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. 2d ago

    372 Missionaries in 71 Countries: How Global Outreach Grew Retention Doing Things That Don't Scale

    Building Bridges and Moving Hearts with Josh Yerkes: Stories, Funding, and Mission Impact In this conversation, Josh Yerkes Vice President of Development at Global Outreach International—shares how storytelling, unscalable donor engagement, and documentary filmmaking fuel the organization's mission to send missionaries worldwide. Discover the power of personal touches in fundraising, the challenges of donor retention, and innovative ways to inspire support for global missions. Key Topics: The role of faith-based organizations in international missionsThe importance of storytelling in donor engagement and fundraisingUnscalable yet impactful donor stewardship tacticsHow documentary films can energize mission-focused givingLessons learned from fundraising failures and setbacksStrategies for building long-term donor loyaltyThe significance of personal, experiential touches in supporter relationshipsEffective use of social media and video content to tell compelling stories Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Josh Yerkes and Global Outreach International 00:39 - What Global Outreach does annually—mission, support, training 01:10 - Josh’s background as a missionary kid and career transition into nonprofit leadership 03:15 - The path from YMCA leadership to global missions and fundraising 06:44 - The storytelling approach and its impact on fundraising success 07:14 - The influence of personal stories and experiences in donor relationships 09:12 - Using sensory memories like chlorine smell to craft compelling stories 10:20 - How Global Outreach funds its mission: impact, partnership, and broad-spectrum investing 13:24 - Strategies for increasing revenue and donor retention 14:23 - The importance of personalized thank-yous and stewardship 16:33 - The power of experiential gifts and unscalable acts of generosity 18:53 - The value of personal gestures in donor loyalty and supporter engagement 20:45 - Overcoming scarcity mindset in fundraising and supporting loyal supporters 22:36 - The importance of focusing on supporter loyalty over immediate metrics 23:14 - Lessons from fundraising failures and experimenting in the space 26:46 - A personal story of a failed year-end campaign and lessons learned 27:24 - Announcing the upcoming documentary project "Beyond River's Edge" 29:18 - How storytelling through film can galvanize support for missions 31:09 - Practical ways to connect with Josh and collaborate in global missions Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Josh: Global Outrech International Official WebsiteConnect with Josh Yerkes on Linkedin

  2. Aug 11

    $1.6M to $2.5M in One Year: How Junior Achievement Grew by Fixing the Product Mix

    Empowering Future Leaders: Junior Achievement, AI, and the Future of Nonprofit Storytelling Join us as James Misner sits down with Kim Morgan, President of Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County, to talk about preparing young people for the future through financial literacy, experiential learning, and career readiness. Kim also shares how her nonprofit team is using AI to work smarter, strengthen grant writing, and create more effective storytelling that puts donors and audiences first. In this episode: How Junior Achievement uses experiential learning to teach financial literacy, entrepreneurship, communication, and critical thinkingWhy students need hands-on experiences to build confidence and prepare for real-world successKim’s path to Junior Achievement after 18 years at United Way and a two-year career breakWhat it means to return to leadership refreshed, focused, and not burnt outHow Kim’s team adopted AI for grant writing, communications, and strategic planningWhy AI should be treated as a coworker that supports, not replaces, peopleThe role of storytelling in fundraising and why the donor should be the heroHow Finance Park, BizTown, and Dream Accelerator are shaping the next phase of growth Timestamps: 00:00 - James introduces Kim Morgan and Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County 00:27 - What Junior Achievement is and how it connects learning with experiences 01:38 - Kim’s view of today’s students and the confidence gap in financial literacy 03:31 - Why real-world experiences create lasting learning 04:20 - How Kim became leader of Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County 05:19 - Her years at United Way and what she learned from the role 07:12 - What it’s like to work in a large fundraising organization 09:43 - Why Kim took a two-year career break 13:24 - How the break made her a better leader 14:08 - Why nonprofits need to embrace AI 15:03 - Practical ways Kim’s team uses AI every day 16:38 - How staff members are responding to AI adoption 17:38 - Thinking of AI as a coworker 19:46 - Fundraising growth through stronger products and donor alignment 23:17 - Storytelling that centers the audience, not the organization 26:08 - Why nonprofit leaders struggle with simple, clear messaging 29:05 - What success looks like in five years 30:02 - How to connect with Kim and learn more about Junior Achievement Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Kim: Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County Official WebsiteConnect with Kim Morgan on LinkedinStoryBrand by Donald Miller

  3. Aug 4

    $500K to $25 Million: How Feiro Marine Life Center Funded a 13,000 Sq Ft Rebuild

    $500K to $25 Million: How Feiro Marine Life Center Funded a 13,000 Sq Ft Rebuild Discover how Melissa Williams transformed the Feiro Marine Life Center from a small community museum into a $25 million funded marine education hub. Learn the strategic partnerships, fundraising tactics, and resilience that powered their growth despite setbacks, and gain insights into making impactful organizational leaps. Key Topics: Melissa Williams shares her transition from Chicago's Shed Aquarium to Feiro and her nonprofit journeyThe unique "David and Goliath" story of raising $25 million for Feiro's new aquariumBuilding strategic partnerships, including NOAA collaboration, to elevate project credibilityNavigating federal funding allocations and private fundraising from $500,000 to $25 millionOvercoming challenges with a major project reimagining and managing a six-year delayCultivating donor relationships through tours, events, and impact storytellingStrategies for rural organizations to leverage community support and major giftsThe importance of perseverance and self-care during long fundraising campaigns Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Feiro's location 00:19 - Melissa's background, incl. Shed Aquarium 01:12 - Feiro's growth into a $25M project 01:39 - Early excitement and community ties 03:17 - Visitor experience: tide pools & exhibits 04:43 - Plans for the new 2028 center 05:52 - Scaling the facility for growth 07:01 - Deciding to launch a capital campaign 07:58 - Securing federal funds & NOAA partnership 09:44 - State/federal funding & grant challenges 10:15 - From $500K budget to $25M raised 11:12 - Hiring a development director 12:02 - Feasibility study & donor cultivation 14:41 - Volunteer engagement & outreach 15:32 - Setbacks and reimagining the plan 16:54 - Keeping the team motivated 17:39 - Melissa's resilience strategies 19:48 - Earned revenue: 30% to 70% 21:29 - Donor cultivation, urgency & matching funds 22:39 - Rural fundraising challenges 23:37 - Giving, connections & pledge management 24:54 - Momentum through perseverance 26:01 - Advice for leaders with big visions 27:12 - Connect with Melissa & Feiro 28:36 - Closing thoughts & appreciation Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with Melissa: The Feiro Marine Life Center's Official WebsiteConnect with Melissa Williams on Linkedin

  4. Jul 28

    Technology Isn’t the Mission: How to Stop Losing Donors to Disconnected Systems

    Discover how technology and AI are transforming nonprofit work, enhancing donor relationships, and increasing efficiency in this insightful conversation with David Blyer, CEO of Arreva. Main Topics: The evolution of technology in nonprofits over 25 yearsChallenges with disconnected systems and integrationThe role and future of AI in fundraising and donor managementBuilding trust and protecting donor data with AIPractical steps for nonprofits to adopt new tech with limited resources In this episode: David Blyer shares his journey from software entrepreneurship to solving nonprofit data challengesThe importance of integrated systems in donor engagement and fundraisingHow AI can streamline communication, improve donor retention, and enhance decision-makingKey considerations for responsible AI use, including donor data privacyThe future of technology in nonprofits, including AI embedded into daily operationsPractical advice for nonprofits on adopting technology within budget constraintsTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and David Blyer’s background in nonprofit technology 01:12 - Early career and transition into solving nonprofit data problems 02:38 - Identifying the gap: disconnected nonprofit systems 03:57 - How Arreva simplifies donor management for nonprofits 06:42 - Current challenges nonprofits face with multiple systems 08:00 - The importance of timely communication for donor retention 09:56 - Impact of delayed donor communication on giving behavior 11:22 - The role of technology in building trust and relationships 13:00 - Retention statistics and the importance of stewardship 14:26 - Overcoming resource limitations for technology investment 15:48 - The significance of integrated all-in-one solutions 18:10 - Practical steps to streamline nonprofit operations and data management 19:12 - Engaging the board for technology approval 20:36 - How nonprofits can fund technology using existing resources 21:28 - The current state and potential of AI in nonprofits 22:18 - The practical benefits and risks of AI adoption today 23:45 - AI in crafting communication, fundraising, and donor insights 25:38 - Using AI responsibly to protect donor privacy 26:47 - Data protection principles with AI in nonprofit contexts 29:28 - The future of technology and AI in nonprofits over the next decade 30:25 - How AI will enhance fundraisers and personalize supporter engagement 33:03 - The ongoing importance of trust and relationships in fundraising 34:20 - Arriva’s unique offerings and how they improve nonprofit data systems 36:39 - Connecting with David Blyer and Arreva 37:09 - Final thoughts: technology as an enabler for mission-driven work Resources & Links: The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on Linkedin Connect with David: Arreva Official WebsiteConnect with David Blyer on Linkedin

  5. Jul 21

    $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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 James Misner
  • Show Website
    On The Ground