Author: Alexander Lapa

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Joanna Lund to explore her inspiring journey from volunteer educator to advocate and coach in the nonprofit sector. Together, they unpack how organizations can move beyond stereotypes, embrace inclusivity, and make neurodiversity a core part of their practices.

Topics We Cover:
The joy of fostering “spark” moments in young learners
Defining neurodiversity vs. neurodivergence and why the distinction matters
Common strengths of neurodivergent individuals, from creativity to pattern recognition
Why universal practices, not one-off fixes, help all staff thrive
The hidden costs of “masking” in professional environments
How AI tools like ChatGPT can support both neurodivergent professionals and managers

To Learn more and Connect with Joanna:
Email Joanna
Joanna Lund on LinkedIn
Sign-Up for a Free Neurodivergent Leadership Reset
Support the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Courtney De Ronde, co-founder of Forge, to explore the critical role of financial clarity in nonprofit success. She breaks down the three key financial functions every nonprofit needs, explains how restricted funds can create confusion, and offers practical advice for organizations looking to strengthen their financial foundations.

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

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

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, host Alexander Lapa welcomes Gina Lynch from Donorbox to share her insights on how nonprofits can prepare for the busiest fundraising season of the year. From leveraging AI thoughtfully, to building month-by-month strategies, to communicating in ways that truly resonate, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help nonprofits thrive at year-end and beyond.

Topics We Cover:
Gina’s “superhero origin story” and how she found her path into the nonprofit sector
The “triple squeeze” challenge nonprofits face today: funding cuts, declining giving, and rising service demands
Why donor retention matters more than acquisition—and how just a 10% boost can transform lifetime value
The 3C formula for success: connection, retention, and clarity
A month-by-month framework for year-end fundraising (September through December)
How to use AI responsibly for donor communication and engagement
The power of segmentation and tailoring messages for different donor groups
Why slowing down, documenting strategies, and planning with intention lead to healthier organizations and sustainable results

To Learn More and Connect with Jena:
Donorbox.org
Jena Lynch on LinkedIn

Support the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with leadership and mental health advocate Dacia Moore about why mental wellness isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership essential. From “push-ups for your brain” to the power of margin time, this conversation blends personal stories, practical frameworks, and a call for leaders to model healthy habits for their teams.

Topics We Cover:
Why nonprofit leadership carries unique mental health challenges
The zigzag career paths that often lead to executive roles
Viewing mental wellness as a daily leadership discipline, not a soft skill
How high-pressure roles mirror the demands placed on elite athletes
“Push-ups for your brain” — Dacia’s daily mental health routine
Delegating effectively and focusing on high-impact leadership tasks
The “margin time” analogy and how white space boosts creativity and decision-making
Gratitude as a practical tool for resilience and perspective

To Learn More and Connect with Dacia:
Dacia’s SW Snippet Newsletter

Support the show

In this empowering episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I chat with Shannon Bowen, a former nonprofit executive turned career and leadership coach. From navigating career pivots to confidently negotiating job offers, Shannon reveals how nonprofit workers can build fulfilling, sustainable careers by embracing her bold mantra: Be picky, be expensive, be brilliant.

Topics We Cover:

Why Shannon transitioned from nonprofit leadership to career coaching
How nonprofit professionals can earn competitive (even six-figure) salaries
The difference between soft pivots and hard pivots when changing sectors
Questions that reveal an organization’s true culture during interviews
How to negotiate more than salary—think PTO, flexibility, and bonuses
The risks of relying on verbal promises in job offers
How systemic pay inequity affects women and people of color in nonprofits
Shannon’s career mantra and how to apply it to your next job search
To Learn More and Connect with Shannon:

Shannon Bowen on LinkedIn

Dream Job Coaching with Monsoon Leadership

Support the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Scott Minger, Chief Development Officer at Vitamin Angels, to explore how strategic corporate partnerships have fueled the organization’s exponential growth—from serving 25 million to 74 million women and children worldwide. For nonprofits looking to deepen their impact through corporate support, this conversation is packed with strategic insight and actionable takeaways.

Topics We Cover:

How a Walgreens partnership inspired Scott’s transition from retail to nonprofit work
Why unrestricted corporate funding is a game-changer for nonprofit scalability
The role of transparency and fiscal credibility in securing long-term partner trust
Crafting stories that combine emotion, data, and urgency to inspire support
Building “credibility checking accounts” through consistent impact reporting
Aligning nonprofit mission with corporate business objectives
Managing competing goals across similar industry partners without losing integrity
Advice for nonprofits seeking to enter or grow in the corporate partnership space
To Learn More & Connect with Scott:

Vitamin Angels

Scott Minger on LinkedIn

Support the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Scott Minger, Chief Development Officer at Vitamin Angels, to explore how strategic corporate partnerships have fueled the organization’s exponential growth—from serving 25 million to 74 million women and children worldwide. For nonprofits looking to deepen their impact through corporate support, this conversation is packed with strategic insight and actionable takeaways.

Topics We Cover:

How a Walgreens partnership inspired Scott’s transition from retail to nonprofit work
Why unrestricted corporate funding is a game-changer for nonprofit scalability
The role of transparency and fiscal credibility in securing long-term partner trust
Crafting stories that combine emotion, data, and urgency to inspire support
Building “credibility checking accounts” through consistent impact reporting
Aligning nonprofit mission with corporate business objectives
Managing competing goals across similar industry partners without losing integrity
Advice for nonprofits seeking to enter or grow in the corporate partnership space
To Learn More & Connect with Scott:

Vitamin Angels

Scott Minger on LinkedIn

Support the show