Faiza Venzant, CVA, Executive Director of the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA) and Principal Investigator with the Assessing Diversity and Equity in Volunteer Inclusion project.

With over 25 years of leadership experience in volunteer engagement, Faiza brings both a global and deeply personal perspective to the nonprofit sector.

In one of the final interviews of the year, Faiza sits down with Swim to get her perspective of the state of nonprofits in Canada and the U.S., the wave of layoffs across the sector, and the question that never seems to go away: Are volunteer administrators truly being valued?

Faiza even gets candid about what she doesn’t like seeing in the nonprofit space right now, why DEI is not dead, what keeps her up at night as an Executive Director, and why she wants to see everyone win.

Whether you lead volunteers, fund programs, or are just passionate about community impact, this is an episode you’ll want to hear.

Key Topics:

• The current state of nonprofits in North America
• Why layoffs are hitting the sector so hard
• The respect (and reality) of volunteer management roles
• Balancing identity between the personal and professional
• Is DEI dead?
• What keeps nonprofit leaders awake at night
• Real-world advice for emerging nonprofit leaders

More about Faiza Venzant, CVA. Faiza Venzant is the Executive Director of the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration.

With 25 years of leadership in volunteer engagement, Faiza has been recognized for excellence with numerous awards, including the 2022 June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism. She’s also a published author and passionate advocate for improving equity, access, and representation across volunteer leadership.

Learn more at www.cvacert.org

Learn about Faiza and her team here: https://cvacert.org/our-team/

In this episode, Swim sits down with Dana Litwin, CVA, an internationally recognized consultant and speaker, to talk candidly about the current state of nonprofits in America. Dana brings her trademark honesty and humor to a conversation that touches on layoffs, financial pressures, and what she’s hearing from nonprofit leaders across the country.

Dana also dives into the growing “second job” phenomenon among nonprofit professionals, the realities of running a consulting business in 2025, and how organizations are rethinking volunteer engagement. Whether you’re inside the sector or eyeing a leap into consulting yourself, this episode offers both perspective and practical advice.

And of course — Dana wraps things up with a #NonprofitHorrorStory you won’t want to miss.

Topics Include:

• Dana's 2025 nonprofit State of the Union reflection
• What layoffs and “#OpenToWork” trends say about the sector’s health
• Why side hustles are becoming survival tools
• The art (and grind) of consulting for impact
• Dana’s advice for aspiring consultants and future leaders

Ready to connect with Dana?

Visit her website right here: https://www.danalitwinconsulting.com/

Learn more about Dana's background here: https://www.danalitwinconsulting.com/about

Listen to the interview I did with Dana here on her YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/-YZtS0FJsxY?si=e5MlArSAJIy4_hES

Learn more about GLAZA, the nonprofit Dana discussed in the episode here: https://www.yahoo.com/news/inside-l-zoos-messy-50-100000216.html

Listen now:

🎧 Apple--https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastApple

🎧 Spotify--https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastSpotify

YouTube-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastYouTubeShorts

Instagram-bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastInstagram

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#NonprofitInsiderPodcast #AdaptiveSports #InclusiveRecreation #NonprofitLeadership #OutdoorAccess #CommunityImpact

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Be sure to visit today's sponsor, JPP Consulting at www.LearnwithJPP.com/Coaching.

My friend Jessica Pang-Parks is giving 10% off to all nonprofits and nonprofit leaders who sign up using the code "InsiderPod". Is your nonprofit ready to take the next leap? Not if you don't have Jessica!

Episode 68: Nonprofit Wage Penalty, Side Hustles & Second Jobs

Have you ever had a second job while working at a nonprofit? You and me both.

In 2017, 19% of Americans had two or more jobs during the year. That number has more than doubled in the eight years since. And a growing number of workers are taking on side hustles to bring in extra cash or separate themselves in an ever-competitive market.

In my latest episode of The Nonprofit Insider Podcast, I break down the phenomenon of nonprofit workers having second jobs & side hustles, and why organizations should reconsider their stance on a little-known secret within our sector.

Listen to the episode on Apple here: https://bit.ly/Ep68theNonprofitInsiderPodcastApple

Listen to the episode on Spotify here: https://bit.ly/Ep68theNonprofitInsiderPodcastSpotify

And be sure to subscribe to us however you take on media:

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In this episode of The Nonprofit Insider Podcast, Swim Karim tackles three hot-button topics that have the sector buzzing:

🧨 “Is everyone getting laid off?” Swim breaks down the wave of leadership layoffs sweeping across the nonprofit sector and what it means for morale, mission, and the myth of job security.

💰 “Should your nonprofit take dirty money?” From corporate donors with shady reputations to individual funders with controversial pasts — Swim explores the ethics, hypocrisies, and hard truths behind nonprofit fundraising.

🤖 “Swim uses AI — here’s why.” In Five Fast Minutes, Swim gets real about how (and why) he’s using AI tools behind the scenes—and why he has zero plans to stop.

This is a stacked episode with bold opinions, insider insights, and the kind of honest nonprofit talk you won’t hear anywhere else.

🎧 Listen now on Apple--bit.ly/Ep67theNonprofitInsiderPodcastApple

🎧 Listen now on Spotify--bit.ly/Ep66TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastSpotify

And be sure to subscribe to us however you take on media:

YouTube-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastYouTubeShorts

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#NonprofitInsiderPodcast #MAVA #Volunteerism #NonprofitLeadership #AmeriCorps #NonprofitLayoffs #FundraisingEthics #AIinNonprofit #TechTools

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Be sure to visit today's sponsor, JPP Consulting at www.LearnwithJPP.com/Coaching.

My friend Jessica Pang-Parks is giving 10% off to all nonprofits and nonprofit leaders who sign up using the code "InsiderPod". Is your nonprofit ready to take the next leap? Not if you don't have Jessica!

Follow Swim on Instagram here: https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastInstagram

Let’s get this out the way early. 2025 will likely be the most political hurricane season since Hurricane Katrina hit NOLA in 2005. The devastation is Kerrville, TX could potentially mark the start of what will be a treacherous hurricane season.

Let me also say this: Nonprofits, continue to be on edge. And it’s not directly from the federal government or the Trump administration. Nonprofits are actually more scared of getting backlash from their local community and constituents.

In today's episode of The Nonprofit Insider Podcast I detail the three reasons why this Hurricane season could have people from the entire political spectrum talking.

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In this personal and powerful solo episode, host Swim Karim shares how working in the nonprofit sector led to $20,000 in student loans being completely forgiven through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode:

• A behind-the-scenes look at Swim’s PSLF journey—from paperwork to payoff
• What nonprofit workers need to know about eligibility (and why now is the time to apply)
• Why PSLF isn’t just a financial program—it’s a statement about the value of public service
• Honest advice for anyone stuck in the PSLF maze or unsure if it’s worth pursuing

If you’ve ever wondered whether the nonprofit path really pays off—this episode might be the answer.

YouTube-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastYouTubeShorts

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In this episode of The Nonprofit Insider Podcast, I have a one-on-one with Pat Addabbo. Pat is the Executive Director of Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS). Under his leadership, OAS has tripled its revenue, expanded its reach, and become a leader in adaptive recreation—providing life-changing outdoor experiences for people of all abilities.

Tune in as we discuss:

• Pat’s journey from Warren Wilson College to leading one of the top adaptive sports nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest
• How OAS is redefining access to outdoor adventures for individuals with disabilities
• The ups and downs of being a leader of people...and the community
• The evolving landscape of adaptive recreation and what the future holds
• What he wants to be remembered by as a nonprofit leader

Pat’s passion for inclusive outdoor experiences is infectious, and his insights on nonprofit leadership are invaluable for anyone looking to drive meaningful impact.

Ready to be inspired?

Listen now:

🎧 Apple--https://bit.ly/Ep64TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastApple

🎧 Spotify--https://bit.ly/44pHM2S

YouTube-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastYouTubeShorts

Instagram-bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastInstagram

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#NonprofitInsiderPodcast #AdaptiveSports #InclusiveRecreation #NonprofitLeadership #OutdoorAccess #CommunityImpact

Be sure to visit today's sponsor, JPP Consulting at www.LearnwithJPP.com/Coaching.

My friend Jessica Pang-Parks is giving 10% off to all nonprofits and nonprofit leaders who sign up using the code "InsiderPod". Is your nonprofit ready to take the next leap? Not if you don't have Jessica!

In this episode of The Nonprofit Insider Podcast, we’re joined by Niila Hebert, Executive Director, and Polly Roach, Director of Partnership and Evaluation at the Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement (MAVA).

With over two decades of sector leadership between them, Niila and Polly take us inside one of the nation’s most respected organizations in the volunteerism space. Together, we unpack what nonprofits are experiencing in 2025—from volunteer trends and funding realities to the weight of federal program cuts like the dismantling of AmeriCorps NCCC.

🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:

• What MAVA is hearing from nonprofit partners across the country
• How volunteer engagement has shifted since the pandemic
• How Nilla Hebert is adjusting to serving at the organizations newest Executive Director
• What to expect at MAVA’s upcoming 2025 “ROADTRIP: Choose Your Adventure” Conference
• Plus, Paula gives us a #NonprofitHorrorStory that many of us in the sector can relate to.

Whether you're a volunteer engagement professional, nonprofit executive, or someone who believes in the power of service—this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Get ready for the MAVA conference happening June 16-18 at St. Paul College right here: https://www.mavanetwork.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=286912&module_id=691776

🎧 Listen now on Apple--https://bit.ly/Ep63TheNonprofitInsiderApple

🎧 Listen now on Spotify--https://bit.ly/Ep63TheNonprofitInsiderSpotify

YouTube-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastYouTubeShorts

Instagram-bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastInstagram

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#NonprofitInsiderPodcast #MAVA #Volunteerism #NonprofitLeadership #AmeriCorps #VolunteerEngagement #EquityInAction

Be sure to visit today's sponsor, JPP Consulting at www.LearnwithJPP.com/Coaching.

My friend Jessica Pang-Parks is giving 10% off to all nonprofits and nonprofit leaders who sign up using the code "InsiderPod". Is your nonprofit ready to take the next leap? Not if you don't have Jessica!

Episode 62: AmeriCorps NCCC Is Being Dismantled – A Rapid Reaction

In this unfiltered and urgent episode, host Swim Karim delivers a rapid reaction to the breaking news that AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) is being dismantled—directly affecting 1,500 young adult participants and potentially signaling broader cuts within national service programs.

🎙️ In this episode:

• A real-time reaction from Swim, a former AmeriCorps member
• What we know so far about the leadership shake-up and interim leadership at AmeriCorps
• Why this moment matters—and why it’s likely just the beginning
• Social media reactions from LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram
• A critical look at how this impacts service infrastructure across the country

This is more than a budget cut—it’s a wake-up call for the nonprofit and national service sector.

YouTube-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastYouTubeShorts

Instagram-bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastInstagram

TikTok-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastTikTok

🎧 Listen now on Apple & Spotify.

#AmeriCorps #NCCC #NonprofitInsiderPodcast #ServiceYear #NationalService #PodcastAlert #NonprofitNews

In this episode of The Nonprofit Insider Podcast, we’re joined by Camille Ridley, a nonprofit powerhouse with over 20 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, and event production. As the Vice President of Marketing & Development at UCP of Central Arizona, Camille leads major donor strategies, corporate partnerships, and brand-building efforts to drive nonprofit growth.

Tune in as we dive into:

• How Camille builds donor relationships that last.
• The biggest challenges in nonprofit fundraising today.
• Her leadership insights from working with organizations like the American Red Cross, ASU Gammage, and Girls Inc.
• A #NonprofitHorrorStory that every fundraiser has faced at least once!

This episode is packed with fundraising wisdom, leadership lessons, and real talk about the nonprofit sector.

You can visit UCP of Central Arizona by visiting their website here: https://ucpofcentralaz.org/

🎧 Listen now on Apple & Spotify!

YouTube-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastYouTubeShorts

Instagram-bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastInstagram

TikTok-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastTikTok

#NonprofitInsiderPodcast #Fundraising #NonprofitLeadership #DonorRelations #Marketing #CommunityImpact