I 501(c) You - The Podcast for NonProfit Board Members

Building Safe Spaces: Brena Slater on Leadership, Fundraising, and Mission Impact

In this episode of I 501(c) You - The Podcast for Nonprofit Board Members, Brena Slater, President and CEO of Safe Children’s Coalition, shares powerful insights on leading a complex nonprofit through growth, crisis, and a major capital campaign. From navigating the transition from COO to CEO during COVID-19 to building deep community trust and launching a $9 million shelter project, Brena offers real-world leadership lessons for nonprofit executives, board members, and changemakers alike. Tune in to learn how she leverages strong board engagement, transparent communication, and a strategic fundraising partnership to make a lasting impact on children and families in need.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Brena Slater, President & CEO of Safe Children Coalition
(01:45) Size of Safe Children Coalition
(03:25) What is your leadership philosophy?
(04:50) Data Driven Organization
(06:00) How do you work with your board?
(08:45) Board members on committees first
(10:30) Impact of Boardable
(12:10) How do you approach working with staff?
(14:15) Adjusting from doing the work to managing the work?
(16:05) Starting a capital campaign
(21:45) Time management
(23:10) As CEO, what keeps you up at night?
(25:32) Recapping with Read
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Philanthropy Is Character, Not Wealth—And Leadership Is, Too

Discover what it truly means to lead with heart in this inspiring episode featuring Veronica Thames, CEO of the Manatee Community Foundation. From aligning mission and team culture to navigating board relationships and embracing authentic leadership, Veronica shares powerful insights every nonprofit executive, board member, and aspiring changemaker needs to hear. Learn how intentional leadership, continuous listening, and redefining philanthropy as character—not wealth—can transform your impact. If you're in the nonprofit sector or curious about effective community leadership, this episode is a must-listen.
Visit https://manateecf.org/ for more information about Manatee Community Foundation
Timestamps
(00:00) Introducing Veronica Thames, CEO of Manatee Community Foundation
(03:30) Why did you choose to go into philanthropy?
(08:00) How did you approach your first months on the job?
(13:15) How do you view culture and tips for growing culture
(20:10) How do you interact with board members?
(23:45) Balancing being ‘liked’ versus ‘respected’ as a leader
(27:10) Advice for those considering getting into philanthropy
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

The True Value of Volunteers: Insights from Stacy Groff of Empath Health

In this episode, we sit down with Stacy Groff, Vice President of Care & Connection at Empath Health, to uncover the true impact of volunteer programs — and how they drive millions in value while strengthening communities. Stacy shares actionable insights on recruiting the right volunteers, integrating them fully into organizational culture, and adapting volunteer strategies for lasting success. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, board member, or volunteer coordinator, you’ll learn why volunteer engagement is crucial for organizational growth and how small gestures of appreciation can lead to big results. Tune in for expert advice, real-world examples, and a heartfelt reminder of the power of saying "thank you."
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Stacy Groff, Vice President of Care & Connection, Empath Health
(02:00) What is the breadth of the volunteer program?
(03:10) What drew Stacy to working with volunteers?
(04:30) Managing a massive volunteer program
(07:40) Using volunteer’s skills
(10:05) What should the board understand about volunteers?
(13:20) Pitfalls to avoid
(17:40) Thank you volunteers
(18:40) Recapping with Read
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Why Personal Branding Matters for Nonprofit Leaders with Robyn Faucy

Discover why personal branding matters for nonprofit leaders in this insightful conversation with Robyn. From her journey of self-awareness to how CEOs and board members can align leadership perception with organizational success, Robyn shares actionable strategies for building an authentic and effective presence. Learn how board members can assess their CEO’s brand, the impact of leadership energy on teams, and why bold expectations can transform the people you serve. Plus, take the free Spark Plug Profile assessment to better understand team dynamics. Tune in for a compelling discussion on leadership, branding, and making a lasting impact in the nonprofit world!
Results 1st Website
Sparkplug Profile
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Robyn Faucy, CEO and Co-Founder of Results 1st
(02:00) What does Results 1st do?
(04:00) How did you get started with Results 1st?
(06:10) Personal Branding
(08:30) How do you identify your personal brand?
(12:10) Why is personal branding important for nonprofit leadership?
(16:00) What do people think when you walk in a room?
(18:10) What is the board’s role?
(21:00) Sparkplug profile 
(23:00) Final advice for CEOs and Executive Directors
(25:00) Recapping with Read
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

How Nonprofits Can Advocate Without Fear with Sabeen Perwaiz, President & CEO of Florida Nonprofit Alliance

Discover why advocacy is essential for every nonprofit in this insightful conversation with Sabeen Perwaiz, President & CEO of the Florida Nonprofit Alliance. Learn how board members and executive directors can navigate policy, engage with legislators, and shape the future of their organizations—without fear. Sabeen shares practical strategies for setting a policy agenda, building relationships with elected officials, and effectively telling your nonprofit’s story. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help your nonprofit amplify its impact.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Sabeen Perwaiz, CEO of Florida Nonprofit Alliance
(02:25) What is the purpose of the Florida Nonprofit Alliance?
(04:05) Why is “Advocacy” a threatening word?
(06:00) How would you define “advocacy”?
(07:50) How can nonprofits advocate?
(09:50) What are board members missing about advocacy?
(11:30) Advocacy is not a short term game
(14:05) What can organizations do to start advocating?
(16:00) What resources are available?
(18:00) Should any organization avoid advocating?
(19:10) Visiting State Legislators
(22:20) Final advice
(23:45) Recapping with Read
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

The Power of Podcasting with Read Corley

Thinking about starting a podcast? This episode is packed with insights to help you launch and grow with confidence! We share the lessons learned from over 100 episodes, including why your first recordings may be your toughest, how consistency builds a loyal audience, and why podcasting is an incredible tool for brand awareness and credibility. You'll also learn how to repurpose content, engage listeners, and set realistic expectations for growth and monetization. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, or expert looking to share your message, this episode will inspire you to take the leap and start podcasting today!
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Read Corley, Producer of I501(c)You
(01:45) Why should nonprofits consider podcasting?
(02:30) Repurposing the podcast
(04:00) What is a short form video and why make them?
(06:50) What should people be aware of before starting a podcast?
(09:00) Pre Podcast Prep
(09:55) The software and equipment we use
(11:55) Sharing your message
(13:35) Interview style versus solo podcast
(14:40) What else should you know about podcasting?
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Strengthening the CEO-Board Partnership with Rebecca Fishman Lipsey

Discover how Rebecca Fishman Lipsey, President & CEO of The Miami Foundation, strategically engages her board, streamlines governance, and leads a $600 million community-driven financial institution. In this episode, she reveals why fewer board meetings can lead to greater impact, how the organization identifies future board chairs, and the biggest mistake nonprofit leaders make when working with their boards. If you're a nonprofit executive, board member, or anyone curious about high-level leadership, you won’t want to miss Rebecca’s insights on building trust, driving strategy, and maximizing board effectiveness. Tune in to learn what she wishes she had known when she first stepped into leadership.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Rebecca Fishman Lipsey, President & CEO of The Miami Foundation
(03:00) What does a CEO need from their board?
(04:50) How did you evaluate your board and determine what you need?
(07:05) Getting your board members to contribute
(09:00) Are you always recruiting board members?
(10:15) Keeping the board from doing “too much”. Too much of what?
(12:05) What does a CEO need from a board chair?
(13:35) CEOs role in navigating the selection of the board chair
(15:20) How do you structure communication with the board and board chair?
(18:00) Different responsibilities for Community Foundation board members
(21:00) How do you determine your strategy and communication for that strategy
(23:10) Advice to new CEOs
(25:30) Recapping with Read
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Building a Strategic Nonprofit Board: Lessons from Crisis to Growth with Doug Staley

How do you evolve a nonprofit board from social gatherings to a forward-thinking strategic powerhouse? In this episode of I 501(c) You, we sit down with Doug Staley, Executive Director of the Child Protection Center, to discuss his organization’s remarkable transformation from facing financial uncertainty to becoming a thriving, respected nonprofit. Doug shares practical insights on strategic planning, board development, and the long-term vision that allowed CPC to navigate facility challenges, secure funding, and strengthen community impact. Whether you're a nonprofit leader or board member, this masterclass on building a future-focused board will inspire you to lead with strategy and resilience.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Doug Staley, Executive Director of Child Protection Center
(03:40) As a new Executive Director, what was your biggest challenge?
(07:00) Initial mistakes
(09:00) The need to look “big picture” as a small organization and thinking strategically
(12:40) Evolving a board from a social board to a strategic board
(16:00) Tying everything back to strategy, taking a road trip, and start planning early
(22:35) How do you interact with board members and the board chair?
(26:10) How has your role as Executive Director evolved?
(28:40) Recapping with Read
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

How Core Leadership Coaching Transforms Leaders

In this episode, we sit down with Hannah and Kristen from Core Leadership Coaching to explore how their transformational leadership program is equipping leaders with the skills they need to build collaborative teams, think strategically, and lead with confidence. We discuss the importance of positive psychology, navigating big visions with realistic plans, and the power of leadership development in retaining top talent. Whether you’re an executive, a manager, or simply someone looking to grow your leadership abilities, this conversation is packed with insights to help you lead with intention and impact.
Applications for the Core Leadership Program are now open through early March. Learn more at coreleadershipcoaching.com.
Key Takeaways:
Leaders are developed through intentional practice.
Positive psychology can shape a brighter future.
Focus on controlling what you can control.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Kristen Lessig-Schenerlein MAPP, PCC and Hannah McGowan, Ed.M., C.A.S.
(04:30) What is the CORE program?
(06:30) What is positive psychology?
(08:10) Coaching versus consulting approach
(09:30) Who should attend the CORE program?
(10:55) Nonprofit and for-profit leaders in the program
(12:30) Why should nonprofits invest in leadership development?
(13:30) What can leaders do to “de-stress?”
(15:20) What can people expect from the CORE Program?
(17:30) Find out more about the CORE Program
(18:15) When is registration?
(19:10) Last words
(21:40) Recapping with Read
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Winning Grants Requires a Strategy with Jordan Curry

In this episode of I 501(c) You, we dive into the world of grant writing with Jordan Curry, founder of Captured Words Grant Consulting. Jordan shares expert insights on what board members and nonprofit leaders need to know about securing funding, from building strong relationships with funders to crafting competitive grant applications. We also explore how AI is changing the grant writing landscape and what nonprofits can do to stay ahead. 
Tune in to learn:
Why relationships with funders matter more than you think
Common mistakes nonprofits make in grant applications
How AI is shaping the future of grant writing
 
Need a winning grant strategy?
Email Jordan at jordan.capturedwords@gmail.com
Jordan’s Linkedin
Jordan’s Website
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Jordan Curry, Founder of Captured Words Grant Consulting
(02:15) How did you learn to write grants?
(03:15) What do board members need to know about the grant process?
(04:30) Challenges in securing a grant
(06:30) How do you know what grants are available?
(07:20) Creating a funding strategy
(09:30) Different types of grants
(12:20) Where does your consulting start and end?
(13:00) Federal grants
(13:45) When does a client come to you?
(15:10) Importance of a relationship with the funder
(16:30) Who typically contacts you?
(18:00) How is AI going to impact grantwriting?
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast