James Mueller, President of Mueller & Associates, will be a guest on the Nonprofit Utopia Podcast to talk about his latest book, Onboarding Champions, the the essential guidebook for nonprofit board members and executives. It challenges board members to become champions of governance and provides a roadmap to get there. We will talk about seven recruiting principles of highly effective nonprofit boards, including culture, character, competence, connections, composition continuity and collaboration.  James will share a wealth of information on a number of topics, includi ..read more

Earth Wind and Fire is one of the most influential bands of all time, transcending R&B and shaping pop culture around the world. With global sales of over 90 million records, the band has earned more than 50 gold and platinum albums, 7 Grammys, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and 4 American Music Awards. The group has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame, and Hollywood's Rockwalk, in addition to receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.   The band has also received an ASCAP Rhythm & ..read more

There are over 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the United States, with new entities opening “every day”.  Well, maybe not every day, but you get the idea.    With the growing number of nonprofit organizations competing for fewer dollars, how do you position your organization to stand out from the crowd? Join host Valerie F. Leonard and Mia Hillery, expert marketer,  brand ambassador and coach, to find out.   Call in live at (347) 884-8121. You don't need an account to listen, but, if you want to participate in an online chat, open a listener-only accou ..read more

Your human-service nonprofit exists to make a positive impact in the lives of the people you serve. But how do you get there, especially in the current environment? Join Sarah Olivieri, Founder of PivotGround, and host Valerie F. Leonard for a lively discussion on breaking with traditional strategic planning processes; how to accomplish more without expending more money and how to get ahead of the fundraising curve using digital strategies. Call in live at (347) 884-8121. You don't need an account to listen, but, if you want to participate in an online chat, open a listener-only account at htt ..read more

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Will your organization be ready? Join us as Jessica Schneider, Director of Strategy and Collaboration for 92Y’s Belfer Center for Innovation and Social Impact, shares a recommended timeline and strategies for implementing successful #GivingTuesday campaigns. We will share links to a recommended calendar of activities and other resources to check i ..read more

Sales and marketing are the lifeblood of any business—whether for-profit or nonprofit.  Organizational  leaders need a firm grasp of the changes in the marketplace and the implications for their organizations, clients and communities.  At the same time, they must cultivate relationships with funders and a host of other stakeholders to maintain a steady flow of cash, volunteers and goodwill. Join Shelby Parchman, CEO of InUrban Strategies, and host Valerie F. Leonard to discuss high-impact bootstrap sales and marketing strategies nonprofits and social enterprises can use to penet ..read more

Nearly 4 years after shooting 17-year-old Laquan McDonald to death, Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke was convicted of 2nd degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated assault. Most people believed a conviction would be impossible, given our country’s track record with police-involved shootings. They were wrong. What was it about this case that was different?  What lessons can be learned that transcend police reform? William Calloway, the activist who filed the lawsuit against the City of Chicago to release the dash cam video of the Laquan McDonald shooting, will talk about the importanc ..read more

Join us as Xavier Ramey,CEO and Lead Strategist, of Justice Informed, LLC, looks at the intersections of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); community engagement, philanthropy  and corporate responsibility.  We will  examine the current environment and discuss strategies organizations can use to strategically align people, processes and culture to capitalize on changes in a globalized economy, including its workforce and production system. Call in live at (347) 884-8121. You don't need an account to listen, but, if you want to participate in an online chat, open a listener-on ..read more

Vivien Hoexter and Linda C. Hartley, principals of H2Growth Strategies LLC, will discuss their new book, Big Impact:Insights & Stories from America’s Non-Profit Leaders. The book highlights nonprofit leaders from the U.S. and abroad who have found solutions to some of the world’s most vexing societal problems. Hoexter and Hartley will also share insights on how these change-makers are implementing solutions in their communities, the qualities these leaders possess, and lessons learned that maybe useful to emerging nonprofit leaders.   Call in live at (347) 884-8121. You don't nee ..read more

Today’s nonprofit funding environment is characterized by increased competition for limited funding and unfavorable tax laws that could potentially reduce incentives for middle class donors to make gifts to nonprofits.  Now, more than ever, nonprofits must adopt  financial capitalization models that include public and private sources of financing, including grants, private equity investments, loans, and tax credits.  The most nimble nonprofits will also re-structure their organizations and partnerships to maximize their return on investment. Join Stacee L. Lang, MA, PhD Pra ..read more