Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
Nonprofit Counsel brings you expert conversations and actionable insights to help you lead with clarity and grow your mission with confidence. Whether you’re tackling legal questions, scaling your team, or navigating leadership challenges, there’s an episode for you.
Start exploring and find the guidance you need today.
Episode 1 – Introduction to the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
Host: May Harris Esq., MA
Published: July 18, 2023
Join May Harris, founder of For Purpose Law Group, as she introduces a podcast designed for nonprofit leaders, founders, and professionals. Hear from experts, thought leaders, and changemakers about what’s critically important for anyone serving in the nonprofit sector—and how you can grow your mission with confidence.
Episode 2 – Nonprofits and Insurance: What You Need to Know
Guest: Bill Brennan
Published: July 18, 2023
Nonprofit leaders can’t afford to overlook insurance. May Harris and Bill Brennan, Principal of CMR Risk & Insurance Services, discuss critical risks facing nonprofits—from board liability to employment practices—and how the right coverage protects your mission and team.
Episode 3 – Leading with Purpose: Nonprofit Leadership in Action
Guest: Dr. Laura Dietrick
Published: July 18, 2023
What does it take to lead a nonprofit with impact? May Harris and Dr. Laura Dietrick of the Nonprofit Institute explore how strong leadership shapes organizations, empowers changemakers, and drives meaningful change in the nonprofit sector.
Episode 4 – Strategic Planning and Board Engagement in Nonprofits
Guest: Dr. Lyn Corbett
Published: August 29, 2023
Strong boards and clear plans are the backbone of successful nonprofits. May Harris and Dr. Lyn Corbett of The Pivotal Group discuss how strategic planning and meaningful board engagement create alignment, empower leaders, and drive nonprofit impact.
Episode 5 – Nonprofit Advocacy and the Power of Policy Change
Guest: Pat Libby
Published: September 12, 2023
Advocacy is essential for nonprofits driving change. May Harris and consultant Pat Libby explore how nonprofit leaders and boards can engage in advocacy and lobbying effectively, using their voice—and their bylaws—to shape meaningful policy outcomes.
Episode 6 – Fundraising Through Events: Strategy Over Spectacle
Guest: A.J. Steinberg
Published: September 26, 2023
Nonprofit events can be powerful fundraising tools when done with purpose. May Harris and fundraising expert A.J. Steinberg share proven strategies for donor engagement, board participation, and turning events into meaningful moments that fuel lasting impact.
Episode 7 – Nonprofit Accounting, Bookkeeping & Tax Reporting
Guest: Terrell Turner
Published: October 17, 2023
Confident financial management is essential for nonprofit success. May Harris and accountant Terrell Turner discuss bookkeeping, tax reporting, and how nonprofit leaders can avoid common mistakes while navigating the unique challenges of nonprofit finances.
Episode 8 – Is Serving on a Nonprofit Board a Good Fit for You?
Guest: Nicole Miller-Coleman
Published: October 31, 2023
Nonprofit board service is a powerful way to lead with purpose—but it comes with responsibilities. May Harris and consultant Nicole Miller-Coleman discuss how to evaluate board opportunities, avoid common pitfalls, and build diverse, effective nonprofit boards.
Episode 9 – Recognizing the Need for a Nonprofit Attorney for Maintenance and Growth
Guest: Jacob Zerkle
Published: November 7, 2023
Legal guidance is essential for sustaining and growing a nonprofit. May Harris and attorney Jacob Zerkle discuss why engaging nonprofit legal counsel can help organizations navigate challenges, stay compliant, and build a foundation for long-term impact.
Episode 10 – Avoiding Legal Pitfalls for California Nonprofits
Guest: Gene Takagi
Published: November 28, 2023
California nonprofits face unique compliance challenges that can jeopardize their mission. May Harris explores how leaders can avoid legal pitfalls, strengthen governance, and build organizations that operate with confidence and integrity.
Episode 11 – Strengthening Nonprofit Finances and Boards
Guest: Rick Dahlseid
Published: December 19, 2023
Strong financial management and effective boards are key to nonprofit success. May Harris and Rick Dahlseid explore how leaders can strengthen their organizations with better financial practices, board engagement, and Rick’s MARLIN framework for building the right team.
Episode 12 – Serving as a Nonprofit Board Member
Guests: David O’Brien and Matthew D. Craig
Published: January 2, 2024
Serving on a nonprofit board is an honor—but it’s also a big responsibility. May Harris talks with David O’Brien and Matthew Craig about how board members can support long-term mission success, avoid common pitfalls, and make a real difference.
Episode 13 – Demystifying the Form 990 for Nonprofits
Guests: Genevra Williams
Published: January 16, 2024
The Form 990 is more than a tax filing—it’s a critical tool for transparency and donor trust. May Harris and attorney Genevra Williams explain how to avoid common mistakes and strengthen your nonprofit’s compliance.
Episode 14 – Differences Between Charities and Private Foundations
Guests: Danika Mendrygal
Published: January 30, 2024
Do you know the difference between a public charity and a private foundation? May Harris and attorney Danika Mendrygal break it down and share key compliance tips for nonprofits operating nationwide.
Episode 15 – Collaboration Over Competition: Leadership That Transforms Nonprofits
Guests: Mike Gellman
Published: February 13, 2024
Great leadership and collaboration go hand in hand. May Harris and Mike Gellman explore how nonprofit leaders can work together to transform their organizations and communities.
Episode 16 – Hiring With Purpose: How to Attract and Keep Top Nonprofit Talent
Guests: Trevor Blair
Published: February 27, 2024
Hiring the right team is one of the most important decisions nonprofit leaders make. May Harris and Trevor Blair explore how to design a hiring process that attracts top talent, fosters a healthy culture, and supports long-term success.
Episode 17 – Strategic Success: Making Nonprofit Plans That Actually Work
Guests: Andrea Ortega
Published: March 12, 2024
A great strategic plan doesn’t mean much if it stays on paper. May Harris and Andrea Ortega share how nonprofits can create visionary yet realistic plans, use data to track success, and leverage tools like AI and Google dashboards to keep teams aligned.
Episode 18 – Changemakers in Action: Social Enterprise and Global Impact
Guests: Paula Cordeiro, EdD
Published: March 26, 2024
Social entrepreneurship blends purpose and innovation to address the world’s biggest challenges. May Harris and Paula Cordeiro, EdD, discuss how nonprofits and businesses can work together to create sustainable change locally and globally.
Episode 19 – Mission and Leadership: Where Social Enterprise Meets Governance
Guests: Dr. Crystal Trull
Published: April 9, 2024
Strong governance and social enterprise can work hand in hand to advance nonprofit missions. May Harris and Dr. Crystal Trull explore how boards and CEOs can collaborate effectively, bring in diverse voices, and stay mission-focused for long-term success.
Episode 20 – The Power of Advocacy: Public Policy and Nonprofits in California
Guests: Geoff Green
Published: April 23, 2024
Public policy shapes the future of nonprofits in California. May Harris and Geoff Green, CEO of CalNonprofits, explore how nonprofit leaders can influence legislation, strengthen relationships with government agencies, and embrace advocacy as part of their mission.
Episode 21 – AI and Endowments: The Future of Strategy for Nonprofits
Guests: Kate Azar
Published: May 7, 2024
Artificial intelligence and endowments are changing the way nonprofits plan for the future. May Harris and Kate Azar explore how organizations can adopt AI thoughtfully, manage investments aligned with their mission, and prepare for leadership transitions.
Episode 22 – Fundraising From Scratch: Building a Sustainable Giving Program
Guests: Kelly McLaughlin
Published: July 26, 2024
Building a sustainable giving program is about more than tote bags and bake sales. May Harris and Kelly McLaughlin share how nonprofits can craft systems that inspire donors, avoid burnout, and create lasting impact.
Episode 23 – Marketing With Purpose: How Nonprofits Can Tell Their Story and Grow
Guests: Jules Taggart
Published: July 30, 2024
Marketing is essential for nonprofits to inspire action and grow their impact. May Harris and Jules Taggart discuss how storytelling, branding, and digital strategy can help organizations reach the right audience and build lasting donor relationships.
Episode 24 – Nonprofits, Podcasts, and Partnerships That Make an Impact
Guests: Traci DeForge
Published: August 13, 2024
Nonprofits and podcasts may seem worlds apart, but together they can create powerful change. May Harris and Traci DeForge explore starting nonprofits the right way, understanding tax designations, and using creative partnerships to amplify your mission.
Episode 25 – Fighting Hunger: Building Innovative Programs to Serve Communities
Guests: Tania Marino
Published: August 27, 2024
Ending hunger requires creativity and collaboration. May Harris and Tania Marino explore how Gather’s culinary programs and the Seacoast Waste Not coalition reduce food waste and bring nutritious meals to thousands in need.
Episode 26 – The Power of Philanthropy: Asking Tough Questions and Inspiring Change
Guests: Ryan Ponsford
Published: September 17, 2024
Philanthropy has the power to change lives and build trust across generations. May Harris and Ryan Ponsford explore how generosity, vision, and asking tough questions can transform boards, families, and communities.
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