In episode 96 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Dr Victoria Boyd discuss The misconceptions about starting a nonprofit Why a program logic model is a better place to start for new organizations than a business plan Some of the key questions nonprofit founders need to ask themselves as they get started. Episode highlights: 07:34 - Common Misconceptions about Starting Nonprofits what to focus on instead 16:22- The Logic Model as the heart beat of the organization 25:29- **Defining y...
Apr 23, 2024•28 min•Ep. 96
In episode 95 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Emily Taylor discuss the challenges nonprofit CEOs face as they become victims of their own success. how nonprofit leaders can become disconnected from their community as their organization grows how when an organization is overly associated with the CEO, this can result in a culture of dependence and bottleneck decision-making Episode Highlights [11:15] Recognizing Organizational Dependence how nonprofits become overly dependent on ...
Apr 09, 2024•34 min
In episode 94 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Rebecca Epstein discuss the article that Rebecca wrote with Mistinguette Smith published in the Nonprofit Quarterly in 2023. Paving a Better Way: What’s Driving Progressive Organizations Apart and How to Win by Coming Together. The conversation between Rebecca and Carol covers the intricacies and challenges of leadership and organizational dynamics within the nonprofit sector, particularly in the context of social justice work. Their...
Mar 26, 2024•45 min
In episode 93 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Pooya Pourak discuss the importance of transparent, impact-centric fundraising, the use of technology for efficiency, and the necessity of fair compensation for nonprofit employees. They delve into the nuances of donor engagement, exploring how to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance and collaboration. They also discuss the potential of AI in the sector, while maintaining the human element that is essential to nonprofit ...
Mar 12, 2024•37 min
In episode 92 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Patton McDowell explore the multi-generational nonprofit workforce, discussing the unique hurdles and opportunities that come with each stage of a non-profit career—from emerging leaders grappling with gaining practical experience to mid-career professionals encountering a plateau, and up to executive directors feeling isolated at the top. They underscore the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the benefits of strate...
Feb 27, 2024•51 min•Ep. 92
In episode 91 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and George Weiner discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the nonprofit sector. They delve into the significance of AI in the sector, emphasizing the need for strategic adoption and policy development. The conversation then shifts to the integration of AI into everyday tools They cover practical applications of AI and discuss crafting AI policies as well as the potential for AI to enhance nonprofit operations, partic...
Feb 13, 2024•38 min•Ep. 91
In episode 90 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton goes solo and talks about: What strategic planning is and is not the five steps to a comprehensive strategic planning process Keys to ensuring your plan gets put into action and stays relevant The five steps are 1. kick off, 2. discovery or listening tour, 3. explore, 4. decide, 5. plan & act Strategic planning: Strategic planning is a structured process for setting priorities for the medium term (3-5 years). It involves gathering in...
Jan 30, 2024•20 min
In episode 89 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Miguel Guadalupe discuss issues of generational engagement in leadership, highlighting the frequent oversight of Generation X and stressing the unique adaptability and valuable perspective that this generation brings to the table. Miguel emphasizes the necessity for Generation X to advocate for recognition in leadership roles, reflecting on a LinkedIn post that sparked a broader conversation about the career stagnation felt by many i...
Jan 16, 2024•19 min•Ep. 89
In this enlightening episode, Carol interviews Lisa Hazirjian, a historian turned advocate, as they delve into Lisa’s unexpected journey from academia to the forefront of nonprofit advocacy. Through a candid recount of personal challenges and professional transitions, Lisa shares her story, motivations, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Some of the conversation’s highlights: Motivation for Advocacy: Personal emotions during times of loss and the desire to effect change in public polic...
Jan 02, 2024•58 min•Ep. 88
In episode 87 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and June Jimenez discuss: Making remote-work work for your organization Juggling the complex decisions facing nonprofit leaders regarding a potential return to physical offices Changing employee expectations We explore the experiences of organizations that are fully remote, emphasizing the heightened need for intentional connection, care, and frequent virtual interactions to maintain a sense of team and culture. Nonprofits are grappling ...
Dec 11, 2023•40 min•Ep. 87
In episode 86 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton joins with Danielle Marshall for another learning out loud episode where we do a deep dive into a topic. Today we focused on cultural competence or cultural humility and talked about ways for people to work on and enhance their cultural competence. Danielle defines cultural competence as the ability to navigate interactions effectively across diverse cultures, emphasizing the importance of valuing differences and recognizing that no soci...
Nov 28, 2023•42 min
In episode 85 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Mala Nagarajan discuss organizational development, compensation structures, and critical discussions within nonprofit organizations. They explore the limitations of market-based compensation, the concept of a thriving wage, and the importance of aligning organizational values with employee compensation. Mala emphasizes the need for transparent and comprehensive approaches to compensation, touching on various factors such as areas of ...
Nov 14, 2023•54 min•Ep. 85
In episode 84 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Heather Burright discuss: how strategic planning, implementation and staff and volunteer skills development all fit together. We delve into the critical aspects of strategic planning and its effective implementation. I highlight the importance of aligning the implementation plan with the organization's regular processes and cycles, emphasizing the need for a shorter time frame for implementation, typically six months to a year. I als...
Oct 31, 2023•30 min•Ep. 84
In episode 83 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Alexander Lapa delve into the benefits of using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system like Salesforce for nonprofits. These include improved data management and streamlined processes. Alexander shares his expertise in setting up and optimizing CRM tools for nonprofits. He explains why having a consultant to guide organizations through the complexities of finding the right tool to meet where they are in their stage of develo...
Oct 17, 2023•33 min•Ep. 83
In episode 82 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Danielle Marshall and Carol Hamilton have another ‘learning out loud’ conversation where we delve into the evolving landscape of nonprofit work, focusing on key themes: 🔥 Burnout and Beyond: We kickstart the discussion by addressing the prevalent issue of burnout, which has long haunted the sector. Discover how it has been exacerbated by recent events and how individuals and organizations are tackling it head-on. 🌟 Redefining Success: We dive deep in...
Oct 03, 2023•46 min•Ep. 82
In episode 81, Carol Hamilton and Mary Hiland discuss the challenges and strategies of nonprofit executive directors working with their boards. They explore the importance of leaving a legacy and sharing knowledge, and how it inspired Carol to start her podcast, Mission Impact. Mary's book, "Love Your Board," is also discussed, focusing on the primary sources of trouble for executive directors when working with their boards. The conversation delves into the dimensions of capacity, connection, an...
Sep 19, 2023•37 min•Ep. 81
In episode 80 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton goes solo to celebrate several of the nonprofits that support and enrich her life. Nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in enriching our lives and communities in various ways. Carol discusses: Several organizations that support her brother who is deaf, autistic and developmentally disabled and help her and her family advocate for him, helping him live as fulfilling a life as possible. Organizations that have been part of making he...
Sep 05, 2023•9 min
In this podcast episode, Carol Hamilton and Susan Kahan discuss the importance of donor trust and nonprofit accountability. They challenge misconceptions about fundraising, such as the focus on overhead costs and the belief that it is a necessary evil. They argue for reframing negative attitudes towards fundraising in order to build confidence. The conversation also addresses the "overhead myth" in the nonprofit sector and emphasizes the need to invest in staff and create a healthy organizationa...
Aug 22, 2023•40 min•Ep. 79
In episode 78 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton celebrates Mission: Impact’s 3rd anniversary and goes solo to talk about: The rise of the “dream job” How people are reconsidering the role of work and career in their lives The shadow side to pursuing your passion Important Links and Resources: Work Won't Love You Back by Sarah Jaffee The Good Enough Job by Simone Stolzoff The Sum of Us: How Racism Hurts Everyone by Heather McGhee Can't Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generatio...
Aug 08, 2023•12 min
In episode 77 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Devon Lawrence discuss How systems can benefit your fundraising work What you can do to make your donors feel appreciated The importance of small gestures in your fundraising strategy Guest Bio: Devon Lawrence is the Founder and Principal of Clark Lawrence Consulting, Inc. For 10+ years she has worked with non-profits of all sizes, both domestic and international, to advance their capabilities around development operations, fundraisi...
Jul 25, 2023•31 min
In episode 76 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Erin Allgood discuss How it’s not all on your shoulders to fix – even if it can feel that way sometimes. Why each organization does not have to tackle everything – deciding what is the part of the problem that you will work on and what are you really suited to focus on – and who else is working in your space whose work complements yours is so important How a theory of change can help you make decisions between the many options and di...
Jul 11, 2023•39 min•Ep. 76
In episode 75 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Danielle Marshall discuss Our meaning making brains and the stories we make up about each other Challenges that progressive organizations are having with the mismatch in expectations across generations Why a reflexive anti-leadership stance from front line staff misses much of the nuance and reality facing organization leaders Guest Bio: Danielle is an inclusive leader focused on strengthening collaboration among teams, leaders, and ...
Jun 26, 2023•46 min•Ep. 75
In episode 74 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and her guest, Veronica LaFemina discuss Why big change initiatives often fail A map of how to get from A to B may not be sufficient The role of a key leader visibly supporting the change is so key Why radio silence is a bad sign Guest Bio: Veronica LaFemina is Founder and CEO of LaFemina & Co., an advisory firm supporting nonprofits and social impact businesses at the intersection of strategy, culture, communications, and change man...
Jun 13, 2023•49 min•Ep. 74
In episode 73 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and her guest, Cindy Wagman discuss: The impact social taboos around money have on fundraising Getting to know your donors as real people How to make your donors feel good about their giving Guest Bio : Cindy Wagman is the President & CEO of The Good Partnership. She helps small nonprofits raise more money and reluctant fundraisers learn to love fundraising. Important Links and Resources : https://www.thegoodpartnership.com/ https://...
May 30, 2023•33 min
In episode 72 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol and her guest, Lauren Brownstein discuss: How to be well while you are doing good What passion exploitation is and why it is important to your organization Why self-care is an organization’s responsibility as much as an individual’s Guest Bio: Lauren Brownstein is the author of Be Well, Do Good: Self-Care and Renewal for Nonprofit Professionals and Other Do-Gooders. She has been working in philanthropy for more than 30 years as a fundraiser, educ...
May 16, 2023•43 min•Ep. 72
In episode 71 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol and her guest, Dr. Orletta Caldwell discuss: The unique challenges facing African-American-led nonprofits Why no one owns a nonprofit The invisible history of African-American led nonprofits since 1693 Guest Bio: Dr. Caldwell is a passionate and qualified educator and nonprofit management specialist. Caldwell brings more than 30 years of administrative and leadership experience to the CEO of Beyond Existing Enterprises. Highlights of a stellar an...
May 02, 2023•33 min•Ep. 71
In episode 70 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol goes solo to discuss: Keeping your strategic plan from just sitting on the shelf How approaching planning from a strengths-based perspective brings more joy 4 key questions to ask to keep your plan relevant Important Links and Resources: Common Mistakes Organizations Make with Strategic Planning http://www.gracesocialsector.com/design-your-organizations-future.html Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol’s newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting ...
Apr 18, 2023•12 min•Ep. 70
In episode 69 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol and her guest, Jeanne Bell discuss: Why internal culture needs to support your external strategy for success How to integrate organizational strategy into implementation How creating interdisciplinary spaces for strategy discussion enhance inclusion and leadership development Guest Bio: Jeanne Bell is co-founder of JustOrg Design. She has consulted on nonprofit strategy and organizational change for over 20 years. From 2018 to 2022, Jeanne curate...
Apr 04, 2023•53 min•Ep. 69
In episode 68 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol and her guest, Amanda Kaiser discuss: How to successfully engage members Why value is not the only variable you need to pay attention to How to more effectively set members and volunteers up for success at each stage of engagement Guest Bio: Amanda Kaiser is a member engagement strategist and author of Elevating Engagement: Uncommon Strategies for Creating Thriving Member Communities. As a researcher, author, and co-creator of the Incubator Serie...
Mar 21, 2023•46 min•Ep. 68
In episode 67 of Npnprofit Mission: Impact, Carol and her guest, Rhea Wong discuss: Why mindset is so important for accidental fundraisers How to fundraise with your donor’s experience in mind What letting go of your script and your pitch can do for your fundraising efforts Guest Bio: Rhea helps nonprofits raise more money. Though she has deep experience with institutional, corporate and event fund-raising, she is passionate about major individual donors and helping organizations to establish in...
Mar 07, 2023•41 min
