Mission: Impact
In episode 96 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Dr Victoria Boyd discuss The misconceptions about starting a nonprofit Why a program logic model is a better place to start for new organizations than a business plan Some of the key questions nonprofit founders need to ask themselves as they get started. Episode highlights: 07:34 - Common Misconceptions about Starting Nonprofits what to focus on instead 16:22- The Logic Model as the heart beat of the organization 25:29- **Defining your Unique Value Proposition 27:39 Building shared...
info_outline Building shared nonprofit leadership with Emily TaylorMission: Impact
In episode 95 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Emily Taylor discuss the challenges nonprofit CEOs face as they become victims of their own success. how nonprofit leaders can become disconnected from their community as their organization grows how when an organization is overly associated with the CEO, this can result in a culture of dependence and bottleneck decision-making Episode Highlights [11:15] Recognizing Organizational Dependence how nonprofits become overly dependent on a charismatic CEO and how this can stifle organizational growth and sustainability....
info_outline Navigating power and conflict within nonprofits with Rebecca EpsteinMission: Impact
In episode 94 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Rebecca Epstein discuss the article that Rebecca wrote with published in the Nonprofit Quarterly in 2023. Paving a Better Way: What’s Driving Progressive Organizations Apart and How to Win by Coming Together. The conversation between Rebecca and Carol covers the intricacies and challenges of leadership and organizational dynamics within the nonprofit sector, particularly in the context of social justice work. Their discussion touches upon generational conflicts, power dynamics, organizational clarity, and strategies for effective...
info_outline Nonprofit fundraising transparency with Pooya PourakMission: Impact
In episode 93 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Pooya Pourak discuss the importance of transparent, impact-centric fundraising, the use of technology for efficiency, and the necessity of fair compensation for nonprofit employees. They delve into the nuances of donor engagement, exploring how to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance and collaboration. They also discuss the potential of AI in the sector, while maintaining the human element that is essential to nonprofit work. Episode Highlights: 09:40 - Donor Engagement and Trust: Pooya presents statistics on donor...
info_outline Three stages of nonprofit leadership with Patton McDowellMission: Impact
In episode 92 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Patton McDowell explore the multi-generational nonprofit workforce, discussing the unique hurdles and opportunities that come with each stage of a non-profit career—from emerging leaders grappling with gaining practical experience to mid-career professionals encountering a plateau, and up to executive directors feeling isolated at the top. They underscore the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the benefits of strategic personal planning. Show highlights: Generational Workforce Challenges Generational...
info_outline AI and Nonprofits with George WeinerMission: Impact
In episode 91 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and George Weiner discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the nonprofit sector. They delve into the significance of AI in the sector, emphasizing the need for strategic adoption and policy development. The conversation then shifts to the integration of AI into everyday tools They cover practical applications of AI and discuss crafting AI policies as well as the potential for AI to enhance nonprofit operations, particularly in grant writing and reporting. Episode highlights: [00:06:00] AI Adoption and Policy in...
info_outline Five steps to successful nonprofit strategic planning with Carol HamiltonMission: Impact
In episode 90 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton goes solo and talks about: What strategic planning is and is not the five steps to a comprehensive strategic planning process Keys to ensuring your plan gets put into action and stays relevant The five steps are 1. kick off, 2. discovery or listening tour, 3. explore, 4. decide, 5. plan & act Strategic planning: Strategic planning is a structured process for setting priorities for the medium term (3-5 years). It involves gathering insights from stakeholders, identifying themes, exploring futures, and making decisions to focus the...
info_outline Don't skip Gen X for leadership with Miguel GuadalupeMission: Impact
In episode 89 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Miguel Guadalupe discuss issues of generational engagement in leadership, highlighting the frequent oversight of Generation X and stressing the unique adaptability and valuable perspective that this generation brings to the table. Miguel emphasizes the necessity for Generation X to advocate for recognition in leadership roles, reflecting on a LinkedIn post that sparked a broader conversation about the career stagnation felt by many in his generation. Episode highlights: Don’t Forget GenX: underrepresentation and unique contributions...
info_outline [Re-release] Building a ladder of engagement with Lisa HazirjianMission: Impact
In this enlightening episode, Carol interviews Lisa Hazirjian, a historian turned advocate, as they delve into Lisa’s unexpected journey from academia to the forefront of nonprofit advocacy. Through a candid recount of personal challenges and professional transitions, Lisa shares her story, motivations, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Some of the conversation’s highlights: Motivation for Advocacy: Personal emotions during times of loss and the desire to effect change in public policy were Lisa’s primary motivators to engage in advocacy work. Nonprofit...
info_outline Reimagining the workplace for remote/hybrid with June JimenezMission: Impact
In episode 87 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and June Jimenez discuss: Making remote-work work for your organization Juggling the complex decisions facing nonprofit leaders regarding a potential return to physical offices Changing employee expectations We explore the experiences of organizations that are fully remote, emphasizing the heightened need for intentional connection, care, and frequent virtual interactions to maintain a sense of team and culture. Nonprofits are grappling with diverse approaches, from fully embracing remote work to dealing with financial considerations and...
info_outlineIn episode 93 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Pooya Pourak discuss the importance of transparent, impact-centric fundraising, the use of technology for efficiency, and the necessity of fair compensation for nonprofit employees. They delve into the nuances of donor engagement, exploring how to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance and collaboration. They also discuss the potential of AI in the sector, while maintaining the human element that is essential to nonprofit work.
Episode Highlights:
09:40 - Donor Engagement and Trust:
Pooya presents statistics on donor engagement and trust, highlighting the disconnect between nonprofits and donors, and the strategies to improve transparency and communication.
12:00 Language and Fundraising:
The conversation shifts to the language used in fundraising and how it affects donor relationships. They discuss the importance of genuine, mission-aligned connections over transactional interactions.
14:00 Shifting Status Quo Assumptions:
Carol and Pooya discuss how nonprofits can break free from counterproductive practices and adopt strategies that promote long-term sustainability and diversified fundraising sources.
16:30 Nonprofit Ecosystem Complexity:
Pooya reflects on the complexity of the nonprofit ecosystem, including the roles of various stakeholders, from other nonprofits to donors, foundations, and policy.
22:00 Testing Hypotheses in Fundraising:
Pooya details the testing of two hypotheses aimed at increasing generosity and online giving, including the influence of unrestricted donations and the effectiveness of matching gifts.
31:00 The Future of the Nonprofit Sector:
Looking ahead, Pooya anticipates the growing role of AI in the sector and emphasizes the need to balance technological advances with maintaining the sector's human-centered approach.
34:00 Fair Compensation
The interview concludes with Pooya advocating for fair compensation in the nonprofit sector and encouraging a shift from competition to collaboration to enhance collective impact.
Guest Bio:
Pooya Pourak
Pooya is co-founder and CEO of MatchNice, a social impact tech startup on a mission to connect the nonprofit ecosystem and maximize social impact. His team is working on a new kind of impact-centric fundraising platform to increase transparency, engagement and accountability in digital fundraising. Pooya brings 15+ years of experience leading digital transformation across business, government, and now the nonprofit sector. He is the Host and Producer of The Nonprofit Lab, a podcast dedicated to the journey of discovery in the nonprofit sector with an aim to uncover and shake up the status quo. Pooya runs his own consulting practice where he helps our government listen to the needs of diverse stakeholders and put their feedback into action to inform large-scale systems delivery. Pooya holds a Bachelor of Science from Georgia Institute of Technology in Industrial & Systems Engineering and is also a certified yoga instructor.
Important Links and Resources:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pooyapourak/
Charity Vest https://www.charityvest.org/
Google for Nonprofits https://www.google.com/nonprofits/
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