The Nonprofit Curious Podcast For nonprofit founders, startups, and mission-centered do-good-ers!

Melissa Rivera, Founder of Pursuit of Purpose Nonprofit Consulting
  • 5.0 (1)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Melissa's purpose is to help start and run effective nonprofits using her past decade of nonprofit experience. She has a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Nonprofit Business Administration from Evangel University and Master's in Legal Studies from Pepperdine University. She's won over $2.5 million in grants and now teaches online courses! Mission: To connect people to their purpose of starting, improving, and sustaining their nonprofit by providing resources and consultations. Visit https://www.pursuitofpurposeconsulting.org for more information! Follow @pursuitofpurposeconsulting on Insta!

Episodes

  1. SEP 12

    #8 Bonus Episode On Planning + SEO w/Dr. Tonya Lawson

    Dr. Tonya’s Upcoming Quarterly Planning Session on Sept. 20, 2025: https://drtonyalawson.com/payments?am_id=melissa3618 Use code PURSUIT to save 10% Connect with Dr. Tonya Lawson! https://www.instagram.com/dr.tonyalawson/ https://www.youtube.com/@dr.tonyalawson Connect with me! https://tidycal.com/melissapursuitofpurpose Book A Free Call https://tidycal.com/melissapursuitofpurpose/15-minute-meeting  Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1VPWF4U1m5/  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pursuitofpurposeconsulting/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-purpose-nonprofit-consulting/  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@nonprofitcurious?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc  Join Email List https://mailchi.mp/0596e9747e99/subscribe-to-emails  UPCOMING MASTERCLASS https://tidycal.com/melissapursuitofpurpose/donor-advised-funds-masterclass Or email melissa.pursuitofpurpose@gmail.com with questions!

    21 min

  2. AUG 24

    Episode 7: Summer Strategy Sessions

    To close out the end of summer, here are some ideas to get you back into the swing of things before peak fundraising season comes about! Listen for less than 15 minutes for a short refresher on nonprofit basics for new nonprofit founders!Connect with me!https://tidycal.com/melissapursuitofpurposeBook A Free Call https://tidycal.com/melissapursuitofpurpose/15-minute-meeting Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1VPWF4U1m5/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pursuitofpurposeconsulting/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-purpose-nonprofit-consulting/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@nonprofitcurious?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Join Email List https://mailchi.mp/0596e9747e99/subscribe-to-emails UPCOMING MASTERCLASS https://tidycal.com/melissapursuitofpurpose/nonprofit-accounting-masterclass-with-castaldi-cpa-inc Or email melissa.pursuitofpurpose@gmail.com with questions!

    14 min

  3. JUN 27

    #6 The Power Of Purpose Featuring Damaris Taylor

    Here's an updated podcast description for your episode with Damaris Taylor, now including all the valuable resources and connection links: Are you seeking to align your passions with meaningful action? In this powerful episode of The Nonprofit Curious, we sit down with the inspiring Damaris Taylor to explore what it truly means to chase our purpose, establish our core values, and live them out vibrantly. Recorded at the fantastic Common Good Co., this conversation delves into the transformative impact of engaging with nonprofit work. Whether you're considering volunteering or stepping into a board role, Damaris shares how serving your community can not only create profound change in the world, but also make you feel more alive and deeply connected to your own sense of self. We discuss "The Power of Purpose"—not as individual ambition, but as the incredible synergy that emerges when our personal calling intersects with the needs of our community. Damaris embodies servant leadership, highlighting the vital work of humble, community-focused nonprofits and demonstrating how everyone has a unique place to contribute. If you're ready to discover how you can make a tangible difference and experience the profound personal rewards of giving back, this episode is a must-listen. Join us to be encouraged, equipped, and inspired to serve your community, no matter how big or small your contribution may seem. $97 Start a Nonprofit Launchpad: Get templates for legal documents (articles of incorporation, bylaws, board agreements) and helpful worksheets to kickstart your nonprofit journey! https://shannongraycecoaching.mykajabi.com/offers/EdL2eEG4 Grant Writing Course: A 6-video course that walks nonprofit beginners through the entire grant writing process, from researching to reporting! https://shannongraycecoaching.mykajabi.com/offers/X76Xeu7S Facebook Group: Join our community of successful nonprofits! https://www.facebook.com/groups/successfulnonprofitscommunityresourcehub/ Schedule a Chat: https://calendly.com/pursuitofpurpose Instagram: Follow along for daily inspiration! https://www.instagram.com/pursuitofpurposeconsulting/ Join My Email List: Stay in the loop for new episodes and exclusive content! https://shannongraycecoaching.mykajabi.com/joinus-f535da3b-2ca2-42b0-b0f4-3d24ad6463d0 Or email your questions to: melissa.pursuitofpurpose@gmail.com Instagram: @damarisjtaylor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damaris-taylor-59b52414/

    25 min

  4. JUN 26

    #5 Board Member Retention & Agreements

    Let's be real: finding great board members is tough, but keeping them? That's a whole other ball game. In this episode, I'm [Your Name], and I'm pulling back the curtain on how to foster true board member loyalty and effectiveness. Drawing from my personal experience on various nonprofit boards and my connections across the sector in places like Waltham, I'm sharing my best insights on board retention. We'll talk about why it matters, what works (hello, Board Member Agreements!), and I've got 5 must-try communication tips for every Executive Director out there. If you're ready to transform your board from a challenge into your greatest asset, hit play! Top Resources: $97 Start a Nonprofit Launchpad, with templates for legal documents (articles of incorporation, bylaws, board agreements) and helpful worksheets! linked below! https://shannongraycecoaching.mykajabi.com/offers/EdL2eEG4   Grant Writing Course, with 6 videos that walk the nonprofit beginner on the process of grant writing, from researching to reporting! https://shannongraycecoaching.mykajabi.com/offers/X76Xeu7S   Connect with me! Facebook Group Link https://www.facebook.com/groups/successfulnonprofitscommunityresourcehub/   Calendly Link(s) https://calendly.com/pursuitofpurpose  Instagram Link https://www.instagram.com/pursuitofpurposeconsulting/  Join Email List https://shannongraycecoaching.mykajabi.com/joinus-f535da3b-2ca2-42b0-b0f4-3d24ad6463d0   Or email melissa.pursuitofpurpose@gmail.com with questions!

    28 min

  5. MAY 16

    #4 Forming Fantastic Boards

    Episode 4 🎙️ Welcome to Nonprofit Curious — Episode: Forming Fantastic Boards Building a nonprofit board that’s engaged, aligned, and ready to lead doesn’t happen by accident. In this episode of Nonprofit Curious, we’re diving into what it really takes to form a fantastic board — whether you're just starting out or rethinking your current structure. I’ll share:✔️ How to identify the right board members for your mission✔️ Common mistakes to avoid in early board formation✔️ The importance of diversity, skill sets, and lived experience✔️ Tips for setting expectations from day one If you're a founder, executive director, or nonprofit leader trying to build a board that actually works — this episode is for you. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on building impactful nonprofits.🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Nonprofit Curious! #NonprofitCurious #BoardDevelopment #NonprofitLeadership #FantasticBoards #DoGoodBetter #NonprofitStrategy #BoardGovernance Tune in now and start your journey towards creating positive change! #nonprofit #nonprofitstartup #501c3 #socialimpact #pursuitofpurpose #nonprofitconsulting #charity #makingadifference  Top Resources: $97 Start a Nonprofit Launchpad, with templates for legal documents (articles of incorporation, bylaws, board agreements) and helpful worksheets! linked below! https://shannongraycecoaching.mykajabi.com/offers/EdL2eEG4   Grant Writing Course, with 6 videos that walk the nonprofit beginner on the process of grant writing, from researching to reporting! https://shannongraycecoaching.mykajabi.com/offers/X76Xeu7S   Connect with me! Facebook Group Link https://www.facebook.com/groups/successfulnonprofitscommunityresourcehub/   Calendly Link(s) https://calendly.com/pursuitofpurpose  Instagram Link https://www.instagram.com/pursuitofpurposeconsulting/  Join Email List https://shannongraycecoaching.mykajabi.com/joinus-f535da3b-2ca2-42b0-b0f4-3d24ad6463d0   Or email melissa.pursuitofpurpose@gmail.com with questions!

    22 min

  6. APR 11

    #3 What is your Board of Directors

    Confused About Your Nonprofit Board? We've Got Answers. For founders and leaders of young nonprofits, understanding your board of directors is essential. This podcast tackles your burning questions about board roles, responsibilities, legal obligations, and how to foster a productive partnership. Tune in for clear, actionable advice to build a powerful governing body.

    28 min
  7. S1 EP2: Mission & Vision

    MAR 7

    S1 EP2: Mission & Vision

    *   Our $97 Start a Nonprofit Launchpad with templates for legal documents (articles of incorporation, bylaws, board agreements) and helpful worksheets! linked below! https://shannongraycecoaching.mykajabi.com/offers/EdL2eEG4  *   USPTO Name Search: [https://www.uspto.gov/](https://www.uspto.gov/) Grant Writing Course https://shannongraycecoaching.mykajabi.com/offers/X76Xeu7S  Tune in now and start your journey towards creating positive change! #nonprofit #nonprofitstartup #501c3 #socialimpact #pursuitofpurpose #nonprofitconsulting #charity #makingadifference  Connect with me! Facebook Group Link https://www.facebook.com/groups/successfulnonprofitscommunityresourcehub/  Calendly Link(s) https://calendly.com/pursuitofpurpose Instagram Link https://www.instagram.com/pursuitofpurposeconsulting/ Join Email List https://shannongraycecoaching.mykajabi.com/joinus-f535da3b-2ca2-42b0-b0f4-3d24ad6463d0  Or email melissa.pursuitofpurpose@gmail.com with questions!

    19 min

  8. FEB 20

    The POP Podcast S1E1: Filing A Nonprofit 101

    Hi my name is Melissa, and I am here to encourage and teach you how to run the nonprofit of your dreams!  Your purpose may be to start a nonprofit, but my purpose is to empower and equip you to set up your nonprofit to run with compliance, integrity, & sustainability. I bring my years of experience running a board, working with nonprofits as an employee, manager and consultant so that you can avoid the pitfalls I have witnessed firsthand.   I created Pursuit of Purpose with a powerful mission to connect people to their purpose. I believe that you were given a people group or cause that matters to you- and you are one of the passionate people on this planet who has a committed desire to do something about it! My goal is to help people like you by starting, improving, and sustaining their nonprofit through  my experiences, resources and consultations. My hope is that you and all of our nonprofit champions listening can all make each of our corners of the world a better place.  So let’s turn your passion into action. If you’re wanting to have honest, relatable and informative conversations around what it really takes to run a nonprofit, you’ve come to the right place! *   Our $97 Start a Nonprofit Launchpad with templates for legal documents (articles of incorporation, bylaws, board agreements) and helpful worksheets! linked below! https://shannongraycecoaching.mykajabi.com/offers/EdL2eEG4  *   USPTO Name Search: [https://www.uspto.gov/](https://www.uspto.gov/) *   FinCEN BOI Reporting: [https://boiefiling.fincen.gov/](https://boiefiling.fincen.gov/) Grant Writing Course https://shannongraycecoaching.mykajabi.com/offers/X76Xeu7S  Tune in now and start your journey towards creating positive change! #nonprofit #nonprofitstartup #501c3 #socialimpact #pursuitofpurpose #nonprofitconsulting #charity #makingadifference  Connect with me! Facebook Group Link https://www.facebook.com/groups/successfulnonprofitscommunityresourcehub/  Calendly Link(s) https://calendly.com/pursuitofpurpose Instagram Link https://www.instagram.com/pursuitofpurposeconsulting/ Join Email List https://shannongraycecoaching.mykajabi.com/joinus-f535da3b-2ca2-42b0-b0f4-3d24ad6463d0  Or email melissa.pursuitofpurpose@gmail.com with questions!

    32 min

  9. JAN 30

    Introduction to The POP Podcast

    Hello and welcome! I am truly and utterly thrilled to connect with you and your purpose. Please email me anytime at Melissa.pursuitofpurpose@gmail.com with any questions you might have or topics you would like me to discuss! Rooting for you, Melissa Rivera CEO and Founder of Pursuit of Purpose Nonprofit Consulting, LLC.

    1 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Melissa's purpose is to help start and run effective nonprofits using her past decade of nonprofit experience. She has a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Nonprofit Business Administration from Evangel University and Master's in Legal Studies from Pepperdine University. She's won over $2.5 million in grants and now teaches online courses! Mission: To connect people to their purpose of starting, improving, and sustaining their nonprofit by providing resources and consultations. Visit https://www.pursuitofpurposeconsulting.org for more information! Follow @pursuitofpurposeconsulting on Insta!

Information