We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits

In today's episode, Jon and Becky sit down with jacob adams, founder of Inner Spark Learning Lab, to talk about what it looks like to challenge the nonprofit status quo. Instead of chasing scale and perfect metrics, Jacob is focused on something different: authentic partnerships, radical transparency, and building trust. 

Together, they explore why nonprofits can’t always control outcomes—but we can own the learning, tell the truth about what’s working (and what isn’t), and how to build stronger relationships with funders and partners along the way.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

In today's episode, Jon and Becky sit down with Carmen Patlan, Executive Director of the Center for Immigrant Progress (CIP), to highlight how her organization is supporting immigrant families through a comprehensive, community-centered model.

CIP is advancing immigrant rights by connecting legal protection, health equity, civic engagement, and advocacy to help families live with dignity, safety, and opportunity.

In this episode, Carmen shares her own story of immigrating to the United States at seven years old—and how that lived experience now shapes the way CIP serves immigrant communities.

You’ll hear how the...

Today we're sitting down with Chidi Asoluka — founder and CEO of NewComm — to ask a question every nonprofit leader should be wrestling with: who actually gets to design change?

At NewComm, high school students manage real budgets, design real projects, and build networks most people don't access until much later in life. The lessons Chidi has learned building it are for every leader in this space.

He got out of his own head and into the heads of the people he was trying to impact. What he found there reshaped everything — his program, his systems, and hi...

This one is a grounding exhale.

Today, we’re bringing you a powerful conversation from the We Are For Good Summit with our friend Seth Godin — it's for anyone carrying the weight of leadership in uncertain times.

Because here’s the truth: uncertainty isn’t a season anymore. It’s the environment. And if you’re feeling the pressure, the risk, the emotional toll of caring deeply about work that matters… you are not alone.

Seth challenges us to rethink what risk really is (hint: it’s the feeling of risk that trips us up), why atta...

Meet Amir Samandi 🌎, founder of Students of Service (SOS) in San Antonio.

In this episode, Amir shares how one study abroad experience sparked a bold vision: to equip young people to become global citizens through service and international learning. What started as a leap of faith is now a thriving nonprofit shaping the next generation of empathetic, purpose-driven leaders.

This conversation is especially for founders and nonprofit leaders navigating growth, doubt, and sustainability.

You’ll hear:

Today, Jon and Becky sit down with Analía Weber, Development Director at The Family Center / La Familia, to explore a bold paradigm shift for the nonprofit sector. One that begins with how we speak about ourselves.

Analia’s journey into fundraising didn’t follow a traditional path. A lifelong dancer and arts leader, she pivoted careers at 39 and stepped into nonprofit development with heart, courage, and a willingness to begin again. Now, less than four years later, she’s not only the Director of Development for a thriving, holistic family support organization — she’s chairing a regional no...

What does it really take to lead with courage in the nonprofit sector—especially when growth, complexity, and crisis collide?

In this powerful conversation, Jon and Becky sit down with Glennda Testone, CEO of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab and co-host of Nonprofits Are Messy, to explore what it means to lead with integrity, accountability, and heart. With more than 14 years as Executive Director of New York City’s LGBT Community Center—where she tripled the budget, led a $9M capital campaign, and guided the organization through transformational change—Glennda brings lived experience and hard-earned wisdom to the mic.

Meet Leona 🤝, founder and CEO of Catalyst Exchange. Leona’s vision is bold and timely: to transform how nonprofits and schools build capacity—so leaders aren’t trying to change the world with a shovel and a dream. Through flexible funding, trusted expertise, and community-centered partnerships, Catalyst Exchange is strengthening the systems and people behind lasting impact.

In this conversation, Leona shares her journey from India to the U.S., and how her experiences shaped a mission rooted in equity, agency, and trust. She challenges traditional, funder-driven models of capacity building and offers a more responsive, mission-driven approach...

Today’s episode continues our 12-part series: 12 Shifts in 2026 for Social Impact. Over twelve episodes, we’re unpacking the mindset and strategy shifts shaping the future of fundraising, leadership, and doing good in 2026. Explore the full series at weareforgood.com/12shifts.

Shift 12 / Boards Are Culture Carriers

In this final episode of the 12 Shifts series, Jon and Becky close things out with a powerful conversation about boards, culture, and shared leadership — and they’re joined by the perfect voice to put a bow on it all.

They sit down with Nakia Ja...

Today’s episode continues our 12-part series: 12 Shifts in 2026 for Social Impact. Over twelve episodes, we’re unpacking the mindset + strategy shifts shaping the future of fundraising, leadership, and doing good in 2026. Explore the series at weareforgood.com/12shifts

Shift 11 / Story as Infrastructure

In today’s episode, Jon and Becky welcome Carolina Garcia Jayaram, CEO of the Elevate Prize Foundation, for a reflective and forward-looking conversation on why story is no longer a communications tool — it’s essential infrastructure for mission and culture.

As attention fragments, trust erodes, and technology reshapes how people...

Today’s episode continues our 12-part series: 12 Shifts in 2026 for Social Impact. Over twelve episodes, we’re unpacking the mindset + strategy shifts shaping the future of fundraising, leadership, and doing good in 2026. Explore the series at weareforgood.com/12shifts

Shift 9 / Merge to Multiply

In today’s episode, Jon and Becky explore why collaboration is becoming a defining strategy for nonprofits seeking to protect mission and scale impact — and why the funding side of mergers and partnerships doesn’t get nearly enough airtime.

They’re joined by Ananya Poddar, Senior Associate at SeaChange Ca...

Today’s episode continues our 12-part series: 12 Shifts in 2026 for Social Impact.
Over twelve episodes, we’re unpacking the mindset + strategy shifts shaping the future of fundraising, leadership, and doing good in 2026. Explore the series at weareforgood.com/12shifts

Shift 9 / Trust Is the Work Now

In today’s episode, Jon and Becky welcome back Abby Falik, Co-Founder & CEO of The Flight School, for a grounding and expansive conversation on why trust is no longer a byproduct of good leadership — it is the work.

As institutions fracture, technolo...

Today's episode continues our 12-part series: 12 Shifts in 2026 for Social Impact. Over twelve episodes, we’re unpacking mindset + strategy shifts shaping the future of fundraising, leadership, and doing good in 2026. Explore the series at weareforgood.com/12shifts.

Shift 8 / Creators Are Your Amplifiers

In today’s episode, Jon and Becky sit down with Kathryn Baccash, Senior Director of Communications & Marketing at To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA), for a powerful conversation about why creators aren’t just marketing channels — they’re relationship-driven partners who can extend trust, credibility, and impact far beyond what organizati...

Today's episode continues our 12-part series: 12 Shifts in 2026 for Social Impact. Over twelve episodes, we’re unpacking mindset + strategy shifts shaping the future of fundraising, leadership, and doing good in 2026. Explore the series at weareforgood.com/12shifts.

Shift 7 / Volunteers as Core Capacity

In today’s episode, Jon and Becky welcome back Jennifer Sirangelo, President & CEO of Points of Light — the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, mobilizing nearly 4 million volunteers across 32 countries.

Together, they explore why many nonprofit leaders are leaving capacity on the table — and how shifting from “volunteers a...

Today's episode continues our 12-part series: 12 Shifts in 2026 for Social Impact. Over twelve episodes, we’re unpacking mindset + strategy shifts shaping the future of fundraising, leadership, and doing good in 2026. Explore the series at weareforgood.com/12shifts.

Shift 6 / Modernize Individual Giving for Today’s Donor

In today's episode, Jon and Becky welcome back Dana Snyder (Positive Equation) and Mike Duerksen (BuildGood) — for a practical, honest conversation about what’s changing in donor behavior and what to do about it in 2026.

Together, they unpack why the donor journey is no lo...

Today's episode continues our 12-part series: 12 Shifts in 2026 for Social Impact. Over twelve episodes, we’re unpacking mindset + strategy shifts shaping the future of fundraising, leadership, and doing good in 2026. Explore the series at weareforgood.com/12shifts.

Shift 5 / Beyond the Prompt: AI Fluency is the New Digital Literacy for Nonprofits 

AI is everywhere right now and for a lot of nonprofit leaders, it feels equal parts exciting and overwhelming. In this episode, Woodrow Rosenbaum Chief Data Officer, GivingTuesday) and Elizabeth Kelly (Head of Beneficial Deployments, Anthropic) bring in a refreshing, human-first conversation about wha...

Today's episode continues our 12-part series: 12 Shifts in 2026 for Social Impact. Over twelve episodes, we’re unpacking mindset + strategy shifts shaping the future of fundraising, leadership, and doing good in 2026. Explore the series at weareforgood.com/12shifts.

Shift 4 / Capacity is the Strategy.

Stability isn’t something you earn once you’re “big enough” or “finally staffed up.” It’s something you design on purpose—or you pay for it later in burnout, panic fundraising, and house-of-cards vibes.

In this episode, Brooke Richie-Babbage is back to flip the script on what capacity really means. Capa...

Today's episode continues our 12-part series: 12 Shifts in 2026 for Social Impact. Over twelve episodes, we’re unpacking mindset + strategy shifts shaping the future of fundraising, leadership, and doing good in 2026. Explore the series at weareforgood.com/12shifts.

Shift 3 / Build for Health (People + Systems)

People Leave™ — and in 2026, the pace and intensity of transition is accelerating. In this episode, Naomi Hattaway, interim leader and organizational health builder, shares what it actually takes to build nonprofit health through uncertainty before someone resigns. We talk about the hidden fragility that uncertainty exposes (founder dependency, undocumented roles, diseng...

Today's episode continues our 12-part series: 12 Shifts in 2026 for Social Impact. Over twelve episodes, we’re unpacking mindset + strategy shifts shaping the future of fundraising, leadership, and doing good in 2026. Explore the series at weareforgood.com/12shifts.

Shift 2 / Communication to Connection: The Reconnection Era 

Ever felt that ache of reaching out endlessly, yet still standing alone in a crowded room? You're not alone, true connection is the heartbeat nonprofits are missing right now.

In this episode of Shifts in 2026, Susan McPherson, author of The Lost Art of Connecting and Founder + CEO of...

Today's episode launches our 12-part series 12 Shifts in 2026 for Social Impact. Over the next twelve episodes we're unpacking mindset + strategy shifts shaping the future of fundraising, leadership, and doing good in 2026. Explore the series at weareforgood.com/12shifts.

Shift 1 / Metrics with Meaning: Make Better Decisions with Less Noise

Feeling buried under dashboards and drowning in data? You’re not alone, and there is a better way.

In this episode, Jon and Becky welcome back impact measurement expert Ori Carmel for a refreshingly honest conversation about shifting from “more data” to better decisi...

This episode is a year-end exhale.

Becky + Jon are joined by the incredible Lindsey Fuller for a cozy, heartfelt conversation as we gently close out 2025 and look toward a more grounded, intentional 2026. Together, we pause to reflect, breathe, and reconnect with what really matters.

Lindsey brings honest wisdom on navigating burnout, the constant noise of the world, and why hope and genuine community aren’t optional—they’re essential. You’ll hear what self-care actually looks like (hint: it goes way beyond bubble baths), plus a refreshing take on the messy-but-beautiful work of healing together.

Exp...

Trust isn’t built in boardrooms, it’s built in community.  

In this episode, Gloria Dixon (Director of Philanthropy + Executive Director, BECU Foundation) joins us for a real talk on what it takes to share power and reimagine funding through a trust-based lens. From her journey in Milwaukee to leading community-centered giving in the Pacific Northwest, Gloria opens up about what’s shifting in philanthropy and what still needs to.  

Together, they dig into why multi-year, unrestricted support matters, how authentic relationships drive impact, and what it means to show up with empathy (not just reports...

Sunsetting isn’t failure—it’s leadership.

In this episode, Becky sits down with Desiree Lyons, CEO of Namaste Direct, and Kate Flatley, Executive Director of the Women’s Justice Initiative, for an honest conversation about what it really looks like to put community at the center—even when it means changing or ending your own model. Together, they share how Namaste Direct made the difficult decision to sunset with integrity and why transitioning its economic empowerment program to WJI became a powerful unlock for greater, more sustainable impact for women in Guatemala.

This conversation challenges...

In this rapid-fire Working Session, Jon and Becky break down storytelling as a core nonprofit skill — not a marketing tactic — and share simple, practical frameworks you can use immediately. 

From clarifying your values and audience to collecting and activating stories more intentionally, you’ll learn how to move supporters from empathy → connection → action and build a storytelling system that drives trust, belonging, and long-term engagement.

Top 3 Takeaways:

If year-end fundraising feels like an all-gas-no-brakes sprint, this Working Session is your moment to regroup, refocus, and rally your strongest allies. We brought in fundraising expert and author Rhea Wong for a rapid-fire strategy session on two mission-critical moves: activating your board before December 31 and turning year-end gifts, signals, and conversations into a predictable 2026 pipeline — in under 30 minutes.

Rhea walks us through her signature approach to board engagement and donor outreach: one rooted in clarity, specificity, and creating micro-yes moments that move relationships forward. 

You’ll learn how to give board members turnk...

If creating content feels like a treadmill you can’t quite step off, this Working Session is your reset button. We brought in nonprofit marketing expert and author Julia Campbell to teach you how to build a simple, sustainable content calendar for your next two weeks — in under an hour.

Julia walks us through her signature approach to content planning: one rooted in clarity, consistency, and choosing the platforms that actually support your goals. You’ll learn how to identify your core content buckets, repurpose stories across channels, and build a weekly rhythm that doesn’t burn y...

If you want to show up meaningfully during the most generous—and most crowded—season of the year, LinkedIn may be your most overlooked year-end fundraising tool. We brought in LinkedIn strategist Tania Bhattacharya of Lumos Marketing to unpack how nonprofits can use the platform to grow visibility, spark connections, and strengthen warm relationships in the final weeks of the year.

Top 3 Takeaways:

Feeling worn down by work or wondering if your burnout is more than just stress? You’re not alone. 

In this episode, Lindsey Fuller is joined with Elandria Jackson Charles and Naomi Hattaway for a heartfelt conversation about how our jobs impact our wellbeing—and what to do when things start to feel overwhelming. Together, they explore real stories of burnout and offer gentle, practical tools for tuning into your own needs. 

Tap into how to recognize the difference between everyday discomfort and true harm, plus find fresh ways to rest and even reclaim joy amid t...

If you want your year-end emails to stand out in the noisiest inbox season of the year, this Working Session is your new playbook. We brought in marketer and dynamic-content expert Caroline Griffin to break down the simple personalization shifts that make every donor feel seen—so your emails land, resonate, and inspire action.

Top 3 Takeaways:

If you need to close major gifts in the next five weeks, this Working Session is your new game plan. We brought in major gifts coach and CourageLab founder Julie Ordoñez to break down exactly who to ask, what to say, and how to step into these conversations with more courage, clarity, and conviction—especially during giving season.

Top 3 Takeaways:

If you want to raise more monthly gifts at year-end, this Working Session is your new playbook. We’re breaking down the simple changes that make recurring giving more visible, more compelling, and easier for your supporters to say yes to. 

Top 3 Takeaways: 

1. Make Monthly Giving Impossible to Miss — Clear, separate buttons for one-time and monthly gifts can increase conversions by up to 45%. 

2. Lead With Monthly Giving at Year-End — Put recurring giving front and center in your year-end messaging so supporters actually choose it. 

3. Test Fast, Learn Fast — Small orgs have th...

We know that gut-punch feeling when your time off ends and the peace you just earned starts draining away before Monday even hits. We've all been there. 

Here’s the thing: Returning to work shouldn't feel like a rush that undoes your rest.

This week Lindsey is pulling back the curtain on how she makes rest non-negotiable, even after a big pause like an eight-week micro sabbatical. She's not just sharing ideas; she’s giving you the blueprint to design a mindful reentry, a process that is actually a nourishing ritual. Listen as she grounds her a...

Meet Melissa Helmbrecht 🤝, the CEO of Give Back. Founded by Bob Carr, this organization is rewriting what opportunity looks like for young people who've faced the hardest circumstances—from homelessness to abuse. In this episode, Melissa shows us the deep, lasting impact of true mentorship and the power of a supportive community.

Melissa shares how Give Back helps students not just survive, but truly thrive as leaders through comprehensive scholarships, dedicated coaching, and mentorship. We dive into Bob Carr’s inspiring legacy, whose mission of giving grew from a $250 scholarship he once received, now creating powerful systems of dign...

Meet Veronica, the dedicated teacher and guiding force, alongside Alice, the passionate Senior at Atlanta International School (AIS) and Co-President of AIS Against Human Trafficking. 

AIS Against Human Trafficking is a dynamic, student-led initiative dedicated to raising awareness and mobilizing action against human trafficking through education, powerful storytelling, and global partnerships. This story represents the heart-wired generation students who are actively using their empathy and digital fluency to drive monumental societal change 🩵

Listen in to learn how this inspiring group has strategically teamed up with major global players like CNN and built a network with othe...

Meet Erin 🤝, Vice President of Community Engagement and Executive Director of the Thunder Community Foundation. In this episode, we explore the story of the OKC Thunder’s meaningful impact far beyond the basketball court. While celebrating their first NBA championship is certainly exciting, Erin shows us how the team’s success has become a grounded catalyst for community philanthropy in Oklahoma City 💙

Erin offers thoughtful insights into her journey and how the Thunder builds a lasting legacy, prioritizing sustainable work over fleeting headlines. We explore fantastic initiatives like the Rolling Thunder Book Bus and local court projects. This story...

Turn Down the Alarm, Tune Into the Signal. 

That feeling of stress isn't a sign you're broken—it's your body's brilliant security system asking for your attention. It's a powerful signal that, when truly heard, guides you directly to deeper self-care and genuine resilience.

That nagging feeling of stress? It's simply your nervous system alarm stuck on full blast. It isn't a failure; it’s a profound signal gently inviting you to tend to your deepest needs.

Step in with us to embrace the art of regulation, not resistance. Lindsey shares her comforting guida...

Meet Becca 🤝, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Good Natured Learning. Her work reminds us that the deepest lessons often begin where the wilderness starts.

In this episode, we follow Becca’s journey from exploring Wisconsin’s backwoods to leading educational programs in Kenya and how it’s all about creating true belonging between students, teachers, and nature. Good Natured Learning isn’t just a program but a movement to reshape education, showing nature as the ultimate classroom for connection and growth. Becca guides us on how to overcome imposter syndrome, building community-led solutions rooted in local wisdom, and what au...

Special Episode: PART TWO

If you caught our Monday episode, you knew something big was coming—and today’s the day we finally get to share it. We Are For Good is joining the Givebutter family! 🩵 💛

We're joined by Givebutter’s Co-founder & CEO, Max Friedman, to unpack the heart, the why, and the how behind this partnership. This community has always been about democratizing access—to ideas, tools, and connection—and now, together with Givebutter, we’re taking that mission to new heights. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes story, the moments that made us believe this was meant to be...

Special Episode: PART ONE

Something big is coming. Today's episode is the conversation before the conversation. Join Jon, Becky + Julie - live in studio together - as we're celebrating five years of the We Are For Good journey and stepping behind the scenes of launching the Impact Uprising.

Join us for a deeply heartfelt conversation as we reflect on the journey: how this movement began, what's kept it growing, and why the We Are For Good community has always been the undeniable heartbeat behind every episode, story, and gathering.

This special anniversary episode...

The pause only works if you plan for it. Here’s how to get ready to truly rest.

Whether you’re heading into a sabbatical, PTO, or just a long weekend, this episode helps you actually get ready to rest. Lindsey shares three readiness reflections — Finance, People, and Program — to gauge if your org (and you) can sustain time away.
You’ll learn how to design an “only-call-me-if” checklist that protects your peace and keeps operations smooth—so you can step away without second-guessing. 

Then, run a Start–Stop–Continue to help...