Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast On The Ground

Mary Pat King on Leading Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Through COVID, Hurricanes, and Growth

James Misner talks with Mary Pat King, CEO of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, about her journey from PR and youth programs to leading a major nonprofit through a pandemic. They discuss the organization's structure, the challenges girls face today, and the tough financial and staffing calls needed to keep the mission going.

Mary Pat shares how she stepped into the CEO role in March 2020, the influence of her father's legacy on her career path, and why she believes Girl Scouts builds purpose, skills, and lasting friendships over a 10-year journey. They also cover membership trends, hurricane recovery, funding, and shared leadership.

Key topics

• Her path from PR to youth program leadership (Safe Kids Worldwide, American Diabetes Association, National PTA)
• Earning her CAE credential before applying for the CEO role
• Becoming CEO just as the pandemic hit
• How the organization is structured (troop leaders, service units, volunteers, staff, Girl Advisory Board)
• Why Girl Scouts is more than "cookies, crafts, and camps"
• Today's girls: screen use, social comparison, mental health, risky behavior
• Membership growth, then setbacks from hurricanes
• Funding sources: cookies, grants, corporate support, donations
• Staffing cuts (85 to 77) for financial sustainability
• Using Lencioni's The Advantage and the Working Genius framework to build a stronger team
• Improved staff satisfaction through shared leadership
• Long-term goals: membership growth, camp redevelopment

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction
00:31 – Career path: PR to nonprofit leadership, father's influence, earning CAE, landing the CEO role
02:49 – Becoming CEO in March 2020, leading through the pandemic shutdown
03:09 – Girl Scouts beyond "cookies, crafts, and camps"; org structure (troop leaders, service units, staff, camp)
10:58 – State of girls today: screens, mental health, social comparison, gender differences online, AI
17:23 – Membership trends, hurricane disruption, and recovery
20:23 – Funding model and the role of cookies
21:38 – Staffing cuts and sustainability challenges
23:14 – Leadership decisions: executive team, Working Genius framework, shared leadership, and avoiding the trap of doing it all yourself
30:30 – Long-term goals and how to connect with Mary Pat

Resources & Links:

• The Kipos Group Website
• Schedule a Discovery Call with James
• Connect with James Misner on Linkedin

Connect with Mary:

• Girl Scouts Official Website
• Connect with Mary on Linkedin

How Trees Helps Smallholder Farmers Build Prosperity and Restore Land

James Misner speaks with Cate from Trees about how a nature-based organization uses regenerative agriculture, trees, and local leadership to help smallholder farmers in East Africa improve soil health, diversify crops, and strengthen livelihoods. They also discuss why climate work is inseparable from people, how carbon markets fit into nonprofit revenue, and what happens when partnerships are not the right scaling strategy.

Key Topics

• Cate shares her career path from advertising to public health, consulting, and Trees, where her work combines curiosity, persuasion, community, and mission.
• Trees uses trees as a starting point to support regenerative agriculture with smallholder farmers in Africa.
• Its mission is twofold: restore land and unlock prosperity for farmers.
• Cate explains farmer-led, locally rooted delivery, including informed consent and community-based support.
• Farmers move from monocropping and degraded soils to diversified farms with 4–5 crops in year one and 12–15 by year three.
• The model improves food security, dietary diversity, composting, pest management, savings, and market access.
• Village savings and loans help farmers save, lend, and reinvest in their farms and communities.
• Cate and James discuss why framing climate work through people makes funding more compelling.
• Trees adapts its approach to local soil, education, markets, and gender norms across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
• Cate explains why Trees moved away from broad partnerships when they began affecting quality and capacity.
• The conversation closes with how carbon credits can generate additional revenue for farmers and Trees while requiring verification and long-term permanence.

Timestamps

00:00 — Opening the conversation and Cate’s career path

03:10 — What Trees is and why trees are only the starting point

06:07 — How smallholder farmers experience the program

08:22 — Farm redesign, composting, and integrated pest management

09:45 — From diversified farms to savings groups and small businesses

12:47 — Why climate work must be framed through people

15:09 — Scaling across countries without losing local fit

19:23 — The partnership model that did not work

22:28 — Translating the story for donors and outside audiences

26:12 — Revenue diversification and why carbon markets matter

32:52 — How to connect with Trees and Cate

Resources & Links:

• The Kipos Group Website
• Schedule a Discovery Call with James
• Connect with James Misner on Linkedin

Connect with Cate:

• Trees for the Future Official Website
• Connect with Cate on Linkedin

How NeighborWorks Capital Uses Nonprofit Lending to Expand Affordable Housing

James Misner talks with Jim Peffley of NeighborWorks Capital about the affordable housing crisis, how community development financial institutions work, and the power of collaboration across the nonprofit housing sector. Jim shares his path from growing up in affordable housing to leading an institution that helps nonprofit developers access capital. They discuss the scale of the housing shortfall, how NeighborWorks Capital is structured, and why the network's collective strength gives smaller developers more leverage with investors.

Key topics

• Jim shares how Brookview Apartments shaped his views on housing.
• His path went from banking to housing finance to affordable housing investing.
• They discuss the affordable housing continuum, from public housing to homeownership.
• Jim describes the scale of the housing shortage and its pressure on families.
• More housing alone isn't enough if it's unaffordable or blocked by zoning.
• NeighborWorks Capital is a nonprofit CDFI lending to housing developers.
• It finances land acquisition, infrastructure, and construction.
• The organization borrows close to $100 million a year, with $400 million in tax credits.
• The NeighborWorks network collectively rivals major for-profit developers.
• Jim explains organizing developers to negotiate better terms with investors.
• A failed Fannie Mae effort taught him to listen closely to customers first.
• Intelligent risk-taking is essential in mission-driven leadership.
• He closes by encouraging orgs to connect with local NeighborWorks members.

Timestamps

00:39 - Jim's path into affordable housing
01:33 - From banking into housing finance
03:41 - Today's affordable housing landscape
04:55 - Scale of the housing shortfall
06:30 - Housing insecurity's effect on opportunity
07:58 - Why more homes isn't the whole solution
09:13 - Who NeighborWorks Capital serves
10:56 - Types of financing it provides
11:51 - Why banks invest in it
12:56 - How the nonprofit model sustains itself
14:48 - Annual borrowing and lending scale
15:23 - Tax credit investments and capital stack
16:40 - Affordable units the network produces
17:10 - Why collective bargaining power matters
18:18 - NeighborWorks nonprofits as innovators
19:26 - How scale advantages leave smaller groups behind
22:19 - Listening as a superpower with funders
23:44 - Why new partnerships require flexibility
25:44 - Advice for frontline organizations
27:01 - Why NeighborWorks members are the right partners
28:43 - The collaborative culture of the CDFI space
29:28 - What NeighborWorks Capital hopes to change next
31:02 - Headwinds facing affordable housing
33:40 - Where to find Jim and NeighborWorks Capital

Resources & Links:

• The Kipos Group Website
• Schedule a Discovery Call with James
• Connect with James Misner on Linkedin

Connect with Jim:

• Neighborworks Capital Official Website
• Connect with Jim on Linkedin

Therese Tetzel on Building Empower Girls Camp to Change Girls’ Trajectories

James Misner talks with Therese Tetzel, founder of Empower Girls Camp, about leaving a 30-year corporate career to build a research-informed program that helps shy or at-risk girls develop confidence and resilience. They also discuss why short, consistent donor updates beat broad, generic appeals.

Key topics

• Empower Girls Camp aims to deeply impact a small group of girls rather than many superficially.
• Therese left a 30-year corporate career after questioning its purpose, sparked by tutoring Sifa, a young refugee who couldn't read — Sifa's first camp became the turning point.
• Serves girls 9–11 who are shy, withdrawn, or facing hardship at home — a "precision intervention disguised as a STEM camp."
• Selection uses a 12-point counselor questionnaire and a scoring system built with a child psychologist.
• Therese designed the program using her corporate product-development background, planning it out on butcher paper.
• Lessons learned: not every parent says yes, so a response plan was needed; in fundraising, local relationships and short, frequent donor updates beat long newsletters.
• Donors want to see impact, not a sales pitch — regular updates build trust.
• Vision: keep adding schools and girls yearly, aiming for 20 schools.

Timestamps

00:00 - Why nonprofit missions differ from corporate ones
00:28 - Meet Therese Tetzel and Empower Girls Camp
00:59 - Leaving corporate America after asking "What am I doing here?"
02:28 - Meeting Sifa and discovering the power of tutoring
03:10 - Teaching a six-year-old refugee to read in a month
04:07 - The first camp experience that changed everything
05:47 - From one camper to a broader model
06:17 - Launching a nonprofit with no prior experience
07:59 - Building the model from the American Camp Association study
09:26 - "Precision intervention masquerading as a STEM camp"
10:13 - Identifying the girls most likely to benefit
11:12 - The 12-point questionnaire and selection process
12:21 - Building the process on butcher paper
13:17 - Using school data to predict enrollment
14:14 - Parent permission, photo releases, vaccination records
15:27 - What didn't work: assuming every parent would say yes
17:10 - Fundraising lessons: local giving matters most
18:26 - Why sales skills don't translate to fundraising
19:27 - Donor communication needs to happen often
20:24 - Short, frequent updates over long newsletters
21:34 - Keeping the cause front and center for donors
23:14 - Donors want impact, not merchandise
24:46 - Showing outcomes multiplies donor joy
25:10 - Milestones can also lead to grants
26:16 - Growth plans: more schools, girls, funding
27:37 - How to connect with Therese
28:17 - Why the organization is uniquely focused

Resources & Links:

• The Kipos Group Website
• Schedule a Discovery Call with James
• Connect with James Misner on Linkedin

Connect with Therese:

• MPower Girls Camp Official Website
• Connect with Therese on Linkedin

Helping Up Mission, Baltimore, and a life shaped by serving people in crisis

James Misner talks with Daniel Stoltzfus, CEO of Helping Up Mission in Baltimore, about the personal calling that led him into addiction recovery and homelessness work, the mission’s 140-year history, and how it navigates changing policies while staying focused on trust, relationships, and transformation. Daniel also shares how a life-changing experience at age 19 shaped his path, along with insights on Baltimore’s recovery, nonprofit leadership, succession, and sustainable funding.

Key Topics

• Daniel’s calling began at 19 on the Relief Bus in NYC.
• Isaiah 58 shaped his view of service and vocation.
• Helping Up Mission was founded in Baltimore in 1885.
• Its original mission included women and children.
• The mission expanded to women and children in 2020.
• Daniel sees this growth as returning to its roots.
• Baltimore shows both deep need and real renewal.
• Overdoses, crime, prayer, and partnerships shape the city.
• Daniel supports housing, harm reduction, and recovery together.
• Recovery depends on trust, relationships, and readiness.

Timestamps

00:00 - Daniel’s introduction and why this matters
00:52 - Mission service and street addiction in NYC
03:12 - The moment in Maria Hernandez Park that changed his life
04:20 - Isaiah 58 and his call to service
05:42 - 30 years in addiction, homelessness, and poverty work
07:16 - Helping Up Mission’s founding in 1885
08:42 - Historic board minutes and early mission language
10:05 - Expanding from men’s shelter to recovery and women’s services
11:33 - Discovering the founder lived near today’s campus
13:15 - Why rescue missions emerged during economic crises
15:12 - What early records reveal about resilience
16:36 - Emergency funds, near closures, and faith
18:20 - Why Baltimore is often misunderstood
19:19 - Street outreach and active addiction
20:15 - Overdose deaths and the people behind the numbers
22:14 - A vision for Baltimore’s recovery
24:09 - Prayer, churches, leaders, and the city
26:32 - Succeeding a long-tenured CEO
32:41 - Housing first, harm reduction, and recovery
34:36 - 12-step and Christ-centered recovery
37:21 - Narcan and going beyond harm reduction
39:39 - Why strong nonprofits embrace paradox
40:27 - What failed: oversimplifying with a hotline
41:26 - Telling client stories with dignity and consent
42:55 - Building diversified nonprofit revenue
45:03 - Helping Up Mission’s next 5–10 years
47:39 - Connecting with Daniel and Helping Up Mission

Resources & Links:

• The Kipos Group Website
• Schedule a Discovery Call with James
• Connect with James Misner on Linkedin

Connect with Daniel:

• Helping Up Mission Official Website
• Connect with Daniel on Linkedin

Building Bridges and Moving Hearts with Josh Yerkes: Stories, Funding, and Mission Impact

In this conversation, Josh Yerkes Vice President of Development at Global Outreach International—shares how storytelling, unscalable donor engagement, and documentary filmmaking fuel the organization's mission to send missionaries worldwide. Discover the power of personal touches in fundraising, the challenges of donor retention, and innovative ways to inspire support for global missions.

Key Topics:

• The role of faith-based organizations in international missions
• The importance of storytelling in donor engagement and fundraising
• Unscalable yet impactful donor stewardship tactics
• How documentary films can energize mission-focused giving
• Lessons learned from fundraising failures and setbacks
• Strategies for building long-term donor loyalty
• The significance of personal, experiential touches in supporter relationships
• Effective use of social media and video content to tell compelling stories

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Josh Yerkes and Global Outreach International

00:39 - What Global Outreach does annually—mission, support, training

01:10 - Josh’s background as a missionary kid and career transition into nonprofit leadership

03:15 - The path from YMCA leadership to global missions and fundraising

06:44 - The storytelling approach and its impact on fundraising success

07:14 - The influence of personal stories and experiences in donor relationships

09:12 - Using sensory memories like chlorine smell to craft compelling stories

10:20 - How Global Outreach funds its mission: impact, partnership, and broad-spectrum investing

13:24 - Strategies for increasing revenue and donor retention

14:23 - The importance of personalized thank-yous and stewardship

16:33 - The power of experiential gifts and unscalable acts of generosity

18:53 - The value of personal gestures in donor loyalty and supporter engagement

20:45 - Overcoming scarcity mindset in fundraising and supporting loyal supporters

22:36 - The importance of focusing on supporter loyalty over immediate metrics

23:14 - Lessons from fundraising failures and experimenting in the space

26:46 - A personal story of a failed year-end campaign and lessons learned

27:24 - Announcing the upcoming documentary project "Beyond River's Edge"

29:18 - How storytelling through film can galvanize support for missions

31:09 - Practical ways to connect with Josh and collaborate in global missions

Resources & Links:

• The Kipos Group Website
• Schedule a Discovery Call with James
• Connect with James Misner on Linkedin

Connect with Josh:

• Global Outrech International Official Website
• Connect with Josh Yerkes on Linkedin

Empowering Future Leaders: Junior Achievement, AI, and the Future of Nonprofit Storytelling

Join us as James Misner sits down with Kim Morgan, President of Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County, to talk about preparing young people for the future through financial literacy, experiential learning, and career readiness. Kim also shares how her nonprofit team is using AI to work smarter, strengthen grant writing, and create more effective storytelling that puts donors and audiences first.

In this episode:

• How Junior Achievement uses experiential learning to teach financial literacy, entrepreneurship, communication, and critical thinking
• Why students need hands-on experiences to build confidence and prepare for real-world success
• Kim’s path to Junior Achievement after 18 years at United Way and a two-year career break
• What it means to return to leadership refreshed, focused, and not burnt out
• How Kim’s team adopted AI for grant writing, communications, and strategic planning
• Why AI should be treated as a coworker that supports, not replaces, people
• The role of storytelling in fundraising and why the donor should be the hero
• How Finance Park, BizTown, and Dream Accelerator are shaping the next phase of growth

Timestamps:

00:00 - James introduces Kim Morgan and Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County

00:27 - What Junior Achievement is and how it connects learning with experiences

01:38 - Kim’s view of today’s students and the confidence gap in financial literacy

03:31 - Why real-world experiences create lasting learning

04:20 - How Kim became leader of Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County

05:19 - Her years at United Way and what she learned from the role

07:12 - What it’s like to work in a large fundraising organization

09:43 - Why Kim took a two-year career break

13:24 - How the break made her a better leader

14:08 - Why nonprofits need to embrace AI

15:03 - Practical ways Kim’s team uses AI every day

16:38 - How staff members are responding to AI adoption

17:38 - Thinking of AI as a coworker

19:46 - Fundraising growth through stronger products and donor alignment

23:17 - Storytelling that centers the audience, not the organization

26:08 - Why nonprofit leaders struggle with simple, clear messaging

29:05 - What success looks like in five years

30:02 - How to connect with Kim and learn more about Junior Achievement

Resources & Links:

• The Kipos Group Website
• Schedule a Discovery Call with James
• Connect with James Misner on Linkedin

Connect with Kim:

• Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County Official Website
• Connect with Kim Morgan on Linkedin
• StoryBrand by Donald Miller

$500K to $25 Million: How Feiro Marine Life Center Funded a 13,000 Sq Ft Rebuild

Discover how Melissa Williams transformed the Feiro Marine Life Center from a small community museum into a $25 million funded marine education hub. Learn the strategic partnerships, fundraising tactics, and resilience that powered their growth despite setbacks, and gain insights into making impactful organizational leaps.

Key Topics:

• Melissa Williams shares her transition from Chicago's Shed Aquarium to Feiro and her nonprofit journey

• The unique "David and Goliath" story of raising $25 million for Feiro's new aquarium
• Building strategic partnerships, including NOAA collaboration, to elevate project credibility
• Navigating federal funding allocations and private fundraising from $500,000 to $25 million
• Overcoming challenges with a major project reimagining and managing a six-year delay
• Cultivating donor relationships through tours, events, and impact storytelling
• Strategies for rural organizations to leverage community support and major gifts
• The importance of perseverance and self-care during long fundraising campaigns

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction & Feiro's location
00:19 - Melissa's background, incl. Shed Aquarium
01:12 - Feiro's growth into a $25M project
01:39 - Early excitement and community ties
03:17 - Visitor experience: tide pools & exhibits
04:43 - Plans for the new 2028 center
05:52 - Scaling the facility for growth
07:01 - Deciding to launch a capital campaign
07:58 - Securing federal funds & NOAA partnership
09:44 - State/federal funding & grant challenges
10:15 - From $500K budget to $25M raised
11:12 - Hiring a development director
12:02 - Feasibility study & donor cultivation
14:41 - Volunteer engagement & outreach
15:32 - Setbacks and reimagining the plan
16:54 - Keeping the team motivated
17:39 - Melissa's resilience strategies
19:48 - Earned revenue: 30% to 70%
21:29 - Donor cultivation, urgency & matching funds
22:39 - Rural fundraising challenges
23:37 - Giving, connections & pledge management
24:54 - Momentum through perseverance
26:01 - Advice for leaders with big visions
27:12 - Connect with Melissa & Feiro
28:36 - Closing thoughts & appreciation

Resources & Links:

• The Kipos Group Website
• Schedule a Discovery Call with James
• Connect with James Misner on Linkedin

Connect with Melissa:

• The Feiro Marine Life Center's Official Website
• Connect with Melissa Williams on Linkedin

Discover how technology and AI are transforming nonprofit work, enhancing donor relationships, and increasing efficiency in this insightful conversation with David Blyer, CEO of Arreva.

Main Topics:

• The evolution of technology in nonprofits over 25 years
• Challenges with disconnected systems and integration
• The role and future of AI in fundraising and donor management
• Building trust and protecting donor data with AI
• Practical steps for nonprofits to adopt new tech with limited resources

In this episode:

• David Blyer shares his journey from software entrepreneurship to solving nonprofit data challenges
• The importance of integrated systems in donor engagement and fundraising
• How AI can streamline communication, improve donor retention, and enhance decision-making
• Key considerations for responsible AI use, including donor data privacy
• The future of technology in nonprofits, including AI embedded into daily operations
• Practical advice for nonprofits on adopting technology within budget constraints

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and David Blyer’s background in nonprofit technology

01:12 - Early career and transition into solving nonprofit data problems

02:38 - Identifying the gap: disconnected nonprofit systems

03:57 - How Arreva simplifies donor management for nonprofits

06:42 - Current challenges nonprofits face with multiple systems

08:00 - The importance of timely communication for donor retention

09:56 - Impact of delayed donor communication on giving behavior

11:22 - The role of technology in building trust and relationships

13:00 - Retention statistics and the importance of stewardship

14:26 - Overcoming resource limitations for technology investment

15:48 - The significance of integrated all-in-one solutions

18:10 - Practical steps to streamline nonprofit operations and data management

19:12 - Engaging the board for technology approval

20:36 - How nonprofits can fund technology using existing resources

21:28 - The current state and potential of AI in nonprofits

22:18 - The practical benefits and risks of AI adoption today

23:45 - AI in crafting communication, fundraising, and donor insights

25:38 - Using AI responsibly to protect donor privacy

26:47 - Data protection principles with AI in nonprofit contexts

29:28 - The future of technology and AI in nonprofits over the next decade

30:25 - How AI will enhance fundraisers and personalize supporter engagement

33:03 - The ongoing importance of trust and relationships in fundraising

34:20 - Arriva’s unique offerings and how they improve nonprofit data systems

36:39 - Connecting with David Blyer and Arreva

37:09 - Final thoughts: technology as an enabler for mission-driven work

Resources & Links:

• The Kipos Group Website
• Schedule a Discovery Call with James
• Connect with James Misner on Linkedin

Connect with David:

• Arreva Official Website
• Connect with David Blyer on Linkedin

How the Okanagan Science Center Leads with Community and Innovation

Join us as Dione Chambers, director of the Okanagan Science Center, shares her journey from chemistry and nanotechnology to leading a beloved community science hub. Discover how she navigates fundraising, community engagement, and innovation in a small-town setting.

Main Topic:

• Transitioning from science to nonprofit leadership
• Creative funding strategies during challenging times
• Leveraging digital platforms for education and revenue
• Leading through crisis: fire and pandemic responses
• Building community support for capital campaigns

In this episode:

• Dione's career path from nanotech to nonprofit leadership
• The role of traveling exhibits and unique programs at a small science center
• How moving online during COVID opened new revenue streams
• Lessons learned from managing a fire and operational disruptions
• Strategies for community engagement and communication
• Practical advice for leaders: building teams and prioritizing fundraising

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introducing Dione Chambers and the Okanagan Science Center's unique story

00:21 - The location and community context of the Okanagan Valley 01:08 - Dione's transition from chemistry and nanotech to nonprofit leadership

01:33 - How her diverse experiences shape her approach to managing the science center

02:28 - What visitors experience at the science center, including exhibits and animal displays

03:00 - The popularity of axolotls and other unique science experiences

04:27 - Funding structures and revenue strategies, including moving online 05:09 - Deep dive into the center’s online platform and educational offerings

06:08 - The role of web-based programs for school groups and community

07:05 - Supporting teachers with accessible resources

07:35 - Looking ahead: fundraising plans and engaging community support

08:22 - The upcoming $10 million capital campaign and early donor engagement

09:38 - The importance of dedicated fundraising focus for nonprofit leaders

09:57 - Challenges faced with the canceled science festival and lessons in crisis management

12:52 - Navigating the fire emergency and restoring community trust 15:44 - The 'plant bingo' event as a creative response during closures 17:16 - Community resilience and communication during crises

18:51 - Marketing lessons learned from the fire and signage challenges 20:43 - The importance of multi-channel communication in busy community environments

22:50 - Leadership lessons: building teams, delegating, and self-care 24:00 - Connecting with Dione and the Okanagan Science Center for further engagement

Resources & Links:

• The Kipos Group Website
• Schedule a Discovery Call with James
• Connect with James Misner on Linkedin

Connect with Dione Chambers:

• Okanagan Science Center Official Website
• Connect with Dione Chambers on Linkedin

Transforming Attitudes and Building Communities: How Kupenda Promotes Disability Inclusion and Breaks Down Stigma

Cynthia Bauer of Kupenda shares her journey from wildlife biology to leading a global movement against disability stigma. Learn how strategic partnerships, grassroots work, and smart measurement tools drive lasting change worldwide.

In this episode:

• Cindy's story and Kupenda's origins

• How disability stigma is rooted in cultural beliefs
• Scaling impact through local partner organizations
• Key partnerships (World Hope International, World Relief)
• Faith and community leaders' role in reducing stigma
• Fundraising lessons: skip capital campaigns, build long-term relationships
• Measuring impact, from workshops to community ripple effects
• Lessons from unsuccessful initiatives like teacher training
• Integrating disability into development and social justice
• How philanthropic funding is allocated today

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro to Cynthia and Kupenda

00:21 - Cindy's story, discovering stigma in Kenya

01:36 - Kupenda's accidental founding

02:55 - From basic aid to root causes

03:34 - Faith and community leaders shifting beliefs

04:36 - What Kupenda does today; meaning of the name

05:57 - Engaging influencers for inclusion

06:27 - Scaling via local partnerships

07:37 - Early fundraising, hiring a development director

09:14 - Government/foundation funding & measurement

10:53 - Demonstrating impact through studies, stories

11:46 - Lessons from teacher-training setbacks

12:28 - Influencing others without direct implementation

13:03 - Building disability-inclusive development models

14:19 - Partnerships in Sierra Leone and Malawi

15:56 - Reach: working with 27+ organizations

16:51 - Storytelling and communicating impact

18:02 - Measuring stigma reduction, transformation

22:27 - Case story: a mother and her children

23:45 - Lessons from failed quick fixes, segregated education

26:01 - Fundraising pitfalls: capital campaigns, one-off events

28:51 - Mindset shift during crises like COVID-19

29:20 - Cindy's vision for Kupenda's next decade

31:09 - Disability as a shared development lens

32:52 - State of philanthropic giving to disability causes

33:33 - Impact of shifting perceptions, systemic inclusion

34:16 - How to connect with Cynthia and Kupenda

Resources & Links:

• The Kipos Group Website
• Schedule a Discovery Call with James
• Connect with James Misner on Linkedin

Connect with Cindy:

• Kupenda Official Website
• Documentary: Climbing Kilimanjaro with Kids with Disabilities
• Unlikely Gifts Podcast
• Connect with Cynthia Bauer on Linkedin

Growing Hope Globally: Connecting Communities for Global Food Security

In this episode, Kaitlyn from Growing Hope Globally shares how local farming initiatives in the U.S. create global impact, supporting farmers in developing countries and fostering international unity.

Main Topic:

• Origin and evolution of Growing Hope Globally
• Community-wide farming projects and their global effects
• Rural-urban partnerships across the U.S.
• The importance of land and acreage in farming success
• Challenges and opportunities in rural farming communities
• Strategies for expanding and sustaining global impact

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Growing Hope Globally's mission
00:42 – The story behind its founding
01:07 – How local farmers support global hunger solutions
01:35 – The model of local crop growth and community involvement
02:01 – Impact of donations and community participation
02:28 – Long-term effects on farmers overseas
03:26 – The community aspect and volunteerism
04:17 – The power of grassroots farming and urban communities
05:13 – Examples of urban-rural partnerships and their benefits
05:49 – Stories of global farmer connections
06:42 – Building relational communities and global understanding
07:40 – Shared farming priorities worldwide
08:06 – Beyond donations: seeing each other as human beings
08:35 – Scale of impact from Midwest communities
09:04 – The community as a "knitting circle for men"
09:14 – Importance of rural-urban partnerships in fractured times
09:42 – How nonprofits foster community engagement
10:11 – Kaitlyn's journey and farming background
10:26 – Her transition into leadership at Growing Hope
11:11 – Reflections on leadership and community impact
11:32 – Growth and fundraising challenges amid economic fluctuations
12:53 – Current economic impacts on farming and nonprofit funding
13:20 – Staying true to the farming community's core identity
14:20 – Creative fundraising ideas (tournaments, dining events)
15:15 – Balancing traditional farming models with innovation
16:17 – Why acreage and land size are crucial for farm projects
17:06 – Case example of land sharing among farmers
18:03 – Relationship between land size, equipment, and profitability
18:47 – The significance of scale in farming success
19:15 – Future goals and geographic expansion
20:21 – Migration and economic stability through community investments
21:49 – How to learn more: website, social media, starting your own project
23:12 – The power of small beginnings in fighting hunger
23:40 – Final thoughts on collective impact and connection

Resources and Links:

• The Kipos Group Website
• Schedule a Discovery Call with James
• Connect with James Misner on Linkedin

Connect with Kaitlyn:

• Growing Hope Globally Website

• LinkedIn Kaitlyn

From Nurturing Nurses to Transforming Lives: The Hopes Walks Journey

Discover how a nurse’s volunteer work evolved into a global movement eliminating clubfoot disability, transforming thousands of lives across multiple countries. Join us as Scott Reichenbach shares the inspiring story behind Hope Walks, strategic growth, and the power of faith and community in health initiatives in this episode:

• Scott Reichenbach’s background in nursing and how it led to founding Hope Walks
• The transformative power of simple medical treatments for clubfoot
• The strategic growth from a small program to a multi-million dollar international organization
• Key tactics used to scale impact amid global health challenges
• The importance of trusted team leadership and trusting community expertise
• Future plans to reach 60,000 children by 2030 and expand into India
• Lessons learned from early fundraising efforts and organizational pivots
• How addressing stigma transforms communities and promotes inclusion

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Scott Reichenbach and the origin story of Hope Walks
02:30 - The connection between personal faith, health, and service in global contexts
05:12 - The impact of simple treatments like casting in curing clubfoot
09:05 - Cost analysis: How $500 transforms a child's life from disability to mobility
13:04 - Organizational growth: Scaling from initial funding to a $5.7 million budget
15:45 - Strategies behind fundraising success and building sustainable support
18:25 - Addressing disability stigma and promoting inclusion through healthcare
21:19 - Lessons from early organizational failures and how trusting the team made a difference
23:24 - The vision for expanding access to care in 15+ countries by 2030
25:07 - The emerging opportunity in India: how prayer, partnerships, and persistence paid off
26:32 - How listeners can learn more and support Hope Walks’

mission

Resources & Links:

• Kipos Group
• Schedule a Call

Connect with Scott Reichenbach:

• Hope Walks on LinkedIn
• Hope Walks

Adaptive Show Notes for "Leading with Innovation and Humanity at Easterseals" Podcast Episode

Join us as Kendra Ennis Davenport, President and CEO of Easterseals, shares how the organization serves over 1 million people annually by blending tradition with innovation, storytelling with impact, and optimism with realism. Discover how Easterseals navigates funding gaps, scales care, and advocates for disability awareness with heart and ingenuity.

Main Topics:

• The evolution and ongoing innovation at Easterseals over 107 years
• Creative models for adult disability services, including the open-air PIAT center
• Fundraising strategies that humanize and elevate adult programs
• The power of storytelling and participant agency in advocacy
• Leaders' resilience in challenging nonprofit environments
• Building a national brand movement similar to breast cancer awareness
• Strategies for smaller nonprofits to scale impact and grow support

In this episode:

• Kendra shares how Easterseals combines its rich heritage with innovative service delivery
• An inside look at the open-air adult day program in Southern California
• The importance of storytelling and participant consent in advocacy campaigns
• Lessons learned from a failed gaming program and pivoting with transparency
• How to foster positivity and resilience in nonprofit leadership
• Strategies to grow awareness and support for disability issues through example organizations like Susan G. Komen
• Practical advice for small nonprofits to step out of comfort zones and expand their impact

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Easterseals and its impact on over a million individuals annually

00:31 - Kendra's background and vision for sustaining innovation over 107 years

01:56 - The juxtaposition of tradition and innovation at Easterseals

03:19 - Innovative adult day services — open-air centers and personalized care models

05:00 - The story of the PIAT open-air adult day center in Southern California

07:05 - Fundraising challenges and human storytelling for adult programs

09:15 - Engaging veteran stories to highlight resilience and purpose

11:56 - Maintaining positivity despite national funding challenges

14:49 - How Easterseals continues to evolve and celebrate long-term impact

16:58 - The importance of storytelling, authenticity, and participant agency

22:51 - Lessons learned from a failed gaming program and pivoting with transparency

22:58 - Crafting stories that balance honesty with emotional connection

28:40 - The role of personal stories in advocacy and fundraising success

33:31 - Building a national awareness movement for disability akin to breast cancer campaigns

34:00 - Advice for small nonprofits aspiring to grow impact

38:02 - Connecting with Easterseals and future leadership initiatives

Resources & Links:

• Kipos Group
• Schedule a call

Connect with Kendra:

• Kendra Ennis Davenport - LinkedIn
• Easterseals

From $7,000 to $800,000: How North Bay Transformed Its Fundraising Strategy

Discover how North Bay, a 17-year-old outdoor education organization, shifted from negligible fundraising to confidently raising nearly $800,000 annually. Jen Foy shares her journey, strategies, and lessons learned to inspire nonprofit leaders to rethink their funding models and systems.

In this episode:

• The storytelling power of cohesive messaging in fundraising
• How North Bay identified and invested in foundational partnerships
• The importance of starting small with systems and processes
• Strategies for building a community presence and recognition
• Lessons learned from failed outreach efforts
• The role of team culture and leadership in risk-taking and learning
• Practical steps to grow a donor list from scratch
• The concept of 'learning labs' for continuous improvement
• The significance of 'day in the life' visits for engagement
• Future fundraising plans and expanding donor pipelines

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: The mission to change nonprofit funding perceptions
01:51 - Jen Foy’s background and North Bay's vision
02:58 - Challenges faced: organizational burnout and funding crises
04:09 - The fundraising vacuum: initial small donations and reliance on grants
05:32 - Entering a new era: from $7,000 to $800,000 in annual revenue
10:00 - Building foundation and corporation partnerships: starting points
11:11 - The decision to invest in fundraisers: making a strategic leap
12:46 - Overcoming fear: why investment was a necessity
13:46 - Navigating community perception and awareness gaps
15:11 - Why North Bay focused on corporate and foundation funding
16:51 - Setting up effective systems: KPIs, tracking, and iteration
18:13 - Embracing imperfect systems: starting small and scaling
19:10 - The 'day in the life' visits approach and its impact on engagement
21:37 - Lessons from failures: email campaigns and event turnout
23:13 - Reflecting and learning: debriefs and team culture
26:17 - Leadership principles fostering a collaborative, risk-tolerant team
27:14 - Next steps: expanding the donor base and future growth
28:24 - Final advice: start small, take risks, and learn fast

Resources & Links:

• The Kipos Group Website
• Book a discovery Call with James M.

Connect with Jen Foy:

• LinkedIn

Connect with James Misner:

• LinkedIn

In this episode of On the Ground with James Misner, James sits down with Calla Parker and Matt Soerens to unpack how World Relief mobilized a rapid, faith-driven response—raising $10 million in just 90 days and housing 3,998 refugee families.

This conversation goes beyond the numbers. Calla and Matt share what it looked like to navigate sudden policy shifts, respond to urgent human need, and lead through uncertainty while staying grounded in mission. They also reveal the behind-the-scenes strategy—how advocacy, storytelling, and donor engagement came together to fuel one of the most critical fundraising efforts in recent history.

The podcast features a conversation with John Molineux, CEO of Love Justice International, focusing on the organization's impactful mission and efficient fundraising strategies. John shares his journey to founding Love Justice and the birth of its preventative solution. The discussion also delves into the scaling of transit monitoring, tenacity and resilience in fundraising, maximizing impact and efficiency, translating program skills to fundraising, donor engagement and impact, and the future of Love Justice International.

In this episode of On the Ground, host James Meisner sits down with Jen, Executive Director of ANCA — the national association representing over 400 nature centers across North America. Jen shares her journey from wildlife biologist to nonprofit leader, the lessons she's learned navigating membership organizations, and why nature centers are more vital than ever in today's screen-dominated world. From setting realistic fundraising goals to staying focused amid constant change, Jen offers honest, practical wisdom for any nonprofit leader trying to grow sustainably. Plus, she breaks down ANCA's biggest fundraising challenge — telling their impact story — and why storytelling may be their greatest opportunity yet.

The celebration is real. The impact is massive. But the mindset has changed.

In this episode of On the Ground, James Misner explores Stage 5: Acceleration—the moment when success stops being the finish line and becomes the new baseline. This conversation is about what it takes to build a team that pursues excellence relentlessly and isn’t satisfied with “good enough.”

Because the best teams don’t just win—they evolve.

The conversation explores the concept of stage four in fundraising psychology, focusing on action, learning orientation, building systems and teams, and the role of metrics and feedback. It emphasizes the importance of intelligent action, learning from mistakes, involving teams, and using metrics as feedback for improvement.

James Misner, CEO of The Kipos, explores Stage 3 of Fundraising Psychology: Acceptance — the turning point where fundraising stops feeling like an obligation and becomes an expression of leadership.

This is the moment when fear and resentment fade, and ownership takes its place. Fundraising is no longer something that happens to you — it becomes something you intentionally lead.

Stage 3 isn’t about loving every donor meeting or becoming someone you’re not. It’s about alignment. It’s about recognizing that resourcing the mission is central — not secondary — to your role as a nonprofit CEO.

You’re no longer afraid of donor meetings.
You’re just… tired of them.

In Stage 2 of our 5 Stages of Fundraising Psychology series, James Misner unpacks the quiet danger of resentment in nonprofit leadership.

In this episode, James explores why Annoyance is more dangerous than Anxiety, how subtle resentment caps growth, and why flat results often trace back to flat energy. If your organization feels stuck — not declining, but not growing — this conversation will hit close to home.

You’re functioning. But are you thriving?

In this episode of On the Ground, James Misner (CEO, The Kipos Group) shares insights from the largest study to date on the psychology of nonprofit fundraising—and the finding that changes everything: 82% of nonprofit leaders are psychologically stuck, not because they don’t know what to do, but because of what happens inside them when it’s time to ask.

You’ll learn the five stages of fundraising psychology, why you can’t skip stages, and what “Stage 1: Anxiety” actually looks like in real life. James gives practical ways to build momentum—small actions that retrain your nervous system—and clear next steps to identify your stage and move forward.

Over half of nonprofit leaders admit their discomfort with fundraising is directly limiting their organization's impact. Not because they don't know what to do—but because asking for money triggers anxiety, avoidance, and resentment they can't seem to overcome.

In this episode, James Misner exposes the truth most fundraising advice ignores: Your fundraising struggles aren't a knowledge problem. They're a psychological problem.

"We're making a real impact. Our programs work. Our team is passionate. So why doesn't our funding match what we're creating?"If you've ever asked yourself that question, this podcast is for you.

Welcome to On the Ground – real leaders, real challenges, real solutions from the trenches. I'm James Misner, CEO of The Kipos Group, and for 20 years, I've watched passionate nonprofit leaders work themselves to exhaustion while their revenue stays stuck.