The Nonprofit Insider Podcast

In this episode of The Nonprofit Insider Podcast, Swim sits down with volunteer engagement leaders Nicki Fiocco and Jerome Tennille for a conversation about service, volunteerism, and the future of civic engagement in America.As members of the 2026 Points of Light Conference Welcome Committee, Nicki and Jerome take listeners behind the scenes of the nation's largest volunteer-focused gathering and discuss what attendees can expect when the conference arrives in Washington, D.C.The conversation also explores the meaning of National Service, the role programs like AmeriCorps play in strengthening communities, and how volunteerism can look different depending on the people, places, and histories involved.Swim, Nicki, and Jerome also discuss the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, the opportunities and challenges of using major cultural moments to inspire service, and why volunteer engagement cannot always be viewed through a purely corporate lens.And rather than ending with a traditional final question, Nicki and Jerome each take the floor to share what's currently on their minds—from the future of volunteerism to the challenges and opportunities facing the nonprofit sector today.Whether you're attending the 2026 Points of Light Conference or simply care about strengthening communities through service, this conversation offers thoughtful perspectives on where volunteer engagement is headed next.You can found The AmeriCorps Connections Podcast here: https://americorpsconnect.transistor.fm/You can found The AmeriCorps Connections Podcast YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/@americorpsconnectionsYou can find Nicki on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicki-fiocco/You can find Jerome on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdtennille/Listen to the episode on Apple here: https://bit.ly/Ep78TheNonprofitinsiderpodcastAppleListen to the episode on Spotify here: https://bit.ly/Ep78TheNonprofitinsiderpodcastSpotifyAnd be sure to subscribe to us however you take in media:YouTube-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastYouTubeShortsInstagram-bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastInstagramTikTok-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastTikTok

In our first "Summer Fundraiser Series", Swim sits down with Megan Laks of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angles.Megan is without a doubt one of my favorite people in the nonprofit space. In the episode she breaks down what fundraising actually looks like behind the scenes and why so many people misunderstand development work.Megan shares her journey into fundraising, from working with some of the nation’s largest nonprofit organizations to leading development efforts for one of the biggest cities in the world.Hear Megan break down the realities of modern fundraising, why development work is far more than galas and handshakes, and what nonprofit professionals need to understand about building meaningful donor relationships.Swim and Megan also explore fundraising careers, what new fundraisers should be doing early in their careers, and whether fundraising really is all about the famous “three R’s”: relationships, relationships, relationships.Plus, Megan shares a #NonprofitHorrorStory that reminds us nonprofit work rarely goes exactly according to plan, but how you can still land on your feet.You can find Megan on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganmlaks/You can learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles here: https://bbbsla.org/Listen to the episode on Apple here: https://bit.ly/Ep77TheNonprofitinsiderpodcastAppleListen to the episode on Spotify here: https://bit.ly/Ep77TheNonprofitinsiderpodcastSpotifyAnd be sure to subscribe to us however you take on media:YouTube-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastYouTubeShortsInstagram-bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastInstagramTikTok-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastTikTok

In this episode of The Nonprofit Insider Podcast, Swim Karim tackles three hot-button topics that have the sector buzzing:🧨 “Is everyone getting laid off?” Swim breaks down the wave of leadership layoffs sweeping across the nonprofit sector and what it means for morale, mission, and the myth of job security.💰 “Should your nonprofit take dirty money?” From corporate donors with shady reputations to individual funders with controversial pasts — Swim explores the ethics, hypocrisies, and hard truths behind nonprofit fundraising.🤖 “Swim uses AI — here’s why.” In Five Fast Minutes, Swim gets real about how (and why) he’s using AI tools behind the scenes—and why he has zero plans to stop.This is a stacked episode with bold opinions, insider insights, and the kind of honest nonprofit talk you won’t hear anywhere else.🎧 Listen now on Apple--bit.ly/Ep67theNonprofitInsiderPodcastApple🎧 Listen now on Spotify--bit.ly/Ep66TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastSpotifyAnd be sure to subscribe to us however you take on media:YouTube-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastYouTubeShortsInstagram-bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastInstagramTikTok-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastTikTok#NonprofitInsiderPodcast #MAVA #Volunteerism #NonprofitLeadership #AmeriCorps #NonprofitLayoffs #FundraisingEthics #AIinNonprofit #TechTools++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Be sure to visit today's sponsor, JPP Consulting at www.LearnwithJPP.com/Coaching.My friend Jessica Pang-Parks is giving 10% off to all nonprofits and nonprofit leaders who sign up using the code "InsiderPod". Is your nonprofit ready to take the next leap? Not if you don't have Jessica!

In this personal and powerful solo episode, host Swim Karim shares how working in the nonprofit sector led to $20,000 in student loans being completely forgiven through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode:A behind-the-scenes look at Swim’s PSLF journey—from paperwork to payoffWhat nonprofit workers need to know about eligibility (and why now is the time to apply)Why PSLF isn’t just a financial program—it’s a statement about the value of public serviceHonest advice for anyone stuck in the PSLF maze or unsure if it’s worth pursuingIf you’ve ever wondered whether the nonprofit path really pays off—this episode might be the answer.YouTube-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastYouTubeShortsInstagram-bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastInstagramTikTok-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastTikTok

In this episode of The Nonprofit Insider Podcast, we’re joined by Niila Hebert, Executive Director, and Polly Roach, Director of Partnership and Evaluation at the Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement (MAVA).With over two decades of sector leadership between them, Niila and Polly take us inside one of the nation’s most respected organizations in the volunteerism space. Together, we unpack what nonprofits are experiencing in 2025—from volunteer trends and funding realities to the weight of federal program cuts like the dismantling of AmeriCorps NCCC.🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:What MAVA is hearing from nonprofit partners across the countryHow volunteer engagement has shifted since the pandemicHow Nilla Hebert is adjusting to serving at the organizations newest Executive DirectorWhat to expect at MAVA’s upcoming 2025 “ROADTRIP: Choose Your Adventure” ConferencePlus, Paula gives us a #NonprofitHorrorStory that many of us in the sector can relate to.Whether you're a volunteer engagement professional, nonprofit executive, or someone who believes in the power of service—this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.Get ready for the MAVA conference happening June 16-18 at St. Paul College right here: https://www.mavanetwork.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=286912&module_id=691776🎧 Listen now on Apple--https://bit.ly/Ep63TheNonprofitInsiderApple🎧 Listen now on Spotify--https://bit.ly/Ep63TheNonprofitInsiderSpotifyYouTube-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastYouTubeShortsInstagram-bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastInstagramTikTok-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastTikTok#NonprofitInsiderPodcast #MAVA #Volunteerism #NonprofitLeadership #AmeriCorps #VolunteerEngagement #EquityInActionBe sure to visit today's sponsor, JPP Consulting at www.LearnwithJPP.com/Coaching.My friend Jessica Pang-Parks is giving 10% off to all nonprofits and nonprofit leaders who sign up using the code "InsiderPod". Is your nonprofit ready to take the next leap? Not if you don't have Jessica!

In this episode of The Nonprofit Insider Podcast, we’re joined by Camille Ridley, a nonprofit powerhouse with over 20 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, and event production. As the Vice President of Marketing & Development at UCP of Central Arizona, Camille leads major donor strategies, corporate partnerships, and brand-building efforts to drive nonprofit growth.Tune in as we dive into:How Camille builds donor relationships that last.The biggest challenges in nonprofit fundraising today.Her leadership insights from working with organizations like the American Red Cross, ASU Gammage, and Girls Inc.A #NonprofitHorrorStory that every fundraiser has faced at least once!This episode is packed with fundraising wisdom, leadership lessons, and real talk about the nonprofit sector.You can visit UCP of Central Arizona by visiting their website here: https://ucpofcentralaz.org/🎧 Listen now on Apple & Spotify!YouTube-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastYouTubeShortsInstagram-bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastInstagramTikTok-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastTikTok#NonprofitInsiderPodcast #Fundraising #NonprofitLeadership #DonorRelations #Marketing #CommunityImpact

In this engaging episode, Jenn takes us on a personal journey from her early days at Warren Wilson College to her transformative experiences with AmeriCorps, and ultimately into the dynamic world of nonprofit fundraising. She opens up about how these formative chapters shaped her passion for service and provided the foundation for her career in the sector.During our conversation, Jenn dives into several compelling topics, including:Debunking Fundraising Myths: Jen discusses the biggest myth about nonprofit fundraising and shares what it truly takes to succeed in this field.The Value of Relationships: She explains why strong, authentic relationships are the cornerstone of effective fundraising and long-term nonprofit success.The Significance of CFRE: As a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Jenn outlines what this credential means for her career and why it matters for nonprofits.Asheville’s Resilience Post-Helene: Jenn also reflects on how Asheville and the surrounding areas have been faring since Hurricane Helene, providing a unique perspective on recovery and community resilience.Join us as we unpack the highs and lows of nonprofit fundraising, and gain actionable insights from a leader who’s navigated the challenges and celebrated the triumphs along the way.Visit Conversing Carolina at https://conservingcarolina.org/Call to Action: Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! Subscribe now and share your thoughts with us on social media.YouTube-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastYouTubeShortsInstagram-bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastInstagramTikTok-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastTikTok

Jessica Pang-Parks is a volunteer engagement thought leader who helps organizations build trust, create impact, and inspire belonging. She is the recipient of the 2021 Alison Caird Young Leader Award in recognition of her leadership and excellence in volunteer engagement and the recipient of the 2023 VMPC Exemplary Leader Impact Award in recognition of her contributions to the field as a mentor, leader, trainer, and advocate.Jessica earned her CVA credential in April 2023 and has facilitated Fleming College’s Volunteer Management: Spectrum of Engagement course since May 2022. She has held professional volunteer and community engagement roles at Crohn's and Colitis Canada, Pathways to Education Canada, the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Volunteer Toronto, and WWF-Canada.Jessica has the privilege to work on the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit. Learn more about Jessica at www.learnwithjpp.com.In this episode of The Nonprofit Insider Podcast, we dive into the volunteer side of the nonprofit world with volunteer engagement thought leader Jessica Pang-Parks. As the recipient of multiple leadership awards and a CVA credential holder, Jessica brings a wealth of knowledge on how nonprofits can build trust, create impact, and inspire belonging through effective volunteer management.We explore:Jessica’s “State of the Union” on the current state of volunteerism.The unique challenges volunteer managers face and whether they’re underappreciated.Her personal journey into consulting and the strategies she uses to combat nonprofit burnout.Key insights for hiring the right volunteer management consultant.Her outlook on nonprofit priorities in 2025.A captivating #NonprofitHorrorStory that sheds light on the realistic challenges behind the scenes.Whether you’re an executive leader, board member, or volunteer coordinator, Jessica’s insights will help you reimagine the role of volunteer engagement in your organization.Episode BreakdownState of the Nonprofit Volunteer Space – Jessica’s take on how volunteer engagement is evolving.Challenges for Volunteer Management Leaders – Exploring the complexity and undervaluing of this critical role.Getting to Know Jessica – Her personal journey into volunteer engagement leadership and consulting.Burnout & Beyond – Insights into the growing issue of burnout among nonprofit professionals.Hiring a Volunteer Management Consultant – What to consider for ROI and organizational fit.Looking Ahead to 2025 – Jessica’s advice on key priorities for nonprofit leaders this year.#NonprofitHorrorStory – A behind-the-scenes look at real-life mishaps in the nonprofit world.Connect with JessicaWebsite: www.learnwithjpp.com

This week, The Nonprofit Insider Podcast welcomes Mackenzie Riley, a dynamic community leader and DEI advocate based in Phoenix, Arizona. Mackenzie has carved an inspiring career in nonprofit management, workforce development, and community engagement, collaborating with organizations like Border Angels and Habitat for Humanity to create real, lasting change.In this episode, Mackenzie shares her thoughts on the current state of DEI in America, nonprofit mindfulness and the motivations that keep her grounded and inspired. She also delivers a fantastic #NonprofitHorrorStory that perfectly captures the challenges and realities of working in this space.We go deep into the lessons Mackenzie would share with her younger self, her mission to bridge gaps in education and workforce development, and her strategies for building partnerships that matter. Whether you’re a nonprofit professional, DEI advocate, or simply curious about making a difference, this conversation will leave you motivated and ready to act.Don’t miss this powerful episode with Mackenzie Riley!🔗 Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.Apple Podcast--https://bit.ly/Ep55TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastAppleSpotify Podcast--https://bit.ly/Ep55TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastSpotifyFollow The Nonprofit Insider Podcast:YouTube-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastYouTubeShortsInstagram-bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastInstagramTikTok-https://bit.ly/TheNonprofitInsiderPodcastTikTok#TheNonprofitInsiderPodcast #NonprofitLeadership #DEI #CommunityImpact #NonprofitBurnout