Nonprofit Counsel Podcast May Harris

Welcome to The Nonprofit Counsel podcast, hosted by May Harris, Esq.. In today's episode, we're delighted to visit with the remarkable Kelly McLaughlin. Kelly has consistently made waves in the nonprofit world, from fundraising with bake sales when she was just five years old to becoming a seasoned professional fundraiser. As the visionary behind “From Scratch Fundraising,” Kelly possesses a unique expertise in guiding nonprofits of all sizes toward sustainable success. Her knack for crafting, building, and scaling individual giving systems alleviates burnout and empowers organizations to maximize their impact. Join May and Kelly as they delve into the keys to nonprofit fundraising success. Kelly shares invaluable tips and tricks from her extensive experience, providing listeners with actionable insights to propel their organizations forward.
 
IN THIS EPISODE:
[1:22] Kelly shares her background of fundraising since the age of five
[5:58] No fear in asking for money is the key to success
[8:24] Kelly’s advice for new organizations regarding fundraising
[14:19] Everyone is not your ideal donor, and every social media outlet is not for you
[17:30] Discussion about the longevity of a fundraiser and the expectations required of them
[26:59] Kelly discusses keeping everything mission centered

 
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 
[7:09] Inviting donors to give invites them to participate in something extraordinary. If they say no, it’s their loss because they don’t get to be a part of an incredible impact.
[9:41] Nonprofit fundraising needs to be specific to your goals. Don’t give away tote bags or do events just because another nonprofit does that. 
[19:12] Executive Directors must treat their fundraiser as a partner to have a successful team.

 
RESOURCES:
For Profit Law Group - Website
Nonprofit Counsel - Website
Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram
Nonprofit Counsel - Linkedin
From Scratch Fund Raising - Website
Kelly McLaughlin - Linkedin
 
BIOGRAPHIES:
May Harris has been a pioneer of nonprofit law practice for over a decade, having founded For Purpose Law Group in April 2012. She serves the nation's nonprofit sector with unparalleled expertise, prioritizing her client's missions, visions, and values. She specializes in nonprofit & tax-exempt organizations, social enterprise & business law, and estate planning & charitable giving.
GUEST BIOGRAPHY: 
Kelly McLaughlin is a dynamic creator, engaging speaker, systems architect, and passionate nonprofit advocate. With a love for crafting the perfect recipe for success, she excels in assembling the essential ingredients to make your individual giving program not just efficient but downright delightful. 
 
Kelly started fundraising as a five-year-old, changing the world one bake sale at a time, and has been a professional fundraiser since 2009. Creator of the Framework for Fundraising Sustainability, Kelly excels in guiding nonprofits through crafting, building, and scaling individual giving systems that not only banish burnout but also empower clients to create a more substantial impact.
 
Kelly has a B.A. in Spanish (Literature) and International Studies (Political Communications) and an M.A. in Social Justice and Human Rights, with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. She's scaled an individual giving program from $300k to $1m in annual revenue in just four years and she ran a capital campaign for a brand-new nonprofit that raised $250k in six months. 
 

In this episode of the Nonprofit Podcast, May Harris, Esq. visits with Kate Azar from PNC Institutional Management. Kate emphasizes the importance of nonprofits’ investment strategy, particularly when managing endowments. She stresses that seeking professional advice is crucial in this regard. While endowments can benefit nonprofits, Kate highlights that they may not suit every organization. The discussion delves into the advantages and disadvantages of nonprofits integrating AI into their operations. It explores how AI can enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and improve nonprofit decision-making. However, it also addresses concerns such as data privacy, inaccurate data, and ethical implications of AI implementation. May and Kate touch upon the aging of nonprofit board members and the necessity of succession planning. They underscore the importance of grooming future leaders within the organization to ensure continuity and effective governance. This discussion offers insights and practical advice for nonprofits navigating challenges and opportunities in the nonprofit sector. 
 
IN THIS EPISODE:
[1:07] Kate shares her responsibilities at PNC Institutional Assessment Management [2:21] Kate explains what she recommends to nonprofits starting an investment strategy [4:23] Should your nonprofit do an endowment, and should investments align with the values of the nonprofit [7:13] Kate states what a board should keep in mind regarding funding, investment accounts and endowments and reviewing policies [13:16] Kate and May discuss AI and its impact on nonprofits and policies regulating AI [23:44] Kate discusses the future of nonprofits, how board members are aging out and the need for succession planning   
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 
Endowments can be powerful tools for a nonprofit, but they are only suitable for some organizations. Nonprofits should stand ready with an answer if they have endowments as to why they should be fundraising.  Knowing where the donations are coming from is essential. Donors may have intentions and restrictions tied to the donation, and the IRS may also restrict how funds are invested and spent.  
RESOURCES:
For Purpose Law Group - Website
Nonprofit Counsel - Website
Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram
Nonprofit Counsel - Linkedin
PNC Bank, Institutional Asset Management & Investment Solutions
Kate Azar LinkedIn
 
BIOGRAPHIES:
May Harris has been a pioneer of nonprofit law practice for over a decade, having founded For Purpose Law Group in April 2012. She serves the nation's nonprofit sector with unparalleled expertise, prioritizing her client's missions, visions, and values. She specializes in nonprofit & tax-exempt organizations, social enterprise & business law, and estate planning & charitable giving.
 
GUEST BIOGRAPHY: 
Kate Azar is a director of a nonprofit strategy for the west region of PNC Institutional Asset Management and a member of its Endowment and Foundation National Practice Group.  Using her knowledge of the nonprofit sector, she works with clients in various areas, including investments, governance and operational best practices, distribution strategies and philanthropic planning.
For 17 years, Kate has worked with nonprofits, companies, governments and universities on board governance, finance, fundraising, advocacy, communications, board and staff training, and strategic planning. She has worked with The California Endowment, Disney, ESPN, Maria Shriver, and the British Royal Family. Kate served as CEO of the Long Beach Public Library Foundation, Director of Community Investment at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, and Chief of Staff at an early-stage social enterprise.
As a Chartered Sustainable Responsible Investment Counselor, Kate is trained to consider environmental, social, and governance factors in various investment strategies.
 

May Harris, Esq. is honored to have Geoff Green, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits, join us for the 20th episode of The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast! Geoff shares his insightful predictions for the future of nonprofits in California, shedding light on the opportunities and challenges ahead. He delves into the intricacies of Assembly Bill 590 and the crucial task of removing barriers that hinder the sector's growth and impact. Geoff points out that the collective voice of their extensive email list, comprising 60,000 passionate individuals, can drive legislative change. He provides valuable insights into the Johnson Amendment, elucidating its significance for nonprofits and the broader landscape of advocacy and activism. 
 
IN THIS EPISODE:
[1:19 May introduces Geoff Green, the newly appointed CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits
[3:23] Geoff’s background offers a 360-degree view of the nonprofit sector from various perspectives
[7:03] May points out that the entire sector’s name is counterintuitive 
[10:03] Geoff predicts what he sees in the future for nonprofits in California. A discussion of assembly Bill 590 and removing other barriers
[16:04] Geoff talks about minimum wages in California, and he discusses how their email list of 60,000 people can move legislation
[21:30] Geoff explains the Johnson Amendment
[25:27] Geoff leaves the listening audience with a final message and invites anyone to become a member of the California Association of Nonprofits



KEY TAKEAWAYS: 
[2:31] The California Association of Nonprofits was created 40 years ago because nonprofits faced challenges obtaining insurance coverage. It currently advocates for the sector, primarily at the state and occasionally at the federal level.
[3:36] Geoff is uniquely qualified to serve as CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits because of his diversified background in the sector.
[10:14] For the last 18 months, the focus has been improving the relationship between public agencies and governments to make the state a better partner to the nonprofit sector.
 
RESOURCES:
For Purpose Law Group - Website
Nonprofit Counsel - Website
Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram
Nonprofit Counsel - Linkedin
California Association of Nonprofits - Website
 
BIOGRAPHIES:
May Harris has been a pioneer of nonprofit law practice for over a decade, having founded For Purpose Law Group in April 2012. She serves the nation's nonprofit sector with unparalleled expertise, prioritizing her client's missions, visions, and values. She specializes in nonprofit & tax-exempt organizations, social enterprise & business law, and estate planning & charitable giving.
 
GUEST BIOGRAPHY: 
Geoff Green has been the CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits) since January 1, 2024. He previously volunteered on the organization’s Policy Committee and Board of Directors.
For the prior nine years, Geoff led California’s largest community college foundation (the SBCC Foundation), where he created the SBCC Promise, one of the nation’s leading college promise initiatives. The SBCC Promise uses exclusively privately raised funds to cover two years of college expenses for all recent local high school graduates.
Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Geoff came to Santa Barbara in 1990 to attend UCSB. In 1997, he joined the Fund for Santa Barbara, serving as Executive Director from 2003 to 2015. As an activist-led community foundation, the Fund was a resource, convener, and funder for various innovative community organizations. It launched the Social Justice Award for Documentary Film and the Youth Making Change program.
Geoff’s previous experience includes ten years of public affairs radio programming, electoral campaign organizing, and as a National Park Ranger. He also consults professionally. As a volunteer auctioneer, he has raised over $6 million for more than 60 nonprofit organizati

Dr. Crystal Trull, the head of CT Consulting, a company that offers expert guidance to nonprofit entities for their long-term viability, meets with May Harris, Esq. to discuss crucial topics relevant to anyone engaged with nonprofits. Crystal delves into the array of resources accessible to nonprofits and explores the intricate dynamics of board membership, emphasizing the crucial interplay between board members and the CEO. Additionally, they delve into the often underutilized roles within nonprofits, addressing duties and responsibilities. This episode is packed with valuable insights nonprofit leaders would find indispensable.
 
IN THIS EPISODE:
[0:47] May introduces Crystal 
[4:42] Crystal shares why she pursued her Ph.D
[7:12] Discussion of different resources coming from academia
[7:53] Crystal expands on why nonprofits come to her firm
[11:29] Crystal shares some tips she gives nonprofits
[14:10] Crystal talks about bringing on new board members and bringing different identities to the board that meet your mission
[20:34] Discussion regarding a high-functioning board and a positive relationship with their CEO
[24:14] Discussion regarding the underutilized position of a vice-chair and final advice is for board members to take themselves out of the equation and focus on the mission.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 
 A person in leadership doesn’t need to have a Ph.D.,but that knowledge gave Crystal more tools as she worked with various nonprofits.
Nonprofits seek agencies’ help because they realize they need it. Running a nonprofit isn’t as easy as one would think.
Knowing your mission is vital to staying on track while operating a nonprofit
 
RESOURCES:
For Profit Law Group - Website
Nonprofit Counsel - Website
Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram
Nonprofit Counsel - Linkedin
Crystal Trull - LinkedIn
CT Nonprofit Consulting - Website
 
BIOGRAPHIES:
May Harris has been a pioneer of nonprofit law practice for over a decade, having founded For Purpose Law Group in April 2012. She serves the nation's nonprofit sector with unparalleled expertise, prioritizing her client's missions, visions, and values. She specializes in nonprofit & tax-exempt organizations, social enterprise & business law, and estate planning & charitable giving.
 
GUEST BIOGRAPHY: 
Dr. Crystal Trull is the Principal of CT Consulting, a consulting firm that provides leadership and expertise while engaging nonprofit organizations to ensure sustainability. With more than 20 years of experience as a nonprofit professional with experience in all aspects of leading, managing, and development, Crystal combines her academic and practitioner skills to provide solutions for small and large nonprofit organizations. Her clients range from all-volunteer run to large organizations in the fields of arts and culture, social services, community development, academia, faith-based, and civic engagement.
Dr. Trull is also a lecturer in the Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management program and the Master of Global Position and Strategy Graduate program at the University of California, San Diego. She teaches courses on nonprofit management, leadership, and governance.
Trull received her Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at the University of San Diego. Her research focuses on nonprofit organizations and philanthropy, specifically nonprofit governance, regulation, and social enterprise earned income programs. Crystal is active in her community, having served on numerous nonprofit boards as Board Chair, Vice Chair, Parliamentarian, Member, and Committee Chair and Member.
 

Calling all changemakers! Are you looking for inspiration to tackle the world's toughest challenges? That’s precisely what Paula Cordeiro, EdD. has exemplified throughout her professional journey. Join Paula and May Harris, Esq., as they delve into the exciting world of social entrepreneurship and global philanthropy. Gain insights on how your nonprofit can collaborate with similar-minded businesses, focusing on instigating social transformation within your local sphere. Discover how everyday people are making a real difference and learn about a Global Seminar scheduled in 2025 designed to bring entrepreneurs and co-ops together to make a difference in their communities!
 
IN THIS EPISODE:
[1:21] Paula shares her professional background and explains social entrepreneurship and how different sectors are coming together to create a social enterprise
[6:38] Discussion of global entrepreneurship and the commitment to prioritize social good or profits
[7:26] Discussion of philanthropic endeavors and how they can make an even larger social impact
[16;12] Nonprofits are becoming more collaborative and working with corporations that are already invested in the community 
[18:36] Paula gives examples of people who will only work for businesses that are socially conscience and discussion of purchasing fair trade items 
[22:3] The Global Seminar in 2025 will be held in three different locations to inform attendees about the opportunities that exist that will create wealth for local co-ops in impoverished countries
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 
[3:02] Social entrepreneurship can best be illustrated by the Girl Scouts, who sell cookies and earn income while making a social impact.
[6:33] Organizations like Ashoka, Skoll Foundation, Newman's Own, and Ben & Jerry's exemplify global social entrepreneurship. Their structure prioritizes social good over maximizing profits.
[11:14] Philanthropic endeavors create social and community good; board and staff members need even more exposure to the foundation world to invest better. 
 
RESOURCES:
For Profit Law Group - Website
Nonprofit Counsel - Website
Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram
Nonprofit Counsel - Linkedin
Paula A. Cordeiro - LinkedIn
 
May Harris has been a pioneer of nonprofit law practice for over a decade, having founded For Purpose Law Group in April 2012. She serves the nation's nonprofit sector with unparalleled expertise, prioritizing her client's missions, visions, and values. She specializes in nonprofit & tax-exempt organizations, social enterprise & business law, and estate planning & charitable giving.
 
GUEST BIOGRAPHY: 
Paula Cordeiro is the Dammeyer Distinguished Professor of Global Leadership and Education in the Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego (USD). From 1998-2015 she served as dean of USD’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences. Afterward, she spent nearly five years working internationally as the VP of Education for Edify, an international micro-finance social enterprise. Paula has served on various civic and philanthropic boards, including the James Irvine Foundation, the USS Midway Museum, the New Bedford Whaling Museum (MA), and the Community Technical Assistance Center (MA). She chaired the boards of the San Diego Council on Literacy the University Council for Educational Administration, and currently sits on the boards of the Conrad Prebys Foundation and Building Engineering and Science Talent (Washington DC). Paula was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to serve on the Board of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Before becoming a professor, Paula was a teacher, principal, and director of international schools in Venezuela and Spain. She is the author of three books and numerous articles. Paula teaches social entrepreneurship and impact evaluation.

Andrea Ortega, the Founder and CEO of Palante Nonprofits, has structured her company to aid nonprofit organizations with strategic planning, offering implementation guidance and customized training programs in English and Spanish. In a conversation with May Harris, Esq., MA, Andrea will explore various topics, including transitioning grassroots nonprofits into scalable entities. Maintaining a strategic plan that is both visionary and realistic is of utmost importance. The efficacy of your nonprofit's strategy can be assessed by the data collected to support it, indicating whether your goals have been achieved. With advancements in technology, there are now tools available to assist nonprofits. AI can even aid in crafting strategic plans, while Google provides tools to keep your team updated in real time. Stay tuned for this timely and crucial information pertinent to your nonprofit endeavors.


IN THIS EPISODE:
[1:23] Andrea shares how she came to the nonprofit space and who her clients are
[4:49] Discussion of how to scale a grassroots nonprofit
[7:26] Andrea discussed how she begins to work with clients
[11:27] Discussion of using AI to assist in writing a strategic plan but also knowing how to collect and use data
[13:32] Obstacles that Andrea sees as she advises Boards and discussion of the timelines for strategic plans
[20:49] Using Google tools is a way for a team to view the dashboard and decide what data to collect
[24:51] Training should be a part of your organizational culture, and sharing documents and ideas with other nonprofits is beneficial
[31:39] Andrea stresses that you should make space on your meeting agenda to cover your strategic plan, and she reminds nonprofits to have a realistic vision 
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 
[2:12] Professionals working in the nonprofit space generally exist because of a personal connection or passion.
[12:22] You can create a beautiful plan to present to funders, but you also need a way, by collecting data, to measure success.
[13:18] Staying on a mission is critical for a nonprofit to meet its goals and objectives. Nonprofits make a mistake when they stray away from its strategic plan. 
 
RESOURCES:
 
For Profit Law Group - Website
Nonprofit Counsel - Website
Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram
Nonprofit Counsel - Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/company/palante-nonprofits-llc/
 
May Harris has been a pioneer of nonprofit law practice for over a decade, having founded For Purpose Law Group in April 2012. She serves the nation's nonprofit sector with unparalleled expertise, prioritizing her client's missions, visions, and values. She specializes in nonprofit & tax-exempt organizations, social enterprise & business law, and estate planning & charitable giving.
 
GUEST BIOGRAPHY: 
Andrea Ortega, MNM, CNP, is the Founder and CEO of Palante Nonprofits, LLC, a nonprofit consulting practice specializing in strategic planning, implementation guidance, and tailored training programs in English and Spanish. With a Master's degree in Nonprofit Management from the University of Central Florida, Andrea is also pursuing her Ph.D. in Public Affairs. Previously, she was the Senior Curriculum Development Manager at Resilia, designing and curating over 200 courses and building a diverse team. Andrea has extensive experience developing curriculums and teaching in the nonprofit sector, covering public and nonprofit accounting and finance, strategic alliances, and urban affairs. Committed to the nonprofit community, she enjoys volunteering and spending time with her family. She can speak on various topics, including compliance and tech for nonprofits. Andrea is a proud #Gator, #Knight, and Colombian-American.