Nonprofit Thrive Ben Freda

Ben Reinhardt is a Website Developer and Support Manager at BFC Digital, where he manages a portfolio of Drupal websites for large nonprofit organizations. Specializing in functionality enhancements, content management strategies, and website accessibility, Ben leverages over a decade of customer support experience to educate clients on the inner workings of their sites. He focuses on delivering user-friendly solutions and maintains consistent, friendly communication throughout every project.
In this episode… Whether it's a website malfunctioning or filtering through thousands of outdated content pieces, the digital world is full of challenges. But can these obstacles be effectively managed and turned into growth opportunities for your organization?
Nonprofit organizations face unique challenges in managing their web presence and digital strategies. Web developer Ben Reinhardt highlights how his background in teaching and writing has enhanced his ability to communicate effectively in tech support roles. Ben emphasizes that clear and concise communication is essential for guiding clients through complex digital issues and ensuring they understand the inner workings of their websites.
In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrive podcast, host Ben Freda talks with Ben Reinhardt, Website Developer and Support Manager at BFC Digital, about turning digital challenges into growth opportunities. They explore the necessity of responsive communication, strategic content management, and long-term digital planning for nonprofits. Ben shares how his unconventional journey into the tech industry equipped him with the empathy and skills essential for guiding and supporting nonprofit organizations in the digital landscape.

Wendy Davis is the CEO of Agile Cloud Consulting, a leading firm specializing in innovative cloud solutions for businesses. She brings over 25 years of experience in managing technology for nonprofits, colleges, and universities of all types and sizes across North America and globally. Wendy’s journey in the tech industry began with a degree in computer science, followed by extensive work in software development, IT consulting, and cloud technology. 
In 2020, amid the pandemic’s challenges, Wendy boldly ran for Utah House District 45, nearing victory. Her journey inspired her to pen The Fight You Don't See, a personal account of her political campaign. Passionate about diversity and inclusion in tech, Wendy mentors aspiring professionals and advocates for underrepresented groups.
In this episode… Early political inspirations can profoundly shape a child's future career. These early encounters lay the foundation for a commitment to public life, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement from a young age.
Wendy Davis, an IT professional specializing in technology for colleges, universities, and nonprofits, demonstrates the power of integrating personal passions with professional expertise to drive meaningful change. With over two decades balancing technology and social impact work, she emphasizes the transformational power of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in higher education. These systems streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and support academic institutions in providing quality education. She also highlights how the evolution of technology has significantly facilitated nonprofit missions and fundraising efforts. 
On today’s episode of the Nonprofit Thrive podcast, Ben Freda hosts Wendy Davis, CEO of Agile Cloud Consulting, to discuss her multifaceted life as a tech leader, political candidate, and author. Wendy shares the impact of early political exposure on a child’s future ambition, her deep-rooted commitment to the nonprofit sector's success, and the challenges and opportunities she’s encountered throughout her diverse career.

Kate Purcell is the Creative Strategist and Visual Designer for social change at KP Creative Strategy, a company that helps organizations working for social change communicate effectively and creatively. With over 15 years of experience in brand strategy and visual design, Kate specializes in crafting impactful communications that prioritize human connection. Her expertise lies in creating compelling infographics, websites, and branding, tailored to the needs of executives in the social impact sector. 
Kate is also the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Pulse Forward, a boutique branding and design firm for nonprofits and social enterprises. Grounded in a belief in the beauty of humanity and a spirit of generosity, she is passionate about helping her clients amplify their messages and make a difference.
In this episode… Designing for emotions involves crafting experiences that resonate deeply with users on an emotional level. By understanding how design elements can evoke specific emotions, designers can create more meaningful connections with their audience. How can we harness the power of emotional design to elicit desired responses and foster memorable experiences?
Creative strategist Kate Purcell discusses the crucial role of design principles in fostering effective communication. She emphasizes the significance of clarity and simplicity in conveying messages to diverse audiences, highlighting the importance of understanding users' needs and preferences. Kate underscores the value of consistency in design elements such as typography, color schemes, and layout, which contribute to enhancing readability and visual appeal. Moreover, she stresses the need for accessibility considerations to ensure that communication is inclusive and reaches individuals with diverse abilities. Kate's insights underscore the interdisciplinary nature of design and its pivotal role in facilitating meaningful interactions and conveying information effectively. 
In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrive podcast, Ben Freda sits down with Kate Purcell, the Creative Strategist and Visual Designer for social change at KP Creative Strategy, to talk about designing for emotions. Kate discusses how she established KP Creative Strategy, the importance of psychographics in understanding your audience, and the value of annual business reports.

Debbie McCann is the CEO of W4Sight LLC, a company that helps nonprofits harmonize their technology, people, and processes so their teams work more efficiently. With a keen focus on aligning technological tools with robust business objectives, Debbie's proficiency lies in meticulously weaving software solutions into the fabric of organizational purpose. Her expertise extends across the entire project lifecycle, from orchestrating strategic planning sessions to pinpointing organizational needs, overseeing implementation phases, and transitioning system management seamlessly to clients. With Debbie at the helm, not-for-profits access not only software implementation, but a strategic partnership geared towards achieving impactful outcomes.
In this episode… Choosing the right software for a nonprofit organization is paramount to its efficiency and impact. Selecting software tailored to the specific needs and goals of the nonprofit ensures optimal resource utilization and streamlined operations. How can nonprofits navigate the vast array of software options available to find the perfect fit for their unique mission and objectives?
Software selection and implementation expert Debbie McCann explains W4Sight's three key focus areas for nonprofits when choosing software. She emphasizes the importance of conducting an ecosystem assessment to optimize software tools for efficiency and synergy. Additionally, Debbie talks about helping organizations select and implement software solutions tailored to their unique requirements, often navigating the trepidation about making the wrong decision or lacking the necessary skill sets. Moreover, she advocates for ongoing support with a focus on building internal capacity. This ensures clients are empowered to navigate their software ecosystem independently in the long run. To navigate the complexities of software selection and implementation successfully, you must thoroughly understand your organization's needs and involve diverse perspectives in the decision-making process.
In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrive podcast, Ben Freda sits down with Debbie McCann, the CEO of W4Sight LLC, to talk about choosing your nonprofit’s software. Debbie discusses how she got interested in data conversion, the services W4Sight offers, and the role of AI tools for nonprofits.

Laura Quinn is a Consultant and Nonprofit Website Coach at Laura S. Quinn Consulting. She has extensive experience leading website projects, crafting digital strategies, and bridging the gap between technologists and nonprofits. Laura has worked with hundreds of organizations, including leading animal welfare and climate change groups, and has managed the full lifecycle of over 20 website projects, from strategy to launch and maintenance.
In this episode… The priorities for developing a website for a nonprofit organization are tangibly different from those of a for-profit company’s website. What approach can a nonprofit take to facilitate informed decision-making and iterative improvements?
According to Laura Quinn, grounding metric selection in the fundamental goals of a website is very important, steering away from superficial aims like visual design improvements. Instead, she advocates for goals that reflect tangible impact, such as increased credibility or engagement. Laura stresses the significance of proxy measures, which indirectly indicate progress toward these goals. For instance, she suggests using bounce rate and time on site as proxies for measuring credibility. Additionally, she offers practical advice on setting up Google Analytics to track metrics like donations effectively.
On this episode of Nonprofit Thrive, Ben Freda welcomes Laura Quinn, of Laura S. Quinn Consulting, to discuss the intricacies of measuring success in nonprofit websites. Laura emphasizes grounding metric selection in fundamental goals, such as credibility and engagement. She explores the relative challenges nonprofits face in defining and measuring website success. Additionally, Laura delves into practical strategies for setting up Google Analytics to track metrics.

Wendi Huestis is the Chief Advancement Officer at Worldreader, an international edtech organization focused on promoting literacy through reading. With a diverse background spanning climate action, education, international development, mental health, human rights, and social entrepreneurship, Wendi excels in devising strategies that align with organizational goals. Leveraging her extensive network, she fosters collaboration among stakeholders to drive conversations on global issues like climate change and SDGs. 
Wendi's academic achievements include an MBA and BA from Cornell, complementing her multicultural perspective gained from living, working, and traveling in over 65 countries. Equipped with skills in social networking, institutional giving, and communication, Wendi is committed to advancing the missions of organizations and effecting positive change worldwide.
In this episode… Raising funds is the lifeblood of nonprofit organizations, ensuring their ability to fulfill their missions and make a meaningful impact in society. Without adequate funding, nonprofits face significant challenges in delivering essential services and driving positive change. How can these organizations strategize and innovate to effectively secure the resources they need to thrive in the dynamic landscape of philanthropy and social impact?
Expert marketer and fundraiser Wendi Huestis shares her insights on nonprofit management, donor cultivation, and the impact of effective communication strategies in a podcast interview. She emphasizes the importance of developing strong relationships with donors, operational efficiency, and aligning fundraising efforts with organizational goals. Nonprofits need strategic planning, clear communication, and donor stewardship to nurture long-term relationships to maximize fundraising outcomes. Wendi also highlights the role of marketing and communications in amplifying nonprofit missions, engaging stakeholders, and fostering community collaborations. To unlock your full potential, embrace a growth mindset, foster resilience, and seek opportunities for continuous learning.
In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrive podcast, Ben Freda sits down with Wendi Huestis, the Chief Advancement Officer at Worldreader, to talk about fundraising in an international nonprofit organization. Wendi discusses the value of annual funds, setting fundraising goals, and how she got into the fundraising business.