Explore every episode of the podcast Built for Good
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| Fiscal Sponsorship and Building Stronger Nonprofits with Katy Calloway | 13 Oct 2026 | 00:36:37 | |
What if you could try being a nonprofit before you become one? On this episode of Built for Good, Mazlo CEO and Founder Kian Alavi sits down with Katy Calloway, Founder & Executive Director of People in Partnership SC, the only nonprofit in South Carolina practicing fiscal sponsorship exclusively. Since 2018, Katy has helped community leaders, event organizers, and small business owners launch charitable programs without filing for their own 501(c)(3). Katy explains why so many well-intentioned nonprofits never get off the ground, and why her board counts it as a win when a project decides to shut down. She describes how People in Partnership mentors projects toward independence, and how fiscal sponsorship can bring community events, business-led charitable programs, and large grants under responsible oversight. She also talks about the Calloway Stern Group, her project management firm that pairs small nonprofits with vetted, practicing nonprofit professionals who actually do the work instead of handing over a strategic plan that sits on a shelf. IN THIS EPISODE - Why there are more nonprofits than communities can sustain Filings rise every year, but many organizations never get moving. - Fiscal sponsorship as "try before you buy" Test your program under an established sponsor before filing for a 501(c)(3). - Why half of sponsored projects never take off, and why that's a win Founders avoid the paperwork and burden of a struggling organization. - Bringing community events under a charitable umbrella Events like the Park Circle Art Walk can now offer sponsors tax-deductible giving. - How businesses can run charitable programs Owners can offer programs or scholarships without starting a separate nonprofit. - The education gap With no legal definition of fiscal sponsorship, Katy educates funders and legislators one conversation at a time. - Helping small nonprofits manage large grants A sponsor provides the oversight and reporting capacity small teams lack. - Rethinking nonprofit consulting The Calloway Stern Group delivers actionable plans plus the people to carry them out. - "Collaboration is my love language" Connecting projects with resources and peers to move faster together. KEY TAKEAWAYS - Running a nonprofit is harder than running a for-profit business. Fiscal sponsorship lets you test the idea first. - Winding down under a sponsor spares founders the cost and long-term burden of a dormant 501(c)(3). - Most nonprofit leaders know what they need. What they lack is the capacity to do it. ABOUT THE GUEST Katy Calloway is the Founder & Executive Director of People in Partnership SC, a Charleston-based nonprofit providing fiscal sponsorship exclusively for South Carolina projects. She is also the founder of the Calloway Stern Group, which provides project-based support to nonprofits with budgets under $2 million. ABOUT THE HOST Kian Alavi is the CEO and Founder of Mazlo and host of Built for Good, a podcast about the people and organizations reshaping how good work gets done. LINKS Calloway Stern Group: https://www.callowaysterngroup.com/ Mazlo: https://www.mazlo.com/ #FiscalSponsorship #Nonprofit #NonprofitLeadership #SouthCarolina #Charleston #SocialImpact #BuiltForGood #Mazlo | |||
| The Surprising Impact of Food Production on Climate and Biodiversity | 29 Sep 2026 | 01:07:08 | |
In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Dr. Jason Clay, Senior Vice President, Markets & Food and Executive Director of the Markets Institute at the World Wildlife Fund, to explore how food systems impact climate change and biodiversity, and what we can do to create a more sustainable future. Dr. Clay shares insights on sustainable agriculture, innovation, consumer choices, and the systemic changes needed to build healthier and more resilient food systems. In this episode, we explore:
Explore World Wildlife Fund: https://www.worldwildlife.org/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest Dr. Jason Clay 00:37 - Overview of the food system's impact on climate and biodiversity 02:09 - The challenge of feeding a growing population sustainably 03:52 - Growing up on a Missouri farm and early decision-making skills 06:29 - How farm life teaches responsibility and responsibility in food choices 08:46 - The urgency of systemic change in agriculture and food production 10:56 - Addressing global water and land challenges through regional solutions 13:14 - The importance of biodiversity for crop pollination and climate resilience 15:17 - Food's dual role as a greenhouse gas emitter and sink 17:03 - How nature-based solutions can sequester carbon 18:04 - California's water crisis and implications for agriculture 20:46 - When might a global food crisis emerge without intervention? 22:29 - Innovations: regional food hubs, local processing, and crop diversification 25:28 - Supporting local and seasonal foods in American diets 28:12 - The importance of transparency in food production and supply chains 31:49 - Tackling food waste and improving storage practices 35:40 - The influence of policy, education, and systemic change 40:35 - Strategies for individual consumers to support sustainable food systems 44:36 - The role of corporations and incentives in transforming agriculture 50:04 - Infrastructure investments and smallholder inclusion 55:18 - The importance of data, collaboration, and shared learning across sectors 59:37 - Creating community and cooperative models for equipment and labor sharing 62:53 - Viewing food production through a kaleidoscope of possibilities 65:09 - How to start becoming informed and involved as consumers 66:36 - Final messages: supporting local, seasonal choices, and staying informed | |||
| Part 2: The Hidden Power of Saying "Yes" More in the Nonprofit Sector | 15 Sep 2026 | 00:54:35 | |
Summary Oliver shares his perspective on creating space for creativity, encouraging courageous leadership, and building systems that allow teams and mission-driven leaders to thrive. He explores the role of fiscal sponsorship in helping people turn their ideas into meaningful work while emphasizing the importance of studying the problem, understanding the business and revenue model, and making thoughtful decisions before starting a nonprofit. The conversation also dives into the importance of community and collaboration within the fiscal sponsorship field, the value of saying “yes” more often, and how leaders can balance passion with risk, sustainability, and long-term impact. Oliver discusses why organizations sometimes need to adapt their strategies without losing sight of their core purpose, and why courage, flexibility, and resilience are essential for navigating challenging times. From fostering innovation to making smart strategic choices, Oliver offers practical insights for nonprofit leaders and community builders looking to create lasting impact. Soundbites: "Innovation in the nonprofit sector is rare, but it's crucial to push beyond what's there and above where you think you can." "Leadership requires earning the right and having the courage to make hard choices in a highly regulated environment." "Institutional funders need to seed nonprofit endowments to ensure long-term sustainability and allow for strategic decisions." "The nonprofit sector is about community coming together to solve community issues, and trust is essential." "Encouraging an environment of creativity and rewarding it is key to solving problems in innovative ways. Links: Explore Schulman Consulting: https://schulmanconsulting.com/ Explore Social Good Fund: https://www.socialgoodfund.org/
0:00 - Hook 0:16 - Introduction To Built To Good 0:47 - Introduction To Oliver Hack 02:20 - Funding Creativity 03:44 - Navigating Nonprofit Funding and Creativity 06:46 - The Importance of Rest and Creative Thinking 09:40 - The Four-Day Work Week: A New Perspective 12:17 - Understanding Fiscal Sponsorship and Its Challenges 16:58 - Building Community in Fiscal Sponsorship 20:22 - Innovation in Nonprofit Sector: Saying Yes More 23:19 - The Role of Passion in Nonprofit Leadership 26:48 - Evaluating Nonprofit Ideas: The Importance of Research 32:09 - The Reality of Nonprofit Startups 37:41 - Strategic Decision Making in Nonprofits 47:39 - Courage and Adaptability in Nonprofit Leadership | |||
| Part 1: The Hidden Power of Saying "Yes" More in Nonprofit Leadership | 08 Sep 2026 | 00:46:26 | |
In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Oliver Hack, Director of Fiscal Sponsorship at Social Good Fund, for a powerful conversation about nonprofit leadership, financial sustainability, innovation, and the courage required to lead through challenging times. Drawing from decades of experience across philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and fiscal sponsorship, Oliver shares practical insights on building strong teams, understanding your organization’s financial position, and creating systems that allow organizations to grow beyond any one individual. Kian and Oliver also explore the unique challenges of the nonprofit business model, the responsibility of nonprofit boards, the importance of investing in people, and why organizations need more flexibility and financial reserves to navigate difficult moments. The conversation closes with a powerful discussion about creativity, experimentation, and pushing beyond what already exists to create meaningful innovation in the nonprofit sector.
Explore Schulman Consulting: https://schulmanconsulting.com/ Explore Social Good Fund: https://www.socialgoodfund.org/ Soundbites: Soundbite 1: Nonprofit Leadership Insight: Highlight a moment where the speaker discusses the importance of mentorship and leadership qualities. Soundbite 2: Challenges in Nonprofit Sector: Focus on a segment discussing financial challenges and the need for sustainable business models. Soundbite 3: Innovation and Creativity: Capture a part where the speaker talks about fostering creativity within constraints. Soundbite 4: Role of Boards: Select a portion discussing the responsibilities and impact of effective board members. Timestamps: 00:00 - Hook 00:22 - Introduction to Built For Good 00:53 - Introduction to Oliver Hack and the episode's theme 02:30 - History between Oliver and Kian 04:10 - The importance of organizational legacy and culture 7:15 - Financial literacy as a cornerstone of nonprofit leadership 9:16 - Challenges faced by nonprofits in a turbulent economy 12:16 - Rethinking revenue models and the irrational nonprofit business 15:16 - The critical role of business background in social sector success 18:15 - The capacity of boards and how to improve their impact 21:16 - Using endowments and reserves to weather financial crises 24:20 - The power of giving nonprofits more room to innovate 27:16 - Courage and confidence for nonprofit leaders 30:15 - Managing the human side: relational work and dealing with friction 33:00 - The importance of intentional onboarding and continuous learning 37:16 - The value of creative experimentation and learning from constraints 41:16 - Supporting staff well-being through rest and intentional time off 46:15 - Ending | |||
| Mastering Fiscal Sponsorship: Models, Challenges, and the Future | 25 Aug 2026 | 01:19:02 | |
In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Gene Takagi, Principal of NEO Law Group. Gene Takagi shares deep insights into fiscal sponsorship, its models, challenges, and the future of nonprofit governance. This conversation explores how to standardize understanding, improve advocacy, and build a resilient sector. Key discussion topics include the importance of Models of fiscal sponsorship (Model A and C), Legal and ethical considerations in fiscal sponsorship, and Strategies for sector organization and advocacy. Explore New Law Group: https://www.neolawgroup.com Sound Bites "We need a common language to avoid confusion." "Community building is the future of sector resilience." "Are we a Starbucks or McDonald's model?" "Funders should invest more in sector education." "Public trust and legal compliance are vital." Disclaimer This topic may contain legal materials and information intended solely for educational and informational purposes. Nothing contained herein constitutes legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney. Chapters 00:00 Listen First Then Come Up With A Solution 0:20 Built For Good Introduction 0:51 Gene Introduction And Background 1:40 Acknowledging Each Other Work 2:43 Understanding Fiscal Sponsorship 7:27 Challenges and Misunderstandings in Fiscal Sponsorship 13:24 The Need for Stronger Advocacy and Education 21:23 Language and Communication in Fiscal Sponsorship 31:16 Funding and Support for Fiscal Sponsorship 34:18 The Evolution of Fiscal Sponsorship Guidelines 38:40 Community Engagement in Fiscal Sponsorship 40:48 Understanding Fiscal Sponsorship Models 48:52 Innovations in Fiscal Sponsorship 53:22 Legal and Compliance Challenges 59:17 Building Public Trust and Accountability 01:06:01 Legal Support for Nonprofits 01:13:29 The Future of Nonprofits and Community Building 1:18:38 Ending | |||
| Stay in Your Lane: What Nonprofits Get Wrong About Growth and Collaboration | 12 May 2026 | 00:54:06 | |
In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Manny Hernandez, CEO of The Diabetes Link. Manny shares the evolution of The Diabetes Link, a nonprofit focused exclusively on young adults living with diabetes. The Diabetes Link provides community, clinically validated guidance, and culturally relevant resources so that no young adult living with diabetes has to face these transitions alone. He discusses how the organization has expanded across major U.S. cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Boston, while also growing internationally through online communities and university chapters in Canada. A key focus of the conversation is how The Diabetes Link empowers young adults to connect with peers facing similar challenges, reducing isolation and creating long-term advocacy leaders within the community. A central theme throughout the episode is disciplined focus in nonprofit leadership. Manny explains why organizations must clearly define their core strengths, avoid mission drift, and intentionally partner with specialized organizations—particularly in policy advocacy. Rather than expanding into adjacent areas like obesity, The Diabetes Link prioritizes staying within its expertise while collaborating with external partners who bring deeper domain knowledge. The conversation also explores the shifting funding landscape for nonprofits. With reductions in federal funding, increased competition for foundation grants, and the rise of AI-assisted grant writing, Manny highlights the growing importance of trust, transparency, and long-term relationships with funders. He also outlines how The Diabetes Link diversifies its funding through corporate partnerships, foundation grants, individual giving, and emerging earned-income strategies such as content licensing and referral-based revenue models. A powerful story from the episode centers on a student-founded chapter at Columbia University. A young woman living with diabetes builds a campus community from the ground up, which later becomes a lifeline for another student recently diagnosed. Their connection transforms both of their lives and ultimately leads them into advocacy roles within the broader diabetes community. The episode closes with reflections on leadership and personal growth, emphasizing humility, clarity, and the importance of listening more than speaking. Manny underscores that sustainable impact comes from staying aligned with mission, building strong relationships, and being willing to say no to opportunities that pull organizations off course. This episode is especially valuable for nonprofit leaders, funders, and anyone interested in building mission-driven organizations grounded in clarity, collaboration, and community empowerment. Explore The Diabetes Link: https://thediabeteslink.org/
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| How to Change the World Without Power or Permission | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:59:49 | |
In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Michael Sheldrick, Co-founder of Global Citizen. Michael shares his journey from a struggling student in Australia to leading one of the world’s most impactful advocacy organizations focused on ending extreme poverty. The conversation explores how Global Citizen was built by turning awareness into action—mobilizing millions of people through campaigns, partnerships, and cultural moments like large-scale concerts. Michael breaks down the power of bold, audacious goals and why clarity of mission, not perfection, is what drives momentum. Key themes include overcoming apathy, the importance of taking action without having all the answers, and the concept of “policy entrepreneurship”—how individuals outside of government can influence real policy change. Michael also discusses the growing challenges of loneliness, declining civic engagement, and the need for “radical connection” to rebuild trust and collective action. The episode also dives into how Global Citizen is evolving—leveraging technology, AI, and new funding models to increase transparency and efficiency in philanthropy. Michael shares insights into their latest global campaign tied to the World Cup, aiming to raise $100 million for education and literacy initiatives. This episode offers actionable insights for community builders, nonprofit leaders, and anyone looking to create meaningful impact—showing that change starts with small actions, clear goals, and the willingness to begin. Explore Global Citizen: https://www.globalcitizen.org/ Get the book From Ideas to Impact by Michael Sheldrick: https://www.amazon.com/Ideas-Impact-Playbook-Influencing-Implementing/dp/1394202342 Donate to the Global Citizen Education Fund: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/projects/fifa-global-citizen-education-fund/
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| From Networks to Opportunity: How Colorwave Builds Economic Mobility | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:50:05 | |
In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with John Roussel, Co-founder and CEO of Colorwave. John shares the founding story of Colorwave, launched during the uncertainty of 2020 with a mission to close the wealth gap by connecting underrepresented professionals to opportunities within venture-backed startups. Key discussion topics include the importance of networks in accessing startup careers, how storytelling and positioning impact hiring outcomes, and the structure of Colorwave’s fellowship model. John explains how the program equips participants with startup literacy, relationship-building skills, and direct exposure to hiring companies. He also discusses evaluating risk tolerance when transitioning into early-stage companies and the differences between startup environments. The conversation also touches on adapting to changes in DEI funding, shifts in the venture ecosystem, and the growing influence of AI on hiring and workforce development. John highlights Colorwave’s focus on alumni leadership, partnerships, and upskilling initiatives to expand economic mobility. This episode provides actionable insights for professionals looking to break into startups, nonprofit leaders, and organizations focused on inclusive talent pipelines. Explore Colorwave: https://www.thecolorwave.org/
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| Fear, Algorithms, and the IRS: Erin Bradrick Reveals What’s Really Happening to Nonprofits | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:53:01 | |
In the season finale of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Erin Bradrick, an attorney and principal at NEO Law Group, to dive deep into the complexities and challenges facing nonprofits today. Erin Bradrick shares her personal journey from litigator to nonprofit legal expert and offers practical advice for nonprofit leaders—especially for those just getting started or looking to strengthen compliance practices. The discussion covers critical differences between for-profit and nonprofit legal requirements, the layers of compliance nonprofits face, and the increasing pressure many organizations feel around risk mitigation. Erin Bradrick unpacks what compliance means in practical terms, why nonprofits often face greater regulation than their for-profit counterparts, and how recent trends—such as heightened regulatory scrutiny and looming legislative threats—are impacting the sector. The conversation also tackles hot topics like donor-advised funds (DAFs), the evolving landscape of big philanthropy, and the importance of nonprofits staying mission-focused amid uncertainty. Listeners will leave with actionable insights on maintaining organizational integrity, preparing for regulatory changes, and harnessing the power of collaboration within the nonprofit community.
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| From Diplomat to Nonprofit Hero: Ajani Husbands’ Impact Journey | 31 Oct 2025 | 00:52:07 | |
In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Ajani Husbands, Vice President & Senior Counsel at Build Up Companies and the Campbell Law Firm, to explore his multifaceted journey from his Caribbean roots to diplomatic service, law, and nonprofit leadership. Ajani shares powerful stories from his upbringing in Barbados, international diplomatic work, and efforts to support grassroots movements and community organizations. Their discussion encompasses the challenges of movement building in hostile environments, the importance of lived experience and diversity in philanthropy, and how organizations like Build Up Inc. and the Campbell Law Firm are working to streamline nonprofit operations so leaders can focus on impactful work. Ajani explains the value of fiscal sponsorship, capacity building for BIPOC- and women-led organizations, and the shift towards collaborative, equitable philanthropy. Listeners will gain insights on overcoming structural barriers, starting and scaling nonprofit projects, and practical tips for effective advisory relationships. The conversation emphasizes purposeful work, optimism in challenging times, and the critical importance of empowering communities to lead change. Helpful links to Ajani’s documentary and projects are included in the show notes. Explore Ajani’s alcohol brand, 1966 Rum: https://www.drink1966.com/ Fiscal Sponsorship: 6 Ways to Do it Right Timestamped Overview | |||
| The Art (and Law) of Fiscal Sponsorship with Lisa Burger of Independent Arts & Media | 14 Oct 2025 | 01:00:16 | |
In this episode, host Kian Alavi sits down with Lisa Burger, Executive Director of Independent Arts and Media. Lisa shares her winding journey from law to arts management, breaking down the ins and outs of fiscal sponsorship—a lifeline for many small nonprofits and grassroots projects. The conversation explores the various models of fiscal sponsorship, including legal, financial, and practical implications for project leaders and fiscal sponsors. Lisa gives real-world advice for nonprofits considering offering fiscal sponsorship, explaining key lessons learned around financial systems, HR management, compliance, and the importance of trust in sponsor-project relationships. The episode also explores common challenges, the importance of mission alignment, and the shift towards transparency and stability in the nonprofit sector, particularly in arts and media. Lisa rounds out the discussion with her personal motivations, current trends, and practical tips for potential applicants. Connect with Lisa Burger & Independent Arts & Media — Fiscal Sponsorship: 6 Ways to Do it Right Connect with Schulman Consulting
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| Let the Light Shine: Building a Platform for Change with Michael Pace of Social Good Fund | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:55:31 | |
In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Michael Pace, founder and CEO of Social Good Fund—one of the nation’s most impactful nonprofits supporting grassroots changemakers. Michael shares his personal journey: the frustrations that inspired him to create Social Good Fund, how he intentionally lowered barriers to fiscal sponsorship, and the driving philosophy at the heart of his work—helping others shine their light into the world. The conversation explores key learnings for emerging and established nonprofits, including the importance of building the right team, leveraging technology for greater impact, and prioritizing self-care to prevent burnout. Michael and Kian also discuss leadership values, the evolving fiscal sponsorship landscape, current sector challenges, and the power of nonprofit collaboration in times of uncertainty. Michael’s inspiring stories, especially from seeing Social Good Fund’s real world impact in African communities, remind us of the direct and often unseen change nonprofits spark every day. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in nonprofit leadership, social innovation, and building resilient, mission-driven teams.
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| Leveraging AI for Better Healthcare Outcomes with Sunita Mohanty of Vibrant | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:36:24 | |
In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Sunita Mohanty, CEO and co-founder of Vibrant Practice, to explore the intersection of AI, healthcare, and social impact. Sunita shares her journey from a product leader at Meta to founding Vibrant, an operating system designed for modern, independent medical practices focused on functional and integrative medicine.
Timestamped Overview 00:00 Intro & Sunita’s Background 03:20 The Challenge of Personalized Medicine 07:08 AI Enhances Doctor-Patient Interaction 11:11 2025: Year of AI Agents 14:03 Healthcare Data Collection and Security 17:41 Biased AI in Healthcare Data 21:27 AI with Expert Guidance 24:33 Building Expertise Without Junior Roles 27:18 Balancing AI Efficiency and Quality 30:14 Follow Passion, Not Doubts 34:07 Optimism and Realism | |||
| Power, Risk, and the Mechanics of Impact with Elena Chavez Quezada of StarrWise | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:51:51 | |
In this insightful episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Elena Chavez Quezada, a leader in philanthropy and social impact who has shaped policy and practice across nonprofits, government, and foundations. Elena shares her inspiring journey from growing up in New Mexico to navigating roles at Tipping Point, the Aspen Institute, the California Governor’s Office, and now, co-leading Starwise Solutions. The conversation dives deep into challenges facing philanthropy and nonprofits: power dynamics, the mechanics of moving money, and the persistent disconnect between funders and operators. Elena discusses hard-to-solve issues—like risk aversion in funding, overcomplicated reporting processes, and operational struggles within nonprofits. Drawing from real stories, including a transformational intervention with Canal Alliance, she highlights the game-changing power of trust, radical transparency, and authentic relationships. The episode also explores fiscal sponsorships, the complexities they introduce for both funders and grantees, and how leveraging tech and operational excellence can streamline impact.
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| Fiscal Sponsorship and the Future of Social Impact Filmmaking with E2AC | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:41:08 | |
In this inaugural episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Nick Hudson, Executive Director of Entertainment to Effect Change (E2AC), a nonprofit transforming the way social impact content is made and funded. Nick shares the journey of E2AC’s rapid growth, from a handful of fiscally sponsored projects to over 150, and discusses early challenges, lessons learned, and the unique value of specialized fiscal sponsorship. The conversation highlights the changing landscape of content consumption, the essential role of philanthropy in funding documentaries and campaigns, and how E2AC connects creatives, causes, and funders to maximize impact.
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| Welcome to Built for Good | 13 Aug 2025 | 00:00:37 | |
Built for Good launches on Tuesday, August 19th. Subscribe now to hear the first episode as soon as it drops! | |||