Built for Good

Mazlo, Kian Alavi
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Built for Good is for the community builders driving missions that matter. Host Kian Alavi shares real stories, hard-won lessons, and data that challenges assumptions, helping you move with more clarity and less guesswork. Each episode delivers actionable insights to accelerate decisions and make meaningful work less of a solo struggle. Now… let’s build for good. Built for Good is brought to you by Mazlo. Mazlo simplifies accounting, banking, compliance, and fundraising—so you can focus on your mission, not your back office

Episodes

  1. 11/11/2025

    Fear, Algorithms, and the IRS: Erin Bradrick Reveals What’s Really Happening to Nonprofits

    In the season finale of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Erin Bradrick, an attorney and principal at NEO Law Group, to dive deep into the complexities and challenges facing nonprofits today. Erin Bradrick shares her personal journey from litigator to nonprofit legal expert and offers practical advice for nonprofit leaders—especially for those just getting started or looking to strengthen compliance practices. The discussion covers critical differences between for-profit and nonprofit legal requirements, the layers of compliance nonprofits face, and the increasing pressure many organizations feel around risk mitigation. Erin Bradrick unpacks what compliance means in practical terms, why nonprofits often face greater regulation than their for-profit counterparts, and how recent trends—such as heightened regulatory scrutiny and looming legislative threats—are impacting the sector. The conversation also tackles hot topics like donor-advised funds (DAFs), the evolving landscape of big philanthropy, and the importance of nonprofits staying mission-focused amid uncertainty. Listeners will leave with actionable insights on maintaining organizational integrity, preparing for regulatory changes, and harnessing the power of collaboration within the nonprofit community. nonprofitlawblog.com https://www.neolawgroup.com/ Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro & Erin’s Background03:49 Leap of faith into law09:23 Starting a nonprofit key considerations11:27 Charity Compliance Requirements Overview15:08 State AGs Charity Regulation Trends18:29 Nonprofits Balancing Risk and Mission21:21 Nonprofit Resource Allocation Challenges26:09 IRS Data-Driven Audit System28:37 Algorithm Transparency and Bias Concerns33:31 Nonprofits Mission Over Entity37:21 Nonprofit leadership and philanthropy concerns39:13 DEI Order Targets Foundations42:19 Nonprofit Foundation Rules Explained44:26 Donor Advised Fund Nuances50:12 DAF Donor Considerations Summarized51:30 Nonprofit Legal Compliance Expertise

    53 min

  2. 10/31/2025

    From Diplomat to Nonprofit Hero: Ajani Husbands’ Impact Journey

    In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Ajani Husbands, Vice President & Senior Counsel at Build Up Companies and the Campbell Law Firm, to explore his multifaceted journey from his Caribbean roots to diplomatic service, law, and nonprofit leadership. Ajani shares powerful stories from his upbringing in Barbados, international diplomatic work, and efforts to support grassroots movements and community organizations. Their discussion encompasses the challenges of movement building in hostile environments, the importance of lived experience and diversity in philanthropy, and how organizations like Build Up Inc. and the Campbell Law Firm are working to streamline nonprofit operations so leaders can focus on impactful work. Ajani explains the value of fiscal sponsorship, capacity building for BIPOC- and women-led organizations, and the shift towards collaborative, equitable philanthropy. Listeners will gain insights on overcoming structural barriers, starting and scaling nonprofit projects, and practical tips for effective advisory relationships. The conversation emphasizes purposeful work, optimism in challenging times, and the critical importance of empowering communities to lead change. Helpful links to Ajani’s documentary and projects are included in the show notes. Explore Ajani’s alcohol brand, 1966 Rum: https://www.drink1966.com/ Fiscal Sponsorship: 6 Ways to Do it RightBook by Gregory L. Colvin Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro & Ajani’s Background06:29 Diplomat to Lawyer Journey09:47 Journey from Law School to Practice10:55 Brave Nonprofit Legal Advisory Services14:19 Discovering Diplomacy Through Friendship18:11 Legal Support for Social Impact23:14 Fiscal sponsorship simplified25:03 Capacity Building Support Services29:50 Decolonizing philanthropy discussions31:24 Harriet Tubman Grant Skit35:14 Streamline collaboration in philanthropy39:16 Facilitating change through collaboration42:33 Fundraising Challenges and Support45:38 Choosing fiscal sponsor or independence49:06 Intentional Innovation for Nonprofits50:32 Decolonizing Philanthropy Focused Efforts

    52 min

  3. 10/14/2025

    The Art (and Law) of Fiscal Sponsorship with Lisa Burger of Independent Arts & Media

    In this episode, host Kian Alavi sits down with Lisa Burger, Executive Director of Independent Arts and Media. Lisa shares her winding journey from law to arts management, breaking down the ins and outs of fiscal sponsorship—a lifeline for many small nonprofits and grassroots projects. The conversation explores the various models of fiscal sponsorship, including legal, financial, and practical implications for project leaders and fiscal sponsors. Lisa gives real-world advice for nonprofits considering offering fiscal sponsorship, explaining key lessons learned around financial systems, HR management, compliance, and the importance of trust in sponsor-project relationships. The episode also explores common challenges, the importance of mission alignment, and the shift towards transparency and stability in the nonprofit sector, particularly in arts and media. Lisa rounds out the discussion with her personal motivations, current trends, and practical tips for potential applicants. Connect with Lisa Burger & Independent Arts & Mediawww.artsandmedia.net — Fiscal Sponsorship: 6 Ways to Do it RightBook by Gregory L. Colvin Connect with Schulman Consultinghttps://schulmanconsulting.com/ Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro & Lisa’s Winding Path: Law to Advocacy04:30 Nonprofit Leadership Journey07:14 Restructuring Toward Mission Fulfillment11:34 Fiscal Sponsorship and IRS Compliance14:24 Fiscal Sponsorship Models Key Responsibilities16:07 Managing Growth in Fiscal Sponsorships20:30 Adapting Growth to Legal Changes23:22 W2 costs and budgeting26:18 Tracking Reporting and Relationships29:04 Learning Financial Oversight Systems33:54 Conflict Over Payments and Termination36:09 Fiscal Sponsor Fund Control Explained38:51 Streamlining training and onboarding44:20 Fiscal sponsorship upheaval persists46:25 Finding the Right Fit

    1 hr

  4. 09/30/2025

    Let the Light Shine: Building a Platform for Change with Michael Pace of Social Good Fund

    In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Michael Pace, founder and CEO of Social Good Fund—one of the nation’s most impactful nonprofits supporting grassroots changemakers. Michael shares his personal journey: the frustrations that inspired him to create Social Good Fund, how he intentionally lowered barriers to fiscal sponsorship, and the driving philosophy at the heart of his work—helping others shine their light into the world. The conversation explores key learnings for emerging and established nonprofits, including the importance of building the right team, leveraging technology for greater impact, and prioritizing self-care to prevent burnout. Michael and Kian also discuss leadership values, the evolving fiscal sponsorship landscape, current sector challenges, and the power of nonprofit collaboration in times of uncertainty. Michael’s inspiring stories, especially from seeing Social Good Fund’s real world impact in African communities, remind us of the direct and often unseen change nonprofits spark every day. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in nonprofit leadership, social innovation, and building resilient, mission-driven teams. Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro & Michael’s Background05:26 Creating Community Support Initiative08:08 Cultivating Joy and Positive Influence10:54 Building Social Good Fund Origins16:14 Building the Right Team18:26 Finding Leadership Within23:38 Navigating Technological Advancements Alone24:14 Pioneering Real-Time Financial Access28:04 Tech Adoption Challenges in Organizations30:35 Creating Secure Work Environments34:12 Burnout and Self-Reflection39:36 Commitment to Community-Driven Culture43:20 Unity in Adversity: Collaborative Resilience44:32 Grounded Humanity Amidst Technology50:13 Clean Water Access Transforms Village51:27 Transformation Through Social Good Fund54:56 Gratitude for Rare Insights

    56 min

  5. 09/16/2025

    Leveraging AI for Better Healthcare Outcomes with Sunita Mohanty of Vibrant

    In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Sunita Mohanty, CEO and co-founder of Vibrant Practice, to explore the intersection of AI, healthcare, and social impact. Sunita shares her journey from a product leader at Meta to founding Vibrant, an operating system designed for modern, independent medical practices focused on functional and integrative medicine. The conversation delves into the challenges clinicians face with disconnected workflows and manual processes and how Vibrant leverages vertical SaaS and AI to streamline operations while maintaining quality, security, and human connection. Sunita highlights the importance of thoughtful AI integration—keeping a “human in the loop”—and addresses critical issues like patient data security, privacy, and AI bias. Sunita and Kian also discuss the implications of AI for nonprofit and social impact organizations, the societal shifts in workforce roles, and the balance between passion and strategy when building solutions that matter. Sunita’s insights offer actionable advice for community builders, entrepreneurs, and anyone considering how to thoughtfully apply AI in mission-driven work. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Intro & Sunita’s Background 03:20 The Challenge of Personalized Medicine 07:08 AI Enhances Doctor-Patient Interaction 11:11 2025: Year of AI Agents 14:03 Healthcare Data Collection and Security 17:41 Biased AI in Healthcare Data 21:27 AI with Expert Guidance 24:33 Building Expertise Without Junior Roles 27:18 Balancing AI Efficiency and Quality 30:14 Follow Passion, Not Doubts 34:07 Optimism and Realism

    36 min

  6. 09/03/2025

    Power, Risk, and the Mechanics of Impact with Elena Chavez Quezada of StarrWise

    In this insightful episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Elena Chavez Quezada, a leader in philanthropy and social impact who has shaped policy and practice across nonprofits, government, and foundations. Elena shares her inspiring journey from growing up in New Mexico to navigating roles at Tipping Point, the Aspen Institute, the California Governor’s Office, and now, co-leading Starwise Solutions. The conversation dives deep into challenges facing philanthropy and nonprofits: power dynamics, the mechanics of moving money, and the persistent disconnect between funders and operators. Elena discusses hard-to-solve issues—like risk aversion in funding, overcomplicated reporting processes, and operational struggles within nonprofits. Drawing from real stories, including a transformational intervention with Canal Alliance, she highlights the game-changing power of trust, radical transparency, and authentic relationships. The episode also explores fiscal sponsorships, the complexities they introduce for both funders and grantees, and how leveraging tech and operational excellence can streamline impact.Listeners will walk away with actionable insights on building candid partnerships, navigating funding mechanics, fostering continuous improvement, and embracing failure as a pathway to growth. Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro & Elena’s Background04:35 Bridging Policy and Ground Realities07:14 Government-Philanthropy Collaboration Strategies10:43 Philanthropy's Power Dynamics Dilemma14:53 Vulnerability in Funder-Nonprofit Conversations17:29 Building Trust in Funding Relationships21:14 Emergency Grant Saves Vulnerable Service Organization25:53 Philanthropy's Risk Aversion27:05 Funder Concerns with Fiscal Sponsorship30:25 Challenges in Due Diligence Process36:16 Seizing Opportunities with Fiscal Sponsorship39:02 Community Partnerships with Government41:42 Optimizing Nonprofit Financial Data44:22 Philanthropy's Shift Towards Risk and Innovation48:49 Radical Transparency in Relationships50:34 Navigating Early Challenges in Building

    52 min

  7. 08/19/2025

    Fiscal Sponsorship and the Future of Social Impact Filmmaking with E2AC

    In this inaugural episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Nick Hudson, Executive Director of Entertainment to Effect Change (E2AC), a nonprofit transforming the way social impact content is made and funded. Nick shares the journey of E2AC’s rapid growth, from a handful of fiscally sponsored projects to over 150, and discusses early challenges, lessons learned, and the unique value of specialized fiscal sponsorship.  The conversation highlights the changing landscape of content consumption, the essential role of philanthropy in funding documentaries and campaigns, and how E2AC connects creatives, causes, and funders to maximize impact. Nick provides a behind-the-scenes look at successful projects like the documentary "Deliver Us" and the revitalization of the historic Malvern Cinema, which now serves as an inclusive, community-driven space.  Listeners will learn about the power of fiscal sponsorship to accelerate mission-driven work, the importance of making fundraising infrastructure accessible, and how allyship and innovation can create sustainable models for community engagement and storytelling. Funders, filmmakers, and nonprofit leaders alike will find inspiration and practical insights in this episode.

    41 min

  8. 08/13/2025

    Welcome to Built for Good

    Built for Good launches on Tuesday, August 19th. Subscribe now to hear the first episode as soon as it drops!

    1 min

Trailer

About

Built for Good is for the community builders driving missions that matter. Host Kian Alavi shares real stories, hard-won lessons, and data that challenges assumptions, helping you move with more clarity and less guesswork. Each episode delivers actionable insights to accelerate decisions and make meaningful work less of a solo struggle. Now… let’s build for good. Built for Good is brought to you by Mazlo. Mazlo simplifies accounting, banking, compliance, and fundraising—so you can focus on your mission, not your back office

Information

  • Creator
    Mazlo, Kian Alavi
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Mazlo, Inc
  • Show Website
    Built for Good