In today's challenging political climate, many nonprofit leaders are focused on what they can't say—but what if we shifted our attention to what we can say? In this episode of Changemaker Conversations, we're exploring strength-based communication and why it's more relevant than ever for nonprofits navigating anti-DEI pressures and funding restrictions. Alyssa and Lindsay share their decade-plus journey developing strength-based communication frameworks with organizations like Feeding America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the McCormick Foundation—and the data proves it works. From increased donor engagement to stronger brand metrics, organizations taking this approach are seeing real results without sacrificing their values or their fundraising goals. If you're struggling to stay true to your mission while adapting to new federal regulations and "off-limits language", or if you're simply ready to communicate about the people you serve in more empowering ways, this episode will show you how. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: What strength-based communication is and how it differs from stereotype-based and need-based communication Why leading with opportunity instead of deficit doesn't hurt fundraising (and often improves it) How to navigate current federal word restrictions while staying true to your values Real examples from major nonprofits that have successfully made this shift Practical first steps for moving your organization toward strength-based communication Common misconceptions holding boards and leadership back from adopting this approach Episode Blog Post and Transcript -->  | MENTIONED | Prosper Strategies Strength-Based Communication 101 Guide Prosper Strategies Strength-Based Communication resources Examples: Feeding America Feeding America Need-Based Example: "I am Hunger in America" Feeding America Strength-Based Example: "The Full Effect" PSA  World Vision World Vision USA: Chosen World Vision Child Sponsorship More Examples FrameWorks Institute | CONNECT | ChangemakerConversations.com for show notes and additional resources Prosper-Strategies.com to learn more about strength-based communication consulting Hello@ChangemakerConversations.com with questions or to discuss strength-based communication for your organization On LinkedIn with Alyssa Conrardy, Lindsay Mullen and Prosper Strategies  

In this episode of Changemaker Conversations, Alyssa and Lindsay tackle one of the biggest things that holds nonprofits back: thinking too small about marketing. Moving far beyond the traditional view of marketing as just a fundraising tool, they make the case for marketing as a true mission driver that can advance every aspect of your strategic plan. Drawing from their groundbreaking Nonprofit Marketing Manifesto, they share the 10 commitments that transform how organizations approach brand, messaging, and stakeholder engagement. From eliminating poverty porn to ensuring marketing is overseen at the executive level, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what's possible when marketing becomes a strategic lever for social change. If you're ready to stop playing small with your marketing efforts and start treating marketing as the mission-critical work it should be, this episode is packed with practical insights to get you started! Here's what you'll learn in this episode: Why nonprofits need to stop viewing marketing as solely a fundraising tool The 10 commitments from the Nonprofit Marketing Manifesto that can transform your approach How to make the case for marketing budget and executive-level leadership Why strength-based communication is both more ethical AND more effective than traditional approaches How to engage stakeholders across your organization in marketing planning and execution Ways to use marketing as a strategic lever that can "meet the moment" while staying true to your mission Practical steps for getting started, whether you're a one-person marketing shop or leading a team | MENTIONED | Nonprofit Marketing Manifesto Nonprofit Marketing Revolution Webinar Series Strength-based Communication | CONNECT | ChangemakerConversations.com for show notes and additional resources Prosper-Strategies.com to learn more about their strategic consulting practice Hello@ChangemakerConversations.com with topic suggestions, guest recommendations or questions On LinkedIn with Alyssa Conrardy, Lindsay Mullen and Prosper Strategies

What if your nonprofit's most effective strategy decisions weren't made in a boardroom, but in partnership with the very people you serve? In this episode of Changemaker Conversations, we're diving deep into the Shared Power Philosophy™—the belief that nonprofits develop their most impactful and equitable strategies by deeply involving all stakeholders, especially the people and communities they serve, in shaping their work. In this episode, Alyssa and Lindsay share why centering constituents isn't just good practice—it's the secret sauce to nonprofit effectiveness. From California Rural Legal Assistance's multilingual strategic planning process to the Muhammad Ali Center's community-led response during social justice upheaval, you'll hear real examples of Shared Power™ in action. Then, you'll learn simple frameworks you can begin implementing today to transform your organization into a Shared Power™ Nonprofit. If you're ready to move beyond one-time stakeholder surveys and build genuine feedback loops that transform how your organization operates, this episode is your roadmap. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: The four core tenets every shared power nonprofit exhibits (commitment, engagement, respect, and action) How to use the Shared Power™ Spectrum to map and expand your current stakeholder engagement Real-world examples of how organizations like Feeding America, CRLA, and the Muhammad Ali Center are sharing power with their constituents Practical strategies for respectful constituent engagement, including compensation guidelines and ideas about trauma-informed facilitation Why relationship-building must come before input-gathering How to create dignified engagement opportunities that avoid retraumatization | MENTIONED | Show Notes The Shared Power™ Philosophy Four Core Tenets of Shared Power™ Nonprofits The Shared Power™ Spectrum Framework The Shared Power™ Collective / Shared Power Champions™ online course Shared Power™ Nonprofits' Declaration of Interdependence Whitepaper: Four Things Shared Power™ Nonprofits Do Differently | CONNECT | ChangemakerConversations.com for show notes and Shared Power™ resources Prosper-Strategies.com to learn more about strategic planning with Shared Power™ principles Hello@ChangemakerConversations.com with your Shared Power™ success stories and questions Connect on LinkedIn with Alyssa Conrardy, Lindsay Mullen and Prosper Strategies

In this episode of Changemaker Conversations, we sit down with Kelly Mattox, Vice President of Campaign and Principal Gifts at Connecticut Children’s Foundation, to explore what it really takes to align marketing and fundraising for greater impact. Drawing on her decades of nonprofit experience—including 14 years at Horizons National—Kelly shares insights on running major campaigns, building sustainable fundraising strategies, and creating lasting partnerships between marketing and development teams. Whether you’re navigating a campaign, trying to improve internal collaboration, or just need a dose of inspiration, this conversation will leave you with practical ideas and renewed purpose. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: How to foster a healthy, collaborative relationship between marketing and fundraising Why role clarity matters—and how to get it right Lessons from creating a national Giving Day that raised millions What makes a campaign truly sustainable beyond its launch How to stay mission-connected in challenging fundraising climates | CONNECT |  ChangemakerConversations.com  for show notes and additional resources Prosper-Strategies.com to learn more about our strategic consulting practice  Hello@ChangemakerConversations.com with topic suggestions, guest recommendations or questions On LinkedIn with Alyssa Conrardy, Lindsay Mullen and Prosper Strategies  

In this episode of Changemaker Conversations, we're diving deep into board leadership and transformation with a unique perspective from co-host Lindsay Mullen. As a former board chair herself, Lindsay shares invaluable insights about building an engaged nonprofit board that can truly drive your mission forward. If you're navigating the complex dance between board and staff roles or looking to transform your board from a working model to a strategic powerhouse, this episode delivers practical wisdom from someone who's been on both sides of the table. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: The journey of transforming a nonprofit board from a "friends and family" working board to a strategic leadership team How to create effective board recruitment strategies that fill crucial skill gaps Practical ways to connect board members authentically with the people you serve The critical relationship between board chair and CEO, and how to nurture it Navigating the appropriate division of responsibilities between board and staff | MENTIONED | Board Matrix Board Member Prospectus and job descriptions BoardSource's Stages of Board Development This Episode's Blog Post | CONNECT | ChangemakerConversations.com for show notes and additional resources Prosper-Strategies.com to learn more about our strategic consulting practice Hello@ChangemakerConversations.com with topic suggestions, guest recommendations or questions On LinkedIn with Alyssa Conrardy, Lindsay Mullen and Prosper Strategies

Should your nonprofit be strategic planning right now? In this episode of Changemaker Conversations, Prosper Strategies co-founders Alyssa Conrardy and Lindsay Mullen say yes—but only if you’re doing it the right way. They pull back the curtain on what makes a strategic plan actually work (and what makes it flop), drawing on lessons from their work with organizations like Feeding America and Boys and Girls Clubs of America. You'll learn: The three critical stumbling blocks that cause most nonprofit strategic plans to fail Why constituent and stakeholder involvement transforms strategic planning outcomes How to make your strategic plan a living, breathing document rather than a shelf decoration The precise roles board and staff should play throughout the planning process Practical strategies for building agility into your plan during uncertain times | MENTIONED | The Progress element of the Nonprofit Strategy System Shared Power Strategy 101 Guide: Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations OKR Dashboard Template This Episode's Blog Post | CONNECT | ChangemakerConversations.com  for show notes and additional resources Prosper-Strategies.com to learn more about our strategic consulting practice  Hello@ChangemakerConversations.com with topic suggestions, guest recommendations or questions On LinkedIn with Alyssa Conrardy, Lindsay Mullen and Prosper Strategies

In this inaugural episode of Changemaker Conversations, we're diving into what's keeping nonprofit leaders up at night in 2025. From sudden federal funding freezes to market volatility affecting donor confidence, we break down the four biggest challenges facing nonprofit leaders today—and more importantly, share practical solutions to address them. If you're feeling the weight of leading in today's nonprofit landscape and looking for actionable strategies to navigate these unprecedented times, this episode is for you!   Here's what you'll learn in this episode:  The four biggest challenges keeping nonprofit leaders awake at night in 2025 How to diversify your funding streams in response to growing uncertainty  Practical strategies for boosting staff morale and retention during turbulent times  Ways to avoid "strategic whiplash" when constantly adapting to change  How organizations are navigating anti-DEI pressures while staying true to their values   | MENTIONED |  Employee Value Proposition Framework  Prosper Strategies Webinar On Leading Through Change and Uncertainty This Episode’s Blog Post   | CONNECT |  ChangemakerConversations.com  for show notes and additional resources Prosper-Strategies.com to learn more about our strategic consulting practice  Hello@ChangemakerConversations.com with topic suggestions, guest recommendations or questions On LinkedIn with Alyssa Conrardy, Lindsay Mullen and Prosper Strategies   Join us every other week as we pull you out of the day-to-day grind and refocus your attention on the big picture through candid conversations about building more impactful nonprofits with less friction and more joy.  

Are you ready to transform your nonprofit from the inside out? Hosted by Prosper Strategies’ principals Alyssa Conrardy and Lindsay Mullen, Changemaker Conversations is the podcast for leaders who want to lead their organizations with less friction and more JOY. Learn more about what’s coming in this short trailer.