In this special 15th episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we are joined by Caroline Schumacher, CEO of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF), to explore how ASF is nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders and innovators. With a mission rooted in the legacy of America's pioneering astronauts, ASF is propelling the United States toward sustained global leadership in technology and innovation. Carolyn shares the foundation's inspiring history, the rigorous selection process for scholars, and her vision for reigniting public enthusiasm for space exploration.

Key Takeaways:

1. Mission-Driven Leadership: Discover how ASF identifies and supports the brightest STEM talent to ensure continued U.S. leadership in technology and innovation.
2. The Legacy of Risk-Taking: Learn how the courage and vision of America’s astronauts continue to inspire generations of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
3. Building Confidence Through Recognition: Hear how ASF scholarships not only provide financial support but also instill life-changing confidence in young scholars.
4. Education and Perseverance: Explore the role of educators and mentors in overcoming challenges and encouraging students to pursue STEM careers.
5. The Future of Space Exploration: Gain insights into the importance of public enthusiasm and investment in space exploration, from the Moon to Mars.
6. The Power of Storytelling: Understand how personal stories of scholars and astronauts inspire others to aim higher and persevere in their journeys.

Tune in for an uplifting episode celebrating bold leadership, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence in STEM and beyond.

In this inspiring 16th episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we spotlight Kevin L. Brown, Founding Partner and CEO of Mighty Ally, a global force in nonprofit strategy and branding. Speaking from Malaysia, Kevin shares the story behind his new book,

Fundable & Findable The Brand-New Way to Fix Your Nonprofit Fundraising, a labor of love born from years of consulting, training, and community-driven research with 340+ nonprofits in 51 countries.

Kevin unpacks his bold Fundable/Findable Framework, explaining how nonprofit leaders can finally escape the starvation cycle and stop the endless donor chase.

Whether you’re leading a grassroots initiative or scaling a global nonprofit, this episode offers real, actionable insights for leaders ready to rethink the way they grow their missions.

• The Nonprofit Starvation Cycle is Real: Most nonprofits operate in survival mode, stuck in an endless loop of fundraising just to stay afloat.

• Fundraising Alone Can’t Fix Fundraising: Kevin argues that the traditional donor chase model is broken, and a deeper strategy is needed.

• The Fundable/Findable Framework:

  • Fundable: Showing donors why you exist, what you do, who will do it, where you're going, how to get there, and when it will be done.

  • Findable: Occupying a distinct space in the minds of your ideal funders, and routinely communicating your promises to them.

• Your Brand Is More Than a Logo: Brand clarity means aligning your theory of change, strategic plan, positioning strategy, and marketing communications in a sequential, thoughtful way.

• Democratizing Access to Expertise: Kevin's mission is to make these tools available to nonprofits of all sizes — not just the big ones with budgets for consultants.

• If 'Brand' Sounds Too Corporate… Call it identity, clarity, unity, or direction — what matters is that you do the work to define and share your mission in a compelling way.

🌐 Learn more about Kevin’s work and explore the Fundable/Findable Framework at: fundablefindable.org

In this thought-provoking 15th episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we sit down with Sally Bryant, CEO of the Bryant Group, to tackle the critical issue of fundraiser retention in the nonprofit sector. With decades of expertise in recruiting and coaching advancement professionals, Sally offers actionable strategies for building strong organizational cultures, hiring smarter, and investing in leadership development.

Join us as we delve into the causes behind the high turnover rates among fundraisers, the importance of creating a culture of philanthropy, and how exceptional leadership can transform organizations and careers. Nominated by Alexander H. Jones, PhD, MBA, Sally is a true North Star whose wisdom and guidance continue to shape the future of nonprofit fundraising.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Retention Crisis: Explore why 51% of fundraisers plan to leave their nonprofit within two years and how organizations can address burnout and turnover.
2. Three Pillars of Retention: Learn Sally’s framework of “Be Better, Hire Better, Invest Better” to create a workplace fundraisers want to stay in.
3. Leadership Development: Discover why investing in leadership training and mentorship is vital for retaining and promoting high-performing fundraising professionals.
4. Culture of Philanthropy: Understand the importance of integrating philanthropy into the organization’s core mission and the role of leadership in fostering this culture.
5. Gender and Diversity in Fundraising: Gain insights into the evolving composition of the fundraising workforce and the need for greater diversity at all levels.
6. Leadership’s Role in Higher Education: Hear why supporting institutions of higher learning is critical and how effective leadership shapes the future of education.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with actionable advice for nonprofit leaders and professionals committed to creating lasting impact.