepad ready as I share my key tips behind identifying ambassadors, setting motivating objectives, and organizing a rally that'll fire up your campaign team.

Get ready to plan your next peer-to-peer campaign and bring your nonprofit work to new heights. Tune in for an inspiring and practical guide that will leave you feeling ready to conquer your year-end peer-to-peer campaign. So, are you ready to level up your game?

You won't want to miss this, as year-end is just around the corner!

Book your free Peer-to-peer assessment here

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Recommended resources:

Donor Dock: Your best Stewardship Assistant CRM

Appsumo: Goldmine of cheap lifetime deals on nonprofit tools

Acadium: Digital marketing apprenticeships to increase your impact and reach

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!

Hey there, compassionate changemakers!

In this episode of The Just Be Cause Podcast, we're diving into the world of nonprofit work with Megan Whitney, an expert in mindfulness and fundraising. Megan shares her personal journey from working in hunger relief at Feeding America to becoming a mindfulness coach supporting women in nonprofits. Together, we explore the transformative power of self-compassion, mindfulness, and loving-kindness meditation in the nonprofit sector.

Have you ever wondered how practicing mindfulness can prevent burnout and support diversity, equity, and inclusion in fundraising? How can strength-based messaging create positive change in donor relations and community engagement? 

Join us in this inspiring and insightful conversation as we uncover the untold potential of mindfulness, learn about empowering language in fundraising, and explore the profound impact of recognizing and appreciating the strengths in others. 

Get ready to be inspired and uplifted!

Recommended Tools:

Riverside: The best alternative to Zoom for quality virtual recordings

Donor Dock: Your best Stewardship Assistant CRM

Flodesk: Your link to get 50% off your first year of beautiful emails

Acadium: Digital marketing apprenticeships to increase your impact and reach

Appsumo: Goldmine of cheap lifetime deals on nonprofit tools

More about Megan:

Since burning out a decade ago, Megan Whitney's mission has been preventing the same exhaustion for others working in nonprofits. She leads a mindfulness community and coaches changemakers to build peaceful, healthy lives — for themselves and others.

At Feeding America, Megan has spent the past seven years fighting hunger as a fundraiser, fundraising consultant, and meditation teacher.

She lives in Chicago and loves taking walks by Lake Michigan, making fresh pasta with her niece, and enjoying the city’s stellar stand-up comedy scene.

Connect with Megan on LinkedIn

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!