Engaging Ideas: The Nonprofit Community of Mission-Driven Innovators

In this episode, Tony and Sultana Ali delve into the art of rhetoric and communications, exploring the power of words and the impact they have on our organizations and as individuals. Join them as they navigate through a range of fascinating topics, including the importance of self-awareness in responses, the transformation from anger to curiosity, and the value of reputation beyond mere branding....

In this episode, Tony engages with Kevin Smith, exploring the connection between the nonprofit sector, the sports world, and the power of affinity. Together, they navigate the strategic approaches Kevin uses in sports marketing that nonprofits should adopt to cultivate a sense of community and foster a connection for their causes or missions. By emphasizing the role of affinity in building relatio...

In this thought-provoking episode, Tony and Willeke delve into the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in the social impact sector. They explore the need to move away from competitive mindsets and embrace cooperation to achieve meaningful change. The conversation highlights the value of engaging supporters beyond financial contributions, emphasizing the power of building an engaged c...

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In today's episode, we delve into the crucial topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in fundraising. We explore how organizations can create more inclusive fundraising practices that not only benefit donors but also support communities and promote social change.  Our guest, Lindsey Nadeau, shares valuable insights on how her organization has adopted inclusive fundraising practices th...

In this episode, we explore the importance of shifting our perspective on failure and how it can lead to more innovative and effective grant-making. We dive into the challenges faced by the nonprofit sector in capturing and reporting qualitative data, and the critical role technology infrastructure plays in enabling strategic decision-making. Join us as we hear from Rachel Kimber about innovative...

In this episode of Engaging Ideas, we dive into the world of roadmapping and digital strategy. Our expert guests, Kathleen Heckman and Geoff Barttlet from University at Buffalo share their reflections on how they created an effective roadmap that aligns with business goals and drives staff competency. We discuss the key elements of a successful roadmapping process, including the 9 goals for the ro...

In this episode, Tony and Kerry discuss the importance of making changes to your organization's infrastructure and internal communications to enact change that creates an equitable space for your staff and constituents. No matter how small the changes may seem, it is important to build in order to make progress toward achieving long-term goals. Change is slow but necessary for the kind of “ur...

Tony and Jenna walk through the 5-point manifesto of The Data Values campaign that calls for change in how we design, collect, fund, manage, and use data. The 5 primary points are: 1) Support people to shape how they are represented in data. 2) Invest in public participation for accountability 3) Democratize data skills for greater equality 4) Create cultures of transparency, data sharing, and use...

When it comes to Search Engine Optimization (SEO), there is more to it than selecting the right keywords or phrases and applying them to different areas of your content. Join Tony and Katherine as they take a deep dive into what it takes to utilize SEO in a more informed way to better reach your target audience. Together, they discuss keyword gathering and gaming to understand artificial intellige...

In this episode, Tony gets together with Pond Co-Founder and CEO, Mitch Stein. From investment banking to the mission-driven workforce, Mitch has created an organization that flips the marketplace model upside down to create an engaging and supportive space where nonprofit leaders can save time, empower their search, and earn money. Tony and Mitch talk about corporate Request for Approvals (RFP) a...

In this episode, we explore the idea of trust as an organizational goal, and how it can be applied in the context of the non-profit sector. We discuss the importance of trust in building strong relationships and effective teams, and how it can be cultivated within an organization. We also share some tips on how to create a culture of trust, and how to overcome challenges that may arise.

In this special episode, we talk to the founder of LGBTQ SAVES, a support group for LGBTQ+ youth, Sharon Herrera (aka everyone's FairyGAY Mother). We discuss the challenges and struggles that come with being LGBTQ+, and how this group provides a safe and welcoming space for its members. Tony and Sharon touch on topics ranging from laws endangering trans youth in Texas, to being an Air Force V...

Tony speaks with Fred Dews the producer and host of the award-winning Brookings Cafeteria Podcast, which spanned 8.5 years and 432 episodes. In this episode, Fred shares his experiences and advice for starting a podcast along with insights for building an audience.

In this episode, we dig deep into why digital collections and digital libraries are important for communities and how expensive they can be to distribute.

Most of us are aware of the financial poverty many Americans have to deal with. But not many of us are aware of another form of inequity that plagues the masses. Chris Worman, Co-Founder, Chief Partnership and Strategy Officer for Connect Humanity sit down with Tony to talk about how his organization steps in to invest in the community connectivity providers (CCPs) that are successfully connecting...

Can you increase awareness, influence and engagement by adding authenticity into your messaging and brand? What does it really mean to have an authentic voice and how do you balance having a brand personality without getting too personal? In this episode of Engaging Ideas Tony and Danielle Hughes discuss the difference between a personal brand and a personality brand. Danielle Hughes is the Chief...

In this episode Tony Koptechny talks with Nardos Alemayehu, Communications Team Manager at The Black Future Labs, to discuss the origins and effects of racial silos within the marketing world. Based on her involvement in Black activism and experience in public relations, Nardos shares strategies to fix this breakdown by creating a unique counter-narrative. Tune in to this episode to learn how to e...

From CEOs to budgeting to philanthropy and funding; Tony and Beeta cover the gambit when it comes to nonprofits. Listen in and find out what Dr. Jahedi has to say about her research for her dissertation on CEOs and how they learn to make strategic decisions. Listen in and stay tuned till the end for a very fun song of the day!

In this episode, Tony talks with Joel Van Kuiken about the creation and impact of the organization, “The Delta Project”, data ethics, and what it’s like to start a local non-profit and maintain it through the pandemic.“HOW DO I BECOME SOMETHING I DON’T SEE?” From this simple question, The Delta Project was born. The Delta Project exists to break the generational cycle of incarceration by reconnect...

The social media space can be filled with prejudice, bias, and discrimination making it difficult for nonprofits to use it to reach audiences. Meena Das, founder of NamasteData shares how to take an equity-first approach to social media and in the gathering and analysis of data. Tune in to hear Meena share how nonprofits can better utilize their data and leverage LinkedIn as an authentic communica...

Organizations of all sizes have struggled to find an engaging replacement for in person events since the pandemic. Andrew Kolb of the German Marshall Fund discusses how his organization adapted digital and online communications to conduct virtual events for community building. Andrew also shares strategies for audience self-selection that can improve how your team navigates multiple audiences. Ton...

Many organizations are founded based on a “North Star”- a guiding principle of the mission and values that pilot operations. As organizations grow and change, it can be difficult to maintain this sense of purpose, while still encouraging innovation. Conor Hartman of Circ shares his journey from the public to private sector and what he’s learned about developing a culture based on mission.

Establishing a technology-forward mindset in a mission-driven organization always has its challenges. Melanie Starkey, past Senior Vice President of Digital at the Urban Land Institute, shares how she’s sparked excitement for digital transformation in organizations, and the projects that made it happen. Take a listen to learn the decision-making, road mapping, and budgeting strategies you need to...

Trust plays a huge role in how your audience interprets your content but is often hard to earn and even harder to replicate. Sueann and Tony discuss the relevance of analog communications methods such as newspapers and radio, and how to use due diligence to develop communications plans that are inclusive of those platforms’ audiences.