Nonprofit on the Rocks

Matt Kamin
  • 5.0 (67)
  • Non-Profit
  • Updated Monthly

Passionate about making a difference but tired of dry, snooze-worthy industry podcasts? Nonprofit on the Rocks shakes things up with engaging conversations and actionable advice — all served with a drink in hand. Join Envision Consulting co-founder and nonprofit expert, Matt Kamin, as he and his esteemed (and occasionally tipsy) guests dive into fundraising strategies, leadership challenges, and the latest trends shaping the nonprofit world. Whether you're a seasoned pro, volunteer, or just here for the drinks, you'll leave with inspiring ideas to amplify your mission. So pull up a seat, pour yourself something tasty, and join us for thought-provoking chats that spark positive change. New episodes drop monthly — Cheers!

  1. Jul 30

    Survey Says? "State of the Nonprofit Worker Report"

    State of the Nonprofit Worker Report (SNWR) Spoiler: it's not a K-pop band. It's the data initiative that's about to make your next board meeting way more interesting. In this episode, host Matt sits down with Allison (Envision Consulting) and Efrain (Center for Nonprofit Management) to talk about the State of the Nonprofit Worker Report — the survey aiming to answer the question every nonprofit leader is whispering at happy hour: are we in a silent recession, or does it just feel that way because we're all running on coffee and will power? What you'll learn: • Why this report goes way beyond "just another compensation survey" (yes, they know you're tired of those too) • The elephant-in-the-room questions: federal funding cuts, the AI panic, and whether remote work is actually dead or just resting • Why quality-of-life metrics — like childcare, living wages, and whether you can actually pay your bills — matter more than a salary number on a spreadsheet • How CNM and Envision teamed up to be the "convener" and "data hub" so nonprofits stop making six-figure decisions based on vibes and anecdotes • A truly inspired tangent about an $8,000 laundry-folding robot and why that, too, counts as AI we can get behind Whether you're filling out the survey as an individual or as an organization, the hosts want you to know: yes, it's a big ask, and yes, they know surveys are the bane of your existence. But without your data, there's no story — and no story means no change. Learn more and take the survey at cnmsocal.org.

  2. Jul 14

    All Things Social Sector Impact with Rob Harter

    This week, Matt sits down with Rob Harter — host of the Nonprofit Leadership podcast, coach, consultant, recovering executive director, and self-described "hopeless romantic" who still believes you can change the world. (We checked. He means it.) Rob spent three decades in the social impact sector, most recently leading a humanitarian organization in Park City, Utah — yes, that Park City, the one where people ski and pretend they've never heard of a food pantry. Spoiler: they have one. A really good one. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: • Why the nonprofit world is harder than it looks (and why that's kind of the point) • A community garden that thrived for two years and then... didn't (RIP, solar pump) • Why your work and your worth are not the same thing — and why most of us need a therapist to actually believe that • The three traits of great leaders: humility, listening, and a healthy ego check (two out of three ain't bad, but you really need all three) • Why 75% of podcasts die before their first birthday — and what Rob thinks separates the survivors Whether you're a seasoned executive director, a wide-eyed nonprofit newbie, or just someone who wants to make a difference without burning out completely, this one's for you.

  3. Jun 22

    Nonprofit Nation on the Rocks

    Two podcast hosts walk into a recording session. One's drinking Eagle Rare bourbon at 3pm in LA. The other is sipping a Pinot Grigio she smuggled back from Italy. Neither has ever co-hosted before. What could go wrong? Turns out — nothing. This week, Matt hands over (half of) the mic to Julia Campbell, host of Nonprofit Nation, and the result is one of the most honest, wide-ranging conversations we've had on this show. They cover the real stuff: why so many nonprofits are treading water, why your donors don't need a polished brand campaign (they need the truth), and why the difference between marketing and fundraising might be the most important thing your organization isn't thinking about. Julia also makes a compelling case that you, your phone, and zero budget is all you need to build a following – just ask her client, a force of nature who single handedly helped end the dog meat trade in China. Oh, and they get into A.I. Because of course they do. Julia's take? Stop being intimidated and start treating it like an intern. Matt's take? ChatGPT designed his tattoo, so he's basically already married to it.

  4. Mar 10

    S6:E4 -- "Senseis of Hiring" An introduction to "Around the Office" with Jessie Stegner

    We’re trying new things! In this special, mini-episode, host Matt Kamin introduces a new segment we’re calling, “Around the Office”, featuring conversations with the talented team of nonprofit experts at Envision Consulting. This inaugural episode welcomes the smart and funny Associate Director, Jessie Stegner, to discuss the future direction of the podcast and what nonprofit professionals really want to hear. KEY TOPICS: Why this podcast matters: The importance of creating content that helps nonprofit professionals feel seen and less alone in their struggles. Upcoming content plans: Focus on practical, actionable advice for nonprofit professionals. WHAT’S NEXT: First Around the Office episode: How to get a job in the nonprofit sector – featuring insider knowledge on resumes, interviews and what organizations are really looking for. Merger Deep Dive: Matt interviews his business partner and co-founder of Envision Consulting, Allison Fuller about nonprofit mergers. ABOUT ENVISION: Envision Consulting specializes in strategy and executive recruiting exclusively for nonprofits across the country. WHERE TO LISTEN: • All major podcast platforms • YouTube (audio episodes) • Website: www.envisionnonprofit.com GET INVOLVED: Have questions, topic ideas or guest suggestions for the show? Reach out to producer Ashley: ashley@envisionnonprofit.com

  5. 11/21/2025

    S6:E3 -- Navigating Charitable Giving with CEO of Charity Navigator, Michael Thatcher

    In this special Thanksgiving episode of "Nonprofit on the Rocks," host Matt Kamin welcomes back Michael Thatcher, CEO of the nonprofit rating website, Charity Navigator, for an insightful conversation about the state of the nonprofit sector in America. Together, they discuss the challenges facing nonprofits today, including declining public trust, reduced government funding, and the increasing need for community support. Michael shares inspiring stories of generosity, explains how Charity Navigator empowers donors to make informed giving decisions, and highlights the vital role nonprofits play in everyday American life. The episode also covers practical ways listeners can give back—whether through donations, volunteering, or joining a nonprofit board—and ends with a heartfelt reminder of the importance of gratitude and collective action. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in making a positive impact during the holiday season and beyond.

  6. 10/24/2025

    S6:E2 -- "Leadership and Resilience in the Face of Disaster" Revisiting Liz Lin, CEO of the LAFD Foundation

    Matt is joined by Liz Lin, CEO of the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, to discuss the profound impact of the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. The conversation covers challenges faced by both the community and first responders, the critical role of the Foundation, and practical steps for preparedness and recovery. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: • Firsthand accounts of emergency response and the emotional toll on firefighters • The mission and work of the LAFD Foundation in supporting firefighters with essential equipment, resources and station upgrades • The importance of community support for first responders, including appropriate ways to show appreciation. • Guidance for homeowners and families on disaster preparedness, evacuation planning and recovery resources. • The ongoing needs of the LAFD and how public support makes a difference. RESOURCES: • Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: supportlafd.org • LAFD official information: lafd.org

  7. 10/07/2025

    S6:E1 -- Recruiting on the Rocks: a Hiring Happy Hour with Matt & Tom O'Connor

    What really happens when you put two nonprofit insiders in a room and ask them to solve the sector’s toughest hiring puzzles? In this episode, we sit down with Tom O’Connor, founder of TOC Arts Partners, to decode the mysteries of executive search, organizational strategy, and the human side of leadership. Tune in for a conversation that goes beyond résumés and reference checks. Tom shares why the best searches start with curiosity, how to spot the difference between a good candidate and the right candidate, and why transparency is the ultimate retention tool. Along the way, we explore the subtle art of “discovery,” the realities of uncertainty in the nonprofit world, and the power of building teams that are more than the sum of their job descriptions. Highlights include: • The “knife fight in a phone booth” reality of today’s talent market • How to turn candidate feedback into organizational growth • Why culture fit is more than a buzzword (and how to get it right) • The secret to making hiring less transactional and more transformational • Tom’s take on humility, humor, and the impact sector’s future Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, a job-seeker, or just someone who loves a good story about people making a difference, this episode is your invitation to rethink what it means to build a great team.

  8. Season 6 Trailer

    Nonprofit on the Rocks Trailer 2025

    It's a new season of Nonprofit on the Rocks! Host Matt Kamin is a nonprofit expert whose wealth of experience, wit and wisdom will help your nonprofit not only tackle today's challenges, but will also help build a stronger foundation for lasting impact in the future.

See All (62)

Trailers

5
out of 5
67 Ratings

About

Passionate about making a difference but tired of dry, snooze-worthy industry podcasts? Nonprofit on the Rocks shakes things up with engaging conversations and actionable advice — all served with a drink in hand. Join Envision Consulting co-founder and nonprofit expert, Matt Kamin, as he and his esteemed (and occasionally tipsy) guests dive into fundraising strategies, leadership challenges, and the latest trends shaping the nonprofit world. Whether you're a seasoned pro, volunteer, or just here for the drinks, you'll leave with inspiring ideas to amplify your mission. So pull up a seat, pour yourself something tasty, and join us for thought-provoking chats that spark positive change. New episodes drop monthly — Cheers!

Information

You Might Also Like