Agents of Nonprofit

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Agents of Nonprofit

Alexander Lapa

189 episodes

2 days ago

In this inspiring episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Grace-Anna Douglas, founder of Graceful Media, to explore how nonprofits can transform their marketing strategies and amplify their impact. We also tackle how to measure meaningful success, avoid vanity metrics, and use emerging tools like AI responsibly. Topics We Cover: Grace-Anna Douglas’s “superhero origin story” and how volunteering shaped her purpose-driven careerThe creation of Graceful Media and its mission to support s...

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In this inspiring episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Grace-Anna Douglas, founder of Graceful Media, to explore how nonprofits can transform their marketing strategies and amplify their impact. We also tackle how to measure meaningful success, avoid vanity metrics, and use emerging tools like AI responsibly. Topics We Cover: Grace-Anna Douglas’s “superhero origin story” and how volunteering shaped her purpose-driven careerThe creation of Graceful Media and its mission to support s...

Show more...

Episodes (20/189)

Agents of Nonprofit

How Nonprofits Can Build Visibility, Trust, and Lasting Impact with Grace-Anna Douglas

In this inspiring episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Grace-Anna Douglas, founder of Graceful Media, to explore how nonprofits can transform their marketing strategies and amplify their impact. We also tackle how to measure meaningful success, avoid vanity metrics, and use emerging tools like AI responsibly. Topics We Cover: Grace-Anna Douglas’s “superhero origin story” and how volunteering shaped her purpose-driven careerThe creation of Graceful Media and its mission to support s...

6 days ago

45 minutes

Agents of Nonprofit

The current state of the podcast

Host Alexander Lapa shares a personal update on Agents of Nonprofit. After 3.5 years and 188 episodes, he reflects on the show’s journey, its value to the nonprofit community, and the financial challenges of keeping it ad-free. Alexander outlines possible paths forward - from continuing as usual to slowing down or pausing at episode 200 - and invites listeners to share feedback or support the show. My email: alex@dryadconsulting.com Website: https://agentsofnonprofit.com Sup...

1 week ago

2 minutes

Agents of Nonprofit

Designing for Generosity with Cherian Koshy

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with fundraising strategist and behavioral science expert Cherian Koshy to uncover the psychology and neuroscience behind why people give—and why they sometimes don’t. From reducing friction in donation forms to designing moments of joy and trust, this episode offers a masterclass in building deeper, more intentional donor relationships rooted in empathy and understanding. Topics We Cover: Cherian’s “origin story” in fundraising and what insp...

2 weeks ago

52 minutes

Agents of Nonprofit

How Nonprofits Can Emerge Stronger from Crisis with Maya Hemachandra

In this Agents of Nonprofit conversation, I sit down with Maya Hemachandra, an interim executive and veteran fundraiser, to unpack the uncertain and rapidly changing landscape facing nonprofits in 2025. Together, we explore how nonprofits can transform crisis into opportunity through collective advocacy, adaptive leadership, and a renewed commitment to community-driven collaboration. Topics We Cover: The state of widespread funding cuts and instability in nonprofits in 2025 How advocacy ...

3 weeks ago

37 minutes

Agents of Nonprofit

The Art of Communication, Conflict, and Compassion with Shira May

In this thought-provoking episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with conflict resolution expert Shira May to explore how language, empathy, and emotional intelligence can transform the way we handle disagreements. Together, we unpack the psychology of conflict, discuss when mediation is (and isn’t) appropriate, and reveal how small shifts in language can turn confrontation into collaboration. Topics We Cover: The five classic conflict styles — shark, teddy bear, turtle, fox, and owl — an...

1 month ago

54 minutes

Agents of Nonprofit

Rethinking Nonprofit Advocacy with B Michelle Johnson

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with B Michelle Johnson about the art and strategy of advocacy. B Michelle Johnson offers practical insights on building momentum, educating policymakers, and using storytelling to make an impact—all while reframing advocacy as a collective journey rather than a zero-sum battle. Topics We Cover: What advocacy truly means, and why the public—not politicians—is often the real audienceThe power of small but relentless groups versus large one-time m...

1 month ago

38 minutes

Agents of Nonprofit

How Gen Z is Shaping the Future of Nonprofits with Marika Luneau

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with guest Marika Luneau to explore how Generation Z is transforming the nonprofit landscape. The conversation dives into the ways nonprofits can adapt to attract and retain young talent, why giving Gen Z voices a seat in leadership matters, and how personal branding and authenticity will play a defining role in the age of AI. Topics We Cover: Marika’s unconventional entry into nonprofit work through coworking spaces and mission-driven leader...

1 month ago

48 minutes

Agents of Nonprofit

Neurodiversity and Leadership in Nonprofits with Joanna Lund-Pops

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Joanna Lund-Pops to explore her inspiring journey from volunteer educator to advocate and coach in the nonprofit sector. Together, they unpack how organizations can move beyond stereotypes, embrace inclusivity, and make neurodiversity a core part of their practices. Topics We Cover: The joy of fostering “spark” moments in young learnersDefining neurodiversity vs. neurodivergence and why the distinction mattersCommon strengths of neurodiv...

1 month ago

40 minutes

Agents of Nonprofit

Financial Clarity for Mission Impact with Courtney De Ronde

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Courtney De Ronde, co-founder of Forge, to explore the critical role of financial clarity in nonprofit success. She breaks down the three key financial functions every nonprofit needs, explains how restricted funds can create confusion, and offers practical advice for organizations looking to strengthen their financial foundations. Topics We Cover: Courtney’s journey into nonprofit auditing and why she built a specialized practiceThe uni...

2 months ago

41 minutes

Agents of Nonprofit

Retaining Donors and Thriving in the Year-End Rush with Jena Lynch

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, host Alexander Lapa welcomes Jena Lynch from Donorbox to share her insights on how nonprofits can prepare for the busiest fundraising season of the year. From leveraging AI thoughtfully, to building month-by-month strategies, to communicating in ways that truly resonate, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help nonprofits thrive at year-end and beyond. Topics We Cover: Jena’s “superhero origin story” and how she found her path into the nonp...

2 months ago

43 minutes

Agents of Nonprofit

Building Mental Fitness as a Nonprofit Leader with Dacia Moore

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with leadership and mental health advocate Dacia Moore about why mental wellness isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership essential. From “push-ups for your brain” to the power of margin time, this conversation blends personal stories, practical frameworks, and a call for leaders to model healthy habits for their teams. Topics We Cover: Why nonprofit leadership carries unique mental health challengesThe zigzag career paths that often lead to executive r...

2 months ago

46 minutes

Agents of Nonprofit

Be Picky, Be Expensive, Be Brilliant with Shannon Bowen

In this empowering episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I chat with Shannon Bowen, a former nonprofit executive turned career and leadership coach. From navigating career pivots to confidently negotiating job offers, Shannon reveals how nonprofit workers can build fulfilling, sustainable careers by embracing her bold mantra: Be picky, be expensive, be brilliant. Topics We Cover: Why Shannon transitioned from nonprofit leadership to career coachingHow nonprofit professionals can earn competitive (e...

2 months ago

43 minutes

Agents of Nonprofit

Rethinking Sponsorships for Nonprofit Growth with Mariah Monique

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I welcome Mariah Monique, founder of Sponsorship Catalyst, to discuss how nonprofits can elevate corporate sponsorships from transactional support to mission-aligned, long-term partnerships. From choosing the right sponsors to knowing when to walk away, this conversation is packed with practical advice on diversifying revenue streams, understanding audience psychographics, and building relationships rooted in mutual value and trust. Topics We Cover: Why...

3 months ago

44 minutes

Agents of Nonprofit

How Nonprofits Can Win with Corporate Partners with Scott Minger

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Scott Minger, Chief Development Officer at Vitamin Angels, to explore how strategic corporate partnerships have fueled the organization's exponential growth—from serving 25 million to 74 million women and children worldwide. For nonprofits looking to deepen their impact through corporate support, this conversation is packed with strategic insight and actionable takeaways. Topics We Cover: How a Walgreens partnership inspired Scott’s tran...

3 months ago

35 minutes

Agents of Nonprofit

Psychology, Personalization, and the Future of the Web with Matthew Stafford

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with digital strategist Matthew Stafford to explore how the online landscape is rapidly evolving—and what that means for nonprofits. If you’re relying on a DIY website or wondering why your traffic isn’t converting, this conversation is for you. Topics We Cover: Why beautiful websites often fail—and how psychology and user behavior influence conversionsThe common pitfalls of DIY website design (and what nonprofits should do instead)The rise o...

3 months ago

34 minutes

Agents of Nonprofit

Community-Financed Nonprofit Spaces with Tonya Surman

In this inspiring episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Tonya Surman, CEO and co-founder of the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI), to explore her decades-long mission to redesign how nonprofits operate, collaborate, and finance their futures. As the conversation unfolds, Tonya challenges traditional ideas around ownership, scale, and capitalism, offering a vision of a regenerative, relationship-centered economy built on circular design principles. Topics We Cover: Tonya Surman’s jo...

3 months ago

49 minutes

Agents of Nonprofit

Rethinking Sabbaticals in Nonprofits with Naomi Hattaway

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Naomi Hattaway about the underestimated power of sabbaticals in the nonprofit world. Drawing from her personal journey and professional expertise, Naomi reframes sabbaticals as essential leadership and organizational tools—not luxuries. Together, they explore how intentional breaks can reduce burnout, reveal hidden inefficiencies, build leadership capacity, and foster healthier workplace cultures. From pilot programs and funding strategies ...

3 months ago

43 minutes

Agents of Nonprofit

Using Data to Build Donor Relationships That Last with Gregory Warner

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I welcome Gregory Warner, founder of MarketSmart and creator of the Fundraising Report Card, for a deep dive into data-driven donor engagement. Whether you’re wrestling with donor retention or chasing ROI, this conversation offers a powerful blend of insight and strategy that reframes fundraising as a journey of shared values and lasting relationships. Topics We Cover: Why many nonprofits misuse surveys and feedback tools—and how to fix itThe “before an...

4 months ago

46 minutes

Agents of Nonprofit

Creating Space for Authenticity and Allyship with Frank Velásquez Jr.

In this powerful episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Frank Velásquez Jr., founder of 4 Da Hood and the Ascending Leaders in Color program. Together, we discuss the need for identity-affirming spaces, how to involve white allies in meaningful ways, and why perfectionism and professionalism can be tools of exclusion. With vulnerability and insight, Frank walks us through his leadership journey—and how he's using it to create lasting impact. Topics We Cover: How Frank's journey from Dis...

4 months ago

41 minutes

Agents of Nonprofit

How to Win Grants with Storytelling and Strategy with DeaRonda Harrison

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I interview experienced grant writer DeaRonda Harrison about the evolving landscape of grant writing. From her early volunteer days to running a professional grant writing practice, DeaRonda shares insights on how nonprofits can stand out in an increasingly competitive funding world. She breaks down the key elements of being "grant ready," the importance of strategic storytelling, the ethical use of compensation models, and how artificial intelligence i...

4 months ago

33 minutes