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. 1d ago

    $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

  2. Jul 14

    15 Kids to 100,000: How Kupenda Scales Disability Inclusion Through Others

    Transforming Attitudes and Building Communities: How Kupenda Promotes Disability Inclusion and Breaks Down Stigma Cynthia Bauer of Kupenda shares her journey from wildlife biology to leading a global movement against disability stigma. Learn how strategic partnerships, grassroots work, and smart measurement tools drive lasting change worldwide. In this episode: Cindy's story and Kupenda's originsHow disability stigma is rooted in cultural beliefsScaling impact through local partner organizationsKey partnerships (World Hope International, World Relief)Faith and community leaders' role in reducing stigmaFundraising lessons: skip capital campaigns, build long-term relationshipsMeasuring impact, from workshops to community ripple effectsLessons from unsuccessful initiatives like teacher trainingIntegrating disability into development and social justiceHow philanthropic funding is allocated today Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro to Cynthia and Kupenda 00:21 - Cindy's story, discovering stigma in Kenya 01:36 - Kupenda's accidental founding 02:55 - From basic aid to root causes 03:34 - Faith and community leaders shifting beliefs 04:36 - What Kupenda does today; meaning of the name 05:57 - Engaging influencers for inclusion 06:27 - Scaling via local partnerships 07:37 - Early fundraising, hiring a development director 09:14 - Government/foundation funding & measurement 10:53 - Demonstrating impact through studies, stories 11:46 - Lessons from teacher-training setbacks 12:28 - Influencing others without direct implementation 13:03 - Building disability-inclusive development models 14:19 - Partnerships in Sierra Leone and Malawi 15:56 - Reach: working with 27+ organizations 16:51 - Storytelling and communicating impact 18:02 - Measuring stigma reduction, transformation 22:27 - Case story: a mother and her children 23:45 - Lessons from failed quick fixes, segregated education 26:01 - Fundraising pitfalls: capital campaigns, one-off events 28:51 - Mindset shift during crises like COVID-19 29:20 - Cindy's vision for Kupenda's next decade 31:09 - Disability as a shared development lens 32:52 - State of philanthropic giving to disability causes 33:33 - Impact of shifting perceptions, systemic inclusion 34:16 - How to connect with Cynthia and Kupenda Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Cindy: Kupenda Official WebsiteDocumentary: Climbing Kilimanjaro with Kids with DisabilitiesUnlikely Gifts Podcast Connect with Cynthia Bauer on Linkedin

  3. Jul 9

    $55, 5 Years of Impact: How Growing Hope Globally Turns Farms Into Fundraisers

    Growing Hope Globally: Connecting Communities for Global Food Security In this episode, Kaitlyn from Growing Hope Globally shares how local farming initiatives in the U.S. create global impact, supporting farmers in developing countries and fostering international unity. Main Topic: Origin and evolution of Growing Hope GloballyCommunity-wide farming projects and their global effectsRural-urban partnerships across the U.S.The importance of land and acreage in farming successChallenges and opportunities in rural farming communitiesStrategies for expanding and sustaining global impact Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Growing Hope Globally's mission 00:42 – The story behind its founding 01:07 – How local farmers support global hunger solutions 01:35 – The model of local crop growth and community involvement 02:01 – Impact of donations and community participation 02:28 – Long-term effects on farmers overseas 03:26 – The community aspect and volunteerism 04:17 – The power of grassroots farming and urban communities 05:13 – Examples of urban-rural partnerships and their benefits 05:49 – Stories of global farmer connections 06:42 – Building relational communities and global understanding 07:40 – Shared farming priorities worldwide 08:06 – Beyond donations: seeing each other as human beings 08:35 – Scale of impact from Midwest communities 09:04 – The community as a "knitting circle for men" 09:14 – Importance of rural-urban partnerships in fractured times 09:42 – How nonprofits foster community engagement 10:11 – Kaitlyn's journey and farming background 10:26 – Her transition into leadership at Growing Hope 11:11 – Reflections on leadership and community impact 11:32 – Growth and fundraising challenges amid economic fluctuations 12:53 – Current economic impacts on farming and nonprofit funding 13:20 – Staying true to the farming community's core identity 14:20 – Creative fundraising ideas (tournaments, dining events) 15:15 – Balancing traditional farming models with innovation 16:17 – Why acreage and land size are crucial for farm projects 17:06 – Case example of land sharing among farmers 18:03 – Relationship between land size, equipment, and profitability 18:47 – The significance of scale in farming success 19:15 – Future goals and geographic expansion 20:21 – Migration and economic stability through community investments 21:49 – How to learn more: website, social media, starting your own project 23:12 – The power of small beginnings in fighting hunger 23:40 – Final thoughts on collective impact and connection Resources and Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Kaitlyn: Growing Hope Globally WebsiteLinkedIn Kaitlyn

  4. Jun 18

    From $2.3M to $5.7M in 8 Years: How Hope Walks Is Eliminating Clubfoot Worldwide

    From Nurturing Nurses to Transforming Lives: The Hopes Walks Journey Discover how a nurse’s volunteer work evolved into a global movement eliminating clubfoot disability, transforming thousands of lives across multiple countries. Join us as Scott Reichenbach shares the inspiring story behind Hope Walks, strategic growth, and the power of faith and community in health initiatives in this episode: Scott Reichenbach’s background in nursing and how it led to founding Hope WalksThe transformative power of simple medical treatments for clubfootThe strategic growth from a small program to a multi-million dollar international organizationKey tactics used to scale impact amid global health challengesThe importance of trusted team leadership and trusting community expertiseFuture plans to reach 60,000 children by 2030 and expand into IndiaLessons learned from early fundraising efforts and organizational pivotsHow addressing stigma transforms communities and promotes inclusion Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Scott Reichenbach and the origin story of Hope Walks 02:30 - The connection between personal faith, health, and service in global contexts 05:12 - The impact of simple treatments like casting in curing clubfoot 09:05 - Cost analysis: How $500 transforms a child's life from disability to mobility 13:04 - Organizational growth: Scaling from initial funding to a $5.7 million budget 15:45 - Strategies behind fundraising success and building sustainable support 18:25 - Addressing disability stigma and promoting inclusion through healthcare 21:19 - Lessons from early organizational failures and how trusting the team made a difference 23:24 - The vision for expanding access to care in 15+ countries by 2030 25:07 - The emerging opportunity in India: how prayer, partnerships, and persistence paid off 26:32 - How listeners can learn more and support Hope Walks’ mission Resources & Links: Kipos GroupSchedule a Call Connect with Scott Reichenbach: Hope Walks on LinkedInHope Walks

  5. Apr 28

    Lead With Optimism or Get Out of the Way: Kendra Davenport on Running a National Nonprofit

    Adaptive Show Notes for "Leading with Innovation and Humanity at Easterseals" Podcast Episode Join us as Kendra Ennis Davenport, President and CEO of Easterseals, shares how the organization serves over 1 million people annually by blending tradition with innovation, storytelling with impact, and optimism with realism. Discover how Easterseals navigates funding gaps, scales care, and advocates for disability awareness with heart and ingenuity. Main Topics: The evolution and ongoing innovation at Easterseals over 107 yearsCreative models for adult disability services, including the open-air PIAT centerFundraising strategies that humanize and elevate adult programsThe power of storytelling and participant agency in advocacyLeaders' resilience in challenging nonprofit environmentsBuilding a national brand movement similar to breast cancer awarenessStrategies for smaller nonprofits to scale impact and grow support In this episode: Kendra shares how Easterseals combines its rich heritage with innovative service deliveryAn inside look at the open-air adult day program in Southern CaliforniaThe importance of storytelling and participant consent in advocacy campaignsLessons learned from a failed gaming program and pivoting with transparencyHow to foster positivity and resilience in nonprofit leadershipStrategies to grow awareness and support for disability issues through example organizations like Susan G. KomenPractical advice for small nonprofits to step out of comfort zones and expand their impact Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Easterseals and its impact on over a million individuals annually 00:31 - Kendra's background and vision for sustaining innovation over 107 years 01:56 - The juxtaposition of tradition and innovation at Easterseals 03:19 - Innovative adult day services — open-air centers and personalized care models 05:00 - The story of the PIAT open-air adult day center in Southern California 07:05 - Fundraising challenges and human storytelling for adult programs 09:15 - Engaging veteran stories to highlight resilience and purpose 11:56 - Maintaining positivity despite national funding challenges 14:49 - How Easterseals continues to evolve and celebrate long-term impact 16:58 - The importance of storytelling, authenticity, and participant agency 22:51 - Lessons learned from a failed gaming program and pivoting with transparency 22:58 - Crafting stories that balance honesty with emotional connection 28:40 - The role of personal stories in advocacy and fundraising success 33:31 - Building a national awareness movement for disability akin to breast cancer campaigns 34:00 - Advice for small nonprofits aspiring to grow impact 38:02 - Connecting with Easterseals and future leadership initiatives Resources & Links: Kipos GroupSchedule a callConnect with Kendra: Kendra Ennis Davenport - LinkedInEasterseals

  6. Apr 23

    From $7,000 to $800,000: How North Bay Transformed Its Fundraising Strategy

    From $7,000 to $800,000: How North Bay Transformed Its Fundraising Strategy Discover how North Bay, a 17-year-old outdoor education organization, shifted from negligible fundraising to confidently raising nearly $800,000 annually. Jen Foy shares her journey, strategies, and lessons learned to inspire nonprofit leaders to rethink their funding models and systems. In this episode: The storytelling power of cohesive messaging in fundraisingHow North Bay identified and invested in foundational partnershipsThe importance of starting small with systems and processesStrategies for building a community presence and recognitionLessons learned from failed outreach effortsThe role of team culture and leadership in risk-taking and learningPractical steps to grow a donor list from scratchThe concept of 'learning labs' for continuous improvementThe significance of 'day in the life' visits for engagementFuture fundraising plans and expanding donor pipelines Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: The mission to change nonprofit funding perceptions 01:51 - Jen Foy’s background and North Bay's vision 02:58 - Challenges faced: organizational burnout and funding crises 04:09 - The fundraising vacuum: initial small donations and reliance on grants 05:32 - Entering a new era: from $7,000 to $800,000 in annual revenue 10:00 - Building foundation and corporation partnerships: starting points 11:11 - The decision to invest in fundraisers: making a strategic leap 12:46 - Overcoming fear: why investment was a necessity 13:46 - Navigating community perception and awareness gaps 15:11 - Why North Bay focused on corporate and foundation funding 16:51 - Setting up effective systems: KPIs, tracking, and iteration 18:13 - Embracing imperfect systems: starting small and scaling 19:10 - The 'day in the life' visits approach and its impact on engagement 21:37 - Lessons from failures: email campaigns and event turnout 23:13 - Reflecting and learning: debriefs and team culture 26:17 - Leadership principles fostering a collaborative, risk-tolerant team 27:14 - Next steps: expanding the donor base and future growth 28:24 - Final advice: start small, take risks, and learn fast Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteBook a discovery Call with James M. Connect with Jen Foy: LinkedIn Connect with James Misner: LinkedIn

  7. Apr 7

    $10 Million in 90 Days: How World Relief Housed 3,998 Refugee Families When the Government Cut Funds

    In this episode of On the Ground with James Misner, James sits down with Calla Parker and Matt Soerens to unpack how World Relief mobilized a rapid, faith-driven response—raising $10 million in just 90 days and housing 3,998 refugee families. This conversation goes beyond the numbers. Calla and Matt share what it looked like to navigate sudden policy shifts, respond to urgent human need, and lead through uncertainty while staying grounded in mission. They also reveal the behind-the-scenes strategy—how advocacy, storytelling, and donor engagement came together to fuel one of the most critical fundraising efforts in recent history.

  8. Mar 31

    Prevention That Works: How Love Justice International Scales Justice Through Data & Donor Trust

    The podcast features a conversation with John Molineux, CEO of Love Justice International, focusing on the organization's impactful mission and efficient fundraising strategies. John shares his journey to founding Love Justice and the birth of its preventative solution. The discussion also delves into the scaling of transit monitoring, tenacity and resilience in fundraising, maximizing impact and efficiency, translating program skills to fundraising, donor engagement and impact, and the future of Love Justice International.

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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
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 James Misner
  • Show Website
    On The Ground