Today's guest is Jacob Harold of GuideStar, the organization some consider to be the "Bloomberg of Nonprofits." The nonprofit sector makes up fully 6% of the U.S economy and GuideStar has information on two million different nonprofits. Potential donors want to know if they are giving to an effective organization, but for too long donors and nonprofits have focused on overhead costs to analyze an organization's efficacy, while the real measure ought to be the results they produce. We are so inun...
Sep 25, 2015•45 min
Today's Through the Noise is timely as we're joined by Alex Vidales of the Pilot Waves podcast to talk the benefits of podcasting, different techniques, and important upcoming events for the burgeoning podcasting community in the DC area. Hosting podcasts is an excellent way to grow and promote your business and meet people in your field. Similarly, networking with fellow podcasters is becoming more common and essential. In the Washington, DC area, there are two great upcoming opportunities to h...
Sep 23, 2015•36 min
Latino lawyers make up just 3% of the national average and the Hispanic Bar Association of DC is working to increase that number by providing mentoring and networking between law students, lawyers, and judges throughout Washington, DC. The HBADC is an entirely volunteer-powered organization and many of it's members were the first in their families to graduate high school, college, and to become lawyers. They are driven to help provide opportunities to others in the community and devote a signifi...
Sep 20, 2015•37 min
Should charities have the ultimate goal of putting themselves out of business? We broach this subject with many of our guests and as we sit down today with Michael Curtin of DC Central Kitchen, we get an unusual response. DC Central Kitchen does so much more than providing 11,000 meals a day to people and organizations around Washington, DC and it operates under the premise that any waste is bad -- whether food waste, the waste of human resources and unused minds, or empty underused kitchens. Wi...
Sep 17, 2015•36 min
Soliciting donations from supporters is one of the main ways that charities and other nonprofits are able to accomplish their goals and today we speak with Ron Barrett who helps us navigate the complicated registration requirements so organizations can stay on the right side of the law. Keeping up with different registration laws across the U.S. can be a major barrier to entry for small orgnaizations or those just getting off the ground and today's conversation includes some extremely helpful re...
Sep 14, 2015•45 min
Many nonprofit leaders and staff are adept in their cause and focused on their goals but lack the panache to make the essential "ask" of donors which will enable them to successfully continue their work. Derry Deringer has put background in tech sales to good use helping nonprofit leaders become more effective communicators and fundraisers.Learn some of secrets of the trade today and gain confidence in your own work as we engage in some good old-fashioned fundraising role-play. Derry is an indep...
Sep 11, 2015•34 min
Most of us are familiar with the household names of Fortune 500 companies that represent billions of dollars in revenue but between the massive companies and the mom and pop shops are middle market companies that make it possible for many of these businesses to exist. Middle market companies are the major drivers of the U.S. economy, providing 26% of the jobs even though they only make up 1% of the businessess. Today we talk with Gary LaBrache, President and CEO of the Association for Corporate ...
Sep 09, 2015•39 min
We consistently explore the intersection of technology and communications on Through the Noise and today we had the chance to sit down with Marlene Wong who has been in the marketing business for 20 years. The past two decades have brought dramatic and unforeseen changes to the way we interact, find and share information, and conduct business. We discuss the changing landscape of Washington, DC, how technology has impacted the worlds of real estate and marketing, and possibilities for the future...
Sep 07, 2015•41 min
Grab a beer and join us for this raucous conversation with Josh Anton, founder of the app DrunkMode. If you’ve ever had a little -- or a lot -- too much to drink, you’ll appreciate this innovation that can help you save face by locking your phone and preventing drunk dialing or calling. Built for almost nothing, the app now boasts 650,000 users, including 30% internationally and 12% in the United Kingdom alone. DrunkMode’s success illustrates that what may seem to be a silly or an embarrassing p...
Sep 02, 2015•31 min
For decades, nonprofits had a finite number way to communicate with their supporters but direct mail and other slower, paper-based methods of interaction are slowly fading with the consistent advent of new technologies. We talk with Lynn Labiniec, CEO of an Arlington, VA-based digital agency, Beaconfire RedEngine about past and emerging trends and creative ways that nonprofits can reach out and "harness the enthusiasm" of their supporters. Lynn is founder and CEO of Beaconfire RedEngine, leading...
Aug 27, 2015•31 min
All organizations and businesses need to communicate well in order to sell their mission or vision and today we speak with John Truran who makes this happen with the Keppler Speakers Bureau. If you’re throwing a tremendous amount of resources, time, and money into hosting a meeting or conference, it’s essential to have a keynote speaker that will inspire, impress, and energize your audience. Keppler Speakers Bureau is a booking agency representing compelling speakers that can bring your meeting ...
Aug 21, 2015•41 min
If the idea of running 87 marathons, including one in every state and on every continent sounds daunting, maybe you should leave that to Running Brooke whose impressive athleticism is raising money for the children of Alexandria. While many school systems have eliminated recess and gym in favor of studying for tests, children are suffering from a loss of physical activity built into their day, and the organization founded by Brooke Curran is working to counter this. By helping local kids access ...
Aug 18, 2015•42 min
We talk with Victor Van Rees about his work with EFX Media in the ever-evolving world of communications. Even with long-standing relationships in the field of government contracting, persistence is an essential ingredient to securing future contracts. Join us for an inside perspective on working with a variety of federal agencies and hear some of his secrets to success that are applicable to anyone in any business. Victor Van Rees was previously an award-winning producer of TV spots, ESPN events...
Aug 07, 2015•36 min
“You gave me my life back!” When that’s a phrase consistently uttered by the people you serve, you know you’re doing something wonderful. Today we had the opportunity to speak with Kevin Corcoran of the Eye Bank Association of America -- an organization with the mission of restoring sight to people who have lost, or are losing, their vision. While uniting and accrediting all Eye Banks across the U.S., the association has also been helping to set up similar facilities around the world. And no, th...
Aug 05, 2015•39 min
As Tom Beers points out, not all economists are academics. Business economists work for companies, helping them navigate the complexities of the world economy. Comparing the members of his organization to investigators rather than grey-bearded old men teaching college students academic theory, they are immersed in analyzing and interpreting the socio-political events that shape our world. And if you are you an economist, you definitely won’t want to miss NABE’s Annual Meeting in October, the “Wo...
Aug 03, 2015•42 min
On Through the Noise, we talk to many nonprofits that depend on the goodwill of the community to donate their time and skills in order to thrive. Volunteer Alexandria is the go-to organization to match your experience, availability, and goals with a nonprofit in Alexandria that would greatly benefit from your assistance. Volunteering is not only a wonderful way to meet like-minded people, it’s an excellent team-builder for organizations and businesses of all sizes looking to give back to the com...
Jul 31, 2015•30 min
Today we sit down with Shannon Steene of Carpenter’s Shelter and discuss causes of and solutions to homelessness and the concept of “powered by community.” Like many organizations servicing those on the edge of poverty or homeless, Carpenter’s Shelter relies heavily on a vast network of volunteers which fill a number of essential roles including security and cooking and serving three meals a day, 365 days a year. The organization works to end the “band-aid” phase by empowering people with the sk...
Jul 30, 2015•43 min
Continuing our conversation on poverty eradication efforts from episode #87*, this week we sat down with George Jones, CEO of Bread for the City. During Mr. Jones’ 20-year tenure at the helm of Bread for the City, the organization’s budget has increased fivefold, as demand for its services continues to grow. BFC employs a ground-up approach to research and outreach by empowering a number of their clients to serve on their board -- enabling them to use their real life experience to help others. T...
Jul 27, 2015•39 min
Eating healthy is difficult enough for most. But for some, they need help. Whether it be financial or education, there is a solution. Amy Kurz is the COO of Martha's Table, where she leads administrative and business functions for the organization. Previously, Amy held a variety of positions at the Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington. She is the board chair of Young Playwrights' Theater and lives in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of DC. For 35 years, Martha's Table has worked to build ...
Jul 10, 2015•32 min
John Trybus, APR is the director of Georgetown University's Center for Social Impact Communication (CSIC), the nation's leading educational resource on the role communication plays in advancing social change. His social impact experience spans organizations, industries and sectors having worked for chimpanzee expert Dr. Jane Goodall, the British Embassy and Waggener Edstrom Worldwide on behalf of clients like Tiffany & Co., L'Oreal Paris, Coca-Cola, Women for Women International, CARE and ot...
Jul 05, 2015•28 min
Bryan is founder and Managing Partner of Whistle Stop Digital (WSD), leading a team in devising and implementing digital strategy for issue advocacy and PAC campaigns. The goal is always the same; Using a mix of both traditional and innovative tactics, the team works to bolster online communities, build trust in the campaign's efforts and empower stakeholders into action. Whistle Stop Digital is a digital strategy and software firm founded on the idea that issue advocacy, politics and marketing ...
Jul 04, 2015•20 min
Joan Parker is a true believer in the power of communities to create solutions to even their most vexing challenges. She joined Counterpart International as CEO in 2010 and hasn’t looked back: across 27 countries, the team is coaching 3,500 organizations and transforming as many communities in terms of health, nutrition, education, good governance, and more. The Counterpart Network partners with social investors who strengthen local communities’ leaders and organizations – solution creators who ...
Jul 03, 2015•35 min
Dan Handerson from CIT Gap Funds introduced us to Shy Pahlevani in Episode #78, as part of our new segment called The Chain. CIT Gap Funds awarded Shy’s company with an investment grant to continue growing this two-way communicaton mobile app used by universities to maintain campus safety and help students report suspicious activity. A victim of crime himself, Shy Pahlevani understands the magnitude of an emergency situation and the need for technology that prevents crime and ensures safety. As ...
Jul 02, 2015•26 min
Over a million people worldwide have Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. This alliance of organizations is looking to eradicate this disease. Lisa joined the TS Alliance in 2012 but her original introduction to the organization was in 2006 when her son was diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). In her current role at the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance she works closely with both private and corporate donors and she maintains her focus on helping the TSC community she is very much a part of by rai...
Jun 16, 2015•32 min
How do you seperate yourself when you are competing with everyone around the world? And how do you navigate yourself through all the "research" that's available online? How can you seperate the real scientists from all the rest? Chris Abraham is a leading expert in digital: online reputation management (ORM), Internet privacy, social media marketing, and digital PR with a focus on blogger outreach, blogger engagement, and Internet crisis response. After growing up in Hawaii, Chris moved to the D...
Jun 03, 2015•52 min
A foundation is a non profit that grants money to other organizations. There are both private foundations and public foundations. But why do they do this? Allison Carney is the community manager for the Council on Foundations, where she is responsible for launching and growing their online member community. Previously, she worked with all types of nonprofits developing their communications strategies. She lives in DC with her wife and two overweight pets. The Council on Foundations is the larges...
May 31, 2015•37 min
There comes a point in everyone's life where they must discuss the L word: Life Insurance. Today's generation is the first to have a future possible without a pension and with staggered paychecks. They must be looking for alternate solutions for the future. Jason Howell is a former U.S. Congressional candidate with over 20 years experience in finance. He now focuses his talents on financial planning for the "first generation". A Fortune 100 company founded in 1845, New York Life is the largest m...
May 30, 2015•30 min
Today's startup world has many more resources at its disposible then ever before. After friends and family there are accelerators, seed investors, kickstart, and angel investors. Dan joined CIT GAP Funds in 2013 and is responsible for deal sourcing, due diligence, deal structuring, and investing. He comes to the GAP Funds with 18 years of experience driving growth in software and technology companies, and over the past 13 years has been a founder or early employee at four technology startups. CI...
May 20, 2015•39 min
Until 1972, this wasn’t an issue for nonprofits. Before then, they were exempt. However, now nonprofits have two options. They can stay in the state tax system or they can turn to UST for help. As the Executive Director of UST, Donna Groh is responsible for the effective management of the Trust and manages relationships between UST, its service providers and its partners to assure the Trust is meeting the needs of its members. Groh has broad experience in not-for-profit organizations, associatio...
May 14, 2015•25 min
The pen truly is mightier then the sword. Writing is a powerful art when done correctly. Grant writing for example has the power to raise money for non profits that are in need of grants. Katherine Metres is the president of her company Your Edge for Success (YES) LLC, which provides award-winning writing to get you to YES. Katherine is a former executive director and U.S. diplomat who has won $3M for grant projects she developed and wrote. Your Edge for Success (YES), DC’s top-rated writing ser...
May 05, 2015•30 min
