AI isn’t coming; it’s already here, and nonprofits that don’t adapt risk being left behind. In this episode, we unpack the Forbes article “AI And Nonprofits: Not If Or When, But How,” exploring how charities and social impact organizations can responsibly harness AI to amplify mission-driven work from smart fundraising and grant-writing to impact measurement and reporting. We get real about the human side, too: trust, transparency, ethical guardrails, and keeping people, not machines, at the heart of the mission. You’ll walk away with practical tools, inspiring case studies, and an optimistic roadmap for where AI can take us next.

Why Listen:

• Cut through the hype: get actionable strategies nonprofits are already using.
• Learn how ethical AI isn’t just nice to have—it’s necessary for trust and effectiveness.
• Discover how to scale your impact without scaling your headcount or burnout.
• Feel inspired by fresh thinking that’s both playful and pragmatic—just like you.
• 🔗 Core article: “AI And Nonprofits: Not If Or When, But How” – Forbes Nonprofit Council
• 🎯 Explore Fundraising.AI for frameworks on ethical, mission-aligned AI in social good.
• 📊 Read the “Donor Perceptions of AI” study on trust, transparency, and AI in fundraising.

Recently, I read an article from NonprofitPRO about the benefits of membership-based campaigns.

The article inspired me to share with you all a few additional benefits to this funding model, how it works, how to implement it within your organization, and how a few of my clients in my funding focus group have seen success implementing this model.

For your reference, check out this article here: 3 ways to create real financial sustainability.

🚨 BREAKING NEWS: The Grant Graveyard is Filling Up! 🚨

Looks like Uncle Sam (or should we say Trump) has been busy pulling the plug on grants and federal funding—because, why not make life even harder for nonprofits and social enterprises to create real impact, right?

But here’s the thing… we don’t panic, we pivot. 💡

If your funding strategy starts and ends with waiting on government crumbs, it’s time for a serious upgrade. I’m hosting the Secure Your Funding Workshop to show you how to:

✔️ Stop relying on disappearing grants (RIP) and build a sustainable financial strategy.
✔️ Unlock hidden revenue streams most people overlook.
✔️ Get the funding you need without begging, borrowing, or breaking your spirit.

The government might be slamming doors, but I’ll show you how to build your own dang house. 🏡🔥

Don’t wait for the next policy change to wreck your budget. Secure your spot and purchase your copy of your Triumph book before it's too late!

In this episode of Nonprofit UNPLUGGED, we explore how stepping into discomfort can lead to remarkable growth, both personally and professionally. Discover Lisa’s inspiring journey from uncertainty to success as a nonprofit leader and learn how biblical principles and practical strategies can help you embrace challenges, grow stronger in your mission, and discover your purpose!

What You’ll Learn:

• Why discomfort is essential for personal and professional development.
• How you can identify areas for growth in your nonprofit leadership.
• A practical, faith-based framework for leaning into challenges.
• The biblical principle from 2 Corinthians 12:9 and its relevance to nonprofit leadership.
• Actionable steps to help you face discomfort and achieve surprising strength.

In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Randy Long, also known as Kris Kringle himself, to explore the origins and inspiring journey behind The Pix Squad. Randy shares how his passion for spreading joy and capturing memorable moments led to the creation of this innovative company, which specializes in event photography for galas and other meaningful celebrations.

Randy also delves into the unique concept of benevolent marketing, a philosophy he stumbled upon naturally as he sought to create authentic connections and uplift the communities he serves. From behind-the-scenes stories of snapping iconic moments to how The Pix Squad became a trusted partner for nonprofit events, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom.

Key Takeaways:

• How Randy’s experiences as “Kris Kringle” inspired the founding principles of The Pix Squad.
• The role of storytelling and community impact in benevolent marketing.
• Why event photography can be more than just capturing moments—it can be a catalyst for connection and advocacy.
• Memorable highlights from working with nonprofits and gala hosts to create magical, picture-perfect experiences.

📸 Ready to see The Pix Squad in action? Check out their website and follow them on social media for updates and galleries from their latest events.

This episode celebrates the magic of storytelling, photography, and generosity. Tune in and discover how The Pix Squad is redefining event photography with heart and purpose!

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Christa Stelzmuller, Chief Technology Officer at charity: water, an organization revolutionizing global access to clean and safe water. With her extensive background in technology, consulting, and mission-driven startups, Christa brings a unique perspective to her role at charity: water, where she leads innovative efforts to integrate technology and data into their mission of addressing the global water crisis.

Christa’s insights highlight the critical intersection of technology and philanthropy, offering a blueprint for how nonprofits can innovate to amplify their impact. This episode is full of valuable lessons, whether your passion is tech, global development, or nonprofit leadership.

Learn More:

• Visit charity: water to support their mission.
• Follow Christa Stelzmuller on LinkedIn for her latest insights.

Tune in to hear Christa’s transformative story and the future of water access innovation!

In this episode, we sit down with Howard Pearl, the dynamic CEO of CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services), a trailblazing organization transforming the way we think about charitable giving. Under Howard's leadership, CARS has become a leading platform for vehicle and real estate donations, returning over $450 million to its nonprofit partners. Join us as we delve into the innovative ways CARS helps nonprofits generate sustainable funding through its vehicle donation and real estate programs.

Howard shares insights into how CARS simplifies the donation process for individuals while maximizing impact for nonprofits. We explore the stories behind their success, including inspiring donor testimonials and partnerships with charities like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Sierra Club Foundation. Learn how CARS integrates gratitude, transparency, and service excellence into every interaction, empowering donors and nonprofits alike to make a meaningful difference.

Discover more about CARS' initiatives, including their Giving Property program for real estate donations, and hear Howard's vision for the future of philanthropy in a rapidly changing world. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, a potential donor, or someone curious about innovative giving strategies, this episode is packed with actionable insights and heartwarming stories.

Links:

• Learn more about vehicle donations: careasy.org
• Discover the Giving Property program: givingproperty.org
• Follow Howard Pearl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardpearl/

Tune in and be inspired by the impactful work of Howard Pearl and the CARS team!

In this podcast episode, we'll explore a topic that may seem confusing: can an LLC be a nonprofit? Many people assume that only corporations can be structured as nonprofits, but it turns out that LLCs can qualify as nonprofit organizations too. As we'll learn from the insights provided by experts in the industry, forming a nonprofit LLC requires following a specific set of rules, including requirements regarding the purpose of the company, the membership structure, and the use of assets in the event of dissolution. We'll dive into these rules and discuss the pros and cons of forming a nonprofit LLC versus a nonprofit corporation. Whether you're an entrepreneur or interested in the nonprofit sector, this episode will provide valuable insights into a little-known aspect of the business world.

Read more about nonprofit llcs HERE:

• https://www.americanbar.org/groups/business_law/resources/business-law-today/2017-march/nonprofit-llcs/
• https://www.wagenmakerlaw.com/blog/llcs-and-nonprofits