Future Nonprofit Historic Agency

"We have every intention of being as additive as possible to this space. I think change in general is uncomfortable, and I think in nonprofit work there can be an aversion to change and aversion to risk. And as much as possible, it's our job to show why we are not something to be afraid of." – Ben Collier
Many nonprofits are launched in response to a pressing problem. Yet so many struggle to address those problems effectively. The key to nonprofit success lies in their ability to offer viable solutions rather than simply managing the problem. 
That’s the mindset that drives Ben Collier's work at FarmLink, an innovative organization bridging the gap between the food waste and hunger in the US.
Each year, 40% of food grown in the US goes to waste. At the same time, 34 million Americans face food insecurity. Food banks play a crucial role in addressing hunger. But their capacity is limited. That's where FarmLink is stepping in, connecting surplus produce with those in need. By adding a simple step to the process chain, FarmLink is helping end both food waste and insecurity.
In this bonus Camp Redwood Sessions episode, Ben Collier shares how FarmLink was founded out of a pandemic-era passion project—and the transformations it has experienced to turn it into a thriving nonprofit. Ben also reflects on his personal growth as a young CEO and the organization’s steep learning curves over the past few years. We’ll learn how FarmLink fits into the food conservation cycle and how they’re working to put a stop to the social stigma around food accessibility and solve hunger in America.
Contents
1 - FarmLink’s origin and pandemic-era roots
2 - Transitioning from a college project to a nonprofit foundation
3 - Ben’s leadership experience and evolution
4 - How FarmLink fits into the food donation ecosystem
5 - Ben’s outlook on change and innovation in the industry
6 - FarmLink’s philosophy on social stigma around food assistance
LinksHistoric AgencyThe Farmlink ProjectBen Collier on LinkedInAbundance: The Farmlink StoryCulture Built My Brand

"It's always so important to me that there has to be a thing to do, right? It has to be empowering. Folks are more aware, but there's a level of fatigue, and there's also a level of disempowerment in that knowledge. So that’s the challenge: Making sure that folks aren't just aware, but that they feel like there's something they can do." - Nash SheardIn nonprofit work, raising awareness around your cause is essential. But awareness is only the first step. The ultimate goal is to inspire action that leads to lasting change.
That’s precisely what Nash Sheard aims to achieve at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a nonprofit advocating for civil liberties in the digital security and privacy sectors. For over 30 years, EFF has held ground as frontrunners in the field. Yet as technology continues to play an increasingly significant role in our lives, it makes security and regulation more vulnerable than ever… and making their cause even more pressing.
In this episode, Nash shares compelling stories from his early days as an activist that led him to the nonprofit world. You’ll hear him describe how his firsthand experiences taught him the power of collaboration, what it means to be a true advocate, and the importance of empowering others to take action. We’ll delve into the history of EFF, exploring its founding and the ongoing fight for digital security in a rapidly evolving world. Tune in for Nash’s take on building trust and perseverance to develop a lasting connection with your audience that inspires lasting results. 
Contents
1 - Nash’s introduction to advocacy and protesting
2 - First activist groups and introduction to digital security
3 - History of EFF and current activism
4 - Nash and EFF’s definition of advocacy
5 - Audience empowerment and cultivating trust
6 - Nash’s advice on diversity and inclusion 
LinksHistoric AgencyThe Electronic Frontier FoundationNash Sheard on LinkedInJohn Perry Barlow's EFF Blog PostCulture Built My Brand

"As nonprofits, we are often our own worst enemies because we live in these echo chambers. I think so often where we just talk the way we talk to the people that already talk the same way as us. And we miss making the biggest difference and tackling the biggest problems because we only want to talk to the people that want to talk just like us." - Thaddaeus Nichols
When it comes to tackling the biggest global problems, there's a celebrated proverb that's strikingly noteworthy: "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together."
That mindset guides Thaddaeus Nichols' work at International Justice Mission (IJM), an organization that combats trafficking and slavery, violence against women and children, and abuse of power. To help accomplish this, Thaddaeus is reaching millions of potential donors and activists. How? By harnessing partnerships. And, with the help of the NFL and passionate and committed football players, he’s even taken IJM’s message to the Super Bowl.
In this episode, you’ll hear Thaddaeus’ origin story. He shares how lessons he learned in childhood instilled in him an unwavering commitment to care for the poor and powerless—a legacy he continues to build on as Vice President of Partner Programs at IJM. You’ll also hear how solving global issues is a communal effort that takes more than one organization—and how harnessing partnerships helps build empathy, leverage scale, and create impact.
Contents
1 - A unique and formative upbringing
2 - Joining International Justice Mission
3 - Partnerships: Pathway to scale
4 - NFL Super Bowl partnership
5 - Harnessing engagement in the workplace
6 - How to get started and scale partnerships
LinksHistoric AgencyInternational Justice MissionThaddaeus Nichols LinkedInSuper Bowl AdCulture Built My Brand

Future Nonprofit is back for Season 2, featuring a new lineup of visionary nonprofit leaders plus nonprofit-adjacent experts navigating the rapidly changing world and scaling social impact with innovation, boldness, and empathy. Check out the trailer for the upcoming season.

The organizations that we work with are structured and operating for where they used to be, not where they are today, much less where we're heading. And in today's pace of change, we as leaders have to be operating and structuring our organizations… for where we're going—not just for where we are today, much less for where we used to be.  – Ted VaughnProducer and Historic co-founder Mark Miller is back with host Ted Vaughn to offer their top 10 books every nonprofit leader should read.
Pulling titles written by leaders in nonprofit, business, and brain science, Mark and Ted share stories, anecdotes, and top tips from books on psychology, behavior design, human-centered design thinking, and more. 
Discover how to design experiences that turn one-time donors into repeat givers, use storytelling to improve staff operations, and help your nonprofit leverage technology and constant change to create the change that the world needs.

“There's a younger generation of donors who really don't see themselves as much a donor as they do generous and wanting to stand for certain values. And so their contribution… is an expression of the injustice that they want to fight and their perception of themselves of being that: the fighter for justice and equality in the world.” – Mark MillerNonprofit leaders share a collective sigh of relief when the clock hits midnight on December 31. The year-end push is over, and you’re ready for a fresh start.
But how can you make sure this year is different—even better—than the last? How do you prepare for a pace of change that is guaranteed to speed up, faster than ever? You can set your team up for your best year yet by studying up on emerging nonprofit trends and making a plan to stay ahead of the curve. 
In this special Trends episode, Future Nonprofit producer and Historic cofounder and partner Mark Miller offers a primer on 9 emerging trends to keep watch for in 2024. From changes in donor giving patterns to making your message stand out in a noisy election year, discover how you can gear up for the year ahead.
Trend 1: Focus on Service Design
Trend 2: Nonprofits Investing in Brand Marketing
Trend 3: Disruptive Messaging
Trend 4: Trained AI Models
Trend 5: Investment in Employee Experiences
Trend 6: Donor Personalization and Customization
Trend 7: Casual and Social Giving
Trend 8: Speed of Decision-Making
Trend 9: Going Beyond Impact Stories