Changemaker Conversations: The Podcast for Nonprofit Leaders

"Are you trying to put yourselves out of business?" That was the very first question Alyssa got after Prosper Strategies launched its new Nonprofit Strategic Planning Toolbox earlier this month. In this special solo episode of Changemaker Conversations, she answers it head-on — and tackles every other question that's been coming in since launch. Why would a consulting firm with 12 years of high-touch strategic planning experience release a DIY toolbox? What's actually inside it? Who is it for? And how is it different from the free templates already floating around the nonprofit sector? If your organization needs a real, stakeholder-driven strategic plan but a near six-figure consulting engagement isn't in the budget right now, this episode lays out exactly how the Toolbox is designed to close that gap. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: Whether Prosper Strategies is, in fact, trying to put itself out of business (spoiler: no — but the answer is more interesting than that) What's actually inside the Toolbox — the 70+ page Guidebook, 17 tools across 8 modules, and Strately™ AI How the Shared Power Strategy™ approach embedded in the Toolbox is different from traditional, top-down strategic planning Who the Toolbox is built for — and who it's not for A walk-through of the 8-module process from "Prepare" to "Implement" What real results look like, including a $2.5M deficit reversal, a $1M capital investment, and a 75% program participation jump How Strately™ AI fits in as your strategic planning coach (and where to be careful using it) How long it takes to build your plan with the Toolbox, and what to expect if you've never led a strategic planning process before | LISTENER OFFER | 🎁 Save $125 (our biggest discount yet) on the Nonprofit Strategic Planning Toolbox with the code CHANGEMAKERCONVERSATIONS — exclusive to Changemaker Conversations listeners. Apply at checkout: https://www.strategicplanningtoolbox.com | MENTIONED | The Nonprofit Strategic Planning Toolbox Shared Power Strategy™ framework Nonprofit Strategy System This Episode's Blog Post | CONNECT | ChangemakerConversations.com for show notes and additional resources Prosper-Strategies.com to learn more about our strategic consulting practice Hello@ChangemakerConversations.com with topic suggestions, guest recommendations or questions On LinkedIn with Alyssa Conrardy, Lindsay Mullen and Prosper Strategies

In this powerful episode of Changemaker Conversations, we confront what it means for nonprofits and their leaders to show up in times of moral crisis. Amidst violent ICE raids and the recent killings of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, nonprofit leaders within and beyond Minnesota are grappling with how they can respond when communities are grieving, afraid, and in urgent need of support. Against the backdrop of recent events in Minnesota—and with an eye toward future crises—we explore the real risks, responsibilities, and decisions nonprofit leaders face when choosing whether to stay silent or speak out, and how to align their services and actions to meet the moment. If you’re wrestling with how your organization should show up while protecting its mission and adapt its work during times of moral urgency, this episode offers clarity, practical guidance, and a values-driven framework for action. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: How to decide whether—and how—to speak out during a moral crisis like the one taking place in Minnesota right now The risks of silence and the risks of public statements How mission and values should guide crisis decisions How nonprofits are showing up differently now as compared to during the racial justice movement of 2020, and what we can learn from that shift A practical framework for nonprofit crisis response and communications Why taking action - whether by aligning service delivery and programs to emerging community needs or supporting other organizations who can - matters most | MENTIONED |Minnesota Nonprofits: Acts of Solidarity for Friends and Allies Outside of Minnesota Minnesota Nonprofits Resources for Supporting Communities During ICE Operations Nonprofit Rapid Response Communications Framework | CONNECT |ChangemakerConversations.com for show notes and resourcesProsper-Strategies.com to learn more about our strategic consulting practice Hello@ChangemakerConversations.com with topic ideas or questionsOn LinkedIn with Alyssa Conrardy, Lindsay Mullen and Prosper Strategies

In this first episode of our three-part Fix Your Funding series on Changemaker Conversations, we dig into the financial crisis nonprofits are facing right now—and why “we just need more money” isn’t a clear enough diagnosis. From disappearing federal funds to shrinking corporate support and skyrocketing community need, we walk through how to get brutally honest about your organization’s financial health so you can protect what matters most: your nonprofit’s survival. If you’re lying awake wondering how many payrolls you can cover, how to explain the situation to your board, or where to even start with the numbers, this episode will give you a simple framework and language to get everyone aligned around reality—and ready for action in parts two and three of this series. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: The four essential financial “gauges” every nonprofit should be tracking in a crisis How to calculate and interpret your operating reserves (months of cash on hand) Why your restricted vs. unrestricted revenue mix can quietly put your mission at risk How to spot dangerous overreliance on any single funder or funding stream A practical way to project your year-end surplus or deficit—before it’s too late How to bring your board into the financial truth so they can actually help *SHOW NOTES * | MENTIONED | Prosper Strategies’ Financial Health Gauges for Nonprofits | UPCOMING | Fix Your Funding Series – Part 2: Build a Crisis Response Fundraising Strategy Fix Your Funding Series – Part 3: Prepare for the Future with Scenario Planning | CONNECT | ChangemakerConversations.com for show notes and additional resources Prosper-Strategies.com to learn more about our strategic consulting practice Hello@ChangemakerConversations.com with topic suggestions, guest recommendations or questions On LinkedIn with Alyssa Conrardy, Lindsay Mullen and Prosper Strategies

In today's challenging political climate, many nonprofit leaders are focused on what they can't say—but what if we shifted our attention to what we can say? In this episode of Changemaker Conversations, we're exploring strength-based communication and why it's more relevant than ever for nonprofits navigating anti-DEI pressures and funding restrictions. Alyssa and Lindsay share their decade-plus journey developing strength-based communication frameworks with organizations like Feeding America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the McCormick Foundation—and the data proves it works. From increased donor engagement to stronger brand metrics, organizations taking this approach are seeing real results without sacrificing their values or their fundraising goals. If you're struggling to stay true to your mission while adapting to new federal regulations and "off-limits language", or if you're simply ready to communicate about the people you serve in more empowering ways, this episode will show you how. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: What strength-based communication is and how it differs from stereotype-based and need-based communication Why leading with opportunity instead of deficit doesn't hurt fundraising (and often improves it) How to navigate current federal word restrictions while staying true to your values Real examples from major nonprofits that have successfully made this shift Practical first steps for moving your organization toward strength-based communication Common misconceptions holding boards and leadership back from adopting this approach Episode Blog Post and Transcript --> | MENTIONED | Prosper Strategies Strength-Based Communication 101 Guide Prosper Strategies Strength-Based Communication resources Examples: Feeding America Feeding America Need-Based Example: "I am Hunger in America" Feeding America Strength-Based Example: "The Full Effect" PSA World Vision World Vision USA: Chosen World Vision Child Sponsorship More Examples FrameWorks Institute | CONNECT | ChangemakerConversations.com for show notes and additional resources Prosper-Strategies.com to learn more about strength-based communication consulting Hello@ChangemakerConversations.com with questions or to discuss strength-based communication for your organization On LinkedIn with Alyssa Conrardy, Lindsay Mullen and Prosper Strategies

What if your nonprofit's most effective strategy decisions weren't made in a boardroom, but in partnership with the very people you serve? In this episode of Changemaker Conversations, we're diving deep into the Shared Power Philosophy™—the belief that nonprofits develop their most impactful and equitable strategies by deeply involving all stakeholders, especially the people and communities they serve, in shaping their work. In this episode, Alyssa and Lindsay share why centering constituents isn't just good practice—it's the secret sauce to nonprofit effectiveness. From California Rural Legal Assistance's multilingual strategic planning process to the Muhammad Ali Center's community-led response during social justice upheaval, you'll hear real examples of Shared Power™ in action. Then, you'll learn simple frameworks you can begin implementing today to transform your organization into a Shared Power™ Nonprofit. If you're ready to move beyond one-time stakeholder surveys and build genuine feedback loops that transform how your organization operates, this episode is your roadmap. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: The four core tenets every shared power nonprofit exhibits (commitment, engagement, respect, and action) How to use the Shared Power™ Spectrum to map and expand your current stakeholder engagement Real-world examples of how organizations like Feeding America, CRLA, and the Muhammad Ali Center are sharing power with their constituents Practical strategies for respectful constituent engagement, including compensation guidelines and ideas about trauma-informed facilitation Why relationship-building must come before input-gathering How to create dignified engagement opportunities that avoid retraumatization | MENTIONED | Show Notes The Shared Power™ Philosophy Four Core Tenets of Shared Power™ Nonprofits The Shared Power™ Spectrum Framework The Shared Power™ Collective / Shared Power Champions™ online course Shared Power™ Nonprofits' Declaration of Interdependence Whitepaper: Four Things Shared Power™ Nonprofits Do Differently | CONNECT | ChangemakerConversations.com for show notes and Shared Power™ resources Prosper-Strategies.com to learn more about strategic planning with Shared Power™ principles Hello@ChangemakerConversations.com with your Shared Power™ success stories and questions Connect on LinkedIn with Alyssa Conrardy, Lindsay Mullen and Prosper Strategies

In this episode of Changemaker Conversations, we're diving deep into board leadership and transformation with a unique perspective from co-host Lindsay Mullen. As a former board chair herself, Lindsay shares invaluable insights about building an engaged nonprofit board that can truly drive your mission forward. If you're navigating the complex dance between board and staff roles or looking to transform your board from a working model to a strategic powerhouse, this episode delivers practical wisdom from someone who's been on both sides of the table. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: The journey of transforming a nonprofit board from a "friends and family" working board to a strategic leadership team How to create effective board recruitment strategies that fill crucial skill gaps Practical ways to connect board members authentically with the people you serve The critical relationship between board chair and CEO, and how to nurture it Navigating the appropriate division of responsibilities between board and staff | MENTIONED | Board Matrix Board Member Prospectus and job descriptions BoardSource's Stages of Board Development This Episode's Blog Post | CONNECT | ChangemakerConversations.com for show notes and additional resources Prosper-Strategies.com to learn more about our strategic consulting practice Hello@ChangemakerConversations.com with topic suggestions, guest recommendations or questions On LinkedIn with Alyssa Conrardy, Lindsay Mullen and Prosper Strategies

In this inaugural episode of Changemaker Conversations, we're diving into what's keeping nonprofit leaders up at night in 2025. From sudden federal funding freezes to market volatility affecting donor confidence, we break down the four biggest challenges facing nonprofit leaders today—and more importantly, share practical solutions to address them. If you're feeling the weight of leading in today's nonprofit landscape and looking for actionable strategies to navigate these unprecedented times, this episode is for you! Here's what you'll learn in this episode: The four biggest challenges keeping nonprofit leaders awake at night in 2025 How to diversify your funding streams in response to growing uncertainty Practical strategies for boosting staff morale and retention during turbulent times Ways to avoid "strategic whiplash" when constantly adapting to change How organizations are navigating anti-DEI pressures while staying true to their values | MENTIONED | Employee Value Proposition Framework Prosper Strategies Webinar On Leading Through Change and Uncertainty This Episode’s Blog Post | CONNECT | ChangemakerConversations.com for show notes and additional resources Prosper-Strategies.com to learn more about our strategic consulting practice Hello@ChangemakerConversations.com with topic suggestions, guest recommendations or questions On LinkedIn with Alyssa Conrardy, Lindsay Mullen and Prosper Strategies Join us every other week as we pull you out of the day-to-day grind and refocus your attention on the big picture through candid conversations about building more impactful nonprofits with less friction and more joy.