Money to Give

In this insightful episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Ryan Dewey Smith, founder and CEO of Imperium, to discuss one of the nonprofit sector's most overlooked challenges: sustainability. Drawing on decades of experience supporting nonprofits across the country, Ryan shares why even the most compelling missions can struggle without strong infrastructure, sound financial planning, and access to capital. The conversation explores the delicate balance between advancing mission and building the operational foundation necessary for long-term success.Ryan argues that many nonprofits unintentionally focus so heavily on serving their communities that they neglect the systems, processes, and financial safeguards needed to sustain their work. He emphasizes that successful organizations must give equal attention to both mission and operations. As Ryan explains, "No money, no mission. No mission, no money." Rather than viewing infrastructure and back-office support as distractions from impact, he encourages nonprofit leaders to see them as essential components of mission delivery.A major theme throughout the discussion is the danger of mission creep. Ryan describes how organizations often begin with a clear purpose but gradually expand into new opportunities without the infrastructure or resources needed to support that growth. Using the analogy of a snowball rolling downhill, he explains how small expansions can quickly become overwhelming if growth outpaces operational capacity. The result can be increased risk, strained resources, and ultimately a loss of focus on the very mission the organization was created to serve.The conversation also explores the importance of leadership, governance, and collaboration. Ryan highlights the role boards play in balancing passion for service with sound business practices, while emphasizing the need for nonprofit leaders to embrace a "we" mindset rather than an "I" mindset. Drawing from Imperium's work with nearly 40 nonprofits across 20 states, he shares how partnerships, shared services, and collaborative approaches can help organizations reduce costs, strengthen operations, and increase impact without sacrificing independence.Ultimately, Ryan offers a hopeful vision for the future of the nonprofit sector. By investing in infrastructure, diversifying revenue streams, strengthening governance, and building strategic partnerships, nonprofits can move beyond survival mode and create lasting impact. His message is clear: sustainable organizations do not choose between mission and operations—they recognize that both are necessary to achieve meaningful, long-term change.Key Takeaways:Strong infrastructure and access to capital are essential for nonprofit sustainability.Mission and operational capacity must be developed together, not separately.Mission creep can undermine even the strongest nonprofit ideas if growth outpaces resources.Effective boards balance passion for service with sound governance and financial oversight.Collaboration, partnerships, and shared services can strengthen nonprofit impact while preserving independence.Sustainable organizations adopt a "we" mindset and leverage expertise rather than trying to do everything themselves.Connections:Connect with Ryan Dewey Connect With Rick PeckFor more ideas, stories, and practical guidance to help you give smarter and raise more, subscribe to Charitable Giving News for You

What happens after the flames are extinguished — when entire communities are left trying to process trauma, rebuild their lives, and rediscover hope? In this episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Kim Marshall to discuss her firsthand experience surviving the devastating Los Angeles wildfires and how that experience inspired her to launch the #LA Rising podcast. Kim shares the terrifying story of her evacuation, the emotional toll of displacement, and the long-term challenges wildfire survivors continue to face months after the disaster captured global attention.Kim explains why storytelling plays a critical role in healing, preparedness, and community resilience. From interviewing survivors, firefighters, community organizers, health experts, and local leaders to documenting lessons that other communities can learn from future climate disasters, Kim’s work is helping preserve a living history of recovery and hope. The discussion also explores disaster philanthropy, emergency preparedness, environmental health concerns, mental wellness after trauma, and the importance of creating space for people to truly be heard. Whether you are involved in philanthropy, disaster response, nonprofit leadership, mental health, or simply care about the future of resilient communities, this episode offers a deeply human and inspiring conversation about rebuilding lives through compassion, connection, and storytelling.Contact Rick Peck:Website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.comEmail: ThePhilanthropyGuy@gmail.comBook A call: Rick Peck's CalendarSign Up For Charitable Giving Newsletter: Charitable Giving NewsletterLinkedIn: Richard PeckContact Kim Marshall:Website: swellEmail: kim@swelltheagency.comInstagram: larisingpodcast

What if money was never meant to be a source of fear, stress, or scarcity — but instead a tool for freedom, generosity, and a more fulfilled life? In this episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck welcomes Chad Hufford for Part 1 of a powerful conversation exploring financial stewardship, gratitude, abundance, and intentional living. Chad shares how growing up around open conversations about money shaped his understanding of finances, why most people struggle not because they lack information but because they lack execution and accountability, and how unhealthy relationships with money can quietly impact every area of life.Chad and Rick unpack the emotional side of finances, including scarcity mindsets, fear-based decision making, lifestyle creep, and the surprising connection between gratitude and generosity. Chad explains why generosity must become a habit long before someone feels “financially ready,” and why giving — whether through money, time, talent, or relationships — has the power to reshape both mindset and fulfillment. Whether you are trying to improve your financial stewardship, create more freedom in your life, or simply build healthier habits around money and giving, this episode offers thoughtful and deeply practical insights on living and giving more intentionally. This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation with Chad Hufford.Contact Rick Peck:Website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.comEmail: ThePhilanthropyGuy@gmail.comBook A call: Rick Peck's CalendarSign Up For Charitable Giving Newsletter: Charitable Giving NewsletterLinkedIn: Richard PeckContact Chad Hufford:Website: veritasalaska.comLinkedIn: Chad HuffordInstagram: veritas.alaska

What if artificial intelligence could help nonprofits become more personal, more efficient, and more effective — without replacing the human relationships that make philanthropy meaningful? In this episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Kevin Dean to explore how nonprofits can begin leveraging AI to improve donor engagement, personalize outreach, streamline operations, and scale their impact. Kevin explains why many organizations misunderstand AI, how donor data becomes the foundation for smarter decision-making, and why nonprofits should think about AI not as hype, but as a practical tool for solving real operational challenges.Kevin shares how AI can help organizations identify the right donors at the right time, personalize communication at an individual level, analyze fundraising performance, and even deploy AI agents that function like digital interns handling repetitive tasks. He also discusses why nonprofits do not need massive budgets or long implementation timelines to begin seeing results and how organizations can gradually adopt AI in ways that complement — rather than replace — their teams. Whether you are a nonprofit executive, fundraiser, board member, consultant, or advisor, this episode offers a thoughtful and highly actionable look at how AI is reshaping the future of philanthropy and mission-driven work.Contact Rick Peck:Website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.comEmail: ThePhilanthropyGuy@gmail.comBook A call: Rick Peck's CalendarSign Up For Charitable Giving Newsletter: Charitable Giving NewsletterLinkedIn: Richard PeckContact Kevin Dean:Website: kevinjdean.comBlog: ManaByte's Blog