Future Nonprofit

As a leader, facing distractions is part of the job.Ben Webb, CMO of International Justice Mission (IJM), is committed to finding what he calls “sandcastles” in leadership—the areas we put our energy that just wash away without moving us closer to the ultimate outcome. Through his approach to marketing, he’s helping build an entire culture at IJM of stronger cross-department collaboration, communication, and innovation.If you’re not familiar, IJM works globally to build a future where children and families are safe from violence and slavery, including human trafficking.In this episode, Ben shares why compassion (not just for others, but also for yourself!) makes all the difference as a people leader, how inheriting a computer business started his unlikely journey towards nonprofit work, and how organizations let their focus drift from the ultimate mission as they grow.Ben is a mission-minded leader with a ton of heart, and I can’t wait to hear what you take away from his story.Find links to resources mentioned and key takeaways in the show notes for this episode: https://www.futurenonprofit.com/ben-webb-part-1/

“I don't think there’s a generosity crisis. What I think we're seeing is less about the heart of people and more about the struggles people are going through right now.” –Jaclyn JonesOngoing retention decline has nonprofits chasing quick wins and short-term ROI. But when you believe without question that humans are generous like Jaclyn Jones, you play the long game.As the Chief Philanthropic Economist at Masterworks, Jaclyn is exposed daily to the economic trends behind giving. But in the face of downward trends, she doesn’t panic. She pivots. Jaclyn believes that sustainable giving is hidden behind short-term ROI numbers. And as nonprofits, it's our job to create the conditions, and build the relationships, that reveal it. In this episode, Jaclyn shares:How to look beyond immediate ROI numbers when analyzing retention and other success metricsWhy she thinks today’s economic trends actually disprove a “generosity crisis” in nonprofit givingHow to innovate your channel strategy to connect with donors in ways that are actually meaningful to themFind links to resources mentioned and key takeaways in the show notes for this episode: https://www.futurenonprofit.com/jaclyn-jones/

“I do not believe that nonprofits live in a separate world. I believe that they live in the same world [as every other brand].” –Jim MoriartyNonprofits aren’t operating in a separate marketplace than for-profits. They’re competing for the same attention, trust, and loyalty as every other brand.Jim Moriarty, brand strategist and former CEO of the Surfrider Foundation, believes this is the case—positing that both sectors are after the same consumer attention, and that both are doing real good in the world.With vast experience in both sectors, Jim thinks nonprofits can learn a thing or two from for-profit brands about evaluating performance, building trust, and clarifying your mission.In this episode, Jim shares:Why the lines are blurry between for-profits and nonprofits for consumersWhy Nike’s mission to make sports accessible to all is actually a core part of their modelWhat nonprofits can learn from brands about building consumer trust and competency in delivering on their promiseHow a clear narrative, real-world activation, and constant feedback can accelerate momentumFind links to resources mentioned and key takeaways in the show notes for this episode: https://www.futurenonprofit.com/jim-moriarty/

How do you fight global sex trafficking? With a global solution. Jeremy Vallerand (Atlas Free) shows how networked partnerships, not duplication, drive faster, measurable impact against exploitation.Jeremy founded Atlas Free to strengthen what already works: resourcing effective local partners instead of reinventing programs. Today, Atlas Free supports a global network focused on ending sexual exploitation and meeting urgent needs.In this episode, Jeremy shares:His unexpected road to founding Atlas FreeHow to utilize a network approach to leadershipAnd his challenging take on doing justice with mercyJeremy offers a new nonprofit model built on collaboration, showing us how building strong partnerships and treating others with dignity can lead to sustainable, collective change. Jeremy’s contagious conviction will challenge your thinking about mercy, fuel your own passion for justice, and give you a new perspective on how we bring change to the world.Find links to resources mentioned and key takeaways in the show notes for this episode: www.futurenonprofit.com/jeremy-vallerand

“If we're gonna see real change, it has to be done on a local level. My personal mission for the rest of my life is reintegrating localism back into modern society.”—Bob DaltonDo you ever feel like it’s harder than ever to engage people in your mission?Nonprofits today compete with influencer culture, political fatigue, and content overload. Bob Dalton has cracked the code on how localism rebuilds trust and why that matters more than ever.Bob is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and social designer working to reclaim human connection in the digital age. He is the founder of two mission-minded companies: Sackcloth & Ashes, where every blanket purchased sends one to your local shelter; and LOCL, a local-focused social network to truly help neighbors connect.I (Ted) really respect Bob. His path in life hasn’t been straight. It’s been marked by resilience, bold choices, and a refusal to let fear set the terms. But he sees a world better than the one we live in, and dares to pursue it.In this conversation, you’ll hear:How to build mission-aligned teamsThe impact AI is making on community-buildingHow to lead through adversityWhy localism scales trust and impactBob is a confident leader who has so much to teach any nonprofit leader. He understands his strengths, how to align teams, and where user behavior is headed. As nonprofits face competition from influencers, startups, and viral fundraisers, Bob offers a new framework for relevance rooted in trust and local connection. If you care about real connection, team alignment, and reclaiming impact in a noisy world, this conversation is for you.Find links to resources mentioned and key takeaways in the show notes for this episode: www.futurenonprofit.com/bob-dalton

How do you honor a 200-year legacy without losing relevance for today?That’s the question Dr. Jennifer Holloran has been asking since becoming the first female president of American Bible Society in 2024.In this episode, Jennifer shares how her leadership was shaped by hardship, faith, and an openness to follow where God was leading, even when the path wasn’t clear. From rebuilding an organization in transition to empowering the people around her, Jennifer’s story truly is a masterclass for nonprofit leaders navigating change.In this conversation, you’ll hear:How a challenging family life solidified her passion for the steady foundation of ScriptureWhy she believes leaning into tension is a crucial part of leadershipThe vision ABS has for the future of Bible engagement around the worldIf you’re leading through transition or wrestling with the balance of honoring legacy and casting vision, Jennifer’s story will give you valuable perspective. Listen in!See our key takeaways and links mentioned in the show notes for this episode: https://www.futurenonprofit.com/jennifer-holloran/

“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 CurrenSometimes 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 communityThe impact of making it easier to volunteerHonest reflections on whether to scale your nonprofitAnd why it’s important to protect your priorities in leadershipIf 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

“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 StylesYou 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/

“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 BloedelWith 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 ClassyAre 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 SissonWhen’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 ClassyAre 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.

“I really think that we all have something we want to produce and give to the world, and that should be our ambition. And people are going to love you for what you give to the world. They're going to love you for your ambition.” - Remi SobomehinWhat’s the best way to make progress toward your mission?It’s a question many nonprofit leaders wrestle with. The truth is, sometimes making a real impact requires you to think outside of the box. Sometimes, it means turning your biggest challenges into your greatest opportunities. When Remi Sobomehin set out to empower Black and Brown teens with the skills they need to achieve personal and professional success, he ran into a problem: How do you reach teenagers when they’re spending a large amount of time on their smartphones?Remi decided that, rather than fighting against these habits, he’d factor them into his solution. As the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Ambition Angels, Remi created an app where teens can access a library of skill-building courses and earn money while they learn.In this special episode from our Camp Redwood series, Remi reveals the magic that can happen when you use an innovative approach to apply proven solutions, why patience is the key to sustainable nonprofit growth, why effective outreach means meeting people where they actually are, and so much more. If you feel like you’ve got the right solutions but your approach isn’t yielding results, this episode will provide just the inspiration you’ve been looking for.Want our key takeaways from this conversation? Take a look at the show notes for this episode.Mentioned in this episode:Presented by ClassyAre 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.

“As an employee of a nonprofit, you're maybe blessed to get paid for the work you do every day, but it doesn't mean you care about it any more or less than the people that are giving you money. And so, by drawing them in, you build an army of committed advocates and activists for your cause. You're having an impact on the hearts of your donors by drawing them in. You're making the world a better place by creating an army of generous people.” – Gabe CooperWhat if your nonprofit could inspire generosity that drives your mission forward and scales your impact? In this episode, we sit down with Gabe Cooper, founder and CEO of Virtuous, to explore how to go beyond transactional fundraising to build authentic, human-centered relationships that draw donors more deeply into your mission.Gabe shares his insights on donor motivations—and how you can rope them in as advocates and activists for your cause. You’ll learn about the importance of the heart and how to give supporters a cause that shapes their personal identities. He also shares why it’s critical to consider the value donors receive through their generosity. By treating supporters as true partners in your mission, Gabe believes nonprofits can unleash a wave of support that fuels impactful change.With his background in for-profit tech and software development, Gabe is passionate about product development and giving nonprofits best-in-class tools. In this episode, he shares key lessons on innovation and provides simple, strategic, actionable tips for launching your first, small-scale innovative venture.Listen in as Gabe dives into how organizations can adapt to changing donor expectations, use human-centered design, and harness the power of generosity to drive their missions forward. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your donor relationships or take your fundraising to the next level, this episode offers a playbook for inspiring generosity that achieves more than you ever thought possible.Contents1 – Gabe’s introduction to philanthropy (03:05)2 – The power of giving and importance of nonprofits (07:10)3 – Putting donors at the center of the mission (16:45)4 – Simplifying innovation (23:50)5 – Harnessing human-centered design (31:18)6 – Gabe’s parting advice (36:28)LinksHistoric AgencyGabe Cooper on LinkedInGabe's book | The Responsive NonprofitCulture Built My BrandMentioned in this episode:Presented by ClassyAre 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.

"95% of the world's pastors have no formal ministry training. And the best thing that we had done in all those years was training pastors and communities of poverty. So we said, “If it's not training urban ministers, it goes.” We got down to the nitty-gritty of one focus, which is training urban pastors and church leaders, because we believe that that will lead to healthier churches, which will then lead to the influencing of their neighborhoods to flourish." - Rev. Dr. Alvin SandersCourageous leadership isn’t just about making decisions. It’s about making the right ones, even when it’s difficult. Rev. Dr. Alvin Sanders has a singular passion: to develop leaders, strengthen churches, and create redemptive communities that thrive in urban contexts. But getting there requires bold leadership, courageous decision making, and a willingness to narrow your focus to stay true to your mission.In this episode, Alvin shares his journey as President and CEO of World Impact, an organization that has launched over 750 church-planting teams since 2016. He reveals the highs and lows of guiding the organization through a six-year mission overhaul—and how eliminating distractions is key to scaling nonprofit impact.Alvin’s leadership at World Impact is driven by his deep commitment to social justice and community empowerment. He discusses how his upbringing and personal experiences instilled in him the belief that all people have gifts and abilities, inspiring him to equip church leaders to help people flourish in urban contexts. Throughout the conversation, Alvin dives into the challenges of confronting injustice and broken systems, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement in making the world a better place. He also shares what he’s learned as he’s leaned into tough decisions, restructured management, and led with clarity and purpose.Tune in for Alvin’s insights on collaboration, resilience, and courageous leadership—and discover a powerful blueprint for any nonprofit leader aiming to create lasting change.Contents1 - Growing up and early influences that shaped Alvin’s path (03:00)2 - Alvin’s early experiences and calling to ministry (08:50)3 - World Impact and their mission (12:50)4 - Strategic leadership, collaboration & World Impact restructure (20:00)5 - Implementing continuous improvement (28:30)6 - Alvin’s biggest challenge and advice for leaders (30:15)LinksHistoric AgencyAlvin Sanders on LinkedInWorld ImpactBernard's Story on YTCulture Built My BrandMentioned in this episode:Presented by ClassyAre 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.