The Nonprofit Renaissance

The Nonprofit Renaissance

We're creative professionals who have been leading and resourcing non profits for the last 2 ½  decades and we want to help you grow your nonprofit and its impact. Our goal is simple: to ignite a Renaissance within nonprofits, empowering them to go further and grow faster. Join us as we explore the “ins and outs” of nonprofit leadership, interviewing leaders with strategic insights and inspiring stories. Let's go and let's grow!

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture
#5 - The Heartbeat of Africa: Watoto's Inspiring Mission and Impact with Executive Director of WatotoUS, Eugene Stutzman
Nov 8 2023
#5 - The Heartbeat of Africa: Watoto's Inspiring Mission and Impact with Executive Director of WatotoUS, Eugene Stutzman
Inspiring journeys of faith and purpose resonate profoundly with us. This one involves a choir, an enormous heart, and transformative stories from the heart of Africa? Join us as we traverse the inspiring narrative of Watoto, an extraordinary church and ministry in Uganda and many other countries across the globe. Our guest, Eugene Stutzman, the executive director of WatotoUS, takes us on this journey that began with Canadian missionaries Gary and Marilyn Skinner in the tumultuous 1980s and has since become a beacon of hope for orphaned children.Eugene's tale is an integral part of this journey. He recounts his personal evolution from being a carpenter to becoming a choir director after a transformative two-week mission trip to Uganda. He narrates the enthralling story of faith and mission that propels Watoto, right from its initial tour, which was purely an act of faith, to the immense growth and transformation that this organization has experienced. You'll be moved by the organization's impact on the lives of individuals in Uganda and South Sudan.The episode culminates in a discussion about Watoto's remarkable work in empowering women and cultivating leaders in Africa. We explore the Watoto Neighborhood program that supports women with healthcare, education, employable skills, and housing. We hear about the organization's dedication to preventing child marriage and its efforts in providing sanitary supplies and discipleship classes in local schools. This is not just a podcast episode; it's a journey into the heart of an organization that's making a significant impact on the lives of thousands of children and women in Uganda and beyond. Join us, and let the transformative work of Watoto inspire you.ShownotesThe Nonprofit Renaissance is Powered by Vers Creative. An award winning creative agency trusted by global brands and businesses.Follow @collinhokeFollow @heredesFollow @vers_creativeWork with Vers
#4 - How to Become a Fundraising Rebel, Building Trust Through Connection and Experiences, and Meaningful Donor Engagement with Lisa Stueckemann
Oct 25 2023
#4 - How to Become a Fundraising Rebel, Building Trust Through Connection and Experiences, and Meaningful Donor Engagement with Lisa Stueckemann
Imagine a world where fundraising isn't just about the money, but about building meaningful connections and experiences. That's the world our guest, Lisa Stueckemann - VP of Philanthropy at New Life Solutions and the 'Fundraising Rebel' - lives in. Lisa adds a fascinating dimension to our conversations, sharing her love for funky glasses, deep dish pizza, and of course, her unique insights into philanthropy and fundraising.Lisa guides us through the labyrinth of fundraising, emphasizing the importance of making 'the ask' in a way that honors and respects the donor. She dissects the concept of donor fatigue, shares the art of using data and surveys for donor segmentation, and highlights the power of building trust with donors. Lisa also illuminates the essence of having the right people on your fundraising team, the alignment of passion with the mission, and the challenges of obtaining gifted endowments.We further tap into Lisa's vast knowledge to understand effective donor engagement strategies. We explore how to create meaningful experiences for donors, the need for simplicity in donor appreciation, and the influence of personal conversations in building relationships. We also discuss why it's important to offer donors more ways to engage than just financial contributions. Join us on this enlightening journey with Lisa Stueckemann, as we delve into the heart of fundraising and donor engagement.ShownotesThe Nonprofit Renaissance is Powered by Vers Creative. An award winning creative agency trusted by global brands and businesses.Follow @collinhokeFollow @heredesFollow @vers_creativeWork with Vers
#3 - Collaboration, Generosity, and Dissecting the Role of Technology in Nonprofit Communication with Justin Price (Part 2)
Oct 11 2023
#3 - Collaboration, Generosity, and Dissecting the Role of Technology in Nonprofit Communication with Justin Price (Part 2)
Have you ever wondered how you can foster a culture of collaboration and generosity in your nonprofit? Our conversation with Justin Price, the founder and CEO of Vers Creative, provides some fascinating insights. Justin highlights the importance of clear communication and appreciation within teams to ensure effective collaboration. He also shares a cautionary tale about relying too heavily on software promises, citing the example of donor management software that often ends up costing more than anticipated.In our hyperconnected world, we are inundated with brand messages. How can we ensure that the messages we send out are not only seen, but also resonate with our audience? Justin points out the significance of segmentation and personalization in marketing. He educates us about the power of Facebook ads, especially with older generations, and the necessity of monitoring campaign performance. This discussion is an eye-opener for anyone interested in making the most of technology to effectively communicate with their audience.Are we truly generous or has the tipping culture influenced our perception of generosity? Justin invites us to contemplate this thought-provoking question. He believes in the potential of value to inspire a lifestyle of generosity that supersedes mere clicks and views. We examine the current tipping culture's implications and its possible detrimental effect on promoting genuine generosity and collaboration. Justin offers his advice on how non-profits can enhance their communication with targeted audiences and maximize their impact. He calls for using technology to form meaningful connections and craft a brand presence that attracts the right people and creates unforgettable experiences. Join us on this journey of discovery - this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the non-profit sector or anyone seeking to foster a culture of generosity and collaboration.ShownotesThe Nonprofit Renaissance is Powered by Vers Creative. An award winning creative agency trusted by global brands and businesses.Follow @collinhokeFollow @heredesFollow @vers_creativeWork with Vers
#2 - Igniting Growth in Nonprofits through Creative Problem Solving with Vers CEO Justin Price (Part 1)
Sep 26 2023
#2 - Igniting Growth in Nonprofits through Creative Problem Solving with Vers CEO Justin Price (Part 1)
Ready to ignite your creativity and redefine problem-solving? Buckle up as we take a ride with Justin Price, a creative powerhouse and the CEO of Vers Creative, who is known for his unique approach to design, direction, and ideation. We kick things off with a fast-paced game that reveals Justin's love for music, his Floridian roots, and his opinion on various topics - such as his vehicle preference (hint: Ford!) or why he prefers Canon over Nikon. Bonus: Justin even shares an exclusive offer from Vers Creative for northern clients (NOTE: still awaiting approval from the finance team...)!As we shift gears and talk about our "Nonprofit Manifesto", Justin candidly shares his personal journey of identity discovery and how it led him to the nonprofit space and the eventual birth of Vers Creative. We dissect the principles that fuel his creative problem-solving strategies, be it video production, set design, or creating identities and cultures for organizations. Justin's unwavering dedication to tackle complex root issues, rather than just treating the symptoms, is not only inspiring but also eye-opening. So tune in for an enlightening conversation that promises to deliver a fresh perspective on creativity, leadership, and making a real impact.ShownotesThe Nonprofit Renaissance is Powered by Vers Creative. An award winning creative agency trusted by global brands and businesses.Follow @collinhokeFollow @heredesFollow @vers_creativeWork with Vers