The Good Works Podcast

Randi and Sara talk about the hidden genius of the Southern Finger Lakes Directors Roundtable, a group of regional nonprofit directors who meet regularly to share ideas and schedules, among other things. And stick around for the new "nonprofit tea" segment as it continues to evolve. 

Randi and Sarah discuss ELNoST, or the Expanded Learning Network of the Southern Tier. It's a group of agencies working together throughout the region on educational policy, advocacy, and best practices for children ages 8-18. And don't forget our newest segment as Randi and Sarah spill more nonprofit tea!

It's the first episode of 2026, and we have a brand new segment to share! After our lively discussion about libraries - and all the things we love about them - we're going to "spill the nonprofit tea." Yes, it's as fun as it sounds. 

In every episode, Randi and Sara share what they're looking forward to. This time, the full episode is dedicated to looking ahead with the new year on the horizon. Happy holidays and Happy New Year from the Good Works Podcast and everyone at the Community Foundation! 

On this week of Thanksgiving, Randi and Sara recap the year that was 2025 and talk about all the reasons they're thankful. Plus they share what they're personally thankful for as they look ahead to the holiday season and the end of the year. 

In this spooky edition of the Good Works Podcast, Sara and Randi share the "tricks and treats" of grant making. What should you beware of and what is a delightful treat for any season? Also, find out what they're looking forward to in the days and weeks following Halloween. 

Randi and Sara share some of their favorite budget-friendly activities in the Southern Finger Lakes, from roller skating to museums to parks and much more. 

As is becoming an annual tradition, September's episode is all about "back to school." Randi and Sara talk about senior year traditions at both the high school and college levels, plus they share what they're looking forward to as the summer fades into fall. 

This month, Randi is joined by Katie Strickler to talk about her route to the Community Foundation by way of AmeriCorps. In her time so far, Katie has built a more robust scholarship program in addition to many other projects and accomplishments! 

This month, Randi and Sara share their "origin story" - details about how they met and how their lives have come full circle together. And with the recent heat wave, they're looking forward to some cool summer events! 

It's the grant-giving season, and Randi and Sara are talking all about how those grant funds are managed and allocated at the Community Foundation. Plus, stay tuned til the end to find out what they're looking forward to in June! 

This month, as local and regional school districts prepare for budget votes, Randi and Sara talk about the numbers behind these budgets. Why do they go up and down and how are taxes factored in? 

Randi and Sara share some of the most fun activities from the Community Foundation office over the past couple of months. Listen and take some ideas for your own office! 

In what has organically become a 3-part series, Randi is back to talk with Sara about getting through hard times. This topic is particularly aimed at nonprofit organizations that are feeling uncertain. And there's still lots to look forward to in the coming weeks! 

"The Sara and Katie Show" kicks off 2025 by talking about a book by Katherine May called Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times. As always, at the end they share what they're looking forward to in the new year ahead. 

This episode features Sara and Katie talking about Seasonal Affective Disorder (aka 'SAD') and some of the things we can do to break out of the winter slump. Heading into the holidays, they also talk about what they're most looking forward to before the end of 2024. Happy listening, happy holidays, and happy New Year to all! 

Randi and Sara are back in the basement to record in person and talk about the upcoming election. What will you find on the ballot and how can you participate as an informed voter? Also, we're all looking forward to FLX Gives beginning November 14!

Elaine Smith recently returned from her 3-month sabbatical, which was made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation. She joins Randi to talk about how it went and what she's looking forward to now that she's back at work. 

This month, we revisit a back-to-school conversation from 3 years ago. Randi and Sara are enjoying the last of summer vacation, but it's still important to check in on scholarship processes at the Foundation. Happy August! 

In this episode, Randi goes solo to talk about the differences between 501c3, 501c4, and PAC organizations - and how or whether they are allowed to publicly discuss politics. In today's climate, there are very important distinctions to understand. And what can we all look forward to in the coming months?

In this June episode of the Good Works Podcast, Randi and Sara are meeting to talk about meetings; how to run them more effectively, cancel them when necessary, and when the meeting could have been an email. Plus there are lots of fun things to look forward to this summer!

Based on feedback from grantees and supporting foundation research, some changes are coming to the Community Foundation's annual grant cycle. Tune in as Randi and Sara discuss what's new - and what they love - about supporting Southern Finger Lakes nonprofits each year. 

Randi is joined by Karah Sheahan, Office Manager at the Community Foundation, to help put a voice to the name! Karah shares some of her favorite qualities about the work culture and talks about what she's looking forward to in the coming weeks.

In this meta episode of The Good Works Podcast, Randi and Sara update their podcast audience on some of their favorite other podcasts - including "If All Else Fails" by North Country Public Radio and "Up And Vanished" by Tenderfoot TV. 

Randi talks with Sara about the importance of legal immigration into New York State, especially as jobs become more difficult to fill. They discuss the difference between asylum seekers and "illegal" immigrants. And as always, listen to the end to find out what they're looking forward to this month!

Following the Buffalo Bills playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Sara and Randi discuss how sports play a role in community-building. From professional teams to little league and recreation, there are lots of opportunities to connect over athletics. Stay til the end to find out what Sara and Randi are looking forward to in the coming weeks!

Coming out of the Thanksgiving break, Randi and Sara talk about the importance of "Third Spaces" and how to enrich them for yourself and everyone around you. And as always, they share what they're looking forward to as we launch into the holiday season!

This month, Randi and Sara talk all about the Community Foundation's Leadership Advancement Award. This grant provides experienced non-profit executive directors with sabbatical funding to avoid burnout and stagnation through rest, exploration, and personal reflection. You can find out more on the website here: https://communityfund.org/what-we-do/initiatives-and-trainings/.

This month, Randi and Sara talk about places where people feel like they belong or don't belong - and how to create spaces where more people feel comfortable and welcome. As always, they talk about what they're looking forward to as the leaves begin to change and the most colorful season of the year quickly approaches.

How can we impact the community when we're not making grants? That's the question Randi and Sara ask in this month's episode. At the end, they discuss end-of-summer and beginning-of-school-year activities coming right around the corner.

In this episode, Randi and Sara talk about the relationships we build at work and with nearby colleagues. They share some of the people who have made their careers so enjoyable. And as always, we look forward to what they're looking forward to in the coming weeks.

Randi is back from sabbatical, during which she traveled around the region (and the world) and spent an unprecedented amount of time in her attic. She and Sara talk about the 7 types of rest, according to Saundra Dalton-Smith, and what they're looking forward to in the coming weeks.

Katie joins Sara to talk about the upcoming educators trip to Finland. They discuss the selection process, itinerary, and overall goals for taking a group of local teachers to one of the happiest countries in the world. At the end - as always - Katie and Sara talk about summer plans and what they're looking forward to.

Sara is joined by Susan Pawlak from the Career Development Council to talk all about the programs and services they offer. Sara shares how the Community Foundation staff has helped with some of the efforts of the CDC, and Susan and Sara both talk about what they're most looking forward to.

Sara welcomes Jackie Council to kick off this 3-part series featuring individual nonprofit organizations. Jackie shares all about the mission and inspiration behind Altagracia House of Healing. The episode ends with some exciting things to look forward to. 

In this episode, Randi and Sara review a listicle from "Nonprofit AF" with 10 things that a foundation just shouldn't do. These are the things that make nonprofit organizations crazy, and the hosts throw in a few "pickup line" laughs near the end.

Randi and Sara shake off the winter hibernation - or in some cases, embrace it - by sharing their favorite Finger Lakes cold weather activities. (As a reminder, you can always find things to do at FLXCalendar.com.) The podcast ends with a preview of what they're looking forward to, including the 2023 Gratitude Summit in February.

In this episode, Randi breaks down the implications of the 2020 census related to redistricting in New York State. Sara recognizes it's not the most exciting topic on the Good Works Podcast, but it's important for understanding our region (and others) with Election Day around the corner.

It's #InternationalPodcastDay! Randi and Sara are here to talk about their favorite podcasts - right down to the episodes you should download right away. Whether you're into comedy, storytelling, or self improvement, you'll find some great recommendations in this month's Good Works Podcast.

If you had a magic wand that could make anything possible for our community, what would you create? Randi and Sara discuss a few of their own ideas!