Tis the season of giving--giving thanks, giving gifts, and giving money to your favorite charities. To help you “navigate” the complex charitable giving landscape, Matt talks to renaissance man, Michael Thatcher, the CEO of the nonprofit rating website, Charity Navigator. The pair discuss what makes a “good nonprofit;” how you measure impact; and the importance of strong leadership. They also delve into how you incorporate feedback into management; the possibility of a 360 review of Executive Directors; and the never-ending debate surrounding the controversial “80/20” rule that arbitrarily governs nonprofits’ financials. And did you know they recently launched a program called “Causeway” that allows you to give to “cause” instead of a single charity? It’s essentially a mutual fund that spreads your donation to multiple orgs supporting the same mission. Whether you’re a donor looking for where and how to give, or a nonprofit looking for how to get more traction or accurate information about your org on the site, this show has it all!
In this lively and heartfelt episode, Matt dives deep into the world of nonprofit with his longtime pal, Dr. Cid Pinedo, President and CEO of the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation. Cid shares his inspiring journey from aspiring priesthood in East LA to becoming the CEO of MAOF; his passion for helping under-resourced communities; the importance of serving with dignity; the challenges with government funding for nonprofits; and discovering the surprising love seniors have for Zumba! Along the way, the friends share plenty of laughs, sips of tequila and bourbon, and heartfelt anecdotes about life's detours, the audacity of confidence, and the profound impact of helping others. Whether you're into nonprofit work, curious about Sid’s billion-dollar dreams for MAOF, or just need some inspiration—and a laugh—this episode is for you! SHOW NOTES: 00:00 Opening quote from Cid 00:21 Meet Your Host and Producer: Matt and Ashley 01:18 Celebrating Growth and Success 02:13 Family and Listener Engagement 03:41 Surviving the Heatwave 04:51 Matt's Radio Face and Sid's Introduction 06:09 A Heartfelt Conversation with Sid 07:20 Sid's Journey into Nonprofit Work 10:35 The Importance of Impact and Service 18:02 Balancing Leadership and Connection 21:16 Guiding Principles and Mentorship 31:10 Mentorship and Unexpected Opportunities 33:03 Creating a Welcoming Environment as a Leader 34:48 Ambitious Growth Plans for MAOF 38:34 Balancing Growth and Quality of Service 41:10 Engaging and Motivating Board Members 49:43 Challenges with Government Funding 54:07 Overview of MAOF's Services and Impact 57:33 Final Thoughts and Inspirational Messages
Matt talks to Jenny Mitchell, CEO, nonprofit coach, and author of “Embracing Ambition: Empowering Women to Step Out, be Seen and Lead.” The pair discuss the nitty-gritty of fundraising, including mastering the art of uncomfortable conversations and how to stay motivated and confidant when things aren’t going your way. If you've ever thought about starting your own coaching business or wondered if it's time to bring in a coach, we've got you covered. Plus, Jenny reveals that "compassion" literally means “to suffer alongside.” Who knew suffering could be so... comforting?
This episode is all about boards! Matt talks all things board related with two experts, Jonathan Zeichner and Amy Friedman. All three of the voices on this episode have served as founders, executive directors, board members, and in the case of Matt and Jonathan: consultants. They have seen and experienced “the big board picture” from all angles and perspectives. They know, first hand, the good, the bad, and yes: the ugly. The three share stories from personal experience as well as answer questions from listeners looking to learn more about how to navigate the sometimes-rough terrain of board culture. Matt and Jonathan also talk about Envision Consulting’s newest project: “Board Builders,” a subscription service that is a literal “one stop shop” for all your board service needs, from finding board members, to onboarding and mentoring both them and the staff that supports them.
Matt talks to Ed O’Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation. The pair dive into everything from how a president, whose face is carved on Mount Rushmore, doesn’t already have a library, to how one goes about starting and fundraising for, such a massive project. Additionally, they explore the conservation movement that TR started and the bipartisan support he, and the library named in his honor, have garnered in a divided Congress; the importance of knowing when it’s time to walk away (and, conversely, when it’s important to stay) Ed also sheds light on working for the Emmy winning Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown and discusses his newly published book, “The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt: the Women who Created a President”
Matt talks to Samia Lemfadli, Founder and CEO of Change Food for Good, a New York City-based nonprofit organization dedicated to making sustainable agricultural technology more accessible to areas affected by food insecurity. The pair discuss both the necessary mindset and practical steps one needs in order to start a nonprofit; how sustainable agriculture addresses food insecurity; how to make a big impact, even on a small budget. And climbing mountains, both figurative and literal!
Matt talks this week to The Rev. Matt Hackworth, a member of senior leadership for L'Arche USA, an organization committed to helping people with and without intellectual disabilities to live in community, together. Matt and Matt come from drastically different backgrounds. Matt Kamin is a Jewish, native Californian. Matt Hackworth is a Christian Reverend from the South. However, the two share a love for spirituality, a strong compulsion for humanitarianism, and a shared compassion for those with intellectual disabilities. Tune in to this thoughtful conversation which centers largely on the overlap of religion and nonprofit work. (Religious organizations typically receive the largest share of charitable donations [around 30%] each year.) And the mission work of many religious organizations connects congregations with nonprofits globally. They also touch on the importance of hiring people with differences and the gifts and opportunities that are missed when people are overlooked.
Join host, Matt Kamin, as he talks to Patricia Ostiller, CEO of Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley, a nonprofit that uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities and breaking down barriers to care. Normally, Matt likes to “Mattsplain” the listeners, educating them on various elements of nonprofit leadership, but in this episode, Patricia took the reins! She “Patriciasplained,” in depth, just how she was able to lead a 3.8 million dollar capital campaign for a new building (you read that right) as well as enlightened us about how to engage your board and hold them accountable with contracts and scorecards. And Matt and Patricia share thoughts on the challenges of fundraising and reaching donors. Hints: be fearless and take “no” as “not right now.”
“ED or Not to ED,” a spirited guide to taking nonprofit center stage and knowing when to take a bow. Matt talks to Dawn L. Brown, CEO of the EmpowHER Institute, an organization that empowers girls and young women in marginalized communities by giving them the skills necessary through education, training and mentorship to become confident, college, and career-ready. The pair focus on being an executive director; how to get there, what it takes when you do, and how to know when it’s time to step away. Dawn talks about the mentors who inspired her and also breaks down DEI, defining what each component really means and how to actually implement systemic change, not just use the popular term. And Matt reveals the secret to getting more of those little bottles of booze on the airplane.
Join host, Matt Kamin, as he talks to OG badass do-gooder and lifetime advocate for the under-served, Mary Jane Wagle, co-founder of W.O.R.K.S. (Women Organizing Resources, Knowledge and Services) an organization that provides quality, affordable housing and services to the underprivileged. Matt and Mary Jane discuss all things Founder-related, from how to stick through the hard times and when to throw in the towel. They take questions from listeners ranging from what to do when a founder won’t step away to how to make a succession plan for one who is leaving; what do when a founder is misappropriating funds, to recognizing when it’s time to pave the way for a BIPOC leader. And Matt reveals how he founded his first non-profit in an effort to find a boyfriend. (Spoiler alert: it worked.)
Matt and producer, Ashley Waterson, return from a long hiatus to discuss the upcoming new season of the show! New Season. New Format. Same Quality. Same Fun.
In this highly anticipated episode, Matt talks to his Envision Consulting co-founder and nonprofit expert, Allison Fuller. The pair discuss their long history with nonprofit and each other, relaying hilarious and poignant stories. Listeners are also treated to an expert clinic on nonprofit management, discussing everything from: what DEI truly means, to do’s and don’ts of the interview process--including their favorite questions to ask candidates and the answers they want (and don’t want) to hear.
Matt talks to Omi Crawford, Director of Law Rocks, a nonprofit whose mission is to promote music education for underprivileged youth and raise funds for local nonprofit organizations by combining the power of music and the generosity of the global legal community. The pair discuss the challenge of keeping an event-driven nonprofit afloat during the pandemic shutdown, whether or not celebrities are actually “silver bullets” of fundraising, the trials and travails of working parents – especially those running nonprofits, and how many lawyers are secret, undercover rock stars.
Matt talks to Edward Amey, CEO of Jay Nolan Community Services, an organization that supports children and adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. The pair discuss the mutually beneficial value of hiring adults with disabilities; what it takes to be the CEO of a nonprofit; the importance of having a supportive life partner; and why it took Matt getting chewed out by a client with a disability to realize, “Hey! They really ARE just like us!”
Matt talks to Tamika Farr, CEO of Pathways LA, a nonprofit that supports the healthy development and school readiness of young children from disadvantaged communities. The pair discuss the dual challenge of low-income families trying to afford childcare AND the inability for many childcare providers to make a living wage. They delve into the importance of negotiating a fair salary when starting a new job and the importance of fundraising when running a nonprofit. They remind listeners that childcare providers are not just babysitters, and that Guidestar can be used for more than just stalking other people’s salaries.
Matt talks to Erin Huber Rosen, founder and executive director of Drink Local, Drink Tap, a nonprofit based in Cleveland, Ohio dedicated to improving water equity through projects, programming and partnerships because they believe access to clean water is a human right. The pair discuss what can be done on both a macro and micro scale to improve the sustainability of water and the environment. And Matt, once again, gets chastised for using single-use plastic and taking long showers (twice a day).
Matt talks to Bobbi Abram, CEO of the Pasadena City College Foundation. The pair discuss everything from the college’s 30 million dollar grant from Mackenzie Scott to why Bobbi’s (and Ashley's) longtime home town, Kansas City, is located in two states. They debate the merits of getting a college degree at all, and they reveal how when they first met, Bobbi thought Matt had “an overabundance of chutzpah.” (She was not wrong!)
Matt talks to Jamie Zavala, Executive Director of ArtworxLA, whose mission is to combat the epidemic high school dropout crisis by engaging students in arts programs that inspire them to stay in school and flourish as creative adults. The pair discuss the positive impact the arts can have on impressionable teens, the patience the interview process takes, and the importance of being your most authentic self. Matt also makes it his mission to find Jamie a suitable suitor!
Matt talks to Genevieve Riutort, the new CEO of the Westside Food Bank in Santa Monica, California, an organization whose mission is to end hunger in our communities by providing access to free nutritious food through food acquisition and distribution, and by engaging the community and advocating for a strong food assistance network. With a global pandemic, inflation on the rise, and a scarcity of infant formula on the shelves, WSFB’s services have rarely been needed more than they are right now. Genevieve talks about the importance and impact of food banks, the best ways to help with food insecurity, and about her own journey from someone who needed food assistance herself, to now helping others. She also talks about her role as female CEO of color and how women should embrace their “*Inner Chad” (*TM Kim Peterson S2:E2) to get what they deserve.
Matt talks to Liz Lin, President of the LAFD Foundation, an organization whose mission is to supplement the fire department’s budget by providing first responders with essential equipment, new technology, and educational resources that would otherwise go unfunded. The duo discusses the growing challenges faced by the LAFD as a result of the pandemic and the increase of wildfires in recent years; things people can do to better prepare themselves and their homes from fire danger, how robots are helping fight fires, and how learning all the acronyms the FD uses is like learning a foreign language. And, Matt learns a very special lesson: that firemen are so much more than just shirtless calendar eye candy.