“If you're a positive adult who can offer support, there's a huge impact. 86% of our kids quadruple their literacy learning rate.” - Michelle Curren

Sometimes the most meaningful journeys in life are unexpected, aren’t they?

When Michelle Curren set out to change the world, she didn’t see herself helping kids learn to read in her hometown of Chico, CA. She thought she’d be actively combatting sex trafficking in other countries.

But through an interesting and unexpected journey, she came to understand that one of the most effective ways to help a child succeed in life is simply to help them read. Today, Michelle is the CEO and Executive Director of Reading Pals, a growing nonprofit devoted to rewriting kids’ stories by helping them tap into the power of reading.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• How you can combat donor and volunteer apathy through community
• The impact of making it easier to volunteer
• Honest reflections on whether to scale your nonprofit
• And why it’s important to protect your priorities in leadership

If you’re looking to reframe the way you define a direction and cast vision for the future of your organization, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.

Find our key takeaways and any resources mentioned during the episode in the show notes: www.futurenonprofit.com/michelle-curren

“So many people are not voicing their power.” - Holly Smithson

What if your biggest strength is the thing you’ve been told is your greatest weakness?

In this episode, Ted sits down with Holly Smithson, CEO of Athena, a global leadership platform dedicated to fast-tracking women in STEM (short for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). This is an incredible organization that is partnering with some of the nation’s top corporations by strengthening their executive pipeline, fostering cultures of innovation and impact, and accelerating workforce readiness for the future economy.

Holly shares how a childhood spent watching news with her dad and idolizing Carol Burnett sparked a lifelong passion for storytelling and advocacy. She walks us through her journey—from Capitol Hill to a cancer diagnosis—and how embracing vulnerability, authenticity, and innovation became central to her leadership.

You’ll hear how Holly’s nonprofit, Athena, grew from a regional incubator into a global confidence lab, why innovation is a critical skill for nonprofits, and how “embracing your power” can fuel stronger impact and more confident leadership.

Whether you're navigating growth, burnout, or a call to lead more authentically, Holly’s story is a powerful invitation to something better.

Want our key takeaways from this conversation? Take a look at the show notes for this episode: https://www.futurenonprofit.com/holly-smithson/

“There was no real mechanism for measuring what we meant when we said build trust… Who was creating the surveys? What was the methodology? What were the metrics assessing relationships?” - Meme Styles

You use data every day.

In the stories you tell donors.

In the statistics you share on social media.

In the decisions you make about the future of the organization.

But data-informed decision-making goes deeper than just collecting numbers and drawing conclusions from them.

Meme Styles, our guest today, reminds us that we need to be asking some important questions:

• Where did these numbers come from?
• How do we know they are trustworthy and accurate?
• How biased or unbiased are the sources of that data or the methodology we’re utilizing?

From running a lunchroom advocacy campaign as a third grader to sitting on panels with city officials in Austin, TX, Meme has always been a force for change. And in 2015, she founded MEASURE, a nonprofit data advocacy organization working to eliminate social disparities in health, education, economics, and criminal justice—one dataset at a time.

In this episode, Meme shares how data can either reinforce inequities or drive systemic change, how data bias can show up in nonprofits, why community is the best form of technology, and the most impactful decision Meme says she’s made in her leadership.

If you’re a nonprofit leader committed to equity, dignity, and visionary leadership, this conversation is for you.

Want our key takeaways from this conversation? Take a look at the show notes for this episode: https://www.futurenonprofit.com/meme-styles/

Today, your audience is more aware than ever before of injustices impacting our world. They’re eager to help, but unsure of the best way to make a difference. As a nonprofit leader, it’s your job to channel their passion into action. How? By sharing your story—and making it easy for others to amplify it.

On Future Nonprofit, we often explore how to improve the way your organization operates. But without a strong growth strategy that amplifies your story, even the most noble nonprofit is like a sports car without gas in the tank—it’s got amazing potential, but it can’t go far.

The good news: Tools like social media and crowdfunding platforms present your nonprofit with an unprecedented opportunity to expand your reach and broadcast your message.

The challenge: All the freedom these tools offer can feel overwhelming. And with countless others vying for attention online, how can you make your message and your cause cut through all the noise?

In this special episode, I’m sitting down with not one, but four guests to answer this key question. First, Krista Lamp—Senior Director of Nonprofit Communications at GoFundMe—gives us the inside scoop on what, why, and how modern audiences are supporting causes they care about.

After that, three leading voices in the nonprofit space—Jared Walker of Dollar For, Mike McDonald of BibleProject, and Nate Rittenhouse of OneHope—offer hard-earned insights shaped by their distinct experiences in inspiring their audiences to action.

In this conversation, you’ll learn what “impact creators” are and why they often have more actual influence than “influencers,” how you can empower trusted online voices to mobilize their communities for your cause, one large mistake that’s causing nonprofits to miss out on a ton of potential support, and much more.

If you’ve been looking for ways to accelerate your growth without sacrificing authenticity, this one is for you.

Want our key takeaways from this conversation? Take a look at the show notes for this episode: www.futurenonprofit.com/make-nonprofit-story-shareable

Mentioned in this episode:

Presented by Classy

Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising? At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.

“Leadership is not just something that is relegated to middle management, upper management, executive leadership. Leadership is a culture that exists inside of your organization. If you truly want to make breakthrough products, experiences, campaigns; if you want your entire team from entry-level individuals up to your C suite to really be pushing the organization forward, every single person needs to be thinking of themselves as a leader, as a stakeholder in the organization.” – James Bloedel

With the world shifting and changing faster than ever, it’s important to stay informed, challenge your thinking, and grow as a leader to guide your organization effectively and build deep trust and engagement with donors.

In this episode, I’m joined by James Bloedel, Chief Strategy Officer at Historic. With a strong background working in the nonprofit sector, he is passionate about helping nonprofits across the globe design better ways of working that lead to creating an impact that is: fast, sustainable, missional, accessible, fully-funded, scalable, and down-right fun.

Listen in as James helps us explore how to reach the crucial intersection where leaders can shape a meaningful organizational culture. Discover what product theory can teach you about differentiating yourself in a sea of nonprofits and businesses clamoring for your audience’s attention and how understanding the perspectives of the next generation will help you adapt to the shifting tides of donor engagement.

As you seek to lead your nonprofit into the future, you won’t want to miss this year’s list of the top 10 books every nonprofit leader should read.

Want the links to the books we mentioned? Check out the show notes for this episode: https://www.futurenonprofit.com/10-books-every-nonprofit-leader-needs-to-read-this-year/

Mentioned in this episode:

Presented by Classy

Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising? At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.

“When you see horrible things happen to innocent people, you can choose one of two paths. You can either go a route of bitterness and hatred and perpetuate a problem, or you can think—does this have to be like this?” - Thomas Keown

Who is best equipped to drive lasting change for people facing challenging circumstances?

Our latest guest on Future Nonprofit, Thomas Keown, has discovered a powerful answer to this question—and it's one you may not be expecting.

Thomas grew up in Northern Ireland during a 30-year conflict known as The Troubles. For decades, all his community knew was war, fighting, and hate. But over time, Thomas came to realize that although injustices can transcend generations, so too can healing and hope.

After going back to help the youth of his homeland as an adult, it became crystal clear to Thomas what kind of people are capable of making the most profound impact on world crises—the people who have made it out of those very crises.

Today, Thomas is the founder and CEO of Many Hopes, a nonprofit that empowers children to overcome injustice and then equips them with the tools they need to help others do the same. Some of the children supported by Many Hopes go on to become lawyers fighting the very injustice they experienced and doctors providing the care they couldn’t receive—each one living proof of the power of survivor-driven change.

In this special episode from our Camp Redwood series, you’ll discover what it takes to inspire support for causes that may be out of sight and out of mind, why Thomas's decision to return funds to some of his donors led to a surprising increase in giving, how a nonprofit closing its doors can actually be the ultimate success story, and so much more.

If you’re looking to learn from a nonprofit that has mastered the art of building trust with their donors, their local outreach partners, and the people they serve, this episode is for you.

Want our key takeaways from this conversation? Take a look at the show notes for this episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

Presented by Classy

Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising? At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.

“For me, that's really where you get the highest ROI. Just to hear from a person: this matters.” - Ryan Sisson

When’s the last time you thought to yourself, “Wow, this is real community”?

That magical, visceral feeling of true human connection? It’s rare—feels like lightning in a bottle. Many nonprofit leaders have tried to capture it within the community they cultivate for their team, their donors, and the people they serve. But the truth is, it can be tricky to nail the secret sauce.

Luckily, our guest knows the recipe for that kind of community—and it’s just three simple ingredients.

Ryan Sisson is the CEO of Moniker Group, a collective of visionary entrepreneurs crafting spaces that are designed to help people not just gather—but truly connect. From coffee shops and retail stores to coworking spaces and creameries, Moniker creates environments that blend creativity, purpose, and hospitality.

I (Ted) chose Ryan for this conversation because I’ve seen firsthand the powerful communities he cultivates. I’m thrilled to share with you his practical insights for creating environments where people feel safe to offer feedback, encouraged to share ideas, and excited to collaborate.

In this episode, you’ll discover the one leadership trait that’s a prerequisite for effective communication, the secret to building a team culture so strong it sustains itself, why your people have the potential to make or break your brand, and so much more.

If you feel like your organization is being held back by a lack of internal or external synergy, this one’s for you.

Want our key takeaways from this conversation? Take a look at the show notes for this episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

Presented by Classy

Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising? At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.

“[She] asked me, ‘What's one thing we can give you so you never go back on the streets?’ And I told them, ‘If you give me a computer, I would never go back on the streets. And they did. And that gadget captured me from what the streets were offering and I teleported into a new world of possibilities.’” - Emmanuel Trinity

How do you create generational prosperity when the prevailing model of charity is focused on temporary poverty alleviation?

For Emmanuel Trinity (who goes by Trinity), creating prosperity is about untapping the latent potential in communities—instead of using funds to combat the surface-level symptoms of poverty.

Trinity grew up in the slums of Uganda, facing a dangerous and seemingly hopeless future. But everything changed when he was given a computer. With access to the internet, Trinity found work and transformed the trajectory of his life.

That computer wasn’t his doorway to success—it was simply the key that unlocked the potential he had inside him all along. Now, Trinity is giving others the keys they need to do the same.

As the founder of era92, a nonprofit employment agency, Trinity empowers young adults facing poverty in Uganda with the opportunities they need to become active participants in rewriting their futures.

In this episode, you’ll hear how education and employment can empower people to escape challenging situations, why it’s crucial to ask the people you’re serving what resources would truly make the biggest impact in their lives, the power of using your personal experience to inform your problem-solving approach, and more.

If you’ve been unsure whether your efforts are serving the people you help to the fullest, this episode is the push you need to start asking the right questions.

Want our key takeaways from this conversation? Take a look at the show notes for this episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

Presented by Classy

Are you a nonprofit feeling the pressure of constant change and evolving supporter expectations? Are you searching for new ways to engage your community in this new era of fundraising? At Future Nonprofit we seek out the top technology helping propel our sector forward, which is why Classy by GoFundMe is a trusted partner of ours. Classy's online fundraising platform empowers organizations to connect, engage, and grow. With Classy's latest innovation, Classy Studio, you can create personalized fundraising experiences that truly resonate. Build connections, unleash creativity, and raise more... faster! And now, with new features like Intelligent Ask Amounts, which provide personalized donation amounts for each supporter who lands on your page, and improved embedded donation forms, which lead a donor through an optimized checkout flow without leaving your website, Classy's full suite of tools is further engineered for conversion while also allowing you to create lasting relationships. The only question left is... what will YOU build? The future of fundraising is now with Classy. For more information, visit classy.org.