Explore every episode of the podcast On The Ground

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	Title	Pub. Date	Duration
	70% From Cookies: How Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Is Rebuilding Revenue	22 sept. 2026	00:35:47
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
	$54 Million Over 40 Years: How Trees for the Future Made Carbon a Crop	15 sept. 2026	00:36:34
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
	$400 Million in Tax Credits: How NeighborWorks Capital Funds 250 Nonprofits	08 sept. 2026	00:36:14
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
	Asking for Money for a Need They Don't Have: Empower Girls Camp's Fundraising Fix	01 sept. 2026	00:30:35
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
	30% From Program Revenue: How Helping Up Mission Funds a One-Year Recovery Program	25 août 2026	00:50:24
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
	372 Missionaries in 71 Countries: How Global Outreach Grew Retention Doing Things That Don't Scale	18 août 2026	00:33:39
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
	$1.6M to $2.5M in One Year: How Junior Achievement Grew by Fixing the Product Mix	11 août 2026	00:32:11
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	04 août 2026	00:29:38
$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
	Technology Isn’t the Mission: How to Stop Losing Donors to Disconnected Systems	28 juil. 2026	00:40:05
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
	$10 Million With 6 Staff: How the Okanagan Science Centre Is Building a Campaign	21 juil. 2026	00:26:10
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
	15 Kids to 100,000: How Kupenda Scales Disability Inclusion Through Others	14 juil. 2026	00:36:36
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
	$55, 5 Years of Impact: How Growing Hope Globally Turns Farms Into Fundraisers	09 juil. 2026	00:25:30
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 $2.3M to $5.7M in 8 Years: How Hope Walks Is Eliminating Clubfoot Worldwide	18 juin 2026	00:28:30
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
	Lead With Optimism or Get Out of the Way: Kendra Davenport on Running a National Nonprofit	28 avr. 2026	00:39:55
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	23 avr. 2026	00:31:46
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
	$10 Million in 90 Days: How World Relief Housed 3,998 Refugee Families When the Government Cut Funds	07 avr. 2026	00:43:41
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.
	Prevention That Works: How Love Justice International Scales Justice Through Data & Donor Trust	31 mars 2026	00:36:37
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.
	Stay Focused, Choose Wisely: How ANCA Supports 400+ Nature Centers on a Lean Budget	24 mars 2026	00:27:25
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.
	Acceleration: From Big Wins to Mastery	17 mars 2026	00:17:26
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.
	Action: Building Systems That Fund The Mission	10 mars 2026	00:15:54
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.
	Acceptance: "Owning Fundraising as Leadership.”	27 févr. 2026	00:21:04
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.
	Annoyance: "I Have to Do This, But I Really Don't Want To ! "	20 févr. 2026	00:24:44
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?
	From Panic to Progress: The First Stage of Fundraising Psychology	11 févr. 2026	00:23:02
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.
	82% of Nonprofit Leaders Are Stuck. Here's Why.	05 févr. 2026	00:18:06
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.
	Welcome to the Trenches	04 févr. 2026	00:07:02
"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.

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