In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I welcome Gregory Warner, founder of MarketSmart and creator of the Fundraising Report Card, for a deep dive into data-driven donor engagement. Whether you’re wrestling with donor retention or chasing ROI, this conversation offers a powerful blend of insight and strategy that reframes fundraising as a journey of shared values and lasting relationships.

Topics We Cover:

• Why many nonprofits misuse surveys and feedback tools—and how to fix it
• The “before and after” model for measuring impact and fundraising ROI
• What the Fundraising Report Card reveals about donor retention, upgrades, and lifetime value
• Why donor lifetime value (LTV) is the most predictive and essential fundraising metric
• How to identify and re-engage lapsed major donors hiding in your CRM
• The surprising statistic that 25% of major donors start at the major gift level
• Why relational fundraising beats transactional tactics—and how to offer lasting value

To Learn More and Connect with Gregory:

Fundraising Report Card

Gregory Warner on LinkedIn

Google's Zero Moment of Truth

Fundraising Effectiveness Project

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In this powerful episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Frank Velásquez Jr., founder of 4 Da Hood and the Ascending Leaders in Color program. Together, we discuss the need for identity-affirming spaces, how to involve white allies in meaningful ways, and why perfectionism and professionalism can be tools of exclusion. With vulnerability and insight, Frank walks us through his leadership journey—and how he's using it to create lasting impact.

Topics We Cover:

• How Frank's journey from Disney to nonprofits led to the founding of 4 Da Hood
• Why the Ascending Leaders in Color program was created and what “in color” truly means
• The importance of healing in racially specific spaces and how white allies can participate effectively
• How race, gender, sexuality, and ability intersect in leadership spaces
• Why code switching, colorism, and “professionalism” can harm authenticity in the workplace
• The three core questions Frank uses to spark deep, reflective group conversations
• How AI tools like Claude support program design—without replacing human-centered facilitation
• Frank’s vision of a future where programs like his are no longer needed because equity has been achieved

To Learn More and Connect with Frank:

4 Da Hood

E-mail Info@4DaHood.com

Frank Velásquez Jr. on LinkedIn

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In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I interview experienced grant writer DeaRonda Harrison about the evolving landscape of grant writing. From her early volunteer days to running a professional grant writing practice, DeaRonda shares insights on how nonprofits can stand out in an increasingly competitive funding world. She breaks down the key elements of being "grant ready," the importance of strategic storytelling, the ethical use of compensation models, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping the field. This episode is packed with actionable advice and forward-looking wisdom.

Topics We Cover:

• The story behind DeaRonda Harrison’s journey into grant writing
• What it means to be “grant ready” — the documents and systems nonprofits need in place
• Why storytelling and personalization make or break modern grant proposals
• Common mistakes nonprofits make when writing or outsourcing grant applications
• The rise of fractional grant writers and how retainer models work
• Ethical considerations: Why percentage-based grant fees are problematic
• How AI tools like ChatGPT are transforming — not replacing — grant writing
• A vision for the future: faster, more accessible, and fairer grantmaking systems

To Learn More and Connect with DeaRonda:

June First Firm Website & Grant Checklist

Email DeaRonda

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