On The Ground

James Misner
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Non-Profit

As CEO of The Kipos Group, James Misner has spent years in the trenches with nonprofit leaders. "On the Ground" brings those conversations to you—unfiltered insights by nonprofit leaders, for nonprofit leaders. Real Leaders. Real Challenges. Real Solutions.

  1. 5d ago

    $400 Million in Tax Credits: How NeighborWorks Capital Funds 250 Nonprofits

    How NeighborWorks Capital Uses Nonprofit Lending to Expand Affordable Housing James Misner talks with Jim Peffley of NeighborWorks Capital about the affordable housing crisis, how community development financial institutions work, and the power of collaboration across the nonprofit housing sector. Jim shares his path from growing up in affordable housing to leading an institution that helps nonprofit developers access capital. They discuss the scale of the housing shortfall, how NeighborWorks Capital is structured, and why the network's collective strength gives smaller developers more leverage with investors. Key topics Jim shares how Brookview Apartments shaped his views on housing.His path went from banking to housing finance to affordable housing investing.They discuss the affordable housing continuum, from public housing to homeownership.Jim describes the scale of the housing shortage and its pressure on families.More housing alone isn't enough if it's unaffordable or blocked by zoning.NeighborWorks Capital is a nonprofit CDFI lending to housing developers.It finances land acquisition, infrastructure, and construction.The organization borrows close to $100 million a year, with $400 million in tax credits.The NeighborWorks network collectively rivals major for-profit developers.Jim explains organizing developers to negotiate better terms with investors.A failed Fannie Mae effort taught him to listen closely to customers first.Intelligent risk-taking is essential in mission-driven leadership.He closes by encouraging orgs to connect with local NeighborWorks members. Timestamps 00:39 - Jim's path into affordable housing 01:33 - From banking into housing finance 03:41 - Today's affordable housing landscape 04:55 - Scale of the housing shortfall 06:30 - Housing insecurity's effect on opportunity 07:58 - Why more homes isn't the whole solution 09:13 - Who NeighborWorks Capital serves 10:56 - Types of financing it provides 11:51 - Why banks invest in it 12:56 - How the nonprofit model sustains itself 14:48 - Annual borrowing and lending scale 15:23 - Tax credit investments and capital stack 16:40 - Affordable units the network produces 17:10 - Why collective bargaining power matters 18:18 - NeighborWorks nonprofits as innovators 19:26 - How scale advantages leave smaller groups behind 22:19 - Listening as a superpower with funders 23:44 - Why new partnerships require flexibility 25:44 - Advice for frontline organizations 27:01 - Why NeighborWorks members are the right partners 28:43 - The collaborative culture of the CDFI space 29:28 - What NeighborWorks Capital hopes to change next 31:02 - Headwinds facing affordable housing 33:40 - Where to find Jim and NeighborWorks Capital Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Jim: Neighborworks Capital Official WebsiteConnect with Jim on Linkedin

  2. Sep 1

    Asking for Money for a Need They Don't Have: Empower Girls Camp's Fundraising Fix

    Therese Tetzel on Building Empower Girls Camp to Change Girls’ Trajectories James Misner talks with Therese Tetzel, founder of Empower Girls Camp, about leaving a 30-year corporate career to build a research-informed program that helps shy or at-risk girls develop confidence and resilience. They also discuss why short, consistent donor updates beat broad, generic appeals. Key topics Empower Girls Camp aims to deeply impact a small group of girls rather than many superficially.Therese left a 30-year corporate career after questioning its purpose, sparked by tutoring Sifa, a young refugee who couldn't read — Sifa's first camp became the turning point.Serves girls 9–11 who are shy, withdrawn, or facing hardship at home — a "precision intervention disguised as a STEM camp."Selection uses a 12-point counselor questionnaire and a scoring system built with a child psychologist.Therese designed the program using her corporate product-development background, planning it out on butcher paper.Lessons learned: not every parent says yes, so a response plan was needed; in fundraising, local relationships and short, frequent donor updates beat long newsletters.Donors want to see impact, not a sales pitch — regular updates build trust.Vision: keep adding schools and girls yearly, aiming for 20 schools. Timestamps 00:00 - Why nonprofit missions differ from corporate ones 00:28 - Meet Therese Tetzel and Empower Girls Camp 00:59 - Leaving corporate America after asking "What am I doing here?" 02:28 - Meeting Sifa and discovering the power of tutoring 03:10 - Teaching a six-year-old refugee to read in a month 04:07 - The first camp experience that changed everything 05:47 - From one camper to a broader model 06:17 - Launching a nonprofit with no prior experience 07:59 - Building the model from the American Camp Association study 09:26 - "Precision intervention masquerading as a STEM camp" 10:13 - Identifying the girls most likely to benefit 11:12 - The 12-point questionnaire and selection process 12:21 - Building the process on butcher paper 13:17 - Using school data to predict enrollment 14:14 - Parent permission, photo releases, vaccination records 15:27 - What didn't work: assuming every parent would say yes 17:10 - Fundraising lessons: local giving matters most 18:26 - Why sales skills don't translate to fundraising 19:27 - Donor communication needs to happen often 20:24 - Short, frequent updates over long newsletters 21:34 - Keeping the cause front and center for donors 23:14 - Donors want impact, not merchandise 24:46 - Showing outcomes multiplies donor joy 25:10 - Milestones can also lead to grants 26:16 - Growth plans: more schools, girls, funding 27:37 - How to connect with Therese 28:17 - Why the organization is uniquely focused Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Therese: MPower Girls Camp Official WebsiteConnect with Therese on Linkedin

  3. Aug 25

    30% From Program Revenue: How Helping Up Mission Funds a One-Year Recovery Program

    Helping Up Mission, Baltimore, and a life shaped by serving people in crisis James Misner talks with Daniel Stoltzfus, CEO of Helping Up Mission in Baltimore, about the personal calling that led him into addiction recovery and homelessness work, the mission’s 140-year history, and how it navigates changing policies while staying focused on trust, relationships, and transformation. Daniel also shares how a life-changing experience at age 19 shaped his path, along with insights on Baltimore’s recovery, nonprofit leadership, succession, and sustainable funding. Key Topics Daniel’s calling began at 19 on the Relief Bus in NYC.Isaiah 58 shaped his view of service and vocation.Helping Up Mission was founded in Baltimore in 1885.Its original mission included women and children.The mission expanded to women and children in 2020.Daniel sees this growth as returning to its roots.Baltimore shows both deep need and real renewal.Overdoses, crime, prayer, and partnerships shape the city.Daniel supports housing, harm reduction, and recovery together.Recovery depends on trust, relationships, and readiness.Timestamps 00:00 - Daniel’s introduction and why this matters 00:52 - Mission service and street addiction in NYC 03:12 - The moment in Maria Hernandez Park that changed his life 04:20 - Isaiah 58 and his call to service 05:42 - 30 years in addiction, homelessness, and poverty work 07:16 - Helping Up Mission’s founding in 1885 08:42 - Historic board minutes and early mission language 10:05 - Expanding from men’s shelter to recovery and women’s services 11:33 - Discovering the founder lived near today’s campus 13:15 - Why rescue missions emerged during economic crises 15:12 - What early records reveal about resilience 16:36 - Emergency funds, near closures, and faith 18:20 - Why Baltimore is often misunderstood 19:19 - Street outreach and active addiction 20:15 - Overdose deaths and the people behind the numbers 22:14 - A vision for Baltimore’s recovery 24:09 - Prayer, churches, leaders, and the city 26:32 - Succeeding a long-tenured CEO 32:41 - Housing first, harm reduction, and recovery 34:36 - 12-step and Christ-centered recovery 37:21 - Narcan and going beyond harm reduction 39:39 - Why strong nonprofits embrace paradox 40:27 - What failed: oversimplifying with a hotline 41:26 - Telling client stories with dignity and consent 42:55 - Building diversified nonprofit revenue 45:03 - Helping Up Mission’s next 5–10 years 47:39 - Connecting with Daniel and Helping Up Mission Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Daniel: Helping Up Mission Official WebsiteConnect with Daniel on Linkedin

  4. Aug 18

    372 Missionaries in 71 Countries: How Global Outreach Grew Retention Doing Things That Don't Scale

    Building Bridges and Moving Hearts with Josh Yerkes: Stories, Funding, and Mission Impact In this conversation, Josh Yerkes Vice President of Development at Global Outreach International—shares how storytelling, unscalable donor engagement, and documentary filmmaking fuel the organization's mission to send missionaries worldwide. Discover the power of personal touches in fundraising, the challenges of donor retention, and innovative ways to inspire support for global missions. Key Topics: The role of faith-based organizations in international missionsThe importance of storytelling in donor engagement and fundraisingUnscalable yet impactful donor stewardship tacticsHow documentary films can energize mission-focused givingLessons learned from fundraising failures and setbacksStrategies for building long-term donor loyaltyThe significance of personal, experiential touches in supporter relationshipsEffective use of social media and video content to tell compelling stories Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Josh Yerkes and Global Outreach International 00:39 - What Global Outreach does annually—mission, support, training 01:10 - Josh’s background as a missionary kid and career transition into nonprofit leadership 03:15 - The path from YMCA leadership to global missions and fundraising 06:44 - The storytelling approach and its impact on fundraising success 07:14 - The influence of personal stories and experiences in donor relationships 09:12 - Using sensory memories like chlorine smell to craft compelling stories 10:20 - How Global Outreach funds its mission: impact, partnership, and broad-spectrum investing 13:24 - Strategies for increasing revenue and donor retention 14:23 - The importance of personalized thank-yous and stewardship 16:33 - The power of experiential gifts and unscalable acts of generosity 18:53 - The value of personal gestures in donor loyalty and supporter engagement 20:45 - Overcoming scarcity mindset in fundraising and supporting loyal supporters 22:36 - The importance of focusing on supporter loyalty over immediate metrics 23:14 - Lessons from fundraising failures and experimenting in the space 26:46 - A personal story of a failed year-end campaign and lessons learned 27:24 - Announcing the upcoming documentary project "Beyond River's Edge" 29:18 - How storytelling through film can galvanize support for missions 31:09 - Practical ways to connect with Josh and collaborate in global missions Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Josh: Global Outrech International Official WebsiteConnect with Josh Yerkes on Linkedin

  5. Aug 11

    $1.6M to $2.5M in One Year: How Junior Achievement Grew by Fixing the Product Mix

    Empowering Future Leaders: Junior Achievement, AI, and the Future of Nonprofit Storytelling Join us as James Misner sits down with Kim Morgan, President of Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County, to talk about preparing young people for the future through financial literacy, experiential learning, and career readiness. Kim also shares how her nonprofit team is using AI to work smarter, strengthen grant writing, and create more effective storytelling that puts donors and audiences first. In this episode: How Junior Achievement uses experiential learning to teach financial literacy, entrepreneurship, communication, and critical thinkingWhy students need hands-on experiences to build confidence and prepare for real-world successKim’s path to Junior Achievement after 18 years at United Way and a two-year career breakWhat it means to return to leadership refreshed, focused, and not burnt outHow Kim’s team adopted AI for grant writing, communications, and strategic planningWhy AI should be treated as a coworker that supports, not replaces, peopleThe role of storytelling in fundraising and why the donor should be the heroHow Finance Park, BizTown, and Dream Accelerator are shaping the next phase of growth Timestamps: 00:00 - James introduces Kim Morgan and Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County 00:27 - What Junior Achievement is and how it connects learning with experiences 01:38 - Kim’s view of today’s students and the confidence gap in financial literacy 03:31 - Why real-world experiences create lasting learning 04:20 - How Kim became leader of Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County 05:19 - Her years at United Way and what she learned from the role 07:12 - What it’s like to work in a large fundraising organization 09:43 - Why Kim took a two-year career break 13:24 - How the break made her a better leader 14:08 - Why nonprofits need to embrace AI 15:03 - Practical ways Kim’s team uses AI every day 16:38 - How staff members are responding to AI adoption 17:38 - Thinking of AI as a coworker 19:46 - Fundraising growth through stronger products and donor alignment 23:17 - Storytelling that centers the audience, not the organization 26:08 - Why nonprofit leaders struggle with simple, clear messaging 29:05 - What success looks like in five years 30:02 - How to connect with Kim and learn more about Junior Achievement Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Kim: Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County Official WebsiteConnect with Kim Morgan on LinkedinStoryBrand by Donald Miller

  6. Aug 4

    $500K to $25 Million: How Feiro Marine Life Center Funded a 13,000 Sq Ft Rebuild

    $500K to $25 Million: How Feiro Marine Life Center Funded a 13,000 Sq Ft Rebuild Discover how Melissa Williams transformed the Feiro Marine Life Center from a small community museum into a $25 million funded marine education hub. Learn the strategic partnerships, fundraising tactics, and resilience that powered their growth despite setbacks, and gain insights into making impactful organizational leaps. Key Topics: Melissa Williams shares her transition from Chicago's Shed Aquarium to Feiro and her nonprofit journeyThe unique "David and Goliath" story of raising $25 million for Feiro's new aquariumBuilding strategic partnerships, including NOAA collaboration, to elevate project credibilityNavigating federal funding allocations and private fundraising from $500,000 to $25 millionOvercoming challenges with a major project reimagining and managing a six-year delayCultivating donor relationships through tours, events, and impact storytellingStrategies for rural organizations to leverage community support and major giftsThe importance of perseverance and self-care during long fundraising campaigns Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Feiro's location 00:19 - Melissa's background, incl. Shed Aquarium 01:12 - Feiro's growth into a $25M project 01:39 - Early excitement and community ties 03:17 - Visitor experience: tide pools & exhibits 04:43 - Plans for the new 2028 center 05:52 - Scaling the facility for growth 07:01 - Deciding to launch a capital campaign 07:58 - Securing federal funds & NOAA partnership 09:44 - State/federal funding & grant challenges 10:15 - From $500K budget to $25M raised 11:12 - Hiring a development director 12:02 - Feasibility study & donor cultivation 14:41 - Volunteer engagement & outreach 15:32 - Setbacks and reimagining the plan 16:54 - Keeping the team motivated 17:39 - Melissa's resilience strategies 19:48 - Earned revenue: 30% to 70% 21:29 - Donor cultivation, urgency & matching funds 22:39 - Rural fundraising challenges 23:37 - Giving, connections & pledge management 24:54 - Momentum through perseverance 26:01 - Advice for leaders with big visions 27:12 - Connect with Melissa & Feiro 28:36 - Closing thoughts & appreciation Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Melissa: The Feiro Marine Life Center's Official WebsiteConnect with Melissa Williams on Linkedin

  7. Jul 28

    Technology Isn’t the Mission: How to Stop Losing Donors to Disconnected Systems

    Discover how technology and AI are transforming nonprofit work, enhancing donor relationships, and increasing efficiency in this insightful conversation with David Blyer, CEO of Arreva. Main Topics: The evolution of technology in nonprofits over 25 yearsChallenges with disconnected systems and integrationThe role and future of AI in fundraising and donor managementBuilding trust and protecting donor data with AIPractical steps for nonprofits to adopt new tech with limited resources In this episode: David Blyer shares his journey from software entrepreneurship to solving nonprofit data challengesThe importance of integrated systems in donor engagement and fundraisingHow AI can streamline communication, improve donor retention, and enhance decision-makingKey considerations for responsible AI use, including donor data privacyThe future of technology in nonprofits, including AI embedded into daily operationsPractical advice for nonprofits on adopting technology within budget constraintsTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and David Blyer’s background in nonprofit technology 01:12 - Early career and transition into solving nonprofit data problems 02:38 - Identifying the gap: disconnected nonprofit systems 03:57 - How Arreva simplifies donor management for nonprofits 06:42 - Current challenges nonprofits face with multiple systems 08:00 - The importance of timely communication for donor retention 09:56 - Impact of delayed donor communication on giving behavior 11:22 - The role of technology in building trust and relationships 13:00 - Retention statistics and the importance of stewardship 14:26 - Overcoming resource limitations for technology investment 15:48 - The significance of integrated all-in-one solutions 18:10 - Practical steps to streamline nonprofit operations and data management 19:12 - Engaging the board for technology approval 20:36 - How nonprofits can fund technology using existing resources 21:28 - The current state and potential of AI in nonprofits 22:18 - The practical benefits and risks of AI adoption today 23:45 - AI in crafting communication, fundraising, and donor insights 25:38 - Using AI responsibly to protect donor privacy 26:47 - Data protection principles with AI in nonprofit contexts 29:28 - The future of technology and AI in nonprofits over the next decade 30:25 - How AI will enhance fundraisers and personalize supporter engagement 33:03 - The ongoing importance of trust and relationships in fundraising 34:20 - Arriva’s unique offerings and how they improve nonprofit data systems 36:39 - Connecting with David Blyer and Arreva 37:09 - Final thoughts: technology as an enabler for mission-driven work Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with David: Arreva Official WebsiteConnect with David Blyer on Linkedin

  8. Jul 21

    $10 Million With 6 Staff: How the Okanagan Science Centre Is Building a Campaign

    How the Okanagan Science Center Leads with Community and Innovation Join us as Dione Chambers, director of the Okanagan Science Center, shares her journey from chemistry and nanotechnology to leading a beloved community science hub. Discover how she navigates fundraising, community engagement, and innovation in a small-town setting. Main Topic: Transitioning from science to nonprofit leadershipCreative funding strategies during challenging timesLeveraging digital platforms for education and revenueLeading through crisis: fire and pandemic responsesBuilding community support for capital campaigns In this episode: Dione's career path from nanotech to nonprofit leadershipThe role of traveling exhibits and unique programs at a small science centerHow moving online during COVID opened new revenue streamsLessons learned from managing a fire and operational disruptionsStrategies for community engagement and communicationPractical advice for leaders: building teams and prioritizing fundraising Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Dione Chambers and the Okanagan Science Center's unique story 00:21 - The location and community context of the Okanagan Valley 01:08 - Dione's transition from chemistry and nanotech to nonprofit leadership 01:33 - How her diverse experiences shape her approach to managing the science center 02:28 - What visitors experience at the science center, including exhibits and animal displays 03:00 - The popularity of axolotls and other unique science experiences 04:27 - Funding structures and revenue strategies, including moving online 05:09 - Deep dive into the center’s online platform and educational offerings 06:08 - The role of web-based programs for school groups and community 07:05 - Supporting teachers with accessible resources 07:35 - Looking ahead: fundraising plans and engaging community support 08:22 - The upcoming $10 million capital campaign and early donor engagement 09:38 - The importance of dedicated fundraising focus for nonprofit leaders 09:57 - Challenges faced with the canceled science festival and lessons in crisis management 12:52 - Navigating the fire emergency and restoring community trust 15:44 - The 'plant bingo' event as a creative response during closures 17:16 - Community resilience and communication during crises 18:51 - Marketing lessons learned from the fire and signage challenges 20:43 - The importance of multi-channel communication in busy community environments 22:50 - Leadership lessons: building teams, delegating, and self-care 24:00 - Connecting with Dione and the Okanagan Science Center for further engagement Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Dione Chambers: Okanagan Science Center Official WebsiteConnect with Dione Chambers on Linkedin

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

As CEO of The Kipos Group, James Misner has spent years in the trenches with nonprofit leaders. "On the Ground" brings those conversations to you—unfiltered insights by nonprofit leaders, for nonprofit leaders. Real Leaders. Real Challenges. Real Solutions.

Information

  • Creator
    James Misner
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 James Misner
  • Show Website
    On The Ground