Agents of Nonprofit – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Laurent Proulx, CEO of PROCURE, about the urgent need for proactive prostate cancer awareness, screening, and open conversation. With honesty and clarity, Laurent reinforces that early detection saves lives—and that vulnerability, not silence, is the real strength.

Topics We Cover:

• Why family history (including mother’s breast cancer) and ethnicity significantly increase prostate cancer risk
• How Laurent’s own diagnosis was discovered through an unexpected insurance medical exam
• Inside Procure’s $10M biobank and its exclusive research advantages in Quebec
• How data from 2,000 men is helping researchers understand which cancers become aggressive
• The role of AI in shaping the future of patient education and prostate cancer support

To Learn More and Connect with Laurent:

PROCURE.ca

PROCURE on Instagram

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I welcome Stephen Minix who shares how a personal setback led to his philosophy of perpetual positivity and a mission to transform how nonprofits use data. Stephen explores the power of aligning “head and heart” — blending measurable impact with human stories — and challenges the sector to move beyond using data for validation toward using it for growth and learning. 

Topics We Cover:

• Why “perpetual positivity” is more than optimism — it’s a strategic leadership mindset
• How nonprofits can balance head and heart — using data and storytelling together
• The DCAL framework for turning data into insight: Define, Collect, Analyze, Leverage
• Why funders must shift from rewarding validation to supporting honest learning
• The pitfalls of short-term funding cycles and how they distort long-term impact
• How AI can act as a “nudge” tool to streamline nonprofit operations and free up creative time

To Learn More and Connect with Stephen:

Email Stephen

Stephen Minix on LinkedIn

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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 practice
• The unique challenges of nonprofit finances, including volunteer boards and diverse business models
• How Forge supports nonprofits through audits, virtual CFO/controller services, and management consulting
• The three critical financial functions: bookkeeping, controllers, and CFOs—plus why fractional access works
• Why audits are more than compliance—they’re tools for accountability and credibility
• The importance of reconciled records, proper documentation, and clear internal controls
• Understanding restricted gifts and their impact on organizational flexibility
• Practical steps smaller nonprofits can take to build strong financial foundations

To Learn More and Connect with Courtney:
ForgeAhead.com 
Courtney De Ronde on LinkedIn

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit we sit down with the insightful Sabrina Walker Hernandez to delve into the art of building and growing a dynamic board of directors for nonprofits. From superhero origin stories to the nitty-gritty of strategic decision-making, this episode is a treasure trove of advice for those navigating the complexities of the nonprofit sector.

Topics We Cover:

• Sabrina's unique journey from a church upbringing to becoming a key player in the nonprofit sector
• The crucial roles of a board: trusteeship, oversight, and ensuring necessary resources
• Insights into the art of strategic decision-making and the pitfalls of micromanagement
• Uncover the essential steps in starting and strategically growing a board
• The significance of assembling a diverse and skilled dream team to achieve nonprofit goals
• Identifying expertise gaps within the board
• Practical advice on finding potential board members through community involvement
• Recommended expertise areas for effective board members, including marketing, finance, and legal knowledge
• How a board with diverse skill sets can contribute to the overall success of a nonprofit organization

To Learn Moree and Connect with Sabrina Walker Hernandez:
SupportingWorldHope.com

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We're joined in this episode by Lori Zoss Kraska, a seasoned expert in corporate sponsorships for nonprofits. Lori shares her journey from PBS and NPR to diverse nonprofits, offering valuable insights into the world of corporate partnerships. From effective outreach strategies to understanding corporate giving trends, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the nonprofit industry.

Topics We Cover:

• Distinguishing between corporate sponsorships, major gifts, and general fundraising, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of corporate support for nonprofits
• Aligning nonprofit goals with corporate values, with a focus on well-defined initiatives 
• The strategic communication techniques, combining brevity and gratitude in initial messages to capture corporate interest effectively
• Stages of corporate partnerships, from introductory outreach and get-to-know-you meetings to the careful timing of proposal presentations
• Waiting after making sponsorship requests, understanding corporate timelines, and employing strategic follow-up techniques to maintain engagement
• Tech Tools in Sponsorship Efforts
• Future Trends in Corporate Philanthropy

To Learn More and Connect with Lori:
Lori on LinkedIn
Growth Owl Website

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In this episode, we sit down with Chris Miano, the brains behind MemoryFox, in an engaging episode exploring the art of authentic storytelling for nonprofits. From the challenges in content collection to ethical considerations and the future integration of AI, this conversation is a goldmine for anyone in the nonprofit industry aiming to elevate their narrative game.

Topics We Cover:

• Chris Miano's journey from an Italian storytelling household to military service, highlighting the transformative power of narratives across diverse backgrounds
• How MemoryFox evolved from capturing life stories of the elderly to becoming a tool for nonprofits, focusing on collecting impactful stories for fundraising
• The concept of ethical storytelling, understanding the importance of respecting storytellers' preferences and maintaining authenticity
• The impact of user-generated content
• Envisioning the integration of AI in streamlining content planning, tagging, and even automated video creation, empowering nonprofits to compete on a larger scale

To Learn More and Connect with Chris:
Amusing Ourselves to Death Book
'When Giant Companies Say We Care' Ryan George Video
MemoryFox Website
MemoryFox on LinkedIn
E-Mail Chris

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In this episode of *Agents of Nonprofit*, your host Alexander Lapa sits down with James Goalder from Bloomerang. As they embark on a conversation about nonprofit CRM systems, they uncover the unique qualities of Bloomerang, a valuable alternative to Salesforce. James shares his captivating journey from photographer to nonprofit work, leading to his role at Bloomerang. Explore the wealth of resources and information Bloomerang offers to the nonprofit community, and learn how it's changing the game in the sector. Whether you're new to CRM or a seasoned pro, this episode provides valuable insights and a fresh perspective on nonprofit software.

Topics We Cover:

• Why Bloomerang is a compelling alternative to Salesforce CRM for nonprofits with unique needs
• James's transition from a photographer to his role in the nonprofit sector and how he arrived at Bloomerang
• Bloomerang's emphasis on user experience, ease of use, and incorporating fundraising best practices into the system
• How features like thank-you phone calls to first-time donors contribute to a positive donor experience  
• Bloomerang's flexible evaluation process tailored to individual organizational needs and evaluation styles.
• The wealth of guides, reports, and research on nonprofit best practices provided by Bloomerang and their commitment to sharing knowledge with the nonprofit community
• Expanding integrations and partnerships to better serve nonprofits

To Learn More and Connect with James:
James on LinkedIn
Bloomerang Website
Bloomerang on LinkedIn

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In this episode of "Agents of Nonprofit," we have a dynamic conversation with fundraising expert Julie Ordoñez. Julie shares her captivating journey into the world of nonprofit fundraising and offers valuable insights into the art of asking for more in the nonprofit sector. From building meaningful donor relationships to the strategic use of technology, this episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of major gift fundraising.

Topics We Cover:

• Julie's remarkable entry into nonprofit fundraising and how a friend recognized her potential in the field
• The Power of Clarity in Fundraising
• Exploring the significance of personal interactions with donors, whether in person or virtually
• Courage Lab: Julie's program to help fundraisers build confidence and gradually ask for larger donations
• The need for fundraisers to be direct and ask for larger gifts, even from donors capable of giving more
•  Focusing on donors who are passionate about the cause and generous, rather than just their wealth
•  Insights into using CRM systems, mail tracking, and wealth engines for prospect research, and the importance of leveraging technology as a tool, not a crutch

To Learn More and Connect with Julie:
Julie's Website
Courage Lab
Julie Ordoñez on LinkedIn

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In this episode of "Agents of Nonprofit," with guest Cyndi Meuchel, we explore the changing landscape of volunteering. We discuss Cyndi's journey from childhood volunteerism to co-creating software for nonprofits, the decline in volunteerism, the impact of technology, and the concept of micro-volunteering. The conversation highlights the importance of adapting to new generations' preferences while emphasizing the inherent benefits of giving back to society.

Topics We Cover:

• Cyndi's lifelong commitment to volunteering
• Co-creating Money Minder, a software solution for nonprofits
• The concerning trend of declining volunteerism in the United States, including the factors contributing to this shift
• How technology has reshaped volunteerism, both by bringing people together and creating potential barriers, especially for younger generations
• Micro-volunteering: where individuals contribute in smaller, specific ways, aligning with modern lifestyles and preferences
• Helping younger generations appreciate the value of volunteerism and its impact on society and personal fulfillment
• The need to adapt to changing expectations and the role of technology in nonprofit organizations, while maintaining a balance between traditional and innovative approaches to volunteering

To Learn More and Connect with Cyndi:
MoneyMinder Website
Contact MoneyMinder Team
Cyndi Meuchel on LinkedIn

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In this episode of "Agents of Nonprofit," we speak with guest Matthew Reynolds, a seasoned professional in video production for nonprofits. Matthew shares his wealth of knowledge and expertise, discussing the intricacies of creating impactful videos for nonprofit organizations. From the art of storytelling to the practical aspects of production, this masterclass in nonprofit video production offers valuable insights for professionals in the nonprofit industry.

Topics We Cover:

• The importance of collaboration between nonprofit organizations and video production teams to align the video with the organization's mission
• A step-by-step process of creating a compelling video, from defining project goals to post-production editing
• Capturing the essence of an organization's work, including A-roll (interviews) and B-roll footage
• Understanding the critical role of video editing in crafting a compelling narrative, and discover how organizations collaborate to refine the final product
• The potential for geographic expansion in nonprofit video production, facilitated by advancements in portable equipment and virtual filming
• Emotional storytelling in informational videos and how it resonates with viewers
• Using AI in generating ideas, automating tasks, and handling translations in video production, and its potential to make the process more efficient

To Learn More and Connect with Matthew:
Rustic Roots Website
Matthew Reynolds on LinkedIn

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