619. Hold Fast: The Heart of Generosity: Trust, Belonging, and Community - Hali Lee
How do you fund what matters when everything feels urgent—and uncertain? In this episode of our Hold Fast series, we sit down with Hali Lee—philanthropy innovator, author of The Big We, and founding partner of Radiant Strategies—for a candid conversation on funding with heart, courage, and community at the center. Hali shares hard-earned wisdom from building collective giving movements like the Asian Women Giving Circle and Donors of Color Network, reminding us that generosity flows through relationships, not just resources. Together, we explore how nonprofits can build trust-based funding relationships, embrace smart shifts toward diversification, and create spaces of belonging that inspire action. ❤️If you’ve been craving practical strategies and soulful encouragement for navigating power imbalances, donor shifts, and fundraising burnout—this episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and root deeper. You'll hear:Why now is the moment for individuals—and for belongingBuilding trust without losing yourselfSmall teams, smart shifts: diversifying without burning outCollective giving models for grassroots growthEpisode Highlights: The Importance of Relationships in Philanthropy (02:55)Navigating Urgency and Trust in Nonprofits (05:59)The Future of Philanthropy: Inclusivity and Collaboration (09:01)Collective Generosity vs Big Philanthropy (12:11)Connecting Through Shared Experiences (22:39)The Power of Community and Belonging (24:06)Grassroots Movement for Collective Action (26:03)Finding Joy in Connection (30:43)Empowering Individuals to Create Change (32:37)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/619Thank You to our Partners 🩵Big gratitude to our ecosystem partners at DonorDock, Feathr, RKD Group, and Whiteboard. They’re not just partners—they’re walking alongside us to build something better + more inclusive.Head to weareforgood.com/recs to explore our go-to tools and humans doing good work. We’ve curated a direct line for your VIP access to these groups just by saying you’re with We Are For Good. Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter
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39:06
Gather At The Well: How to Create Human-Centered Systems + Policies - Lindsey Fuller and Marisol Pineda Conde
Policies aren’t just paperwork—they’re culture in action. In this episode of Gather at the Well, Lindsey Fuller and Marisol Pineda Conde invite us to rethink how policies are created—and more importantly, who they’re really for.Together, they pull back the curtain on their own journey from outdated handbooks to building intentional, people-first policies rooted in trust, care, and collaboration. With warmth, wisdom, and a whole lot of heart, they break down a five-step process that transforms policy-making from a check-the-box task into a powerful tool for psychological safety and team well-being.You’ll hear stories, real talk, and tangible steps to design policies that reflect your values, center lived experience, and actually support the humans behind the work. Whether you're growing a startup, leading a nonprofit, or shaping culture in your school, this convo will leave you equipped—and inspired—to build better, together.You’ll walk away with:A five-step process for policy creationHow to balance organizational needs with human needsActionable strategies for policy implementation Episode Highlights: Defining Human-Centered Policies (02:18)The Importance of Policies in Organizations (03:44)Identifying Policy Gaps and Needs (06:08)Feedback Mechanisms for Policy Development (10:06)Challenges in Implementing Policies (13:45)Opportunities for Policy Improvement (16:19)Accountability and Leadership in Policy (19:31)Roadmap to Human-Centered Policy Creation (25:51)✨ Affirmations:I am an attuned listener and a responsive leader.When we know better, we do better.Even if I feel overwhelmed to tackle policy creation, I can take the first step by noticing what's needed and asking for help.I'm not alone. I don't have to do this on my own.I honor that feeling. I know it will pass.I honor my overwhelm. This moment can pass.I honor my self-doubt. This feeling will pass.👉 Explore the Full Episode Shownotes Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter
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36:13
618. Hold Fast: Finding Clarity + Measuring Impact in a Changing World - Ori Carmel
When strategy feels like a moving target, how do you hold fast to what really matters?In today’s episode, Ori Carmel shares how to hold fast to your true mission when everything feels uncertain, and how our quick decisions might be holding us back. 👀Tune in to hear:🤔 Understanding decision-making systems📈 How to connect data to meaningful narrative📍 Defining your unique organizational "why"This episode is a game-changing eight-step framework for measuring what REALLY matters. We're talking beyond vanity metrics, cutting through the noise, and getting crystal clear on your organization's unique purpose. 🎧Episode HighlightsFinding Your True North (04:10)Visioning for Nonprofits (06:34)Understanding Decision-Making Systems (09:00)Navigating Complexity in Nonprofit Decisions (12:40)Navigating Crisis in Philanthropy (20:53)Metrics that Matter: Impact vs. Activity (24:46)Framework for Impact Measurement (26:57)The Importance of Organizational Reflection (30:56)Resources for Social Impact Success (39:02)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/618Resources Mentioned:"Man's Search for Meaning" by Victor Frankl“Thinking Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman""Higher Ground" by Allison Taylor (2024)Sowen’s Social Impact Report Thank You to our Partners 🩵Big gratitude to our ecosystem partners at DonorDock, Feathr, RKD Group, and Whiteboard. They’re not just partners—they’re walking alongside us to build something better + more inclusive.Head to weareforgood.com/recs to explore our go-to tools and humans doing good work. We’ve curated a direct line for your VIP access to these groups just by saying you’re with We Are For Good. Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter
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39:57
617. Centering Community and Justice: GreenLight Fund’s Model for Localized Impact - Ali Knight
Meet Ali, the CEO of GreenLight Fund and former leader of Fresh Lifelines for Youth. He joins us to share how his lived experience fuels his commitment to equity-driven leadership and community transformation. 🩵In this conversation, Ali unpacks GreenLight Fund’s unique model for scaling evidence-based nonprofits into new cities—and what it means to center community voice in every step. He speaks candidly about navigating leadership transitions, anchoring in values like justice and generosity, and why listening to those closest to the challenges is key to building lasting solutions. You'll hear timely insights for leading through change and striving for deeper, more sustainable impact. 🎧Episode HighlightsAli Knight’s Journey and Lived Experience (04:39)Understanding the Greenlight Fund Model (06:21)Hyper-Local Solutions to Community Needs (08:42)Navigating Local Contexts for Impact (11:23)Empowerment Through the Selection Advisory Council (14:00)Real-World Impact: Success Stories from Greenlight (20:22)Values that Anchor Leadership in Turbulent Times (25:29)Moments of Philanthropy and Community Trust (28:58)Ali’s One Good Thing: Listening to the Community (32:01)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/617Thank You to our Partners 🩵Big gratitude to our ecosystem partners at DonorDock, Feathr, RKD Group, and Whiteboard. They’re not just partners—they’re walking alongside us to build something better + more inclusive.Head to weareforgood.com/recs to explore our go-to tools and humans doing good work. We’ve curated a direct line for your VIP access to these groups just by saying you’re with We Are For Good. Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter
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33:13
Hold Fast: Creating Space for Trust and Alignment in Funding - Iara Peng, JustFund
In this episode of our Hold Fast series, we’re leaning into what it really means to lead with purpose—especially when the weight of funding pressures feels unrelenting. Iara Peng joins us for a heart-opening conversation that invites nonprofit leaders to breathe a little deeper and reimagine funding as a partnership, not just a transaction.With compassion and clarity, Iara offers a vision for building trust-based relationships rooted in alignment and shared purpose. You’ll walk away with practical ways to pause the hustle, reclaim time for strategic thinking, prioritize fewer but better-aligned funders, and lean into storytelling as a spacious, powerful tool. It’s the reminder we all need: you are already enough. Your work matters. And there’s a more intentional, more human way forward. 💛Homework:What originally called me to this work?Where do I feel most alive and aligned in my work right now?What does it look like for me to lead with trust and not fear this week?Bonus: at your next team or board meeting, bring one of those questions and invite reflection.Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/616Thank You to our Partners 🩵Big gratitude to our ecosystem partners at DonorDock, Feathr, RKD Group, and Whiteboard. They’re not just partners—they’re walking alongside us to build something better + more inclusive.Head to weareforgood.com/recs to explore our go-to tools and humans doing good work. We’ve curated a direct line for your VIP access to these groups just by saying you’re with We Are For Good. Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter
About We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits
Nonprofit professionals are faced with more challenges to accomplish their missions and the growing pressure to do more, raise more, and be more for the causes we hold so dear. Join Jon McCoy, CFRE and Becky Endicott, CFRE as they learn with you from some of the best in the industry; sharing the most innovative ideas, inspiration and stories of making a difference. You’re in good company and we welcome you to our community of nonprofit professionals, philanthropists, world changers, innovators, and others to bring a little more goodness into the world. Get cozy, grab a coffee, and get ready to be inspired. We Are For Good. You in?--We Are For Good is an online media and education platform with an aim to revolutionize the nonprofit industry by equipping this generation of for-good leaders with the mindsets, tools and innovative ideas to make a bigger impact than any of us could ever dream to accomplish on our own. Our vision is to create an Impact Uprising. Learn more at www.weareforgood.com
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