Philanthropy N The Black

Celly Cel

Philanthropy N The Black is not your typical nonprofit talk. This is for the folks who are really in the trenches — nonprofit professionals, board members, fundraisers, community leaders, and culture shifters who know that the work doesn’t stop when the goal is hit and cameras cut off.No filter. No fluff. This mic brings nonprofit news, strategy, and unfiltered conversation — where survival, sustainability, accountability, leadership, and legacy aren’t just buzzwords… they’re the mission.Because keeping organizations “in the black” isn’t just about money — it’s about power, impact, and making sure our communities don’t just exist… they thrive.

  1. Sep 26

    NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND | Breaking Down the NORDC OIG Report

    In this episode of Philanthropy N The Black, Celly Cel breaks down the New Orleans Office of Inspector General's report on youth athletics at the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission — NORDC. This isn't just a story about sports. It's about money, governance, safety, equity and accountability — and what happens when the systems designed to protect kids don't work the way they're supposed to. We're talking about: • Why booster clubs matter — and what happens when most playgrounds don't have one • Registration fees and money collected directly from families • Concessions, sponsorships and fundraising accountability • The lack of an electronic payment system • Volunteer coaches versus NORDC employee coaches • Background checks and SafeSport requirements • Spectator behavior and game security • The OIG's recommendations — and NORDC's response • How Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs and other neighborhood organizations could help strengthen community recreation without replacing NORDC's responsibility And most importantly, we ask what all of this means for the children playing at New Orleans playgrounds. Because governance isn't the policy sitting in a binder. Governance is what happens Tuesday night at the playground when nobody from headquarters is watching. This is bigger than NORDC. It's a lesson for every nonprofit, booster club, neighborhood organization and public agency that collects money, relies on volunteers or serves children. Good intentions don't replace good governance. Philanthropy N The Black No Fluff. No Filter. Support the show

    NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND | Breaking Down the NORDC OIG Report
  2. Jul 1

    America250 vs. Freedom250: The Civil War for America's Attention, Pride & Donor Dollars

    America250 vs. Freedom250: The Civil War for America's Attention, Pride & Donor Dollars America only turns 250 once. So how did one historic milestone become two competing brands, two fundraising efforts, and one very confused public? In this episode of Philanthropy N The Black, Celly Cel examines the unexpected battle between America250 and Freedom250 and what it reveals about fundraising, nonprofit leadership, branding, and public-private partnerships. You'll learn how each organization was created, who oversees them, how they're funded through a combination of taxpayer support, corporate sponsorships, and private philanthropy, and why competing campaigns can unintentionally undermine the very mission they're trying to advance. The episode also explores the late rollout of Giving 4th, America's new national day of generosity, and why it represents both a tremendous opportunity and a missed opportunity for nonprofits across the country. More importantly, this conversation isn't about choosing sides politically. It's about asking what happens when collaboration gives way to competition—and what nonprofit leaders can learn from it. Finally, Celly Cel shares practical ways every American can celebrate the nation's 250th birthday through volunteerism, charitable giving, preserving family history, supporting local nonprofits, and strengthening their communities. Because America's next chapter won't be written by government alone. It will be written by the people—and the nonprofits—that choose to invest in it. Philanthropy N The Black is the podcast keeping nonprofits in the Black... financially, socially, and morally, through honest conversations about fundraising, leadership, ethics, and the future of the nonprofit sector. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation. Support the show

    America250 vs. Freedom250: The Civil War for America's Attention, Pride & Donor Dollars

About

Philanthropy N The Black is not your typical nonprofit talk. This is for the folks who are really in the trenches — nonprofit professionals, board members, fundraisers, community leaders, and culture shifters who know that the work doesn’t stop when the goal is hit and cameras cut off.No filter. No fluff. This mic brings nonprofit news, strategy, and unfiltered conversation — where survival, sustainability, accountability, leadership, and legacy aren’t just buzzwords… they’re the mission.Because keeping organizations “in the black” isn’t just about money — it’s about power, impact, and making sure our communities don’t just exist… they thrive.